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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Celentano from Jersey City, NJ is requesting books through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Celentano is requesting

Understanding 9/11 Through Story: Exploring Ground Zero

Help me give my students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of a pivotal moment in history and its lasting impact.

  • $743 goal

This project expired on September 1, 2025.

This project expired on September 1, 2025.

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.

My Project

My students live just outside of New York City, where the skyline and legacy of 9/11 are part of our everyday lives. Despite being so close to the events that shaped our nation’s history, many of my students have never had the opportunity to explore the impact of that day through literature. This project will provide copies of Ground Zero by Alan Gratz, a historical fiction novel that ties together the experiences of two young people during and after the attacks. The book will build literacy and comprehension skills and also help students engage with history on a deeply personal and emotional level, encouraging empathy, reflection, and valuable class discussions.

This project is significant to our students because many of them have direct or family connections to 9/11 and live in a community still touched by its aftermath.

Some students know first responders or family members who were involved that day, making the story even more meaningful. However, as economically disadvantaged learners, many lack access to books at home and depend on our classroom to provide enriching, relevant texts. Having a copy of Ground Zero to read and discuss will allow them to connect with history in a tangible, age-appropriate way. It will foster a sense of ownership over their learning, encouraging them to ask thoughtful questions and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Many of my students are multiple grade levels behind. However, they are also curious, resilient, and thoughtful young people who thrive when given the tools and opportunities to engage with meaningful content. Providing them with this novel will help them develop both stronger reading skills and a better understanding of their own community's past and present. With your support, we can bring history to life in a way that's both powerful and personal.

Mrs. Celentano Christa McAuliffe School 28 Grades 6-8

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Jersey City, NJ View local requests

Nearly all students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

HBCU Alum Never Before Funded 110 students impacted

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Ground Zero • Amazon Business $11.84 50 $592.00

Materials cost

$592.00

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$8.88

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$630.88

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$111.33

Total project goal

$742.21

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Celentano and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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