Wait, Miss, You Mean We Don't Have to Buy a Notebook?
My students need paper because I create a packet containing all the work for the week--guided notes template, lab info, practice problems, homework, etc. and my school can only give us two reams of paper (1000 pages) for the year and I have 150 students, so this doesn't last long!
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. S.'s classroom raised $410
This project is fully funded
I'm a science teacher without a science classroom. I teach five sections of Physical Science--a course intended to wet the scientific palate of brand new 9th graders and give them a head start on Scientific Skills, Chemistry, and Physics. Because these brand new highschoolers are at the highest risk for dropping out, my classroom is located in the 9th grade success academy, not with the rest of the science classrooms. In an under-resourced school and in a classroom with no scientific equipment, bringing science to life is a constant challenge.
Our school is typical of many in my northeastern city--a behemoth constructed almost a century ago with glory days of another era. Now, it is a site of de facto segregation: over 98% of our students are African American and over 75% on reduced or free lunches, a prime indicator of poverty. Neither the city nor the neighborhood can afford to support us and students are the ones to suffer.
Much financial burden falls onto teachers and this leads to inconsistent experiences for our students. As a first year teacher still paying my undergraduate loans and accruing more debt through my masters program, this has been a particular challenge for me.
I provide many basic supplies for my students--everything from binders to calculators to a healthy snack. My department was only able to give me two reams of paper for the entire year. In my classroom, I try to keep my students organized and help them learn responsibility by providing them with weekly packets. These packets contain essentially everything we will do together all week long. I work hard to make sure I an economical with my paper use and on average, my packets are 5 double-sided pages. With 150 students, the paper allotted to me by my school is only enough for one week's packet. A supply of hole-punched paper--so my students can keep track of their packets in a binder--will allow me to continue this system.
Just like water is the most valuable resource in the desert, paper is the most valuable resource in my school. Your support will help us survive in the tough climate of our under-served urban high school.
This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
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
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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 Ms. S. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.