The cost of a SmartBoard, projector, and stand is $5713, including shipping and <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>.
I am a fourth and fifth grade teacher at a public school in Staten Island. Our school consists of a very diverse student population both ethnically and academically. At our school we believe all students deserve an equal opportunity to receive the education they need to become successful members of society. All classes are grouped heterogeneously, which means with all levels of students working together.
I have the same students for two consecutive years which helps me reflect at the end of each school year and think about what more I could bring to my students. I realize that while Reading, Writing, and Math are a strong focus, the use of technology is not implemented nearly enough in our school. In a century where technology is the means for so many different areas of our workforce, I realized the need for the teaching of technology use.
This past year I noticed that for many of my students it was their first experience on a laptop and many needed much assistance in locating information and using the word processor. With a class of 34 students and three computers I found it difficult to help all students learn the different functions of a computer. Although, some of the students did seem to have the chance of working with a computer at home, there were many students that did not have this same opportunity.
In this proposal I am requesting a SmartBoard and projector, which is an interactive screen that allows you to work on any computer related activites that could be viewed by a group. It gives the teacher the opportunity to demonstrate computer functions to a large group setting as well as giving the students the opportunity to interact with the large computer screen. I am also requesting the mobile stand so I could share it with other teachers at my school in order to have as many students as possible learn to work with computers.
Our school is extremely overcrowded which does not leave room for a computer lab or a computer class. I have been on visitations to schools that were less crowded and located in wealthy neighborhoods, and noticed that many had computer labs, and SmartBoards were extremely accessible. I feel that all students in public education should be given the same opportunity. In many schools the parents are able to donate money to the school and those students are given more opportunities, such as computer access. I feel that if all teachers make steps in finding ways for students in ALL neighborhoods to have these types of experiences we can help lessen social gaps between students that are still prevalent in our society.
Please know that you will be making a real life difference in the future of all the students in my class. As a committed teacher, I will strive to use the SmartBoard daily, to have all students move on to intermediate school with the computer knowledge needed to help ensure their academic success. I know the proposal is quite expensive but as a teacher who always has high expectations for her students I feel I could also have them for this proposal. I love to help my students reach those expectations and maybe you can help me reach mine...Thanks in advance...
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. Agnetti and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.