I am proud to call myself a lifelong Brooklynite. I'm even prouder to say that I teach Language Arts and Reading to a terrific group of 8th Graders at a Title I middle school in beautiful Brooklyn, New York. Many of my students face challenges on a daily basis that most of us cannot even dream of, yet they are always looking to the future and for a better life. They know that with hard work and determination, they can make the world a better place.
My Project
It is 20 degrees outside, where are his gloves? What do you mean he only came to school wearing a sweatshirt? It is 15 degrees today. Let's all remember to shower thoroughly before we come to school. As the temperature here in Brooklyn has dropped, the above phrases have become more and more common in my classroom.
Children can not be expected to learn when their basic needs such as warm, clean clothing are not being met.
Many of our young men are going without the basics, such as clean, appropriate, outer clothing for the cold weather as well as body wash and deodorant. The lack of these items is starting to negatively impact, not only their social and emotional well being, but their academics as well. Most of their parents are working two or more jobs to put food on the table and are simply unable to provide for all of their needs. As a Title I school, we see this problem often, but that doesn't mean that it has to stay that way. With just a little help from generous donors like YOU, we can make sure that everyone is warm, clean, and ready to learn!
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 Mrs. Kieran and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
