My students are primarily African-American and Hispanic. We are starting to see a large number of EL families, many of which are newcomers to the United States. They come to school eager to learn each day, and they are excited to see what the day has in store for them.
I teach at a Title I school in Illinois where 100% of the students receive free and reduced-priced lunch.
Many of my students receive backpack food on the weekend, and our school also runs a food pantry for our families. Despite so many hardships, my students are eager to learn and do their best. They want to be in school because they want to learn all they can to become successful one day.
My school feeds into the high school, which I am also currently the head women's swim coach. I am excited about this opportunity, and so are the girls, but unfortunately we do not have nearly the equipment we need to run a successful team.
My Project
My students come from backgrounds of extreme poverty. This year, the girl's swimsuits were paid for by the school. However, next season, the swimsuits will be up to the girls to pay for. Many swimsuits cost anywhere from $40-$80 dollars. On top of this cost, girls must buy their own goggles, caps, and pay an athletic fee.
Without this donation, many of the girls on my team will be unable to swim because they cannot afford their swimsuit.
I also do not want my girls to feel like they cannot swim because they cannot afford goggles as well. I have also included some flotation devices that will help my girls that are not very confident swimmers feel more welcome on the swim team.
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
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