I am a fourth-grade teacher in a high needs New York City public school. My school is every teacher's dream. The school community is made up of mostly immigrant students, many who speak English as a Second Language. The students are motivated and eager to learn. I work with an amazing staff of teachers and faculty, but we all face one major problem there is NO gymnasium in the school!
Since there is no gymnasium students don't often get the opportunity to run around and play games. There is one Physical Education teacher in my school, but she does not service every class. Some classes do not have Physical Education at all and instead they are entitled to "free gym." During "free gym" students are allowed to go into the "concrete jungle" of a school yard and run around. Each teacher is supposed to conduct lessons on sports and organize activities, but with no equipment this is impossible. It's bad enough the students don't have a gymnasium, and many don't have gym class, but without soccer balls, jump ropes, volleyballs, or any equipment "free gym" isn't very enjoyable, nor educational for students.
By getting basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, jump ropes, and bases I would be able to teach students how to play sports. I would be able to organize teams and assist students in playing games. I would be able to make "free gym" a success. Despite not having a gym, I could conduct a class where students can learn, have fun, and do some physical activity.
Please help give my students the opportunity to have fun in "free gym." Give them the chance to learn the sports we know and love in American culture. Please help encourage them to do physical activity and enjoy it. Please help my ideas and goals for this year come true!
More than three‑quarters of 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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