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Ms. Katie from Philadelphia PA is requesting classroom basics through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

What Would School Be Without Pencils? Pointless!

Help me give my students pencils, so we can get right to the point!

  • $215 goal

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Hooray! This project is fully funded

My Students

I serve at a Title I school in a large city in Penn. working to unlock the potential of some of the city's most under-served youth, who hail from neighborhoods all over the city. Where many schools have failed, our school has achieved excellence for our children through a rigorous college preparatory program and a commitment to peace and nonviolence in our community – both within our walls and beyond.

The environment our school provides is one in which our students feel safe enough to take the risks necessary for learning.

By providing a safe place and encouraging individuality, students achieve both academic and emotional growth that prepares them for the challenges they will face in college and beyond.

By engaging with our community, my students are disproving stereotypes and improving their neighborhoods. Because of our high standards and our commitment to each individual student’s potential, we are closing the gap between educational experiences that may have failed our children in the past and the incredible opportunities that lie ahead.

I am thrilled to start my second cycle of "looping" this 2019-2020 school year, in which I will follow my 5th grade classes this year to 6th grade next year.

My Project

Something as small as a pencil can make a significant positive difference in a child's life. The poem "Cause I Ain't Got a Pencil" by Joshua Dickerson was the impetus for me to finally put a halt to the various pencil & supply borrowing procedures and even consequence/reward systems I attempted in my classroom, all of which were largely ineffective anyway. Our pencils and materials belong to everyone who shares our classroom, and therefore everyone is responsible for them and cooperation will be necessary when using them.

Your donation would allow me to spend the precious little classroom time that I have with my students on what truly matters: Math.

My students and I are always grateful for the kindness and generosity that is shown to our classroom. Thank you in advance!

'Cause I Ain't Got a Pencil

By Joshua T. Dickerson

I woke myself up

Because we ain't got an alarm clock

Dug in the dirty clothes basket,

Cause ain't nobody washed my uniform

Brushed my hair and teeth in the dark,

Cause the lights ain't on

Even got my baby sister ready,

Cause my mama wasn't home.

Got us both to school on time,

To eat us a good breakfast.

Then when I got to class the teacher fussed

Cause I ain't got no pencil.

Ms. Katie
Grades 3-5

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total
Wood-Cased #2 HB Pencils, Yellow, Pre-sharpened, Class Pack, 576 pencils in box by Madisi • Amazon Business $44.99 2 $89.98
EXPO 80003 Low-Odor Dry Erase Markers, Chisel Tip, Blue, 12-Count • Amazon Business $6.30 6 $37.80
Storage Theory | Dry Erase Board Marker and Eraser Holder | Peel & Stick | No Hardware Required | White Color | Markers & Eraser NOT Included • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99
Paper Mate Arrowhead Pink Pearl Cap Erasers, 144 Count • Amazon Business $3.63 2 $7.26
Teacher Created Resources Small Sand Timers Combo Pack (20663) • Amazon Business $4.99 1 $4.99

Materials cost

$150.02

Vendor shipping charges

FREE

Sales tax

$0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$2.25

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$182.27

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$32.17

Total project goal

$214.44

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

$214.44

1 Donor

-$71.48

Donations toward project cost

-$60.76

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$10.72

match offer

-$142.95

Match offer toward project cost

-$121.51

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$21.44

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

$0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

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