Our school campus is a place of challenge and discovery! We live in one of the most impoverished counties in California which has been further impacted by multiple wildfires over the past few years. However hazy and ash filled our skies might become, our dreams and determination to achieve a brighter future are undimmed.
While our little town is both friendly and remarkably beautiful, many families struggle financially.
At our very small, rural, Title I school, all of our students participate in both the free lunch and free breakfast programs. We also offer a reduced cost after school enrichment program and free tutoring programs. The wonderful first to fifth grade students who visit my reading intervention classroom work diligently to sharpen their reading and writing skills. They eagerly strive to move forward in their academic careers.
My Project
Composting in our school garden is an magical, year-long science experiment that teaches students scientific lessons in fun, hands-on manner. Composting is a gentle and natural introduction to the environment sciences. First, students learn the difference between biodegradable products and what ends up in our landfill. Next, they learn which waste can be converted into compost such as apple cores, coffee grinds, and dry Fall leaves. Finally, as students continue working in our garden, they gain an understanding of both plant and insect life cycles.
Observing the the natural process that occurs when organic matter breaks down into granular soil enriching material, students begin to grasp a basic understandings of biology, chemistry and physics.
While manning the composting station and taking daily temperature readings, student lead teams learn how temperature effects the decomposition process. These new scientific skills transfer into the classroom where we see greater eagerness for acquiring and mastering higher level thinking skills.
One of the most exciting, yet unexpected skills we see develop in students involved in gardening and composting is patience. Students begin to understand that everything in the garden takes time to sprout, grow, ripen, and eventually decay. They grow more gentle and understanding with both their peers and themselves. As one student stated, "Kids in a school and plants in a garden are pretty much alike. We all are going to grow. We just need different amounts of time to get ripe. Sometimes you have to wait for your friend to get ripe. It's worth it." We are proud to see our students becoming such compassionate individuals.
Thank you for considering a donation to our composting project. Your generosity allows us to develop life-long learners and gardeners.
Leaf Grabber Hand Rake Claw- Lightweight, Durable Gorilla Garden Tool for Scooping Leaves, Spreading Mulch, Yard Work and More by Pure Garden
• Amazon Business
$17.35
4
$69.40
Bosmere Compost Aerator, 36"
• Amazon Business
$29.84
2
$59.68
Jobe's Organics Compost Starter, 4 lb
• Amazon Business
$7.93
2
$15.86
Materials cost
$224.90
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$20.58
3rd party payment processing fee
$3.37
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$278.85
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$49.21
Total project goal
$328.06
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$328.06
3 Donors
-$310.41
Donations toward project cost
-$278.85
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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. Abordo and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
