This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
My school is dedicated to and leading the charge to meet the needs of a population of adults with disabilities who are aged eighteen to twenty-one. The students who attend our school have completed a traditional high school and are seeking transition services. We provide a robust curriculum to support their vocational, academic and social-emotional needs. Students are empowered and enthusiastic about learning and that is reflected throughout the school.
Once students have completed the classes on campus, they have the ability to then enroll in the work program, which ultimately increases their chances of placement within the community to work for a partnered business.
Our goal for each student is to gain the skills necessary to become as independent as possible within their communities upon graduation.
My Project
Our students have disabilities 'but' their joy, determination and endurance is like nothing you have witnessed before. It warms my heart to see how excited they are to venture into unchartered territory, when we embark on CBI (Community Based Instruction) trips. The purpose of CBI's are to provide students with opportunities to become familiar with their community and teach them the most effective ways to live, work and recreate as independently as possible. On these trips we take public transportation or the school bus to various destinations. We visit places such as museums, stores, parks, libraries and our students also volunteer.
Most of our students are from low income households and lack the items necessary for their warmth and safety through Chicago's harsh winters.
Our school has a unique PBIS program in place where, students are able to earn PBIS dollars and to spend at the school's retail store on items which they need. Students earn PBIS dollars in each classroom schoolwide by being in time for class, respecting themselves (wearing uniform, maintaining good hygiene), respecting others (being polite and helpful, following directions) and respecting the environement (keeping their classroom, school and community clean). My Retail classroom is supported by donations and unfortunately items such as coats are rarely donated. Funding of this project will provide our students with the opportunity to independently purchase warm coats with the PBIS dollars they earned in each class.
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 Ms. Harris and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
