Ever heard of
Donors Choose?
I have a few colleagues & "teacher friends" who have written grants using this wonderful organization.
It took me a bit of time to get up the nerve, I mean I'm not really good about asking for money or begging friends/parents to purchase supplies for my room. But, I saw how effective some grants were & the teachers were so excited to get their boxes of new items - putting those new tools to use immediately.
I was jealous! For real.
So, I thought long & hard about what I wanted that was reasonable. A game or activity that I could get a lot of use out of - I perused "the teacher haven" Lakeshore. Seriously - this store is teacher-crack! No JOKE - they have everything, pretty much in a box. Pre-made, already laminated, & kid-proof. I can't leave Lakeshore without spending $100 - CAN'T. IMPOSSIBLE.
Found a game & alphabet tubs that I think should be apart of EVERY Kindergarten classroom & set about writing my grant. I was checking that thing daily over Fall Break, hoping for something. Nothing.
Until tonight. It wasn't 1/2 or anything, but you know what...I'm excited for ANY amount! Really, teachers spend so much money & in years past I wouldn't have hesitated to spend $300 on a few tubs & games.
Of course these things will be put to good use & I encourage you to check out various projects on the site. Maybe mine isn't for you & that's okay. Consider a donation to someone's classroom. Heck, if you can't give money - give your time!
Our district just failed to pass a Bond. So, despite your political feelings about education, budgets, taxes, expenditures, boards of education, transparency, administration, etc. - my school, the largest elementary in the district, has to deal with overcrowding {SIGNIFICANT OVERCROWDING} & teachers need help. Teaching 24+ Kinders in a room with 1 adult is asking a lot - testing 9 Kinders 1-on-1 every 12 days is asking a lot, completing 24+ assessments 1-on-1 for letter id., letter sounds, rhyming, blending, segmenting...yeah, it's A LOT!
So, if you can't give a $ donation - which I understand, consider donating an hour or 2 once a month. Teachers always need help copying & working with small groups of children. I COVET these helpers.
What a great way to stay connected with your child & donate - whatever you can. Trust me, every little bit helps & is appreciated,
P.S. My project is
here.
