Donorschoose.org

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[CherylS]

My Lake Book/Crossing the Divide project is also complete, though the matches haven't cleared the board yet! Because I've been going non-stop on other things the past two days, I couldn't keep up with where it was. I didn't even have a chance to donate the bake sale money we had raised for this event, so I put in on my co-worker's project instead.

If anyone has ever wanted to be the last donor, here's your chance. I know what I gave via bakesale funds to Ms. B's projects here: http://www.donorschoose.org/we-teach/381687.-1518818820

Once that is subtracted/matched, then $35 (possibly $36) should finish off the color ink, and $15 will finish the black ink. Soon, my students (who also have her class) can say they "Got Ink" and can print their portfolios.

Thank you Charmaine for spearheading this drive, and for all my awesome Kivafriends for helping!

Congratulations, Kelli on receiving the funding for your comma project. You always have such great ideas!

[Mona]

Here is a nice project we had added a while ago to the Kivafriends list, but seem to have forgotten to post about. 

Funky Fraymz


"Ever had a great idea but not enough resources to follow through? Well, my fifth grade students and I know the feeling. I am fortunate enough to work with a great group of gifted and talented students. We are a high poverty district with very limited resources.

Our students have been invited to enter a regional Business Expo. Their idea is to start a company, Funky Fraymz, to not only benefit our gifted and talented program but also an orphanage we have "adopted" in the Philippines. The company is required to submit a business plan and complete an interview process concerning the product. Funky Fraymz will take pictures with a digital camera, transfer them to a computer, use a Photo Shop program to frame the picture, and print for the consumer. They came up with this idea on their own and are very excited about it.

One problem though, we do not have a color laser printer needed for the project. The reason for a laser printer is because they will be set up at lunch, recess, and at other events offering their service. They have to be able to print quickly and efficiently in order to maximize their profit. Again, the profit will be equally split between our gifted program and the missionary orphanage. The kids are committed to helping these children. We are sending packages to them in December and in May. The money made from the Fraymz will enable them to go to the local store and actually buy the needed items themselves. This is an excellent opportunity for learning responsibility, caring for other, and business skills.

Your generous donation would make this possible. These kids do not have access to these kinds of resources. This is an awesome opportunity to show them how people who have worked their way into profitable positions, such as yourself, do take the time to give back to others. Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Dolphine]

http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=375207&challengeid=20825


This is a classroom where I grew up in North Carolina, in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains.   Small town, lots of job losses, high poverty.    They have matching funds from HP for a computer.  If anyone could help.  Thanks!

From the teacher...
"Do you remember being a child when you were the only one without something? Sadly, I still have students in my class that do not have access to computers at home.

I teach 2nd graders in a rural town in North Carolina. We are a public school with a shrinking budget. My students are sweet, energetic, and always excited about learning. A large number of my students have parents out of work. We have had many places of business close, and this has left many of my students at a disadvantage."

[Mona]

What a great thank you note! 

Blankets of Love Children Helping Children

Thank you for being part of the Blankets of Love team!  We have completed 1,400 fleece blankets for children in the hospital and we are in the process of delivering them!  It is very exciting!  Here is a quote from the valentine letter our High School wrestling team included with the 20 blankets they made, "Dear Friend,  We hope you will accept this blanket filled with our love...Everyday, we fight and sweat and bleed for medals, but you fight and sweat and bleed everyday for another day of life.  You are our inspiration!"  A 5 year old wrote in red crayon in bold, capital letters across the top of their valentine letter, "DON'T GIVE UP!!!!!!"  Our goal was to teach our 3,600 public school kids a lesson in compassion and I believe we were successful in doing just that.  Now, 1,400 kids will learn this lesson from them when they receive their blankets.  And you, my friends, are part of this wonderful team!

With gratitude,
Mrs. G.

[cjp1973]

In between spending credits I have been doing some surfing.  Here are a couple of projects I saved for the 17th.

Essential Materials Needed for Service Trip to Kenya!
"I believe that experiential and service-orientated educational projects have the potential to dramatically impact student achievement. In July 2008, I worked at an boys' orphanage in Nyeri, Kenya. This July, I am taking two of my 7th grade students back with me on a service focused adventure.

My two students are both 12 years old, in 7th grade, born and raised in Brooklyn. This is my second year teaching them, and I will most likely have them again for their final year. I selected these two young men because of their gregarious and compassionate personalities. They have the potential to be amazing ambassadors and participants in this challenging project. Both boys are not only incredibly smart, but participate in dance, drama, and sports teams outside of their academic classes. They will bring all these skills and experiences with them to share with the boys at the orphanage.

My students attend a very large middle school in Brooklyn, NY. I was placed at this school as a Teach for America corps member five years ago, and never left. I teach English Language Arts. Our school is a Title One public school, meaning that it serves "at-risk" and low-income students. This experience will undoubtedly be life-changing for everyone."

My Project

"This trip is possible solely through our fundraising efforts. In this proposal I have requested a few necessary materials that the boys need in order to travel, and which they couldn't afford otherwise. Due to the intense sun in Kenya, they must have sunglasses. It is important that we travel light and simply, so I have found durable and appropriate duffel bags and backpacks for the boys. One of the boys does not have a camera, which of course is a necessity on a journey such as this. Finally, the boys will not only be teaching math and English while at the orphanage, but also sharing their love of sports. We can purchase teaching supplies in Kenya, however it is more costly and difficult to find basketballs and soccer balls. Bringing these "gifts" with us will enable hours and hours of fun.

When I asked the boys why they want to go to Kenya they said--

“I think I can teach the boys at the orphanage how to do a lot…they seem so happy and eager to work their hardest and I’m a good tutor in math and science. From the experience, I would learn not to take what I have for granted…one thing I mean are my parents...I want to know if Africa is really what they say it’s like. I work best with my gender and people I can relate to. I’d like to do a little teaching.”

Feeding the Community

"Getting local, fresh and organic food is near impossible in many parts of lower income LA. Student at ECHS want to share with the community how to grow their own fresh fruits and veggies, right here in Lawndale, CA. Students will lead water saving workshops and earthday events for the community.

My students are Green Ambassadors. Our class (Green Ambassadors) empowers students to become agents of change in their local communities. We learn about composting, water, food, and energy and share solutions with the community at community events. This class is at the Environmental Charter High School in Lawndale, CA. It is a public charter and well over 60% of the students receive free and reduced lunch."

My Project

"We need organic vegetable and fruit seeds and demo kits as well as materials to calculate garden size, quantity, seed price, water quantity, etc. My students want to make a difference in our community. Food is one of the great ways to do this. We have space to grow much more food than we currently do. However, we need supplies to do this effectively and to document our efforts. Please help my students share the gift of fresh, local food.

When students leave high school they will look back and remember the big events and the work that felt important. This is one such project. Students have a chance to learn about growing and eating healthy food and share this skill with others in the community. Literally this project will sprout from seed to bountiful gardens with your help. This is just a first step as we grow the garden, students and our community. Thanks for your help!!

KivaFriends Giving Page

[cjp1973]

Thanks Natasha for finding this:
We are the World. We are the Children

My Students

"Our school is in a rural area atop the Appalachian Mountains where the nearest WalMart is a 45-minute drive. We have one service station and two restaurants. Our students enjoy staying after school to complete community service projects and crafts of their own.

We are an elementary school, grades 1-6, as well as pre-k and kindergarten. Our student population is 68% free and reduced meals, and we are a Title I school. This winter we have missed 23 days of school due to snow. We have double-digit unemployment because of the current economy. An after-school program for students to relax and enjoy themselves will be a welcome reprieve."

My Project

"We will make art projects using tissue paper, paints, and construction paper. At the end of the program we share our work with elderly patients at a local nursing home. Our students will be able to experience the reward of helping others, especially the senior population. Even though the students' personal situation may be bleak, they delight in making art projects and proudly sharing their work.

Aside from youth league basketball, this is the only recreational activity available to the youth in our community. This activity provides a positive atmosphere to keep their minds and bodies occupied thus resisting the pressure of temptations and exposure to drugs, alcohol, etc.

[cjp1973]

I just received a message from Bernice with a link to a couple of projects and an article in regards to the school furloughs for public schools in Hawaii.  She just got back from visiting family and has 2 family members that are teachers.  Yikes, I can't imagine if this was happening in schools my kids were in.  These projects are for classes in Hawaii (not family members) that she found interesting.  Thanks Bernice.

Help Build A Love Of Reading By Building Culture!
My Students

"Have you ever tried to read a book that you couldn't understand because you did not know much about that culture? Some of my Hawaiian students struggle to comprehend books because they do not have the background knowledge. We need books about the Hawaiian culture for these students.

I have 25 students in my homeroom class. I also teach reading to another 24 students. All 49 students are fifth graders. Many of these students come from poor families. The majority of my students have at least some Hawaiian ancestry. All of my students have a great respect for the Hawaiian culture."

My Project

"I would like some Hawaiian story books for my classroom. The children will be better able to relate to these books. I plan to use some of the books for read-alouds. I will also do book talks on the books to introduce them to the students. Then I will place the books in a special place in the classroom library for the students to read during their independent reading time. I can just imagine how excited my students will be to read these books. Sadly, my classroom library only has around 5 Hawaiian books. With additional Hawaiian books, I know that we can get the students to love reading.

You will be helping to motivate my fifth graders to read. Having books about their culture will help my students to feel proud of who they are, teach them about their ancestors, and help them to improve their reading skills. Mahalo for your generosity!

Lights..Camera..Action! Save Our Planet Through PSAs
My Students

""The planet is in peril," the words CNN used to describe Earth. Through this video "Planet in Peril", students are exposed to global environmental issues and relate it to our issues in Hawaii. They become empowered to make a difference in the society they live in and need a way to share that voice.

My students are a lively and enthusiastic group of 6th and 7th graders in a new and growing public middle school in Hawaii. This year is our first complete year of 6th through 8th grade, so it is a great time to begin innovative ideas and traditions. Unfortunately, just as our school has gotten formed, school budgets in our state have been cut drastically. Students have lost many days of instruction to furloughs and I'm working hard so that they don't lose more through lack of instructional materials. All six of my science classes are heterogeneous, with students of varying academic levels and English speaking abilities. Like most students, they thrive when they are active in designing and testing their own hypothesis and using technology in the process. Through this very difficult year, they students have kept motivated and are still as enthusiastic as ever."

My Project

"My biggest goal is that students start to develop opinions and a voice on current environmental issues. The "Planet in Peril" video highlights drastic changes that are happening around our planet, but my students live in what is considered a second Galapagos here in Hawaii. I would like students to see what amazing life surrounds them here and help them to find a voice about how to save their "island in peril". They will share their voice through PSA announcements that will then be shared with the school and community. These topics may range from preserving coral reefs to rain forest preservation.

These students live in a world of technology. I feel that as educators, we have an obligation to teach students how to use the technology properly. Students are familiar with sharing videos for fun on the Internet, however, I would like to use these video cameras as a way to show students how to use the technology in a productive and educational manner, not just for laughs.

Your donation will make a huge difference, but not just to the students. It will help our community and our island. My goal is not to just have students creative a PSA that they can watch and share with friends, but for them to share their voice with the community and become empowered in the process. I believe that I am teaching future leaders and want them to recognize that our planet needs to be protected and change needs to occur. I want them to see their role in the change and in society.

Students Speaking Swahili!

[Alaska Pack]

Thank you! Thank you!  And did I mention Thank you to Charmaine for posting the Hawaii projects!

In checking the DC site this morning I noticed the heading "Art, Music and Health projects are almost home".

Apparently there is a spring time matching by the Pershing Square Foundation for just another 16 hours or so.
Here is the link to the projects they are willing to match and its a long one 800+ projects.
If you take some time to peruse until you find one you like the project gets an additional boost.

http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/search.html?matchingId=140&max=25

Actually, at looking at this further it looks like they have added funding to projects to make them fully funded by other donors giving $98 or less. 

Bernice 

[cjp1973]

Cultural Literacy Must Reads was profiled in the Three Cups of Tea thread last week here.
Starting today Chase has brought this project "almost home" which means there is now less than $100 to fund and Chase will pay the rest.
So what originally was over an $800 project now has $95  $80 left

Here is the book list for this project:
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao Junot Diaz     
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle David Wroblewski   
Columbine Dave Cullen   
In Cold Blood: A True Account of a Multiple Murder and Its Consequences Truman Capote   
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier Ishmael Beah   
The Pirate Hunter: The True Story of Captain Kidd Richard Zacks
Eeeee Eee Eeee Tao Lin   
Mountains beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World Tracy Kidder   
Same Kind of Different as Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together Ron Hall, Denver Moore, As Told to Lynn Vincent   
The Glass Castle Jeannette Walls   
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time Greg Mortenson, David Oliver Relin   
The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game Michael Lewis   
A Prayer for Owen Meany John Irving   
Buried Onions Gary Soto   
Parrot in the Oven: Mi Vida Victor Martinez, Steve Scott (Illustrator)

[Mona]

Time to share another wonderful thank you note. These things make my day! 

Blankets of Love Children Helping Children

Thank you so much for joining the Blankets of Love team!  Your donations provided the much needed scissors to cut 5,912 yards of fleece material!  Eight years ago, this project began when I wanted to teach my own daughter to be compassionate and caring by making blankets to give to people in need.  The project spread to include my class of first graders the next year.  This year, the project included 3,600 public school children from 19 different schools!  Hundreds of parents and adult volunteers have embraced the project as well.  Blankets of Love has become a labor of love for our community.  Together we made 1,400 fleece blankets that we donated to local children's hospitals.  The real measure of success for this project is that our children learned an important lesson in compassion and community service.  One of my first graders wrote, "I want to put all of my love and blessings into our blankets of love."  The high school wrestling team wrote on their valentine letters sent with their blankets, "Everyday we fight and sweat and bleed to win medals.  Everyday you fight and sweat and bleed for another day of life.  You are our inspiration."  A five year old wrote this in red crayon in bold capital letters at the top of their valentine letter, "DON'T GIVE UP!"  And the beautiful part is, the lesson doesn't end with our 3,600 students.  The children who receive our blankets and valentine letters, all 1,400 of them, will also learn a lesson in compassion. Last year, a young girl battling cancer received one of our blankets.  She wrote to tell me that she is better now and that she and her friends are making blankets to give to kids in the hospital.  You, friends, helped this project to touch the lives of 5,000 children...priceless!

With gratitude,
Mrs. G.