Date: May 2024
School: Ustick Elementary School
Wish Delivered: New books, flex seating, and snacks
Teacher Callie Epps says "The books will provide more engaging reading material for our students in the classroom. Our school library has a limited amount of popular books that often times our students don't get to check out or have to wait weeks to do so... The flex seating allows for students to have movement while also staying engaged in their learning. Providing students with a choice of what they would like to sit on throughout the day teaches them ownership for their actions and responsibility for the classroom tools. Our student population has more than 75% of our students on free and reduced lunches. We have a very hungry student population. Often times our students come to school hungry and stay hungry throughout the day. Providing snacks will help students retain the energy they need throughout the day to keep on learning. Snacks will also cause some unwanted student behaviors to dissipate because everybody is happy with a full stomach."
Wish Amount: $648.84
Date: May 2024
School: Meridian Academy High School
Wish Delivered: Counseling group supplies
Teacher Megan Peterman says "I am the only counselor at our school, which is a public school in the West Ada School District for students who qualify as at-risk of not graduating. Students here often qualify though mental health concerns that families do not have the resources to treat. I have enough supplies on this list to run 3 separate small counseling groups, and have a counselor intern who could assist with making this group powerful in supporting students in removing barriers of anxiety and depression and meeting their goal of graduating high school. I would identify students who are struggling with academic progress due to anxiety and depression, get parent permission for a counseling group, and prioritize students without insurance or who do not have access to counseling resources outside of school."
Wish Amount: $880.00
Date: May 2024
School: Hillsdale Elementary School
Wish Delivered: Life skills materials
Teacher Kayla Blaisdell says "I currently teach in an extended resource special education classroom. We have students with moderate to severe disabilities. In the past, I have had many students with lower support needs and we focused on academics quite heavily. This year I have accrued an extremely high caseload of students, including many students with high support needs that focus on life skills instruction. Unfortunately, at this time I do not have many life skills materials needed to support these students and I do not have a budget to purchase these items. These items would allow for me to support life skills instruction with not only students with high support needs, but also with all of my students. This allows for instruction in life skills such as communication, cause and effect, social skills, cooking, cleaning, and pre-academic concepts. My special education program continues to grow and change and it is important that we have the right materials to meet the needs of our students."
Wish Amount: $1,674.33
Date: May 2024
School: Eagle Elementary School
Wish Delivered: New tables and chairs
Teacher Jacqueline White says "As a kindergarten teacher, I've witnessed firsthand the impact of classroom environment on student learning and engagement. I recall a particular instance where a group of students struggled to collaborate effectively during a hands-on science experiment due to the cramped, broken tables and chairs. This experience highlighted the urgent need for furniture that supports collaboration, creativity, and active participation. I envision a classroom where students are excited to come to school every day, eager to explore, learn, and grow. By investing in new tables and chairs, we can create a space where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential."
Wish Amount: $3,834.00
Date: May 2024
School: Shoshone Elementary School
Wish Delivered: Classroom supplies and sensory items
Teacher Gual Reyes says "These items will greatly improved the systems and efficiency of my classroom and provide support for my many students that struggle with learning disabilities. For example, the flexible seating and foot bands will help students who have a hard sitting still and who can learn better while moving. The motivational stickers, behavior charts, prize toys and other items will help motivate those that do not have intrinsic motivation to learn. Every year I have at least 3-4 students (and next year it will be 5) who are on IEP's and who have a very difficult time learning in the classroom. My goal is to provide them with the best learning environment and to tap into their strengths and motivations in order for them to want to learn and to enjoy school."
Wish Amount: $834.99
Date: May 2024
School: Fernwaters Public Charter School
Wish Delivered: New book unit and new STEAM supplies
Teacher Meriah Baker says "My wishlist will support a new book unit filled with problems and solutions, readers theatre opportunities for when I teach about the Silk Road, triangular trade and economy in my United States History class, and most importantly I want to have more learning materials at my student's disposal during my STEAM class. I've since learned that students need a safe place to make mistakes, talk through their ideas and collaborate, manage discourse, and just design with their hands. "
Wish Amount: $990.14
Date: May 2024
School: Butte County High School
Wish Delivered: New Tables
Teacher Katie Hawley says "I am in desperate need of ten new classroom tables. The tables I have are old, wobbly, and are missing feet so the carpet is damaged when they are moved. I teach several different subjects and courses and use tables regularly. I need to purchase sturdy durable tables for my students to work on that will last for years to come. I have personally purchased the Husky workbench for tables at my home, and they are sturdy and durable. These items will benefit my students and classroom by having sturdy durable tables to work at. They cut fabric, sew, and work on projects regularly in my classes. "
Wish Amount: $3,370.00
Date: May 2024
School: Lewis & Clark Elementary School
Wish Delivered: Classroom supplies, books, and organizational tools
Teacher Jessica Westfall says "I am a first-year teacher working in a low socioeconomic school, where many students come to class without the basic supplies they need to learn effectively. As a result, I am often dipping into my own pocket to provide these essentials. The classroom itself is also in need of some attention. There are empty bookshelves, a printer that's not functioning well enough to keep up with the demands of the class, a large need for storage, and a lack of basic supplies that could really enhance the learning environment."
Wish Amount: $3,308.38
