Date: April 2024

School: Ellis Elementary School

Wish Delivered: Multisensory tools/materials

Teacher Elizabeth Hall says "This is my second year teaching kindergarten. In an optimal setting, these supplies would be standard. However, we all know schools have budgets. Last year I did not know much about how to teach phonics and phonemic awareness, and they ARE very different. I didn't want to go into this year by not having all the training I needed in order to not "fail" my kindergarteners (ensure that they ALL had the tools and knowledge they needed to be successful next year) or my three young kids (one of them a kindergartener this year) at home, so I took extra training during the summer to learn more. What I learned is that I need to include more interactive multisensory strategies, and that there are tools to help me do this."

Wish Amount: $2,052.12

Date: April 2024

School: Ellis Elementary School

Wish Delivered: Chair pockets

Teacher MaryLynn Graham says "These chair pockets help my students keep their desks more organized. If they have larger library books, it helps with the wear and tear on the book so that it is not placed in their desk with all of their other school supplies. It especially helps students with poor organization skills and messy desks because the most important items are stored in the pocket on the back of the chair. I started using them this year (because I don't have individual cubbies) and they have really helped the students be able to find things more quickly and maintain a tidier, more organized work area."

Wish Amount: $142.00

Date: April 2024

School: Ellis Elementary School

Wish Delivered: Pencil grips, chair bands, and wiggle seat cushions

Teacher Mandi Burrell says "I have taught for almost 2 decades and I am noticing that students are less engaged and more squirrely. I have a high quantity that are diagnosed with ADHD and need something to help them stay on task. The pencil grips, chair bands and wiggle seat cushions are all for the purpose of ensuring safety, calmness and learning in my classroom. In addition to handwriting posture with the pencil grips the seat cushions help students sit in different positions all while maintaining engagement without distraction."

Wish Amount: $73.37

Date: March 2024

School: Wilson Elementary School/Canyon Springs High School

Wish Delivered: Pantry Storage

Teacher Melanie Farrell says "The focus of this grant proposal is to fortify our pantry's infrastructure by investing in storage and organizational accessories. With an allocation of approximately $600, we aim to optimize the layout and accessibility of the pantry, ensuring that families can navigate the space with ease and dignity. By purchasing shelves, bins, and other storage solutions, we intend to streamline inventory management, enhance visibility of available items, and create a welcoming environment conducive to empowerment and self-sufficiency."

Wish Amount: $587.12