Date: January 2025
School: Syringa Middle
Wish Delivered: Project Supplies
Teacher Kristy Rudan says "My request is to make a single wish come true for each teacher in my “class”; each teacher that I support and mentor is in need of something for their classrooms. In some ways, it’s almost like playing Santa Claus–leaving one gift for each of our incredible educators to use to continue inspiring others. The impact it will have is exponential, extending into the lives of 700 students. It’s an absolutely outside-the-box approach to a classroom wish list. It’s not traditional, I know. But not all classrooms look the same. What I do know is that the need is severe, hope needs to be restored, and I love and adore my “students” just the same as all teachers, so I’m here advocating for each of their greatest needs."
Wish Amount: $7785.44
Date: January 2025
School: Glenns Ferry
Wish Delivered: Photography equipment
Teacher Amy Hill says "As a teacher I am committed to enhancing the educational experience for my students and believe that incorporating modern technology, such as a high-quality digital camera, will be an invaluable tool in achieving this goal. The digital camera will allow students to engage in a variety of educational activities, including documenting projects, participating in creative photography assignments, and capturing moments during classroom events or field trips. These experiences will not only foster creativity but also help students build essential skills in digital literacy, visual storytelling, and multimedia presentation."
Wish Amount: $369.99
Date: January 2025
School: Maple Grove Elementary
Wish Delivered: Classroom seating
Teacher Tanya Goodman says "As our schools continue to emphasize the importance of student-centered learning in every classroom it is becoming apparent that traditional seating methods may not be the best fit for all students. Flexible seating in classrooms gives students a choice in what kind of environment they learn best in. When students are given choice in their learning, and their environment, they are more comfortable, invested, engaged, and excited to continue their learning journeys."
Wish Amount: $765.15
Date: January 2025
School: Southfork Elementary
Wish Delivered: Classroom Mailboxes
Teacher Junsong Su says "I teach two immersion Chinese classes in South Fork Elementary, each with approximately 25 students. The current cardboard mailboxes used for handing out graded work and school flyers are not very strong and have been used for long time, and now are breaking down and collapsing, this is causing significant inconvenience. We seek funding to replace these with two durable, long-lasting mailboxes. The budget for this project includes the cost of two durable mailboxes. New, durable mailboxes will greatly benefit our immersion Chinese classes by improving organization, student experience, and efficiency. We kindly request your support in funding this essential project."
Wish Amount: $188.78
Date: January 2025
School: Ponderosa Elementary
Wish Delivered: New Books
Teacher Jennifer Olugin says "I am seeking funding for chapter books and sets that cater to both girls and boys. These resources are vital for promoting vocabulary development, improving comprehension skills, and nurturing a lifelong passion for reading among my 2nd graders. These resources will include a diverse mix of fiction and biographies, providing students with engaging narratives and inspiring real-life stories. By sharing these materials with my 2nd grade team, I aim to create a rich literary environment that encourages all students to explore new ideas and perspectives, ultimately supporting their academic development and passion for literature. "
Wish Amount: $798.75
Date: January 2025
School: Nampa High School
Wish Delivered: Classroom Supplies
Teacher Jennifer Randolph says " My special education students have a number of physical and/or intellectual disabilities that prevented them from learning life skills readily. These life skills are necessary for supporting a family, running a household and being independent later in life. Without a doubt, functional life skills are skills that my students must acquire in order to live a better, more fulfilling life. Teaching life skills involves not only classroom teaching, but working with students in the “real world,” giving these students the skills they need to function. Our community partners and school district recently renovate a large classroom to replicate an apartment where students can learn and practice life skills in a real-life setting."
Wish Amount: $719.17
Date: January 2025
School: Peregrine Elementary
Wish Delivered: Classroom Transformation
Teacher Lisa Osler says "Keeping learning fun by surprising kids with classroom transformations. A couple days a year, they will arrive at school... or so they thought! Their classroom will be transformed into a construction zone, donut shop, restaurant, or glow room! As they read about their projects and use their tools to solve challenges throughout the day, they will have the full, immersive experience They will have a chance to be an electrician, a framer, and a flooring installer as they use their area, perimeter, measurement and data skills. In another transformation, students will GLOW with the skills they have acquired over the year. The classroom will be decked out in neon with black lights to guide the way. Fifth graders are learning to love reading. Another day, they will find a restaurant with a book tasting to learn which genres please their palates. They will use their knowledge of decimals to create menus and calculate prices. Classroom makeover days renew the love of learning through project based learning."
Wish Amount: $1,784
Date: January 2025
School: Victory Middle
Wish Delivered: Library Software
Teacher Melissa Bollinger says "I am the librarian at VMS and would like to “up my game” when it comes to the multiple reading challenges we facilitate each year by purchasing a software program called Beanstack (www.beanstack.com). Beanstack motivates readers with fun, diverse, and engaging reading challenges while strengthening the intrinsic motivation to read with proven gamification features. This software allows the librarian (or teachers) to create digital quizzes/forms/projects connected to reading and then reward individual students when they hit predetermined milestones (either # of pages read or possibly # of minutes read/day) with badges. You can also organize a building-wide goal to work toward, or even set up classroom competitions through Advisory classes or homerooms. There are truly SO MANY possibilities with this software to create a digital way to track reading and reward student efforts!"
Wish Amount: $2287
