Date: August 2024
School: New Plymouth Elementary
Wish Delivered: Flexible Seating
Teacher Tiffany Cherry says "In today's dynamic educational landscape, it is increasingly recognized that traditional classroom setups may not fully meet the diverse needs of students. Flexible seating offers a solution by providing a variety of seating options that can accommodate different learning styles, promote student engagement, and foster a more conducive learning environment. This grant would help to implement flexible seating in our classroom, aiming to enhance the educational experience and support the development of our students."
Wish Amount: $903.95
Date: July 2024
School: Valley View Elementary
Wish Delivered: STEM Supplies
Teacher Shelly Hoisington says "Let STEM roll into our classrooms! STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) carts in classrooms provide teachers with unique opportunities to integrate STEM activities throughout the curriculum and encourage students to think, create, and explore. As a Title I school most of our students have limited resources outside the classroom that promote STEM education. Access to STEM carts will offer our students a multitude of engaging and educational experiences. The games, puzzles, engineering kits, and building materials included in each cart will promote hands-on learning and enhance foundational skills in all areas of STEM education. Presented with these activities students will develop critical thinking skills, creativity, problem solving techniques, and encourage positive communication and collaboration among peers. Additionally, STEM carts will allow for differentiated instruction assisting teachers to meet the needs of diverse learners. Having easy access to portable STEM carts will provide high quality STEM education, enrich all areas of the curriculum and better prepare our students for future success in all areas of academics."
Wish Amount: $3,435.52
Date: July 2024
School: Elevate Academy
Wish Delivered: Mathematics Equipment & Classroom Supplies
Teacher Marino Metcalf says "A class set of calculators will enable students to work through their math equations without having to worry about affording a calculator or having to use their chromebook/phone to complete a homework assignment. Math supplies like compasses, protractors, and rulers ensure we can work through geometry and measurement examples together. Moreover, having basic classroom supplies like whiteboard markers, notebooks, binders, and tabletop organizers allows students to stay organized and focused. An orderly workspace and system for materials contributes to academic success. Students can take pride in maintaining their supplies and being prepared for class each day."
Wish Amount: $1,508.55
Date: July 2024
School: Burley Jr High School
Wish Delivered: Classroom Supplies
Teacher Kayla Smith says "This upcoming school year, I am starting a new position and will be building my classroom from scratch. There are many items on my list that I have utilized in the past and wish to incorporate in hopes of providing my new students with similar learning experiences that my former students were able to receive. I strive to create a positive classroom culture that is conducive to learning and would appreciate any help with making that possible!"
Wish Amount: $515
Date: July 2024
School: Lewis & Clark Elementary School
Wish Delivered: Organization and Calming Classroom Supplies
Teacher Cassandra Cummins says "Each year the number of students in my classroom who have Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) increases. Last year alone I had two students on the spectrum 4 diagnosed with ADHD and a couple who are getting tested. That means that a third of my class last year had special needs. As you can imagine many of my students struggle with traditional seating. As a result, the bouncy bands and wobble stools will provide sensory relief and allow my students to wiggle while they work and stay on task longer. Staying on task and focused will increase learning."
Wish Amount: $1,491.91
Date: July 2024
School: Kershaw Intermediate School
Wish Delivered: Calming Classroom Center Supplies
Teacher Jackie Schwendiman says "These items will help my classroom because I want to use these items to increase engagement, create a calming corner, and make students feel valued and seen. I am just starting my 2nd year of teaching, but I am starting over in a brand-new grade. I am starting over from scratch, and I want to make this year a great one for my students. These items will be used to encourage hands on and concrete learning of math skills and reading skills. I want them to explore learning and not just memorizing how the steps go. These items help me create that learning environment for my students in a new and exciting way. They will allow students to communicate, and problem solve together as a class"
Wish Amount: $921.93
Date: July 2024
School: Sunnyside Elementary School
Wish Delivered: Storage bins and boxes
Teacher Nichole Jones says "I have taught kindergarten at Sunnyside for 10 years and have all of my books, file folder games, and logic puzzle games in random bins and boxes I have found up for grabs in the hallway. I haven't been able to spend that much of my own money to organize myself and it is a hodgepodge collection of storage containers that are being held together with sheer determination. Unfortunately, many times my bins don't actually fit the objects that are placed inside and even worse, they don't fit the shelves on which they are placed. Because, for the first time in years, I am moving from one room to another, it is my wish to be able to organize my supplies in a way that makes it easy for the children to access, put away, and feel ownership of. New organizational containers would make access to these items much easier and more manageable."
Wish Amount: $282.44
Date: July 2024
School: Adams Elementary School
Wish Delivered: Wiggle stools, reptile tank, and rug
Teacher Lisa Sutton says "I am writing today on behalf of myself and my first grade students. We are looking for financial assistance in improving our classroom environment in three ways. First, by helping us purchase 17 Storex Wiggle Stools. Second, by helping us purchase a home for our classroom pet, Sheldon, a box turtle who would really like to come to school. Third, a classroom rug for the additional students joining our class this fall...I purchased 3 Storex Wiggle Stools to see if this type of seating option would help my most active kiddos be able to focus while doing their work. I was amazed at the results. Many of my students who had previously struggled with their school work were able to focus by being given the option to move while studying...about a year and a half ago our class was given a very cute box turtle named Sheldon. Sheldon has been desperate to come to school. I know my students would love having him as a classroom pet particularly because Sheldon would be a hands-on way of interacting with our writing and science curriculum...our classroom we have a gathering spot. We currently can fit 16-18 students comfortably in this spot. Our school will be losing one of our first grade teachers next year. The position will not be replaced which means my class will be welcoming more students than ever before this fall. Our gathering spot is central to our classroom environment. I would like everyone to have a comfortable place of their own."
Wish Amount: $1,350
