Having 25 students depending on you to set them up for success places a big responsibility on teachers and their techniques. I feel that having more technology and resources available would not only engage my students, but offer them an advantage. They will have more confidence and understanding as they venture into the world. For this upcoming year, I am seeking a class set of headphones. With these headphones, I will be able to allow more students to participate in reading activities with laptops including reading online with books as well as practicing phonetic awareness activities. Research shows that having both incorporated produces higher literacy success. The love for reading begins in the earlier stages, such as first grade. Studies show that 20% of graduating seniors are considered illiterate. I want to help my students develop a passion for reading and the technology I integrate inside the classroom can help them with that. Unfortunately, there isnt enough time to spend 30 minutes a day with each individual student for reading; therefore, teachers have to capitalize on learning centers and small group instruction. Having headphones to allow students to practice reading activities on the computer while I am working with a small group, will improve their abilities. Each pair of headphones cost $9.97 plus shipping. You can find more information at http://www.encoredataproducts.com/Hamilton-Headsets-SM-V-Schoolmate-Classroom-Deluxe-Mono-Stereo-Headphone-with-Volume-Control-p-3515.html. Thank you for your consideration and making these students future bright!

Hi there, Thank you so much for going above and beyond to help out students and educators. I have taught Kindergarten students for five years and love it! I am hoping that you can help impact my current and future students with your donation toward a classroom carpet/rug. This item is a large expense and our school district does not have funds available for it. I havent been able to afford it on my own yet either. I am grateful that you have logged onto the website even if it was just to look around. If it on your heart to help us, I appreciate it! Thanks so much! Mrs. Allison Gizinski

Our class is starting an inquiry based project on community. We will research the history of Silver City and compare their life to the life of the people who have lived in Silver City over the past 100 years. With an inquiry based project, the students take control of their learning and how they want to show mastery of concepts. One of the many projects that we will take on is a gardening project, to grow our own food. With your help we can start our intial project by starting our own garden from scratch. The students will be exposed to all First Grade Science and Social Studies standards while learning about the community that they live in.