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Learning games @ Hughes!

3/28/2023

Mrs. Kim at Hughes Elementary knows the power of learning games to engage and teach students. Thanks to our generous donors, we were able to get her what she needed! Here's what she wrote:

"Dear Santa Clara Schools Foundation,

One of the biggest changes in my students is their excitement for learning when they are working in their learning centers. They are focused and actively engaged in their learning. Furthermore, they feel successful because the activities are tailored to their academic level. My students are using the resources during reading, math and writing rotations to support in maintaining new skills and to introduce new skills in a fun engaging way. Because of your generosity, my students are able to access learning materials that make learning fun while offering differentiated learning. Thank you again for all your support!

With gratitude,
Mrs. Kim"

Classroom supplies @ Cabrillo Middle School!

3/14/2023

Mrs. Dorrell at Cabrillo Middle School needed classroom resources, and thanks to our generous donors, were able to help her out. Here's what she wrote:

"Dear Santa Clara Schools Foundation,

Thank you so much for help buying fidget toys. These are great for students who struggle to sit still for longer periods of time. However, it can also help students in any situation. You have a student who asks to go to the restroom frequently. As a result, they struggle to complete their work. Fidget toys are great for students who are under the ADD/ADHD and autism umbrella. These toys are a great way to help them think without getting up too frequently, biting nails, etc.

From what I've observed in my own classroom, all of my students benefit from fidget toys. After I introduced them into my classroom, I had less students wandering around the classroom. Students get their work done in a timely manner. I had less students leave to go to the restroom. And these little toys even encouraged my students to want to do the work!

With gratitude,
Mrs. Dorrell"

New books @ Bowers Elementary!

2/16/2023

Mrs. Lowpensky @ Bowers Elementary needed books, so we got her books! Here's what she wrote:

"Dear Santa Clara Schools Foundation,

My students in my intervention groups are really enjoying these engaging books. These books have been great for reinforcing what I have taught in the phonics portion of my lesson. If I'm teaching a certain concept (ex. digraphs), the books have digraphs throughout the stories.

The books are relatable. A lot of students go to the park and some of the stories talk about going to the park. We have great comprehension discussions because the books. After our conversations we then write about what we have read. So story ideas are easy for the students to come up with since they can relate to the books.

So appreciate these books!

With gratitude,
Mrs. Lowpensky"

New Books @ Montague Elementary!

2/15/2023

A note from Mrs. Hopper at Montague Elementary: "When I showed the students all the new books they screamed, "NEW BOOKS!" As they started to look at them and read them I could overhear them saying, "hey, this character is like me!"; "hey look, this character looks just like me.". They all loved that they were reflected in the books that were bought. They said these are the coolest books ever.
I am currently using some of these books to teach a unit about names. The students are learning how all names have a meaning behind them and what makes each students' name special.

Since my class is filled with so many different ethnics all of my student are enjoying them. Many students are enjoying the books that shows and explains how children in different countries and places go to school.

I am extremely grateful for your support of my classroom. You have helped students feel valued through these books. Thank you again for your support!”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Hopper"

Special Olympics @ Braly Elementary

2/9/2023

It's time once again for the Special Olympics! Just like the USA team wears matching uniforms, our Special Olympians and their supporters, including their fellow students, want to have matching uniforms -- they need t-shirts! If we can find the funds, we'll help them out!

Field trips at Haman and Scott Lane!

2/7/2023

Known need alert: Ms. Villar at Scott Lane Elementary is seeking funding for Scott Lane and Haman Elementary students to visit the farm and the Osborne Nature Center. If we can find the funding, we'll provide it!

Thanks from Scott Lane Elementary!

2/6/2023

Dear Santa Clara Schools Foundation,
Thank you for supporting our book project. My students absolutely enjoyed these fun read alouds. They bursted out laughing every time I pick the books up to read to them. Our classroom was filled with students' laughter. I believe that is a marker of a great time. Best of all, they are learning as well.

We have you to thank for this opportunity. Your donations have made this possible for us to have the books we love and enjoy and can read over and over again! We are so grateful for your kindness. Wishing you a great holiday and have a happy new year!

With gratitude,
Mrs. Tran

Student-created posters @ Wilcox High!

2/3/2023

Kathleen Smoot and Ms. Aubry at Wilcox High are working on a collaboration: the Digital Media class created a campaign to promote reading, featuring school staff reading their favorite books. The students designed, shot, and edited the posters, and now they need the funds to print them, so they can display them around school. If we can find the funds, we'll help them out!

Dramatic play at Scott Lane Elementary!

2/3/2023

Mrs. Kim at Scott Lane knows that children learn through dramatic play, and that helps them with creativity, empathy, and sharing. The old stove/cupboard play set was falling apart, so we helped her out with a new one. Here's what she said:
"Dear Santa Clara Schools Foundation,

When the children arrive in the classroom, they love to stop and admire the new kitchen. The kitchen, though smaller than the old one, makes the children excited and they want to explore it right away. I am happy to see children engage with one another and work with their peers in the kitchen. They love to act out different roles in the family while playing. The children are continuously problem-solving and using their language skills to communicate with each other during activities. Thank you so much for supporting my program with the new kitchen. I appreciate DonorsChoose for their generous donation of materials for my preschoolers.

With gratitude,
Mrs. Kim"

Known need alert @ Peterson Middle School

2/3/2023

Known need alert: music instruction posters! Katie Gilchrist at Peterson Middle School could use some posters for her music classroom -- they cover all kinds of music concepts and principles that students need to master. They're great references as students are in class and need a quick refresher, too. If we can find the cash, we'll help her out. The posters in question are here: https://www.amazon.com/Music-Posters-Essential-Laminated-Measuring/dp/B00A49TS78/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1ZL1ZSP500DDF&keywords=music%2Beducation%2Bposters&qid=1674144980&sprefix=music%2Beducation%2Bposters%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-1-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExUUZHQTMyQ1dPWVVBJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTcwMzIyUlVJR0E2UzRaSUwwJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4OTUwMzFNTVg2N08yV0U4UFcmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl&th=1