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Spotlight on This Month’s Chosen Teachers from DonorsChoose.org

Highlighting Modesto Educators

By Xochitl Loza October 1, 2024

Spotlight on This Month’s Chosen Teachers from DonorsChoose.org

Macaroni KID Modesto celebrates the incredible educators who are dedicated to creating inspiring learning environments for their students. Each month, we randomly select a group of teachers whose projects exemplify creativity, passion, and commitment to their students. Here are this month’s chosen teachers and the innovative projects they’re bringing to life!

  1. Ms. Skipper Autism Classroom Needs Help

     Grades PreK-2

  • Bret Harte Elementary School
  • Modesto, CA

 "These toys and educational learning supplies will help our students learn and communicate more effectively. The materials you donate will help all around our class, with our students to help them in their studies of matching and fine motor, along with all the sensory items that will help when a student is having a hard day."


    2. Mr. Lish Pura Vida Games for Autism Awareness

    Grades 9-12

  • Fred C Beyer High School
  • Modesto, CA

 "My name is Mr. Lish and I am a high school resource teacher with Modesto City Schools. I run a club and teach a class for students with autism. In this class students interact with other high school students and learn vital social skills.
In the Pura Vida Club, we bring all students together in multiple social situations throughout the school year, encouraging inclusion for all. We hold many lunchtime activities throughout the year promoting socialization and bringing students together. Having these fun giant games will be inviting to the students to play. They will be allowed for use for years to come. The wristbands are away for all students at my school to show autism awareness and the inclusivity of all students with different abilities. Please consider donating to my project. It would be greatly appreciated and will have a great impact on this program at our High School."


   3. Ms. Rosas AVID T-shirts

     Grades 6-8

  • La Loma Junior High School
  • Modesto, CA

"Our AVID students would like to wear AVID t-shirts to school so they can be part of a school team. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. AVID’s mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. These t-shirts would enhance school pride, unity, and community spirit. Every AVID student would receive one and they would wear it on a weekly basis. It would also enhance comaraderie among AVID students and together they would strive for excellence through collaboration."


  4. Ms. Mora New Desk 

    Grades 3-5

  • Great Valley Academy Salida
  • Modesto, CA

"Please help us improve our learning environment! With new desks, my students could move around more safely and have more space to organize their materials. We could also rearrange our desks so they could sit in different groups and formations. Our current desks are very limiting because the chairs are attached to the desks. It makes it difficult for my students and I to be as productive as we'd like. New desks would give us more opportunities for collaborative learning and more robust routines and procedures. An organized space supports an organized mind! This is my student's second year in this classroom, and we would be so grateful to have new desks before they move on to junior high!"


  5. Mrs. Ranalla Math is Fun!

     Grades 6-8

  • Franklin Elementary School
  • Modesto, CA

"Students are coming into upper grade math classes with a disconnect between math concepts and thinking. They have little perseverance to stick with a problem and solve it. Math manipulatives are important because they provide students with a concrete representation of abstract mathematical concepts. By using physical objects to explore and manipulate numbers, shapes, and operations, students can develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and relationships."


The Impact of Your Support

Each of these projects reflects the unique needs and aspirations of classrooms across our city. Thanks to the generosity of donors, these teachers can provide enriching experiences that foster growth and learning in their students.


How You Can Get Involved

  • Explore Projects: Visit DonorsChoose.org to discover more projects in need of support. Every contribution makes a difference!
  • Share the Stories: Help spread awareness about these amazing teachers and their projects by sharing this article with friends and family.
  • Join the Community: Consider becoming a recurring donor to help sustain projects and support more teachers throughout the school year.

Thank you for being part of the Macaroni KID Modesto community. Together, we can empower teachers and inspire students to reach their full potential!

If you decide to make a donation, be sure to mention that Macaroni KID Modesto sent you! Let’s spread the MacKID Modesto love together!