In honor of National Gratitude Month this November, we’re shining a spotlight on some incredible local teachers who are going above and beyond for their students. Through DonorsChoose, a popular platform where teachers can crowdfund for classroom supplies, innovative projects, and learning materials, our local educators are making meaningful impacts every day. Let’s meet a few dedicated teachers whose projects are deserving of support and gratitude this season.
1. Ms. Uva- Explore and Camping Dramatic Play Center
Grades PreK-2, Catherine Everett Elementary School, Modesto, CA
My Project
The exploring and camping dramatic play center will promote their social-emotional development, enhance their language and literacy skills and support their cognitive development.
Through role-playing scenarios of both camping and exploring, children will learn to share, take turns, cooperate, and negotiate with their peers, thus improving their emotional regulation and interpersonal skills.
Students will engage in verbal communication, storytelling, and dialogue, which helps in expanding vocabulary, improving sentence structure, and developing early literacy skills.
Dramatic play encourages problem-solving, memory recall, and creative thinking as children explore various real-world scenarios and apply their understanding to different situations.
Grades PreK-2, Great Valley Academy Modesto, Modesto, CA
My Project
Hello, we are starting a new art program and we need supplies. We can’t make art without supplies. It takes a lot to start a new art program. Time and money. It takes a village to supply a program like this. We appreciate any help we can get to fund new brushes and paints for our program. This will impact 170 students in the Modesto area.
Thank you again for your generosity.
We will create with your donation in mind. We can’t do it without you. Again thank you for supporting our new program.
3.Ms. King- Math and Organization: Two Peas in a Pod
Grades 9-12, Fred C Beyer High School, Modesto, CA
My Project
This is my first year with this school site, and I want to give these students the best tools to help them succeed.
The materials will help my students in different ways in my classroom.
The calculators will ensure that each student in my classroom will have a working tool to help them master the content. The patty paper is used primarily in Geometry to help with graph transformations and dilations of figures. This gives them a visual of what action is happening and how to apply it to what they are seeing. The snacks help my students who may be struggling with thinking and focusing because they may have not eaten that day. Finally, the desk lamp is to help me light up my desk when I am taking notes with them with the lights off.
My goal with this project is to help my students feel prepared and organized to learn and retain new content. I know all too well that students struggle to focus when there are outside factors such as hunger or lack of tools to help them feel like they can be successful. I want to give my students one less thing to worry about when they are in my classroom.
4. Mrs. Gregersen- Calming Area for Emotional Regulation
Grades 9-12, Johansen High School, Modesto, CA
My Project
Having a sensory/calming area would be so beneficial to my students learning and self regulation. It can also help minimize any distractions or disruptions to instruction time by not having to leave the classroom. It can also maximize self advocacy by having the student identify and recognize the need for a break.
The school day can be overwhelming for some of my students, and if they had a designated place where they could decompress and refocus, it would help them regain their emotional balance.
A calming corner can give my students the dignity they deserve and a safe space where they can do what they need to feel better.
5. Mrs. Blickenstaff- POP TART TEA TIME for the Food Insecure
Thomas Downey High School, Modesto, CA
My Project
My juniors and seniors are in a credit recovery program offered at their neighborhood high school. The students work through a four-hour block and get one break halfway through. During the AM and PM sessions, that break is at 10:40 AM and 3:00 PM, and their favorite pick-me-up treat is a Pop-Tart. I treat my 20 students and 20 in the class next door when they need a treat. Your support helps me keep the supply stocked, and the students appreciate your generosity more than you will ever know!
How You Can Support Local Teachers
Supporting these teachers on DonorsChoose is a powerful way to give back to the community. Every donation, big or small, helps them provide the resources that will make a lasting impact on their students. As we reflect on what we're grateful for this November, let’s come together to support these amazing teachers who are shaping our future.
Visit DonorsChoose.org and search for local projects or any of the teachers listed above. Let’s help them reach their goals and show our appreciation for their dedication!
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