What a GREAT week/weekend we've had! I love love love this week of the year. TMEA, officially known as the Texas Music Educators Association - unofficially known as music teachers' pre-spring break, has its annual convention this week in San Antonio every year. It's such a great time to get away from the every-day norm, catch up with teacher friends across the state (from Tech, Alabama, Kodaly, Orff, my old district, etc . . .), and get some refreshing new ideas for my classroom. It's a nice boost of energy and excitement that always makes me itch to get back to my students and teach them all of these new things! :)
This year I didn't/couldn't go to as much as I have in the past. TMEA + 27 weeks preggo = one tired and sore momma! I actually skipped out on the 8:00 sessions for the first time in the six years I've been coming to TMEA. I know I'm supposed to be taking care of myself and baby and I know that realistically there's no way I could have gone to those without skipping out on the later sessions from pure exhaustion, but I still feel just a teensy bit guilty.
We got really lucky this year and were able to stay Wed night and Thurs night at the Grand Hyatt right there at the convention center! I think the only time I've had a nicer hotel room was when we were on our honeymoon. I loved it! And it made things so much easier since I didn't have to walk and walk and walk to get back to a hotel at the end of the day (though there is still a TON of walking involved in the convention center and around the Riverwalk getting to restaurants).
Last night we had our unofficial Alabama reunion - ROLL TIDE - and then came out to Brandon's dad's house to stay with them. I'm missing a few sessions this morning but it's for a great reason. I'm about to take the advice of my doctor a spend the morning getting a prenatal massage! Hooray!! I'm so excited about it and so so thankful that Brandon's stepmom, Eloise, suggested it since we're spending the day with them here in San Antonio before we head back home. I really need it after all the walking and toting stuff around downtown SA the last few days. I. Can't. Wait!
I'm so thankful for my pre-spring break vacation!
Showing posts with label Teaching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Teaching. Show all posts
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Monday, March 7, 2011
The Unknown . . .
Well, it has been an interesting few weeks around here. Actually, I don't think interesting is the right word. I'm not sure what the right word is for how I feel. I don't want to say "difficult". As far as day-to-day affairs we've been doing pretty well. We're both healthy, Brandon survived his recital, my students seem to be learning, and we only have 4 more days until Spring Break. Emotionally though, I feel like we're teetering on the edge of a scary unknown and a lot of it has to do with the budget crisis our state is currently in.
This seems strange for me to write about, because I don't normally speak up about politics or budgets or the like. I'm a responsible citizen - I educate myself on issues and I vote (when I can), but having a conversation about those things does not appeal to me in the least. In fact, I have written and rewritten this post over and over this last week, because this is such a hard topic. Unfortunately, this budget crisis is beginning to hit home. It's personal, and to say it has shaken me is an understatement - I really need to get this off my chest. Feel free to take this as your warning and read no further (I can't say that I would blame you!).
Just in the last week I have had three good friends who have been told they will no longer be teaching music or, in one case, will not even have a job with her district after this school year. (FYI - these are excellent, hard working, caring, loving, experienced and successful teachers!) And there are many many more teachers across this state (and country!) in similar situations. Add to that the constant bickering and, as one friend put it, "villifying" of teachers that is going on in the media. I've literally been sick to my stomach for a good week (and no, I'm not preggo)!
Even my own district is looking at some very serious and very scary cuts between now and the official last day to give contracts/notices (April 18 for certified teachers in McKinney). Somehow Fine Arts is miraculously not on the list of departments that are being looked at for reduction and/or elimination. I don't know how we dodged that bullet when so many others did not. Unfortunately, my "specials" team (myself, our sweet art teacher, our amazing and award-winning P.E. coach, and her wonderful assistant) will still be majorly impacted this year. Fine Arts is not on the list, but our elementary P.E. programs are (plus our library aide, other aide positions, and our school nurse)! It scares me to think of who will or will not be back after this year. To top it off, it seems to be common knowledge that this is not even the worst of the budget crisis. They are predicting that the budget cuts this time next year will be even more drastic! Yikes!!
So, where does this leave the Stewarts' Little Family? Well, for now we are saddened and sickened by the losses and changes our friends are dealing with. We are trying to be proactive and planning, both financially and career-wise, for the possibility of me needing to find a new job after the 2011-2012 school year. And we are prayerfully trusting that somehow this is all in God's bigger plan. We don't know what will happen, and the unknown is a scary place to be. My biggest prayer for now (aside for comfort and guidance for my friends who are facing this sudden career/life change) is that when and if the time comes for me, I will handle it with grace, faith, and hope. I want to say, like Heather Williams, "On my knees here I fall in spite of it all, Hallelujah! And though it seems hard, I'm still trusting you Lord. Hallelujah!"
This seems strange for me to write about, because I don't normally speak up about politics or budgets or the like. I'm a responsible citizen - I educate myself on issues and I vote (when I can), but having a conversation about those things does not appeal to me in the least. In fact, I have written and rewritten this post over and over this last week, because this is such a hard topic. Unfortunately, this budget crisis is beginning to hit home. It's personal, and to say it has shaken me is an understatement - I really need to get this off my chest. Feel free to take this as your warning and read no further (I can't say that I would blame you!).
Just in the last week I have had three good friends who have been told they will no longer be teaching music or, in one case, will not even have a job with her district after this school year. (FYI - these are excellent, hard working, caring, loving, experienced and successful teachers!) And there are many many more teachers across this state (and country!) in similar situations. Add to that the constant bickering and, as one friend put it, "villifying" of teachers that is going on in the media. I've literally been sick to my stomach for a good week (and no, I'm not preggo)!
Even my own district is looking at some very serious and very scary cuts between now and the official last day to give contracts/notices (April 18 for certified teachers in McKinney). Somehow Fine Arts is miraculously not on the list of departments that are being looked at for reduction and/or elimination. I don't know how we dodged that bullet when so many others did not. Unfortunately, my "specials" team (myself, our sweet art teacher, our amazing and award-winning P.E. coach, and her wonderful assistant) will still be majorly impacted this year. Fine Arts is not on the list, but our elementary P.E. programs are (plus our library aide, other aide positions, and our school nurse)! It scares me to think of who will or will not be back after this year. To top it off, it seems to be common knowledge that this is not even the worst of the budget crisis. They are predicting that the budget cuts this time next year will be even more drastic! Yikes!!
So, where does this leave the Stewarts' Little Family? Well, for now we are saddened and sickened by the losses and changes our friends are dealing with. We are trying to be proactive and planning, both financially and career-wise, for the possibility of me needing to find a new job after the 2011-2012 school year. And we are prayerfully trusting that somehow this is all in God's bigger plan. We don't know what will happen, and the unknown is a scary place to be. My biggest prayer for now (aside for comfort and guidance for my friends who are facing this sudden career/life change) is that when and if the time comes for me, I will handle it with grace, faith, and hope. I want to say, like Heather Williams, "On my knees here I fall in spite of it all, Hallelujah! And though it seems hard, I'm still trusting you Lord. Hallelujah!"
Sunday, February 13, 2011
A-MAZ-ING!
This week Brandon and I were blessed to get to hear some absolutely amazing music made by some of the kindest and most awesome people around! Let me just say, I love the Swingle Singers! Talk about some phenomenal music! They are, I believe, the original a cappella vocal jazz group (the original group even predates The King's Singers by a few years), and are most certainly the best at what they do! What is really great, though, is to know what genuine, humble, and down-to-earth people they are. We were fortunate enough to spend a little time with them while we were in San Antonio for TMEA this last week. If you ever have the chance to see them perform - TAKE IT! Drive however far you need to drive, pay whatever you can for a ticket, and go see them!! Trust me, you'll love it!
(BTW - Alabama friends, they will be at UAB on March 4! Don't miss it!)
Here is a live performance of their Flight of the Bumblebee (yes, the one you hear on Glee!).
Good music is always that much sweeter when you know it's coming from the heart. Here are the girls of the Swingle Singers singing Amazing Grace. This may now be my favorite recording of this hymn.
This week's TMEA has certainly been the best to-date for me. From the great music, to meeting these new friends, spending some much needed time catching up with old friends, and of course, getting some great new ideas and materials for my classroom, I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend these last four days. It's been a true blessing!
(BTW - Alabama friends, they will be at UAB on March 4! Don't miss it!)
Here is a live performance of their Flight of the Bumblebee (yes, the one you hear on Glee!).
Good music is always that much sweeter when you know it's coming from the heart. Here are the girls of the Swingle Singers singing Amazing Grace. This may now be my favorite recording of this hymn.
This week's TMEA has certainly been the best to-date for me. From the great music, to meeting these new friends, spending some much needed time catching up with old friends, and of course, getting some great new ideas and materials for my classroom, I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend these last four days. It's been a true blessing!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Kindermusik!
I'm going to be a KinderMusik teacher! Hooray!!
I've been considering getting my license for KinderMusik for some time now. I have many friends that teach who have been telling me for years about how wonderful it is and how much I would enjoy the program. Over Spring Break I did a lot of reading up on it and checking out the materials on their website. I noticed that one of the teachers listed in my area on the website was looking to hire in the next 6 months. On a whim I emailed her on Friday of Spring Break just telling her that I was interested and sent her a short version of my resume. In just a few short hours I got an email back asking if we could meet that Saturday! Well we met and I now have a job (provided that I finish my certification requirements by this summer)! The sweet lady I'll be teaching for is amazing! She's a past president of the KinderMusik Educators Association, helped write the training curriculum for teachers, and has been mentoring new KinderMusik teachers for years! I couldn't have fallen into a better situation to start learning about KinderMusik. Plus, she's just a genuinely sweet person and she has a huge passion for instilling a love of music in children. She's exactly the kind of person I would want to work with!
I don't know which of her facilities I'll be teaching at, but it will most likely be two or three around the north part of the Metroplex. We're even looking into starting a program here in Providence Village - which would be fantastic! Now, all I have to do is wait for my next paycheck, order my training materials, and get started! It shouldn't take me any more than 8 weeks, which will be perfect timing to be ready for summer classes. The great thing is, this is something that I can continue even once the next school year begins since I can offer my classes on week nights or on Saturday mornings!
I don't know how or why I keep getting blessed with all of these wonderful teaching opportunities out here, but I am oh so thankful!
I've been considering getting my license for KinderMusik for some time now. I have many friends that teach who have been telling me for years about how wonderful it is and how much I would enjoy the program. Over Spring Break I did a lot of reading up on it and checking out the materials on their website. I noticed that one of the teachers listed in my area on the website was looking to hire in the next 6 months. On a whim I emailed her on Friday of Spring Break just telling her that I was interested and sent her a short version of my resume. In just a few short hours I got an email back asking if we could meet that Saturday! Well we met and I now have a job (provided that I finish my certification requirements by this summer)! The sweet lady I'll be teaching for is amazing! She's a past president of the KinderMusik Educators Association, helped write the training curriculum for teachers, and has been mentoring new KinderMusik teachers for years! I couldn't have fallen into a better situation to start learning about KinderMusik. Plus, she's just a genuinely sweet person and she has a huge passion for instilling a love of music in children. She's exactly the kind of person I would want to work with!
I don't know which of her facilities I'll be teaching at, but it will most likely be two or three around the north part of the Metroplex. We're even looking into starting a program here in Providence Village - which would be fantastic! Now, all I have to do is wait for my next paycheck, order my training materials, and get started! It shouldn't take me any more than 8 weeks, which will be perfect timing to be ready for summer classes. The great thing is, this is something that I can continue even once the next school year begins since I can offer my classes on week nights or on Saturday mornings!
I don't know how or why I keep getting blessed with all of these wonderful teaching opportunities out here, but I am oh so thankful!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Donors Choose!
I have a new Donors Choose project up and running for my classroom! Hooray!
For those of you who don't know, DonorsChoose is a website where teachers can request materials for their classrooms and students. Teachers "shop" for the needed materials though vendors that are associated with Donors Choose. Teachers then write a short essay explaining their situation, need, and how these materials will help their students. Once approved, Donors Choose will post the essay and request on their website. ANYONE can donate any amount you wish - it works just like checking out on Amazon.com! When the project is fully funded, Donors Choose will purchase the materials and send them to the teacher's school. Everyone that donates gets a thank you (if you donate over $100 or you are the donor who gives the last amount to fully fund you get homemade thank you cards from the students!).
You may remember that last year I was able to get two new cd players for our music room at my old school in Odessa. I am teaching in a new district this year and I am requesting a digital video camera for my classroom. You can view my teacher page at http://www.donorschoose.org/
Please please pass this on to anyone you think would be interested in helping us out, or if you're so inclined, donate a little yourself (even if it's $1). Every little bit helps!
iMuchas Gracias!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Remembering
September 11, 2001. I sat with my fellow senior classmates in our high school government class when our school librarian rushed in to turn on the tv. We watched together in awe at what was happening to our country. When 1st period was over, most of us moved to the big screen tv in our library. There we watched as not one but both towers fell.
Today, eight years later, I had the opportunity to tell the story of that day to my students. The oldest of these students were barely toddlers on September 11, 2001. Most of my students had not even been born. I was amazed today at how little my students knew about what had happened. The majority of them met me with blank stares when I asked them what was special about today. My favorite response, "It was when they blew up the Whitehouse!" Of course, that was met with many "Nuh-uh's!" and "You're making that up's!" Then the kid said, "Well they didn't really blow it up, but they took it apart! I saw it! And then they put it back together!" (I'm still not sure who "they" is). Maybe he saw a picture of renovations or Independence Day?
On the more serious side of things, we said that while, yes, today is a sad day because we remember those who gave up their lives that day and in the days since, it is also a day to be thankful for all of the men and women who help keep our country safe (municipal and armed forces). And so many of my students have family members who are serving in some way or another. It's always interesting trying to explain things of this magnitude to kids. Somehow, simplifying things for them has a way of putting things into perspective for me. Of all the things I heard, read, or thought today though, I'd say the perspective that I would like to keep when I remember today is the perspective that my friend Jack offers here. Read it if you have the chance. It's good.
Today, eight years later, I had the opportunity to tell the story of that day to my students. The oldest of these students were barely toddlers on September 11, 2001. Most of my students had not even been born. I was amazed today at how little my students knew about what had happened. The majority of them met me with blank stares when I asked them what was special about today. My favorite response, "It was when they blew up the Whitehouse!" Of course, that was met with many "Nuh-uh's!" and "You're making that up's!" Then the kid said, "Well they didn't really blow it up, but they took it apart! I saw it! And then they put it back together!" (I'm still not sure who "they" is). Maybe he saw a picture of renovations or Independence Day?
On the more serious side of things, we said that while, yes, today is a sad day because we remember those who gave up their lives that day and in the days since, it is also a day to be thankful for all of the men and women who help keep our country safe (municipal and armed forces). And so many of my students have family members who are serving in some way or another. It's always interesting trying to explain things of this magnitude to kids. Somehow, simplifying things for them has a way of putting things into perspective for me. Of all the things I heard, read, or thought today though, I'd say the perspective that I would like to keep when I remember today is the perspective that my friend Jack offers here. Read it if you have the chance. It's good.
Friday, August 14, 2009
New Donors Choose Projects
Many of you remember my own Donors Choose project from last spring, "Help Us Hear the Sounds of Music." That project was so successful that it was funded within the first 48 hours! Because of that, many people who would have gladly pitched in did not get the chance. Well, here is your chance!
While I do not have a current DC project of my own, here are several projects from teachers in my new school that could use your help. Since, as a music teacher, I see every student in the school, these projects directly affect my own students. Please check out my giving page and consider supporting these projects and my students by donating or sharing this page with others. Thank you for making a positive impact on the life of these children!
While I do not have a current DC project of my own, here are several projects from teachers in my new school that could use your help. Since, as a music teacher, I see every student in the school, these projects directly affect my own students. Please check out my giving page and consider supporting these projects and my students by donating or sharing this page with others. Thank you for making a positive impact on the life of these children!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Invitation
To those of you who follow our little family here - I invite you to also check out my teacher blog. I use it occasionally (though, not much during the summer months, obviously) as a sounding board for teacher-y things like new classroom ideas, thoughts on elementary music, teacher philosophies, inspirations, and the situations and revelations I have as a young teacher. I welcome your feedback, ideas, and encouragement and would like to see this blog as a jumpstart to some good educational conversations. So, take a look, and see what you think!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Good Times
Well, Brandon and I are finally moved in and getting settled in our new house. All of the big stuff is unpacked. The kitchen is finished (except for whatever I decide to put on top of the cabinets). All that's left to do now is decide where bookshelves should go and load them up with books and what-nots, and then decorate! Fun stuff! :)
I love it here! The neighborhood is so gorgeous! I can sit out on my balcony and look out around the different brightly colored houses and I almost feel like I'm at the beach! The saltwater pools and the beautiful white egrets that fly around from the lake only enhance the feeling.
My parents got to visit us this last weekend. They drove the 10 hours all the way from Alabama on Friday and just went back yesterday. It was so great to see them and get some good Mommy-time. We haven't been able to spend a lot of quality time together in the last few years since I've been living in Texas, so this was really nice - and much needed. We all had so much fun. Brandon and I took them to Ikea (which, by the way, if you haven't been, GO!) and got some fun stuff for the kitchen AND some super fun stuff for my classroom. I actually found a big, heart-shaped pillow with arms and big hands. Perfect for working on steady-beat with my little ones! Ikea is wonderful! It's like the DisneyWorld of furniture/home goods.
While they were here, we discovered that the ponds and lakes around the community here are actually catch-and-keep until the end of August, so we spent a good bit of quality time fishing with my dad, too. He and Brandon ended up catching enough for us to have a fish fry! That, coupled with the fresh gulf shrimp that my dad brought with them, made my favorite meal. It was so good! I think Brandon may be hooked on fishing. :D
All in all, it was a wonderful weekend and we were sad to see it end. Even Gizmo misses my folks. He had so much fun playing chase with my dad and snuggling with my mom - it was adorable (sometimes I wonder if he likes my dad even more than us!). He's even gone up and whined at the guest-room door a couple of times today, hoping to find them.
In other news, I will hopefully be able to get in my classroom tomorrow to drop off some of my boxes and see what kind of supplies I have. I've been told I should have a pretty big puppet collection - I'm really excited about that! I'm ready to start setting up and planning! I've already been to new hire orientation and my staff development starts August 10 (kids come on the 24th). In a few weeks, Brandon will have his placement exams and ensemble auditions at UNT, and by the end of August, things will be in full swing for both of us. I think we're both looking forward to it, but for now we're enjoying this vacation time too. :)
I love it here! The neighborhood is so gorgeous! I can sit out on my balcony and look out around the different brightly colored houses and I almost feel like I'm at the beach! The saltwater pools and the beautiful white egrets that fly around from the lake only enhance the feeling.
My parents got to visit us this last weekend. They drove the 10 hours all the way from Alabama on Friday and just went back yesterday. It was so great to see them and get some good Mommy-time. We haven't been able to spend a lot of quality time together in the last few years since I've been living in Texas, so this was really nice - and much needed. We all had so much fun. Brandon and I took them to Ikea (which, by the way, if you haven't been, GO!) and got some fun stuff for the kitchen AND some super fun stuff for my classroom. I actually found a big, heart-shaped pillow with arms and big hands. Perfect for working on steady-beat with my little ones! Ikea is wonderful! It's like the DisneyWorld of furniture/home goods.
While they were here, we discovered that the ponds and lakes around the community here are actually catch-and-keep until the end of August, so we spent a good bit of quality time fishing with my dad, too. He and Brandon ended up catching enough for us to have a fish fry! That, coupled with the fresh gulf shrimp that my dad brought with them, made my favorite meal. It was so good! I think Brandon may be hooked on fishing. :D
All in all, it was a wonderful weekend and we were sad to see it end. Even Gizmo misses my folks. He had so much fun playing chase with my dad and snuggling with my mom - it was adorable (sometimes I wonder if he likes my dad even more than us!). He's even gone up and whined at the guest-room door a couple of times today, hoping to find them.
In other news, I will hopefully be able to get in my classroom tomorrow to drop off some of my boxes and see what kind of supplies I have. I've been told I should have a pretty big puppet collection - I'm really excited about that! I'm ready to start setting up and planning! I've already been to new hire orientation and my staff development starts August 10 (kids come on the 24th). In a few weeks, Brandon will have his placement exams and ensemble auditions at UNT, and by the end of August, things will be in full swing for both of us. I think we're both looking forward to it, but for now we're enjoying this vacation time too. :)
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Are We Moving?
Hi all! Everyone keeps asking about the job search/moving status, so I thought I would give a quick update. As it stands right now, we will still be moving to Denton sometime this summer. I really can't imagine us not going since Brandon has such a great offer from UNT.
I still do not have a job yet. But there are some good prospects out there. I attended two job fairs weekend before last (Little Elm ISD and Carrollton/Farmers Branch ISD). Both districts seemed very interested. Little Elm has two anticipated openings but since they are not official, they can't interview for them yet. Carrollton does actually have an opening at Las Colinas Elementary. It is an International Baccaluareate school, which means there are a TON of foreign students (but nearly all speak English in addition to their native language). From what I understand, IB schools were originally created for families of international business people and politicians so that when their students get bounced around from school to school, they will still be on a similar level. It seems really great. I met with their principal at the job fair and have been invited to her campus to meet the special areas team this Friday.
Everything about the school sounds amazing - except the location. From where we want/need to live with Brandon being in school, it would mean about an hour long drive down I35 E for me. I am not thrilled about that. In fact, if there was a way to live in the metroplex and completely avoid all interstates, I would do it. Traffic there really scares me. So, anyway - we'll see how Friday goes, and if I have any other leads. Keep the prayers coming!
In other news, Gizmo is growing and growing. He went for his second round of puppy shots today and weighed 5.6 pounds! Of course, the whole vet office knows him and adores him already (and what's not to love - he's just so cute!). He got a puppy present in the mail the other day from Max, Moe, Dolly, and Button Stewart (Eloise's doggies). He now proudly sports his snazzy Bama collar, chews on his squeaky Bama-bone pillow, and cheers on the Tide in his puppy shirt. :)
I still do not have a job yet. But there are some good prospects out there. I attended two job fairs weekend before last (Little Elm ISD and Carrollton/Farmers Branch ISD). Both districts seemed very interested. Little Elm has two anticipated openings but since they are not official, they can't interview for them yet. Carrollton does actually have an opening at Las Colinas Elementary. It is an International Baccaluareate school, which means there are a TON of foreign students (but nearly all speak English in addition to their native language). From what I understand, IB schools were originally created for families of international business people and politicians so that when their students get bounced around from school to school, they will still be on a similar level. It seems really great. I met with their principal at the job fair and have been invited to her campus to meet the special areas team this Friday.
Everything about the school sounds amazing - except the location. From where we want/need to live with Brandon being in school, it would mean about an hour long drive down I35 E for me. I am not thrilled about that. In fact, if there was a way to live in the metroplex and completely avoid all interstates, I would do it. Traffic there really scares me. So, anyway - we'll see how Friday goes, and if I have any other leads. Keep the prayers coming!
In other news, Gizmo is growing and growing. He went for his second round of puppy shots today and weighed 5.6 pounds! Of course, the whole vet office knows him and adores him already (and what's not to love - he's just so cute!). He got a puppy present in the mail the other day from Max, Moe, Dolly, and Button Stewart (Eloise's doggies). He now proudly sports his snazzy Bama collar, chews on his squeaky Bama-bone pillow, and cheers on the Tide in his puppy shirt. :)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Donors Choose
I am so very excited! I just got word that my project has been approved and posted online at DonorsChoose.org!
Here's the scoop. At this nonprofit website, public school teachers (like me!) submit projects for materials or experiences their students need to learn. These ideas become a reality when concerned individuals choose projects to fund. Donors who complete project funding or give more than $100 receive photos and personal thank-you notes from the students they helped. It's easy - and very rewarding. Anyone can donate!
The great news is that my project, Help Us Hear the Sounds of Music, is now posted at DonorsChoose.org! Check it out at:
http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=252946
I am asking for two portable boomboxes for myself and my co-teacher to use in our classroom. Right now, all we have is our classroom computer and a rather old and unpredictable mp3 player (the speaker system for it barely "speaks").
Hopefully, if we are funded soon enough, my students will be able to see the benefits of this project before our school year ends! Take a look. Also, please consider supporting me and my students by forwarding or linking this message to others who may be interested in improving education.
EDITED TO ADD: My project was fully funded before hardly anyone had the chance to see it! Wow! Thanks to Patty and Steve for being so generous - my kiddos are so excited! And thanks to everyone else who read about our project, even if you couldn't donate. Hopefully, we will have more projects like this in the future!
ONE MORE EDIT: Our CD players are here! My kids are LOVING them and it makes our lessons sooooo much easier! We have been dancing, singing, and practicing for our 2nd and 4th grade program with them! Thanks again!
Here's the scoop. At this nonprofit website, public school teachers (like me!) submit projects for materials or experiences their students need to learn. These ideas become a reality when concerned individuals choose projects to fund. Donors who complete project funding or give more than $100 receive photos and personal thank-you notes from the students they helped. It's easy - and very rewarding. Anyone can donate!
The great news is that my project, Help Us Hear the Sounds of Music, is now posted at DonorsChoose.org! Check it out at:
http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=252946
I am asking for two portable boomboxes for myself and my co-teacher to use in our classroom. Right now, all we have is our classroom computer and a rather old and unpredictable mp3 player (the speaker system for it barely "speaks").
Hopefully, if we are funded soon enough, my students will be able to see the benefits of this project before our school year ends! Take a look. Also, please consider supporting me and my students by forwarding or linking this message to others who may be interested in improving education.
EDITED TO ADD: My project was fully funded before hardly anyone had the chance to see it! Wow! Thanks to Patty and Steve for being so generous - my kiddos are so excited! And thanks to everyone else who read about our project, even if you couldn't donate. Hopefully, we will have more projects like this in the future!
ONE MORE EDIT: Our CD players are here! My kids are LOVING them and it makes our lessons sooooo much easier! We have been dancing, singing, and practicing for our 2nd and 4th grade program with them! Thanks again!
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