This week, we’re helping two early-elementary library projects; a first grade classroom library in Philadelphia, and a preschool library and STEM center in Virginia. We hope that readers who support quality public school education will help by sharing or supporting our featured projects.
The Inoculation Project is an ongoing, volunteer effort to crowdfund science, math, and literacy projects for public schools in low-income neighborhoods. As always, our conduit is DonorsChoose, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation that facilitates tax-deductible donations to specific, vetted projects in public schools.
As I am writing this on Saturday night, I see the following banner on the DonorsChoose site:
Double your donation! Enter code BHM on projects supporting Black students and teachers.
It looks like a Black History Month thing, so let’s see how long the funding holds out! Our projects today should be eligible for it. When you check out, enter the code on the right where it says “Promo Code” and it will double your donation*. (This is in addition to any matching funds for the individual project.)
* If you have pre-paid account credits, even if you say not to use them, their system is going to choke on the BHM code. They offer a linked instruction page on how to make a donation while logged out, which will allow you to bypass the credits and get the match. I am sorry that’s so annoying — I’m surprised it’s so clunky.
Mrs. Taylor’s Philadelphia first grade needs a classroom library, and as you can see, this big project is almost home. Surely we can cover the rest!
PROJECT #1
Resources: Help me give my students a classroom library that is a reflection of their diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds!
Economic need: An Equity Focus School; nearly all students from low‑income households.
Location: Edwin Stanton Elementary School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Total: $1,274.64
Still Needed: Completed, thank you! Please consider project #2 below.
Project description by Mrs. Taylor: Classroom libraries are essential in building a child's love for learning. Students need to see themselves in the books they read. They also need materials that are within their zones of proximal development. Classroom libraries are places that create a sense of belonging and foster social-emotional skills such as empathy.
The books requested reflect the cultural diversity of the students in my classroom.
Having representation in the classroom library books reinforces the message that students from diverse backgrounds are welcome and accepted in the class. When students feel validated and recognized, their confidence increases and they feel safe to take the academic risks necessary to grow. The materials requested will also help present students with materials that serve as windows into the different experiences of others, helping them gain new perspectives, and place themselves in the shoes of others- thus building empathy.
Classroom libraries also support students' reading skills. Decodable texts are essential compliments to reading instruction, as they help students put the skills they learn into practice. Working with a range of decodable texts that encompass students' interests will support students in becoming engaged, independent readers!
Donations of ANY size can make a BIG difference!
Among the requested books is a set of the popular Mercy Watson stories. Mercy is a pig who lives in a house with her indulgent family, Mr. and Mrs. Watson, and has many adventures.
This new project looks big, but after we apply the match from the local foundation, and THEN the match from the BHM funding, it’s not such a heavy lift after all!
Ms. Wilson needs to revamp and modernize the library at her Virginia preschool, in a small city south of Richmond. Currently, 2x matching funds are available from The Cameron Foundation: Based in Petersburg, Virginia, The Cameron Foundation strives to transform the Tri-Cities and surrounding counties into a healthy, vibrant and economically vital region by strategically leveraging resources for community impact. It focuses on six outcome areas: healthy residents, education excellence, cultural richness, a vital economy, vibrant communities and dynamic nonprofits.
PROJECT #2
Resources: Help me give my students a renewed and renovated library space with a variety of STEM and literacy toys for preschoolers!
Economic need: An Equity Focus School; nearly all students from low‑income households.
Location: Woodlawn Learning Center, Hopewell, Virginia
Total: $934.28 (2x matching funds from The Cameron Foundation, BUT ALSO 2x match with the BHM code. So overall, 3x match!)
Still Needed: $884.28 $635.46 ($318 from us, plus the match from BHM)
Project description by Ms. Wilson: Our preschool library is in desperate need of an update to better serve our young learners and provide them with an engaging, interactive space for exploration. Currently, the library is outdated and lacks the functionality necessary to support the developmental needs of our students. To help revamp this important area, we are requesting donations of materials and age-appropriate toys that will inspire creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning.
The goal of this project is to transform our library into an inviting, hands-on learning environment that encourages active participation.
By incorporating educational toys, interactive games, and engaging activities, we aim to create a space where children can explore new ideas, develop motor skills, and foster their imaginations.
With your support, we can create a functional, inspiring library space that will not only benefit the students we serve today but also future generations of learners. Together, we can build a brighter, more engaging future for our preschool community.
Donations of ANY size can make a BIG difference!
These are a different brand, but a similar suction-cup building toy is on the list of requested items. They look fun!
Both our projects from last week were completed! To complete the projects, we picked up a donor who does not check in here, may not even have a DK account, and indeed, may not even have seen the projects here and it’s just coincidence that they picked our two projects on the day we posted. But if it happens they read this, thank you! Your help was very much appreciated! (As was the help of our regular community!!!)
Project #1, Things That We Need for Our 1st Grade Classroom: Ms. Clark needed many supplies for her Chicago-area first grade classroom, including some to help students with both reading and STEM.
She writes: Thank you for your generosity and support! Our first-grade class is so excited to use the amazing materials you helped provide. The kinetic sand and other supplies make learning even more engaging and fun. We truly truly appreciate your kindness and generosity in making our classroom a better place!
Project #2, Make a Move: Ms. Abuhabsah-Ghusein teaches middle-school grades in Chicago, and she needed some robot kits to get them excited about STEM.
She writes: Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is because of people like you my students can enjoy science. I want my students to really understand the topics presented to them. Now with the wonderful donation, you have made my students understand the world outside their doors.
This donation has the ability to change so many lives, what a wonderful gift you have given my wonderful students. Thank you for giving my students this wonderful lifetime experience, they will truly enjoy it. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
| DonorsChoose has developed the designation Equity Focus Schools to describe some schools that submit projects. They meet two criteria: at least 50% of students are Black, Latinx, Native American, Pacific Islander, or multiracial, and at least 50% of students qualify for free or reduced price lunch, the standard measure for school economic need. You can read more at the link about their efforts to address the longstanding inequity in education. |
Founded in 2009, The Inoculation Project seeks to fund science, math, and literacy projects in public school classrooms and libraries. Our conduit is DonorsChoose, a crowdfunding charity founded in 2000 and highly rated by both Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau.
Every Sunday, we focus on helping to fund projects in neighborhood public schools where the overwhelming majority of students come from low-income households. We welcome everyone who supports public school education — no money is required!
Finally, here’s our list of successfully funded projects — our series total is 1153! The success-list diary also contains links and additional information about DonorsChoose.
