A Pause for the Cause

OUR Children, My Cause:

 How can we ask students to compete with an ever-changing, technologically savvy world when they must navigate through a web of higher-order knowledge and expectations using computers that crash and laptops with missing buttons? If we sit around and do nothing we contribute to their broken hearts, crushed dreams and obliterated self-worth & esteem.

My students are a unique demographic of predominately African American and Latino students intermingled with a small population of Caucasian urban public school youth. They all have one thing in common: they love learning and accept each challenge set before them with the confidence and strength of a strong nation. Their command on English Literature and Literary conventions range from intellectually gifted to specific learning disabled; however, when I challenge them with higher-order tasks and projects, they ALL do their best to meet that challenge with confident vigor.

Our Need:

 Having fully-functioning high-quality 21st century technology in my classroom ensures that ALL students have access to the equipment they need to compete globally. Specifically, computers in my classroom will ensure that students who do not have a computer (or the internet) at home will be able to complete projects, essays and major assignments during tutoring/work session. Those who are accelerated learners, who complete tasks before others, will have an opportunity to work on advanced skills practice during class periods. Struggling students will be able to utilize intervention programs to enhance/improve literacy, writing skills, and/or elevated vocabulary knowledge and retention. Additionally, students will use the SD card and USB memory stick to store data making information portable to display work at conferences, obtain scholarships, and conduct speaking engagements throughout the school and community. In short, they can become the leaders I know they are internally.

Yes, many of the students in our demographic lack the resources that some children take for granted; therefore, the thought that perfect strangers would ensure they have the equipment to support their success gives them hope that they are worthy of the investment. By donating to this project, you encourage my students by helping them realize their worth.

There are Three ways to give (you can choose one or do them all:

You can donate finances directly to my Donors Choose Homepage:

http://donorschoose.org/ms.whitted

You can Change your Homepage to BING and they will give you a $5 donation code:

http://www.bing.com/gives/default1.aspx?v2#fbid=n392J7f2rcX&wom=false

You can vote for our project on Yahoo! Homepages for Homerooms (If we win the weekly prize, $600 goes to our project!): http://yahoo.homepagesforhomerooms.com

Our project # is: 479926

Help me, your homeless teacher, make the difference in the lives of my students by supplying them with the materials they need to be successful! We must engage them and want them to succeed.

Thank you in advance for your support!