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“To remember him is to feel both gratitude for the gift of his friendship and grief over its brevity. In his honor, we would like to plant a garden in the courtyard in the center of our school, a courtyard that so many of our classes look out upon, as a way of honoring his spirit and his cherished, but too short life.”

These words were written by a Brooklyn teacher who suffered the loss of a first grade student in 2006. Many donors chose to give to this project commemorating his life: first in the Spring of 2007, “Andry’s Garden,” and again this year for the project “Renewing Andry’s Garden;” both projects were so moving and inspiring that we just had to see it for ourselves.

Andry’s Garden was such an oasis on the hot, brilliantly sunny day when we visited Brooklyn. Bordered on all sides by the school’s corridors and classrooms, it housed several flowering plants, a water garden, and herbs that the younger children had picked clean for their cooking classes!

The space that now holds Andry’s Garden was never used until this project came alive. It is now a place where classes are held, teachers and students can eat their lunch, and parents and members of the community can come and enjoy. Andry’s mother frequently visits this garden that was created in honor of her son. DonorsChoose.org is not only helping classrooms with their needs but also getting parents and the community involved with their local school.

Ms. R., along with her gardening club, have sent multiple thank-you packages to allow donors see how this project came to life: from the beginning stages when the children were planning the garden, to when the plants were actually planted. One of the thank-you packages was made at our visit there! Being able to experience the children thinking of what to write and getting excited about their letters to the donors was truly amazing.

The Operations team spends so much time interacting with teachers by email and phone – it was wonderful to meet the students we serve personally, to share pizza, a beautiful space, and to hear their thoughtful questions. Thanks, Gardening Club!

- Divya, Elaine, & Meghan

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A South Carolina teacher wrote to let us know how the resources she received from DonorsChoose.org helped her students.

I just had to share some good news with DonorsChoose. Last year my school tried a new program. All of our self-contained students were placed into regular classrooms. Almost one-third of my class was comprised of these students.

I was overwhelmed, especially considering the fact that these children would be required to take the same end-of-year state tests that the other children took. I turned to the donors at DonorsChoose for help.

They purchased book sets, phonics helps, writing tools, and more. Of the six children needing the most help, four passed their reading and writing tests. It was like a miracle.

One donor had purchased books for a needy child in my room. That child read her books nightly and on the state test not only did she pass reading, but she scored proficient in writing.

Another child came into my room reading on a zero reading level. He, too, passed the reading and writing sections.

When the results came in, my principal had the faculty give me a round of applause. I, in turn, gave credit to people in my school who had helped with my students and now I want to give credit to DonorsChoose.

You supported me during a really tough year and I thank you. More importantly, DonorsChoose did exactly what it was created to do…make a difference in the lives of needy children. All of my students fared well on our state reading and writing tests. Of my students who did not have severe learning problems, 100 % passed their state reading and writing tests.

On behalf of all my students and me…thank-you.

Sincerely,
- A South Carolina Teacher

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