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Recently, we had the opportunity to chat about crowdfunding best practices with David DeSchryver, Senior Vice President and Co-Director of Research at Whiteboard Advisors. David holds a J.D. from the George Washington Law School and has significant experience advising districts on the legal ramifications of crowdfunding in public schools. He’s also spoken on the topic at conferences for the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International and been published in their monthly journal, School Business Affairs.

How should school districts define “crowdfunding?”

The first step in developing an effective crowdfunding policy is to define the term. Crowdfunding needs to be addressed separately from your district’s current fundraising or grant policy because it’s a unique practice benefiting your students, teachers, and schools. It’s a different form of fundraising and a different kind of grant. Crowdfunding is also a school-based practice, and so it needs its own definition to incorporate its own guardrails and clarify the roles of teachers, principals, and district administrators. You can avoid confusion with non-school based crowdfunding by establishing clear school-based rules and objectives to ensure purposeful use of the service.

What types of crowdfunding platforms help districts? Can others hurt them?

There are a lot of crowdfunding platforms available, some focused on the general public, and a few focused on serving schools. To make sure your district is only using platforms that help the district and don’t expose you to additional liability, you should require these key best practices:

• Prohibit cash. All donations are made in the form of materials and resources. Prohibit cash payments so you don’t get on the wrong side of cash management rules for your district or state.
• Property of the school. Materials received become property of the school and district to support your students, and that policy is reinforced by the crowdfunding service.
• Protect privacy. The platform must have built-in safeguards to protect the privacy of your students. Be sure it is FERPA compliant and poses no threat to your students.
• Tracking and reporting. The crowdfunding service must offer clear and granular tracking and reporting on the projects created and materials donated to your district.
• Reputation guard. To ensure that it is reputable and transparent on its fee structure, the platform should be a charity with at least a 3-star rating on Charity Navigator.

When these conditions are met, the risk of using a crowdfunding platform goes down. You’re mitigating the liability, and the opportunities presented by crowdfunding for your schools goes up. You can better tap into teacher energy and safely generate new resources for your schools and students.

If my district wants to create a new crowdfunding policy or procedure, what kind is most effective?

Your district’s policy or procedure needs to protect you against potential unintended consequences of crowdfunding while also guiding the actions of your teachers, principals, and administrators. Everyone needs to understand their roles and responsibilities.  You can likely cover those bases with a procedure that:

• clarifies which district staff are eligible to create crowdfunding projects
• mandates that teachers only use district-approved crowdfunding platforms and list them
• requires prior district approval if teachers want to use any site not on your vetted, pre-approved list of platforms
• offers teachers at least one district-approved crowdfunding platform to use
• specifies that approved platforms must continually meet all best practices mentioned above regarding material management, school ownership, cost transparency, accountability, FERPA compliance, and student safety

The right type of policy or procedure will help you avoid unexpected violations of cash management rules and make sure the benefits of crowdfunding adhere to your district’s internal controls. Implementing the right procedure is a process, not a destination, so there needs to be ongoing review to make sure the platforms your teachers use meet best practices.

Wouldn’t it be safer for districts to just disallow all teacher-led crowdfunding?

A good policy or procedure protects your district from harmful activities, mitigates risk, and fosters teacher creativity. Crowdfunding prohibitions are reactionary. School officials enact them in the absence of  distinct school practices that define school-based crowdfunding differently than those that serve the general consumer. You want to create something that specifically helps your schools, and prohibitions do not accomplish that. Do the work to clarify the rules and create guardrails against liability so that students and staff can benefit from generous donations.

Incomplete guidelines also invite unwanted situations and liabilities. I recommend districts leverage the work that’s already been done by taking model policies and building on that intellectual work to create guidelines that best serve their district’s goals and clarify what platforms and services can and can’t be used.

Should a district require teachers to get administrator approval for each new project they create?

There’s a big difference between multi-stage district approval procedures and necessary monitoring provisions. You don’t want to create extra work for your administrative team, principals, or your teachers. I recommend looking at crowdfunding platforms that have technology on the backend that can do these things for you. A high quality, approved crowdfunding platform should trigger role-based communication (emails to principals and administrators), automate inventory reporting, monitor teacher usage, and keep everyone synchronized across the district. The best systems allow teachers and administrators to operate without unnecessary layers of review and approval because the platform should be trusted to keep everyone informed.

Making sure your teachers can create new projects in a timely manner allows them to tap into their creativity. This upfront work is just being mindful of the design that allows for quick thinking at the classroom level. Administrators are great at setting the guardrails, grant parameters, and determining the direction to point teachers and schools, but the creative stuff happens at the classroom level. You should enable teachers to get excited about the use of crowdfunding in a way that propels the mission of the school and district. Be thoughtful about how your procedures are designed and use a platform’s built-in backend technology to accelerate and automate the administrative oversight that is required.

Where can I see examples of other districts’ successful crowdfunding policies?

AASA has provided a great crowdfunding best practice and model policy toolkit. You’ll find a treasure trove of materials, resources, and policy examples to learn how to create a policy or procedure that balances mitigating risk and tapping into the energy of teachers.When we do that well, districts can benefit from these new funding streams and opportunities.Some good examples of districts with great policies that get that done:

• The School District of Philadelphia was an early leader in crowdfunding and created a policy in 2016 to support teachers and set procedural guardrails.
• Hamilton County Schools in Tennessee created a blanket approval process for pre-vetted platforms like DonorsChoose. This relates back to the facilitation of an efficient program. Using the hallmarks of a great school-based crowdfunding platform that they could pre-vet, the district allows teachers to move more quickly and build projects that accelerate the mission of the district and learning in the classroom.
• Richmond Public Schools created a firm policy and published guidelines that help teachers use pre-approved crowdfunding platforms with ease. They found the right balance between ensuring proper oversight and monitoring while enabling teachers at the classroom level to support their students, engage the community, and take advantage of timely donation opportunities.

Teachers, you're in our hearts this Valentine’s Day. With that in mind, we wanted to send you a Valentine in the DonorsChoose love language: helpful tips & tricks for our favorite people in the world.

Send some snail-mail 💙

Helpful tips & tricks for our favorite people in the world.

One of our top trending items right now: Stamps! You can add postage stamps or pre-paid shipping supplies to your next project or create a project just for these supplies. (Shop at Amazon Business when you create a project.) When the postage arrives, you’ll be all set to send little reminders of how much you care right to your students’ homes — without paying out of pocket. 

Share the love 💙

We designed these adorable digital greetings just for you. Post on social, pick the perfect one for a colleague, or email to your friends & family along with a link to your DonorsChoose teacher page. Give your loved ones a chance to send some love right back to your classroom!

Find your perfect match 💙

There’s an entire community of DonorsChoose partners looking to support projects that are just their type. From books to digital subscriptions to sports equipment, the materials you request may be eligible for doubled donations thanks to our  corporate and foundation friends. Take a look at what kinds of projects they’re supporting and find the perfect match for you!

This Valentine’s Day, know that you have a not-so-secret admirer in us. Thank you for all you do for your students!

Regardless of what their learning situations have looked like this school year, students are feeling disconnected and facing immense uncertainty. This added stress means student mental health has been top of mind for teachers like never before.

We asked teachers from our community to learn more about what their students are facing and how they’re connecting with their students’ social and emotional needs on any given day. The big takeaway: students and teachers have been working together to face the challenges and stressors that this year has brought. 

Here are a few of the stories that teachers shared and some of the strategies they’re using to connect with their students. 

Read a few stories that teachers shared along with some of the strategies they’re using to connect with their students. Student Experiences are Varied

The teachers who spoke to us about their students’ experiences made one thing clear: every student is different. Those varied experiences have meant paying even more individual attention to their kids, whether in the virtual or in-person classroom. 

“This year is impacting all students, not just the ones who have shown us signs of distress. The ones who seem fine and hold it in are also hurting.” —Ms. Feltz, 1st Grade

“I have a better read on the concerns of my students, more time to support them, and there have been fewer incidents of dysregulation virtually. We are fortunate to have a social thinking hour paired with a read aloud and a social worker who is with us twice a week. These resources did not exist in person.” —Ms. Witherell, 5th Grade

“The constant jostling of remote/in-person learning, remote days, and so on, have been really challenging for students. It’s been harder to make connections with all students, and there are some who don’t have the family support to get logged into daily zoom sessions for services.” —Ms. Marshall, 1st Grade

Checking In Often is Key

Teachers are finding ways to bring in social and emotional learning check-ins to time with their students weekly and sometimes even daily. 

“We have kids hybrid and 100% virtual by parent choice. They are all finding it hard to feel motivated and connected. I’ve eliminated homework, and I have a daily check in.” —Mrs. Vedros, 7th & 8th Grade

“I check in with my students when I see them. As the K-8 art teacher, that means once a week. In addition to asking them how they feel, I'm also listening to what's happening around them and how they react when I ask questions or assign tasks. When they get really defensive when I ask, "What did you work on today?," I worry. When younger siblings are really loud, I worry. We get a real big picture window into our students' lives right now, and that brings a whole lot more to be concerned about when it comes to their mental health.” —Ms. Steiner, Grades K-8

“This is a topic that is heavy on my mind at all times. We have SEL time for the first 20 minutes daily. We do a check in, socialize, and enjoy watching videos about social-emotional growth. The thing that I am truly noticing about my scholars’ emotional well-being currently is that the children that are adjusting well and experiencing successes are those that have adults at home that have a positive, growth mindset! Those that know this is temporary and not 100% negative will still thrive and learn.” —Mrs. Schlotman, 3rd Grade

Teachers are Finding Small Ways to Make Things Easier

Beyond finding ways to check-in daily and weekly, teachers are taking the pressure off of their students and assisting them in connecting with their own emotions through daily SEL, time for reflection, and even some spycraft!  

“I would say students are in limbo and are showing some form of "trauma" physically, emotionally, and mentally. I am trying to start an after school yoga club to help support students.” —Mrs. de Lara-Staunton, PreK-2nd Grade

“I am using the Class Dojo “Big Ideas and Mindfulness” videos with my students. I choose a Social Spy each class session and notify them by email that they are today's spy. Nobody but the Spy knows who they are each session, and everybody gets to be a spy on several different occasions, randomly chosen by Dojo. Their job is to try to notice somebody being kind or using the current social skill we are working on. They email me the person's name and what they saw. The Spy and the Exhibitor both get 5 Dojo "mystery skill" points.” —Ms. Bright, Resource Teacher for K-5

“We do small group zoom sessions after lunch for increased talk time for kids. We do phone calls and porch drops. We send hello cards and stickers in the mail. We offer SEL focused lessons, games, home challenges on MWF from 1-1:30 for primary and 2-2:30 for upper. The classes are led by the counselor and myself.” —Mrs. Igarashi Takayama, Elementary Learning Specialist

Teachers, Take Care of Yourselves

The last message that teachers who spoke to us had was for each other. Knowing that caring for students so deeply can feel heavy, the folks we heard from made it clear that caring for oneself and one another is one of the best ways to keep supporting students. 

As one teacher said, “For teachers, we have to remember to find balance. I am not good at that, but every day is new and all I can do is keep trying!” 

If you’re interested in checking out more projects from teachers requesting resources for social and emotional learning in their classrooms, you can start here. 

DonorsChoose is the nonprofit funding site for public school teachers in all 50 states and Washington, DC.

Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. The Black History Month 2021 theme, “Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity” explores the African diaspora, and the spread of Black families across the United States.

As an organization, we’re dedicated to moving the needle on education inequity, and we recognize the structural challenges faced by Black teachers and students on a daily basis. In addition to working towards that goal, we intend to acknowledge and honor that Black history is American history this month and beyond.

We’ve gathered some resources in hopes that as an organization, we’ll take strides to celebrate the contributions of Black folks and recognize their central role in American history and beyond. We invite the teachers, donors, and partners in our community who work towards education equity to do the same.

Read

• Check out this genre-spanning list of books written by Black authors compiled by educator and activist Rachel Cargle — and search for others!
• Dive into Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, and beyond by exploring poetry that celebrates Black History Month 

Listen and Watch 

• Soul Foodie is a playlist featuring podcast episodes that explore food culture through a Black lens 
• Check out 24 Essential Works of Black Cinema Recommended by Black Directors. Last year, DonorsChoose staff affinity group Black Organization of Soulful Staff (BOSS) screened these selections: 
• Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am
• If Beale Street Could Talk
• Creed 2
• The Last Black Man in San Francisco

Learn

• Learn more about people and events in American history that are critically important but not well known through Equal Justice Initiative’s A History of Racial Injustice Calendar
• Understand The History Behind Black History Month, which was created by African American educator and scholar Carter G. Woodson who “sought to help African Americans rediscover a history which had been intentionally buried by white mainstream culture“ 
• Access the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture for trusted information, interpretation, and scholarship on the global Black experience
• Virtually visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, D.C.

Support

• Check out the BOSS Giving Page to find DonorsChoose projects curated by our Black team members
• Search Give Blck, a comprehensive database of Black-founded nonprofits, to find and champion Black-led organizations

We’re so grateful for the opportunity to honor Black history with this community of educators and advocates. Tell us below how you’re celebrating with your community this month!

DonorsChoose and the National Association for Secondary School Principals partner to help principals empower their teachers and advisers to use our nonprofit crowdfunding platform. This updated Principal Toolkit will help school leaders harness the DonorsChoose network of 4 million donors to support teachers and students during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In this toolkit, you’ll find:

• Information on how DonorsChoose is helping teachers during COVID, including information on our newly flexible shipping options
• Case studies from principals and administrators who help teachers leverage DonorsChoose to support school-wide goals and priorities
• Four steps you can take to set your teachers and advisers up for success
• Information on signing up for free, regular notifications from DonorsChoose

Learn more about our work with the NASSP, and download the toolkit.

Helping students process the ongoing pandemic, racial justice, growing environmental challenges, and more have been a major part of teaching this year. Time and again, we see that expressing gratitude and sharing feelings through art can ground and center us in seasons of uncertainty.

Students Rebuild and the Bezos Family Foundation is inviting students across the world to create awards for the changemakers in their lives. Students can honor those making change around them while learning the value of community connectedness and participation.

Get started

“A changemaker is someone who takes creative action to solve a social problem.”*

Anyone can be a changemaker: Maybe a changemaker is a parent or grandparent, aunt, or uncle. They could be a neighbor or classmate that has made a difference. Their changemaker may be a teacher, community organizer, doctor, librarian, or friend that rises up to help. A changemaker could be someone you admire but haven’t met. It might even be you!

—via Students Rebuild, *changemaker definition from Ashoka.org

For each award submitted, Bezos Family Foundation will donate $5 to causes that support real world changemakers, up to $1 million total. DonorsChoose is a Students Rebuild partner, and a portion of those donations will support requests for community service projects.

Get involved

1. Register to create a Changemaker Challenge team for your students
2. Check out free Students Rebuild resources, including an art guide and lesson plans by grade level
3. Ask students to identify a changemaker to celebrate
4. Facilitate students to create an artistic award for their changemaker
5. Send an image of student artwork with Students Rebuild to have Bezos Family Foundation donation $5 to support changemakers like you

Visit StudentsRebuild.org/challenges/changemaker to learn more and get started!

Although words such as “remote learning” and “distance learning” have dominated our conversations this school year, the heart of every classroom is still the connection between a teacher and their students. With the right tools and resources, that connection can remain infinitely stronger than the wifi networks powering your virtual classroom.

Over 400 teachers from the DonorsChoose community shared their feedback and tips for the most popular programs enabling their students to learn from home. Here’s what teachers across the country had to say about Flocabulary:

What is Flocabulary?

“Flocabulary is a platform that creates R&B/Hip-Hop songs that relate to tons of different concepts across all content areas. They are catchy and my students love to hear the songs that go along with each concept we learn.” - Mr. French, 2nd and 3rd grade

Is Flocabulary a good fit for my classroom?

Flocabulary has content available for all grade levels in a wide variety of subjects, but teachers mostly recommend it for grades two and up. From 3rd grade math to 10th grade English, teachers found creative ways to use Flocabulary in the classroom.

“This tool incorporates hip hop songs to teach about sooo many content area subjects across all areas. There are so many videos for my specific subject area too. I love the fact that I can use music to teach; this is a way to teach students with different learning styles. Flocabulary also has a variety of resources that correlate with the videos including vocabulary words, activities, reading passages, quizzes,  This is probably my favorite of the tech tools I have tried. - Cathy Allen, K-6 Library Media

What do teachers think of Flocabulary?

“Whether you're teaching elementary or high school, Flocabulary has content related to your subject in the form of videos, songs, and activities.” — Mrs. Fields, 5th grade ELA

“The songs are great and get the students drawn in. Plus you'll be singing all day as well.” - Mr. French, 2nd and 3rd grade 

Will my students like Flocabulary?

We think so! Mrs. Fields (5th grade ELA) had one student say it was “the most fun I've ever had learning!"

“We were learning multiplication facts using the songs from Flocabulary. We were taking a facts quiz and my student was singing the song to remember the facts. He was so proud when he passed the test!” - Mrs. Knight, 5th grade math and science

“My 5th graders love the water cycle video; they all aced the unit test, singing it under their breath while testing.” - Ms. Bright, K-5 Special Education

Flocabulary Tips and Tricks

“If you upload your class, you can assign individual videos to students that need it. There are also online activities that support learning.” - Ms. Prue, 3rd grade

“It is best to actually do a walk through with students the first time so they understand all the components and know what is expected of them.” - Mrs. Fields, 5th grade ELA

Flocabulary Cost and Subscriptions

Teachers, you can get a Flocabulary subscription without having to reach into your own pocket. Flocabulary is available on DonorsChoose through our vendor AKJ Education. Get started on a project today.

Other remote learning resources you may find helpful:

• DonorsChoose Teachers Review Remote Learning with BrainPOP
• DonorsChoose Teachers Review Remote Learning with Nearpod
• DonorsChoose Teachers Review Remote Learning with Breakout EDU

You know what your students need, especially during this time of remote learning. The DonorsChoose community is here to help you get it. 3 out of 4 schools in the U.S. have a public school teacher who’s used DonorsChoose - that’s over 1.8 million classroom project requests funded. Yours could be next. Start your project today.

Although words such as “remote learning” and “distance learning” have dominated our conversations this school year, the heart of every classroom is still the connection between a teacher and their students. With the right tools and resources, that connection can remain infinitely stronger than the wifi networks powering your virtual classroom.

Over 400 teachers from the DonorsChoose community shared their feedback and tips for the most popular programs enabling their students to learn from home. Here’s what teachers across the country had to say about Nearpod:

What is Nearpod?

“Nearpod is an interactive presentation tool that allows you to do it all in one place. You can teach using modeling, visuals, written information, 3D models, videos, and virtual trips. Then you have the opportunity to engage students with polls, quizzes, questions, and games. Everyone can participate, every time. You can make your own or choose from a full library of lessons. It's all in one spot.” – Miss DeLisa, 6th Grade

“A phenomenal platform to deliver engaging lessons both synchronous and asynchronous. Nearpod has single handedly saved me during the pandemic! I can deliver live lessons simultaneously to kids at home and those sitting right in front of me. Students are constantly engaged and the data reports provide me with thorough information in a one spot hub for all who joined my lesson!” – Ms. Fliegelman, K-5th Grade

Is Nearpod a good fit for my classroom? 

Teachers recommend Nearpod for all grades! For any lesson in which you would use a slideshow presentation, you can swap in Nearpod to get added engagement and real-time feedback.

“I thought my seniors would find this cheesy and "kid-like," but they are my most engaged class so don't be afraid of trying it with older students.” – Ms. Sloane, 7th-12th Grades

What do teachers think of Nearpod?

“I wholeheartedly recommend this tool for teachers to use! It made it so much easier to have students complete a variety of activities without losing instructional time for them to get to those different links” – Ms. Reed, 11th-12th Grades

“I wish I had harnessed these tools sooner. I started out making very basic lessons because I thought it would be ‘hard’ to design special activities. Boy, was I wrong!” – Mrs. Kleinschmidt, 3rd-5th Grades

“Nearpod is a way to make presentations interactive. You can add games, matching, fill in the blank, quizzes, videos with questions, and more. It has taken my classes up a notch as the students are so much more engaged.” – Ms. Sloane, 7th-12th Grades

But will my students like Nearpod?

“Yes. Students really love the game Time to Climb and ask ‘can we play?’ everyday. I incorporate it for lesson assessment to check for understanding and really do try to play daily. It helps with 100% student engagement and motivation in my classroom.” – Mrs. de Lara - Staunton, Elementary

“My students love the variety of activities in Nearpod, especially ‘Time to Climb’ and ‘Matching Cards.’ There is no limit to the variety of ways they can be combined!” – Mrs. Kleinschmidt, 3rd-5th Grades

“One of my students stated that “I feel like I am actually learning now, when I don’t get it you show me, then I can show you.” – Mrs. Coba, 3rd-5th Grades

“Students’ weekly appearances to my tech lessons were evident enough as to how much they liked it! I did hear from teachers that students would remind each other to be on time for our tech lesson so they wouldn’t miss out on anything :)” – Ms. Fliegelman, K-5th Grades

Nearpod Tips and Tricks

“I wish that I had started using it earlier--DonorsChoose project helped fund the Platinum license as the free version doesn't have enough storage space for a year's work.  Take advantage of the student paced option for more than just when students are absent.” – Ms. Reed, 11th-12th Grades

Nearpod works great when you’re teaching - and even when you’re not! If you’re prepping some just-in-case lesson plans for an unanticipated day out, Nearpod can make it easier to hand off the class to a substitute teacher.

“There are so many possibilities and it’s a great tool to leave for a substitute. Students get the knowledge and are accountable even when the teacher is out.” – Mrs. Rochon, 5th Grade

Nearpod Cost and Subscriptions

You can get a Nearpod subscription without having to reach into your own pocket. Nearpod is available on DonorsChoose through our vendor AKJ Education. Get started on a project today.

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Other remote learning resources you may find helpful:

• DonorsChoose Teachers Review Remote Learning with BrainPOP
• DonorsChoose Teachers Review Remote Learning with Breakout EDU
• DonorsChoose Teachers Review Remote Learning with Flocabulary

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You know what your students need, especially during this time of remote learning. The DonorsChoose community is here to help you get it. 3 out of 4 schools in the U.S. have a public school teacher who’s used DonorsChoose - that’s over 1.8 million classroom project requests funded. Yours could be next. Start your project today.

Although words such as “remote learning” and “distance learning” have dominated our conversations this school year, the heart of every classroom is still the connection between a teacher and their students. With the right tools and resources, that connection can remain infinitely stronger than the wifi networks powering your virtual classroom.

Over 400 teachers from the DonorsChoose community shared their feedback and tips for the most popular programs enabling their students to learn from home. Here’s what teachers across the country had to say about Breakout EDU:

What is Breakout EDU?

“This tool is a platform to access standards based "escape rooms" for all grade levels and content areas - plus some just for team building and seasonal fun!  There are games that you can play with a kit - but there are also many digital versions.” – Mrs. Vedros, 8th and 11th Grade

Is Breakout EDU a good fit for my classroom? 

Teachers recommend Breakout EDU for everyone! Breakout EDU includes content appropriate for all grade levels.

What do teachers think of Breakout EDU?

“I definitely recommend it because it makes students engage in contact and collaborate with others. They can also create their own breakout rooms to show their knowledge of new content learned.” – Mrs. Pierce, 6th and 8th Grade

"During distance learning we have worked all together to breakout and I have assigned breakouts in Google Classroom for them to complete alone. Additionally, I mailed them one to complete at home through a Google form. They LOVE trying to solve the puzzles! 

In the classroom setting, this tool is much more valuable. Students work collaboratively to solve the puzzles which promotes powerful team building skills! " – Miss Purcell, 6th Grade

“I highly recommend Breakout EDU! The students love the challenges and they're content and standard based. It is serving two or three purposes in one and the students are always engaged in it!” – Mrs. Dragoo, 6th Grade

“I definitely recommend this tool. I went around and switched classrooms with other teachers and did breakouts with their students, just to show them how much fun and engaging they are.” – Ms. King, Grades 9-12

But will my students like Breakout EDU?

“I was worried that the students would not have the same enthusiasm opening digital locks as they do with actual locks - but I hear squeals of excitement and can see them throwing their arms up in victory when they finally figure out a lock.” – Mrs. Vedros, 8th and 11th Grade

“My class absolutely loves being able to do Breakout EDU games. It is a fun way to use what we are learning to escape. With Breakout EDU, students develop essential life skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication.” – Ms.Ghusein, 4th-8th Grades

Breakout EDU Tips and Tricks

“Just do a practice run the first time you do an activity, so you can work out some of the kinks.” – Ms. King, Grades 9-12

“Make sure that you have all the clues made correctly and that you have plenty of time to set up each breakout box because you have to change lock codes, etc. Plus you have to have time to set it up for the next group, so it’s time-consuming at times.” – Mr. Starling, 9th-12th Grades

“I started using this as a Fun Friday activity for those who had their work done for the week since we are virtual and it was motivation to stay on track with their grades. Now I have started giving one to the class in different breakout rooms once every two weeks to work on social skills since we are still virtual and most of these students have never met since they are coming to middle school from three different elementary schools.” – Mrs. Dragoo, 6th Grade

Breakout EDU Cost and Subscriptions

You can get a Breakout EDU subscription without having to reach into your own pocket. Breakout EDU is available on DonorsChoose through our vendor AKJ Education. Get started on a project today.

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Other remote learning resources you may find helpful:

• DonorsChoose Teachers Review Remote Learning with BrainPOP
• DonorsChoose Teachers Review Remote Learning with Flocabulary
• DonorsChoose Teachers Review Remote Learning with Nearpod

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You know what your students need, especially during this time of remote learning. The DonorsChoose community is here to help you get it. 3 out of 4 schools in the U.S. have a public school teacher who’s used DonorsChoose - that’s over 1.8 million classroom project requests funded. Yours could be next. Start your project today.

Your classroom has had to be more flexible than ever this school year. We’ve updated our shipping policies to match. You can find all the details in our Help Center, but the short story is: we’re here to help you get the resources you need, right where you need them.

Read on for some clever ideas from your fellow teachers for getting much-needed materials into the hands & homes of every student.

The DIY (Deliver-It-Yourself) Method

When you create your project, one option is to have your classroom materials shipped directly to your school. From there, you can distribute items to your students by personal delivery or drive-through pick-up. This works great for larger items, expensive materials, and technology (or if you just want a chance to wave at your students from the car instead of the screen!).

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
Mrs. Elchyshyn, Grades 3-5, California

Request:

• Dr. Seuss Party Paper Hats, Mini Memo Pads, Beveled Erasers, and Pencils
• “I Love to Read” Rubber Bracelets
• Dr Seuss Oh The Places You'll Go! Bookmark Assortment Set

"Even though we are still learning from a distance, we want to be able to plan for the future and celebrate our love for reading. We want to celebrate [Dr. Seuss’s] birthday in March with a school wide party and family night. Students will be inspired to write like Dr. Seuss with their hats, pencils, notepads and erasers. We will have a special drive through event where they will pick up their goodie bags. Then teachers will Zoom on a special night, sharing his literature and having the students complete exciting activities."

Helping Students With Food Deficits!
Mrs. Williams, Grades 9-12, Alabama

Request: 

• 100% Recycled Paper Bags
• Welch's Fruit Snacks, Bulk Variety Pack
• Mott's 100% Apple Juice
• PLANTERS Salted Cashews
• Frito-Lay Ultimate Snack Care Package, Assorted Chips, Cookies, Crackers & More

"My students are from a school in Alabama where ninety percent of the students are on free or reduced lunch. I am now teaching my students on Google Classroom, and they have no choice except to work from home.

Once I received the snacks from DonorsChoose, I selected a date to deliver them to the students. I sent them an email and told them the date that I would deliver them. Because it rained that day, I took some to the drive thru lunch line and I delivered some to their homes. The students were so surprised, it was like they hit the lottery. Their parents thought that this was the greatest gesture, some of them even posted it on Facebook."

The Snail Mail Approach

One of our top trending items: Stamps! You can add postage stamps or pre-paid shipping supplies to your project or create a separate project just for these items. On DonorsChoose, you can find postage stamps through Staples. When the materials arrive at your classroom, you’ll be all set to mail your students exactly what they need.

Snail Mail: A Contemporary Flat Stanley Inspired Project
Mrs. Rodriguez, Kindergarten, New York

Request: 

• Postage Stamps
  Copy Paper
• Unpadded Large Shipping Envelopes 
• Thermal Laminating Pouches

"Although we are not physically in school I am still looking for ways to engage and have fun with my children. My students will be thrilled to attend a bedtime story of Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown, then excited to know that they will receive materials to create their own Mrs. Rodriguez adventures. 

The requested stamps, postcards, laminating sheets, and Exacto knife will help me create a modern-day Flat Stanley project for my children. In this book Flat Stanley goes on adventures as a "flat" boy and although 'special' he goes through exploring life with his family and learns new things and goes on a new adventure every day.

I would like to send each of my children a laminated Bitmoji of me on a popsicle stick that they can explore with and write about daily. In order to create these, I will need the laminating sheets, knife, hot glue, and popsicle sticks. I will send them postcards along with my Bitmoji that they can take outside, make new clothes for and read with. Each week they will use one of the postcards to write about an adventure they had with me and mail it to me. I cannot wait to see their postcards and to respond."

Mail Rewards and Certificates During Distance Learning!
Mrs. Flores, 5th Grade, California

Request:

• Postage Stamps
• Thinking of You School Themed Blank Postcards

"Many of the traditional rewards that teachers use in the classroom do not work very well during distance learning. Simple stamps, postcards, and envelopes allow me to mail them a reward that is tangible to my students.

During the course of a school day, teachers are usually able to give small and tangible rewards to students for their work. For example, we place stickers on their work, or stamps with accolades. We give them reading certificates when they reach goals that they are then able to take home. Because of distance learning, this type of incentive is much more difficult to get into the hands of students. These tangible rewards help motivate students and make them feel accomplished and successful during distance learning. This project will provide the stamps and envelopes needed to mail student certificates, postcards, and other incentives through the mail.

I want them to feel the excitement of receiving a piece of mail that is theirs with a prize for their work. I want them to get something physical, not just something that they can view on the computer."

The Custom Student Care Package

In your physical classroom, you often make accommodations for one student who needs some extra space, customized curriculum, or access to a particular resource. DonorsChoose can help you do the same for students learning from home. Create a low-cost project (we recommend $350 or less) on behalf of one student who needs a boost. You’ll have the option to select a custom address if you would like the materials sent directly to them.

Books for Boredom
Ms. Schmidt, Grades 6-8, Wisconsin

Request:

• A Kid's Guide to Latino History
• Women Who Dared: 52 Stories of Fearless Daredevils, Adventurers, and Rebels
• Matilda, Bridge to Terabithia, and Where the Red Fern Grows

"One student doesn't seem like much, but one student matters. At school, [this student] is a voracious reader who chews through books like no tomorrow; however, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, she doesn't have access to books.

For her, books are like air filling her with life, escape, and freedom. For this young lady, the library is a limited option. They have no way of getting to the library as their only vehicle is utilized by her father to get to and from work.

I believe that by helping to grow this young lady's library, that she will continue to grow in her academic skills as well as her English Language Skills. She has a younger sister that I know she reads to, so these books would serve the entire family.

Please help me to give this young lady the library that she has always dreamed of having in her house."

Coping Using Copic Markers
Mr. Tsukuda, Grades 9-12, New York

Request: Copic Ciao Double Ended Marker Set

"Many of our students have been under a tremendous amount of stress during this pandemic, but one particular student has suffered multiple losses since the Spring. He loves art and finds it therapeutic. This set of Copic markers will be delivered directly to his home so that he can release some anxiety and express his creativity through his drawings. Scores of anime, manga, and comics artists as well as landscape, product, architecture, and fashion designers prefer Copic markers because of their ultra-blendable, low odor, alcohol based inks. I know my student will enjoy experimenting and creating with these markers."

And an extra gold star for this project, because aren’t we all that one student?

Supplies for Middle Schoolers
Ms. Katy, Grades 6-8, California

Request: Help me give my students notebooks, pencils, pens, markers, crayons and squishies (and one student an alarm clock so they don't miss class!)

As you’re considering delivery options, remember this materials ownership tip: if your project explicitly states that materials are to be given to the students to use and own (such as take-home books, Warmth, Care & Hunger supplies, or other consumables), you don’t have to worry about collecting back the materials at the end of the school year. Your students can keep them!

Check out our new Coronavirus landing page for all the ways DonorsChoose is adjusting to meet the needs of teachers and students during this unusual year, including more info on flexible shipping options.

Although words such as “remote learning” and “distance learning” have dominated our conversations this school year, the heart of every classroom is still the connection between a teacher and their students. With the right tools and resources, that connection can remain infinitely stronger than the wifi networks powering your virtual classroom.

Over 400 teachers from the DonorsChoose community shared their feedback and tips for the most popular programs enabling their students to learn from home. Here’s what teachers across the country had to say about BrainPop:

What is BrainPOP?

“BrainPop is a virtual library designed to assist teachers in exposing students to content in all subject areas: science, social studies, mathematics, health, and so much more. BrainPop provides teachers with quizzes and additional activities that engage students and are motivating. BrainPop is a mini movie theatre that your students will constantly ask to visit!” – Ms. Pearson, 1st Grade

Is BrainPOP a good fit for my classroom? 

Teachers largely recommend BrainPOP for Kindergarten - 8th Grade students, though high school teachers note it can be a great review tool and early education teachers recommend BrainPOP Jr.!

What do teachers think of BrainPOP?

“I absolutely love using Brainpop as a way to introduce a topic or at the start of a unit. The students get excited when they hear the “Beep Beep” sound that Moby makes when I start a video. The program also comes with many extras such as a short quiz, worksheets, etc. I use it as a whole group tool most of the time, but in this time of distance learning, it also allows you to use BrainPOP as an assignment. ” – Mr. Starken, 9th grade

“The content is up to date and the resources are phenomenal, which include professional development and lesson plans.” – Mrs. Stoufer, 3rd Grade

“Depending on what we are learning about we may check in with Moby on BrainPOP or BrainPOP Jr. They put subjects in plain and easy to understand terms.” – Mr. French, 2nd/3rd Grade

But will my students like BrainPOP?

“My students see Moby the Robot as their friend and love the funny jokes between the little girl and him. My students love the BrainPOP music and dance along with it when it begins the videos.” – Mrs. Charleston, 1st Grade

“My kids love BrainPop! Often when I go to play a video my students have already found it on their own and watched it prior to a lesson.” – Ms. Geddes, 4th-6th Grades

BrainPOP Tips and Tricks

“Make sure to explore all the different categories. There is so much available if you take your time.” – Mr. French, 2nd/3rd Grade

“Text is read aloud to facilitate comprehension and closed captioning is available!” – Mrs. Charleston, 1st Grade

“There are layers of information. I highly suggest doing the professional development always being offered.” – Mrs. Stoufer, 3rd Grade

“I just learned of a feature that allows students to create their own videos. They love it and I use the videos to assess their understanding.” – Ms. Ghusein, Grades 4-8

BrainPOP Cost and Subscriptions

You can get a basic BrainPOP subscription without having to reach into your own pocket. BrainPOP is available on DonorsChoose through our vendor AKJ Education. Get started on a project today.

Other remote learning resources you may find helpful:

• DonorsChoose Teachers Review Remote Learning with Breakout Edu
• DonorsChoose Teachers Review Remote Learning with Flocabulary
• DonorsChoose Teachers Review Remote Learning with Nearpod

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You know what your students need, especially during this time of remote learning. The DonorsChoose community is here to help you get it. 3 out of 4 schools in the U.S. have a public school teacher who’s used DonorsChoose - that’s over 1.8 million classroom project requests funded. Yours could be next. Start your project today.

Welcome back, teachers! We hope the renewed energy you’re feeling now carries you well into 2021.

While you’ve got the post-holiday boost, here’s what you can do right now to set up yourself (and your fellow teachers!) for the most seamless spring possible.

For Returning DonorsChoose Teachers: Refer a fellow teacher

Collaboration and idea-sharing will get all teachers across the finish line of this school year. Share your DonorsChoose successes with a fellow teacher and help them get started on their own request. When they create their first project on DonorsChoose, you’ll have unlocked two guaranteed donations — a $50 jumpstart for them, and a $25 credit to apply toward your own projects.

Sharing is caring! Here are 3 easy ways to share DonorsChoose at your school:

• Send a link to the completed project that had the biggest impact in your classroom along with a short explanation of its success. (Your thank-you note to donors works perfectly for this!)
• Share an idea from another teacher that inspires you – maybe one of these projects for teaching civics or bringing social-emotional learning to the classroom?
• Ask what one item would make the biggest difference for their students. Now that the wheels are turning, offer to show them how to make their classroom wish a reality!

For First-Time DonorsChoose Teachers: Post your dream project

During the month of January, we’re extending our warmest winter welcome of all — a $50 kickoff donation applied to your first-ever project plus a Teacher Friends & Family Code that will double all subsequent donations up until 7 days after your project is approved.

You know your students’ needs and motivators best, but if you need a brainstorming partner, a few experienced DonorsChoose teachers have volunteered their best project ideas for this unconventional school year:

• What teachers need for remote learning at every grade level
• Five things you can use for your students whether your school is in-person or remote
• Ideas to prepare for your classroom to go virtual

Inspired? Start your first project now!

And finally, a few back-from-break reminders for all teachers:

Projects are getting funded faster than ever. 

Generous donors are flocking to the site to support teachers like you. Now is the perfect time to post a request and help a colleague post one, too!

Shipping is flexible. 

Whether you’re teaching from home or from your classroom, your supplies can be sent right where you need them.

Your fellow teachers want to help. 

For first-time advice or pro tips, the DonorsChoose teacher community has your back.

Whether you’re drafting your first or your fifteenth project, posting a request now will pay off in a big way — for everyone!