I have some EXCITING news!!!  A few weeks ago, Donors Choose contacted me to invite participation in a pilot program to support distance learning.  I completed the application, sent it in, and waited patiently to find out if I would be able to participate.

Well . . . 

After a few weeks, I received word that my students were chosen as recipients of this award. 

WHAT?!? 

ARE YOU KIDDING!!??!!   

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THIS opportunity provided me with $1,000 to shop for items from Amazon or Walmart that I could send directly to my students’ homes for educational support during our months of distance learning. 

I was over-the-moon excited for this award!!!!! 

After receiving my Walmart vouchers, I began to review the specific criteria for this award and got right to work.  I knew we only had another month of learning, so I really focused on ways I could extend their learning over the summer months.  

I was able to purchase fiction books, end of year curriculum review workbooks, snacks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, a deck of cards, art and science items. 

I really focused on something for the head, heart, hand, and health.

Check out some of the fabulous items I was able to put into the “Summer Care Packages” for my students!!

When I was thinking about what to add to their packages, I remembered our February health lessons.  I learned that not all the students had tootbrushes and toothpaste, so I was happy to add this to their package.

I also know my students LOVE to have a daily snack, so I included some of their favorites: goldfish and fruit snacks.

Now that I had their health and tummies taken care of, I was able to add some academic items.  I focused on some fun, yet good review learning opportunities.  I also included books for students to read.

Some STEM acvitivies included hands on projects with materials I received from the Civil Air Patrol.  Another fun subscription involved Coding Projects, which my kids LOVED the ones we did throughout the year.  Here is an opporunity for them to continue learning with an “at home” subscription: Kids’ Coding Project.

Finally, I made sure to add some outdoor fun and rainy day games for the family to enjoy.  Nothing better than bubbles and good old fashion card games.  The large bubble wands (from me) were to be used at the end of the school year on our field day, so I figured my students would enjoy this with their family for some extra summer fun. My students also learned several math games throughout the year, so I am hopeful they would play those games with the deck of cards, too.

Once I figured out how the ordering worked, it became apparent that the easiest way for me to collect these items for distribution would be to send the materials to my home address.  As you know, purchasing in bulk helps stretch that dollar, and I wanted every cent I could get for my students. 

After I recieved the many boxes, I began to assemble all of the items.  I was able to purchase different items for boys and girls.  It felt like I was playing Santa Claus, as I assembled the packages.

I visited my local grocery store where I obtained large, brown bags to pack the items.  I packaged everything and loaded up my car.  I made a cute “Summer Care Package” sign for each of my students to let them know about this Donors Choose gift and send my well wishes for a fabulous summer. 

I am excited to report that all packages have been picked up from school, and the students were very excited to receive such a fun-filled “Summer Care Package”!  I hope that each of my wonderful students enjoy a restful, relaxing summer scouting around our large state during the midnight sun!

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