AAOA Donates to 21 Schools Nationwide
Supplies AAOA donated to 50 children at Webster Elementary.
In an effort to advance education and help families that need it the most, the American Apartment Owners Association donated supplies on September 1, 2020 to 21 schools nationwide through DonorsChoose, a non-profit that makes it easy to help classrooms in need. Donations made were matched in partnership with AT&T and Charles Schwab.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, public school educators pay an average of $459 out of pocket for school supplies for students in need and to improve the learning experience in the classroom. This year that number is expected to go up as many families affected by the pandemic may not be able to afford their own school supplies and with COVID-19 restrictions in place they cannot share supplies either. Those that are learning from home are also in need of technology and supplies to keep them on track.
To help students enrich their education in the classroom and at home, AAOA turned to DonorsChoose where teachers create a “classroom project” with a specific goal, such as purchasing LEGOS, books, or supplies. When the project is fully funded, DonorsChoose ships the requested items directly to the teacher and donors can see how every dollar is spent. (If you’d like to give back to a classroom in need, visit https://www.donorschoose.org/)
Here are some of the classroom projects AAOA chose and how teachers responded:
Project: Hands-on Building at Home: LEGO Challenges During Remote Learning
State: Janesville, Wisconsin
Dear American Apartment Owners Association,
I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and generosity that brought this project to full funding on the evening before school reopens for face to face instruction. As school begins tomorrow with students returning face to face, I feel so blessed to have the support of donors like you. Students will not be able to share any materials, so having these LEGOS to create individual creativity for kits is so important. Students still need hands-on learning experiences even with all the new COVID-19 restrictions. If we need to pivot to virtual learning, it will be wonderful to provide my students with hands-on learning experiences that can do at home, as many do not have access to even basic school supplies in their homes. I could not have provided these opportunities to my students without your help and cannot tell you how much I appreciate your support during these difficult times. Thank you so much for supporting my project, my students and STEM education.
With gratitude,
Mrs. Johnson
Project: Technology Short Fall…Help Lift Us Up!
State: Tucson, Arizona
Dear American Apartment Owners Association,
Thank you so much for funding our project. I am so excited that our students will have microphones for their iPads. The amazing recording apps were underutilized because we couldn’t hear the students. Now, they will be able to demonstrate their understanding in a creative alternative to traditional methods. Also, it is amazing that our students who find typing on a tablet difficult will now be able to write on them. Thank you for your caring and generosity. Your help will allow more students to enjoy success with this new technology.
With gratitude,
Ms. Maldonado
Project: Two Sided Whiteboards, Double The Learning
State: Kansas City, MO
Dear American Apartment Owners Association,
Wow! Thank you so much for your donation! I am so excited to give my students a more hands on opportunity during distant learning. The whiteboards are going to really help them with their writing, math, and creativity. I am in the process of putting together back to school packages for my students and I am so excited to add the whiteboards! If I know my students, they will be just as excited as I am. I can’t thank you enough!!!
With gratitude,
Ms. Parker
Project: Kindergarten Remote Learning
State: Chicago, IL
Dear American Apartment Owners Association,
This is one of those moments when “thank you” doesn’t seem to cut it… I am truly blown away by your generosity and am amazed at how quickly this project was funded. Thank you so very much for supporting my remote learning endeavors! I am looking forward to receiving the items and diving into engaging activities with my students!
With gratitude,
Ms. Szarnych
Project: LIFE SKILLS: It’s All About Time and Money!
State: Rockville, MD
Dear American Apartment Owners Association,
Oh my goodnesses! I am overwhelmed with gratitude and joy at the way donors have assisted in buying materials for my classroom. It is truly amazing how a community can come together and make an impact on special needs students. Thank you for understanding that my students can learn, albeit a little differently than other students.
With gratitude,
Mrs. Maurer
Project: Periodicals During a Pandemic
State: Portland, OR
Dear American Apartment Owners Association,
I can’t thank you enough for your generosity! I am extremely grateful, and I know from years of experience that my students are going to be super excited about this addition to our virtual classroom materials. Reading is key to the success of my students and having access to such high interest periodicals will go far to instill in them a love of reading. Thank you for your help in this mission!
With gratitude,
Mr. Robinson
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