To begin, this last Sunday, our counselor posted a Donors Choose project to their website (DonorsChoose.org) that will benefit several of my students. The project was asking for donations to purchase noise canceling headphones and iPods to use with them, as well as pod chairs, which our PTA is donating to us. With almost $400 needed to fund the project, I was worried we would struggle to raise the money we would need. Through several emails, on many people's part, we were able to raise all the money by late Wednesday evening! Talk about fantastic! As I read the list of people who donated, I was floored and also impressed at the kindess of the people who are in my life, be it family, friends (both old and new), coworkers, or friends of friends who just believe in education. How lucky are we? But this was only the beginning.
After we raised our money, I received a few emails from people who had heard about our project, saying to keep them in mind in the future because they believe in education and would rather donate to a cause and person they can see the benefit in over some unknown organization... Well okay then! Why yes, I believe I will save your email address, thank you very much!
But the icing on the cake came last night, as I was lounging on the couch. During a commercial break, I noticed I had a text message. While I didn't at first recognize the number, I was curious to know who would be texting me at this hour on a Friday night. I was surprised to see it was another special education teacher in the district and she was asking me if I would be interested in participating in the Shadow Project. Now, if you don't know anything about the project, you should check it out. On their web page, this is their description of their organization:
"The Shadow Project partners with special education teachers to help close the achievement gap for students with complex learning challenges. Just as wheelchair ramps foster independence for persons with physical disabilities, The Shadow Project helps make learning accessible for boys and girls whose 'invisible' disabilities include dyslexia, ADHD, autism and communications disorders. We serve 28 Portland-area schools, providing life-changing classroom enrichment that helps struggling students reach goals and turn "I can't" into "I can!" "
One of the many ways they do this is by funding incentive boxes and positive behavior support systems. They also do trainings with the SPED teachers and have support groups to promote positive collaboration with teachers with similar students. (!!!) I, of course, am beyond elated to have this opportunity! I have heard great things about the Shadow Project and have been trying to get into it since I started at my current school, five years ago. So, of course, I immediately replied that I would love to and my friend said she would have someone from the organization contact me.
Not surprisingly, this morning, as soon as I finished brunch, I got the call from one of the program directors. She explained that they were in a rush to find a school in my district to receive the grant, since apparently no one had applied this year. When the very nice director lady asked my friend who she thought would be a good school to receive their support, my friend directed her to me. The director said with such kind things being said about my school and myself, she was eager to talk with me. So we chatted about my kids and she interviewed me, as is part of the typical application process, and said she was so happy to support a school that was working so diligently with the population we have to close the achievement gap and foster a positive community. Once I complete the application, all I have to do is go pick out my donated prizes and attend some trainings with some other outstanding SPED teachers and we are set up! HOW CRAZY IS THAT?!
I am not sure what my students and I have done to deserve such unconditional love and support from all of these generous people and groups, but I am beyond thankful. I am so happy, my heart is full. Finally, my students are getting the very best. And I still want to give them more.
