I need the help of my fellow Valk riders, please!

[sugarbee]

As some of you know, I am now teaching first grade  

This has been a desire of mine for many years and I finally made it happen.

I was lucky enough to land a position at a school that serves under priviledged kids.

They are the most loving and awesome children with sweet little hearts.  All day long

I get to spend playing, teaching, and growing with these little ones.

I want to try and get a tablet computer for each of them to use in the classroom, they love

technology and I have a few who are struggling with math and spelling, or reading.  I know there are apps and programs that can greatly help with that.

I am not asking for myself, but for my kids.  If you can, please help us.  It can be any amount, a dollar, 5 dollars, whatever.  Our school just does not have the funds right now  

Anywho, thank you for your consideration.

First grade rocks!!  

The gofundme link:

http://www.gofundme.com/f208z0

[czuch]

A,B,C.1,2,3.
Teach them cursive. They can probably already out play you at world of warcraft.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

Sugarbee, You and Bee Keeper are wonderful people.

I will give to the cause.

Thanks for asking. Thanks for helping the kids who don't have very much. It is not the child's fault.

Big Al

[GeoffreyB]

My wife teaches here in Texas, and suggested that you talk to your school system's technology group, and also look at educational technology grants (yes, you might have to do some writing for the latter option).  Many school systems have specific grants for iPads in the classroom (Apple is a big supporter of technology in the classroom).  Between support from the school system and any additional help from outside grant(s), you should be able to get a full set of devices for use in the classroom.

My son uses an app where we speak and spell his weekly spelling list, then he gets the app, which reads him the word, and he has to spell it.  Works wonderfully.

Hope this helps!

[cookiedough]

good idea, but I have to consider at that age books over an ipad/tablet, etc. 

These kids at that age WILL break them much quicker than reading a book.

Our tiny school system installed 2 years ago laptops for ALL 6th grade on up students about 25 kids in each grade.  Parents had to pay I think around 50 bucks per student per year to 'rent' them.  Suppose to take the place of books thus saving money in the long run.  A lot of these laptops are not working properly thru no fault of the kids.  My junior has had issues the past few years with her laptop not working, then what???  I am NOT paying a dime to get them repaired, the school is. 

My opinion, but even 6th graders are not capable of following the school rules by ALWAYS using their protective sleeves so as to not drop/damage them.  If caught NOT using their protective cases in the hallways, etc.,  they will be reprimanded.  I wanted the entire program to start off in 8th or 9th grade, but the school thinks 6th grade (middle school) is the way to go.  You really think a 1st thru 4th grader is capable of handling properly a tablet, etc. without issues? 

Trust me, in 10 years from now wanna bet there will be very few, if any, textbooks in our school system and I think that is a shame, especially for younger kids.  Kids learn to type on the tablet/laptop, before they can even learn their ABC's or learn how to read, well almost. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Post a simple request and get 50 opinions on what's wrong with kids, schools, etc. . Thanks for becoming a teacher, probably the most thankless but most honorable job . IMHO

[Willow]

Donna, I was going to pass on this opportunity for the time but after reading some of the responses in this thread I have decided to contribute.  There are two reasons for my decision.  One is that it's you that asked.  The second is that being an educated teacher I believe you know better what the under privileged children in your care need than do some of the opinionated ass hats that have expressed their opposition.    

[Willow]

Personally, cma1, I'm an opinionated ass hat myself.

I don't think I expressed anything about you or anyone else not having a right to your opinion.

I guess you feel I don't have a right to my opinion?   

[fudgie]

Asshat was kinder then what I thinking as I was reading the comments. 

Long time club member and a very nice woman, was looking for help not negative remarks.

[Crazyhorse]

Donna I will be glad to help out and wish you the best in your future endeavors to help these kids.

[Willow]

I see someone has removed his post.  Obviously he's a better man than I.

Truthfully I didn't know for sure what asshat meant.  I learned it from a dear friend who used it often to describe of less than spectacular thinking skills.

I had to look up the definition.  It's vulgar slang referring to one whose head is up his hind quarters thus he is wearing his ass as a hat.

I should have simply referred to those who were unkind in expressing their own opinions of a disconnected and limited nature.  

Incidentally for those who may be interested in helping Sugarbee's cause here's the link again:  http://www.gofundme.com/f208z0

[Oss]

I feel myself in a quandry

My mom, mother in law and many relatives and friends (including in this family)
are now or devoted part or much of their lives to teaching

I sincerely do NOT believe computers are the answer especially for k-2 grades as its the process of
gaining the confidence to do math and reading oneself that I believe is the fuel for
future progress  Yeah I am old school!

Nevertheless I have such personal respect for Donna that I feel I must offer
an alternative to 25 computer tablets

here is one  cheap I would buy 25 of them for you.

http://www.dayrunner.com/dayrunnerstore/catalog/productDetail.jsp?prodId=48166&couponId=9SAVE20DR&gclid=Cj0KEQjwnZShBRDfxqzr55rcyMEBEiQA1iRNP9kGAZ3BQ3BU-2T89bt51avQxwLgpVpdOWwOt3jxVWIaAuBS8P8HAQ

here is a comparison

http://www.comparison411.com/search.php?q=tablets&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=cheapest%20tablet&utm_content=49133515402&utm_campaign=5jxdv&gclid=Cj0KEQjwnZShBRDfxqzr55rcyMEBEiQA1iRNPzRWVmN0v_LbLnYcbWHO40oDe_j6Rkhjn7VJiExIXOMaAq7r8P8HAQ

PM me Donna.  You know I will do what is right by you.

[ugelstad]

I sent you some money.   Use it as best you see fit to teach your students.  I'm sure whatever you decide, you will make a difference.  I know things can be very tight in poor schools.  Good Luck.

[mike72903]

Money sent.  Wish it could have been more.  God bless teachers

[Misfit]

If Donna or Lee ever ask me for anything, monetary or otherwise I would do whatever I could to help them out. No matter what plans that they had for it. They are two of the most generous, kind people I know. You go girl. Money sent. 

[T-Bird]

As Always, I will support everything you do Donna. I am going to add some extra in memory of my brothers late mother-in-law who past away just one year ago. She was a lifelong educator who helped thousands of highschool kids including myself.
Keep up the good work.

[Wizzard]

I donated. I don't know you Donna but believe in you. I have met your husband and had lunch with him on a ride one weekend. Hope it all works out.

[Bandit]

Working in the education system we are fully aware of the struggles schools are having with funding, etc. these days.  I also know there are money and grants for tech stuff but that doesn't mean there's always enough to go around or sometimes it just doesn't get to where it needs to be.  Anything for the kids!  Come on folks, step up and help out.  Good luck Sugar Bee and have fun with those kiddos 

[sugarbee]

The words "thank you" seem so small for all the kind words and GENEROUS donations we have received so far.  I've always said that this club ROCKS, and it's truth for sure.

I wanted to respond to each post, but I have not had the time and last night I was so tired I just crashed early.

This is by far the most awesome "job" I have ever had the pleasure of having.  Sometimes I wish I could take some of these kids home with me, but I know Beekeeper would freak out on me, LOL

Someone mentioned "real" books, the old fashioned kind.  We have those.  I have spent the last 4 months searching at garage sales and thrift stores for books.  My kids love to read.  As a teacher, I knew a lot of my supplies would come out of my own pocket and I wanted to make my dollar stretch.

We use many forms of learning, as not all kids learn the same. 

The Seven Learning Styles

    Visual (spatial):You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
    Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.
    Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
    Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.
    Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
    Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
    Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.

Sorry, this may bore some people but I find it interesting.

Anyway, I try to use as many techniques as possible to make sure they "get it".  When I was in school, it was boring and a lot of memorization.  Things are a lot different.

Thank you all for being so generous and for believing in me, and saying such wonderful things, as well as the nice words about my Beekeeper.....   

Love you all
sugarbee

[Red Diamond]

To the head of the class.

[Willow]

In one day ten people have achieved 30% of Donna's goal.

For anyone else who may be interested in helping Sugarbee's cause here's the link again:  http://www.gofundme.com/f208z0

[Oss]

In

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Donna I don't do credit cards or paypal if you will PM or e-mail me your address I will get it to you .

[sugarbee]

The VRCC rocks!  I am almost up to 1/3 of my goal.

You people are the most amazing and generous hearts I have ever had the pleasure to know.

God bless you all.

My kids will be so excited tomorrow when I tell them how close we are 

Many, many, many thanks!!

[Xtracho]

My mom was an elementary teacher her entire career. My baby sister is a teacher and the middle sister is the admin. assistant to the Director of Education for a large county here in Florida. I have always maintained that teaching our kids should be among the highest paid careers. Especially those that are teaching those young ones that come from less than privileged circumstances.

I'll not go into a treatise on education, books vs. computers, etc. That can be reserved for a later time.

I sincerely believe a sound foundation early on is one of the most important things that teachers can offer their students. Whether it is through books or electronic means, if it succeeds then I am all for it

With that....donation sent. 

[DIGGER]

sMoney sent.....good luck with it. 

[DDT (12)]

If Donna or Lee ever ask me for anything, monetary or otherwise I would do whatever I could to help them out. No matter what plans that they had for it. They are two of the most generous, kind people I know. You go girl. Money sent. 

You nailed it, Damon... my sentiments exactly...

DDT

[Xtracho]

Bump...for a good cause.

[Misfit]

Back to the top. Donna needs your help. Don't leave her hangin. 

[Tailgate Tommy]

Donation sent. Good luck and thanks for all the good work you do with kids!
Tom

[godfire]

It's on the way.... 

[Big Al of Tennessee]

Bump it up. 

[sugarbee]

You guys are truly amazing!  I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I can't wait to see their faces when we get the tablets.....

I am so blessed to be doing something I love.

God is so good   

[firea100]

DONE!!

[Misfit]

Hey Donna. Did you reach your goal? 

[Willow]

Hey Donna. Did you reach your goal? 

I'm not Donna, but she's at $740 of $1200 with 20 people contributing.   

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Hey Donna. Did you reach your goal? 

I'm not Donna, but she's at $740 of $1200 with 20 people contributing.   

I sent mine by mail.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Little late but we are up to $760 now. Get er done it will make you feel good

[HayHauler]

Got 'er done!!   Good luck Ms. Donna. 

Hay
Jimmyt

[sugarbee]

Hey yall!  I've got two tablets so far.  Each about $50 each...perfect for small hands...a 7" android type.  I am testing them this weekend to see if these are the ones we want.  I am downloading spelling apps and math apps right now.

I have 2 kids who are weak in spelling and 4 who are weak in math.  I am hoping these will help, in addition to the regular assignments and math center I have set up.

I am so excited to show them to the kids on Monday!  They are gonna freak.....I had conferences with some of the parents on Friday.  It seems like my kids like me   

I am telling you.....life does not stop at 55, I am just starting a whole new chapter!  This is absolutely the best "job" I have ever had!