Mackay Elementary SchoolMackay Elementary School is a small, Title 1, rural school nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Idaho. The school was built almost 50 years ago, and due to budget restraints much of the building is in its original state – including the asbestos exposed gym/cafeteria floor. There are large cracks and crumbles running across the floor, which resulted in a student injury last year. The district is on a four day school week, has cut most of their electives, and is forced to try and find creative ways to fund their school.
Palmdale Learning PlazaUpon arriving to school after the Thanksgiving holiday, Bootz discovered that his 5th grade classroom had been broken into. Desks were ransacked, personal items stolen, money intended for new books and charity drives was stolen, the handheld teacher whiteboard was thrown onto a tile floor, crayons were everywhere, and the window to the adjoining classroom was shattered. In addition to replacing the stolen and destroyed items, the classroom intends to purchase locking cabinets, blinds and a REDCAT sound enhancement system.
Smithville Upper ElementaryWhen an EF-5 tornado destroyed 80% of this small Mississippi town last April, it destroyed 150 homes and nearly 20 buildings – including Smithville Upper Elementary. The school was forced to move to a temporary campus consisting entirely of mobile home-like units. While the old campus awaits insurance approval, this Classroom Makeover will help to restore the campus and rebuild the school.
Hurricane Elementary SchoolHurricane Elementary has suffered an ongoing lice problem due to nit-infested reading pillows and carpet and an overcrowded coat rack. Parents are frustrated, kids are itchy, and coats continue to pile up since there are not enough hooks for each student. And, because of limited storage space, chairs are loaded down with homemade supply pockets that frequently tip over. In addition to replacing carpet and adding coat hooks, this 2nd grade classroom would like to replace desks and chairs and add storage areas.
Clay AcademyClay Academy provides services to at risk students with severe emotional and behavior disorders, many of whom come from low income homes. The majority of students at Clay Academy are below level readers. Usually, books are not available to them at home and supplemental reading at school is limited. This makeover would help transform library areas into an inviting space where these students can find moments of quiet reading or listening.
Ramstad Middle SchoolIn July 2011, Ramstad Middle School was affected by the worst flood in the city’s history. More than 4,100 homes and five school district buildings were destroyed. Schwan’s music classroom was under 11 feet of water for six weeks. All of his teaching materials and equipment were a total loss. This makeover would restore the classroom and replace instruments and materials to help make music come alive again for Ramstad Middle School students.
St. Mary’s Grade SchoolThe tornado that ripped through Joplin on May 22, 2011, destroyed St. Mary’s Grade School. Although students have been moved to a temporary school, funds are limited for replacing 20 years’ worth of lost teaching supplies. Black has worked endlessly to rebuild what was lost to her students, all while dealing with the loss of her own home. She has taken so much of her own time and money and tried to do so much with very little. A Classroom Makeover would help her rebuild her classroom for success today and in the future.
Thomas Jefferson ElementaryJust seven days into the school year, a devastating earthquake rocked Thomas Jefferson Elementary. The school has relied heavily on surrounding communities and other states to donate items for students, who are now temporarily housed in 37 mobile units behind another school. Pennella intends to replace warped and damaged student desks and chairs from her 3rd grade classroom and add a host of supplies to help students focus on “making 2011-2012 the best year of their lives.”
Paul Robeson Malcolm X AcademyOn May 10, 2011, Dawson’s school as she and her 6th grade students knew it would never be the same after a devastating fire consumed their historical building. Teachers lost career memoirs and students were left with insecurity, fear and doubt. The school was relocated to a smaller, less accommodating building. Dawson reminds her students of the adage, “when life deals you lemons, make lemonade.” She wishes to teach the essence of perseverance to help restore lost pride and give them a reason to jump for joy.
Sam Houston ElementarySam Houston Elementary is surrounded by a poverty stricken area. Thus, many of Johnson’s 4th grade students have limited resources at home. She is determined to help provide the best education possible for her students. With a Classroom Makeover, Johnson intends to purchase sets of books to loan to students outside of the classroom, as well augment the one computer she has to supplement in-class work and better prepare her students for the real world in education.