How did my project help address a need in my community- Blog due June 4th

My special needs soccer game definitely helped address a problem in the community. Special needs children are always ignored when it comes to sports teams. Special needs children want the same opportunities as others. Also, their parents want these same opportunities for them. By hosting the game I was able to bring awareness to this issue. Through the use of posters and social media, many people heard about this project. Many people became interested. The parents were thrilled with the opportunity and support their kids were getting. I really would love to hold games like this more often. Something I actually just thought of while typing this was trying to speak to an athletic coordinator about starting a program right at Arlington. I got a lot of attention with my project so hopefully this would get it too and we can start something at Arlington. Overall, I think my project changed a few kids lives, or even just made their day better. Even if this program does not continue I think the concern was definitely spread throughout the community. My project was shared at a Special Needs PTA meeting and shared on the website as well. I think my project along with other organizations that got involved, help people start to realize this issue our community has.

4th Day of Presentations

The fourth day of presentations makes me realize that we are a diverse class with many different interests, passions and personalities. 

Alicia: The fact that you were still able to raise money despite the fact that your event was cancelled due to surgery says alot about your passion for your cause.  Although I think your idea for your event was awesome, I am happy that you still were able to donate to the Make A Wish foundation. I would encourage you to continue to support this cause in any way possible since it is so important to you.

Ryan:  While your drive may not have been as successful as you would have hoped, your presentation was quite entertaining.  I think that you not only showed true reflection on your project (i.e. location, sign, etc.), but you also were very honest and open, creating a great project presentation.  It is that honesty that will help you with future endeavors, taking what you learned from this experience and using it when tackling another goal.

Gabi: Having attended your event, I think you need to give yourself more credit than you did in your presentation.  You were a great teacher, and, more importantly, you conquered your fear of running the class.  While I know a donation to Relay for Life was of upmost importance to you, please know that another aspect of the project is how you grew as a person. You tackled a fear while serving your community!

Brianna: Although I knew the general idea of your project, I had now idea how labor-intense it was!  Hearing how much time and effort it took to make thirty dolls was really surprised and impressed me.  You showed great leadership skills by asking for help and assigning tasks to other volunteers. I also realized how hard-working and determined you are, having done most of the work on your own.  I'm very proud of your efforts and hope that you are as well.

How my project impacted me ?

This project had showed me that I can help make good changes to help my community and help scientist in a small way to further their research to find a cure for cancer. I had always thought about helping out my community and giving back to my community. I didn't know how I wanted to give back or help out  until my project came to mind . This project had a great impact on me because it showed me I can do many things to help out even if it is something small. As I learned that something small can turn out to be something big.

My project may not have had a large effect on anybody I showed it to, if any at all, although my project did have a large impact on me. My project has shown me a new way to express issues that I have thoughts, beliefs, or concerns about, and that is by video. Even though my video is nothing overly special, it expresses ideas and a concern that some people can possibly relate to. This has really shown me what I can do with just my one action even if the reaction is not what I was looking  for.

The hardest part of my project has been to put pen to paper. I have all of these great ideas but I have not taken the time to myself to actually act on these ideas. Because of this, actually completing my project has been a whole new challenge. It has taken a lot of work and coaxing to perform up to par, but that is not even close to satisfactory. With that said I have recently completed my project and I am pleased with the outcome with the little time I gave myself. That was the hardest part of my project; my own personal boundaries.

My big impact

At first I wondered if the community cares about abilities first as much as I do. And not only just abilities first but also disabled adults and children. I had hoped that my project would help show the community that abilities first is a great program and really benifits the community in lots of ways. I think that my project impacted the people that donated at AC. Moore a little bit because they got to feel the great feeling of donating and to a great cause. But more importantly I think my project impacted abilities first the most. The teachers and students were soo happy to see the crafts that were donated to them and That they really appreciated it. It was great to see the students faces at all the crafts and especially how happy they were to make the bird and butterfly. 

How my project impacted the community

For my project I raised money for the make a wish foundation. This is a foundation that gives the gift of hope and happiness to children who are terminally ill. The money that was raised from my project will go towards a child getting their wish. Helping  just one child is only the start. I feel like this project impacted my community because when one child and their family regain hope that joy spreads to the others around them. Even though donating money is only a small contribution, the hope and happiness it brings will go along way. 

3rd Day of Presentations

After day 3 of presentations I hope everyone is realizing how different the projects are. Today we heard from four different presenters that took this project in totally different directions. It's pretty awesome to see what you have done with the same project guidelines.

Marina: While you may have chosen your project to be easier to handle with your work schedule, we could easily see that it grew into something that you did not intend. When you talked about all that you collected, it was evident that you were extremely proud and happy to make such a difference. I love the fact that this makes you want to do more.

Paige: When you talked about why you did your project, you spoke about the first time that you volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Listening to you speak about what drew you to volunteer and how you wanted to replicate that for other students is probably one of the nicest things I have ever heard. One cannot help but notice your passion to help others and your enthusiasm for service is infectious (that's a good thing).

Val: For someone who is apprehensive about public speaking, you sure presented your project like an expert. Your interest and passion towards your topic carried you through both a great project and presentation. You literally raised awareness for honeybees during your presentation alone. I encourage you to keep going and continue to spread your message, for you do an excellent job teaching others.

Heather: Your presentation made me smile. Not only were you able to joke about the rough parts (i.e. Making copies, getting surveys done), but the look of surprise that you had when explaining that your survey was actually useful to the food services staff. Your project truly shoes how one person can make a difference and address problems. 

Great job ladies!

The Impact that my project has had on me.

As i began this project i had my doubts about how i was going to do my presentation about healthy eating. Any small change could have had an impact on the presentation or a impact on me and it did. But as the weeks went on i started to become stressed out about how i was going to do certain things like, how am i going to get there, how will i present should i use a card as i talk or shouldn't I. On the day of the presentation i felt confident on what i had planned. As the teacher introduced me she only said my name once, thats all i took for the kids of the class to remember my name. The amount of respect they had for me was unbelievable! They could all have just tooned me out and done what they wanted but they sat there quiet and listened to me as i spoke. It made me feel happy and made everything i did worth it. As i walked out of the building i felt like i could do any presentation no matter how big or small it is.(I say that now but my final presentation is on friday).That 1 hour and 45 min in that classroom will be remembered by me forever and is one of the best moments I have had i in my high school years. That is the impact that my project has had on me.        

Marcel's hard time

Although I had fun setting up and preparing for my event I also dealt with many problems that got in my way. The main problem that I had to face was finding a way to spread the word out about my project and how it can help the community and help families become closer together. I was surprised when no one showed up because I thought the people in my church would show up but obviously they didn't. But even though no one showed up I still feel good about my self because I made an attempt to better my community. Another problem I also faced was finding a way to gain enough money to buy colored paper, color pencils, and a pencil sharpener even though none of these materials were used. So what I did was went my family for support and also ask people in grocery stores and other local stores. At the end of my trip I raised fifty dollars to buy the materials for my event. But I’m glad that my mom and brother showed up to support me and what I am doing to help my community. I would definitely do this project again in the future.

2nd Day of Presentations

The 2nd day of presentations showed a common theme: students choosing projects that have a tie to either a future career they want to pursue or interest they already had. If you recall, I encouraged you to choose a project you were passionate about, moving you to give it your all. Here's what I enjoyed about each presentation:

CJ: I could clearly see your face light up when you were talking about hearing-impaired kids. You seemed so excited to share your passion for helping them with others. While you didn't collect as much as you had hoped, I really think you will continue to try to help in any way you can.

Marcel: I enjoyed hearing about your experiences with using art as an outlet. A great teacher is one who understands where their students are coming from. The presentation you designed truly showed a desire to help and educate. Although the project is over, I really encourage you to share your presentation with as many people as you can, truly helping kids express themselves.

Taylor: As you were presenting, I remembered how long it took you to settle on a project. After watching your presentation, all that stress in the beginning seemed to be worth it. You really gave your project your all and truly showed care and compassion for the students and organization that you helped. Seeing your passion for special needs children, I have no doubt that you will be a great special education or elementary teacher.

Great job folks!

How my project addressed a community issue. Andrew Stephens

My project addressed the issue of bullying by targeting kids that have not yet experienced much bullying and making them aware of the problem and how to avoid having it become their problem. I'm essentially making sure the weed doesn't take root. This problem is rampant in my community. My neighbor's son said he was bullied and at least four of the kids from the class in Titusville said they had some experience being bullied. I don't know how much of an impact my project had on the community, but I hope it helped.

How did your project help adress a need in your community? Andrew Heaton

My project helped address a need in my community in several ways. A way in which this happened was that I volunteered my time to Habitat for Humanity which is an organization that helps address poor families in my community. My project that I performed was that I built a vegetation garden for one of the Habitat for Humanity homeowners involved with the organization. After I helped out, I felt good about what I had done. I had a good feeling that I did a good about what I had done. By the end of the project, I think that I was considered a positive community leader. This project I worked on addressed a need in my community because of all my hard work and completing tasks that were important for me to get done. I want to help others more in my community in the future. There is always help that is needed in a community. It is just the effort and drive that you have to have in you to go out and work for these community members.  After completing this project, I think that I am capable of doing this all. I know that I can and I have confidence that I can. This is how my project addressed a need in my community.

How did your project help address a need in your community?

In our community, we need to know that poverty is a huge issue especially in the city of Poughkeepsie. Habitat for Humanity is trying to rebuild Thompson Street, because there are just so many abandoned houses that families could be living in, if they were livable. The fact that I got so many volunteers to come out and learn about something they never heard of was amazing to me!  To know that I taught them something totally worth knowing about made a huge difference in my life.  I can't wait to get the rest of Arlington students involved.  I really want a club to form and that way, each Saturday or something it can be Arlington Day, and that way we have the volunteers but we also have students learning about Habitat for Humanity and what it does for OUR community. The struggle I will face is that I will be graduating in less than a month, but I know with the help of Mrs. Bellino and other people who are active in the community will help make this work! I'm excited to see this change, and I hope that I started off the path in the right shoes!

1st Day of Project Action Presentations

Hello my students,

You may remember me saying a few times why I love the Project Action presentations and may have even caught a few reasons why since the class started (you work so hard, it's based on something you care about, etc.). You may have even heard about past students projects and hear them say how proud they were of their accomplishments. It is all just words and hearsay, however, until the actual class presentations start.

As we started the presentations, I knew what was coming. Sure, it seems like students just talking about their projects at first. Once the presentations get going, you can start to see a transformation. Each student beams a little more with pride, shows more emotion describing their failures, connects more with their project and why exactly they did it. 

I have decided to blog each day about the presentations. The blogs will not recap projects or results, instead they will focus on what I have found to be the most moving parts of each presentation from my perspective. If you have a spare chance or found something to be particularly moving for you, as a presenter or spectator, I encourage you to share a comment as well.

Anthony (car wash for American Cancer Society): When you told the story about the donation you received from a person who lost both parents to cancer shows how much of a need there is for projects like yours.  Think about how much a project like yours means to a person like that.

Kim (special needs soccer game): Knowing how much work and effort you put into the project makes your stories of Phillip and the visually impaired student even more special. The testimonies of both the parents and special needs students should show you how much of a difference you made in their lives.

Pedro (sponsored students in need at leadership dinner): When you explained why you wanted the boys to be at the leadership dinner, the quote you used showed how much you thought of the boy's future. "If you give a man a fish, he will eat for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he will eat for a lifetime."

Vinny (donation drive for Children's Home of Poughkeepsie): Hearing how thankful you are for your life and how observant you are of the situation of others shows true compassion and empathy.  The fact that you wanted more out of your drive shows how much you care about the cause.

Mahwiyat (elementary class on healthy eating): When you talked about your presentation it seemed like you truly enjoyed the experience. You had the "teacher glow" that one gets when they have a positive interaction with students and are able to open ther eyes to new topics and ideas. 

This is just the beginning, folks! I'm beaming with pride already. 

 Have a great Memorial Day. Remember to thank someone who served our country, it's the least we can do. 

How has the project impacted you and/or what did you learn from it?

Click on the comment section directly underneath this post to write your blog response.  Your response should be at least 200 words and in proper English (spelling, punctuation). This blog post is due by May 28th.  You must also comment on another person's blog post to this question by Friday, May 30th.  E-mail me with any questions.  *Andrew H. gave me a tip: before you publish your comment, click on the box that asks if you would like an e-mail sent to you.  He said it seems to work best.  I would also suggest copying your blog before you hit publish in case it does not go through (they you can just paste what you wrote and try again).

Hardest Part of Project Save the Doges

For my Project Action, Save the Doges, the hardest part would probably have been finding a place to do it. Finding a store to allow me to do my fundraiser there was probably the most stressful part of my project so far. A&P and Shoprite both expected me to have representatives from the DCSPCA to sponsor the fundraiser which could not be done. Luckily, I am good friends with a lot of the workers at the local pizzeria, Madisons, and was granted permission to do my fundraiser there! Project Action: Save the Doges will be underway this Saturday May 18th during the dinner rush 4pm - 7pm, come in drop a few bucks in the jar and grab a slice of pizza if you can!

Reflection of project

I had problems throughout the entire project. At first I was slacking off and would get confused by due dates, which obviously is my own fault. Then once I thought I had everything together, I realized I needed supplies, and thankfully my girlfriends father was able to help with that. During the project everything was fine, except for the fact that most of the people who said they would come decided not to. Luckily, we wound up not having too much business and most people just donated, so it didn't make a difference. Even with all these problems though, it felt good to make a change, and I'm glad I did it.

Struggles, Projects, I might just go Crazy...

To be comepletely honest I've been really "walking the tightrope" with my C.A.L Project recently. My personal struggles, School Work, and family issues have all been preventing me from focusing on doing important tasks for the project. I've been behind on classwork, and I even have been a "bad blogger" and have not been up to date on all blogger posts. I think now that we are coming to the ends of the year, many more things will pop up and probably put pressue on my C.A.L situation. The balance of life and this project has been the hardest thing for me. ON A POSITIVE NOTE: The project itself is running well, the Date is set for may 20th at the Elks Lodge in Poughkeepsie at 7:30pm, and all of my resouces are in place. Opertunity to help? : Yes! If you have a little Sibling who could benefit from hearing my presentation (and also likes snacks) come out on the 20th, right now I have mostly if not only scouts who I know are coming, and I was hoping for some regular community members. Outlook on the rest of the project: Im WILL to do this ... even if it kills me!

Tackling Obesity

For my project I will be conducting a survey of students in the highschool concerning the cafeteria food. My survey will include questions asking preferable foods and concerns towards the food being served in our cafeteria. The object of my project is get students voices heard. I met with the Chef and Health Administrator of the school and they are both working on a project for our school to create a healthier food environment for next year. This survey will help administrators when deciding what foods to cut and and what foods/beverages to include for next year. So far the classes I have surveyed have been great results, I was surprised to see how many students were already concerened about unhealthy foods and how many students were excited and willing to do the survey to make change.  My goal is to get alot more students so this survey can truly stand as a difference in our school and mean something.

What has been the hardest part of this project?

In this blog post, please explain what has been the hardest part of this project for you?  Your response can be based on your individual project plan or how I set up the project.  Your response should be detailed (about 200 words should help you explain your thoughts) and should provide your true reflection on the project up to this point.  Click on "REPLY" and type your response in the reply section.