South Durham Teachers Seek Donors for Classroom Needs

Daniela Visbal, formerly a teacher at Parkwood Elementary School in South Durham, this August starts teaching second grade at the new Murray-Massenburg Elementary on South Roxboro Street.

She wants to get off to a roaring start with her students by incorporating the latest technology into her daily lessons for whole group, small groups, and centers.

“It is incredible the benefits tech brings in the classroom, making it more engaging and fun, providing students with life-long learning,” Visbal said. “I am very excited about the new school and think that with our team it will allow meaningful education.”

She launched three project opportunities on Donors Choose to which neighbors can contribute:

• Fire Tablets: $946 goal to purchase Kindle Fire tablets for use during small-group instruction to practice phonics and reading techniques. Funding would cover five tablets, a programmable robot, a multi-charging station, and a STEAM lab for children.
• Augmented Reality Cubes: $459 goal to purchase cubes that allow class field trips from within the classroom, primarily for social studies and science. Funding would cover 10 Merge Cube educational tools, several augmented reality science experiences, and interactive animal flash cards.
• Magical White Boards and Engaging Centers: $769 goal to purchase a Dukane camera, a 15-drawer rolling storage cart, chair storage pockets, reading games, a round alphabet rug, The Babysitters Club graphic novels, magnetic number bonds set, base 10 mathematics blocks, and other tools to boost engagement.

She’s not the only DPS teacher seeking help ahead of the new school year.

Kristy Bradshaw at W.G. Pearson Elementary, which switches to a year-round calendar this year, is raising money for a bicycle and other rewards for students who participate in the schoolwide spelling bee. Her project still needs $229 by July 28.

Isaiah Jones, athletic director for Lowe’s Grove Middle School, needs about $463 by July 17 to purchase 17 water bottles for student athletes.

“It is important to teach athletes to drink water to stay healthy and having these water bottles will allow us to support them and ensure they are partaking in healthy activities,” the project page states.

Another Lowe’s Grove teacher needs $858 by Sept. 16 to get school supplies for her class, including binders, hand sanitizer, and markers.

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