We're on a mission to break the cycle of teacher-funded classrooms by inviting people to Adopt a Class with needs ranging from $25 to $1,000 per class. Here's how it works.
A national study shows that teachers spend an average of $560/year of their own money to buy supplies for their classrooms. And at Connections where more than 80% of our students come from low-income families, many students simply don't have the supplies they need for a productive school year.
But you can help! You can be part of our Adopt a Class program where you select one or more needs to meet for a class for the year. Here's how it works.
1. See what a class needs
Each Connections teacher has identified the unmet needs of his or her classroom. They're shown online here.
You can fund one or more needs, and you can even choose to fund all the needs of a class!
Because our school serves students with autism, some of our supply lists may look unfamiliar. Here are some of the categories you'll see:
Academic supplies -- These are standard materials like notebooks, journals, pens, markers and the like.
Social outings -- This funds our student experiences in the community where we teach and practice activities like selecting items at a store, paying, asking for help, managing unexpected sensory input and much more. These outings help our students better integrate with their families and communities and are an important part of gaining more independence and confidence.
Independent function -- We help each student become as self-sufficient as possible by learning about personal care, kitchen safety, age-appropriate cooking, housekeeping and more. While many kids naturally glean these skills by watching a parent or caregiver, children with autism often need specific instructions taught in a more specific manner.
Health and wellness -- As part of our holistic approach to helping students reach their full potential, we teach them about making healthy food choices, trying foods they may not prefer at first and exercising for fitness.
Therapeutic support -- The ideal learning environment for students with autism may look different from traditional classrooms. For instance, we may need adaptive chairs that enable small movement during lessons or fidget tools that satisfy sensory needs without distracting others. Therapeutic supports like these and others can help students focus and better engage in the classroom.
2. Select the class & the needs you want to meet
Using the Adopt a Class link, click on the picture of the teacher whose classroom you'd like to help. From there, click the "Donate" button and then select one or more needs. Complete the easy funding process online.
3. 100% of proceeds go directly to the classroom
As needs are funded, 100% of the proceeds go directly to the classroom selected, and the teacher can begin using the funded items as soon as the donation is received.
4. Donor recognition
Every donation makes a difference, and we appreciate every donor!
Supporters who give $100 or more during this campaign will be recognized in a framed sign displayed outside the classroom door. We’ll also recognize those supporters on our website throughout this school year unless a donor requests anonymity.
Thank you for helping equip teachers and students for an incredible school year!