By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Thanks to the DonorsChoose program, first-graders at Union City Elementary School are enjoying some out-of-this-world experiences.
Teachers Jennifer Durham and Mallory Powers have recently introduced their students to Space Projectors — gifts from the nonprofit website that granted numerous classroom requests from several UC Schools teachers this year.
Using the Astronomy Domain during their Knowledge classes, Mrs. Durham and Mrs. Powers have been thrilled at both the excitement and knowledge of their students.
“When I passed out the projectors, the students were in awe,” Durham said. “They were able to see real images of things that we have been studying and the projectors made space exploration real for each student.”
“They’ve absolutely loved learning about space and everything it includes. The Astronomy Domain is always a favorite of our students, and it’s amazing to see their excitement using this domain. Each class would get so excited and shout out about things they have learned when we’ve had reviews.
“It always surprises me when they ask questions that we really need to think about.”
Durham said the experience fuels her passion for what she does.
“When I see their excitement and enjoyment in learning, it makes me love teaching even more,” she said.
Corporations like Tyson Foods and other generous individuals in the community fund the DonorsChoose program on an annual basis.
More than 40 teachers in the Union City School System received classroom funding for their respective projects and needs.
Teachers were encouraged to submit requests of classroom essentials — including reading materials, equipment and technology — with a limit of $1,000 per classroom.
Computers, printers, cameras, musical instruments and tools, along with numerous books and subscriptions to magazines, were among the many learning materials that came the way of UC Schools’ classrooms and its students at the beginning of the 2020-21 school year.