Dollars4Schools

My name is Jackson Buckley and I teach 8th, 9th, and 11th grade English Language and Literature at Mandela International Magnet School. Many of our library books are old, damaged, or we are lacking the necessary copies to meet our students' needs. For example, we have only 8 copies of the second volume of Art Spiegelman's graphic novel Maus for 47 9th graders and 13 copies of Romeo and Juliet for the same cohort. We are hoping to replenish our library with new books so that incoming cohorts can each have a book to take home with them and read. For these reasons, we are requesting $500.

A group of Mandela International Magnet School’s 7th grade students took first in the region for a STEM competition called Future City.

The theme the students had was to "design a floating city and provide two innovative examples of how your floating city works and keeps its citizens healthy and safe." They will be traveling to Washington, DC, to represent New Mexico in the National Competition from February 15^th -18^th.  

Shipping of the prototype is nearly $1,000, and we would appreciate Dollars4Schools’ support in helping cover the expense.

Thank you!

Submitted by Randy Grillo, Ed.S., NBCT, Mandela International Magnet School's Principal

I am reaching out to kindly request $499 to purchase a comprehensive math and language arts program to support and enhance my students’ learning. This program is designed to provide engaging, differentiated instruction tailored to meet the diverse needs of my classroom.

The program includes interactive activities, digital resources, and targeted practice that will strengthen foundational skills in both subjects. It is particularly effective for students who need additional support to close learning gaps while also providing opportunities for advanced learners to challenge themselves. Furthermore, its alignment with state standards ensures that it complements our existing curriculum seamlessly.

This resource will directly benefit all 25 students in my class by offering:

• Personalized Learning Paths: Students can work at their own pace, allowing them to master concepts before moving on to new material.
• Skill Reinforcement: Engaging practice activities help solidify essential skills in a fun, interactive way.
• Teacher Support Tools: The program provides detailed progress tracking and assessment data, enabling me to tailor instruction to individual needs.

With this funding, I aim to create a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment that fosters both academic growth and a love for learning. Thank you for considering my request and for your continued support in helping our students succeed.

Submitted by Ms. Alaysia Boylan, 4th Grade Teacher

This funding request of $10,000.00 for the New Mexico School for the Arts Music Program will provide financial support for 80 music student in grades 9-12 –funding music program enrichment activities, student instrument acquisition, and instrumental accessories and supplies such as:

• registration fees for: regional, state, national and international music festivals, camps, workshops and competitions
 
• guest artist fees to provide students access to masterclasses, lessons, and coachings
 
• advanced level instrument acquisition for students in need of strings, shoulder rests, cases, repairs and other supplies

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Grades affected: 9th to 12th
Funding requested: $10,000
Submitted by: Carla Kountoupes, Violin Faculty and String Program Director for the New Mexico School for the Arts

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This funding will help with many of the basic needs of our students and our classroom. The funding will go towards several different areas of the 6th grade like snacks for low income students, flexible seating options for those with attention deficits, field trip coverage for those who can't afford to go, new sets of age appropriate books that students are interested in, and teaching resources to supplement curriculum and standards.

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Grades affected: Pre-K to 5th
Funding requested: $627.50
Submitted by: Deborah Ungar, Music Specialist and Band Director of Atalaya Elementary School

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This funding will help with many of the basic needs of our students and our classroom. The funding will go towards several different areas of the 6th grade like snacks for low income students, flexible seating options for those with attention deficits, field trip coverage for those who can't afford to go, new sets of age appropriate books that students are interested in, and teaching resources to supplement curriculum and standards.

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Grades affected: 6th grade students
Funding requested: $1,000
Submitted by: Alexandra Van Camp

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