When I got my first Donors Choose project funded, I was really baffled by the Thank You package.  I just wasn't sure what the Thank You letters were supposed to look like.  Where they supposed to be actual notecards?  Should it have a picture?  Paragraphs?  Letter format?  WHAT???? After a bit of trial and error, I have finally settled on what seems to work for me.  (I have actually gotten some feedback from Donors Choose on some of the packages I sent back so I am thinking that this is the way I should go)  I thought I would share what I do, in case others are just as lost as I was in the beginning. First off, let me tell you that I have my entire class write the Thank You letters.  This way, I am sure to have at least 5 that are decent to send.  I also do not edit them.  I figure sending authentic writing is the way to go.  I know there are some people who take these letters through the writing process.  I am just no......

Donors Choose has been a godsend for my classroom.  I have had so many generous people donate their own hard earned money to my classroom and have wonderful materials to show for it.  As of today, I have had 21 projects funded.  TWENTY-ONE!!  I can hardly believe it myself. Some of the things I have written proposals for are: *  Apple iMac computer *  School supplies such as folders, notebooks, pencils, sharpeners, glue, etc... *  Art materials (paintbrushes, collage supplies, etc..) *  An ELMO document camera *  An Easel *  Recorders for my students *  Test prep materials *  Social Studies and Science supplemental materials and books *  Binders for our Heritage Albums *  A rug *  A vacuum (for the rug) *  Wireless speakers for the computer And many more useful items that I would have spent my own money on.  My classroom is a place full of tools for my students because of anonymous don......