Howard Elementary is a small K-8 school located outside the town of Madera, California.  As such, getting desks for larger students is not a district consideration.  I have been trying to instill the idea of this class leaving a legacy behind for other students who move into 8th grade.  This project would be the tangible start to that legacy. 

With these funds I will...purchase 3 AlphaBetter Standup Desks listed at $216.99 at School Outfitters and 3 Node Chairs from Steelcase listed at $499.00.  These chairs will allow my large athletes to be able to sit or stand and work at their desks comfortably.  The Node Desks have a worktop that swings out allowing a large student to access the seat easily and then swing the work top back in.  The impact in my class will be immediate in that I will not have students moving or shifting in desks that don't fit, clearing aisles because long-legged students aren't blocking them, and those students who are constantly on the move will have a swinging footrest below the AlphaBetter desks to divert their energies.  Ultimately, the students will be able to focus better and be less of a bother to the others as well.

Large students are really never considered when purchasing student desks.  District personnel look for the "mostest for the leastest" and while the current desks are adjustable they simply cannot accommodate large middle school students.

These students are in the 8th grade and it is or hope that with money pledged here and help from our Parent Club we might be able to purchase more desks to accommodate the needs of the large students coming into 8th grade in the future.

Back Up Plan