For Oklahoma, as elsewhere in the nation, third grade is a critical year where our students begin their long career of standardized tests and for the first time in their academic journeys the stakes are very real. To ensure their success not only on that dreaded state test, but beyond the classroom, I need to build engaging activities, experiences, and culture that is relatable and fun for a third grader. Luckily, this is my favorite part of the job - unfortunately it is an expensive part of the job. I am thrifty and I am crafty, but it is none the less an expensive endeavor in the current education climate in Oklahoma.

With these funds I plan on expanding my classroom resources to engage my students and provide ample learning opportunities. My experience from my first year has me brimming with new ideas and projects as well as the supplies needed to deftly move through the school year. In addition, we are moving from compartmentalized (just teaching one or two subjects) to being contained (teaching all subjects) so I am retooling some of my resources and parts of my classroom to accommodate English Language Arts next year. On top of all of this, we are moving into a new (to us) building! A lot is changing and every little bit would help not only me, but our entire 3rd grade team!

Here are just a few examples of projects and experiences I am aiming to fund this year in addition to basic classroom supplies! Feel free to email me about any of these if you are curious or inquisitive. nmcasorio@gmail.com

-Rube Goldberg Machines for our physics science standards
-Escape Room style cross-curriculum activities
-Reader's workshops (theater inspired)
-Business Days (student led bazaars with in-class currency)
-Genius Hour (Independent and personalized research opportunities)

Back Up Plan