Donate Your Space-Consuming Modern Cards to an Elementary School

[npa589]

Originally Posted by larrie804

My wife taught elrmrntary school children for 40 years! K-5 teachers have what they call "treasure boxes" for the children when they finish a project, etc. I have been putting my $1.00 and under cards in team bags----25 cards a bag with at least 4 or 5 star cards in each and giving these team bags to the teachers at two schools for the past five years. I am told the cards are among the most popular treasures!

Couldn't be more accurate. Thanks for sharing that with us Larrie. I'm sure the teachers have told you that it really does make a difference. Many kids need a lot to be motivated to learn. Though i teach music, I integrate mathematics into reading music quite a bit. 1. I love math, 2. Math and music are very similar. Anyway, I've had kids tabulate the statistics on the back of cards, and they love it. I remember doing that as a kid, just for fun... Anyone else with me on that?

I've given many to individual teachers at my school, and the goal is to be able to include it within the School-wide Behavior/Incentive plan that we come up with at the beginning of each school year.

I just was told by MWheat that he is sending some unopened packs.

You guys are awesome!

[npa589]

This won't come as a surprise to anyone, but there are some philanthropists on Net54. Some all around good guys who are donating to kids that they've never met, and in all likelihood will never meet.

Mi.ke Wr.enn & Mi.ke Whe.at: Teachers now know about your boxes, because they saw them in the mailing room, and were wondering what they were for. When I explained briefly the request I made on a forum, and the responses I received, jaws dropped --- because, as everyone knows, it's not cheap to ship large packages, yet they sent without a question. They were amazed that people were willing to donate and send cards to students they never met.

I already have a student eyeing the Andruw Jones signed SP Authentic card (Lou. S/kcrfan) for good behavior the rest of the year. I believe he has 11 or 12 brothers and sisters, and lack of attention is probably what has been the impetus for some serious behavioral issues. He says his dad is a Braves fan and that they are displaying the cards on his dresser. I asked his homeroom teacher how he's been and she darted her eyes at me saying "He has been exceptionally happy the last few days". MWrenn(brookdodger) sent an incredible amount of ridiculously appealing cards to the kids, and they basically Ooo and Aah while I'm showing/speaking about them these last couple weeks of school. For that particular student, he has already received a few Chrome Yankees cards and Braves cards (Jermaine Dye RC).

MWheat sent who knows how many cards, and some unopened packs. I just picked them up this morning, so the students haven't seen them yet, but the stunned looks on their faces will be priceless, and then they'll look up at me with eyes that communicate "What do I have to do to earn those."

Periodically yesterday, through each class, I'd ask "And how do you get a card from Mr. Adams?" Whoever said "You have to earn it" would get 2 cards from MWrenn's stash.

At the beginning of next year, I'm going to set up a really nice Card Station with some creative names using the last name of the generous donaters. You may all become Dr.'s by the beginning of next year! I'll post a picture when I do.

Again, thank you all, this is awesome...


1st pic: MWrenn's donation in mailing room, unopened.
2nd pic: MWheat's donation that was received this morning
3rd pic: MWrenn's donation that is being displayed on a table in my room.

[peterose4hof]

Awesome work everyone!

Nate, I probably won't have time to get together a package for a few weeks still. Is there a set timetable on this or will it be a continual program?

Also, if any other teachers would like to start a similar program please come forward as I am sure there is plenty to go around.

[npa589]

Originally Posted by peterose4hof

Awesome work everyone!

Nate, I probably won't have time to get together a package for a few weeks still. Is there a set timetable on this or will it be a continual program?

Also, if any other teachers would like to start a similar program please come forward as I am sure there is plenty to go around.

+1

Hopefully more teachers jump in on this, and if none do from Net54, definitely contact your local elementary school to talk to the Guidance Counselor/PE Coach or whoever is interested in utilizing sports cards in a School-Wide behavior/incentive plan. It usually won't be the music teacher...


Not a problem at all Chris --- you can wait until the beginning of next school year if you'd like, as I will reprise this thread around that time. My last day is really Thursday of next week, as Friday is a work day and I'll be GONE by 11 AM.

[EvilKing00]

hmmmm just a question, what if the package arrives after Thursday?

[npa589]

Originally Posted by EvilKing00

hmmmm just a question, what if the package arrives after Thursday?

I'm not entirely sure, but my guess is that it'll either be held at the district office, or someone will be here at my school. I'm almost positive they aren't sent back to the sender, as there is a lot of mail that is delivered to the school throughout the summer. There are multiple 12-month employees on every school campus, and they will be at school on the Monday after the final day with students.

I will check with administration to be sure.

[npa589]

Hey all, it's been a while! The hobby has reluctantly taken a back seat in my life, and it wasn't planned. I've been so honed in on various home projects that I just haven't had the time.

Anyway, first day of school today - and wanted to push this back up to the top.

I can't really express how amazed I was by the generosity of many of you that donated to this cause, and it has most certainly been very successful. My sister-in-law teaches at a middle school now near me, where some of my students are bused in to attend, and every student she has talked to (usually is challenged with regard to behavior) remembers the cards I gave out when they were earned.

There are countless students who keep all of their cards in their backpack now, others who protect them at home, letting me know how many they have now. In fact, probably 15 students told me "I have *number cards at home!" this morning as they just saw me passing in the hallway trying to help with the chaos that is the first day. They also will trade them - it's remarkable, like a time warp. For the students who don't like them, I've told them to barter with other students who do want them - it's pretty funny seeing a kid trade a basketball card for a few cheetos.

Anyway - I'm nearly depleted of basketball and football, and wanted to provide the opportunity to again donate if you would like to!

Any football/basketball from any era - no matter how little value or who the player is - will be incredible. Condition is unimportant. Michael Jordans, etc, have a special place and they are earned over the course of months or a year. I have thousands of baseball cards still, both from my upbringing, and others who have donated. Basketball/football are certainly the most popular where I teach, though I can promise you I have added to the ranks of baseball fans as well - so as of right now, they are very high in demand - though I will of course take anything. (With some of the more advanced students - I have walked them through understanding the statistics on the back - something I loved doing as a kid).

If you are interested - email is the best: npa589 at gmail dot com

I'll provide you with the school address and can answer any questions you have as well.


If you would like a letter for tax purposes - I can easily provide that as well.


Hope you all are well and I look forward to speaking/hearing from some of you!

Nate

[peterose4hof]

Originally Posted by npa589

+1

Hopefully more teachers jump in on this, and if none do from Net54, definitely contact your local elementary school to talk to the Guidance Counselor/PE Coach or whoever is interested in utilizing sports cards in a School-Wide behavior/incentive plan. It usually won't be the music teacher...


Not a problem at all Chris --- you can wait until the beginning of next school year if you'd like, as I will reprise this thread around that time. My last day is really Thursday of next week, as Friday is a work day and I'll be GONE by 11 AM.

Ok, I will gather things together over the summer and ship them all in early Sept.

Enjoy your summer!