At McGregor Elementary, where a significant percentage of students qualify for free and reduced lunch, the right resources can change the trajectory of a child’s education. For students facing economic barriers, access to specialized, hands-on learning tools is not just a luxury—it is a vital bridge to academic success.
Thanks to your generous support of the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, that bridge is now being built in Melissa Plunk’s classroom.
Through the “Building Math Thinkers” grant, Ms. Plunk introduced “Math Stackers,” innovative manipulatives that allow students to physically visualize mathematical concepts. For many learners, abstract numbers can be a source of anxiety. Your gift turned those abstract concepts into tangible blocks students could touch, move, and truly understand.
The impact was immediate. Despite a short timeframe, students receiving intervention moved up multiple levels on their number sense assessments. As Ms. Plunk shares:
“Math Stackers helped turn frustration into discovery… It’s been especially powerful for students with diverse learning needs, as they now have a tool that meets them where they are and helps them grow.”
Because of you, students at McGregor are moving from confusion to confidence. You are ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the tools they need to succeed.
Help us continue to bridge the gap to ensure every student can achieve academic excellence. Donate today at www.supportsps.org/donate.