Fund a Fun Senior Year

Alexis Colangelo is organizing this fundraiser.

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Hi, my name is Alexis Colangelo, or as my students call me, Mrs. Colangelo. I work in an inner-city NYC DOE high school in the South Bronx, New York. I am creating this fundraiser to help my advisees pay their senior dues.

First things first: what is an advisee? In our school, Advisory is a class given to all students. Think of it as a traditional high school "study hall", except we meet with the same group of 15-20 students 2-3 times a week from their freshmen to senior year. And instead of just giving students a class period to do work, we partake in designated lessons designed to help our students become college and career ready. In addition, advisors aid in students' socioemotional needs and help them navigate all aspects of early adulthood (i.e., creating and maintaining healthy relationships/ boundaries, establishing a sense of autonomy, etc.). On Fridays, advisory groups exit the building and attend work-based learning (WBL) field trips to receive a hands-on learning experience with professionals. (WBL trips include Montefiore Medical Center, Hostos Community College, the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of Art, Lehman College, and more.) The best part about advisory is the rapport that develops between teenagers and teachers; you become a family throughout the years.

My advisees are my children. And my children are now in their senior year of high school. Senior year is so fun- students are now at the top of the metaphorical food chain and can partake in many perks. Perks include taking their yearbook photos, attending a weekend-long trip, going to prom, and walking in graduation.

Unfortunately, some of my students do not have the financial means to enjoy these perks. That is why I am creating this Go Fund Me- to raise money to donate to help fund a fun year for the most deserving group of students. These students endured a pandemic, spent 1.5 years learning remotely, and faced financial and family hardships. The money (hopefully) raised will help pay 'Senior Dues', around $900 per student.

Any and all donations are welcome and truly appreciated!