Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Classroom Adoption for 2015-16 School year open for entries!


It's that time again!!!



What does the Adopted Class get you ask????

The class will receive:
$100 for classroom supplies
(The teacher will need to send me copies of the receipts for purchases made)

$50 in Melonheadz graphics
chosen by the Teacher

Monthly gift boxes shipped to the school
(All kids need to know that there are good people in this world that
 care for them too!)

Here are the requirements for entries:



1. The school must be within the United States
(Sorry friends it's all about shipping....
 Maybe next year I'll choose a school in another country <3)

2. The teacher must have a paypal account for transfer of funds.

3. A quick email each month to let me know the package arrived safely.

4. A comment must be left on this post telling me why your classroom deserves to be chosen. 
1 entry per classroom please.

That's it!!! 

EaSy PeAsY!

The winning classroom will be

RANDOMLY

chosen on 

August 26, 2015


I can't wait to be included in your classroom!

Good luck my friends!

xox
Nikki

100 comments :

Unknown said...

I teach in a low-income area where many of my little friends need extra love and support. I try my best to give that for them and would love to be able to share your love with them too!

Teaching Fabulous Firsties! said...

My students love your graphics and always try to find a kidlette that looks like them! I would love to have my little Firsties' class adopted by you! Students in my school don't always have the best resources, so this would be a special treat for them! You will love my new batch of kidlettes! Thanks!

Unknown said...

Nikki, what a great opportunity. 2015-2016 is a year of renewal for me. I lost my precious mom last year to pancreatic cancer in 50 days. She was so vibrant and full of life and that disease just took hold and never let go. My sister is a teacher also so we decorated our classrooms in purple because that's our mom's favorite color and the color that represents pancreatic cancer. I would be beyond honored to win this special treat.

Larissa said...

Hi Nikki! I am the only trachee of a very small immersion school in Oregon. We are ano profit with almost no funds, we even have to rent our classrooms for the time we use them?/it would be great to be able to create materials for my little ones using your graphics, and also have your help! I really hope it would be us!

Cre said...

Hi Nikki. I took a leap of faith this year and left a well to do school district and moved to a school district that is 100% free and reduced, which means each and every one of my students parents are struggling financially. We serve the kiddos breakfast, lunch and snack because many of them are not eating once they leave school each day. On top of that the kindergarten students have typically come in about 20% lower in knowledge than the rest of the US. I know I have my work cut out for me....but I am definitely up for the challenge. Additional resources from you will help with much needed supplies and help me create Common Core materials to push my students towards success.

Unknown said...

Nikki,thank you for reaching out to make a difference in many children's lives. As an intervention specialist, I teach multiple grade levels, and serve an average of 40 students. Graphics cross language and social barriers and always bring a happy element to the challenge of learning for at risk students. It's like making new friends who make the process an experience to look forward to each day. Extra resources are always appreciated.

Pam Petralia said...

This is such a great idea, Nikki!! I teach a special education class full of students from inner city, very low income families. Most of my students never leave their homes outside of school. They don't get a chance to experience most activities kids do unless I can give it to them during the school day. I try to fit as much in as possible. These kiddos need to know that people who don't even know them still love them! They are FANTASTIC kids who don't get a lot if love and attention outside of school. Thanks for considering our class!!
Pam

Unknown said...

I teach Kindergarten at a low income school. I would LOVE for my kids to be "adopted" by you! Thanks for the opportunity!

Mrs. Brown said...

Oh wow, this would be AWESOME! I teach Kindergarten at a school in Cherryville, NC. We are a PK-3 school. We were considered a title 1 school last year. My students are precious and I want them to have the best year ever! Thank you for this awesome chance to win!

Adriana Martindale said...

My classroom and students woukd greatly benefit from having a buddy class. My classroom is full of bilingual students who are working on transitioning to English. Having someone to write to and practice their English writing skills to would be awesome for them. Having money to buy claasroom supplies would be pretty cool too since my school is a Title 1 school with at least 80 % of students on a free or reduced lunch. Your illustrations would also be able to help us decorate our classroom and work (& worksheets/handouts).
Thank you so much for your kindness and support for teachers and students.
<3,aem

Adriana Martindale said...

My classroom and students woukd greatly benefit from having a buddy class. My classroom is full of bilingual students who are working on transitioning to English. Having someone to write to and practice their English writing skills to would be awesome for them. Having money to buy claasroom supplies would be pretty cool too since my school is a Title 1 school with at least 80 % of students on a free or reduced lunch. Your illustrations would also be able to help us decorate our classroom and work (& worksheets/handouts).
Thank you so much for your kindness and support for teachers and students.
<3,aem

ECT said...

I teach for a Comprehensive Special Education Program. This year I am starting a new grade level and content area. I would love for you to pick my classroom so that I can shower my students with resources created just for them! Oh Random Selector.......PICK ME :-)

C Weikert said...

I teach Kindergarten in a low-income school in PA. My kids would love to be adopted! What a generous idea. Thank you so much!

Sherry Hibbard said...

I teach kindergarten in a Title One school, where 80%+ of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch. However, these aren't a group of children who have their hand out expecting someone to take care of them. They are grateful for anything that is given to them. That is what makes it so fun for me, as their teacher, to do extra things for them. I know the look of joy and thankfulness I will see on their faces when I do. It makes me happy to be able to do it for them! shibbard@sturgisps.org

Sherry Hibbard said...

I teach kindergarten in a Title One school, where 80%+ of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch. However, these aren't a group of children who have their hand out expecting someone to take care of them. They are grateful for anything that is given to them. That is what makes it so fun for me, as their teacher, to do extra things for them. I know the look of joy and thankfulness I will see on their faces when I do. It makes me happy to be able to do it for them! shibbard@sturgisps.org

Unknown said...

What an awesome idea! This is my first year teaching first grade in a high poverty district. All of our students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch and we are a Title I school. I was a long term sub here last year and the kids are awesome. They come to school with more baggage than most adults and I often would hand out a snack or breakfast to the children who arrived late or were still hungry. I know that my students need a lot of encouragement an positive vibes in a caring and responsive learning environment. I have spent at least $1000 of my own money to make my classroom a very special place for them. I would love for my classroom to be picked for such an awesome prize!

Unknown said...

This is so generous of you to adopt a class. Like so many other schools there have been severe cut backs which has left me buying more supplies than ever including paper.

Unknown said...

I am a second year teacher in central Maine. I absolutely love melonheadz and would love them for my classroom! You are such a kind and generous person to adopt a classroom! Being a young teacher in a low income school puts up a lot of challenges. I have had to buy majority of my students supplies myself. As a 22 year old with no savings this is making paying back school loans, bills and making sure my students have everything they need to learn to their full potential extremely hard. I would be extremely grateful if my classroom was chosen to be adopted by you!

xo Katie said...

I am a brand new kindergarten teacher with a lot of really great and inspiring ideas and this would help me put those ideas to life for my kinder babies. You've made some amazing things that could definitely transform my classroom and if you choose me I absolutely will not let you down and I'll make sure to keep you involved in my sweet classes future projects!

Unknown said...

You are so sweet and generous!!! You will definitely be a blessing to a lucky class this year!! My kindergarten class would love for you to adopt our class this year! I always end up spending way too much on my class, but I don't want them to do without. This would be an awesome blessing!! Thank you Nikki for always being so generous!

freeze said...

This is so generous of you to do! I teach 2nd grade at a title one school. I have 23 wonderful students. I love my job and helping my little kiddos learn and grow. Thanks !

Leesepea said...

What a wonderful gift! I would be so honored to have my first grade class adopted by you. We love your artwork! My school is 100% free-and-reduced lunch and my little ones are so happy with the simplest gifts.

khall said...

I teach in a district where 50% of the students are at "at-risk." I moved to the middle school last year and teach math and science to 50 fifth graders. The money would be used to buy supplies for our science curriculum.

I started creating materials over the summer and would LOVE your clipart too!!!
Thank you for supporting education. :)

1stgradefireworks said...

How do you instil the love of art & creativity with low incoe Title 1 students? MODEL MODEL MODEL! YOU are the "pillar" of creativity! I want my kids to experience the fun & exciting world outside our classroom walls. HELP! :) Wendy 1stgradefireworks@gmail.com 1stgradefireworks

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the opportunity to enter to win the chance to be your adopted classroom. I love your work and would like to opportunity to work with you for the common goal of helping students.

2ndGradeStory said...

Thank you for providing us with this opportunity. I teach 2nd grade in a great school which is located in a district with a high transient and refugee population. The extra help means a lot to make sure my kids have the best experience they can.

Unknown said...

This is wonderful! I'm switching from first to 5th and, like many, our district is high poverty. Anything we purchase to make learning more engaging is out of pocket. Your generosity is appreciated!

Unknown said...

What a wonderful thing to do for a classroom. My 2nd grade class would love to be adopted. I teach in a low income school district where many of the students to not come to school with the basics in order to be successful. I spend all summer looking for school supply sales so I can have supplies ready for those students who need help. Thank you for the opportunity.

Amy said...

The students I work with are motivated to learn but this could be the surprise that keeps them going :) as they work through the challenge of being in 5th grade and in this pre-teen time of their life.

Amy said...

The students I work with are motivated to learn but this could be the surprise that keeps them going :) as they work through the challenge of being in 5th grade and in this pre-teen time of their life.

Carolyn Kinsman said...

Hi Nikki - I love your work and my kiddos would love to be adopted my you! I teach Kinder and have been using your work in things I create for my kiddos for awhile. What an wonderful and kind thing you are doing! Hope to be adopted!

lesels said...

Hi Nikki-What a generous idea! I am a first grade teacher and my kiddos would absolutely LOVE this. We have so many of your clipart pieces on posters throughout our room! Thanks again for providing this opportunity!

The Whimsical Teacher said...

I live in a transient state where many of my students will only be in my class for a couple of months and many live in motels. I would use your money to buy extra art supplies for these students, so they could do interactive notebooks and art with the class. My school often provides notebooks and pencils... but colored pencils, markers, paints, and glue sticks are hard to come by! I would also blow up your art work and use it to decorate my classroom just like Ashley from Schroeder's Shenanigans in 2nd does! Thanks for this opportunity!
-Jessica

Unknown said...

Hi Nikki!
You are such a generous person! My school is 100% free and reduced breakfast and lunch. We also provide fresh fruits and vegetables to the students throughout the week. Many of the students that I work with have experienced loss in their short lives: due to drugs, incarcerations, homelessness and the like. What a lesson to be learned if they received something in the mail! Even if my classroom is not chosen, I will be sure to tell my students about your kindness toward others. I always teach my students to pay it forward and that it only takes one to make a difference.
SIncerely,
Emily
scheinbere@hotmail.com

Vintage Kindergarten said...

We would love to win this. I have 28 K kids from a low income community. We are a very small school - PreK - 12 in one building. It would be great to have more resources for my kids! Thanks for considering us!

justhave2teach said...

Our school is undergoing HUGE change this year, and our communities are in a state of unrest. Some are excited for the change, and others are meeting it with feet dragging. We are a very low income rural area, and it would be amazing for them to realize that people outside of our community DO care about us! I am excited to use graphics from you this year to help them relate to the differences we have. I just got my class list and so far out of 22 kids I have 14 who have very special circumstances. Physical disabilities, emotional, split families, adoption, and a few others. Its going to be a very challenging but rewarding year!

Unknown said...

Just want to give a big shout out to my kiddos! I work with special needs students, Pre-K to 2nd grade, and they work so hard each and every day to learn and to be active members of their classes. It would be great for them to get a little "hug" in the mail every month from Nikki! Thanks so much for the opportunity!

Marcia said...

I would love to have my classroom adopted by you. This is starting off as a year of change and challenges. Our teacher morale is at an all-time low. In spite of the difficulties, I am trying to make my classroom be a safe haven from stress and frustrations for my students. We love your Melonheadz. A monthly surprise, school supplies, and your graphics would make our year.

SC Teacher 28 said...

WOW! I am so excited about this opportunity. I am taking on a new challenge this year by teaching a new grade - 2nd in the school where I have taught kindergarten for 4 years and 1st grade for 3 years. I am excited and nervous about this new opportunity. The school where I teach is in a very rural area of SC where the majority of my students come from low-income homes. We would love to be chosen!

Joni
jegalford3406@gmail.com

Sarah said...

I teach in a low income school, where about 90% of our students qualify for free/reduced price lunch. This will be my first full year in elementary, so I do not have many cute things for my room. I am new to your site, but I came after seeing your images credited on a product I got on TPT. I look forward to exploring your site even more. Thank you for adopting a class. I

Jana said...

This 1st grade teacher was LOVE to win this! I love Melonheadz! My school/class has a lot of transition as it is close to a military base, and because of this there are a lot of students moving in and out all year. Thank you for doing this every year. It is so thoughtful of you.

Positively Learning said...

Thank you for this amazing opportunity!
I teach 1st grade Special Education (inclusion) in inner-city (Baltimore City). The riots this past spring involved the neighborhood my students and families live in. Resources have become much harder to access in an area already experiencing the effects of poverty and unrest.
We are resilient and slowly building ourselves back up. Generosity from surrounding communities and around the country is showing my students that they ARE deserving and that there are so many wonderful people in the world who care about them.
We can always use basic supplies...crayons, paper, pencils, snacks, cleaning supplies for the classroom, etc. We would be so thankful for anything!
Thank you again for looking out for our precious students!
Jen

Learning with Mrs. Parker said...

I would love for my classroom to be considered. Kindergarteners love getting mail! Nothing is better than sitting with a group full of students eager to see what is inside an envelope or a box that has just been delivered. Your generous monetary donation would allow me to purchase supplies for our annual parent workshops where we teach our parents ways to support their children at home. And of course, as a Melonheadz addict, I would use the clip art to create items for my students. :)

Sylvia

Unknown said...

This is such a BLESSING!!! Whoever is chosen is going to be BLESSED, but GOD is going to bless you even more for YOUR kindness! I would love to be entered! I only get $100 for the whole school year. My school is not a Title one school. I've already spent over $1,000 out of my pocket this year purchasing supplies for many of my students that cannot afford them. I'm in need of so many things like ink cartridges, we have to provide our own ink and copiers, unless we send it to the MAIN printer from our computer. Do NOT like student's personal information being sent where others can see it. Also in need of NEW SEAT SACKS, RUG, and Social Studies Resources. State standards have changed in Tennessee and we have NO TEXT BOOK! I know EACH teacher is deserving of this GIFT! May GOD allow the ONE WHO HE knows truly needs it the most! Thanks again for such a caring GODLY SPIRIT!
Oink4PIGTALES

Rachelle Moore said...

What an awesome opportunity! I would love to win but will be very excited for whoever is chosen.

I teach first grade in a Title I school with 71% free and reduced lunch in a large urban city. The majority of my students come from backgrounds where they lack the basic resources many of us are so fortunate to have. I often have a number of students leaving in transition/homeless, affected by violence or drugs, or victims of abuse of various natures. That said, my students are the most loving, resilient, and hopeful kids there are. They love to learn and often school is the most structured, safe place for them.

I spend the majority of my paychecks buying books, supplies, etc. for our classroom and kids because they deserve the best.

With your gift, I would be able to supply my students with incredible things that help make reading or math more fun such as manipulatives, magnetic wands, etc.

Thanks again,

Rachelle (rrm444@gmail)

Anonymous said...

My class is extraordinary. It's true these little ones have many needs that only their school has to offer. They are learning to rise above their situation and fall in love with learning. I do my best as a teacher to make each lesson real to life. Our focus is learning that our actions and behaviors affect others. Just like when a rock is tossed into a pool of water, the ripples affect all parts of the water. My little ones may be small but deep thinkers they are!!! Your investment in these kiddos would pay forward selfless kindness and grace that many of them have never seen. In return they will see hope and give back to others to make the world a better place. <3.

tobi :) said...

Hey Nikki! I would love for my class to be adopted by you! I told them you made up the horses set just for them and they took such great care in coloring the black and white version for their cubbies! I use Melonheadz in just about everything I create for my students and that I create for other either here at school or products I create for the universal teaching community. What would I do with $100 dollars to spend on my students. I would create my individual learning station complete with a drawer for each student (personalized with a kidlette to look like them with the build a kidlette set :)) With the remaining balance, I would purchase extra sets of flashcards and other individual materials to make each tub unique to the learning goals of each child. The cognitive needs of my students this year are vastly different from one another. I have beginners all the way up to kids who read at a 4th and 5th grade level in my second grade. I thank you for this opportunity to be a part of the melonheadz family!

Jennifer said...

Our school is in a low socioeconomic area with lots of cuties needing extra love! I love using Melonheadies as much as possible in my classroom! Over the last several years I have redone many posters and activities in class using Melonheadz! They are so CUTE!!

Unknown said...

This is my third year teaching and my first year in a new district. I changed schools to be closer to friends and family, and couldn't be happier. I would love to win this prize because it would create so much excitement in my students. It would also provide me with your wonderful creations to jazz up my classroom blog. So many of my parents are looking forward to using the blog to stay in touch with their child's education.

Barb said...

Thank you for your generousity! I have taught for over thirty years, and love making literacy centers using your graphics. I can't begin to add up all the money I spend on my students every year, so any contribution is greatly appreciated!
Barb bforbes@usd458.org

Ms. O said...

What a great concept! I teach all of the kids in our school as our classroom is the library. We could share. ;) The kids love your graphics when they are added to bookmarks or library signs or as parts of projects.

Journey of a Substitute Teacher (Ms. T) said...

Thanks for the opportunity!
I teach in a district that is title 1. Our school has such a low socio-economic status, that all meals are free (otherwise they wouldn't be able to afford to eat).
I often have to buy classroom supplies because their families can't. I don't even know how much I spend out of pocket, I know they need it, so I buy it.

One of their favorite presents I gave them was of a bookmark with your Melonheadz kidlettes on them that I tried to match to them.
Those bookmarks were and still are so precious to them.
They love your stuff.
Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for this opportunity!
I work in a low income school district in Memphis, Michigan. There are several students that come into class on the first day of school with nothing but the clothes on their backs. I have always made sure I can supply all kinds of school supplies to these kids because it breaks my heart to see them miss out on having supplies they can call their own. My students would love this opportunity and I would love the chance to give them this amazing experience. I have always used your graphics in all my teacher creations because I absolutely LOVE them and think they are the best graphics I've seen. You do great work and should be very proud of yourself. Thank you again for allowing me a chance at this opportunity.
Michele Haberichter
2nd Grade
lozen957@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I teach the very youngest of students -- those from 3 to 5 -- who have autism and other severe disabilities. We love Melonheadz in our classroom and I use your graphics to teach vocabulary to my little ones who need pictures to learn words. We would love to be your classroom for the year!

Unknown said...

Wow!! What a great project! I'd love for my kiddos to be considered. I teach in a lower class area that doesn't quite qualify for extra assistance. This year, my very large first grade class would benefit from believing and realizing how far they can go, especially with the support of good people like you!

thebusybusyhive said...

I would love for my class to be adopted! Thanks for this opportunity! I teacher 1st grade in a small private school. I know a lot of people assume that since my kids are in a private school and someone pays tuition for them that they are wealthy. This couldn't be farther than the true. Sure some families are well off but most of our students' parents really sacrifice for them to be there. We have some families that really tug those heart strings. It would be really nice to be adopted and show my students this kindness.
Thanks!!!
thebusybusyhive@gmail.com
The Busy Busy Hive

Unknown said...

This is such a great opportunity! This will be my first year teacher although I'm about nervous I am very excited. However, going into your first year you walk in with very little materials. Anything helps! I will be teaching first grade at a small charter school in a low income community. I can't wait to help all the kids succeed and see them grow!

Unknown said...

Wow! This would be so cool to win! I teach first grade in a title 1 school. I love on my kids as much as possible everyday. They would love someone else to adopt them and love on them also! Thank you for this opportunity! How fun would it be to have a Kidlette for each of my kids!

Unknown said...

I am a student teacher in a fifth grade ELA classroom in a small school in New Jersey. I know that the students would be so excited about your Kidlettes and would love to share this with them. As a student teacher, I can't afford to bring much with me into the classroom, this would be such a treat for all of us. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!

Karyn said...

Nikki I just want to say that I LOVE that you do this! You have such a kind and generous soul! I don't have a classroom (I'm a special education teacher) so I'm not petitioning to be the classroom that you choose but I just wanted to say thank you for all you do for all of us! You are awesome!

Å“Karyn
A is for Apple B is for Blog
Kideducator@comcast.net

Unknown said...

First of all I LOVE that you do this!!!

Here goes - I was hired last minute (after school started) due to large class sizes. However that means very little material and supplies. My district is a mess and we just lost a very LARGE amount of our funding. None of that matters to me though cause I am there for the kids and I want to give them all of the opportunities that I can! Thank you so much for this awesome opportunity. I would love to win and think it would be fun to show my kids how much a complete stranger cares about them and think it would be neat to have them write thank you letters and send pictures of our activities!!!

Unknown said...

And I think you have my email but if not kraftyteachermo@gmail.com

Brooke said...

This is my first year teaching and I am teaching 6th grade math and science at a Title 1 school (low income). Thank you for this opportunity, I would love for my classroom to be "adopted" by Melonheadz.

Melissa M. said...

I would love to win this great prize for my classroom. I got the job of intervention specialist in an ED classroom just two weeks ago. The classroom was, and still is to some extent--bare. I have 8 students in a self-contained classroom. I work at a low income city school district so there is not any funds to purchase things for my room. In fact, we are allotted just two boxes of copy paper a year. Oh, and this is my first year of teaching. I think it is neat that you give this opportunity to make a difference in young people's lives. I cannot wait to tell them how much a person from another state half way across the country cares about them who has never even met them before. It will mean a lot to me. I love your graphics and think you are a very talented artist!! I have followed you for a long time. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!! Many blessings!!

Ashley Nichols said...

This would be such an awesome prize to win!! I teach in a low income school. My students would be very thankful and excited to receive a surprise every month! The extra supplies would be a blessing too! I use a lot of my own funds to provide the basics for my babies and so have some extra funds to use on fun stuff for the class would be awesome.... Like play dough, magnatiles or new blocks. ;) I already use a lot of your graphics to create materials for my class and who couldn't use more cuteness to add to my Melonheadz collection??? Thank you so much!! ashleynichols1@me.com

Kaia said...

I work in a very low income school and it would be such a great lesson for my students to see that acts of kindness can make a big impact. I am constantly looking for ways to improve my practice and I give my students 150% effort. I know my kindergarten students would love this amazing gift and I could create so much with your gift card. Thank you for the opportunity!
-Kaia
kaia@kinder-colors.com
Kinder Colors

Unknown said...

This is such a generous and awesome gift. I work in a low income area, where about 96% of students come from poverty. Not only do they live in poverty but they also live in a high crime area. The fact that we will receive monthly gifts full of surprises would just make their year!! Many of my students don't receive gifts and many of their possessions are hand-me-downs. I love that you said, "all kids need to know that there are good people in this world that care for them." This is a great way for them to experience this first hand. Thank you!!

Daina said...

Oh my goodness! I'm so happy this popped up into my inbox this morning! I would SO LOVE to be the recipient of this amazing offer! I work in a school that is Title 1 and 98% are low socio-economic students. They don't have much and it would be so wonderful to surprise them with this!!!! Thank you so much for the opportunity!

Daina Roberts
dainaroberts@live.com

Penny Lundquist said...

My kids love your graphics as much as I do! All of the teachers in my building have a sign on their door with their melonheadz build a teacher image. We love you! I am the chess coach at my school and my chess kids love kidlettes that look like them! We would be the envy of my school, for sure! So happy I saw this on my Facebook feed this morning!

Little Priorities said...

I'm teaching 2nd grade next year and moving up with my firsties! I had to change my room for them. I'm looking forward to the adventure!

Christy said...

Wow, these comments are truly inspiring. I like so many others, teach in a a Title One, low income school. These kids are strong, impressionable, teachable, loving, caring, needy, lonely, and so much more. It's always a sad thing to hear how there are so many other schools just like mine, yet so amazing at the same time of how many truly wonderful educators there are out there. Thanks for this opportunity to show my kiddos the world can be a beautiful place. I just love our social media teacher community!!!

Hannah said...

My first graders and I would love to be the adopted classroom this year! I have a classroom full of boys, and we are going to be doing a lot of fun things to keep them engaged and working hard! I can't wait to see how all of my students grow this year!

Sunny said...

Hi! I am a newly hired teacher straight out of school. I will be starting my career as a third grade teacher. We have a very high (60%) English Language Learner population and they would benefit so much from these resources! Thanks so much for this opportunity!

Unknown said...

Hi Nikki! I think my kiddos would love to be adopted this year. I can think of millions of things to do with your fabulous clipart. I think that the main thing I would use it for would be to help with language development an basic phonics skills. I would use pieces to practice english language development (vocabulary) or to identify beginning, middle, or ending sounds. First grade is where these foundational skills must be developed so that is the first thing that pops in my mind for helping out my little loves. I also think getting a monthly package for them would be thrilling and make them feel extra loved and special. That is something I try to do anyway but this would certainly help. ;) Thanks for the opportunity and I hope to be hearing from you soon!

God Bless,
Victoria

Heather said...

Nikki - your generosity is truly inspiring. Your clipart is amazing and is a reflection of you. I, too, with many others that have commented, teach at a low income school that is a Title I school. I could list all the many things I could do with your clipart, but I am not going list the one million things. I would love for you to adopt my 2nd grade class - my kids are unique and special to me already - even thought I've only had them 2 weeks. I would love to teach them that there really are people in the world that they have not met that believe in them and their ability to learn and become someone. Thanks!

Mrs. Heydt said...

Oh.MY.Goodness. I came to your blog not knowing about this contest, but searching for a particular "theme" of clip art so I can create a lunch menu flip chart for my classroom! And I stumbled upon your amazing contest! My first grade class and I would LOVE to win this awesome prize..I don't think we deserve it anymore than any other classroom, though! I have 19 students and we start school on August 31. We will work hard all year to read, write, and learn about math! But more importantly, we will build classroom community. A huge part of our days really on VISUAL cues, pictures, and colorful inspiration. MelonHeadz is already a part of that via many centers, posters, and other products I've purchased on TPT!

Unknown said...

Oh my love! How amazing and generous are you?! I am thinking positive thoughts that I randomly win this! I was moved from kindergartner to 2nd grade this year. I don't think my principal realizes how much money I had invested in kindergarten. I adore your graphics and will create second grade activities for my students! I am very very picky on my graphics but when it says melonheadz on it it automatically goes on my wish list! Crossing fingers! And thanks for being a kind person in the world!!

Unknown said...

I am returning to the classroom after having been a technology specialist for 11 years! I will be teaching 4th grade and am truly starting over. I sold all my teaching materials years ago because I just knew I would be a tech specialist forever but God and my district had other plans. I love to create documents using clipart and I plan to get my kids blogging this year. We would love to stay in contact with someone and develop our writing skills. Oh and btw my name is Nikki too.

Amy said...

I am the Title One Reading Specialist at my school. I teach the most struggling readers how to read. Day in and day out this can be mind numbing since it requires a TON of repetitions. This past year I started making games and activities using your clip art, to spice it up. This has brought lots of smiles and enjoyment to me and my students. They are more motivate with one of your smiling characters looking at them :) Thank you for sharing your talent!

Amy

mal blair said...

I took a leap of faith this year and moved from Utah to Georgia. I finally secured a job; however, it is teaching a different grade than I taught last year. Last year was my first year teaching; therefore, to start my second year in a new state, new school, and new grade is kind of overwhelming. However, my students are in a low-income area; therefore, they deserve to have the very best. I love creating resources that will really be appealing to them and your graphics always are the perfect touch. I cannot explain how wonderful it would be and how grateful I would be to win this opportunity. Even if I don't win, keep on making amazing graphics and inspiring teachers everywhere.

Sara said...

What an amazing and generous opportunity you are providing! I teach 1st grade in a small, rural community with a high free/reduced lunch population. I work hard to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere for my students (and their parents) to come to. I am a firm believer in filling others' buckets and paying it forward and always strive to not only portray this to my students, but also to help them internalize this important aspect of life. THank you for this opportunity!!

Unknown said...

I teach kindergarten in a low-income school. My students are very familiar with your graphics, as I have bought a lot of your clip art and packets from TpT. My kiddos would love to be adopted by you! What a wonderful idea!

Lisa said...

I am a kindergarten teacher who loves to surround her students with all things that are bright and beautiful. My school is mostly low income with a large number of foster children. Unfortunately, they don't always come from the best situations, so I strive to provide them with a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment. I do not to ask the parents for extra supplies, so I spend a good portion of my money to provide for them. I do this because they are the loves of my life and they deserve the best...no matter where they come from.

Anonymous said...

I am a first year teacher and I absolutely, positively love your artwork! They have such a nice presence! I just finished the first day and a half of school with my new students after working pretty much non-stop for the last 4 weeks setting up my second grade classroom. My classroom is comprised of a lot of diversity - culturally, economically, as well as academically and I know that my students would benefit greatly from your support! I would love to use the $100 to purchase technology to use in the classroom such as a microphone for students to create short videos demonstrating new concepts in math and reading. Thank you so much for this opportunity!

Unknown said...

Nikki, I teach at a Title 1 school. We do not get a classroom budget for anything. EVERYTHING in my classroom belongs to me! I spend my own money for everything we do. I absolutely LOVE my job and love what I do but it would be nice to get some help every once in a while! :) I have many of your graphics and use them in my classroom quite a bit. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be chosen. I hope your year ROCKS!
Karen Rowland

Adventures With Firsties

karenrowland112677@yahoo.com

Mrs. Gomez said...

I work in a very diverse classroom. I have 18 students on my roster right now, and 10 different home languages. I think my classroom deserves to win because my hubby is so upset with me about how much money I have spent this summer! Plus I love Melonheadz :)

nharper09 said...

Hello!!! We live in a rural area, Southern Illinois, and unfortunately a lot of our students come from low-income homes. However, we (the staff) try to make up for what they don't have at home, by giving them what they need at school...time/support/our earnings/love,etc. Your graphics could really help out in so many ways. We spend a lot of money making school projects/letters/classwork that requires some graphics and it can get very expensive over the course of the year! I think what you are doing is a wonderful thing for these children. So many of them don't stand a chance, unless we (educators) give them one!!! Thanks for helping out fellow teachers...and God bless!!!!

Erin said...

I teach in a high-poverty area, and my students LOVE engaging material with wonderful illustrations. I use clip art to spice up my own notices, class materials, and more. I also LOVE Melonheads!!!
Erin
Very Perry Classroom

Kate said...

This is such an amazing opportunity! I teach in a low-income, 99% minority school. I used your kidlettes of color on their folders this year and their responses were hysterical! They couldn't believe that the kids on their folders looked like them. I would love to keep creating resources for them to keep them happy and learning. Getting a monthly package would be so fun! All of our school supplies are donated, so we rarely get new things for our classroom. I know they would be thrilled to get something in the mail!

Misha Frander said...

Wow! I would love to be adopted! My students LOVE all of your graphics I use on my classroom activities. AND...what child doesn't love to receive packages? As far as that goes...what teacher doesn't love to receive packages? Fingers crossed... I hope to be adopted in a few days!

Unknown said...

This would be an excellent opportunity for my students. I teach them about compassion and generosity even though my students come from many different backgrounds. It would be wonderful to have an example to show them that someone they do not even know can be compassionate and generous towards them. Thank you so much for everything you do!

Unknown said...

My talent is the art of teaching, not the art of drawing. Your talent in my classroom would be appreciated by my students, parents and by me. Your graphics make me smile and keep me going on challenging days. Parents read my notes just because they see your cute graphics on them. Thank you for the great service that you provide!

Unknown said...

I love teaching. I've wanted to be a teacher since I was 8 years old. However, I am not artistically creative. I love using your clip art and fonts to make my room, my calendars, and my handouts look better. I work in a very low income school district at a Title 1 school, so every little bit helps me out. I can only stretch my own resources so far. My middle schoolers need some love and attention. Thank you for doing this year after year.

Unknown said...

Dear Melonheadz Illustrating,
OMG, where do we begin with why you should choose our class of SUPERHEROES!!!! Mostly you should choose us because we would not have a happy filled learning environment without your SUPER drawings for our decor, to look at daily and to inspire us to be better artist, or even one day to be an artist just like you! We would love to have more of you in our room to add to those cute little doodles you do for us already on our work for us to complete, to color just for fun, or to help us to remember all of that important STUFF that we learn for TESTS!
Sincerely,
20 First Grade Melonheadz Addicts (A.K.A: Ms. Ray's First Grade Class 2015-2016)

Karla said...

Nikki, this is a very generous gift.
I've had a rough last 6 years at a school that doesn't really appreciate its teachers. I finally took a leap of faith and left... now I'm in a low-income school, with students desperate to learn and desperate for love. Being the adopted classroom would probably make their LIVES! =)
Good luck to everyone!

Mrs. Sanders said...

Are you kidding?? This is awesome and you are very talented. I love your work and would be honored if you chose me :-)

Ruthanne said...

What an amazing opportunity! I teach kids with emotional/behavior disorders. I loop with my students from Kindergarten to 3rd. This year, my 3rd graders have left and we are looping back to K-2. I would love to give my students something extra. Your products are adorable and I love the cultural diversity of them. Thank you for the chance!

Mr. Hughes said...

Well, I don't know if I qualify where I am now an administrator, but I would love to win this to use as incentives for my whole school system.
Like all schools, budgets are tight and most "extras" are done on the faculty/Staff's dime. What a blessing this would be for our school. $100 would go a long ways in getting needed supplies for teachers and/or small incentives that teachers could use in their classrooms.

What a truly giving person you are Nikki! Thanks for making us all smile. :)

Unknown said...

As always, Nikki, you are so generous! I love this idea and would love to donate a Starbucks gift card to the teacher who wins so he/she can have a sweet treat before school a few mornings. Thanks so much for all you do. Your passion for creating adorable kidlettes has completely transformed the world of education. Love you, so much. I wish we could do something for you each month! XO

Unknown said...

I am so excited to have learned about this opportunity! I teach in a low income, Title 1 school where over 95% of our students receive free breakfast, lunch and snacks. Many of our families have lived in the neighborhood around our school for generations. Our families are struggling, stress is high, and our kids are learning how to regulate emotions and behaviors. Our goal this year is to change our school climate by encouraging students and staff to interact with each other and the community in more positive ways. I have been tasked with creating posters for classrooms and common areas to ensure our expectations are clear and consistent and problem solving skills are readily available for students, staff, and families to reference. You would make such an incredible difference to not only my class but our school as well if you were to adopt us. Thank you for your consideration.