“Used the plastic bottles to make canopic jars after taking the TUT workshop in July.  HUGE success!”“I was studying acids and bases with my students and needed each of them to have their own sets of test tubes to test various liquids.  I was able to find test tubes and stands for all of my students.  I was thrilled, and my students loved the work.”

“My students love to use the math bottle caps catapult game to practice math problems.  They also love the 9 digit matrix and beg to “play” it when they have extra time in math groups.”

“When I am planning a workshop or day camp, I know where I can get supplies to help outfit the programs.  I have come in with an idea of what I want and talking with [RAFT staff] steer[s] me in a better different way.  You have also been flexible with being open at other times.”

“I use materials I found at RAFT every day in my Kindergarten classroom.  We count objects and build with them.”

“My middle school students presented two shows to the school and I used RAFT resources to make both costumes and scenery for the performances.  It was really helpful, as my department has an extremely limited budget, to be able to purchase discounted supplies.  Also, I think it’s a very “green” idea to reuse supplies.

“I have used many of the science projects and it is just amazing to see how much more kids understand when they can do some kind of hands-on project!”

“My kids have used Messages In A Bottle and we have done so many [writing] activities with these!  It helps them brainstorm ideas when they are stuck, it gives them something tangible to help them think, etc.”

“My best experiences have been to find reading text and math text books that I couldn’t have afforded to buy anywhere else.  To see my students light up to have their own book to work out of is wonderful.”

“RAFT has let me incorporate tons of manipulatives and supplement hands-on materials that have been instrumental in helping my students (especially English Language Learners) improve and master material.”

“My students have loved the science kits.  We did the light refraction kits and had a great time.  I liked that the students could take the items home since they cost so little.”

“We made the cardboard tube water cycles in my science class.  The kids were completely engaged the whole time and really had a better understanding of the water cycle and cycles in general since the tubes were round.  They took pride in their work and have retained the information and applied it in our landforms unit.”

“RAFT enables me to do things that I want to do in my classroom without going broke.”

“Hopefully, my students will always find my class new and refreshing.”

“Due to budget cuts, my teachers were concerned that they would have less opportunities for creativity (which equates to job satisfaction) – because of RAFT, those creative gates have been kept open!  Thank you!”

“[RAFT] allows me to continue to do the same high quality job at a much reduced price.  I might actually get to spend only the $250 tax deduction instead of the $700 – $1000 I usually spend in a year.  I provide so much to my students because of their economic status and you have made it so much easier for me.”

“RAFT inspires me to do new and different things and allows me the opportunity to do even more hands-on activities with my class that they just love!”

“We work on a very tight budget at the school and without the RAFT stores great prices on resources, I would have a pretty boring class.”

“When I find activities that work well with my students, it’s a great pat on the back.”

“What I get from RAFT is energy and inspiration to pass on in my teaching of young children.”