Resource Area For Teaching
21 reviews total. Average rating:
User Reviews
I was a Professional with expertise in this field & I teach 3rd grade
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Today my 3rd graders combined measurement and planning skills, language skills, creativity, and materials that might have been discarded instead of cherished . . . to create monogram cards, each as unique as its artist. It's Halloween week, and we put our capital letters "in costume".
Tomorrow my 3rd graders will use their letter-writing skills to personalize their cards, put them in hand-decorated RAFT envelopes, and further the preservation of the hand-written letter as a treasured form of social connection.
RAFT provides me kits that match the state's curriculum requirements, completely capture student interest, are affordable in this time of budget cuts, and that I would NEVER have been able to pull together on my own.
RAFT offers me workshops that are models of classroom management while teaching activities that enrich my students' creative opportunities.
RAFT inspires me with its synthesis and excitement.
RAFT offers corporations a lively opportunity to do a wonderful thing for children and the financial advantage of not paying to discard their overages.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... the eager participation of my students in lessons that would be "deadly" if taught only with the text.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... the year after year consistency of helpfulness to teachers.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... completely positive and supportive.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... repliate itself.
Ways to make it better!
- One thing I'd also say is that... the new facility is a huge improvement over its previous incarnation.
Outstanding resource! I am a special needs teacher who travels more than 45 miles each way to make use of the creativity and generosity of the persons who make this resource possible. Just this last visit I was able to add a laptop to my classroom, which otherwise would never have been possible. I love the "hands on" incredibly well priced teaching tools.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... the enthusiasm my students have for using their learning tools.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... The enthusiasm and helpfulness of the staff
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... Extremely helpful and warm.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... reach a broader audience.
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... I ddid not have to travel so far to reach this resource.
- If I ran this organization, I would... open satellite stores or establish a mobile version to reach more educational organizations.
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... continuing to gain meaningful donations and persons to staff and run the organization.
- One thing I'd also say is that... I am continuously astounded by the creativity of the staff.
This organization is wonderful. I have used the items I have obtained to help my girls (cadettes) to complete interest projects (badges). The excellent pricing policies have helped to stretch limited troop funds. You definately get your moneys' worth at RAFT!
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... My cadette girl scout troop. RAFT materials have helped us complete interest projects (badges)in an economical manner - not to mention fun!
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... I can browse as long as I like. There is no one trying to rush me. However, there is always someone available if I need help. I wish all stores did this.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... very friendly and helpful.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... open more locations to reach a larger clientele.
Ways to make it better!
- If I ran this organization, I would... Try to spread the word about RAFT more through the school systems. The projects that I have seen complete with samples are excellent. In this time of cut backs, I would offer a reward program to thoses who spent a certain amount in a given time period. It could be as simple as reward tickets for various doller amounts good at RAFT - with no experation dates.
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... companies not being aware that there is a place that they can donate left over promotional items, older outdated items that are still useable to someone else, and other useful items. The saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure" should be RAFT's motto. Perhaps letting the members have a list of tthe donors so we can send direct thank yous or you setting up a thank you post card or web site. I know most people are inclined to continue actions that have positive feddback.
- One thing I'd also say is that... There needs to be more places like RAFT. It is eco-friendly, keeping useful items out of landfills. It helps people with ideas on how to use the items. It is a win-win situation.
This organization is wonderful. I have used the items I have obtained to help my girls (cadettes) to complete interest projects (badges). The excellent pricing policies have helped to stretch limited troop funds. You definately get your moneys' worth at RAFT!
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... My cadette girl scout troop. RAFT materials have helped us complete interest projects (badges)in an economical manner - not to mention fun!
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... I can browse as long as I like. There is no one trying to rush me. However, there is always someone available if I need help. I wish all stores did this.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... very friendly and helpful.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... open more locations to reach a larger clientele.
Ways to make it better!
- If I ran this organization, I would... Try to spread the word about RAFT more through the school systems. The projects that I have seen complete with samples are excellent. In this time of cut backs, I would offer a reward program to thoses who spent a certain amount in a given time period. It could be as simple as reward tickets for various doller amounts good at RAFT - with no experation dates.
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... companies not being aware that there is a place that they can donate left over promotional items, older outdated items that are still useable to someone else, and other useful items. The saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure" should be RAFT's motto. Perhaps letting the members have a list of tthe donors so we can send direct thank yous or you setting up a thank you post card or web site. I know most people are inclined to continue actions that have positive feddback.
I was a Client Served & Director of a schoolage program.
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I have taken many workshops over the years but the workshops that I took this summer: weaving, nature journals, and innovation were fun, stimulating and helped me go back to school with exciting new ideas!
The Great!
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... friendly, knowledgeable professionals who are really excited about learning!
Ways to make it better!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... getting teachers to take advantage of the resources that are offered.
I was a Client Served & I shopped and received help with projects.
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This is your one stop shop for ideas and supplies to make your teaching more hands-on. The ladies in the green room are wonderful at helping you get your ideas from concept to fruition.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... my sons scouting camp this summer they got to do owl pellets and the earthquake simulator.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... finding unique ways to teach ordinary subjects.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... helpful and kind.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... set up more locations.
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... there were more language and history ideas.
- If I ran this organization, I would... Try to get more locations
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... growth and continuing sponsorship
- One thing I'd also say is that... this is a wonderful idea I am so glad Raft is here.
I was a Client Served & Purchased items for all the groups that I work with.
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I go to RAFT for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Sunday School, youth religious class and for a hands-on science class There are always so many new materials and ideas available. And if I do purchase something, try it out and it's not a great success with the students, I am out only a few dollars. The staff and classes are so informative and helpful. Can't say enough good things about RAFT. Thanks to everyone who works there and to the people and corporations who donate to RAFT!
The Great!
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... wonderful. They seem to enjoy working there.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... make it even less expensive to become a member.
Ways to make it better!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... with the sagging economy, to be able to continue to receive donations and goods from individuals and corporations.
I was a Volunteer & Girl Scout Troop Leader (going on my 3rd year)
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What a great place to get project ideas (plus the materials for them). Enough new items come in to keep things fresh.
Definitely worth the membership and the drive there.
The Great!
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... they continuously strive to find fresh ideas/projects from new or existing materials.
Ways to make it better!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... a single location that may be difficult for many potential Bay Area members to get to.
I was a Professional with expertise in this field & Donated to RAFT, worked for foundations that donated to RAFT, served on RAFT board
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Whenever you see a great organization doing the right things, look behind for a shining star. RAFT is fortunate because founding director Mary Simon is a dedicated individual who strongly believes in what they do. So many children are served each day; things are taken from the waste stream and re-used (not recycled) and everyone wins. I love RAFT!
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... my own child's school and places where I used to work (and RAFT picked up left-over supplies)
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... The wonderful people involved, the great volunteers, the system itself.
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... I am not sure how they could improve at this point. I am very satisfied with my RAFT experiences.
I was a Professional with expertise in this field & I teach second graders.
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This is a great place to get bargain knick-knacks and doo-dads for your classroom. There are also fabulous games and activities in a bag for you to assemble and do in class. All are aligned with the state standards! And so cheap, too!
The Great!
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... expand to San Mateo County!!
Ways to make it better!
- If I ran this organization, I would... try to expand to San Mateo County, either with a mobile version or in a warehouse.
I was a Client Served & I go to rAFT, take workshops, recommend it, and spend lots of money there!!
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I love RAFT, and go there at least twice a month (even though it's at least an hour/60 mile drive for me). The workshops I have taken over the past 6 years have made me a much better teacher. I have a wide collection of hands-on activities and lessons to bring to my students on a wide range of subjects and levels.
I recommend going to RAFT to all of my teaching acquaintances.
I also buy an amazing amount of materials to share with my students (Title 1)-- they love it! The kits really help me teach. And the fun, creative objects (I don't know what to call the wide range of things that you can get at RAFT) have broadened my teaching and creativity....Also, I'm in love with the incredibly-priced Klutz books! What a treat! What a privilege!
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... helping teachers reach the students of today.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... meeting other teachers, sharing ideas, learning more about science, math, art.... and getting great new ideas.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... always terrific-- helpful, educated, and just wonderful!
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... really reach out directly to schools!
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... RAFT were closer-- or open on Sunday!!
- If I ran this organization, I would... have an online order service!!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... keeping it all going with so many school cutbacks.
- One thing I'd also say is that... RAFT has changed my life!
I was a Client Served & Volunteer teach K-5th art, music, character ed and other supplemental programs at elementary schools
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I have been a member of RAFT for at least 10 years and find it a fantastic resource for all the youth organizations I'm involved with.
Great teacher lesson idea sheets, classes & kits. Most effective resource to stretch a limit public school budget.
The variety of supplies is excellent and constantly updated with new items. Newsletter email announcements keep us informed on the latest info.
I recommend anyone involved in a nonprofit group take the time to visit RAFT, its worth your time.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... how its grown and gotten better organized over the years.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... Fantastic value for your money. Love the creativity they have for ways to reuse recycled donations.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... have several locations and even more supplies
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... more new items, more frequently
- If I ran this organization, I would... keep adding kits and lesson idea sheets
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... making it more accessible to schools outside of the bay area.
- One thing I'd also say is that... hope RAFT stays around for decades to come
I was a Board Member & led the effort to create more RAFT's around the country
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I am proud to be on the board of RAFT. This is a great organization that really improves the quality of teaching and learing.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... The excitement of teachers who come to RAFT
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... The talented and motivated staff and the tangible difference that RAFT is making
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... Motivated and competent
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... Grow faster, replicate faster, and serve more teachers
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... There were RAFTs in every community
- If I ran this organization, I would... Be very proud
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... managing growth
- One thing I'd also say is that... RAFT really helps teachers to teach more effectively and is easy and inexpensive for teachers to use
I was a Board Member & I have toured the warehouse, tried the experiments, and talked to teachers and heard enthusiastic appreciation of RAFT.
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RAFT makes an active and tangible difference in the quality of our children's education. I am so proud to be able to support and endorse them!
The Great!
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... passionate about the mission and committed to excellence. They know and understand both teachers and students.
Ways to make it better!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... having the resources to expand access to these great educational resources beyond the south bay.
I was a Client Served & I am a teacher and I bought classroom supplies for the next school year.
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RAFT offers incredible bargains for teachers. The thing I like best about it is that they have created activities and lessons for teachers and packaged up all the materials and instructions ahead of time. They have great ideas and great bargains. The people are very friendly, outgoing and helpful. I drove a long distance to come here and would come back again.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... predone lessons and activities
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... Not so crowded. A cart holding area would be nice.
I have been coming to RAFT for a few years. It has saved me hundreds of dollars. I would be lost without it. The stickers are the best in the area.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... my classroom
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... going down the asle
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... there were not so many clients
As a first time visitor to RAFT, I have found a wealth of resources that will make our classroom learning environment more dynamic. The pre-packaged science kits are user friendly. Also there is a wealth of KLUTZ art books that give crafty ideas to run with. Overall, I can see myself coming back time and again.
The Great!
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... Shopping around at a reasonable price and finding discarded items that can be turned into interesting projects
Ways to make it better!
- One thing I'd also say is that... I'm interested in attending their workshops.