Heather McDowell Francis (@just_teachin at the old place)
LightNews LightNews
banner
musictchr1.bsky.social
Heather McDowell Francis (@just_teachin at the old place)
@musictchr1.bsky.social
1.3K followers 1.1K following 63 posts
she/her; preK-12th music educator who doesn’t use that mug at school, LGBTQ+ ally, bleeding heart liberal, die hard Cubs fan, & mom to a future #kidlit illustrator... #EDUsky

#clearthelist Support my students @ https://amzn.to/2VXmOY2
Posts Replies Media Videos
musictchr1.bsky.social
🚨My students have hit my care cabinet hard… & with #SNAP benefits in limbo, they’ll need it even more.🚨

Biggest needs are snacks & deodorant. I started w/84 deos & have 4 left.

Wishlists has items btw $1-$20. All help my students. Grateful for your help!

amzn.to/2VXmOY2

WM: bit.ly/CareCabinet
Photo of smiling music teacher from Title 1 school in Illinois. She states needing items to help support her students. her mission/ growing GOOD students who are EVEN BETTER people by teaching empathy, diversity, and equity through music with a combination of accountability and grace. A full cabinet of hygiene needs such as hairbrushes, lip balms, deodorants, soaps, and menstrual products. The deodorants are circled with a note stating the teacher had two bins full at the start of the year in August. Photo shows the deodorant bin in the student care cabinet. There are only four deodorants left. Photo shows a student care cabinet full of snacks. The top half shows bins of a wide variety of snacks. The bottom half shows snacks in storage ready to be shared above when they run out. Text notes that there are only 40 individual items remaining.
October 29, 2025 at 5:29 PM
musictchr1.bsky.social
As a music educator, my goal is simple: grow GOOD musicians who are EVEN BETTER people.

In my classroom you’ll find me teaching about and through music, with a sharp focus on empathy, equity, and a combination of accountability and grace.

Looking for help to #clearthelist
Thanks!

amzn.to/2VXmOY2
July 18, 2025 at 9:13 PM
musictchr1.bsky.social
Advocating for my music students today! In my classroom you’ll find me teaching about & through music, with a sharp focus on empathy, equity, & a combination of accountability & grace.

I invite you to read more about who & how I teach & if so moved, pls help #clearthelist. Thanks!

amzn.to/2VXmOY2
July 16, 2025 at 7:47 PM
musictchr1.bsky.social
I know school is barely out, but teachers are always looking ahead. If you’re looking to support a #teacher who emphasizes #empathy & #DEI, I’m your person. My Amazon (ick, I know, but it’s the nature of the beast) #clearthelist link follows. Items from $1. Grateful for any help!

amzn.to/2VXmOY2
June 4, 2025 at 3:48 PM
musictchr1.bsky.social
Happy Thanksgiving!
If it wouldn’t cause you any financial hardship, pls consider making 3 of my school’s neediest students’ Xmas brighter. Our counselor gathers info re: their needs & shares w/staff. It’s all kept anonymous. Reposts appreciated. Grateful!

www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/...
November 28, 2024 at 6:35 PM
musictchr1.bsky.social
I’d take help providing gifts for three of my neediest students! Teachers have the option of anonymously supporting kids in our school & I took on three siblings.

www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/...

If you want to help but prefer not working w/ Amazon, reach out!
November 24, 2024 at 7:48 PM
musictchr1.bsky.social
Okay, Bluesky, pls work your #clearthelist magic! Certainly someone is up & jonesin’ for some retail therapy that’ll do some good! Please read the pic & if you can, help me help my students. If you don’t want to support Amazon, LMK! I have receipts from other places!

www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/...
November 24, 2024 at 5:48 AM
musictchr1.bsky.social
Bluesky now has over 10 million users, and I was #206,761!
A virtual certificate with text "Celebrating 10M users on Bluesky, #206,761, Heather McDowell Francis ‪@musictchr1.bsky.social‬, joined on Jul 3, 2023"
October 2, 2024 at 3:51 AM
musictchr1.bsky.social
Happy Arraignment Day to all who celebrate!

I teach preK-8th gr music in a Title 1 funded school in rural Illinois. I started an LGBTQ+ affirming group last year w/ admin support.

I have a wishlist of items for the kids & staff. If you’re so moved

If you’re so moved, pls share/donate. Thanks!
August 3, 2023 at 10:53 PM
musictchr1.bsky.social
Hello all! I’m hoping some of the generous donors who’ve helped teachers #clearthelist in the past are here & willing to help.

I currently get $100 to serve ~200 preK-8th music students. Pls read about my incredible students & how I teach👇🏼.

https://amzn.to/2VXmOY2
Items ship to my school. Thanks!
Four panel graphic describing OP’s Latinx music students, how she focuses on empathy & equity, about her civic work in LGBTQ+ support and covid vaccine clinics.
July 19, 2023 at 10:45 PM
musictchr1.bsky.social
cheap white paper plate with a tiny smiley face drawn in marker
July 12, 2023 at 6:00 AM
musictchr1.bsky.social
Next time you’re feeling the urge to do some retail therapy, pls consider this 😉: I’m an elementary music teacher who has a wishlist of needs for my students: books featuring historically excluded folks, snacks, supplies, bandages in multiple skin tones, air purifier filters… https://amzn.to/2VXmOY2
Four panels that describe my music students, my teaching style, my work outside the classroom, and a quote from Minor Myers, Jr.: “Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good”
July 8, 2023 at 6:55 PM
musictchr1.bsky.social
Just found a teacher thread, which is fantastic! Now I’m looking for fellow elementary and/or choral music ed folks. Anyone out there?
Elementary music room bulletin board with yellow background, border is composed of children’s hands of multiple tones from very light to very dark. In rainbow letters, the board reads “In this music room EVERYONE is WELCOME!
July 4, 2023 at 6:18 PM