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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Smith from Charlotte, NC is requesting flexible seating through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Smith is requesting
Fully Funded

Mrs. Smith's classroom raised $951

(Not) All Brains Think Alike

Help me give my students a variety of sensory-based and educational activities for high engagement and learning.

Classroom photo
Mrs. Smith Eastway Middle School
Charlotte, NC Grades 6-8

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.

My Project

I work with middle school students in special education, where meaningful learning takes creativity—and resources we often don’t have. After three years in the private sector with an endless budget, returning to public schools was a shock. NC ranks at the bottom for education funding, and it shows. Teachers are limited on printing, supplies, and basic materials—so we pay out of pocket just to keep students engaged. It’s exhausting, and it’s not sustainable. Teachers shouldn’t have to fund their own classrooms.

My students have a wide range of diagnoses: Down Syndrome, Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Sensory Processing Disorders, Speech delays, etc.

Because of these diverse needs, traditional classroom models—such as desks, chairs, and worksheet-based instruction—are often not effective. Interactive, hands-on, and multi-sensory activities that align with their neurodivergent learning traits improve student outcomes.

Does my list include “toys” for middle schoolers? Absolutely—because play still drives learning. It builds academic, social, and problem-solving skills while boosting engagement through students’ interests. I’ve seen the difference firsthand: in the private sector, where resources were available, engagement and learning soared. Without those tools, we’re fighting an uphill battle to give them what they need. My Donors Choose list includes flexible seating and tools that boost focus, comfort, and participation.

To support this goal, I am seeking materials that:

Provide multi-sensory learning experiences (touch, movement, visual supports)

Encourage independent engagement

Offer alternatives to traditional seating and workspaces

Reinforce academic skills in functional, hands-on ways

Help students develop self-regulation and focus

Another educator asking for help? Yes—and here’s why it matters: your support creates real opportunities for students to learn the way they thrive. I’ve seen these specific materials transform engagement and growth for learners, and I chose them with intention. These aren’t “nice to have”—they’ll be used every single day to make learning meaningful. Thank you!

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Nearly all students from low‑income households

70 students impacted 3 donors
Mrs. Smith Eastway Middle School Grades 6-8

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Charlotte, NC View local requests

Nearly all students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

70 students impacted 3donors

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Mrs. Smith is requesting.

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Factory Direct Partners Soft Tufted Floor Rocker - Cushioned Ground Chair for Kids Teens and Adults - Great for Reading, Gaming, Meditating, TV - Blue, 10488-BL • Amazon Business $124.99 2 $249.98
Hammock Chair with Stand,Hammock Chair Stand with Hanging Swing Chair Included,Weather Resistant Hammock Stand Max 450 Lbs,Saving Space Swing Stand for Indoor Outdoor Patio Yard(Green) Patented • Amazon Business $89.59 1 $89.59
VELCRO© Loop Roll - 75 ft. x 1 in. - White • Nasco $41.80 2 $83.60
MAGNA-TILES Dinos 5-Piece Magnetic Construction Set, The ORIGINAL Magnetic Building Brand • Amazon Business $60.34 1 $60.34
Mattel Matchbox Spin Cyclone Car Wash (JGB68) • Quill.com $56.11 1 $56.11
PicassoTiles Electronic Piano 49Key Flexible Roll-Up Keyboard with Recording Feature 8 Tones 6 Demo Songs Built-in Speaker Educational Music Toy for Kids Toddlers Boys Girls Rainbow Color Design PT49 • Amazon Business $29.54 1 $29.54
48PCS Magnetic Blocks for Toddlers Outdoor Toys, Large Magnetic Cube Toy for Sensory Montessori Education Preschool Magnet Toys for 3 4 5 6 Year Old Boys and Girls • Amazon Business $24.99 1 $24.99
Fidget Poppers Pack – 50 Pcs Fidget Toys, Party Favors for Kids 8-12, Stocking Stuffers, Bulk Sensory Toys for Classroom Treasure Box Prizes, Goodie Bags, Birthday Gifts • Amazon Business $23.70 1 $23.70
Sensory Playtivity Scaly Sensory Discs, Set of 3, Black • School Specialty $20.92 1 $20.92
Sensory Chew Necklace for Boys and Girls, 6 Pack Stretch Chewing Necklaces for Kids with Autism ADHD SPD, Oral Motor Aids Baby Chew Toys Reduce Fidgeting for Kids Chewer (6) • Amazon Business $9.98 2 $19.96
Phomemo Label Maker, D30 Bluetooth Mini Label Maker Machine, Small Portable Thermal Printer Rechargeable for Home School Classroom Teacher Supplies Office Labeler Wide Format Plotter Printers • Amazon Business $17.97 1 $17.97
Phomemo Labels, D30 Label Tape Continuous Print Master Labels Refill, Smart Mini Label Maker Refill D30 D35 Black on White Sticker Thermal Paper Self-Adhesive, 15mm x 6m (0.59 x 236.22 Inch) 3-Roll • Amazon Business $13.49 1 $13.49
ALKISTA 48 Pcs Tetra Tower Balance Stacking Blocks Game, Board Games for 2 Players+ Family Games, Parties, Travel, Kids & Adults Team Building Blocks Toy • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99
52 Pack Pop Tubes, Sensory Toys Party Favors for Kids 8-12 Fidget Toys for Anxiety Goodie Bag Stuffers Treasure Box Classroom Prizes Gifts for 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Year Old Boys Girls Toddlers- 10 Colors • Amazon Business $9.49 1 $9.49

Materials cost

$709.67

Vendor shipping charges

 $2.09

Sales tax

 $55.35

3rd party payment processing fee

$10.65

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$807.76

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$142.55

Total project goal

$950.31

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $950.31

2 Donors

-$935.31

Donations toward project cost

-$795.01

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$140.30

match offer

-$15.00

Match offer toward project cost

-$12.75

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$2.25

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

Project Activity
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DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Smith and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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