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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Mari Castro from El Cerrito, CA is requesting classroom basics through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Mari Castro is requesting

Cha-Ching! Empowering Sped Students With Financial Literacy Tools

Help me give my students developmentally essential financial literacy skills that reinforce basic math concepts in a hands-on, engaging way.

FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Mari Castro's classroom raised $512

This project is fully funded

My Project

Learning practical, everyday skills is just as important as academic success. I want to provide my students with opportunities to practice real-world math scenarios, and what better way to do so than through the use of a real-working cash register, large-print play money, and a mobile whiteboard?

Many of my students in the Extensive Support Needs (ESN) class require specialized tools to help them grasp and retain important concepts, especially when it comes to financial literacy and basic math skills.

In our classroom, we focus heavily on functional daily living skills, including learning how to count money, make simple purchases, and manage personal finances — all crucial skills for fostering independence.

The cash register will allow us to set up realistic financial scenarios, giving students the chance to practice basic math and money management skills in a fun and engaging way. By using the built-in calculator, students can see the results of their computations immediately, reinforcing learning in real-time.

The large-print play money will ensure all students, especially those with visual impairments, can fully participate. We will use the play money to teach concepts like counting, making change, and understanding value—skills that are critical for independence.

Finally, the mobile whiteboard will help us stay flexible. Some students need a quieter corner of the room to focus, while others benefit from working in groups. Having the ability to move our math sessions to wherever students are most comfortable will enhance their learning experience.

With these tools, my students will gain the confidence and skills they need to navigate the real world of finances and math. Your support will help make math more accessible and engaging for all of my students, setting them up for success both inside and outside the classroom.

Ms. Mari Castro El Cerrito High School Grades 9-12

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

El Cerrito, CA View local requests

More than a third of 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

10 students impacted 8donors

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Mari Castro 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
Rolling Dry Erase Board 46 x 32 - Large Portable Magnetic Whiteboard with Stand - Double Sided Easel Style Whiteboard with Wheels - Mobile Standing Whiteboard for Office, Classroom & Home • Amazon Business $139.97 1 $139.97
Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register - 73 Pieces, Ages 3+ Develops Early Math Skills, Play Cash Register for Kids, Toy Cash Register, Play Money for Kids • Amazon Business $25.49 3 $76.47
Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register Pink - 73 Pieces, Ages 3+, Cash Register for Kids, Play Money for Kids, Toddlers Toys, Toy Register • Amazon Business $27.68 2 $55.36
Lakeshore Jumbo Double-Sided Magnetic Money • Lakeshore Learning Materials $49.99 1 $49.99
Lakeshore Real-Working Cash Register • Lakeshore Learning Materials $39.99 1 $39.99

Materials cost

$361.78

Vendor shipping charges

 $4.50

Sales tax

 $33.10

3rd party payment processing fee

$5.43

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$434.81

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$76.73

Total project goal

$511.54

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $511.54

7 Donors

-$509.19

Donations toward project cost

-$434.81

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$74.38

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$2.35

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

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

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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 Ms. Mari Castro and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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