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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Riccio from San Diego, CA is requesting educational kits & games through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Riccio is requesting

Counseling Center Calming Space

Help me give my students a safe space to regulate their emotions so I can help get them back to class to be the most successful students they can be.

FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Riccio's classroom raised $693

This project is fully funded

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

The mental health of students has become a paramount concern within our educational system. The rise in mental health challenges among our youth emphasizes the critical need for dedicated counseling programs in schools. Creating an environment where students feel welcomed and supported is not just a beneficial addition but a fundamental necessity.

One of the most effective ways to foster a sense of comfort and openness in a school counseling center is through attention to the space itself.

The physical environment can significantly impact how students perceive and interact with the counseling services available to them. Small yet meaningful details—such as lighting, fidgets, decor, and books—play a crucial role in making the space inviting. Soft, warm lighting can create a calming atmosphere, while vibrant and engaging decor can make the space more approachable. Providing fidgets can help students who may need sensory tools to focus or calm their nerves during sessions.

Ensuring that the counseling center is equipped with these elements helps build an environment where students feel safe and understood. It’s important to recognize that many students, particularly in inner-city communities, face unique and significant challenges that may impact their mental health. For these students, the counseling center can serve as a critical sanctuary and a source of support. A variety of supplies allow counselors to teach students a range of coping skills and strategies tailored to their individual needs.

The mental health crisis affecting our youth today requires a proactive and comprehensive approach within schools. By investing in a welcoming and well-resourced counseling environment, educators and counselors can provide support that empowers students to navigate their challenges and build resilience. This commitment to creating a nurturing space is not just about addressing immediate needs but also about equipping students with the skills they need for future success.

Ms. Riccio Hamilton Elementary School Grades 3-5

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.

San Diego, CA 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

800 students impacted 3donors

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You donate directly to the teacher or project you care about and see where every dollar you give goes.

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

See our finances

TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

You can start a project with the same resources being requested here!

Where Your Donation Goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total
Fluorescent Light Covers for Classroom Office - Light Filters Ceiling LED Ceiling Light Covers - 2ft x 4ft Drop Ceiling Fluorescent Decorative - tree leaves sky clouds pattern • Amazon Business $14.99 6 $89.94
Big Comfy Bean Bag Chair: Posh Large Beanbag Chairs with Removable Cover for Kids, Teens and Adults - Polyester Cloth Puff Sack Lounger Furniture for All Ages - 27 Inch - Solid Pink • Amazon Business $71.06 1 $71.06
The Coping Skills Game • Nasco $50.96 1 $50.96
Monarch Specialties Inc. Eucalyptus in Pot (I 9562) • Quill.com $49.99 1 $49.99
2 Plush Space Toys - Celestial Buddies: Little Earth & Moon Buddy • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $45.00 1 $45.00
Blush Fluffy Circle Round Rug for Bedroom 5'X5' for Kids Room,Furry Carpet for Teen Girls Room,Shaggy Circular Fuzzy Plush Rug for Nursery Room, Dorm,Blush Carpet,Cute Room Decor for Baby • Amazon Business $32.99 1 $32.99
Lysol Disinfectant Wipes Bundle, Multi-Surface Antibacterial Cleaning Wipes, contains x2 Lemon & Lim Blossom, Crisp Linen, Mango & Hibiscus, Pack of 4 • Amazon Business $14.97 2 $29.94
Amazon Basics Hand Sanitizer, Original Scent, Contains 62% Ethyl Alcohol, 67.60 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) (Previously Solimo • Amazon Business $11.04 2 $22.08
8 Greenery Calming Corner Posters For Classroom Must Haves For Teachers - Calm Down Corner Supplies Elementary, Feelings Chart For Kids Ages 4-8, Emotions Chart For Kids, Calming Corner Items Kids • Amazon Business $18.42 1 $18.42
My Body Sends a Signal: Helping Kids Recognize Emotions & Express Feelings - Resilient Kids (social emotional learning paperback; calming corner) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $16.00 1 $16.00
(60 Pcs) Fidget Toys Fidgets Sensory Toys Pop Its It Party Favors Figette Toy Pack Bulk Box Stress Autism Autistic for Kids Children Boys Girls Adults Gifts Set Mini Carnival Treasure Classroom Prizes • Amazon Business $12.99 1 $12.99
Emotional Regulation For Kids: 30+ Fun Activities To Build Positive Thinking, Self-Awareness, Social-Emotional Learning, Coping Techniques Through CBT Exercises • Amazon Business $12.99 1 $12.99
Just Now I Feel Angry: A Kids Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Book about Anger and Frustration Feelings Awareness, Self-Management, Mindfulness and ... (Feeling Big Emotions Picture Books) • Amazon Business $12.99 1 $12.99
BRIFUTR 48 Pieces Calm Stickers for Anxiety Sensory Stickers, 6 Styles Fidget Tactile Rough Textured Strips, Reusable Sensory Strips Adhesives Anxiety Relief • Amazon Business $12.97 1 $12.97
Nogrit Counseling Office Must Haves Throw Pillow Cover, Calming Corner, Mental Health Pillowcase Decor for Home Kids,Mental Health Counselor Gifts, Calming Corner Pillow Covers 18x18-891 • Amazon Business $11.99 1 $11.99
Feelings Coloring Book for Kids: Social Emotional Learning Mandala Words Book 1 (TEACH SEL) • Amazon Business $7.97 1 $7.97
hand2mind Express Your Feelings Playing Cards​, Social Emotional Learning Activities, Calm Down Corner, Play Therapy Toys for Counselors, Preschool Card Games, Feelings Flash Cards for Toddlers • Amazon Business $6.59 1 $6.59

Materials cost

$504.87

Vendor shipping charges

FREE

Sales tax

$46.20

3rd party payment processing fee

$7.57

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$588.64

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$103.88

Total project goal

$692.52

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

$692.52

2 Donors

-$346.26

Donations toward project cost

-$294.32

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$51.94

match offer

-$346.26

Match offer toward project cost

-$294.32

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$51.94

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

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