Creating Community- Fostering Creativity, Culture, and Confidence Through Personal Sketchbooks
Help me give my students their own sketchbook, portfolio and more colors to express themselves. This project will help us build creativity, confidence, and community from day one. Help my amazing artists start the year strong!
$1,328 goal
This project expired on September 4, 2025.
This project expired on September 4, 2025.
My Project
Hello Fam! I teach middle school art at a Title I school, and I’m always working to make my classroom a place where every student feels seen, valued, and inspired. This project would give each student their very own custom-designed sketchbook and access to more colors than just the basic magic markers we typically have. We have never started out the year with personal sketchbooks and I’d love to change that. With their own sketchbook, students can plan projects, free draw when they finish early, and have a space that’s truly theirs to create in—something many don’t have access to at home.
In my classroom, we celebrate mistakes—and not just because it’s part of the process, but because they help us grow.
Some of the best art comes from unexpected “oops” moments. Just like in life, mistakes help us grow, and I want students to see them as opportunities, not failures. I truly believe everyone is creative—there’s no one way to be an artist—and my goal is to help students feel confident expressing themselves in whatever way feels right for them!
I truly love my students—they feel like an extension of my own family. I want each of them to have the opportunity to express themselves in their own way, and feel proud of what they create. That first week of school can feel awkward, but sketchbooks help break the ice. Drawing things that reflect who they are opens the door to meaningful conversations and helps us build a strong, respectful classroom community. Since we’re a Title I school, many of my students don’t have access to art materials at home. This project will give them a creative experience they deserve and might not otherwise have. Thank you for taking the time to read about my project!!
More than half 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
170 students impacted
Boost your odds
Add a profile photo in addition to your classroom photo. If you add a photo, it'll show up right here on your project page.
You are more likely to receive funding if you put a face to your name.
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. Henderson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
