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Ms. Cano from Maywood, CA is requesting art supplies through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Cano is requesting

Embrace Messy Thinking

Help me give my students building, thinking, writing, and stress relief materials for my fifth graders.

  • Be the first to donate!
  • $707 still needed

expires Aug 18

  • Be the first to donate!
  • $707 still needed
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Ms. Cano Heliotrope Avenue Elementary School
Maywood, CA Grades 3-5

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

In our classroom, creativity is more than just art—it’s a way of thinking, problem-solving, and expressing ideas. I am seeking support to provide students with engaging materials such as Play-Doh, journals, stress balls, and building toys that will help them develop creative thinking skills in a meaningful and lasting way.

Most students thrive when given opportunities to explore, build, and create.

Hands-on materials allow them to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and express their thoughts in ways that traditional instruction may not always allow. For example, Play-Doh and building toys encourage students to design, construct, and reimagine their ideas, strengthening both their imagination and problem-solving abilities. Journals provide a space for reflection, storytelling, and personal expression, helping students develop their voice and confidence as writers. Stress balls and similar tools support focus and emotional regulation, allowing students to stay engaged and ready to learn.

These materials will not only make learning more interactive and fun, but they will also support essential skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and perseverance. When students are given the freedom to create and explore, they become more invested in their learning and more confident in their abilities.

By supporting this project, you are helping to create a classroom environment where creativity is nurtured, ideas are celebrated, and every student has the tools they need to succeed. Thank you for helping us inspire the next generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Nearly all students from low‑income households

24 students impacted
Ms. Cano Heliotrope Avenue Elementary School Grades 3-5

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Maywood, 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

24 students impacted

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Lakeshore Meet the Standards Hands-On Science Kits for Grade 5 (Complete Set) – STEM Supplies, STEM Toys, and Science Kits • Lakeshore Learning Materials $179.00 1 $179.00
Sax Spiralbound Sketchbook and Journal Making Kit, 1090 Pieces, White • School Specialty $76.19 1 $76.19
Faber-Castell© Creative Studio© Graphite Sketch Pencils - Set of 6 • Nasco $5.12 14 $71.68
Squishy Stress Balls Fidget Toys - 72 Pack Squishy Toys Stress Ball for Nervousness, Fidget Stress Toys Bulk, Squeeze Balls for Adult Teen- Fidgets for Classroom Prize - Easter Basket Stuffers • Amazon Business $34.99 1 $34.99
Play-Doh Bulk Pack of 48 Cans, 6 Sets of 8 Modeling Compound Colors, 3oz, Back to School Gifts & Prizes for Students & Classroom, Preschool Toys for Kids, Ages 2+ (Amazon Exclusive) • Amazon Business $29.39 1 $29.39
Shuttle Art Gel Pens, 180 Pack Gel Pens Set, 12 Assorted Colors Bulk Classroom Pack for Adults Coloring Books Drawing Doodling Crafts Journaling • Amazon Business $27.98 1 $27.98
330 pcs Building Blocks, Educational Building Toys Stem Toys Building Discs Sets Interlocking Solid Plastic for Preschool Toddlers Girls and Boys by Winlip • Amazon Business $25.99 1 $25.99
24 Pack Slow Rising Stress Cube , Dough Stress Balls Soft Fidget Squishy Toys for Anxiety Relief, Pull Stretch Classroom Prize Party Favors Toys for Kids • Amazon Business $23.99 1 $23.99
Kinetic Sand, 2.5lbs Blue Play Sand, Amazon Exclusive, Moldable Sensory Toys for Kids, Resealable Bag (Packaging May Vary), for Ages 3 and up • Amazon Business $15.99 1 $15.99
Tic Tac Toe Game (Pack of 24) 5"x5" Foam Tic-Tac-Toe Mini Board Game - Bulk Toys for Kids, Birthday Party Favors, Birthday Goody Bag Stuffers, Classroom Prizes & Occupational Therapy • Amazon Business $12.34 1 $12.34
Mini Cube 20 Pack Magic Cube, Puzzle Party Favors for Kids Party Puzzle Game Toys Classroom Rewards & School Prize for Students, Stress Relief Toys Goody Bag Filler Birthday Easter Gift • Amazon Business $11.04 1 $11.04

Materials cost

$508.58

Vendor shipping charges

 $7.62

Sales tax

 $46.54

3rd party payment processing fee

$7.63

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$600.37

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$105.95

Total project goal

$706.32

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $706.32

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $706.32

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

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Project Activity
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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. Cano and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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