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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Bushnell from Merrillville, IN is requesting classroom basics through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Bushnell is requesting

Essential Tools for a Successful Year

Help me give my students notebooks, markers, and organizational bags for their best learning!

  • $395 goal

This project expired on December 24, 2025.

This project expired on December 24, 2025.

Classroom photo
Mrs. Bushnell profile photo
Mrs. Bushnell Merrillville Intermediate School
Merrillville, IN Grades 6-8

My Project

My name is Melissa Bushnell, and I teach 6th grade at Merrillville Intermediate School in Merrillville, IN. My students are full of incredible ideas, but often, they lack the basic tools to bring those ideas to life. In a busy classroom, having access to essential supplies like sharpies, markers, and sticky paper can be the difference between a student participating fully and feeling left behind. I often use my own money to buy these items, but the need is greater than my budget can handle.

This project aims to provide every student with a comprehensive kit of classroom essentials.

The sharpies and markers are for creating vivid posters, labeling projects, and brainstorming ideas in a big way. I want to do more off the computers so students can use their imagination to create beautiful projects. The sticky paper is for collaborative work, where students can share their thoughts and organize their ideas on a shared space. The organization bags will help them keep all their supplies together, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership over their materials.

By providing these supplies, you will give my students more than just tools—you will give them the freedom to create, the ability to collaborate, and the confidence to fully engage in every lesson. Your support will create a classroom where every student has an equal opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of their circumstances. Thank you for your generosity and for helping to lay the foundation for a successful and joyful school year!

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households

110 students impacted
Mrs. Bushnell Merrillville Intermediate School Grades 6-8

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Merrillville, IN View local requests

More than three‑quarters 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

110 students impacted

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Post-it Super Sticky Wall Easel Pad, 25" x 30", Lined, 30 Sheets/Pad, 2 Pads/Pack (561WL-VAD-2PK) • Quill.com $68.93 1 $68.93
EOOUT 48pcs Plastic Envelopes Poly Envelopes, Clear Document Folders with Snap Button Closure, Letter Size, A4 Size with Label Pocket for School Home Work Office Organization, 8 Colors • Amazon Business $19.49 3 $58.47
Sharpie Fine Point Permanent Markers - Black, Pkg of 36 • Blick Art Materials $42.71 1 $42.71
Mead Spiral Notebooks, 24 Pack, 1 Subject, College Ruled Paper, 7-1/2" x 10-1/2", 70 Sheets per Notebook, Color Will Vary (73065) • Amazon Business $39.99 1 $39.99
Teacher Created Resources Assorted Bright Colors Portable Plastic Storage Caddy 6-Pack for Classrooms, Kids Room, and Office Organization, (Lime, Orange, Pink, Purple, Teal, and Yellow) 3 Compartment • Amazon Business $26.17 1 $26.17
Sharpie Glam Pop Permanent Marker Fine Tip Assorted 24/Pack (2185229) • Staples $20.09 1 $20.09
Big Sticky Notes 11 x 11 Inch Self Stick Pads Large Sticky Paper 6 Assorted Colors Notepad for Wall Notebook Office Pink Orange Light Yellow Green Blue Dark Purple, 30 Sheets/Pad(6 Pads) • Amazon Business $17.99 1 $17.99
Crayola Colors of the World Markers - Set of 24 • Blick Art Materials $8.66 2 $17.32
Sharpie Chisel Tip Marker Set - Assorted Colors, Set of 8 • Blick Art Materials $9.08 1 $9.08

Materials cost

$300.75

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$4.51

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$335.26

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$59.16

Total project goal

$394.42

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 Mrs. Bushnell and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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