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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Russnow from Newport News, VA is requesting books through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Russnow is requesting

Every Student Belongs: Books and Tools for Inclusion

Help me give my students a diverse set of books to teach them about the world and navigate through their emotions. The sensory tools will aid student focus and help them with their big feelings.

  • $401 goal

This project expired on October 16, 2025.

This project expired on October 16, 2025.

My Project

In our classroom, every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and safe. That's why we're seeking support to add a collection of diverse social-emotional books and sensory tools to our learning environment. Many of our students are working on building emotional awareness, self-regulation, and empathy. Having access to books that reflect a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences helps students see themselves in the stories they read—and helps them understand and appreciate others. These books will also provide meaningful ways to talk about emotions, friendships, identity, and inclusion.

Alongside these books, we are also requesting sensory tools to support students who benefit from calming strategies and tactile input throughout the day.

Items like fidget tools, sensory bins, weighted items, and calming visuals will create a more inclusive and emotionally supportive classroom for students who may struggle with focus, anxiety, or overstimulation. By combining diverse literature with hands-on sensory supports, we are working to meet the needs of the whole child—helping each student feel valued, regulated, and ready to learn.

Ms. Russnow Richard T Yates Elementary School Grades PreK-2

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.

Newport News, VA 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

Never Before Funded 450 students impacted

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

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total
4 Pcs Marble Maze Mat Sensory Fidget Stress Relief Toys Calming Sensory Mat Anxiety Relief Fabric Toys for Teens School Home Reduce Stress(Marble Maze Style,8.66 x 6.3 in) • Amazon Business $8.99 6 $53.94
Fidget Toys Sensory Stone for Kids Adults - 12 Pack Easter Basket Stuffers Silicone Worry Stone for Autism Kids Calming,Quiet Fidgets & Worry Stones for Classroom Prizes,Stress Relief Gifts • Amazon Business $9.99 4 $39.96
Knibeo Classroom Pillows,Feelings Wheel Pillow Covers 18x18,Emotion Wheel Pillow,Mental Health Pillow Covers,Calming Corner Classroom • Amazon Business $5.99 4 $23.96
Good Things - social emotional learning, grief, love & loss (hardcover picture book, ages 4-8) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $22.00 1 $22.00
Eyes That Speak to the Stars (hardcover picture book) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $19.00 1 $19.00
Ohana Means Family (hardcover picture book) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $19.00 1 $19.00
More Than Peach: Bellen Woodard Original Picture Book (hardcover) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $18.00 1 $18.00
12 Pack Wacky Tracks Snap Fidgets Snake Click Toys Fidget Toys for Kids Classroom Exchange Adults ADHD Finger Sensory Autism Stress Relief Toys Keeps Fingers Busy and Minds Focused • Amazon Business $7.99 2 $15.98
I Am Whole: A Multi-Racial Children's Book Celebrating Diversity, Language, Race and Culture • Amazon Business $13.85 1 $13.85
The Kids' Book of Diversity: Empathy, Kindness and Respect for Differences (The Kids' Books of Social Emotional Learning) • Amazon Business $12.99 1 $12.99
Sophie's New Year - A Children's Book About Fostering Acceptance and Celebrating Diversity • Amazon Business $12.99 1 $12.99
Different is Good: A Cute Children's Picture Book about Racism & Diversity to help Teach your Kids Equality and Kindness • Amazon Business $12.43 1 $12.43
My Heart Full of All: A Diverse, Multiracial, Inclusive and Multicultural Picture Book for Children • Amazon Business $11.96 1 $11.96
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners • Amazon Business $11.77 1 $11.77
All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything (Inspiring Activism and Diversity Book About Children with Special Needs) • Amazon Business $10.39 1 $10.39
Kindness is my Superpower: A children's Book About Empathy, Kindness and Compassion (My Superpower Books) • Amazon Business $7.39 1 $7.39

Materials cost

$305.61

Vendor shipping charges

FREE

Sales tax

$0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$4.58

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$340.19

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$60.03

Total project goal

$400.22

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

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Project Activity

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