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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Van Why from Kenner, LA is requesting books through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Van Why is requesting

Growing Great Minds & Kind Hearts

Help me give my students the tools and resources they need to get out of "Sticky Situations" using social and emotional techniques.

FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Van Why's classroom raised $589

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

When I think of all the growing minds in my 4th-grade classroom, I am amazed by the curiosity, kindness, and genuine care they hold for each other. Every day, these kids come to school ready to do their best! Even when the math and science content gets difficult and they have to challenge their brains in new ways, they never give up and stay so invested in each other's success.

Every day, they show up ready to learn—not just about math and science, but about themselves, each other, and the world around them.

They come from diverse backgrounds and bring unique strengths and experiences to our classroom. It is my goal to build a classroom community where every child feels heard, seen, and respected.

The resources I’m requesting will directly support that goal. Social and emotional learning materials will help students build critical life skills like empathy, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution. These skills are just as important as academics, but are often neglected in curricula. New books, especially those that are reflective of their identities and experiences, will foster a love of reading, broaden student perspectives, and build more confident kids.

As a whole, these resources will help create a classroom where students not only engage with meaningful learning about content but also build skills that prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

Ms. Van Why A.C. Alexander 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.

Kenner, LA 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

58 students impacted 5donors

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

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
3 Book Set: HEART & MIND: My Body Sends a Signal, The Invisible String, My Beautiful Brain - social emotional learning (paperback, ages 4-8, calming) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $44.00 2 $88.00
8 Fidget Toy Bundle - Assorted 3D 7" Shark & 7.1" Caterpillar Fidgets (social emotional learning, calming corner fidgets, wiggly fidget toys) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $72.00 1 $72.00
2 Book Set: The Magical Yet & The Curious Why (hardcover picture books) - social emotional learning, ages 4-8 • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $36.00 1 $36.00
Penn Championship Tennis Balls - Regular Duty Felt Pressurized Tennis Balls • Amazon Business $34.99 1 $34.99
Scholastic News Sticky Situation Cards: Grades 4-6 - Kids • School Specialty $31.49 1 $31.49
15 PCS Chair Bands for Kids with Fidgety Feet, Flexible Seating Classroom Furniture Rubber Bands for Kids, Fidget Bands for School Classroom Chairs and Desk, Ideal for ADHD, Autism, Hyperactivity • Amazon Business $13.95 2 $27.90
Fidget Solar System - Bubble POP Fidget Toy (calming corner, social emotional learning focus, STEM supplies, sensory fidgets) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $12.00 2 $24.00
The SEL Toolbox: Social-Emotional Learning Activities to Teach Kids to Generalize Learned Skills to Real-Life Situations • Amazon Business $22.65 1 $22.65
A Kids Book About Emotions - social emotional learning collection (hardcover) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $20.00 1 $20.00
Sensory Playtivity Squishy Sensory Discs, Set of 3 • School Specialty $18.37 1 $18.37
Emotions Feelings Wheel Chart Poster Mental Health Tapestry Counselor Therapy Office Decor Cotton Linen Wall Hanging Scroll Poster Wall Art Home Decor Kids Behavior Chart Social Emotional Learning • Amazon Business $16.96 1 $16.96
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
I Feel... Something: Listening to Your Body for Kids (Social Skills for Kids, Interoception for Kids, Social Emotional Learning) • Amazon Business $11.99 1 $11.99
Daily Social-Emotional Learning Journal • Lakeshore Learning Materials $4.79 1 $4.79

Materials cost

$422.13

Vendor shipping charges

 $5.23

Sales tax

 $36.94

3rd party payment processing fee

$6.33

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$500.63

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$88.35

Total project goal

$588.98

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $588.98

4 Donors

-$453.98

Donations toward project cost

-$385.88

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$68.10

match offer

-$135.00

Match offer toward project cost

-$114.75

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$20.25

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

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

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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. Van Why and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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