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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Russo from Milwaukee, WI is requesting reading nooks, desks & storage through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Russo is requesting

Growing Independence: Outdoor Work for Little Learners

Help me give my students meaningful, hands-on opportunities to explore nature, care for their environment, and build independence through real work in our school garden.

  • $803 goal

This project expired on August 23, 2025.

This project expired on August 23, 2025.

My Project

In our Montessori classroom, children learn by doing—and this project brings that learning outside. With a mud kitchen, potting bench, plant stands, and gardening tools, students will engage in meaningful, hands-on work that fosters independence, responsibility, and a connection to nature. A storage shed will keep our space organized, and indoor grow lights will extend our gardening into the colder months. A child-friendly gardening guide will support learning and curiosity. Your support helps us create an outdoor classroom where students can dig, plant, explore, and grow—nurturing both their love of learning and their care for the environment.

Ms. Russo Lloyd Barbee Montessori School Grades PreK-2

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

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.

Milwaukee, WI 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

30 students impacted

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Hanover Outdoor Storage Shed with Shelf and Lock, 8.7 cu. ft. Capacity, Vertical Wood Shed for Tools, Equipment, Garden Supplies • Amazon Business $202.09 1 $202.09
TP Toys, Deluxe Wooden Mud Kitchen for Boys and Girls Ages 3-8 | Kids Outdoor Kitchen Playset with Sand and Water Pan, Play Sink, and Kitchen Accessories | Fun Backyard Pretend Play for Toddlers. • Amazon Business $189.00 1 $189.00
Convenience Concepts Deluxe 1 Drawer Potting Bench with Storage Cabinet and Shelves, Light Oak • Amazon Business $175.99 1 $175.99
SDOVUERC 3head Plant Lights, 2Pack Grow Lights for Seed Starting, Full Spectrum Growing Lamps with Clip for Indoor Plants, Auto ON & Off Timer 3/9/12H, 3 Switch Modes, 10-Level Dimmable Brightness • Amazon Business $29.89 1 $29.89
HOMKIRT Plant Stand Indoor Outdoor, Plant Shelf Corner Tall Plant Stand Flower Stand Wooden Tiered Plant Rack Holder Organizer Display for Multiple Plants for Patio Porch Balcony Garden（8 Tier） • Amazon Business $26.99 1 $26.99
Beginner Gardening Step by Step: A Visual Guide to Yard and Garden Basics • Amazon Business $18.78 1 $18.78

Materials cost

$642.74

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$9.64

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$682.38

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$120.42

Total project goal

$802.80

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. Russo and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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