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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Balestri from Chicago, IL is requesting lab equipment through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Balestri is requesting

Hands-On Learning is Happy Learning

Help me give my students mental health breaks and fun, hands on science activities to do.

FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. Balestri's classroom raised $574

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

I love the curiosity and enthusiasm that my students bring to the classroom every day. Their unique perspectives and diverse backgrounds enrich our learning environment, making it a great place for exploration and growth. Each student has their own strengths and challenges, and I am constantly inspired by their resilience and creativity.

These resources will engage students actively, promoting hands-on learning experiences that cater to different learning styles.

By incorporating interactive elements, students can visualize concepts and collaborate with their peers, which enhances social interactions. Providing resources that cater to diverse learning needs will help ensure that every student can understand what they are learning.

My primary goal is to create a more engaging learning environment that captivates students' interest and encourages them to participate actively in their education. By doing so, I am also creating a safe and fun learning environment which also promotes positive mental health. I aim to develop students' ability to think critically and solve problems independently, equipping them with skills that are essential for success both in and out of the classroom. I hope to cultivate a classroom culture where every student feels valued and supported, allowing them to take risks in their learning without fear of failure.

My students are special because they come from various backgrounds, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives to our classroom, while bringing me joy each day. Their ability to collaborate, support one another, and share their ideas creates a rich learning community. I am proud to witness their growth, both academically and personally, as they develop into compassionate individuals ready to make a positive impact in the world. With the proper resources, I am confident that we can create an even more dynamic and effective learning experience that honors their individuality and fosters their love of learning.

Mrs. Balestri Dore Elementary School Grades 6-8

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.

Chicago, IL View local requests

More than half 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

121 students impacted 1donor

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

See our finances

TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

You can start a project with the same resources being requested here!

Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Carolina Middle School Science Program: Exploring the Scientific Method Kit • Carolina Biological Supply Company $76.32 1 $76.32
Calm Strips: Original CLASS PACK 30 Piece Sensory Focus Tools (fidget toys, social emotional learning, teen mental health stickers, calming corner) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $42.00 1 $42.00
Ultimate Variety Sampler Care Package - Gift Package, Snacks, Chips, Cookies, Bars, Candies, Nuts Gift Box, Great for HALLOWEEN, Christmas, Thanks Giving, Office Meetings ,Friends & Family, Military,College Students (50 Count) • Amazon Business $35.97 1 $35.97
Educational Insights Nancy B's Science Club Hydroponics Kit • Kaplan Early Learning Company $27.86 1 $27.86
Educational Insights Nancy B's Science Club Garbage to Gardens Compost Kit & Decomposition Book (5359) • Quill.com $25.89 1 $25.89
ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Brain Game and STEM Toy for Boys and Girls Age 8 and Up: Toy of the Year Award Winner • Amazon Business $24.72 1 $24.72
Klutz Lego Gear Bots Science/STEM Activity Kit for 8-12 years • Amazon Business $20.16 1 $20.16
LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 10696 Building Toy Set - Featuring Storage, Includes Train, Car, and a Tiger Figure, and Playset for Kids, Boys, and Girls Ages 4-99 • Amazon Business $18.99 1 $18.99
Pop Bottle Science • Carolina Biological Supply Company $18.14 1 $18.14
Scientoy Fidget Toy Set, 35 Pcs Sensory Toy for ADD, OCD, Autistic Children, Adults, Anxiety Autism to Stress Relief and Anti Anxiety with Motion Timer, Perfect for Classroom Reward with Gift Box • Amazon Business $16.95 1 $16.95
4M Clean Water Science - Climate Change, Global Warming, Lab - STEM Toys Educational Gift for Kids & Teens, Girls & Boys • Amazon Business $16.77 1 $16.77
PP PHIMOTA Sensory Toys Set 55 Pack, Stress Relief Fidget Hand Toys for Adults and Kids, Sensory Fidget and Squeeze Widget for Relaxing Therapy - Perfect for ADHD Add Anxiety Autism • Amazon Business $14.99 1 $14.99
Innovating Science Instant Light Powder 20 g • Carolina Biological Supply Company $14.98 1 $14.98
4M Toysmith, Green Science Salt Water Powered Robot Kit, STEAM Powered Kids, Beach Toy, For Boys & Girls 5+ • Amazon Business $13.79 1 $13.79
4 in 1 Solar Power & Electric Motor STEM Kits,Science Experiment Projects for Kids Beginners,Electronic Assembly Solar Powered Toy Kit,DIY Educational Engineering Experiments for Boys and Girls • Amazon Business $12.50 1 $12.50
Pressman Toys Chinese Checkers (PRE190206) • Staples $12.19 1 $12.19
Mattel Games UNO Card Game for Family Night, Travel Game & Gift for Kids in a Collectible Storage Tin for 2-10 Players (Amazon Exclusive) • Amazon Business $10.99 1 $10.99
4 Pack Stress Ball for Kids and Adults Slow Rising Balls Sensory Fidget Toy Anxiety Stress Relaxation Squeezing Balls Calming Tool, Vent Mood and Improve Focus, Squishy Ball Hand Grip Pressure Ball • Amazon Business $9.90 1 $9.90
Pressman Chess Game Set • Kaplan Early Learning Company $8.06 1 $8.06
Pressman Checkers -- Classic Game With Folding Board and Interlocking Checkers ,5" • Amazon Business $7.99 1 $7.99
Super Z Outlet Liquid Motion Bubbler for Sensory Play, Fidget Toy, Children Activity, Desk Top, Assorted Colors (1 Piece) • Amazon Business $7.59 1 $7.59

Materials cost

$436.75

Vendor shipping charges

 $14.23

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$6.55

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$487.53

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$86.03

Total project goal

$573.56

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $573.56

1 Donor

-$573.56

Donations toward project cost

-$487.53

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$86.03

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

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

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DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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. Balestri and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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