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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Marsalis from Markham, IL is requesting reading nooks, desks & storage through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Marsalis is requesting

Organized Tools, Focused Minds, Happy Hearts in Second Grade Success

Help me give my students chair bands, binders, trays, and storage solutions to stay organized, support focus, and build independence in a calm, structured classroom that helps all learners thrive.

  • $1,474 goal

This project expired on September 30, 2025.

This project expired on September 30, 2025.

Classroom photo
Ms. Marsalis profile photo
Ms. Marsalis Markham Park Elementary School
Markham, IL Grades PreK-2

My Project

As I prepare to welcome a new group of second graders, my goal is to create a classroom where students feel calm, confident, and ready to learn. My students are curious, resilient, and full of energy. Many of them come from under-resourced homes, and school is the one place where they know they are supported, safe, and seen.

To help them succeed, I’m requesting materials that will directly impact their learning and day-to-day experience in our classroom.

The construction paper organizer will support creativity and fine motor skills by keeping supplies easy to find for art and writing projects. The 2-shelf binder center and sets of binders will teach students how to organize their work and track their academic growth which is an important skill for lifelong learning. The 27-slot mail center with Boho trays gives every child a personal space, building independence and responsibility.

The pencil boxes and supply trays will keep materials within reach, especially helpful as we use flexible seating to support movement and focus. And the chair bands are key for students who need sensory input to concentrate, these allow gentle movement that helps improve attention and reduce stress.

Each item supports a core goal: to help students develop independence, stay engaged, and feel proud of their learning environment. These tools turn our classroom into a space where structure meets creativity, and where students can focus on growing academically and socially.

What makes my students special is their determination and joy. They show up ready to learn, no matter what’s happening outside of school. With your support, I can give them the tools to thrive.

Thank you for believing in them and in what’s possible when kids are given the right environment to grow.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Nearly all students from low‑income households

20 students impacted
Ms. Marsalis Markham Park Elementary 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.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Markham, IL 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

20 students impacted

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Really Good Stuff Bamboo 27-Slot Mail Center with Boho Trays • Amazon Business $453.23 1 $453.23
Really Good Stuff Plastic Trays - Boho Set of 6 • Amazon Business $68.99 4 $275.96
Lakeshore Flex-Space 2-Shelf Binder Storage Center - Maple • Lakeshore Learning Materials $249.00 1 $249.00
6 Packs Plastic Pencil Box, Stackable Clear Plastic Pencil Case Large Capacity Office Supplies Storage Organizer Box Brush Painting Pencils Storage Container Clear Stationery Case for Kids School • Amazon Business $18.98 5 $94.90
SUNEE 3 Ring Binder 1.5 Inch 10 Pack, Clear View Binder Three Ring PVC-Free (Fit 8.5x11 Inches) for School or Office Supplies, White • Amazon Business $31.34 2 $62.68
Pacon Classroom Construction Paper Storage 26 7/8 x 16 7/8 x 18 1/2 White (PAC001316) • Staples $36.74 1 $36.74
Berlune 24 Pcs Classroom Chair Bands Fidget Chairs and Desks Bands ADHD Autism Tools Bounce Flexible Seating for Classroom(Earth Tones,1 mm) • Amazon Business $19.99 1 $19.99

Materials cost

$1,192.50

Vendor shipping charges

 $12.45

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$17.89

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$1,252.84

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$221.09

Total project goal

$1,473.93

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 Ms. Marsalis and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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