Our student body of roughly seven hundred 7th and 8th grade students is comprised of Filipino, Native Hawaiian, and a mix of Japanese, Samoan, Micronesian, Marshallese, Hispanic, White, and Black students. As a campus, we also service many military families, and we know that they have a specific set of needs that are critical to cover.
50% of our students receive free or reduced lunch and are considered "at-risk" by the State of Hawaii.
While our students need additional resources, they aren't different from any other middle school students. My public school students are diversely beautiful and embody everything that makes our state and nation great. We learn so much from each other: culture, food, traditions, and holidays. New learning builds awareness, understanding, and strong communities. If you engage the students, support the families, and invite the community to see what you're all about, everyone thrives.
My Project
Period poverty is defined as a person who menstruates not being able to acquire menstrual products to bleed comfortably, and safely during their cycle. Nearly 1 in 4 US students struggle to access period products according to the May 2021 "State of the Period" Report. One-sixth of students were forced to choose period products over other essentials and half of the students (51%) have had to use products for longer than recommended during the pandemic.
57% of students say they feel their school doesn't care about them if they don't provide free period products in the bathrooms.
Almost 1/2 of Black and Latinx students feel they are not able to do their best school work because of lack of access to period products, compared to 28% among white students. As one female student shared, "Why do schools tend to provide what boys need, but not what girls need?" Enter: this project!
For 3 years, I've maintained a "Menstruation Station" in my classroom, so that any person who menstruates on campus, teachers, and students, can get free supplies if they need them. Each year, through donations and DonorsChoose, we restock this "station." Currently, our station is a cardboard box, but I'd like to professionalize it to make it more accessible to those who need supplies by putting it in a rolling cart, with clear signage. The station will be stocked with pouches containing pads and wipes that students can take when needed. Through this work, we hope to reduce the stigma around menstruation and allow students who menstruate to be able to focus on learning.
Always Radiant Feminine Pads with Wings for Women, Extra Heavy Overnight, Light Clean Scent, Size 3 (Pack of 66)
$18.29
5
$91.45
Honey-Can-Do Rolling Storage Cart and Organizer with 12 Plastic Drawers
$64.68
1
$64.68
Care Touch Flushable Wet Wipes - 80 Individually Wrapped Personal Wipes for Bathroom or Toilet – 2 Packs of 40 Wet Wipes for Adults - Great for Travel, Gym, and Personal Use
$12.59
5
$62.95
12 Pieces Zipper Waterproof Bag Pencil Pouch for Cosmetic Makeup Office Supplies and Travel Accessories (12 Colors)
$9.99
5
$49.95
466 Extra White Letters with Organizer for Changeable Felt Letter Board Letters White (3/4 inch and 2 inch) + 11 Cursive Words + 12 Months + 7 Days + 1 Organizer Pre-Cut Plastic White Letters
$26.85
1
$26.85
U by Kotex Ultra Thin Teen Feminine Pads with Wings, Overnight Protection, Unscented, 48 Count (4 Packs of 12) (Packaging May Vary)
$23.96
1
$23.96
Letter Board 10x10 Inches, Changeable Letter Boards with 340 White Letters and Felt Letter Board with Stand, Wooden Tripod Stand for Classroom, Home, Office, Business (Black)
$19.99
1
$19.99
2018 Letters For Changeable Felt Letter Boards 3/4- Letter Board Letters-universal felt letter board letter set （1120 pcs）
$15.99
1
$15.99
Always Radiant Heavy Feminine Pads with Wings, Scented
$5.24
3
$15.72
Materials cost
$371.54
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$16.35
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.57
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$423.46
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$74.73
Total project goal
$498.19
Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.
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. Milianta-Laffin and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
