My students need seating and accessories for a safe place to take a quick break. I maintain extremely high expectations, and in turn, I owe my students a space to recollect themselves when the learning becomes overwhelming.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
As a large high school in the Cincinnati Public Schools District, we serve students who travel from all over the city via Public Transportation. Our school is known for having an extremely diverse student body. We are comprised of around 1300 students - 86% African American, 6% Hispanic, 3% Caucasian, 3% Pacific Islander, and 2% Multiracial.
The vast majority of our students (98%) come from economically disadvantaged families.
Further, we have the largest number of International students in the district - 17% of our students have Limited English Proficiency, and several of these students are refugees.
Our school, district, and community work together to provide our students with multiple resources and support. Families Forward is a community partner that provides mentoring and after school tutoring. Project Connect is a liaison that arranges transportation, supplies, clothing, etc. that our homeless students need. We have an on site Dental Clinic and Health Center for students and their families. Despite all of the challenges our students face, they still are expected to compete with the more fortunate, and in turn, need to be provided with opportunities to calm down and re-group when things get tough.
My Project
I am looking for funding to create a "Relaxation Station" in the back of my classroom for students to have a place to cool down or take a break while I can still supervise them. So many of my students come from disadvantaged homes, have experienced trauma, and come to school stressed. It is my job to take these students, tap into their undeniable potential, and teach them high level math.
The combination of stressful environments outside of school and the high expectations that I have for my students can no doubt become overwhelming - and my goal is to provide a safe, relaxing space where students can simply take a break, clear their minds, recuperate, and then get back to work.
When students need a break, my hope is to have a "Relaxation Station" where they can go to sit in a comfortable bean bag chair and choose an activity that is relaxing for them such as squeezing a stress ball, doing water art, watching a liquid motion lava lamp, reading inspiring posters, or smelling essential oils. The goal of my project is not only to provide a place for my students to recollect themselves, but also to highlight the importance of self-awareness, improve executive functioning skills, and build self-management skills, all of which my students will need once they graduate from high school and enter the workforce. My hope is that the "Relaxation Station" will support my students' mental health, and in turn, improve their academic achievement.
Learning Resources 9"x 11" Double Sided X-Y Axis Dry Erase Mats, Set of 10
• Amazon Business
$9.99
4
$39.96
Unique Loom Solo Solid Shag Collection Modern Plush Cloud Gray Rectangle (4' x 6')
• Amazon Business
$37.82
1
$37.82
Trideer 75cm Exercise Ball Chair, Stability Ball with Ring & Pump, Flexible Seating, Improves Balance, Core Strength & Posture (Office & Home & Classroom)
• Amazon Business
$36.99
1
$36.99
Big Joe Dorm Bean Bag Chair, Sapphire
• Amazon Business
$36.88
1
$36.88
EXPO Low-Odor Dry Erase Markers, Fine Tip, Assorted Colors, 36 Count
• Amazon Business
$29.47
1
$29.47
Artizen Aromatherapy Top 14 Essential Oil Set (100% PURE & NATURAL) Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils - All of Our Most Popular Scents and Best Essential Oil Blends
• Amazon Business
$19.99
1
$19.99
Buddha Board Enso: Water Drawing, Painting & Writing Board with Water Brush
• Amazon Business
$19.95
1
$19.95
-20 to 20 Student Number Lines
• Amazon Business
$8.99
2
$17.98
Motivational and Inspirational Posters and Classroom Decorations Wall Art Quotes. Multicolor, Perfect for Office or Kids Room. Chalkboard Positive Quotes, Great Back to School Gifts. Set of 4 11x17”
• Amazon Business
$16.99
1
$16.99
Liquid Motion Bubbler Timer: Best Sensory Toy for Relaxation, Liquid Motion Timer Toy Floating Color Lava Lamp Timer - Incredibly Effective Calming Toy for Kids & Relaxing Liquid Bubbler Timer for Adu
• Amazon Business
$15.99
1
$15.99
Mpow [Upgraded] Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs, Adjustable SNR 36dB Shooting Hunting Muffs, Hearing Protection with a Carrying Bag, Ear Defenders Fits Adults to Kids with Twist Resistant Handband
• Amazon Business
$15.99
1
$15.99
Antiya AromaLife 100ml Aromatherapy,Essential Oil Diffuser, Portable Ultrasonic Aroma Humidifier with 7 Color Changing LED Lamps, Mist Mode Adjustment and Water-less Auto Shut-off Function
• Amazon Business
$13.99
1
$13.99
Command Large Utility Hooks, 7-Hooks, 12-Strips (GP003-7NA) - Easy to Open Packaging
• Amazon Business
$9.31
1
$9.31
ETA hand2mind Number Line -20 to 100
• Amazon Business
$9.00
1
$9.00
321 STRONG Hand Therapy Grip Balls for Stress, Fidget Toys, Arthritis Relief for Kids and Adults
• Amazon Business
$8.49
1
$8.49
Stylin' Stripes EZ Letters
• Amazon Business
$5.49
1
$5.49
Materials cost
$425.28
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$6.38
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$461.66
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$81.47
Total project goal
$543.13
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$543.13
10 Donors
-$364.31
Donations toward project cost
-$317.16
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$47.15
Matching donations from our partners
-$170.00
Match offers toward project cost
-$144.50
Match offers to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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 Ms. Smith-Polderman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
