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This teacher needs your help!

Mr. Joe Sylvester from Old Forge, PA is requesting reading nooks, desks & storage through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mr. Joe Sylvester is requesting

Students Can Only Learn If Not Stressed

Help me give my students a stress-free classroom to learn and thrive in

FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Joe Sylvester's classroom raised $201

This project is fully funded

My Project

A classroom that uses soft lamps and calming water features can feel more stress-free because of the way our brains and bodies respond to light and sound. Here are a few reasons:

Fluorescent overhead lights can cause eye strain, headaches, and even increase anxiety.

Lamps with softer, warmer light create a more relaxed atmosphere, similar to natural light, which helps students feel calm and focused. Dimmer, adjustable lighting allows for different moods (quiet reading vs. group work).

The sound of running water has a natural calming effect, reducing stress and lowering heart rate. It can also mask distracting noises in the classroom (like hallway chatter). Water sounds are often linked with relaxation in nature (streams, rain), which can improve students’ mood and concentration

A classroom that feels peaceful and inviting encourages students to feel safe, relaxed, and ready to learn. Lower stress levels help with focus, memory, and behavior management.

In short, lamps reduce overstimulation from harsh lights, and water features create a soothing background, together building a calmer, stress-free learning space.

Mr. Joe Sylvester Old Forge Junior Senior High School Grades 9-12

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.

Old Forge, PA 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

480 students impacted 2donors

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Mr. Joe Sylvester is requesting.

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Industrial Touch Control Table Lamps Set of 2 - Black Nickel Bedside Lamps with 2 USB Ports & AC Outlet, 3-Way Dimmable Nightstand Desk Lamp for Bedroom Living Room, Glass Shade & 2 LED Bulbs Included • Amazon Business $49.99 1 $49.99
Tabletop Fountain 4 Level Tabletop Waterfall Meditation Fountain Indoor Fountain Office Home Relax Desktop Fountain Pool Includes Many Natural River Rocks LED Lights Fixed Decorative Bubble Ball • Amazon Business $25.99 1 $25.99
Syantek Remote Control Outlet Wireless Light Switch for Household Appliances, Expandable Remote Light Switch Kit, Up to 100 ft Range, FCC Certified, ETL Listed, White (5 Outlets + 2 Remotes) • Amazon Business $25.64 1 $25.64
Keepsmile 100ft Led Strip Lights (2 Rolls of 50ft) Bluetooth Smart App Control Music Sync Color Changing RGB Led Light Strip with Remote,Led Lights for Bedroom Room Home Decor Party Festival • Amazon Business $9.99 2 $19.98
Avery Easy Peel Inkjet Return Address Labels, 1/2" x 1-3/4", White, 2,000 Labels/Pack (8167) • Quill.com $16.37 1 $16.37

Materials cost

$137.97

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$2.07

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$170.04

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$30.01

Total project goal

$200.05

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $200.05

1 Donor

-$119.11

Donations toward project cost

-$119.11

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$0.00

match offer

-$59.91

Match offer toward project cost

-$50.92

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$8.99

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$21.02

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

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

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Project Activity

Project Activity
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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 Mr. Joe Sylvester and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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