Pencils With Purpose: Tools for Equity in Learning
Help me give my students various styles of pencils for a classroom pencil challenge.
$172 goal
This project expired on October 8, 2025.
This project expired on October 8, 2025.
Celebrating 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
In our 7th grade math classroom, a pencil is more than just a supply—it’s a symbol of access, dignity, and opportunity. Many of my students come from communities that have been historically underserved, and something as basic as having a working pencil every day can have a meaningful impact on their learning and confidence.
This project will fund a class-wide Pencil Challenge—ensuring every student has consistent access to pencils through the end of the school year.
By removing the stress and stigma of not having supplies, we are affirming that every student deserves a seat at the table and the tools to succeed, regardless of background or circumstance.
When classrooms are fully stocked and inclusive, students of all races and identities can focus on what matters: learning, growing, and showing what they know. This project aligns with racial justice and representation by supporting the basic needs of students in an equitable way and affirming their right to an empowering and well-resourced learning environment.
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
100 students impacted
Boost your odds
Add a profile photo in addition to your classroom photo. If you add a photo, it'll show up right here on your project page.
You are more likely to receive funding if you put a face to your name.
School Smart Traditional No 2 Pencils, Assorted Colors, Pack of 144 - Wood
• School Specialty
$30.59
1
$30.59
Tinlade 72 Pcs Inspirational Golf Pencils with Erasers for Kids Bulk Students Gifts from Teacher Presharpened Neon Mini Motivational Quotes Half Pencils for Back to School Graduation Party Supplies
• Amazon Business
$11.99
2
$23.98
Raymond Geddes Incentive Number 2 Pencils For Kids (Pack of 144)
• Amazon Business
$18.48
1
$18.48
Leinuosen 96 Pieces Scented Colorful Smelly Pencils Cute Fruit Inspirational Motivational Pencils with Eraser for Kids Students Party Gifts Rewards, 8 Styles
• Amazon Business
$16.99
1
$16.99
Etmact 50 Pack Assorted Colorful Cartoon Animal Pencil With Erasers Toppers,Number 2 Fun Pencils For Kids,Bulk Party Favor Supplies for Ages 3-5 Classroom Novelty Design Birthday Gift
• Amazon Business
$12.45
1
$12.45
S & E TEACHER'S EDITION 96Pcs Half Pencils with Eraser Tops, Golf Pencil, Classroom, Pew - # 2 HB Pre-Sharpened Hexagon, 96 Count Bulk Pack
• Amazon Business
$8.79
1
$8.79
Materials cost
$111.28
Vendor shipping charges
$3.06
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$1.67
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$146.01
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$25.77
Total project goal
$171.78
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 Ms. R and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
{"pmaHash":"","showProjectRecommendations":true,"leadGenEnabled":true,"hideTeacherDetails":false,"schoolState":"NJ","teacherPossessivePronoun":"her","PMsManager":null,"schoolGradeType":{"id":3,"name":"Middle School"},"TeacherPMForms":{},"completingDonationAmount":172,"teacherHasClassroomPhoto":true,"proposalURL":"https://www.donorschoose.org/project/pencils-with-purpose-tools-for-equity-i/9404085/","mayHaveReplacements":false,"numStudents":100,"isEquityFocusV1":true,"teacherScreenName":"Ms. R","isEquityFocus":true,"proposalHash":"2034700855","isApplePayMobileOnly":true,"progressBarPercentage":0.00,"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"photosPublished":false,"queryString":"","DonorPMForm":null,"shouldTrackEquityFocusV2":true,"schoolCity":"East Orange","teachersOnPage":[9426567],"isTeacherViewingTheirOwnProject":false,"minimizedLeadGenEnabled":true,"proposalId":9404085,"proposalMessageFormModel":null,"numActiveProjects":3,"verifyShowPhotos":"","eligibleToBeCopied":false,"schoolId":81074,"schoolName":"Cicely L Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts","authorIds":{"9426567":{"owner":"Ms. R","donationSalutations":{}}},"displayedPercentFunded":0.0,"proposalsOnPage":[9404085],"pmaId":"","teacherProfilePhotoURL":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9426567_orig.jpg?crop=902,902,x0,y264&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709152677182","teacherHasProfilePhoto":true,"currentWorkflowStatusCode":23,"teacherChallengeId":22288619,"isApplePayEnabled":true,"fundedByTarget":false,"activeProject":{"completingDonationAmount":253,"proposalURL":"project/bringing-stem-fridays-to-life-with-3d-pr/9967608/","proposalTitle":"Bringing STEM Fridays to Life with 3D Printing","proposalId":9967608},"donorIdsForImpactPhotoCheck":[],"teacherId":9426567,"schoolCounty":"Essex","fullyFunded":false,"isStudentLed":false,"isExpired":true,"schoolStateObj":{"code":"NJ","name":"New Jersey"}}