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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Cushing from Los Angeles, CA is requesting supplies through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Cushing is requesting
Student-led project

VAPA Rocks

We need rocks, paint markers, brushes, paint, and mod podge sealer to create art rock paintings to hide all over campus.

FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Cushing's classroom raised $314

This project is fully funded

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Celebrate 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.

About My Students

I teach Chemistry to a diverse group of artistic students at a Title I visual and performing arts school in downtown Los Angeles. Students come from all over the city to our public high school to receive a top notch education in both academics and their chosen art form (music, dance, visual or theater) and go on to study at some of the top academic colleges and art schools across the country. My students feel very strongly about developing a community that is safe, secure, and welcoming of all peers no matter who they are.

I am always looking for ways to motivate my students in my classroom with innovative and exciting learning opportunities.

If our project is funded, my students are going to be very excited to develop an underground rock painting club on campus. Students will use the requested materials (rocks and art supplies) to create rock paintings and hide those rocks all over campus. If our project takes off, they are hoping to expand this idea to the entire community. My students will be able to promote community development, empthany, and a feeling of inclusivity on campus. When someone finds the fun surprise, they will be directed to an instagram page that instructs them to consider rehiding the rock for another person to find or create a new rock to hide. We're hoping more students choose to join into our project. My visual arts students will be able to develop their communication skills as well as artistic expression on an unique medium they have not experienced before.

In Their Own Words

Kim, Ester, and Ivy share that the goals we are trying to accomplish with this project are to have fun making these VAPA rocks and to bring joy to someone or somebody. By looking at these rocks, we hope they can do something for somebody. Also, it would be fun making these gray, dull rocks to colorful painted rocks. Matthew's goal for this project is to spread love, positivity, and community throughout campus. Sheily, Jane, and Sishi's goals are to share art and make someone happy when they find it.

Julia, Alex, and Brianna shared that they will make the most of our leadership role by giving our input to make the project better. We will inform people about the way our project works. We'll also discuss improvements that we can make so our plan goes smoothly. We will share the responsibility equally throughout our class. Ashley says she will be a leader in contributing to this project by creating these rocks and also sharing them with friends to help expand this idea. Contributing to help share the hashtag also on instagram to spread this idea even further.

Ella believes our project is important because high school kids have stressful lives and any chance of brightening their day will overall better their community. Share on the good vibes! Ashai, Mia, Serena, and Kate say that the VAPA Rocks project is a huge inspirational event that promotes positivity amongst all, friendliness and creativity towards the school. The rocks not only make someone's day but it adds comfort to teens during this hard stage in life. Its a very supportive way of helping not only the students but overall gives our school a positive vibe and attitude. Overall this would rock!

Ms. Cushing Cortines School - Vpa 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.

Los Angeles, CA View local requests

More than three‑quarters 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

999 students impacted 6donors

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Cushing 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
Margo 20lb. Medium Snow White Pebbles 1 in. to 2 in. ... • Amazon Business $19.50 3 $58.50
Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set, 18 Piece (2 Ounce), PROMOABII Best Selling Colors II • Amazon Business $17.82 2 $35.64
Rainforest 1" to 3" Small Rosa Mexican Beach Pebble, 30 lb, Red • Amazon Business $26.05 1 $26.05
U.S. Art Supply 18 Color Set of Fine Point Tip Oil Based Paint Pen Markers - Permanent Ink that Works on Most Surfaces Glass, Wood, Metal, Rubber, Stone, Arts, Crafts & Tools • Amazon Business $19.96 1 $19.96
U.S. Art Supply 18 Color Set of Fine Point Tip Oil Based Paint Pen Markers - Permanent Ink that Works on Most Surfaces Glass, Wood, Metal, Rubber, Stone, Arts, Crafts & Tools • Amazon Business $19.96 1 $19.96
U.S. Art Supply 18 Color Set of Fine Point Tip Oil Based Paint Pen Markers - Permanent Ink that Works on Most Surfaces Glass, Wood, Metal, Rubber, Stone, Arts, Crafts & Tools • Amazon Business $19.96 1 $19.96
Margo 30 Lb. Mexican Beach Pebble 2 in. to 3 in. • Amazon Business $19.18 1 $19.18
Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer (12-Ounce), 1469 Matte • Amazon Business $5.52 1 $5.52
Heartybay 10Pieces Round Pointed Tip Nylon Hair Brush Set, Blue • Amazon Business $4.50 1 $4.50
Heartybay 10Pieces Round Pointed Tip Nylon Hair Brush Set, Blue • Amazon Business $4.50 1 $4.50

Materials cost

$213.77

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $19.56

3rd party payment processing fee

$3.21

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$266.54

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$47.04

Total project goal

$313.58

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $313.58

4 Donors

-$150.30

Donations toward project cost

-$133.65

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$16.65

match offer

-$156.34

Match offer toward project cost

-$132.89

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$23.45

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$6.94

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

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

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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. Cushing and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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