My students are intelligent and compassionate young men and young ladies with talents in mathematics, art, poetry, dance, and so much more! They are eager to experience new things but, given their life experiences, often find themselves watching from the sidelines.
My students come to school with high levels of stress.
They live in one of the most heavily redlined neighborhoods in Philadelphia, with generations of poverty and low self-worth. Most of them have experienced a loss due to gun violence and/or have lost a family member to incarceration. The outside influences acting on these children are determining their future rather than the children deciding for themselves. This stress can prevent them from making sound decisions or focusing on their education.
My Project
“I just need a break from everything for a little while.”
In moments of frustration, angst, sadness, or an amalgam of them all, students might need to take a break and teachers can provide a safe space within the classroom for when these moments arise.
Students who are or were exposed to trauma may have difficulty regulating their emotions which can manifest in behaviors that are disruptive to the learning environment. In these moments, students typically act with a fight or flight response. This survival mode mindset can interfere with the students’ ability to concentrate and, oftentimes, leads to being removed from class.
To prevent this downward spiral, teachers can lean on trauma-informed classroom management strategies to help students manage overwhelming responses to stress.
CURRENTLY, my classroom consists of cinderblock walls, hard linoleum floors, bright fluorescent lights, and bare windows. My goal is to create a home away from home.
PURPOSE
• Provides an area for the student to regulate their emotions
• Increases instructional time
• Provides an opportunity for self-reflection
• Builds independent emotional regulation
BENEFITS
• Students can re-enter the classroom community more easily
• Encourages an inclusive community
• Reduces disciplinary referrals
• Increases opportunities for restorative conversations or conflict resolution
Nearly all 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
ShadeMAGIC Fluorescent Light Filter Covers (Beige) - Diffuser Pack; Eliminate Harsh Glare That Causes Eyestrain and Head Strain The The Classroom or at Office. (4)
• Amazon Business
$30.99
2
$61.98
Everlast Strike Shield Black
• Amazon Business
$42.44
1
$42.44
Popular Handicrafts Large Hippie Mandala Ombre Floor Pillow Cover - Cushion Cover - Pouf Cover Round Bohemian Yoga Decor Floor Cushion Case- 24" Blue Gold
• Amazon Business
$12.99
3
$38.97
Summor Tapestry Blue Mountains Silhouette Watercolor Surface Gift Wrap Scrapbooking Hanging Tapestries 60 x 80 inch Wall Hanging Decor for Bedroom Livingroom Dorm
• Amazon Business
$16.69
2
$33.38
TomCare Cube Storage 6-Cube Bookshelf Closet Organizer Storage Shelves Shelf Cubes Organizer Plastic Square Book Shelf Bookcase DIY Closet Cabinet Organizer Shelving for Home Office Bedroom, White
• Amazon Business
$23.99
1
$23.99
Big Joe Comfort Research Megahh (UltimaX) Bean Bags Refill, 100 L, White - 9999999
• Amazon Business
$19.88
1
$19.88
Fidget Toys Set, 22 Pcs. Sensory Tools Bundle for Stress Relief and Anti-Anxiety for Kids and Adults, Marble and Mesh, Pack of Squeeze Balls, Soybean Squeeze, Flippy Chain, Liquid Motion Timer & More
• Amazon Business
$18.95
1
$18.95
LiKee Upgraded 108 Pieces Magnetic Sculpture with Ultra- Long 0.1in Bars, Magnet Fidget Toys Building Block for Stress Relief, Office and Home Desk Decor, Cool Gadget for Adult (Silver, 108 Pieces)
• Amazon Business
$17.99
1
$17.99
Dry Erase Erasers, 40 Pack Magnetic Whiteboard Dry Erasers Chalkboard Cleaner Wiper for Classroom Home Office, 4 Assorted Colors(Blue, Red, Green, Yellow) by EAONE
• Amazon Business
$16.99
1
$16.99
25Ft G40 Globe String Lights with Clear Bulbs,UL listed Backyard Patio Lights,Hanging Indoor/Outdoor String Lights for Bistro Pergola Deckyard Tents Market Cafe Gazebo Porch Letters Party Decor, Black
• Amazon Business
$16.99
1
$16.99
6 Pack - SimpleHouseware Foldable Cloth Storage Cube Basket Bins Organizer, Beige (11" H x 10.75" W x 10.75" D)
• Amazon Business
$16.87
1
$16.87
Rustic Farmhouse Wall Art Decor Sign - Home Kitchen Bathroom Good Day Wood Hanging Standing Desk Sign Decorations Modern Primitives Country Vintage Fall Industrial Inspirational Quotes Flower (7 X 10)
• Amazon Business
$16.49
1
$16.49
Mkono 2 Pcs Macrame Wall Hanging Small Art Woven Wall Decor Boho Chic Home Decoration for Apartment Bedroom Living Room Gallery, 13" L x 10" W and 16" L x 10" W
• Amazon Business
$14.99
1
$14.99
Fidget Bands for Classroom Chairs School Desks, Chair Bands for Kids with Fidgety Feet Students with Autism, ADHD, ADD Sensory Needs (6 Pack)
• Amazon Business
$14.98
1
$14.98
Qiandier Bamboo 3D Puzzle Metal Brain Teasers Puzzles Mind Game Toys Set for Teens and Adults Pack of 12pcs
• Amazon Business
$12.99
1
$12.99
Gamma Bag of Pressureless Tennis Balls - Sturdy & Reuseable Mesh Bag with Drawstring for Easy Transport - Bag-O-Balls (12-Pack of Balls, Blue)
• Amazon Business
$12.99
1
$12.99
Yatim 90 cm Money Ivy Vine Artificial Plants Greeny Chain Wall Hanging Leaves for Home Room Garden Wedding Garland Outside Decoration Pack of 2
• Amazon Business
$9.99
1
$9.99
AOMGD 3 Pack Macrame Plant Hanger and 3 PCS Hooks Indoor Outdoor Hanging Plant Holder Hanging Planter Stand Flower Pots for Decorations - Cotton Rope, 4 Legs, 3 Sizes
• Amazon Business
$9.98
1
$9.98
Materials cost
$400.84
Vendor shipping charges
$5.99
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$6.01
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$442.84
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$78.15
Total project goal
$520.99
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$520.99
7 Donors
-$374.52
Donations toward project cost
-$333.19
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$41.33
match offer
-$129.00
Match offer toward project cost
-$109.65
Match offer 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. Sapelbweyar and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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