In these uncertain times, it is so important for children to have access to the tools they need to support both their physical and mental health. Today, teachers find themselves facing new challenges as they attempt to navigate the realities of education during a pandemic that keeps them outside the classroom. Yet, despite challenges, educators are seeking and finding resources that can help a developing child as they face a new and stressful reality. Unfortunately, accessing educational resources is often difficult due to the financial constraints that many public school teachers face – but that’s where DonorsChoose comes in!
DonorsChoose, founded by a NY-based social studies teacher in 2000, is a US nonprofit that allows individuals to donate directly to teachers and public school classroom needs. DonorsChoose fundraisers can cover simple things like crayons or books to entire field trips. The fundraiser we are sharing with you is seeking to purchase of our 250 Family Calming Kits for the students at PS 112 in New York City.
This campaign was started by Mrs. Lopez, a teacher at PS 112. Lopez describes her school as a “vibrant supportive community that students living in East Harlem call home.” PS 112 is a Title I and special education school that serves a low-income community with opportunities for students of varying needs and abilities. Lopez wants to help her students remain emotionally cared for as they grow and face challenges in the midst of a pandemic, she writes, “We know that it is not enough to support our students academically at this time”. 
PS 112 still needs over $10,000 in order to fulfill Lopez’s dream of providing every child at her school with emotional support via the Family Calming Kit. This fundraiser is live on the DonorsChoose website until Septemeber 20 (link below). Please help us spread the word and share the students of PS 112’s story. We will match dollar for dollar every donation! Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to this amazing project at https://www.donorschoose.org/project/social-emotional-care-for-students-and-f/4940685/
What’s a Family Calming Kit? The Discovery Source’s Calming Kit is a child-friendly teaching tool that is designed to support families as they help children learn strategies to identify and regulate the “big” feelings and emotions that are critical to their success in school and in life. Children will learn calming strategies that allow them to both understand and regulate their emotions effectively — which is something the students of PS 112, and across the country, can greatly benefit from.
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