Past projects 10
Calm & Cozy Corner Project
Funded Nov 2, 2024Thanks to your generosity, our Calm & Cozy Corner sensory cuddle box has become a safe haven for our students in the ASD unit, providing them with the comfort and regulation they need to thrive in the classroom.
The excitement was immediate—when students first saw the cuddle box, they were eager to explore its soft textures and cozy design. One student, who often struggled with sensory overload, now independently seeks out the space when feeling overwhelmed. After just a few minutes in the cuddle box, he is able to return to learning feeling calm and focused. Other students have also embraced this resource, using it as a quiet retreat to reset during stressful moments.
With this new addition, we've been able to incorporate structured sensory breaks into our daily routine, helping students develop self-regulation skills that will support their success in the classroom and beyond. Our next steps include integrating calming strategies within the cuddle box, such as guided breathing exercises and sensory tools, to further enhance its benefits.
Your support has truly made a difference in creating a more inclusive and welcoming school environment. Thank you for helping us provide a space where every child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Litzell
This classroom project was brought to life by * Education Foundation of Sarasota County and one other donor.Sensory Haven: Creating Calm at Cranberry
Funded Nov 7, 2024Thanks to your generosity, our students now have essential tools to help them navigate the school environment with confidence and ease. The stoplights for noise control, sensory body socks, and calming music lighting have already made a meaningful impact, especially for our students in the ASD unit.
When the stoplights were first introduced in the cafeteria, students immediately took notice. They quickly learned how the visual cues helped manage noise levels, making lunchtime a calmer and more predictable experience for everyone. One student, who typically covered his ears and avoided the cafeteria, now feels more comfortable staying and eating with his peers. The sensory body socks have become a favorite in our calming spaces, providing deep pressure input that helps students self-regulate during moments of stress. The calming music lighting has transformed classrooms into peaceful learning environments, helping students focus and stay engaged.
With these resources in place, our next steps include teaching students how to independently use these tools to recognize and manage sensory overload. We are also integrating the stoplight system into other shared spaces to create a more structured and supportive schoolwide environment. Your support has not only provided materials but has also helped build a culture of inclusion and success for all students at CES. Thank you for making this vision a reality!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Litzell
Sensory Solutions: Comfort and Focus at Our School
Funded Nov 2, 2024Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a more inclusive and supportive space for our students, especially those in our ASD unit. The spin chairs, sensory walls, and white noise machine have quickly become essential tools in helping students regulate their emotions, stay engaged, and focus on learning.
The excitement was immediate—when students first saw the spin chairs, they eagerly tried them out, discovering how movement helped them stay calm and attentive. One student, who often struggled to remain seated during lessons, now independently uses the chair to self-regulate while participating in group activities. The sensory wall has become a favorite calming spot, where students explore different textures to manage stress and refocus. The white noise machine has made a noticeable difference, creating a peaceful atmosphere that minimizes overwhelming background noise.
With these resources in place, we are now focusing on helping students develop self-regulation strategies they can use throughout the day. Our next steps include incorporating these tools into structured sensory breaks and teaching students how to recognize when they need them. Your support has not only provided materials—it has empowered our students to thrive in a classroom designed for their success. Thank you for making this possible!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Litzell
This classroom project was brought to life by * Education Foundation of Sarasota County and one other donor.Support Our Sensory Room: A Calming Oasis for Student Success!
Funded Sep 13, 2024Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our classroom has become a more inclusive and supportive space, transforming the way students learn and engage. With the new sensory and emotional support materials, we've set up "Emotion & Energy Stations" where students can manage their focus and energy before diving into learning activities.
On the first day, the excitement was palpable. Students were thrilled to discover the sensory body socks, calming lights, spin chairs, and white noise machine. Many had never seen tools like these, and it sparked meaningful discussions about self-regulation and individual needs. During independent reading, for instance, a student who struggled with sitting still now uses a spin chair to stay focused, while another finds comfort in a body sock to calm her energy. This has made reading time more engaging and successful for all.
Next, we'll use these tools to support collaborative projects, helping students learn to check in with themselves and use sensory resources to get ready for teamwork. This project has not only improved students' focus and self-awareness but has also created a culture of empathy and self-regulation.
Your support has brought us a step closer to a classroom that values each student's unique path. Thank you for making a meaningful difference!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Litzell
This classroom project was brought to life by * Education Foundation of Sarasota County and 8 other donors.Snack Stars: Fueling Fun and Energy for Elementary Munchers!
Funded Feb 12, 2024"Introducing 'Snack Stars' has sparked a remarkable transformation in our Title I school, enhancing student morale and fostering a more positive environment. Aligned with PBIS principles, this program rewards exemplary behavior with delicious snacks, particularly benefiting students from low-income households.
Through 'Snack Stars,' we've witnessed increased instances of kindness, responsibility, and respect among our students. This initiative symbolizes our commitment to supporting every student's holistic development, regardless of background, and has become a beacon of encouragement within our community.
As we continue to celebrate our 'Snack Stars' and nurture a culture of kindness and success, we are confident in its lasting impact, shaping a brighter future for all within our school walls."”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Litzell
This classroom project was brought to life by Education Foundation of Sarasota County and 2 other donors.Rewarding Good Behavior With a Lunch Time Treat!!
Funded Nov 29, 2023The generous snack donations to our school have made a significant impact on the behavior of students during lunchtime, fostering a positive and conducive environment for learning. With a variety of nutritious and appealing snacks available, students now have the option to make healthier choices, fueling their bodies and minds for the rest of the school day. These donations have not only satisfied hunger but also contributed to improved concentration and mood among the students. The positive influence of these snacks is evident in the students' behavior, as they are more focused, engaged, and less prone to disruptions. Moreover, the sense of gratitude and community created by these donations has cultivated a supportive atmosphere, reinforcing the idea that small acts of kindness can lead to significant positive changes in the school environment.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Litzell
This classroom project was brought to life by Education Foundation of Sarasota County.Let's Get Ready for Fall
Funded Jul 23, 2020My students are definitely using the resources that were purchased through this project. With everything being so chaotic with the pandemic and parents being out of work with the shut-down, I thought getting my students the basic school supplies was a great idea. The families were very grateful. My students were happy and very appreciative when they say what I had done for them. The parents were grateful as well. I don't not currently have any major projects going on in my classroom. We are all still learning to be back in school and learn the ways of the new ways.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Litzell
Board Games What! Let's Learn!
Funded Sep 22, 2018These games and interactive materials have allowed my students a fun and engaging way to learn their comprehension skills and working with fractions. It is for my students to sit and listen to me day in an day out on how to understand and work with comprehension skills. Being able to have a hands on activity and an engaging game allows them to think more on their own and put what I have taught them to good use. My kids enjoy being able to play games and learn at the same time. I have learned, that it is easier to learn and stay engaged when you are doing it in a fun way.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Litzell
Feed the Body! Feed the Mind!
Funded Sep 17, 2018My students were ecstatic when we received our first shipment of snacks. They jumped from theirs seats and started clapping and shouting with excitement. It is a struggles for some of my students to be able to bring in a daily snack. Now, because of your generosity, they do not have to worry about having a daily snack. Although these snacks are not being used towards a lesson in my classroom, I believe my students have learned an important lesson. Due to me being able to share the process and experience of donorschoose.org, my students have been able to see that there are people in the world that have a caring and generous heart and that they are willing to donate their own money to ensure that they are going to be successful in their education.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Litzell
This classroom project was brought to life by The Home Shows Coalition and 7 other donors.We All Can Learn When Learning Is Fun!
Funded Aug 27, 2016The materials purchased for "We All Can Learn When Learning is Fun" was a big hit with my kids . Being that I engage with mostly low-level learners, these centers allowed me to give them a fun way to learn their reading and math skills. Once I have introduced a new skill the students are able to embark on self-teaching or peer-teaching. My students love the idea of learning on their own or from each other, and these center activities allow them to be the teacher. Honestly, when sit and listen to them explain strategies and thoughts sometimes I feel as though I am the student at that point. These centers allow more kinesthetic learning, which most kids thrive from. I have been able to see growth in my students and a deeper understanding of newly learned skills.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Litzell
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 2 other donors.