Clean Up and Calm Down

Funded Aug 17, 2023

I would like to thank my generous donors for funding my project Clean Up and Calm Down!

First, I would to express my appreciation for the vacuum mop and cleaning supplies for the office area. We were fortunate enough to get new flooring in our building in each classroom and the office area, but due to funding, we had to purchase our own cleaning devices. We are able to keep our building clean and disinfect the floors now in a more efficient manner.

Secondly, I would like to thank my donors for the rocking chair bench. This summer I attended a training by Dr. Barbara Sorrels who is an expert in childhood development. After attending her training, and reading several books she has written and recommended, I have realized that several students that have continuous disciplinary issues, have some sort of void in their early development of nourishment. One way you can help students who have not had proper nourishment is by rocking them in a rocking chair. Research has shown that is has a huge calming effect on students who are upset. I work in a building that has 3rd-6th graders, so rocking them in a rocking chair in not appropriate for their age group. That is why I chose to get a rocking chair bench. Now when students are upset, I have them sit on the rocking chair bench, and just observe them for a little bit. They all start rocking and immediately start to calm down. It also works when I need to counsel a student on an issue, so that I can sit next to them and we rock together as we talk. It has been a perfect de-escalation tool, and I would honestly love to purchase many more of these because ours already has "a lot of mileage" or gets used numerous times a day.

Lastly, I would like to thank my donors for the stand-up table. We have several students that need some extra wiggle time. I have several students that prefer to stand up while they work so they can wiggle, I even have a mat they can stand on that was donated as well. Some students even stand on a balance board that I have and they balance while working at the table as well.

In all my years in education, I have never seen a greater need for these items in a school setting. Students cannot sit still, they have rough home lives, and they come to school dirty and tired. I have been able to implement several things in my school to help with these issues, and by your generous donations, I have been able to expand the areas of need we have for our students. I greatly appreciate your help, time, and money spent on these items. They are used daily, and it has changed discipline in our school for the better.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Hughey