You're on track to get doubled donations (and unlock a reward for the colleague who referred you). Keep up the great work!
Take credit for your charitable giving! Check out your tax receipts

In a rush to make a major tax-deductible gift before the year's end?
Purchase account credits and choose projects later!

In a rush to make a major tax-deductible gift before the year's end? Purchase account credits and choose projects later!

For direct assistance with credits or anything else, please call our donor relationships team: (646) 586-5306 ext. 202

To use your $50 gift card credits, find a project to fund and we'll automatically apply your credits at checkout. Find a classroom project
Skip to main content

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Your school email address was successfully verified.

See this teacher's page

This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Gastelum from Gilbert, AZ is requesting art supplies through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Gastelum is requesting

Empowering The Foxtails: Tools for Creativity, Focus, and Growth

Help me give my students materials that foster creativity, organization, and independent learning, enhancing their engagement in hands-on projects, time management, sensory support, and personal responsibility in our Montessori classroom.

  • 5 donors
  • $983 goal

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Hooray! This project is fully funded

My Project

The materials I’m requesting will enhance my students’ learning by promoting creativity, independence, and sensory support. Art supplies like air-dry clay, paint pens, and paints will allow students to explore their creativity through hands-on projects, a core aspect of Montessori education. Trays and baskets will help them organize materials, fostering responsibility and reinforcing the Montessori principle of order. The laminator, cork display boards, and bookshelf will preserve and display student work, creating a dynamic learning space where their progress is showcased. For students with sensory needs, noise-canceling headphones will provide a quiet space for focus, while sand timers will help them manage time independently during our open work cycle.

The goal of this project is to provide the tools necessary for a Montessori environment that supports independent, creative, and purposeful learning.

These materials will help maintain a calm, organized classroom where students can explore their interests, manage their time effectively, and take ownership of their work. Ultimately, this project will help them grow both academically and personally by fostering critical life skills like time management, creativity, and responsibility.

What makes my students special is their dedication to self-directed learning. Many have been in Montessori schools their entire lives because it aligns with their families’ values. They are creative, industrious, and always eager to explore new challenges. Several students also have unique sensory needs, and the Montessori method provides the freedom to meet those needs while supporting their independence. Every day, I am inspired by their creativity, resilience, and passion for learning, and I want to ensure they have the tools they need to succeed.

Ms. Gastelum
Grades 3-5

Boost your odds

Add a profile photo in addition to your classroom photo. If you add a photo, it'll show up right here on your project page.

You are more likely to receive funding if you put a face to your name.

Upload a photo

Top rated for efficiency and transparency.

You donate directly to the teacher or project you care about and see where every dollar you give goes.

Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Gastelum is requesting.

See our finances

TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

You can start a project with the same resources being requested here!

Where Your Donation Goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total
Rotating Bookshelf, Revolving Bookcase, Spinning Book Shelf, 4 Tier, 18.2” W x 50.6” H, White, Wood, 360 Degrees Bookshelves, Floor Stand, Rotation Display Tower, Stackable, Round, for Kids, Children • Amazon Business $97.87 1 $97.87
Crayola Air Dry Clay for Kids - White, Modeling Clay for Kids, Arts & Crafts, School Supplies, Teacher Classroom Must Have, 25lb • Amazon Business $30.68 3 $92.04
Amylove 12 Pcs Kids Ear Protection Noise Cancelling Headphones Ear Muffs Bulk 30db Sensory Headphones • Amazon Business $79.99 1 $79.99
3M Laminator Kit With Every Size Laminating Pouch • Amazon Business $66.34 1 $66.34
YAMAZAKI home 3163 Laundry Basket Large Storage Hamper, Black • Amazon Business $53.65 1 $53.65
Wood Serving Tray with Handles - Five Piece Nested Breakfast Wood Tray - Wooden Crafts Couch Tray for Organizing - Food Trays for Party Buffet Montessori Bathroom - Wood Trays for Serving & Catering • Amazon Business $22.76 2 $45.52
Lakeshore Fully Washable Liquid Tempera Paint - Pint - Set of 10 Colors • Lakeshore Learning Materials $43.50 1 $43.50
Lzttyee Art Drying Rack for Classroom Paint Drying Rack Small Art Drying Rack Wall Art Storage Rack with 12 Removable Shelves for Classrooms and Art Studios (12 Shelves) • Amazon Business $42.96 1 $42.96
Paint Pens Paint Markers on Almost Anything Never Fade Quick Dry and Permanent, Oil-Based Waterproof Paint Marker Pen Set for Rocks Painting, Wood, Fabric, Plastic, Canvas, Glass, Mugs, DIY Craft • Amazon Business $13.48 3 $40.44
DECORITA Large Cork Board Alternative - 12 Pack Felt Wall Tiles with Safe Removable Adhesive Tabs, Cork Boards for Walls Cork Board for Office Pin Board Tack Board Cork Board 48 x 36 - Black • Amazon Business $39.99 1 $39.99
Casaphoria Jute Large Basket Woven Storage Basket with Handles – Natural Jute Laundry Basket for Towels Blanket Basket Home Decor,14" x 14" x 12" ,pack of 1, Black and Jute • Amazon Business $18.19 2 $36.38
Quartet Magnetic Cork & Dry Erase Calendar Whiteboard, Espresso Frame, 2' x 1.5' (79275) • Quill.com $34.99 1 $34.99
Large Sand Timer, Hourglass Timer Colorful Sandglass Timer 1 min/2 min/3 min/5 min/10 min/15 min Kids Timer Visual Sand Clock Timer for Games Classroom Home Office Kitchen Teeth Brushing (Pack of 6) • Amazon Business $25.97 1 $25.97
VITEVER 10-Piece Toddler Utensils, Kids Stainless Steel Silverware Set, Children Safe Forks and Spoons - Mirror Polished, Dishwasher Safe • Amazon Business $8.49 3 $25.47
Large Sand Timer, 10/20/30 Minutes Hourglass, Sandglass Timers, Colorful Sand Clock 10/20/30 Min, Cute Blue Sand Timer for Kids, Classroom, Kitchen, Game, Home Decor and Teeth Brushing Timer(Set of 3) • Amazon Business $13.97 1 $13.97

Materials cost

$739.08

Vendor shipping charges

$2.18

Sales tax

$52.84

3rd party payment processing fee

$11.09

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$835.19

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$147.39

Total project goal

$982.58

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

$982.58

4 Donors

-$615.13

Donations toward project cost

-$603.88

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$11.25

match offer

-$272.14

Match offer toward project cost

-$231.32

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$40.82

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$95.32

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

$0.00

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

View complete list Show less

Give the most requested basic supplies

See teacher requests

Give back to your community

Find opportunities to impact local needs by exploring a map of classroom projects near you.

See local area

Project Activity

{"pmaHash":"","showProjectRecommendations":true,"leadGenEnabled":true,"hideTeacherDetails":false,"schoolState":"AZ","teacherPossessivePronoun":"her","PMsManager":null,"schoolGradeType":{"id":2,"name":"Elementary School"},"TeacherPMForms":{},"completingDonationAmount":0,"teacherHasClassroomPhoto":true,"proposalURL":"https://www.donorschoose.org/project/empowering-the-foxtails-tools-for-creat/8778760/","mayHaveReplacements":false,"numStudents":24,"teacherScreenName":"Ms. Gastelum","isEquityFocus":false,"proposalHash":"-1440937958","isApplePayMobileOnly":true,"progressBarPercentage":100.00,"photosPublished":false,"queryString":"","DonorPMForm":null,"schoolCity":"Gilbert","teachersOnPage":[9510232],"isTeacherViewingTheirOwnProject":false,"minimizedLeadGenEnabled":true,"proposalId":8778760,"proposalMessageFormModel":null,"numActiveProjects":0,"verifyShowPhotos":"","eligibleToBeCopied":false,"authorIds":{"9510232":{"owner":"Ms. Gastelum","donationSalutations":{}}},"displayedPercentFunded":1.0,"proposalsOnPage":[8778760],"pmaId":"","teacherProfilePhotoURL":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9510232_orig.jpg?crop=2119,2119,x0,y0&width=136&height=136&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726765030377","teacherHasProfilePhoto":true,"currentWorkflowStatusCode":12,"teacherChallengeId":22320272,"isApplePayEnabled":true,"fundedByTarget":false,"activeProject":null,"donorIdsForImpactPhotoCheck":[],"teacherId":9510232,"schoolCounty":"Maricopa","fullyFunded":true,"isStudentLed":false,"isExpired":false,"schoolStateObj":{"code":"AZ","name":"Arizona"}}