Our school is a therapeutic day school program, the task of which is to provide emotional support and academic opportunities to children who have been unable to succeed in community school settings due to emotional, learning, and behavioral difficulties. The majority of our students live at a residential children's home and are wards of the state.
Our school runs as a trauma-informed program, aiming to help our students grow from their pasts and learn how to cope in effective ways.
Despite the challenges that our students face, they are incredible children. Their resiliency, love for learning, and curiosity are truly inspiring. I strive to make my classroom a welcoming and safe community and to help my students explore learning and grow into independent and productive citizens.
My Project
The environment is so important for any classroom, but especially ours!
My students are highly affected by clutter, smells, lights, and sounds - which is why essential oils are perfect for our classroom!
Studies have shown the positive outcomes of essential oils in calming nerves and minds, focusing, boosting immune systems, and more. The set of essential oils will allow us to manipulate our environment to help students become more alert, or to calm them, depending on the emotional "temperature" of the room. The diffuser is kid-friendly and will allow us to safely diffuse the scented oils every day. The room spray is an all-natural alternative to the typical Febreeze or Lysol sprays, which will keep our classroom fresh and safe for everyone who learns and works here.
With my students, it's always worth it to try something new and see how it works. While essential oils may not be the most conventional classroom idea, my students definitely don't fit in the "typical" box! Being creative and thinking outside the norm is what helps us discover what works best for my students. Thank you!
More than a third of 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
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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 Mrs. Szczecinski and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
