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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Finch from El Cajon, CA is requesting lab equipment through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Finch is requesting

The Joy of a Classroom Pet!

Help me give my students items for a guinea pig; like a cage, fleece cage liners, water bottle, food dish, and other items to create a happy environment for a classroom pet.

  • $474 goal

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Keep the momentum going! Make a donation to Mrs. Finch for her next project!

Help Mrs. Finch

Keep the momentum going! Make a donation to Mrs. Finch for her next project!

My Students

One of my favorite quotes from Hope and Wade King's book, called The Wild Card, says: "Enthusiastic teachers can build strong relationships with students because they see each child as a separate human being. They don't teach a classroom- they teach individuals." As a teacher, I am in awe, every day, with the way my students think, wonder, and respond to situations that arise in their daily lives.

Our school is culturally diverse, and our classroom is filled with differences; yet we have one thing in common: we are a close family.

We value these differences and see the opportunity to learn from all of our backgrounds and experiences. As referred to, throughout The Wild Card, nurturing relationships is important in our classroom. We take time to learn about one another; we value each other's thoughts, ideas, and opinions. We will continue to connect with those in our school, our community, and globally. On our adventures, true friendships will form, and we will become a closer school family. Literature and art help unite us, inspire us, and develop a love for adventures and the new experiences we will have as a class.

My Project

Having a pet at home might not be possible, but bringing one into the classroom for 25 students to take care of, love, and learn about, is a possibility. The materials for this project will help me create a safe, organized, and loving environment for a sweet little guinea pig. My 3rd graders will fall in love with our class pet and learn many important life skills. Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility and always lends to lots of joy, fulfillment, and unconditional love.

Unconditional love is one of life's greatest gifts.

Animals of all types and sizes show love, and guinea pigs can form a special connection with their human caretakers. My students will also participate in learning activities that focus on our classroom pet. They will write informative pieces about guinea pigs; create stories about them; math lessons about how much food and water to give them; art lessons; science lessons on their life cycle and habitat; and so much more.

The most important learning experience from having a classroom pet focuses on social-emotional learning. Kids will learn how to care for our pet, experience the joy and laughter from the silly sounds it makes, and will also connect with our pet and receive unconditional love.

Mrs. Finch Chase Elementary School Grades PreK-2

Equity Focus

At this school, more than 50% of students are Black, Latino, and/or Native American, and more than 50% come from low-income households. Learn how your donation to this school supports a more equitable education.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More about Mrs. Finch

El Cajon, CA View local requests

More than three‑quarters 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

25 students impacted 6donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
GuineaDad Fleece Liner 2.0 | Guinea Pig Fleece Cage Liners | Guinea Pig Bedding | Burrowing Pocket Sleeve | Extra Absorbent Antibacterial Bamboo | Waterproof | Available in Various Cage Sizes • Amazon Business $54.95 1 $54.95
GuineaDad Fleece Liner 2.0 | Guinea Pig Fleece Cage Liners Bedding | Burrowing Pocket Sleeve | Extra Absorbent Antibacterial Bamboo | Waterproof | Available Various Cage Sizes • Amazon Business $54.95 1 $54.95
Guinea Habitat Plus Guinea Pig Cage by MidWest w/ Top Panel, 47L x 24W x 14H Inches • Amazon Business $51.99 1 $51.99
Wheeky Pets Laundry Helper, Laundry Bag for Pet Beds, Fleece, C&C Cage Liners, Midwest Cage Liners and More, for Guinea Pigs, Rabbits and Small Pets, Green/White, Size 29” W x 31” L • Amazon Business $24.95 1 $24.95
Arm & Hammer Super-Absorbent Cage Liners for Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Rabbits & All Small Animals | Best Cage Liners for Small Animals, 21 Count (3 Packs of 7) • Amazon Business $17.53 1 $17.53
RYPET Guinea Pig Playpen - Breathable & Transparent Pet Playpen Pop Open Outdoor/Indoor Exercise Fence, Portable Yard Fence for Guinea Pig, Rabbits, Hamster, Chinchillas and Hedgehogs • Amazon Business $14.88 1 $14.88
Kaytee Woodland Get-A-Way Large Guinea Pig House • Amazon Business $11.99 1 $11.99
STKYGOOD Rabbit Feeder Bunny Guinea Pig Hay Feeder,Hay Guinea Pig Hay Feeder,Chinchilla Plastic Food Bowl (Blue) • Amazon Business $11.69 1 $11.69
Kaytee Timothy Hay Plus Variety Pack for Rabbits & Small Animals • Amazon Business $10.99 1 $10.99
Kaytee Super Sleeper Cuddle E Cup Bed for Small Animals, Colors Vary • Amazon Business $10.99 1 $10.99
Choco Nose H128 Patented No Drip Small Animal Water Bottle. Best Water Bottle for Small Pet/Bunny/Ferret/Hamster/Critter. BPA Free. 11.2 Oz. Nozzle Diameter: 10mm (Blue) • Amazon Business $10.49 1 $10.49
Kaytee Clean Cage Habitat Deodorizer Spray, 16 Ounce • Amazon Business $9.49 1 $9.49
Cage Cleaner for Guinea Pigs, Cats, Hedgehogs, Hamsters, Chinchillas, Rabbits, Reptiles, and Other Small Animals - Cleaning Tool Set for Animal Waste - Mini Dustpan and Brush Set (1 Pack) • Amazon Business $8.95 1 $8.95
Guinea Pigs (Complete Pet Owner's Manual) • Amazon Business $8.09 1 $8.09
Kaytee Timothy Hay Complete Plus Fruits And Vegetables Guinea Pig Food, 5-Lb Bag • Amazon Business $7.24 1 $7.24
Ware Manufacturing Small Animal Grooming Kit • Amazon Business $7.09 1 $7.09
Ware Manufacturing Plastic Scatterless Lock-N-Litter Small Pet Pan (Colors May Vary) • Amazon Business $6.92 1 $6.92
Kaytee Chew & Treat Toy Assortment for Guinea Pigs (5 Pack) • Amazon Business $6.29 1 $6.29
Kaytee Quick & Clean Critter Dry Shampoo, 8-Ounce • Amazon Business $3.51 1 $3.51

Materials cost

$332.98

Vendor shipping charges

 $3.80

Sales tax

 $30.47

3rd party payment processing fee

$4.99

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$402.24

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$70.98

Total project goal

$473.22

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $473.22

5 Donors

-$157.00

Donations toward project cost

-$136.45

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$20.55

match offer

-$312.69

Match offer toward project cost

-$265.79

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$46.90

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$3.53

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

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

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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. Finch and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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