This is my 12th year teaching, and I couldn't imagine doing anything else! I teach special education at a Van Buren Elementary School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. More than three-quarters of the students at Van Buren come from a low-income household. This can present difficulties in teaching when students' basic needs aren't being met. I am looking to purchase sensory items, calming items, break items, and snacks to meet the social emotional needs of my students. I am looking to raise $500 for the supplies I need for my students.

Many of my students aren't able to express their thoughts or emotions appropriately. They often become upset and need a space to take a break with calming items or sensory items. Sometimes a student is upset because they are hungry and a simple snack helps fix this issue.

I am looking to get snacks for my students to have a supply when they are hungry or might need to take some home. I am also looking to get calming items such as weighted blankets, fidgets, and sensory items.

Helping students be emotionally regulated and ready to learn is extremely important. Having emotionally regulated students will not only help them feel better and learn more, but also their peers. We need your help with purchasing these items for my classroom.

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