Teachers across the nation are stepping up to meet the varied needs of their students, launching initiatives aimed at creating supportive learning environments. From developing care closets stocked with personal hygiene products to acquiring resources like double-sided whiteboards, educators are significantly contributing to their students' success.
At Kingstree High School, Kristi Pressley, who teaches business accounting and personal finance, has recognized the challenges many of her students face when itcomes to personal hygiene. “I want everybody to succeed so it’s important for me to be able to connect with them on some type of level,” she said, emphasizing her dedication to fostering relationships with her students.
Pressley explains the reality for many of her high schoolers: “This is generallly a low-income area. A lot of our students live at or below poverty level and sometimes they tend to struggle with some of their basic needs.” This observation has inspired her to launch her own initiative—a care closet stocked with personal hygiene items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products.
"Students come to me and ask if I have some of those basic items and I do usually try to keep a few things on hand, but they run out quickly," Pressley shared. By collaborating with DonorsChoose, she hopes to establish a more sustainable solution: “I think it would be really appreciated because there have been several students who have come in and asked for these items,” she noted, underscoring the pressing needs she has seen firsthand.
The care closet initiative is more than just about providing materials; it’s about promoting dignity and ensuring students feel supported. "If they have a need for it, if it’s here, it’s theirs," Pressley stated, showcasing her commitment to making these items available without judgment. She hopes this resource will alleviate some of the pressures her students face daily.
Meanwhile, at Noble Middle School, math teacher Ms. Travaglia is also seeking donations, but her focus is on enhancing student engagement through interactive learning tools. She is raising funds for double-sided whiteboards, which she believes will empower students to participate more actively during lessons. “My goal for having these boards would be to get more students engaged in my lessons and attempting to solve problems,” she explained.
Ms. Travaglia understands the intersection of fear and learning, voicing, “If they are not trying the problem, for fear of making a mistake, they are not learning. They learn by making a mistake and correcting it.” With these whiteboards, she aims to create an atmosphere where students feel comfortable to take risks and, as she puts it, “erase it and start over.”
The importance of both initiatives cannot be overstated—they are integral to nurturing confident, successful students. The care closet by Pressley ensures basic needs are met, allowing students to focus on their education rather than worrying about hygiene or health issues. Similarly, the use of whiteboards proposes to mitigate the fear of making mistakes, fostering resilient learners who are not afraid to step out of their comfort zones.
Both Pressley and Ms. Travaglia embody the spirit of educators who go above and beyond for their students. Their initiatives demonstrate the impact of simply listening to students' needs and taking actionable steps to meet those requests. Community support through fundraising platforms like DonorsChoose is not just financial support—it's tangible help empowering teachers to create the best possible learning environments.
These educators set examples of what it means to truly invest time and effort to uplift students, holistically enhancing their school experiences. Whether it's through hygiene resources or teaching tools, their advocacy for student welfare serves as a reminder of the strong bond between educators and students—a partnership grounded in care, empathy, and commitment.
To join Pressley and Ms. Travaglia in their efforts, community members are encouraged to participate by donating to their causes through DonorsChoose. Together, they can help create classrooms filled with opportunities for every learner, reinforcing the notion it's not just about grades or scores but about nurturing well-rounded individuals who feel valued.