Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters of Education,
After years of dedicating myself in school districts in Orange County, California, helping students grow academically and personally, I’m stepping into an exciting new chapter. This fall, I’ll be joining Pachappa Elementary School in the Riverside Unified School District (just outside of Orange County) as one of their new 3rd grade teachers. While I bring with me experience, passion, and a deep love for learning, I’ll be starting from scratch when it comes to classroom supplies and materials.
As many of you know, teachers often invest their own time, energy, and finances to create classrooms that are welcoming, engaging, and diverse—spaces where students feel safe, seen, and inspired. With this new beginning, I’m working to create an environment that not only supports academic success but also encourages curiosity, creativity, and connection.
One of my top priorities is building a strong and thoughtful classroom library. Reading is a cornerstone of learning, and I want my students to have access to books that will spark their imagination, challenge their thinking, and help them see themselves—and others—in the pages they read. A well-stocked classroom library gives students daily opportunities to fall in love with reading, explore new ideas, and develop critical thinking skills. For many children, it becomes the heart of the classroom and a place where lifelong learning takes root.
Your support will help provide:
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Essential classroom supplies and materials, including pencils, notebooks, crayons, whiteboards, dry-erase markers, scissors, folders, glue sticks, and storage bins to support daily instruction and classroom organization.
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A wide range of books to build a rich and inclusive classroom library that supports various reading levels, interests, and cultural backgrounds.
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Classroom decorations and instructional tools, such as bulletin board materials, anchor charts, flexible seating options, and learning posters to create a vibrant and student-centered environment.
In addition to this fundraiser, I will be creating and posting an Amazon Wish List with specific items for the classroom. This will offer another way for supporters to contribute by purchasing and sending items directly.
Every donation—big or small—will directly impact my students and help transform a blank classroom into a meaningful, welcoming space where students feel empowered and excited to learn each day.
Thank you for supporting public education, believing in teachers, and investing in the success of future leaders and learners. Your generosity means more than words can express.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Mr. Clayton Thurmond, M.Ed.
3rd Grade Teacher
Pachappa Elementary School | Riverside Unified School District
