Hi, I'm Ericka. As an Educational Specialist and former school psychologist, I have the profound privilege of working with incredible students in our specialized program for emotional and behavioral disabilities. I also work in the very same urban district where I was once a student, so this community is deeply personal to me.

Today, I am asking for your support to help fund our classroom incentive program—a vital tool we use to build positive behavioral supports and foster a sense of accomplishment for our most vulnerable learners.

The Challenge:

Many of the students in our program carry the heavy weight of significant trauma. Navigating a traditional school day can be incredibly difficult when you are simultaneously processing complex emotional and systemic challenges. For our students, focusing on academics while managing behavioral responses requires immense energy and resilience.

When a student is struggling with emotional regulation, traditional punitive measures often fail. Instead, we must focus on systemic equity and restorative practices, building an environment where students feel safe, seen, and capable of success.

Why Incentives Matter:

In our program, we use a structured incentive system to encourage prosocial behaviors, emotional regulation, and academic engagement. These incentives are not just "prizes"; they are a critical form of scaffolding.

Just as a scaffold supports a building while it is being constructed, positive reinforcement supports our students as they build new emotional and social skills. When a student successfully uses a coping strategy, navigates a conflict peacefully, or completes a challenging task, recognizing that effort helps rewrite their internal narrative from "I can't" to "I did."

How Your Donation Will Be Used:

100% of the funds raised will go directly toward purchasing items for our program's incentive store. We break our goals down into manageable, daily achievements, and your donation will provide:

Tangible Rewards:

** Small items like sensory toys, art supplies, and culturally relevant books that students can earn for meeting daily or weekly goals.

Experiential Incentives:

** Funding for special classroom activities, pizza parties, or dedicated time with preferred educational games.

Essential Supplies:

** Items that meet basic needs, ensuring our students are comfortable and ready to learn.

The Impact:

By contributing to this fund, you are doing more than just buying a reward; you are investing in a child's social-emotional learning and validating their hard work. You are helping us create a supportive ecosystem where our students can reclaim their educational journey and thrive.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. If you are unable to donate at this time, sharing this page with your network is just as valuable.

Thank you for supporting our students and for believing in the power of positive reinforcement!