Help transform Mr. Da Rosa's PPS middle school classroom!

Hello!! My name is Jessica Mensah Da Rosa and I’m raising funds to transform a middle school classroom in Portland, Oregon — a classroom that has become a second home for dozens of students who deserve a clean, organized, and inspiring place to learn.

My husband, Mr. Jeremy Da Rosa, is an incredible middle school teacher at Roseway Heights Middle School within the Portland Public School system. He truly has a special ability to connect with students of all different ages, races, genders and backgrounds in a way that I’ve never seen before.

What makes Jeremy so special?

1. He teaches across 3 different grade levels – 6th, 7th & 8th

2. He is bilingual – he teaches classes in English and classes in Spanish

3. He teaches 3 different subjects – Leadership, English as a Second Language (ESL) and Academic Intervention.

His authentic and honest style of teaching and interacting with students welcomes a diverse group of students to trust him not only as a teacher but as a mentor, role model, and safe space. His classroom isn’t just where students learn — it’s where they come to connect with a teacher who truly cares, listens without judgment, seeks to understand and helps bring out the best of who they are. Students store their musical instruments in his classroom when lockers are too small, eat a lunch with him because they can seek extra support or help translating classwork, and sometimes simply come to seek comfort during the day.

But despite his unwavering commitment, the physical environment of his classroom doesn't match the heart and energy he pours into his students. Broken desks, a sweltering room with no air conditioning, mismatched furniture, and few organizational & learning tools make it difficult for students to focus and thrive — and public school budgets simply can't cover the upgrades that would truly make a difference.

So, I’m asking for your help to create a better future for his students: a clean, safe, comfortable, bilingual-friendly classroom where every child can walk in, breathe easier, and do their very best work.

Your donation will DIRECTLY fund classroom essentials like a portable A/C unit to beat the summer heat, storage cubbies for student belongings, Spanish-English resources for bilingual learners, healthy snacks for hungry kids, and new furniture and supplies to bring dignity and organization to the space.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to giving these hardworking students — and the incredible teacher who supports them — the classroom they truly deserve.

Thank you so much for believing in the power of a great learning environment.