When second grade teacher, Kelsey K., launched her latest ClassroomsCount™ campaign, she hoped to raise $500 so she could spend $25 on new books for each of her 20 students. What happened next was extraordinary.
Not only did Kelsey meet her goal, she smashed it.
By tapping into the power and generosity of her community (including the local Doggy DayCare), Kelsey was able to raise over four times the amount she set out to raise. We sat down with Kelsey to ask her how she did it and what tips for other teachers she could share.
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How many ClassroomsCount™ campaigns have you run and how much have you raised in total?
This is my fifth consecutive campaign, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ve raised a total of $8,942! This year was my highest total yet, with $2,395 raised.
For your latest campaign, how did you decide on your initial goal of $500?
I set the initial goal at $500 because I have a class of 20 students for the 2025 school year. This goal allows me to spend $25 on new books for each student, ensuring that every child gets a minimum of five brand new books for the school year.
What platforms did you use to spread the word about your campaign?
I used Facebook and Instagram to reach my community. I also emailed my previous Book Fairies to let them know about this year’s campaign. Additionally, word of mouth played a big role — many people wanted to get involved because a friend or family member had been a Book Fairy for my classroom in past years.
Check out Kelsey’s campaign here.
Were you surprised at the response of your community?
I was absolutely blown away by the response! Raising over $2,000 for my students is simply unbelievable. Friends, family, and even community members were eager to be our class Book Fairies. I was especially thrilled when the local Doggy DayCare reached out because they wanted to support our campaign too!
How did you thank or recognize your contributors?
Every month, my contributors — aka Miss Kalamar’s Book Fairies — receive a special email. I include pictures of my students reading their new books and a video of my class personally thanking our Book Fairies. In addition, I create a special label inside each book with a positive message inspired by the Scholastic book, personalized for each student, and signed from Miss Kalamar’s Book Fairies. This way, years from now, when students open their books at home, they’ll remember our amazing 2nd Grade Book Fairies!
What impact will the funds you raise have on your students?
The funds I raise will have a tremendous impact on my students. I teach in a Title 1 school and many of my students don’t have access to the public library. When I realized that they couldn’t visit the library over the summer or after school to simply immerse themselves in books, I knew I had to do something! Thanks to this campaign, I have been able to provide each of my students with over 30 books, allowing them to create their very own library at home. Sharing my love of reading with each of my students is truly the greatest gift I could give them as their teacher!
What (if anything) would you do differently in your next campaign?
I don’t think I would do anything differently. Each year, the campaign continues to grow, and the connection it fosters with my students is something that will always hold a special place in my heart.
What three quick-and-dirty tips would you give other teachers to help them hit their goal?
Share your campaign on social media: Spread the word to reach a wider community. I never include ANY pictures of my students on social media. Only pictures of my books and the personalized labels.
Send monthly updates: Keep your Book Fairies engaged with emails showing how their contributions are making a difference. The heartfelt responses you receive are priceless and encourage continued support year after year.
Add personalized labels in books: Include a special message in each book so students will always remember their 2nd Grade Book Fairies for years to come.
Are you looking to raise funds for your classroom? Start your ClassroomsCount™ campaign today and spend every penny you raise on books and resources for your students.