MURRIETA – Lacey Aarsvold, a teacher at Warm Springs Middle School in Murrieta, has received funding for seven classroom projects through DonorsChoose.org, a nonprofit organization that connects donors with public school teachers who need classroom materials. 

The projects benefit students participating in the school’s enrichment period at the end of the day.

"While budget cuts have hit the area hard, the school, staff and students strive to maintain an atmosphere that continues to provide growth opportunities for all the students," Aarsvold said. "A universal access period or PRIDE period allows students time for extra help in core Advertisement

[ Metalography ] subject areas or an enrichment of their choice."

Aarsvold is among 20 Murrieta and Temecula public school teachers who have received $13,559 of funding for 32 classroom projects benefiting more than 11,000 students.

Temecula Horace Mann agent Carlos Payan is continuing to offer workshops at local schools to explain to teachers how to use DonorsChoose.org to find funding for classroom projects. Nationwide, Horace Mann has contributed $1.5 million to school projects through the Web site since February 2011.

Teachers can gain donations by posting classroom projects needing funding on the Web site. Full-time public school teachers, nurses and guidance counselors can participate.