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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

A Verbena High School teacher is raising funds through DonorsChoose.org to give her students more seating choices in the classroom.

Jessica Martin said she has wanted to incorporate more seating options for her fifth and sixth grade students for a few years.

“My students just like to sit, when they have the chance, anywhere in the classroom,” Martin said.

However, this sometimes means students are sitting on the floor, adding some cushions and stools would give students better options.

“My students would love the opportunity,” Martin said.

Martin said some students are able to concentrate better sitting in different places in the room.

“They like to learn in different ways,” Martin said. “I do still have students who will stay at a traditional desk if they have the option to move around. They might work best that way. Some students like to be in their own little world. Sometimes they like to sit under their desk … or they may want to go away from others and be by themselves to help them focus … It helps them to have a little bit more choice in their learning.”

Having flexible seating also makes it easier for students to work on projects in small groups.

Martin has had success in the past securing funding for needed items.

“It’s nice that others who want to help have this outlet and this opportunity to help teachers,” Martin said.

Martin’s fundraiser can be accessed at donorschoose.org/project/flexible-and-fun-seating/6007324/. She has until March 16 to raise the remaining $328 needed.