The Trenton Public School District and other districts across New Jersey are gearing up for a new school year, and that means teachers are putting their final touches on classrooms.

Teacher Melanie Higginbotham is back on staff as a Level 3 English as a second language teacher at Trenton's 9th Grade Academy for the 2025-26 school year - and her classroom is already almost set up.

"I'll be back at the end of the month to fully set up," said Higginbotbam. "But when students walk in, I definitely want them to feel welcomed - that's No. 1. That's why I have the flags, because it represents their countries and where they're from."

When one enter the doors of Classroom 204, it's easy to feel a sense of inclusivity and "good vibes."

"I want my students to come in the room and make them feel like their welcomed and make them feel comfortable," said Higginbotham. "They come in here and they take their shoes off. And that tells me they feel like they're home."

Most of what was added to the atmosphere in her classroom is thanks to DonorsChoose, an online nonprofit that allows people to donate to a teacher's request for supplies or experience.

A massage chair in the classroom wouldn't be there without the resource.

"That (the massage chair) was actually a mental health project," said Higginbotham.

Higginbotham has also used the platform for winter coats and food.

"Although the school provides breakfast and lunch, but just having the snacks in between, you know, it's really helpful," said Higginbotham.

She'll continue to use DonorsChoose for the classroom experience, but is now also using it for opportunities to help her learn more Spanish.