Kelly Welch, a fourth-grade teacher at Topanga Elementary Charter School (TECS), was recently awarded a grant by Donors Choose to support the social and emotional needs of her students. “I’m pleased to receive this grant award and apply it to creating a calming area in my classroom,� Welch said. “The calming area will provide a safe space for students to process their feelings without distractions when in a vulnerable state. Regulating high emotions is a learned skill; all my students are gaining tools to identify and handle their feelings better,� said Welch.