For Bianca Rivera, a third-grade teacher at Silvermine Elementary School in Norwalk, setting up her classroom is a family affair. Husband Benjamin and daughters Elana and Jael come help out every year.

Those extra hands are especially needed this time. Work on the building kept the school closed until Monday, Aug. 18., delaying Rivera's typical start and giving her just a week until students arrive.

“We had to rent a U-Haul to move me in today,” Rivera said, laughing.

Rivera is in her 26th year as a teacher in Connecticut public schools. It's her second at Silvermine.

“This is a very unique program. It's a dual language program. So, students get 50% of the day in English and 50% of the day immersed in Spanish,” she explained.

Rivera told News 12 she always wanted to be a teacher, in part because her mom was a paraeducator in Bridgeport. Rivera went to public schools there, and after graduating, attended Fairfield University. She then spent 20 years teaching in Bridgeport.

“I love working with the children. I love working with the families. I love having an impact on student lives,” Rivera stated.

Getting her room ready is important for that. She has to move in furniture, decorate the walls, clean, organize the closet, plus bring in and set up all the resources her students will need, including books, supplies and computers.

“We want to have the environment set that when the kids walk in, it's that magical place for them. We want to be ready and say, ‘Welcome to the classroom,’” explained Rivera.

She said she started planning last winter by posting on Donors Choose, a nonprofit funding site that helps teachers get the resources they need.

“It can get very expensive as a public-school teacher, and they have really been my lifeline,” Rivera told News 12. “We're always putting in our own money, but Donors Choose really helps to do the bulk of that.”

This year, she's requested a new laptop, along with classroom basics—markers, pencils, glue sticks, scissors and notebooks.

“Organizations like Donors Choose that can get those extra things into the classroom are really going to help us to keep moving forward and to really make it exciting for the kids,” Rivera stated.

Another draw in Rivera’s room is Betty, the class’s emotional support guinea pig, who developed quite the following last year.

“Good old Betty,” Rivera said smiling.

Betty won’t be arriving until the kids do on Monday, Aug. 25. Until then, Rivera and her family will be hard at work.

“I definitely feel that each year is a brand-new opportunity for students to start fresh, for teachers to start fresh. So, every year is a golden opportunity for me and the students,” Rivera said.

News 12 is partnering with Donors Choose to help teachers throughout Connecticut, New York and New Jersey this Back-to-School season. To help support your local schools, click here.