Students today face not only academic challenges, but also the emotional challenges of stress brought on by negative classroom environments, according to data from a recent survey by the Sesame Workshop. In the survey, 86 percent of teachers and 70 percent of parents reported worrying that the world is an unkind place for children. In addition, teachers face financial challenges to making their classrooms places where students can succeed. Data from the Education Market Association show that nearly all public school teachers (99.5 percent) dip into their own money to purchase classroom supplies, and many of them spend as much as $400 per year on basic items. To help ease the burden on teachers and foster an atmosphere of kindness and tolerance in the classroom, Staples, Inc., is partnering with music icon Lady Gaga to create a series of public service announcements. The public service campaign includes 15-, 30- and 60-second TV and radio spots in which Lady Gaga encourages positive behavior and attitudes, as well as support for students and teachers in reaching their educational goals.