Safe "Basketball type" balls for K-2

Hello and thank you for taking time to consider my request.

My name is Michelle and I am the physical education teacher at Everett Elementary School.  Anytime I do a basketball unit, I struggle because of the variety of sizes of basketballs that we have. I would like everyone, at least with kindergarten through 2nd grade, to be able to use the same type of ball.  The balls that I have found to work best are simple playground balls... The ones you might use to play four square with. The little kids need something that is easy to learn how to dribble with and easy to catch and something that won't injure them if they get hit by one.  We have hoop attachments  (much lower height) to put on two of our regulation height basketball hoops, and when they shoot the ball, I don't want them to get hurt when the hard ball bounces off the rim. Not only would I use these for basketball unit, but there are many other ways I can implement these balls throughout the year. I have no doubt the students would find much success using these.  I have had a few of these balls over the years and they hold up really well. They are lightweight, easy to grip and the kids seem to really enjoy playing with them. We are only allotted $225 a year to buy equipment and I have already used that for other equipment. Requesting $300 plus cost reimbursement. 

Thank you in advance for your help!

Michelle Forsberg

Everett Elementary PE

Thank you to the two donors who gave to my cause! I truly appreciate it. My one donor was anonymous and I truly wish I could thank them personally. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! I promise to put your donation to good use and the students will LOVE them! 

Sincerely, 

Michelle Forsberg