{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Alma E Pagels Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7754321,"projectId":9612347,"letterContent":"When our new hands-on learning materials arrived, the excitement in our classroom was contagious! The children's eyes lit up as they explored the colorful manipulatives, magnetic letters, building tools, and fine-motor centers. We immediately put them to use during our literacy and math rotations—students practiced forming letters with tactile tiles, counted and sorted with bright counters, and worked together to build patterns and structures that reinforced counting and spatial awareness. One memorable moment was watching a group of students proudly spell out their names using magnetic letters for the first time—smiles all around!\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, they could hardly contain their joy. Many of them had never had access to resources like these before, so the chance to explore, touch, and create was truly special. Their curiosity and engagement grew instantly; even my more hesitant learners dove right in, building confidence through play and discovery. These tools have turned our classroom into a place buzzing with collaboration, creativity, and joyful learning.","fullyFundedDate":1755647200751,"projectUrl":"project/helping-hands-for-kindergarten/9612347/","projectTitle":"Helping hands for Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7754321_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672583719148","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7754321"},{"teacherId":7754321,"projectId":8925144,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the impact your generous donation of materials has had on my kindergarten class. The supplies you provided, including dry erase markers, playdough, and other essential items, have significantly enhanced our learning environment, making it both more engaging and effective for my students. I am thrilled to detail how these materials were implemented into our classroom activities and the profound benefits they have provided for our young learners.\r\n\r\nWhen we first received the dry erase markers, we were immediately able to incorporate them into daily lessons. These markers became a key tool for interactive learning. In our phonics and writing sessions, the students used the markers to write letters, words, and short sentences on their individual dry erase boards. This allowed for immediate feedback and the opportunity to practice writing without the pressure of using paper that could not be erased. Children with different learning paces found this tool incredibly valuable, as they could practice multiple times until they felt confident. The freedom to erase and try again built their confidence and reduced the anxiety some students may have felt about making mistakes.\r\n\r\nThe playdough was another invaluable resource in our classroom. Not only was it a fun and creative outlet, but it also supported the development of fine motor skills in the children. Through rolling, squishing, and shaping the playdough, students were able to strengthen their hand muscles, which is crucial for writing and other classroom tasks. The tactile nature of playdough allowed them to express their learning in ways that were both educational and enjoyable.\r\n\r\nBeyond the academic benefits, these materials fostered a positive classroom environment where children felt excited to participate and eager to learn. With the dry erase markers and playdough, we were able to transform everyday lessons into fun, interactive experiences that promoted active learning. This also allowed for more differentiated instruction, as the materials could easily be adapted to meet the needs of various learners. Whether it was a student who needed extra help with letter formation or a child who thrived on visual stimulation, the flexibility of these tools made them indispensable in creating an inclusive classroom.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, your support has made an immeasurable difference in the lives of my students. The materials you provided not only enhanced the learning experience but also helped cultivate a more dynamic and interactive classroom. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and commitment to supporting our educational journey. It is because of donors like you that my students are able to thrive and grow in such a meaningful way.","fullyFundedDate":1731775453448,"projectUrl":"project/the-essentials/8925144/","projectTitle":"The Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7754321_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672583719148","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7754321"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44107","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":364,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":23,"percentWhite":30,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":30,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"12.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":81.1,"schoolId":44107,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Alma E Pagels Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Alma E Pagels Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/west-haven-public-schools/alma-e-pagels-elementary-school/44107"}

Alma E Pagels Elementary School

Join the 132 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

Alma E Pagels Elementary School is a suburban public school in West Haven, Connecticut that is part of West Haven Public Schools. It serves 364 students in grades Pre-K - 4 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.1:1. Its teachers have had 54 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Grades Pre-K - 4

364 Students

30 Teachers

26 Benham Hill Rd

West Haven, CT 06516 View local requests

http://whschools.org

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Alma E Pagels Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

See how DonorsChoose works

Alma E Pagels Elementary School Demographics

89%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

62%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Alma E Pagels Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.

Alma E Pagels Elementary School

$25,485

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

132

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

projects for art supplies

Alma E Pagels Elementary School has received support from 107 individuals from Connecticut and 25 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Alma E Pagels Elementary School

About this school

Equity Focus School

Alma E Pagels Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Share & help us grow support

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Alma E Pagels Elementary School Demographics

Alma E Pagels Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

Alma E Pagels Elementary School

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.