{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Caruthers Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":47.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8962242,"projectId":9412992,"letterContent":"We're deeply grateful for your donation, which has helped make our calming environment a reality. Your generosity reflects a shared commitment to creating a space where peace, comfort, and well-being can flourish. Because of your support, we've been able to bring our vision to life and offer a place that nurtures both the mind and spirit.Your contribution has made a lasting difference, not only in the physical space we've built but in the sense of community and care it represents. Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us create an environment that continues to inspire calm and connection for everyone who experiences it.","fullyFundedDate":1750359172778,"projectUrl":"project/under-the-sea/9412992/","projectTitle":"Under the Sea","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wigton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8962242"},{"teacherId":9902666,"projectId":9073031,"letterContent":"I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity. Because of your support, my students have been given the opportunity to explore and expand their musical horizons in ways that were previously out of reach. \r\nCaruthers Elementary is home to bright, curious, and eager learners. Until now, we haven't had the resources to provide them with a true band experience—but thanks to your generous support, that has changed. With the addition of the NUVO WindStars 1 collection, 24 students will have the opportunity this year to begin developing their musicianship and prepare for participation in middle school band programs. We're proud to introduce the Caruthers Bobcat Band—a new and exciting chapter in our school's music journey.\r\nWhen I applied for DonorsChoose, I had only been teaching at Caruthers for a few weeks. From the moment I walked through the doors, I could feel the students' excitement and desire for a band program. It became my mission to make that dream a reality—and you helped make it happen.\r\nI want to share a story that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. During our recorder unit in music class, one student struggled consistently. But at the very end of the year, he proudly performed the final piece to earn his black belt in recorder. With tears in his eyes, he turned to me and said, \"My parents will be so proud of me. I can't wait to do band next year and feel like this all the time. I'm so excited, Ms. Matney.\"\r\nMoments like these remind me why I teach. I'm thrilled to continue growing this band program and hope to expand it further—perhaps even adding the NUVO jSax in the future. \r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in my students and in the power of music education.","fullyFundedDate":1746786228295,"projectUrl":"project/elementary-nuvo-instrument-ensemble/9073031/","projectTitle":"Elementary Nuvo Instrument Ensemble","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Matney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9902666_orig.jpg?crop=880,880,x168,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738273996023","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9902666"},{"teacherId":2130897,"projectId":8997010,"letterContent":"I want to thank you on behalf of my students! You wouldn't believe the difference some subdued lighting and lamps made on the overall mood of the room. It turned our harsh lighting environment into a more welcoming space. There were times that we didn't want to leave the room because it was a calm space that was ready for learning.\r\nMy students loved having the option to get a snack during the day. Usually we would line up at my desk to get a snack during the afternoon. This is when students started getting tired and lost focus. You wouldn't believe how much a pouch of fruit snacks or chex mix helped get us through math!\r\nOnce again, thank you for making an impact on my students this year! Your kindness and generosity makes so much of a difference in the lives of classrooms and students everywhere!","fullyFundedDate":1734541943617,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-learning-for-our-minds/8997010/","projectTitle":"Social Emotional Learning for Our Minds and Tummies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fredrick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2130897_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523061057105","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-vmorris"},{"teacherId":9648110,"projectId":8626455,"letterContent":"I would like to start off by saying thank you so much for your donations for our classroom flexible seating. The students were so excited and grateful when I told them that we were getting new supplies for our classroom. The class and myself did an entire \"unboxing\" when the supplies were delivered to our classroom. They could not wait to try out the new seating options.\r\nThe first seating options that were delivered were the floor cushions and the lap desks. They have both changed the way group work goes in my classroom. Before, students were limited in their options if they were working at the carpet. Many had to use clipboards and hunch over their work and that created and environment where students did not want to sit anywhere else in the classroom. Once the lap desks arrived, I have noticed that group work has gone way more smoothly, and students look forward to getting to work on the carpet and around different locations in the room. The cushions have also provided a more comfortable option for students who want to lay on their stomach and work. At the beginning of each day, students are allowed to grab a cushion for the day. The cushions can be used on the floor, and at their seats. When students are sitting on the cushions at their tables, I have noticed they are a lot calmer and focus for longer periods of time.\r\nThe wobble stools came second, and the students were so excited to try them out. It took a few weeks to get a system going, but every day five students have the option to use one of the wobble stools. I have noticed a difference in the work of my students, especially the ones that like to move and fidget. They stay focused for longer because the wobble stool allows them to move back and forth while keeping them focused.\r\nIn the future, I hope to have another project that helps fund more wobble stools in my classroom, and low-rise tables so students can use those when collaborating. Thanks to your donations, the flexible seating has changed the game in my classroom. 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Caruthers Elementary School

Join the 118 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

Caruthers Elementary School is an urban public school in Kansas City, Kansas that is part of Kansas City, Kansas City Public Schools. It serves 364 students in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.6:1. Its teachers have had 27 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades K - 5

364 Students

25 Teachers

1100 Waverly Ave

Kansas City, KS 66104 View local requests

http://www.kckps.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

Caruthers Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Caruthers Elementary School Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

90%

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.

Caruthers 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.

Caruthers Elementary School

$12,459

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

118

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for books

projects for art supplies

Caruthers Elementary School has received support from 62 individuals from Kansas and 56 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.

Caruthers Elementary School

About this school

Equity Focus School

Caruthers Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Caruthers Elementary School Demographics

Caruthers Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

Caruthers Elementary School

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