{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Catherine School Pre-K Head Start ","outOfStateSupporters":30.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":9960387,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students are now using rhythm sticks, egg shakers, and tambourines during music and movement time to build early listening skills, coordination, and self-expression. We use the instruments in whole-group and small-group settings to explore rhythm patterns, follow simple beats, and respond to musical cues such as fast/slow and loud/soft. One favorite activity has been echo clapping and shaking, where students listen carefully and repeat patterns using their instruments, strengthening both attention and memory skills.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the instruments, they were thrilled and eager to participate. Many immediately began experimenting with sounds and movements, smiling and laughing as they discovered how each instrument worked. Even students who are typically hesitant to engage in group activities showed increased confidence and participation. The variety of instruments allowed every child to feel successful, while also encouraging turn-taking, cooperation, and respectful use of shared materials.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, the next steps for my students include connecting music activities to early literacy, math, and social-emotional learning. We will count beats, create simple rhythm patterns, pair movement with songs and stories, and use music as a calming and regulating transition throughout the day. These instruments have transformed our classroom into a joyful, engaging learning environment where students can learn through sound, movement, and play. Thank you for making such meaningful learning experiences possible.","fullyFundedDate":1765828461437,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-sounds-building-music/9960387/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Sounds: Building Music Skills in Preschool","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":9888793,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students are actively using the Play Sand sensory kit during small-group instruction and center time to strengthen their fine-motor skills, creativity, and social-emotional development. The children scoop, mold, and shape the magic sand to create ice cream cones, cakes, and beach-themed treats, while practicing turn-taking, sharing materials, and following simple directions. One of our favorite moments was watching students collaborate to run a pretend \"ice cream shop,\" taking turns being the customer and the server while using descriptive language to talk about textures, shapes, and colors.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. Their eyes lit up as they explored the soft texture of the sand and eagerly began creating their own designs. Even students who typically struggle to stay engaged were able to remain focused longer, showing increased patience and independence as they worked through sensory play. The calming nature of the sand also helped support self-regulation, making it an effective tool for children who benefit from hands-on, sensory-based learning.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, the next steps for my students include expanding this activity into themed learning experiences connected to early math, language development, and social skills. We will incorporate counting scoops, sorting tools, storytelling through pretend play, and cooperative building challenges. Your contribution has transformed our sensory center into a meaningful learning space where every child can explore, create, and grow—thank you for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1764602523464,"projectUrl":"project/stem-scoops-building-measuring-and-cr/9888793/","projectTitle":"STEM Scoops: Building, Measuring, and Creating With Magic Sand!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":10261569,"projectId":9927623,"letterContent":"The Bingo games we received through your generous donation are much appreciated. These are exciting additions to our classroom. My students enjoy playing Bingo games. This gives students a chance to interact with each other and practice coping skills. \r\n\r\nWe haven't played all the games yet, but one of the favorites so far is number bingo. This is a definite a winner! This is a wonderful way to teach single digit and two-digit number recognition. Another game we played was rhyming bingo. My students are working on this skill. This is such a great way to introduce and practice new skills such as rhyming. Thank you so much for supporting our learning!","fullyFundedDate":1764191326078,"projectUrl":"project/bingo-game-on/9927623/","projectTitle":"Bingo, Game On!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mallory","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10261569_orig.jpg?crop=1276,1276,x198,y233&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758460607831","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10261569"},{"teacherId":10261569,"projectId":9899232,"letterContent":"Thank you so much Young Sheldon for the Adventure Helicopter and Super Sorting pie we received through your generous donation. These are exciting additions to our classroom. \r\n\r\nMy students play with the helicopter every day we are at school! They have learned the use of various parts of the helicopter. Students really enjoy using the helicopter basket to transport. They attach it to the helicopter and fly the helicopter to its destination. They also enjoy the command center inside the helicopter. It has a seat for an additional crew member, and a fold-down bench. They make up stories and share ideas. It is fun and meaningful to watch as children increase their vocabulary and cognitive skills.\r\n\r\nA huge thank you also for the Super Sorting Pies. This is a definite a winner! I shared these with other classrooms in our building. We use these pies in many ways. We reinforce basic skills such as color recognition and sorting. We use it to teach counting, one-to-one correspondence, and quantification. As children's skills increase we will work on addition and subtraction skills.","fullyFundedDate":1763569401880,"projectUrl":"project/we-need-stem-to-build-our-futures/9899232/","projectTitle":"We Need STEM to Build Our Futures!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mallory","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10261569_orig.jpg?crop=1276,1276,x198,y233&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758460607831","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10261569"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":9926339,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students are actively using these new math centers during small-group instruction and independent learning time. We recently set up a hands-on math rotation where students explored the How Long Is It? Measurement Center by comparing classroom objects using nonstandard units, discussing which items were longer or shorter, and recording their thinking with pictures and numbers. At another center, students used the Ten-Frames Class Set and Magnetic Numbers to build numbers, count quantities, and match numerals to sets, strengthening their number sense in a fun and meaningful way. The Nuts About Sorting! and Shape Sorting Center quickly became favorites as students sorted by color, shape, and size while practicing language skills like explaining their choices and working cooperatively with peers.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, the excitement was immediate—students couldn't wait to touch, explore, and try everything out. They were especially eager to use the magnetic numbers and sorting pieces, proudly showing their classmates how they grouped objects or built numbers on the board. These resources made learning feel like play, which increased engagement and confidence, especially for students who learn best through hands-on experiences.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our next steps include deepening these math skills by introducing simple measurement challenges, number composition activities, and more complex sorting rules. Students will continue to build a strong foundation in early math concepts that support problem-solving, reasoning, and collaboration. Your support has truly enriched our classroom and helped make math joyful and accessible for every learner.","fullyFundedDate":1764598432754,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-math-for-little-learners/9926339/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Math for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":9935160,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is now a healthier and more welcoming space for learning. We are using the Clorox disinfecting wipes and Lysol disinfectant spray daily to clean tables, chairs, shared materials, and high-touch areas before and after activities. A specific moment that stood out was during small-group learning centers—students were excited to help wipe down their tables and materials, proudly taking responsibility for keeping their classroom clean and safe.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new cleaning supplies, they were curious and eager to learn why cleanliness matters. We had a short classroom conversation about germs and how cleaning helps keep everyone healthy. Many students shared that they use wipes at home too, which helped connect this learning to their everyday lives and reinforced good hygiene habits in a developmentally appropriate way.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we can now maintain a consistent cleaning routine that allows students to focus more on learning and less on disruptions caused by illness. The next steps include continuing to build independence by teaching students safe, age-appropriate ways to care for their environment while reinforcing lessons on health, safety, and responsibility. Your contribution has made a meaningful difference in supporting both student wellness and learning.","fullyFundedDate":1764603640988,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-our-classroom-clean-and-healthy/9935160/","projectTitle":"Keeping Our Classroom Clean and Healthy","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":9805351,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students are now using laminated learning materials and dry-erase tools every day across our classroom. We've been laminating letter cards, number charts, shape mats, and name-writing sheets so students can practice skills repeatedly without fear of making mistakes. One favorite moment was during small-group instruction, when students eagerly used the fine-tip Expo markers to trace letters, solve simple math problems, and draw pictures to explain their thinking—then happily erased their work and tried again. The magnetic erasers made cleanup quick and fun, helping students take responsibility for their learning space.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, they were excited to explore them right away. They loved having their \"own\" dry-erase markers and were proud to use laminated tools like real learners. The ability to erase and retry boosted their confidence, especially for students who are still developing fine-motor skills or who feel hesitant about writing on paper. These tools created a low-stress environment where mistakes are viewed as part of learning.\r\n\r\nNext, we will continue using these resources to deepen literacy and math instruction by creating additional reusable centers, including sight-word practice, letter-sound mapping, counting activities, and problem-solving boards. Because of your generosity, students are engaging more actively, practicing skills longer, and building confidence every day. Thank you for giving my classroom tools that make learning interactive, flexible, and joyful.","fullyFundedDate":1764605753703,"projectUrl":"project/reusable-learning-tools-for-engaged-youn/9805351/","projectTitle":"Reusable Learning Tools for Engaged Young Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":9895341,"letterContent":"When our new copy paper and Astrobrights colored paper packs arrived, my students lit up with excitement. These bright, bold colors immediately transformed our classroom environment and opened the door to so many creative learning opportunities. We began using the paper during our literacy block—students created letter books, sight-word flashcards, and name-writing practice sheets using different colors to stay engaged and motivated. Even something as simple as choosing their own color for a writing activity made them more invested in the work.\r\n\r\nOne of our favorite moments was during a recent STEM and literacy integrated lesson, where students used the Astrobrights paper to make \"story planning cards.\" They used different colors to organize characters, settings, and events. My students were proud to hold up their finished work, and several said, \"This paper is so pretty—it makes my work look good!\" The colored paper also helped some of my emerging learners stay focused and visually organize tasks with ease.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, we now have an ongoing supply of paper to support writing, art, family projects, anchor charts, and hands-on literacy centers. Our next step is to continue building independent writing routines—students will soon begin \"My Weekend Stories,\" using different colors for drafts, illustrations, and final copies. Your contribution has made a meaningful difference in both their confidence and their excitement for learning. Thank you for believing in our classroom and helping us bring joy and creativity into each school day.","fullyFundedDate":1764633264060,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-pages-for-creative-minds/9895341/","projectTitle":"Colorful Pages for Creative Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":9879501,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been buzzing with excitement as we explore measurement in hands-on, meaningful ways. The Hand2Mind Let's Learn to Measure Activity Set, Pretend & Play Tape Measures, and Lakeshore measuring tapes have already become favorite tools during our math and STEM centers. Students have been using the materials to measure classroom objects, compare lengths, and record data—building both confidence and curiosity. One of their favorite activities so far has been our \"Classroom Measurement Hunt,\" where students partnered up to measure items around the room and proudly shared their findings with their peers.\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their faces immediately lit up. Many of them had never used real measuring tools before, and they were eager to touch, explore, and learn. They were especially excited about the child-friendly tape measures, pulling them out to measure everything from their shoes to the block towers they built together. The joy and engagement these tools created were truly priceless.\r\nAs we continue our current unit on nonstandard and standard measurement, these materials will help us take the next step toward understanding accuracy, comparison, and real-world application. Students will begin experimenting with estimating before measuring, recording their work in math journals, and using the tools during STEM challenges involving building, design, and problem-solving. Your donation has made it possible for my students to develop foundational measurement skills in a way that is fun, hands-on, and developmentally meaningful. Thank you for supporting our classroom and helping my young learners grow!","fullyFundedDate":1763565171352,"projectUrl":"project/little-mathematicians-learning-to-measu/9879501/","projectTitle":"Little Mathematicians: Learning to Measure the World Around Us","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":9922759,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students now have warm winter beanies and gloves that allow them to stay comfortable, confident, and ready to learn every day. As soon as the packages arrived, we turned it into a special moment—students gathered around with excitement, choosing their hat and glove set with big smiles and lots of \"Thank you!\" and \"Look at mine!\" They immediately put them on, and the joy in the room was absolutely priceless. For many of our families, having quality winter gear can be a financial challenge, so your support filled a real and meaningful need.\r\n\r\nWe've already seen the impact these items are having. During outdoor play and walks to and from school, our children are now fully protected from the cold and able to focus on having fun, exploring, and learning—not on freezing fingers or chilly ears. One of our students proudly told us, \"Now I'm warm enough to play outside longer!\" These small moments show how your donation has not only met a physical need but also boosted our students' confidence and readiness to engage in school activities.\r\n\r\nAs we move into our winter-themed lessons and family engagement projects, our students will continue to benefit from these warm essentials. Their winter gear will allow them to participate more comfortably in outdoor observations, nature walks, and recess—activities that support social-emotional development, physical growth, and exploration. Because of you, our students can truly show up prepared for the season ahead, and we are deeply grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1764112501154,"projectUrl":"project/winter-warmth-for-little-learners/9922759/","projectTitle":"Winter Warmth for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":9888832,"letterContent":"When the Kinetic Sand arrived, my students were absolutely thrilled. Many of them had never worked with sensory sand before, so simply opening the bags and seeing the bright blue, green, and purple colors created instant excitement. We introduced the materials during small-group centers, and students immediately began molding shapes, creating pretend food, and building structures together. This hands-on sensory experience helped them develop fine-motor skills while also supporting language development as they described what they were creating.\r\n\r\nThese new materials have become a daily part of our classroom routine. We are using the Kinetic Sand to strengthen social-emotional skills like sharing, turn-taking, and cooperative play. For example, one student who normally struggles with peer interactions was able to sit for over ten minutes with a partner, working together to build a \"sand city.\" Watching students communicate, negotiate roles, and explore through touch has shown me how powerful sensory play can be for early learners.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward with our current units of study, the sand will continue to support imaginative play, scientific exploration, and creative thinking. Students will use it during literacy lessons to form letters, during math time to create number models, and during science to explore texture, design, and cause-and-effect. These resources have opened the door for rich hands-on learning opportunities, and I am so grateful for the difference they are making. Thank you for supporting my students and helping create a classroom where learning truly comes alive through play.","fullyFundedDate":1763564314693,"projectUrl":"project/stem-in-the-sand-building-designing-a/9888832/","projectTitle":"STEM in the Sand: Building, Designing, and Exploring Together","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":9891743,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students have been fully engaged in hands-on math learning every single day. The transparent counters, critter counters, ice cream sorting set, and counting bears have transformed our classroom into an exciting, colorful space where early math skills come alive. One of our first activities was a \"Sort & Build Math Centers\" rotation where students used the materials to sort by color, create patterns, practice one-to-one counting, and build small-number equations. Watching them confidently explain their thinking while stacking counters or spinning the counting bear spinners has been incredible—they are truly learning by doing.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the joy on my students' faces said everything. They gasped, cheered, and immediately asked to explore each item. Many of my students thrive with hands-on manipulatives, and these resources gave them the tools they need to visualize math concepts, communicate, and stay focused. Students who normally hesitate during math time are now excited to choose counters or critters to help them solve problems. The ice cream stacking set has quickly become a class favorite for practicing color matching, sorting, and fine-motor control.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to use these manipulatives to deepen understanding of early addition, subtraction, and number sense. We will be building simple math stories, comparing sets, and using the transparent counters on the light table for visual exploration. Because of you, my students have access to meaningful, high-quality tools that support their curiosity and confidence. Thank you for believing in our classroom and for giving my students the chance to learn in ways that meet their developmental needs. You've made a lasting impact on their love for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1763569910542,"projectUrl":"project/sorting-our-way-into-math-success/9891743/","projectTitle":"Sorting Our Way Into Math Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_117450","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":43,"percentWhite":12,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - Pre-K","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":69.7,"schoolId":117450,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Catherine School Pre-K Head Start on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Catherine School Pre-K Head Start ","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/philadelphia-city-school-district/catherine-school-annex/117450"}