{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Chester Upland School of Arts","outOfStateSupporters":31.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5240806,"projectId":9984134,"letterContent":"When our project was funded, my students were amazed that people they've never met cared enough to give our class everyday things like a microwave, pencil sharpeners, erasers, and fresh pencils. On the day everything arrived, they were excited just unpacking the boxes—several students immediately noticed the \"fancy\" sharpeners and started talking about how they wouldn't have to fight with broken pencils anymore.\r\n\r\nThe new microwave has already made a big difference in our classroom. It is faster and more powerful than our old one, so lunches that need to be reheated are ready much more quickly and safely. Students who bring food from home, as well as students who need some of the extra food options I'm able to offer, are now able to eat warm meals without long waits. Because it is new, students are not allowed to use it independently yet; I operate it myself while I look for a responsible student helper I can train and trust to take great care of it.\r\n\r\nThe reliable pencil sharpeners, erasers, and pencils have also cut down on lost learning time; instead of waiting in line at a noisy, broken sharpener or borrowing from friends, students can quickly get what they need and get right back to reading, writing, and math. One moment that stands out is during writing time: a student who often shuts down over \"little stuff\" like dull pencils quietly walked to the new sharpener, fixed his pencil in seconds, and whispered, \"Now I can actually finish.\"","fullyFundedDate":1772550462483,"projectUrl":"project/warm-lunches-sharp-pencils/9984134/","projectTitle":"Warm Lunches & Sharp Pencils","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5240806_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674064463008","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5240806"},{"teacherId":5240806,"projectId":10052166,"letterContent":"When the warm winter essentials arrived, they came at exactly the right time—just as we were hit with a winter storm that brought lots of snow and very cold weather. The items were given discreetly to specific students I knew needed them most, allowing them to receive hats, gloves, socks, snow bibs, tights, and coats in a way that protected their privacy and dignity. Several students were so appreciative that they teared up, with one student saying, \"Thanks for always having things we need, Ms. Ellis,\" which showed just how much this support meant to them.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, these students are now able to come to school warmer and better prepared for harsh weather, which helps them focus more on learning instead of worrying about being cold. The winter gear has also allowed them to safely participate in outdoor activities and arrive and leave school more comfortably. Your support truly arrived in a moment of real need and made an immediate, heartfelt impact on their daily lives.","fullyFundedDate":1769310801161,"projectUrl":"project/warm-winter-essentials-for-our-students/10052166/","projectTitle":"Warm Winter Essentials for Our Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5240806_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674064463008","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5240806"},{"teacherId":10339831,"projectId":9906682,"letterContent":"Flexible seating, basic nutrition, and access to water are small supports that make a powerful difference in student success. With your help, our classroom will become a space where students can focus, feel comfortable, and stay energized throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nWobble chairs will give students the ability to move safely while they work, helping improve focus, engagement, and self-regulation—especially for students who benefit from flexible seating options. By allowing natural movement, these chairs support active learners and reduce distractions.\r\n\r\nHealthy snacks and personal water bottles will ensure students' basic needs are met so they can concentrate on learning instead of hunger or thirst. Many of our students come to school without consistent access to nutritious food or reusable water containers. Providing snacks and water bottles promotes wellness, builds healthy habits, and creates a sense of care and belonging in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nYour generosity will directly impact students every single day—supporting their physical needs, increasing their focus, and helping them feel valued and ready to learn. Thank you for investing in their success and well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1772550534496,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-snacks-flexible-seats-confid/9906682/","projectTitle":"Healthy Snacks + Flexible Seats = Confident, Engaged Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chung","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10339831_orig.png?crop=179,179,x0,y4&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772722953856","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10339831"},{"teacherId":5240806,"projectId":9879222,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the shelves filled with food and snacks from our \"No Empty Bellies, Only Full Minds\" project, their faces lit up with relief and excitement. Many students quietly asked if they could take something home for the weekend or for a sibling, and knowing that we could say \"yes\" because of you meant the world to them.\r\n\r\nWe now use these resources every day to make sure students have something to eat when they come to school hungry, are staying late for activities, or need a little extra to get through the weekend. Having this safety net has helped students focus more in class, participate more confidently, and worry less about where their next snack or meal is coming from. Your generosity has turned our classroom into a place where students know their basic needs are cared for, so they can concentrate on learning and growing.\r\n\r\nAs a next step, students are working on setting personal academic and behavior goals, and having consistent access to food supports them in meeting those goals with clearer minds and more energy. Your support has made a real, daily difference in their lives, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1766067617626,"projectUrl":"project/no-empty-bellies-only-full-minds/9879222/","projectTitle":"“No Empty Bellies, Only Full Minds”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5240806_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674064463008","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5240806"},{"teacherId":9871125,"projectId":9862662,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has become more organized, interactive, and responsive to student learning. The new printer has already made a tremendous difference. I am now able to quickly print differentiated materials, graphic organizers, visuals, and student work samples without delay. This means students get immediate access to the resources they need to practice skills, review concepts, and showcase their learning. The drawer organizers have also helped us create a more structured classroom environment, allowing students to independently access supplies and take responsibility for keeping our space tidy and efficient.\r\n\r\nThe Post-it easel pad and thumbs up/thumbs down paddles have been especially exciting for my students. The easel pad has transformed our lessons into collaborative experiences—students eagerly come up to contribute ideas, solve problems, and brainstorm together. The paddles allow every student to participate in real time. Instead of just a few hands raised, I can instantly check for understanding from everyone, giving even my quieter students a voice and helping me adjust instruction immediately when needed.\r\n\r\nOur prize chest has also received a boost with the addition of slap \r\n bracelets, which have quickly become a class favorite. These small incentives have had a big impact on motivation and positive behavior. I've noticed that students who sometimes struggle with focus are working harder to meet expectations, and they beam with pride when they earn a reward. Your support has strengthened both our academic learning and our classroom community. Thank you for investing in my students and helping create an engaging, organized, and encouraging learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1766794739631,"projectUrl":"project/stick-print-organize-and-shine/9862662/","projectTitle":"Stick, Print, Organize, and Shine!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Heidin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9871125_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735774704213","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9871125"},{"teacherId":5240806,"projectId":9771766,"letterContent":"Thank you, my students now have access to creative tools that allow them to work together, express themselves, and see their ideas come to life. Using the Cricut machine, heat press, vinyl, and t-shirt materials, students are learning how to collaborate, plan designs, and engage in hands-on learning. One of our first projects was a t-shirt design that said \"Cool Kids.\" We intentionally chose a simple, quick design so students could focus on the process while ensuring the message reflected each and every one of them. As a group, they shared their thoughts, listened to one another, and collectively chose a design that represented who they are together.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. Many had never used a Cricut or heat press before, and they were eager to learn how the tools worked. Watching their group-designed shirts come together was a powerful moment—students were proud not only of the final product, but of the teamwork and problem-solving that went into it. Students who may not always feel confident in traditional academic settings were especially engaged, showing creativity, patience, and ownership throughout the process.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we are intentionally teaching students the basics before transitioning to larger projects and the bigger machines we were gifted. I can't wait to use the larger heat press and explore bigger, more detailed designs with them as their skills continue to grow. These resources will support future projects connected to creativity, student voice, and classroom community. Because of our donors' generosity, students are gaining confidence, collaboration skills, and the joy of seeing their ideas come to life.","fullyFundedDate":1761084323831,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-creativity-cricut-crafting-fo/9771766/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Creativity: Cricut Crafting for Curious Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ellis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5240806_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674064463008","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5240806"},{"teacherId":8311551,"projectId":9861009,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire school community, we would like to extend our deepest and most sincere gratitude for your generous provision of snacks for our students. Your kindness and commitment to supporting our children have made a meaningful and lasting impact, and we are truly thankful for your generosity.\r\nThe snacks you provided have helped support over 500 students, many of whom rely on these resources to stay energized and focused throughout the school day. For some of our students, these snacks are more than just a treat—they are an essential source of nourishment that helps bridge the gap between meals. By meeting this basic need, you have played a direct role in supporting their overall well-being, academic success, and emotional health.\r\nWe see the effects of your generosity every day in our classrooms and hallways. Students who have access to nutritious snacks are better able to concentrate, participate in lessons, and engage positively with their peers. Hunger can be a significant barrier to learning, and your support has helped remove that barrier for hundreds of children. Because of you, our students are better equipped to focus on their education rather than worrying about an empty stomach.\r\nBeyond the physical benefits, your donation has also had a powerful emotional impact. Acts of kindness like yours remind our students that they are cared for and valued by their community. Knowing that someone took the time to think about their needs fosters a sense of belonging, security, and encouragement. These feelings are especially important for young people as they grow and develop confidence in themselves and their futures.\r\nYour support has also eased the burden on families and staff alike. For families facing financial challenges, your generosity provides reassurance and relief, knowing their children have access to nourishment during the school day. For our teachers and staff, it allows them to focus more fully on instruction and student support, confident that students' basic needs are being met.\r\nWe are deeply grateful not only for the snacks themselves, but for the compassion and thoughtfulness behind your gift. Your willingness to invest in the lives of our students demonstrates a strong belief in education, community, and the potential of every child. Contributions like yours strengthen the bond between schools and the communities they serve, and we are honored to have your support.\r\nThank you once again for making such a positive difference in the lives of our students. Your generosity has touched many lives and will be remembered with appreciation and respect. We look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership and hope you know how deeply your support is valued.\r\nWith sincere thanks and appreciation,\r\nSincerely,","fullyFundedDate":1761611230198,"projectUrl":"project/helping-hungry-learners-thrive/9861009/","projectTitle":"Helping Hungry Learners Thrive","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cannon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8311551"},{"teacherId":8065263,"projectId":9866365,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, these new resources have already become a meaningful part of our daily classroom routine. Students are using them during small-group instruction and independent practice, where they can really slow down, focus, and apply new skills with confidence. One standout moment was during a writing lesson when a student who often hesitates raised their hand and said, \"I can do this by myself now.\" That sense of independence is exactly what these materials make possible.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. They were eager to explore, asked thoughtful questions, and couldn't wait to try them out. Several students commented on how \"fun\" and \"special\" the resources felt, which instantly boosted their engagement and motivation to learn.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our next steps include building these materials into a longer-term project tied to our current lesson goals. Students will continue using them to practice and strengthen key skills, track their own progress, and reflect on their growth. Your donation didn't just provide supplies—it created new opportunities for confidence, curiosity, and success in our classroom. We are so grateful for the role you've played in our students' learning journey. 💛","fullyFundedDate":1762040475952,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-supports-for-student-success/9866365/","projectTitle":"Sensory Supports for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hessler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8065263"},{"teacherId":7053676,"projectId":9865987,"letterContent":"My first-grade students absolutely love the new resources in our classroom, and they have made a meaningful difference in both learning and behavior. From the moment the materials were introduced, the students were excited, curious, and eager to explore them. I noticed an immediate positive shift, students became more engaged, focused, and motivated to participate in lessons. These resources have been especially helpful in supporting positive behaviors by giving students structured, hands-on ways to stay involved and take ownership of their learning. One special moment that stood out was seeing even my more reluctant learners light up with excitement and confidently join in activities using the new materials. Every day, my students ask to use them, which shows just how impactful they've been. Moving forward, we will continue incorporating these tools into our daily lessons to build foundational skills, encourage collaboration, and foster a love of learning. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, my students are thriving and excited for what comes next!","fullyFundedDate":1766087779324,"projectUrl":"project/ms-lewis-effective-classroom/9865987/","projectTitle":"Ms. Lewis Effective Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lewis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7053676_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743690801496","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7053676"},{"teacherId":10293717,"projectId":9852060,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our classroom has become a more supportive, comfortable, and healthy learning environment for my students. The donated snacks have made an immediate difference, students now know they have access to food when they are still hungry after lunch or need a quick snack break to refocus. Instead of worrying about hunger, they can concentrate on learning, and it has noticeably improved their engagement and behavior throughout the day.\r\nWhen the students first saw the snack cabinet, they were genuinely excited and relieved. Several students shared how happy they felt knowing they wouldn't have to sit through lessons feeling hungry. It has also helped build independence, as they know when and how to appropriately get what they need.\r\nThe hand sanitizer has been especially valuable during flu season. Students use it regularly throughout the day, helping us keep germs at bay and maintain a healthier classroom overall. This simple resource has given both students and families peace of mind.\r\nThe teacher mobile chart has transformed the way I teach. I am now able to move freely around the classroom while keeping my computer accessible and connected to the smart board. This allows me to interact more closely with students, provide immediate support, and model lessons more effectively, all while having a safe, designated place for my computer.\r\nMoving forward, these resources will continue to support our daily lessons by keeping students focused, healthy, and ready to learn. Your generosity has truly given you a peek into our classroom, and your support is felt every single day. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact on my students and our learning community.","fullyFundedDate":1761406134363,"projectUrl":"project/heartfelt-supportive/9852060/","projectTitle":"Heartfelt & Supportive","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hamilton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10293717_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761951841459","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10293717"},{"teacherId":9871125,"projectId":9745621,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, my students now have access to books that truly meet them where they are as readers and learners. These new texts introduce and strengthen essential literacy skills such as vocabulary development, reading comprehension, fluency, and making text-to-self and text-to-world connections. Many of the books also support social-emotional learning, helping students recognize emotions, build empathy, and see themselves reflected in stories—something that is especially important for students who have experienced challenges or trauma.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is an active and engaging experience. Students read independently, in small groups, and during whole-class read-alouds. You'll often see students discussing characters, predicting what might happen next, or excitedly sharing a favorite part of a story with a classmate. The availability of high-interest books has helped create a calm, welcoming reading environment where students feel safe to take risks and grow as readers.","fullyFundedDate":1761843078580,"projectUrl":"project/building-brilliance-1-book-1-prize-at/9745621/","projectTitle":"Building Brilliance: 1 Book & 1 Prize at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Heidin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9871125_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735774704213","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9871125"},{"teacherId":9981180,"projectId":9575188,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity our new health and physical education equipment has completely transformed how my students learn and move in class. We are actively using the Sportime Inclusive PE Equipment Activity Pack, the adapted steeplecourse set scooter boards and sliding boards to create lessons that focus on fitness teamwork and inclusion. One powerful moment was during a fitness circuit lesson where students rotated through stations using the adapted steeplecourse sitting scooter boards and sliding boards with safety handles. These activities allowed all students regardless of ability level to participate fully while building strength balance and coordination.\r\nWhen the students first saw the equipment their reactions were pure excitement. Many students immediately asked when they could try everything and several commented that it felt like a real gym experience. The colorful scooter boards and inclusive design sparked curiosity and confidence especially for students who sometimes feel hesitant during physical activities. Seeing equipment that was clearly designed for safety and accessibility helped students feel supported and eager to participate.\r\nBecause of your support the next steps in our health and PE lessons involve applying these tools to skill building and cooperative challenges. Students are currently working on goal setting related to physical fitness and healthy movement using the scooter boards and adapted equipment to track progress practice teamwork and reflect on personal growth. Your contribution has helped create an engaging inclusive environment where every student feels capable active and motivated to develop lifelong healthy habits.","fullyFundedDate":1758304058583,"projectUrl":"project/from-classroom-to-champions-empowering/9575188/","projectTitle":"From Classroom to Champions: Empowering Students Through Fitness","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Granberry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9981180"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_96704","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":384,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":85,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":7,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.8,"schoolId":96704,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Chester Upland School of Arts on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Chester Upland School of Arts","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/chester-upland-school-district/chester-upland-school-of-arts/96704"}