{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Daniel Wertz Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":29.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9936792,"projectId":9628420,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping provide essential materials for our students. Because of your generosity, we now have whiteboards, clipboards, laminating sheets, and bookends that make a meaningful difference in our daily learning.\r\n\r\nThese items may seem simple, but they are truly crucial tools that support learning throughout our day. The whiteboards allow students to actively participate during lessons by practicing letters, sounds, numbers, and problem-solving in a way that is engaging and low-pressure. My students love being able to quickly try their ideas, erase, and try again. This encourages confidence and gives every child the opportunity to practice and participate.\r\n\r\nThe clipboards have also been incredibly helpful, allowing students to comfortably write and work anywhere in the classroom. Whether we are working at the carpet, around the room, or during small group activities, students can focus on their learning without worrying about where to place their work.\r\n\r\nThe laminating sheets have allowed me to create durable materials that can be used again and again. This helps me provide hands-on learning activities, games, and visual supports that make lessons more interactive and accessible for young learners.\r\n\r\nThe bookends have helped us organize our growing classroom library so students can easily find and care for books. Encouraging students to explore books and develop a love of reading is such an important part of our classroom, and these simple tools help make that possible.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create a classroom environment where students have the tools they need to practice, explore, and grow. Many of these materials will be used for years to come and will continue supporting students long after this school year.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and in my students. Your generosity truly makes a difference in their learning experience every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1755692381044,"projectUrl":"project/clipboards-whiteboards-and-bright-idea/9628420/","projectTitle":"Clipboards, Whiteboards, and Bright Ideas!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schapker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9936792_orig.jpg?crop=785,785,x849,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743647022410","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9936792"},{"teacherId":9936792,"projectId":9380571,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping provide wave seats for our small group table. Your generosity has already made a meaningful difference in our daily learning environment.\r\n\r\nDuring small group time, my students are working on some of their most important foundational skills. Because of the flexible wave seating you helped provide, students are able to stay comfortable, engaged, and focused while we work together. The gentle movement the seats allow helps many of my students concentrate better and gives them an appropriate way to move while still staying involved in their learning.\r\n\r\nI have noticed such a positive difference in how students approach small group instruction. They are excited to come to the table, eager to participate, and able to remain engaged for longer periods of time. This allows me to focus more on teaching and supporting their individual needs rather than redirecting discomfort or restlessness.\r\n\r\nFlexible seating like these wave seats helps create a learning space where students feel supported and successful. For many young learners, movement is a natural and important part of how they learn, and these seats allow them to move in a way that supports their focus rather than distracts from it.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and generosity have helped create a more comfortable and effective learning space for my students. Opportunities like this truly make a difference in their school experience, and I am so grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1754941221752,"projectUrl":"project/wiggle-and-learn/9380571/","projectTitle":"Wiggle and Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schapker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9936792_orig.jpg?crop=785,785,x849,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743647022410","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9936792"},{"teacherId":9936792,"projectId":9145736,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our kindergarten classroom and making our plant unit possible. Because of your generosity, my students were able to experience the plant life cycle in a way that went far beyond what a textbook or picture could provide.\r\n\r\nWith the materials you provided — propagation tubes, soil, pots, diagrams, books, and posters — my students became true scientists. One of their favorite parts was watching our plant cuttings grow roots inside the propagation tubes. Every day, they rushed to check the tiny changes, pointing out new roots and excitedly sharing their observations with one another. When the roots were ready, the students carefully helped pot the plants and watched them continue to grow into the beautiful classroom plants we now care for every day.\r\n\r\nWe also planted grass seeds together. This simple activity became something very meaningful for them. The students took pride in watering the plants, checking the soil, and making sure they had sunlight. Through this process, they began to truly understand what it means for something to be living. They loved explaining why plants are living things and what they need to survive.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, opportunities like this only happen at school. Because of you, they were able to observe, explore, and care for living things in a hands-on way. Your kindness gave them a chance to feel curious, responsible, and proud of what they were growing.\r\n\r\nThe excitement in our classroom during this unit was unforgettable. My students were not just learning about plants — they were nurturing them, watching them change, and feeling a sense of ownership and wonder.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and for giving my students this meaningful learning experience. Your generosity truly made a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1743515670224,"projectUrl":"project/plant-lovers/9145736/","projectTitle":"Plant Lovers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schapker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9936792_orig.jpg?crop=785,785,x849,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743647022410","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9936792"},{"teacherId":9936792,"projectId":9221545,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nI am so grateful for your generosity and support of our classroom chick-hatching project. Because of you, my students experienced something truly special and unforgettable.\r\n\r\nThanks to your donations, we had everything we needed to make this project meaningful and hands-on. The incubator, food, feeder, stuffed animals, and chick diagram helped bring our learning to life. Most importantly, the safe and warm enclosure allowed our students to observe the chicks up close each day while keeping them protected and comfortable. This made a huge difference in how connected the students felt to the project.\r\n\r\nMy students became completely invested in watching the eggs and chicks grow. Each day, we used our chicken journals to record changes, ask questions, and reflect on what we observed. They were excited to come to school, eager to check on the eggs, and proud to share what they had learned. The egg diagrams showing development inside the egg helped them understand the science behind what they were seeing, making learning both fun and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThe enclosure made the experience even more powerful. It allowed students to safely interact with and observe the chicks, helping them feel truly included in the process. Many of them formed strong emotional connections and learned responsibility, empathy, and respect for living things. For some students, this was their first time witnessing life develop in such a personal way.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my classroom was filled with curiosity, joy, and meaningful learning. Your kindness gave my students an experience they will remember for years to come. Thank you for believing in our classroom and for helping make this project such a success.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,\r\nAudrey S.","fullyFundedDate":1744772691239,"projectUrl":"project/crazy-chicks/9221545/","projectTitle":"Crazy Chicks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schapker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9936792_orig.jpg?crop=785,785,x849,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743647022410","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9936792"},{"teacherId":8951404,"projectId":9305478,"letterContent":"The materials like clipboards and other flexible seating tools have made a big difference in our classroom! They allow students to move around the room while still being able to work comfortably and stay engaged. Instead of being confined to their desks, students can choose spaces that help them focus—on the rug, at a table, or even standing. This freedom of movement has encouraged collaboration, creativity, and better attention during lessons. It's helped create a more active, student-centered learning environment where kids feel comfortable and motivated to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1746785740525,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-is-on-the-move/9305478/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten is On the Move!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fentress","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8951404_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1675603357633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8951404"},{"teacherId":8951404,"projectId":9102444,"letterContent":"Our DonorsChoose project for planting materials made a lasting impact on our classroom! The students learned firsthand how to care for living things by planting seeds, watching them sprout, and nurturing them into full-grown plants. It was an exciting, hands-on science experience that built responsibility and curiosity. The best part is—we still have those plants growing today! This year's class gets to enjoy and learn from them too, keeping the project alive and continuing the learning cycle year after year.","fullyFundedDate":1739569721635,"projectUrl":"project/first-plant-a-seed/9102444/","projectTitle":"First Plant a Seed","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fentress","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8951404_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1675603357633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8951404"},{"teacherId":8951404,"projectId":9327072,"letterContent":"Having STEM materials in a kindergarten classroom sparks curiosity and hands-on exploration, which are key to building a strong foundation for future learning. These tools encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity as children experiment, build, and test their ideas. STEM bins and activities also support collaboration and communication skills, as students work together to design and discover. By making abstract concepts concrete through play, STEM resources help young learners develop confidence in exploring math, science, and engineering in fun, age-appropriate ways","fullyFundedDate":1746785314590,"projectUrl":"project/stem-for-kindergarten/9327072/","projectTitle":"STEM for Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fentress","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8951404_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1675603357633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8951404"},{"teacherId":9905614,"projectId":9296437,"letterContent":"This project has transformed our classroom. My students are more engaged, eager to participate, and proud of their new tools. Your generosity has not only provided resources, but it has also shown them that their education matters. My kindergarteners love all of these materials and it meant so much to have these in my room. It not only makes our room more homey but also just helps us have the things we need to learn and the tools to create wonderful things! I appreciate Every single person who donated to my classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1746456848515,"projectUrl":"project/first-year-teacher/9296437/","projectTitle":"First Year Teacher","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9905614_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737722794376","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9905614"},{"teacherId":8951404,"projectId":9635167,"letterContent":"DonorsChoose has made such a difference in our classroom! With the generous support of donors, we're able to provide students with materials and resources that spark creativity, strengthen learning, and make each day more engaging. Every donation directly impacts our students' education, helping us build a brighter, more exciting classroom experience.\r\n\r\nUpkeep items like laminating sheets, markers, and paper may seem small, but they are essential for keeping our classroom running smoothly. These supplies help us stay organized, extend the life of materials, and make sure learning continues without interruption.","fullyFundedDate":1757795567745,"projectUrl":"project/can-you-help-me/9635167/","projectTitle":"Can You Help Me?","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fentress","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8951404_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1675603357633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8951404"},{"teacherId":8951404,"projectId":9604498,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of classroom materials! Your support has brought fresh energy and excitement into our learning space. With the new supplies, my students are able to explore, create, and engage in lessons with more confidence and joy. Every marker, sheet of paper, and tool you helped provide is making a direct difference in their daily learning experience.\r\n\r\nYour kindness doesn't just stock our shelves—it shows my students that there are people who truly believe in them and want to see them succeed. We are grateful for your generosity and the positive impact it is making in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1755739037194,"projectUrl":"project/a-classroom-that-feels-like-home/9604498/","projectTitle":"A Classroom That Feels Like home.","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fentress","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8951404_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1675603357633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8951404"},{"teacherId":8951404,"projectId":8944945,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our new laminator and supplies are already making a huge difference in our classroom! The laminator allows us to protect charts, games, and student work so they can be reused all year and handled by little hands without tearing. Students love practicing letters and numbers on laminated sheets they can write on and wipe clean. The variety of supplies you funded—crayons, markers, paper, and organizational tools—have fueled creativity, supported daily lessons, and helped keep our classroom running smoothly. Most importantly, your gifts show my students that they are valued and supported by a larger community. Thank you for making our learning space brighter, more engaging, and more lasting!","fullyFundedDate":1733414997071,"projectUrl":"project/i-need-your-help/8944945/","projectTitle":"I Need Your Help!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fentress","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8951404_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1675603357633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8951404"},{"teacherId":5643895,"projectId":9127532,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to this project. The white boards u have had in my classroom the last few years have been broken, scratched up and very worn. \r\nI was so excited to provide my students with new, lined whiteboards, markers and erasers this year. \r\nWe use these items daily and my students are so happy to have them as well! Also having extra markers helps both myself and families because we do not have to constantly buy them for the students. \r\nYour generosity has not gone unnoticed!","fullyFundedDate":1744032855787,"projectUrl":"project/new-boards-and-markers-for-my-firsties/9127532/","projectTitle":"New Boards and Markers for My Firsties!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sizemore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5643895_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683499026096","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/erin-sizemore"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_20407","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":282,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":78,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":70.1,"schoolId":20407,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Daniel Wertz Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Daniel Wertz Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/indiana/evansville-vanderburgh-co-sd/daniel-wertz-elementary-school/20407"}