{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Downtown Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":31.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5643499,"projectId":9898451,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom project and investing in my students! The rubber bands made a huge impact in our classroom by providing students with a hands-on activity that encouraged creativity, teamwork, and engagement. Students used the materials to create bracelets, keychains, and other designs while practicing focus, persistence, and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nThis project also helped strengthen classroom relationships and gave students a fun, productive way to collaborate and connect with one another. Many students became more confident as they learned new patterns and proudly showed off their creations. It was amazing watching students encourage each other, share ideas, and celebrate their successes together. Your generosity brought excitement, creativity, and joy into our classroom, and we truly appreciated your support!","fullyFundedDate":1763393834729,"projectUrl":"project/band-together-creative-calm-for-fun-fri/9898451/","projectTitle":"Band Together: Creative Calm for Fun Fridays","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCrary","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5643499_orig.jpg?crop=1365,1365,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763250644290","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5643499"},{"teacherId":9010673,"projectId":9743256,"letterContent":"The new resources have already made a huge impact in our classroom! My students have been using them daily during small-group instruction, independent practice, and collaborative learning activities. One of our favorite moments happened during a math intervention lesson focused on fractions and problem-solving. Students used the new hands-on materials to model equivalent fractions and explain their thinking to their classmates. It was amazing to watch students become more confident and engaged as they worked together to solve problems.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were absolutely thrilled. Their faces lit up with excitement, and many immediately asked when they could start using everything. Several students could not believe that people they had never met cared enough to support their learning. Seeing their excitement and gratitude reminded me just how meaningful these donations truly are.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for our classroom include using these resources to support upcoming project-based learning activities, TCAP review, and differentiated instruction in both math and reading. Students will continue using the materials during small-group rotations, interactive notebook activities, and hands-on projects that encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. We are especially excited to incorporate the resources into our end-of-year enrichment projects, where students will apply the skills they have learned in real-world and engaging ways.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and support. Because of you, my students are gaining access to meaningful learning experiences that help them grow academically and build confidence in themselves as learners.","fullyFundedDate":1760906261314,"projectUrl":"project/organized-and-ready-storage-baskets-for/9743256/","projectTitle":"Organized and Ready: Storage Baskets for Student Work & Centers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ward","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9010673_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758241919181","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-ward2016"},{"teacherId":9010673,"projectId":9717997,"letterContent":"The new resources have already made a huge impact in our classroom! My students have been using them daily during small-group instruction, independent practice, and collaborative learning activities. One of our favorite moments happened during a math intervention lesson focused on fractions and problem-solving. Students used the new hands-on materials to model equivalent fractions and explain their thinking to their classmates. It was amazing to watch students become more confident and engaged as they worked together to solve problems.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were absolutely thrilled. Their faces lit up with excitement, and many immediately asked when they could start using everything. Several students could not believe that people they had never met cared enough to support their learning. Seeing their excitement and gratitude reminded me just how meaningful these donations truly are.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for our classroom include using these resources to support upcoming project-based learning activities, TCAP review, and differentiated instruction in both math and reading. Students will continue using the materials during small-group rotations, interactive notebook activities, and hands-on projects that encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. We are especially excited to incorporate the resources into our end-of-year enrichment projects, where students will apply the skills they have learned in real-world and engaging ways.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and support. Because of you, my students are gaining access to meaningful learning experiences that help them grow academically and build confidence in themselves as learners.","fullyFundedDate":1758202805622,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-students-write-with-color-and-e/9717997/","projectTitle":"Help Our Students Write with Color and Efficiency!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ward","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9010673_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758241919181","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-ward2016"},{"teacherId":9010673,"projectId":9644584,"letterContent":"My students were beyond excited when our new resources arrived! As soon as they saw the materials, the classroom energy completely shifted. Several students immediately started asking if they could begin using them right away, and many of them were eager to explore the hands-on activities and technology-based resources independently. It was such a rewarding moment to watch their curiosity and excitement take over the room.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using these resources during our small group instruction, intervention rotations, and collaborative classroom projects. One specific moment that stood out was during a math lesson focused on problem-solving and critical thinking. Students who are usually hesitant to participate became more engaged and confident because the new materials made learning feel interactive, fun, and accessible. I watched students work together, explain their thinking to classmates, and celebrate their successes in ways that truly highlighted their growth.\r\n\r\nThese resources are also helping us prepare for end-of-year projects and deeper learning activities across multiple subjects. As we move forward, students will continue using the materials to strengthen foundational skills, complete hands-on STEM and literacy activities, and build independence during centers and group work. We are especially excited about incorporating the resources into project-based learning opportunities where students can apply their skills creatively and collaboratively.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our classroom and believing in my students. Your generosity is creating meaningful learning experiences, building confidence, and helping students feel excited about coming to school each day.","fullyFundedDate":1757513014217,"projectUrl":"project/math-fun-inside-hands-on-games-and-mani/9644584/","projectTitle":"Math Fun Inside: Hands-On Games and Manipulatives for Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ward","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9010673_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758241919181","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-ward2016"},{"teacherId":9010673,"projectId":9394802,"letterContent":"My students were beyond excited when our new resources arrived! As soon as they saw the materials, the classroom energy completely shifted. Several students immediately started asking if they could begin using them right away, and many of them were eager to explore the hands-on activities and technology-based resources independently. It was such a rewarding moment to watch their curiosity and excitement take over the room.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using these resources during our small group instruction, intervention rotations, and collaborative classroom projects. One specific moment that stood out was during a math lesson focused on problem-solving and critical thinking. Students who are usually hesitant to participate became more engaged and confident because the new materials made learning feel interactive, fun, and accessible. I watched students work together, explain their thinking to classmates, and celebrate their successes in ways that truly highlighted their growth.\r\n\r\nThese resources are also helping us prepare for end-of-year projects and deeper learning activities across multiple subjects. As we move forward, students will continue using the materials to strengthen foundational skills, complete hands-on STEM and literacy activities, and build independence during centers and group work. We are especially excited about incorporating the resources into project-based learning opportunities where students can apply their skills creatively and collaboratively.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our classroom and believing in my students. Your generosity is creating meaningful learning experiences, building confidence, and helping students feel excited about coming to school each day.","fullyFundedDate":1758202955544,"projectUrl":"project/bright-and-brilliant-learning/9394802/","projectTitle":"Bright and Brilliant Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ward","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9010673_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758241919181","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-ward2016"},{"teacherId":9010673,"projectId":8242091,"letterContent":"My students were beyond excited when our new resources arrived! As soon as they saw the materials, the classroom energy completely shifted. Several students immediately started asking if they could begin using them right away, and many of them were eager to explore the hands-on activities and technology-based resources independently. It was such a rewarding moment to watch their curiosity and excitement take over the room.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using these resources during our small group instruction, intervention rotations, and collaborative classroom projects. One specific moment that stood out was during a math lesson focused on problem-solving and critical thinking. Students who are usually hesitant to participate became more engaged and confident because the new materials made learning feel interactive, fun, and accessible. I watched students work together, explain their thinking to classmates, and celebrate their successes in ways that truly highlighted their growth.\r\n\r\nThese resources are also helping us prepare for end-of-year projects and deeper learning activities across multiple subjects. As we move forward, students will continue using the materials to strengthen foundational skills, complete hands-on STEM and literacy activities, and build independence during centers and group work. We are especially excited about incorporating the resources into project-based learning opportunities where students can apply their skills creatively and collaboratively.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our classroom and believing in my students. Your generosity is creating meaningful learning experiences, building confidence, and helping students feel excited about coming to school each day.","fullyFundedDate":1710714770121,"projectUrl":"project/leadership-through-technology/8242091/","projectTitle":"Leadership Through Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ward","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9010673_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758241919181","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-ward2016"},{"teacherId":9010673,"projectId":7961805,"letterContent":"My students were beyond excited when our new resources arrived! As soon as they saw the materials, the classroom energy completely shifted. Several students immediately started asking if they could begin using them right away, and many of them were eager to explore the hands-on activities and technology-based resources independently. It was such a rewarding moment to watch their curiosity and excitement take over the room.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using these resources during our small group instruction, intervention rotations, and collaborative classroom projects. One specific moment that stood out was during a math lesson focused on problem-solving and critical thinking. Students who are usually hesitant to participate became more engaged and confident because the new materials made learning feel interactive, fun, and accessible. I watched students work together, explain their thinking to classmates, and celebrate their successes in ways that truly highlighted their growth.\r\n\r\nThese resources are also helping us prepare for end-of-year projects and deeper learning activities across multiple subjects. As we move forward, students will continue using the materials to strengthen foundational skills, complete hands-on STEM and literacy activities, and build independence during centers and group work. We are especially excited about incorporating the resources into project-based learning opportunities where students can apply their skills creatively and collaboratively.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our classroom and believing in my students. Your generosity is creating meaningful learning experiences, building confidence, and helping students feel excited about coming to school each day.","fullyFundedDate":1708631515634,"projectUrl":"project/center-based-learning-with-manipulatives/7961805/","projectTitle":"Center-Based Learning With Manipulatives!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ward","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9010673_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758241919181","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-ward2016"},{"teacherId":919982,"projectId":9665903,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our Pre-K classroom. Because of your kindness, we now have a printer that has made a big difference in our daily learning.\r\n\r\nIn a Pre-K classroom, having materials ready and available is so important. With our new printer, I can quickly create hands-on activities, coloring pages, name practice sheets, and learning games that support our students right when they need them. This helps keep our young learners engaged, excited, and focused.\r\n\r\nOur students especially love seeing their work printed and displayed. Whether it's their drawings, letters they are learning to write, or special classroom projects, it brings them so much joy and pride to see their work come to life. These small moments build confidence and make learning feel fun and meaningful.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create a more organized, creative, and nurturing environment where our students can grow and thrive. At this age, every opportunity to explore and learn matters, and your donation helps make those opportunities possible each day.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our classroom and for making a difference in the lives of our youngest learners.","fullyFundedDate":1764708862472,"projectUrl":"project/pre-k-needs-a-printer/9665903/","projectTitle":"Pre-K Needs A Printer!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Catron","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp919982_orig.jpg?crop=2080,2080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756589100732","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/919982"},{"teacherId":10268310,"projectId":9725187,"letterContent":"My students have been using our new resources as a PBIS incentive, where they redeem ClassDojo points earned for positive behavior. This has completely transformed our classroom environment! One of our favorite moments was a \"Brain Power Battle,\" where students used the materials to solve problems, collaborate, and celebrate their hard work. It was powerful to see students making positive choices and feeling proud of what they've earned.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate—big smiles, lots of questions, and students saying how excited they were to use something they worked for. It made them feel recognized and motivated to keep making great choices.\r\n\r\nAs we continue preparing for TCAP, students are using these resources to stay engaged, reinforce skills, and remain motivated through positive behavior. Thanks to your support, they're building confidence both academically and personally—and that impact will last far beyond our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1769262607351,"projectUrl":"project/points-to-prizes-rewards-for-positive-b/9725187/","projectTitle":"Points to Prizes: Rewards for Positive Behavior","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Goforth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10268310_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758576069695","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10268310"},{"teacherId":9010673,"projectId":9655376,"letterContent":"The new resources have already made a huge impact in our classroom! My students have been using them daily during small-group instruction, independent practice, and collaborative learning activities. One of our favorite moments happened during a math intervention lesson focused on fractions and problem-solving. Students used the new hands-on materials to model equivalent fractions and explain their thinking to their classmates. It was amazing to watch students become more confident and engaged as they worked together to solve problems.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were absolutely thrilled. Their faces lit up with excitement, and many immediately asked when they could start using everything. Several students could not believe that people they had never met cared enough to support their learning. Seeing their excitement and gratitude reminded me just how meaningful these donations truly are.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for our classroom include using these resources to support upcoming project-based learning activities, TCAP review, and differentiated instruction in both math and reading. Students will continue using the materials during small-group rotations, interactive notebook activities, and hands-on projects that encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. We are especially excited to incorporate the resources into our end-of-year enrichment projects, where students will apply the skills they have learned in real-world and engaging ways.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and support. Because of you, my students are gaining access to meaningful learning experiences that help them grow academically and build confidence in themselves as learners.","fullyFundedDate":1758202570974,"projectUrl":"project/striving-for-greater-in-math-and-science/9655376/","projectTitle":"Striving for Greater in Math and Science","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ward","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9010673_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758241919181","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-ward2016"},{"teacherId":10165543,"projectId":9568695,"letterContent":"Since receiving the bean bag to help create our Heroes Cozy Corner my students social and emotional skills have improved. \r\n\r\nThis has helped students who are struggling to regulate their emotions, students who are having a slow start to their day, and students who just need some time to themselves. \r\n\r\nWe have used our cozy corner as a proactive tool for stress relief, teaching self-soothing techniques like deep breathing or sensory engagement (with items like soft dolls, books, and calm down steps) so students can return to learning feeling balanced and confident. \r\n\r\nThank you for your generosity and kindness. \r\nWe really appreciate your donations.","fullyFundedDate":1758202735785,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-corner-heroes/9568695/","projectTitle":"Cozy Corner Heroes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Suggs-Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10165543_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754757727972","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10165543"},{"teacherId":10268310,"projectId":9725067,"letterContent":"Our class is so grateful for your generous donation of dinosaur egg fossils for our Fossil Transformation Room! The excitement on my students' faces when they got to hold and examine real fossils was absolutely priceless. It turned our classroom into a true hands-on discovery lab and brought science to life in a way no textbook ever could.\r\n\r\nYour gift helped my students make real-world connections to what we've been learning about how fossils form and what they can tell us about the past. The hands-on experience deepened their understanding and sparked so many thoughtful questions and conversations. Thank you for making this unforgettable learning experience possible — you truly helped inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers!","fullyFundedDate":1758830293488,"projectUrl":"project/digging-into-the-past-fossils-in-our-cl/9725067/","projectTitle":"Digging Into the Past: Fossils in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Goforth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10268310_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758576069695","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10268310"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_73999","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":718,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":83,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":91,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.3,"schoolId":73999,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Downtown Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Downtown Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/tennessee/memphis-shelby-county-schools/downtown-elementary-school/73999"}
Join the 259 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Downtown Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Memphis, Tennessee that is part of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
It serves 718 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 17.1:1.
Its teachers have had 87 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 5
718 Students
42 Teachers
10 N 4th StContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
92%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Downtown Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated May 22, 2026
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.
Downtown Elementary School
$42,238
raised using DonorsChoose
87
projects
funded
34
teachers
funded
259
donors
12
projects
for
basic supplies
17
projects for
technology
7
projects for
books
3
projects
for
art supplies
Downtown Elementary School has received support from
177 individuals from Tennessee and
82 individuals out-of-state.