{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Franklin Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":27.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5957045,"projectId":9725070,"letterContent":"Imagine 32 excited third graders ready to learn school supplies such as books, post-it notes, copy paper, highlighters, lamination sheets, finger flashlights, headphones and more! Setting up these tools for our STEM lessons creates an environment for the students to enhance and use their science, math and reading skills. When we feel like a scientist we will think more like a scientist.\r\n\r\nMy students love to put on their safety gear and are ready to make observations, predictions, and explore with our new science tools. They work carefully and are engaged in every activity. From the predictions or hypothesis to the conclusion, they are on this learning journey with me. These tools show them that they ARE scientists, mathematicians, and readers. Seeing their faces light up when we have a science lab is every teacher's DREAM!\r\n\r\nYour support in building their enthusiasm for STEM is PRICELESS! These students will be our future engineers, scientists, doctors, and thinkers of the world! I BELIEVE in THEM! Thank you for BELIEVING in THEM too.","fullyFundedDate":1761147293474,"projectUrl":"project/stem-club-supplies/9725070/","projectTitle":"Stem Club Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walther","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5957045_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1538874153881","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sheila-walther"},{"teacherId":5957045,"projectId":9698345,"letterContent":"Imagine 32 excited third graders who are thrilled to use hands-on learning to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials. My students love to create projects and the possibilities are endless.\r\n\r\nYou are helping create a positive learning environment for our scholars. Thank you so much for providing my students with hands-on learning supplies that kept them engaged, striving to do their third grade best! Making these prizes will keep the MAGIC of learning and goal setting alive.\r\n\r\nI believe in them! Thank you for believing in them too. We are changing the WORLD one scholar at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1759436991094,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-future-stem-innovators/9698345/","projectTitle":"Empowering Future STEM Innovators","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walther","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5957045_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1538874153881","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sheila-walther"},{"teacherId":2291162,"projectId":9313152,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my classroom project. The headphones have helped several of my students with their learning during noisy times in the classroom. The students have enjoyed using the headphones throughout the school day. The headphones have been a fantastic addition to our classroom and meeting individual needs of students. Thank you to all the donors that continue to support student learning and all the generosity you show to our classroom. The headphones will continue to support student learning this year by allowing students to block out noises when needed and keep them regulated. Thank you again for your Support!","fullyFundedDate":1748546561462,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-needs/9313152/","projectTitle":"Sensory Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gleason","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2291162_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y272&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697414176816","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mgleason215"},{"teacherId":5957045,"projectId":9326404,"letterContent":"Imagine 32 excited third graders who are thrilled to use hands-on learning to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials. My students love to create projects and the possibilities are endless.\r\n\r\nThank you for donating to our Laser Engraver project! My students are beyond thankful and grateful for generous donors that help us learn and make our dreams come true! The learning curve has definitely been steep, but so worth the intense learning!\r\n\r\nYou are helping create a positive learning environment for our scholars. Thank you so much for providing my students with hands-on learning supplies that kept them engaged, striving to do their third-grade best! Making these prizes will keep the MAGIC of learning and goal setting alive.\r\n\r\nI believe in them! Thank you for believing in them too. We are changing the WORLD one scholar at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1756387076922,"projectUrl":"project/light-up-learning-help-us-score-a-la/9326404/","projectTitle":"Light Up Learning -- Help Us Score a Laser Engraver!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walther","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5957045_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1538874153881","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sheila-walther"},{"teacherId":6211053,"projectId":9691698,"letterContent":"These MagnaTiles have set our classroom up for amazing success, not only for the magnetism concepts they represent but for the very important skill of collaborating with others. \r\n\r\nCooperative learning groups have proven to be extremely successful for learning and retaining skills and information. \r\n\r\nWe started by setting up rules for using the MagnaTiles in small groups. Students were quickly learning how to include others, and to share and respect one another's ideas in a highly engaging setting. \r\n\r\nI am so excited about how these skills will strengthen and encourage our cohesiveness as a class and add strength to that positive learning environment we are working so hard to achieve. Thank you so much for your generosity. We are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1757528123656,"projectUrl":"project/magnatiles-for-hands-on-discovery-learni/9691698/","projectTitle":"MagnaTiles for Hands-On Discovery Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. O'Connor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6211053_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1547931082821","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bizzytown"},{"teacherId":5957045,"projectId":9654101,"letterContent":"Imagine 32 excited third graders who are thrilled to use hands-on learning to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials. My students love to create projects and the possibilities are endless.\r\n\r\nYou are helping create a positive learning environment for our scholars. Thank you so much for providing my students with hands-on learning supplies that kept them engaged, striving to do their fourth/fifth grade best! Making these prizes will keep the MAGIC of learning and goal setting alive.\r\n\r\nI believe in them! Thank you for believing in them too. We are changing the WORLD one scholar at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1757359638324,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-extortionary-kids/9654101/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Extortionary Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walther","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5957045_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1538874153881","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sheila-walther"},{"teacherId":5957045,"projectId":9612865,"letterContent":"Imagine 32 excited third graders who are thrilled to come to school and work in book clubs. You are helping create a positive learning environment for our scholars.\r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful ways for students to grow as readers and nurture a love of reading is through the shared experiences of book clubs. Children develop literacy, critical thinking, and social skills when they participate in book clubs with their peers. Students can share experiences and better understand diverse perspectives through shared reading.\r\n\r\nThese books are relevant, high interest, and at the varied reading levels of my students, and they are the cornerstone to the success of book clubs.\r\n\r\nI have found book clubs are the most effective way to get students to read both in and out of school. Countless times, students and parents have reported to me that my students meet with their book clubs outside of school to read and discuss their books. There is no better testament to the power of book clubs than that!\r\n\r\nI believe in them! Thank you for believing in them too. We are changing the WORLD one scholar at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1756387033525,"projectUrl":"project/book-club-supplies/9612865/","projectTitle":"Book Club Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walther","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5957045_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1538874153881","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sheila-walther"},{"teacherId":5957045,"projectId":9433778,"letterContent":"Imagine 34 excited third graders who are thrilled to use hands-on learning to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials. My students love to create projects and the possibilities are endless.\r\n\r\nI teach the most amazing third-grade students, who are always actively participating in classroom activities. They love to discover and explore things on their own or in small groups. They love working in different centers, displaying their learned skills. The centers can be more efficient with additional seats, rather than the regular classroom chairs.\r\n\r\nFlexible seating will allow students to work in different areas in the classroom to complete tasks while increasing engagement.\r\n\r\nProviding students with opportunities to choose where and how they want to show their learning enhances the learning experiences and motivates them to succeed.\r\n\r\nYou are helping create a positive learning environment for our scholars. Thank you so much for providing my students with hands-on learning supplies that kept them engaged, striving to do their second grade best! Making these prizes will keep the MAGIC of learning and goal setting alive.\r\n\r\nI believe in them! Thank you for believing in them too. We are changing the WORLD one scholar at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1756387050009,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-to-promote-engagement/9433778/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating to Promote Engagement","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walther","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5957045_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1538874153881","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sheila-walther"},{"teacherId":6211053,"projectId":9671314,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the beautiful books you have provided for our classroom! The students love these kinds of books and it will certainly encourage them to read! I am so excited to re-open my classroom library starting tomorrow!\r\n\r\nEvery day we have a 20 minute quiet \"read to self\" time when students get their book boxes and find a comfy place to sit down alone and read a book. Setting this time aside each day provides that time they need to concentrate on figure out what the book says.\r\n\r\nBeing able to read the words and see the pictures encourages reading curiosity which is just what we want to see happening at this age.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for the beautiful resources. We love them.","fullyFundedDate":1757136897323,"projectUrl":"project/first-grade-readers-need-highly-engaging/9671314/","projectTitle":"First Grade Readers Need Highly Engaging Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. O'Connor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6211053_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1547931082821","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bizzytown"},{"teacherId":6211053,"projectId":9480987,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing the classroom support supplies to me for my classroom this year. I am sending along some photos to help you visualize how this helps so much. \r\n\r\nWe use these support materials continuously through the year for all kinds of problem solving. From marking the floors to help students have a guide as to where to stand, to taping names on cubby lockers, it all takes tools.\r\n\r\nYou will be considered in gratitude throughout the year for making sure these things are there for us to use.\r\n\r\nThank you so much.","fullyFundedDate":1753885613007,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-support-supplies/9480987/","projectTitle":"Classroom Support Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. O'Connor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6211053_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1547931082821","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bizzytown"},{"teacherId":5957045,"projectId":9316841,"letterContent":"Imagine 32 excited fourth/fifth graders who are thrilled to use hands-on learning to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials. My students love to create projects and the possibilities are endless.\r\n\r\nYou are helping create a positive learning environment for our scholars. Thank you so much for providing my students with hands-on learning supplies that kept them engaged, striving to do their best!\r\n\r\nEarning these prizes will keep the MAGIC of learning and goal setting alive. We love our new Treat Yourself Wall!\r\n\r\nI believe in them! Thank you for believing in them too. We are changing the WORLD one scholar at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1746491731204,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-arts-crafts/9316841/","projectTitle":"Learning through Arts & Crafts","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walther","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5957045_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1538874153881","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sheila-walther"},{"teacherId":5957045,"projectId":9252927,"letterContent":"Imagine 32 excited fourth/fifth graders who are thrilled to use hands-on learning to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials. My students love to create projects and the possibilities are endless.\r\n\r\nYou are helping create a positive learning environment for our scholars. Thank you so much for providing my students with hands-on learning supplies that kept them engaged, striving to do their best!\r\n\r\nEarning these prizes will keep the MAGIC of learning and goal setting alive. We love our new Treat Yourself Wall!\r\n\r\nI believe in them! Thank you for believing in them too. We are changing the WORLD one scholar at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1746787096261,"projectUrl":"project/incentives-for-positive-behavior/9252927/","projectTitle":"Incentives for Positive Behavior!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walther","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5957045_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1538874153881","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sheila-walther"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_36345","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":262,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":36,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":72.5,"schoolId":36345,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Franklin Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Franklin Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/tacoma-public-schools/franklin-elementary-school/36345"}
Join the 404 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Franklin Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Tacoma, Washington that is part of Tacoma Public Schools.
It serves 262 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.5:1.
Its teachers have had 146 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
34%
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.
Franklin Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Franklin Elementary School
$72,795
raised using DonorsChoose
146
projects
funded
22
teachers
funded
404
donors
16
projects
for
basic supplies
22
projects for
technology
42
projects for
books
10
projects
for
art supplies
Franklin Elementary School has received support from
293 individuals from Washington and
111 individuals out-of-state.