{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Friendship Public Charter School - Armstrong Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":69.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5806077,"projectId":9694615,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for supporting our recent STEM project through DonorsChoose. Because of your generosity, our scholars had the chance to engage in hands-on learning experiences that would not have been possible otherwise.\r\nThe materials you provided sparked curiosity, problem-solving, and teamwork in our classroom. Scholars were not only excited to explore new tools and resources, but they also gained confidence as they applied science and math skills to real-world challenges. One highlight was watching students who are usually hesitant in class light up with excitement as they tested their ideas, revised their plans, and celebrated their successes.\r\nYour support has done more than supply resources—it has ignited imaginations and opened doors for future scientists, engineers, and innovators. This project reminded our students that learning is not just about textbooks, but about discovery, creativity, and resilience.\r\nOn behalf of our entire classroom community, thank you for believing in our students and investing in their future. Your generosity has made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1758202863968,"projectUrl":"project/steam-innovation/9694615/","projectTitle":"Steam = Innovation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thompson-Milton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5806077_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568530593172","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thompsonliteracy"},{"teacherId":3302038,"projectId":9168749,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our students proudly wore Pan African color t-shirts during the District End of Year Arts Festival. Although our original Black History Month concert was canceled due to budget cuts, the shirts still created a beautiful and powerful visual of unity and pride on stage. Students felt empowered and celebrated as they shared their wonder gift of music with their family, friends, and community. Your generosity helped them feel seen and valued. Thank you for making this moment possible!","fullyFundedDate":1742300389688,"projectUrl":"project/bold-colors-for-bold-voicesperforming-i/9168749/","projectTitle":"Bold Colors for Bold Voices:Performing in Pan-African Flag Colors 2.0","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Caulton Burgess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3302038_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468021987546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/southeastwizkids"},{"teacherId":3302038,"projectId":9151431,"letterContent":"Providing black performance pants for my vocal music students ensured that every child felt confident, included, and prepared to shine on stage. For many of my students, the cost of purchasing uniform attire had been a barrier to participation, and no child should have missed the opportunity to perform because of financial challenges. These pants created a professional, unified look while reinforcing equality and teamwork. More importantly, they gave students the chance to focus on their artistry, not their wardrobe. With support, my students stood tall, proud, and ready to share their voices with the world.","fullyFundedDate":1746699548069,"projectUrl":"project/stitch-perfect-pants-for-pitch-perfect-p/9151431/","projectTitle":"Stitch Perfect Pants for Pitch Perfect Performances","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Caulton Burgess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3302038_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468021987546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/southeastwizkids"},{"teacherId":5737823,"projectId":9183532,"letterContent":"I am so thankful for your generous donations to Donors Choose that have afforded us Cricut supplies, sound equipment, and essential classroom tools will make a lasting impact on our elementary music students at Friendship Armstrong Academy, DC's only PK–8th grade performing arts school. With the Cricut craft organizer, t-shirts, and vinyl/iron-on materials, our school will have the opportunity to create costumes, and props for upcoming events like our annual talent show, music showcase, and theatre productions. This hands-on experience will allow students to see how creativity extends beyond performance and into design, giving them pride in their work while also building practical skills they will carry into future years.\r\n\r\nThe voice amplifier, surge protectors, extension cords, stereo splitters, and Y adaptors will help transform our classroom and performance spaces into professional environments for years to come. Students will be able to hear their voices projected clearly during rehearsals and shows, which will strengthen their vocal technique and build their confidence as performers. With reliable sound and power management, our music and theatre programs will have the flexibility to adapt to different spaces, ensuring every event—whether in the classroom, cafeteria, or auditorium—feels like a stage-ready performance. This consistency will keep students excited and motivated as they prepare for each showcase.\r\n\r\nFor the 2025–2026 school year and beyond, these resources will especially benefit students who may be shy or hesitant to perform. The voice amplifier will allow me to lead and project my voice with students as we practice for performance, and enhances crowd control and safety throughout the school day. These donations will continue to nurture confidence, teamwork, and artistic expression in our young performers, ensuring that each generation of Friendship Armstrong students feels empowered to shine both on and off the stage.","fullyFundedDate":1752671613134,"projectUrl":"project/amplify-the-stage-upgrading-recording-t/9183532/","projectTitle":"Amplify the Stage: Upgrading Recording Tech & Creating Custom Costumes!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5737823_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y94&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1616775568756","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5737823"},{"teacherId":3302038,"projectId":9139942,"letterContent":"Although our in person District 365 Black History Month concert was unfortunately canceled due to budget cuts, your generosity still made a lasting impact. Thanks to your donation, our students proudly wore their Pan-African color t-shirts during our District End-of-Year Arts Festival, where they performed with energy, confidence, and unity. The red, black, and green shirts created a vibrant and powerful visual statement on stage—one that reflected the pride they carry in their cultural heritage and in each other. The shirts not only enhanced their performance but made them feel seen and celebrated in a public space.\r\n\r\nThis moment reminded us that opportunities to honor our identity and creativity can still thrive—even when plans shift. Students shared how empowered they felt to wear the shirts and represent their school, community, and culture. We're now preparing for our final classroom reflections, where students will document their growth as artists this year. These t-shirts will continue to be used in future performances, symbolizing strength, unity, and purpose. Thank you for making this moment—and many more to come—possible","fullyFundedDate":1741610628504,"projectUrl":"project/bold-colors-for-bold-voicesperforming-i/9139942/","projectTitle":"Bold Colors for Bold Voices:Performing in Pan African Flag Colors","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Caulton Burgess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3302038_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468021987546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/southeastwizkids"},{"teacherId":5737823,"projectId":9279507,"letterContent":"Looking ahead, we plan to continue using our Cricut supplies to integrate creativity into every corner of the classroom. The custom t-shirts will become part of class spirit days, special events, and performances—giving students a sense of pride and ownership in what they wear and present. The Cricut iron-on vinyl will also be used to label class materials and create manipulatives that align with our academic content. The bulletin board borders will refresh our walls with student-made displays that celebrate their work and reinforce learning objectives in fun, colorful ways.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies arrived, my students were amazed. The stacks of black t-shirts and rolls of red and white vinyl made it all feel real—like they were about to become designers! Their excitement was contagious as we discussed upcoming projects and brainstormed designs for our classroom showcase. Now, our next steps include preparing for an end-of-year celebration where students will wear their personalized shirts. This project has sparked a new energy in the room, and we're so grateful to our donors for helping us bring these creative visions to life.","fullyFundedDate":1746745289048,"projectUrl":"project/getting-creative-while-cutting-with-cric/9279507/","projectTitle":"Getting Creative while Cutting with Cricut!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5737823_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y94&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1616775568756","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5737823"},{"teacherId":5806077,"projectId":8787532,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible support of our Literacy Lab. Your generous contributions of supplies, books, and decor have completely transformed our space into a vibrant, inviting, and student-centered environment. Because of you, students walk into a warm and welcoming place that celebrates learning and diversity. The books you provided reflect the cultures and experiences of our students, helping them feel seen and valued. The engaging supplies and thoughtful decor have sparked creativity and enthusiasm for reading and learning. Your support has not only helped build literacy skills, but also created a safe space where students can explore, imagine, and grow. We are deeply grateful for your investment in our students' futures—your kindness and generosity are truly making a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1736799559580,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-the-reading-lab/8787532/","projectTitle":"Enhancing the Reading Lab","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thompson-Milton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5806077_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568530593172","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thompsonliteracy"},{"teacherId":5806077,"projectId":8540838,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in providing culturally relevant books to our community. Your contribution has had a profound impact—students now see themselves reflected in the stories they read, which fosters a stronger sense of identity, pride, and belonging. These books not only improve literacy skills but also inspire curiosity, empathy, and confidence. You've helped create inclusive learning environments where every child feels valued, empowered, and inspired to achieve. This means a lot to our community.","fullyFundedDate":1732027326039,"projectUrl":"project/all-shades-are-beautiful/8540838/","projectTitle":"All Shades Are Beautiful!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thompson-Milton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5806077_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568530593172","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thompsonliteracy"},{"teacherId":5737823,"projectId":9038348,"letterContent":"The Cricut Heat Press, laptop stand, and Cricut tools will be a game-changer in my music classroom! We plan to design and create t shirts for students to wear for performances. I can cut out their designs with the Cricut tools and used the heat press to bring them to life on fabric. This allows us to merge creativity with technology while learning about branding and self-expression in the music industry. \r\n\r\nSome students who love visual art were especially thrilled about the chance to combine their artistic talents with music. They are excited to see our designs get turned into wearable art, which will make them feel empowered and inspired. \r\n \r\nNext, we'll be using these tools to create custom t shirts for our upcoming music and arts showcases. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1737666052322,"projectUrl":"project/creating-with-cricut-making-materials-f/9038348/","projectTitle":"Creating with Cricut: Making Materials for Music Class and Performances!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5737823_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y94&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1616775568756","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5737823"},{"teacherId":3302038,"projectId":8957241,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, the Love and Light Candlelight Concert on February 28th was a truly magical and transformative experience for both performers and audience members. The LED candles you helped provide created an intimate and visually stunning atmosphere, elevating the concert's theme of love, hope, and artistic expression.\r\n\r\nAs the soft glow illuminated the stage, students felt an increased sense of confidence and connection to the music, allowing them to perform with greater emotion and authenticity. The ambiance not only enhanced the storytelling aspect of each song but also deepened the audience's engagement, making the concert a moving and immersive experience.\r\n\r\nBeyond the performance itself, these candles helped reinforce the importance of setting and mood in musical presentations, giving students a firsthand lesson in the power of stage design. Because they are reusable, these candles will continue to enhance future performances, ensuring that many more students benefit from their impact.\r\n\r\nThis unforgettable experience would not have been possible without your generosity. Thank you for helping us bring Love and Light to life!","fullyFundedDate":1737133840223,"projectUrl":"project/illuminate-our-stage-with-love-and-light/8957241/","projectTitle":"Illuminate Our Stage with Love and Light","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Caulton Burgess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3302038_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468021987546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/southeastwizkids"},{"teacherId":7068949,"projectId":8594627,"letterContent":"On behalf of the entire art department and our students, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to our *Unlocking Artistic Potential* project. Thanks to your support, our classroom has been transformed into a vibrant space of creativity and exploration. The addition of Legos, magnet tiles, water drawing boards, and other open-ended materials has had an immediate and profound impact on our students' ability to engage with art in new and exciting ways. These resources have encouraged them to think critically, problem-solve, and collaborate—all essential skills that will serve them well both in the classroom and beyond.\r\n\r\nYour donation has not only provided tools for play but also fostered an environment where imagination can flourish. Watching our students dive into these activities, using their hands and minds to build and create, has been truly inspiring. It's amazing to see how such simple materials can unlock so much potential, and it's all thanks to your generosity. We are so appreciative of your investment in the creative future of our students and look forward to the continued growth and joy these resources will bring to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1727204705819,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-artistic-potential-with-imagin/8594627/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Artistic Potential with Imaginative Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nutt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7068949_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y460&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1579618933926","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7068949"},{"teacherId":4815647,"projectId":8793439,"letterContent":"Headphones have transformed our instrumental music classroom by allowing students to focus deeply on their work without distractions. They enable personalized learning experiences, such as practicing with backing tracks, listening to instructor feedback on recorded performances, or experimenting with electronic music tools like digital audio workstations (DAWs).\r\n\r\nIn electronic music, headphones are especially valuable for teaching sound design and mixing. Students can hear the nuances of their compositions—like subtle changes in tone or balance—helping them refine their pieces with precision. This technology empowers students to work independently or in small groups, maximizing their creativity and practice time.\r\n\r\nThe ability to create and explore electronic music has been a game-changer. Students are thrilled by how headphones unlock the full potential of tools like GarageBand, Launchpad, and practice with reading music. They love how these headphones let them hear every detail of their work, from intricate drum loops to layered harmonies.\r\n\r\nOne particularly exciting feature is noise isolation, which lets students fully immerse themselves in their music. For many, the ability to create professional-sounding tracks in a classroom setting feels like stepping into a real recording studio. It's not just about learning—it's about making music that feels authentic and shareable.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have truly embraced headphones and electronic music. For example,\r\none student has taken to using headphones for crafting beats and experimenting with effects. With the clarity provided by the headphones, they've been able to fine-tune their tracks and even share them online, earning praise from peers and family.\r\nAnother student who was hesitant to play in front of others now uses headphones to practice solo and build confidence. They've started layering live instrumentals over electronic tracks, creating unique pieces they're excited to showcase.\r\nA group of students has begun using headphones to collaborate on electronic music projects. The ability to work without disrupting others—or being distracted themselves—has made their teamwork more effective and fun.\r\n\r\nHeadphones in our instrumental music classroom don't just support learning—they help students discover their voices as musicians, composers, and producers.","fullyFundedDate":1726686151178,"projectUrl":"project/sonic-journeys-headphones-for-musical-m/8793439/","projectTitle":"Sonic Journeys: Headphones for Musical Mastery","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Prosini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4815647_orig.png?crop=449,449,x0,y14&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1588036553005","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4815647"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_108537","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":443,"numTeachers":9,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":95,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"49.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":30.7,"schoolId":108537,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Friendship Public Charter School - Armstrong Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Friendship Public Charter School - Armstrong Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/district-of-columbia/district-of-columbia-public-charter-school-board/friendship-armstrong-elementary-academy/108537"}