{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hamilton Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10359077,"projectId":9924845,"letterContent":"I am writing to you with deep gratitude and a very full heart. Because of your generosity, my students now have access to their very own headphones, something that may seem small on the surface, but has already made a powerful difference in our classroom.\r\nI teach special education in a high-needs district where many of my students face significant financial challenges. For some of them, even basic school supplies can be difficult to obtain. Headphones are rarely a household priority when families are working hard just to meet essential needs. Before your donation, students often had to share limited pairs, wait their turn, or attempt to complete assignments without audio support. Now, thanks to you, each child has reliable access to a tool that supports both their learning and their emotional well-being.\r\nTechnology plays an essential role in special education. Many of my students rely on text-to-speech features, speech-to-text tools, phonics programs, audiobooks, and interactive lessons that include audio directions. These features are not \"extras\", they are accommodations that allow my students to access grade-level content in ways that are meaningful and equitable. With their own headphones, students can independently listen to instructions, replay directions as needed, and engage fully with literacy and math programs. This independence builds not only academic skills but also confidence.\r\nBeyond academics, the impact on our classroom environment has been remarkable. Some of my students are highly sensitive to noise and can become overwhelmed by everyday classroom sounds, the hum of computers, quiet conversations, chairs moving, hallway noise. Having headphones provides them with a sense of control and safety. When the room feels overstimulating, they can put on their headphones and focus. I have already seen students who previously struggled to remain regulated during independent work now sit calmly and complete tasks with greater concentration. The reduction in sensory overload has led to fewer disruptions and more productive learning time for everyone.\r\nYour donation has also fostered a greater sense of dignity and belonging. My students no longer have to feel different because they need audio support. They do not have to ask to borrow something or feel embarrassed about needing accommodations. They have what they need, when they need it. That sense of ownership matters more than you might realize. It sends a message to them that their needs are valid and worth investing in.\r\nIn a classroom where resources can sometimes feel stretched thin, your generosity reminds both my students and me that there are people beyond our walls who believe in them. When I told my class that donors had provided the headphones, their reactions were genuine and heartfelt. Several students immediately said, \"Tell them thank you.\" One student quietly said, \"Now I can actually hear my book.\" Moments like that are why your support matters so deeply.\r\nAs a teacher in my first years working in a high-needs district, I am constantly reminded that equitable education requires community. I cannot do this work alone. Your willingness to step in and provide something so practical yet so impactful makes you part of our classroom story. You are helping create a learning environment that is calmer, more accessible, and more inclusive.\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for seeing my students, for valuing their needs, and for making a tangible difference in their daily lives. Your kindness has amplified their voices, literally and figuratively, and given them greater access to the education they deserve.","fullyFundedDate":1764734592127,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-6th-grade/9924845/","projectTitle":"Headphones for 6th Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramunto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10359077_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764736102698","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10359077"},{"teacherId":10359077,"projectId":9914161,"letterContent":"Thank you. Truly. Your generosity in donating copies of The Lemonade War for my special education classroom means more than I can fully express in a single letter.\r\nAs a first-year teacher in a low-income, high-needs district, I quickly learned that the biggest barrier my students face is not a lack of curiosity, it's access. Many of my students do not have books at home. Some share bedrooms with multiple siblings. Some move frequently. A few are still developing confidence in their reading abilities and quietly carry the weight of believing they are \"behind.\" Having their own copy of a novel, one they can hold, annotate, reread, and call theirs, is transformative.\r\nThe Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies is such a powerful choice for my classroom. The story's themes of sibling rivalry, misunderstandings, pride, problem-solving, and perseverance mirror the social-emotional experiences my students navigate every day. My learners often struggle not only with academic skills but also with communication, emotional regulation, and perspective-taking. This book opens the door to conversations about empathy, assumptions, competition, and how small choices can escalate into bigger conflicts.\r\nAlready, I've seen the impact. Students who normally hesitate to read aloud have volunteered. One student who typically shuts down during independent reading asked if he could take the book home to \"show his mom what we're reading.\" Moments like that stay with you.\r\nBecause each student has their own copy, we can slow down and truly engage with the text. We highlight key vocabulary. We leave sticky notes marking moments of confusion or connection. We track character motivations and analyze how misunderstandings build tension. My students feel empowered to mark up the pages because they know the book belongs to them. That ownership builds confidence, and confidence builds readers.\r\nIn special education, repetition and accessibility are critical. Having class sets ensures that no one feels singled out for needing extra support. We can revisit chapters multiple times, practice fluency, and work on comprehension strategies in small groups without worrying about sharing limited materials. Your gift removes a logistical barrier and replaces it with opportunity.\r\nBeyond academics, this project sends a powerful message to my students: people they have never met believe in them. In a community where resources are often stretched thin, your donation tells my students that their education matters. As a first-year teacher, there are moments that feel overwhelming. But this project has been a reminder that we are not doing this work alone. Your support strengthens not just my classroom library, but my resolve to create a space where every learner feels capable, seen, and supported.\r\nThank you for helping my students build literacy skills, confidence, empathy, and a love of reading. Thank you for believing in public education. And thank you for believing in my students.","fullyFundedDate":1763931612334,"projectUrl":"project/the-lemonade-war-novel-study/9914161/","projectTitle":"The Lemonade War Novel Study","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramunto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10359077_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764736102698","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10359077"},{"teacherId":10229853,"projectId":9689380,"letterContent":"The Bluford Series has had a powerful and measurable impact on my students.\r\nMany of them see their own lives, families, and challenges reflected in the characters' experiences. Because the stories are relatable and written in a voice that feels authentic, students who once struggled to stay engaged are now eager to read, discuss, and share their thoughts.\r\n\r\nThe series also provides meaningful opportunities for students to develop essential life skills. As they follow the characters through difficult decisions, setbacks, and growth, my students practice empathy, problem-solving, and reflection. They openly discuss topics like perseverance, responsibility, friendships, and personal identity—conversations that often continue long after class ends.\r\n\r\nFor many students, the Bluford books are the first time they have felt truly connected to reading. Your support helps make these moments possible, giving students both stories they enjoy and tools they can carry into their daily lives.","fullyFundedDate":1757653283399,"projectUrl":"project/real-lives-real-choices/9689380/","projectTitle":"Real Lives, Real Choices!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Taylor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10229853"},{"teacherId":10229853,"projectId":9660687,"letterContent":"The Bluford Series has had a powerful and measurable impact on my students.\r\nMany of them see their own lives, families, and challenges reflected in the characters' experiences. Because the stories are relatable and written in a voice that feels authentic, students who once struggled to stay engaged are now eager to read, discuss, and share their thoughts.\r\n\r\nThe series also provides meaningful opportunities for students to develop essential life skills. As they follow the characters through difficult decisions, setbacks, and growth, my students practice empathy, problem-solving, and reflection. They openly discuss topics like perseverance, responsibility, friendships, and personal identity—conversations that often continue long after class ends.\r\n\r\nFor many students, the Bluford books are the first time they have felt truly connected to reading. Your support helps make these moments possible, giving students both stories they enjoy and tools they can carry into their daily lives.","fullyFundedDate":1757032603179,"projectUrl":"project/real-lives-real-choices/9660687/","projectTitle":"Real Lives, Real Choices!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Taylor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10229853"},{"teacherId":9743415,"projectId":9180762,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to support our Colorful Tool's materials! Your kindness has made a meaningful impact in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe small index cards were used for a special end-of-year mindfulness activity where students wrote notes of gratitude to each of their classmates. These heartfelt messages will be compiled into mini \"pick-me-ups\" for each child to revisit whenever they're feeling down or having a tough day, a lasting reminder of their value and friendships.\r\n\r\nThe Expo markers have brought an extra layer of fun and engagement to our learning centers, helping students participate more actively in small group work. Meanwhile, the mini journals were a wonderful addition to our literacy center. Students have been using them to reflect on the \"peak and pit\" of their week, fostering self-awareness, emotional expression, and personal growth.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly enriched our classroom environment and helped create meaningful moments for my students. We are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1745846953865,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-tools-for-creative-learners/9180762/","projectTitle":"Colorful Tools for Creative Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Payne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9743415"},{"teacherId":9337553,"projectId":9295656,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, this project has made a real difference in my classroom. The materials you helped provide have been instrumental in creating engaging, hands-on learning centers that my students absolutely love. From building fine motor skills to fostering creativity and independent learning, these resources have allowed my students to explore, experiment, and grow in ways that wouldn't have been possible without your help.\r\n\r\nThese supplies have also helped me lay the foundation for an even stronger classroom setup next year. With these tools already in place, I can continue expanding my learning centers and introducing new activities that encourage critical thinking and collaboration. Your donation didn't just support this year's students—it's helping to shape a more enriching learning environment for future classes as well. I truly appreciate your generosity and the lasting impact it's having on my students' education.","fullyFundedDate":1746785843862,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-success-kids-supply-list/9295656/","projectTitle":"Tools for Success: Kids’ Supply List","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Almazan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9337553"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_23278","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":319,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":45,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":49,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"10.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.1,"schoolId":23278,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hamilton Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hamilton Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/mount-vernon-city-school-district/hamilton-elementary-school/23278"}