{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Helen Keller Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":16.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4769702,"projectId":9146959,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of you, our learning space is now filled with engaging, hands-on materials that bring both joy and deep thinking to our lessons every day.\r\n\r\nWhen the base ten blocks and games arrived, my students were immediately buzzing with excitement. They couldn't wait to open each box, touch the materials, and dive in. The base ten blocks were an instant hit during our math lessons on place value—students loved using them to build numbers, solve equations, and visually understand regrouping. \r\n\r\nThe classic board games—like chess, checkers, Jenga, Mancala, and KerPlunk—have become valuable tools in our social-emotional learning and brain break stations. Students are building critical thinking, patience, and turn-taking skills, all while having fun and bonding with classmates. These moments of play have become a cherished part of our routine, fostering focus and cooperation in a low-pressure setting.\r\n\r\nThanks to The DonorsChoose Community, I've been able to provide my students with rich, tactile experiences that support their learning styles and help them connect more deeply with academic content. \r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your support. You've given us the tools to build not just better math skills, but stronger classroom connections, confidence, and joy.","fullyFundedDate":1744032894183,"projectUrl":"project/we-want-to-play/9146959/","projectTitle":"We Want to Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4769702_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692115222193","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4769702"},{"teacherId":4769702,"projectId":9240137,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom library project! Because of you, our students now have access to an incredible collection of engaging, inclusive, and thought-provoking books—and the impact has already been powerful.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is a joyful and interactive experience. We read together during our morning meetings, have independent reading time where students choose their own books, and often use read-alouds to spark important conversations. These new books have helped deepen our discussions and expand the kinds of stories students see themselves in.\r\n\r\nYour donation allowed us to bring in titles that introduce and reinforce key reading skills—like identifying themes, exploring character development, and making inferences—all while centering empathy, identity, and social-emotional growth. Books like Big Boys Cry, Tough Guys Have Feelings Too, and The Noise Inside Boys have helped us talk about emotional intelligence and break down stereotypes around gender and feelings. Meanwhile, titles like Love Is Hard Work and Abzuglutely! have inspired conversations about activism, art, and perseverance.\r\n\r\nBooks such as Aaron Slater, Illustrator and Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers celebrate creativity, resilience, and bravery in ways that deeply resonate with my students. And our growing fans of Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol and The Critter Club series are flying through chapter books, many for the first time, building fluency and a sense of confidence as readers.\r\n\r\nOne student, who was often hesitant to choose a book on their own, now lights up every time they check out My Shadow Is Purple or The Lipstick. They've even started recommending books to classmates—something they hadn't done before. Another student who once said they \"didn't like to read\" is now racing through the Isla of Adventure series and asking when we'll get the next ones.\r\n\r\nThese stories are more than just books—they're bridges to connection, understanding, and excitement. Your support helped us create a space where every child can find themselves in a story and feel seen, valued, and curious.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our readers and helping us build a classroom library that reflects the rich diversity and potential of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1744219069479,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-reflect-us-stories-to-inspir/9240137/","projectTitle":"Books That Reflect Us: Stories to Inspire, Empower, and Belong","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4769702_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692115222193","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4769702"},{"teacherId":1527222,"projectId":8652527,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest thanks for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom grant for chapter books. Your donation has had a profound and lasting impact on our 4th-grade students, and I am thrilled to share how your contribution is shaping their educational journey.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our classroom library has grown to include a wide range of new chapter books, with a focus on historical fiction and diverse, inclusive literature. This addition to our library has already made a remarkable difference in our classroom, sparking excitement and curiosity among the students. The children are now able to immerse themselves in books that not only build their reading skills but also broaden their understanding of the world around them.\r\n\r\nHistorical fiction is such a powerful tool for helping students grasp important events and experiences from the past. Through stories set in different time periods, students have been able to gain a deeper understanding of history and the diverse perspectives that have shaped our world. Books like *The Story of Helen Keller* and *The Story of Anne Frank* have ignited thoughtful discussions on resilience, empathy, and the struggles many people faced throughout history. These books help students see the world through the eyes of others and encourage them to think critically about how history affects their own lives today.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, your donation has allowed us to expand our collection of books focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). These books are instrumental in fostering empathy and understanding in our classroom. Titles like *Remarkable Remy*, *Dark Cloud*, and *Finding My Voice* have introduced my students to a variety of voices, cultures, and lived experiences. These stories not only challenge stereotypes but also celebrate the beauty of differences, teaching students the importance of kindness, respect, and acceptance.\r\n\r\nOne of the most significant impacts of these books is how they have empowered students to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Many of my students, especially those from marginalized communities, have told me how excited they are to see characters who look like them, speak like them, and share experiences that resonate with their own lives. This sense of representation is vital for their sense of self-worth and confidence. It encourages them to believe that their voices and experiences matter, and that they too can be heroes in their own stories.\r\n\r\nIn addition to promoting empathy and understanding, these books also serve as a foundation for critical thinking and classroom discussion. My students are not only learning to appreciate different cultures and histories, but they are also becoming more aware of social justice issues. We have had numerous discussions sparked by the themes in the DEI books—issues like privilege, equality, and fairness. These books encourage my students to ask important questions and think about how they can contribute to a more inclusive and just society.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your donation goes beyond just providing books; it has given my students the opportunity to engage with literature in ways that will have a lasting effect on their lives. Reading these stories allows them to see the world from a broader perspective and helps them develop a deeper sense of empathy, compassion, and a desire to make a positive difference. Your contribution has opened doors to new worlds and inspired my students to dream bigger and believe in the power of stories.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your generosity. Your support has not only enhanced our classroom library, but it has also touched the hearts and minds of my students. You have played a crucial role in shaping their educational experience and fostering a love for reading that will stay with them for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1726150471771,"projectUrl":"project/4th-graders-love-to-read-part-2/8652527/","projectTitle":"4th Graders Love to Read! Part 2!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beckwith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1527222_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530589074245","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsbeckwith"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_35871","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":303,"numTeachers":27,"percentFrplEligible":29,"percentAsian":13,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":48,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":19,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":83.8,"schoolId":35871,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Helen Keller Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Helen Keller Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/lake-washington-school-district-414/helen-keller-elementary-school/35871"}