{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Patrick Henry Downtown - Academy","outOfStateSupporters":44.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10115832,"projectId":9822284,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing my first-grade students with decodable books. When the books first arrived, my students were thrilled to see that they had books they could truly read all by themselves. Because every word in these books follows the phonics patterns they are learning, my students can sound out each word independently without becoming frustrated. This has been especially powerful for my early readers, who are still building confidence with simple words and letter-sound relationships.\r\n\r\nWe use these decodable books every day in our classroom. Each student keeps a book in their desk so they can practice reading independently during free moments, after finishing assignments, or during class-wide independent reading activities like flashlight reading—which they absolutely love. Having books that match each child's current phonics skills has been a game changer for differentiation, classroom management, and student confidence. Students are more focused, engaged, and proud of themselves when they realize they can read an entire book on their own, and they frequently ask to read these books again and again.\r\n\r\nThe next step for my students is continuing to apply their growing phonics skills to new patterns and more complex texts, and these decodable books will continue to support that growth every step of the way. By giving my students access to books they can successfully read independently, you are helping them build real-world reading skills, confidence, and a true love of reading. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact on our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1764626030049,"projectUrl":"project/decodable-books/9822284/","projectTitle":"Decodable Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Finder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10115832_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x256,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754498836859","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10115832"},{"teacherId":10115832,"projectId":9598386,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my first grade students are using these phonics and sight word games during centers and small groups. My 14 students are learning to read for the first time, and these hands-on materials give them meaningful practice in a fun and engaging way. During sight word fishing, students worked at their own pace, reading words confidently without competition. They were disappointed when we had to stop because they were so engaged and wanted to keep playing.\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were excited to see them and continue to show that excitement each time we use them. They enjoy learning through a more play-based, hands-on approach, which keeps them motivated and focused. As students continue working on decoding words so they can read independently, these materials will provide the repeated practice they need to build confidence and strengthen their reading skills.","fullyFundedDate":1761665153963,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-centers-that-spark-learning/9598386/","projectTitle":"Literacy Centers That Spark Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Finder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10115832_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x256,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754498836859","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10115832"},{"teacherId":5425205,"projectId":9793420,"letterContent":"Thank you for the tissue, paper towels and sanitizing wipes! We have opened a couple of boxes of tissue already as well as the hand sanitizing wipes. As an educator of young kids it is so helpful to have plenty of hygiene products on hand, but nearly impossible to do without donor help.\r\n\r\nKids love using hygiene materials. So, as long as they are available, u know that my young learners will develop healthy habits and hold one another accountable in shared spaces. Thanks for providing the supplies that we need to be successful.","fullyFundedDate":1761917247821,"projectUrl":"project/clean-and-healthy-kids/9793420/","projectTitle":"Clean and Healthy Kids!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5425205_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1528293992178","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5425205"},{"teacherId":5425205,"projectId":9733742,"letterContent":"Thanks for the magic writing boards. The projects was originally opened in order to supply some students with an at-home work kit. However, the project did not get funded in time for conferences. While I will still send home some of the boards for my most in-need students, I will also use a small set at my guided table for writing responses and letter writing practice. \r\n\r\nI am thinking that one device that allows writing and erasing will be a game changer at my table. No more keeping track of boards, markers and erasers.","fullyFundedDate":1764626029309,"projectUrl":"project/the-magic-of-writing/9733742/","projectTitle":"The Magic of Writing!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5425205_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1528293992178","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5425205"},{"teacherId":5425205,"projectId":9793403,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our group and individual writing by providing graphic organizer supplies like cleaning wipes and wet erase markers.\r\n\r\nThe kids love using markers and it's so helpful for me, as the teacher, to be able to stop lessons on a timer and get them back out later for continued work. The wet erase markers allow us to do that and the cleaning wipes help me teach the kids how to contribute to cleanup instead of being satisfied that a grown up will do it all for them. These supplies will last my classroom beyond this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1760638584209,"projectUrl":"project/graphic-organizer-supplies/9793403/","projectTitle":"Graphic Organizer Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5425205_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1528293992178","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5425205"},{"teacherId":5425205,"projectId":9733792,"letterContent":"Thanks so much for the warm blankets and socks. It was trial and error receiving the blankets until the very end, with many styles unavailable.\r\n\r\nHowever, every child in first grade received their very own blanket and several pairs of socks to take home over winter break. The kids were joyous and appreciative of such thoughtful donations. If only you could have seen and heard them showing one another the different blanket designs and the various super hero and unicorn sock themes.\r\n\r\nThey were truly in awe that people who they do not even know would be so generous!","fullyFundedDate":1758799023336,"projectUrl":"project/warm-blankets/9733792/","projectTitle":"Warm Blankets!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5425205_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1528293992178","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5425205"},{"teacherId":9729849,"projectId":9936766,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our \"Engineering the Future: Electricity Optimization\" project. The materials and tools you provided have already begun to make a meaningful difference in how my students engage with electricity, engineering, and real-world problem-solving. When the first boxes arrived and we opened our kits together, you could almost see the \"light bulb moment\" — literally and figuratively — in my students' eyes. Their excitement was real: they gathered around wires, circuits, meters and began asking questions like \"Can we make it light up?\" and \"What happens if we change this connection?\"\r\n\r\nWith these resources in hand, we have started using them to design and build simple circuits, measure electrical flow, and experiment with safe energy transfer. Students worked in small teams to build functioning circuits, light bulbs, and simple motors. One student — who usually avoids hands-on work — stayed after class to fine-tune his circuit until it ran flawlessly; another asked if we could \"save this and build a bigger one next.\" Already, I'm seeing deeper engagement, more confidence in experimentation, and increased curiosity about how electricity and engineering work in everyday life.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next steps include a full \"Electricity Lab\" — where students will use what they've learned to design a simple house wiring model, simulate energy savings, and test safe wiring practices. They'll also document their process, graph their data, and present what they learned to the class. I believe this project will build not only technical knowledge, but also teamwork, problem-solving skills, and a sense of pride in creating something real.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and giving them tools that bring engineering to life. Your gift is changing how they think about science, creativity, and their future — and it's already making a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1764626029800,"projectUrl":"project/engineering-the-future-electricity-opt/9936766/","projectTitle":"Engineering the Future: Electricity, Optics, and More","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burgoyne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/patrickhenrysped"},{"teacherId":9729849,"projectId":9936732,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of our \"From Dinosaurs to the Solar System\" classroom project. As soon as our materials began arriving — dinosaur figures, fossil kits, space models and solar-system tools — energy and curiosity filled the room. One of the first things we did was open the dinosaur set: students gathered around, touching the bones and fossils, gasping — \"Look at this!\" \"That's huge!\" — and begging to learn more. It was the first time many of them had held something real that represented a creature from long ago. Their eyes grew wide when they saw the planet models for our solar-system unit, and they immediately started asking questions: \"Which planet is Earth? Where is Mars?\", \"How many moons does that one have?\"\r\n\r\nWith these resources in hand, we've already begun to transform learning from abstract ideas on a whiteboard into a hands-on, sensory-rich experience. Students have worked in small groups to explore fossils, classify dinosaur bones, and compare sizes. We saw a child who normally stays quiet excitedly leading his group, pointing out parts of a skeleton and describing what he thought that dinosaur ate. In our space unit, students used planet models to build a classroom \"solar system map.\" They physically placed each planet in orbit around the sun, talked about size and distance, and practiced stating facts like \"Mars is smaller than Earth\" or \"Jupiter is huge!\" Even students who struggle with reading or typical worksheets were engaged — because they could touch and see the science. The hands-on nature allows different kinds of learners, including those with special needs, to understand and enjoy science. This aligns with best practices for building understanding through inquiry, models, and exploration rather than memorization alone. \r\nNational Academies\r\n+2\r\nDonorsChoose\r\n+2\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to build on this excitement with a full \"Dino-to-Deep-Space Project\": students will research a dinosaur or planet, create a short presentation or poster (with illustrations or models), and share what they learned. For example: one group is working now on a \"Dinosaur Facts Booklet\" using our fossil kit; another group is starting \"Planet Reports,\" using the solar system kit to show planet order, size, and interesting facts about each. I anticipate this will deepen not only their content knowledge but also their research skills, collaboration, and scientific thinking.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and giving them tools that make science come alive. Your gift is not just materials — it's the moment a child realizes that learning can be hands-on, exciting, and real.","fullyFundedDate":1764627221029,"projectUrl":"project/from-dinosaurs-to-the-solar-system-lear/9936732/","projectTitle":"From Dinosaurs to the Solar System: Learning Through Building","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burgoyne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/patrickhenrysped"},{"teacherId":9729849,"projectId":9546819,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our \"Clean, Safe and Ready to Learn\" classroom project. While some of the supplies are still on the way, the parts we've received have already begun making a real difference. The students were excited — curious and hopeful — when the first packages arrived. I saw children glance around the room and whisper: \"This will make school feel new.\" That hope lifted classroom spirits right away.\r\n\r\nWith the items already in hand, we've started using them to make our classroom a calmer, more organized, and safe space. Students are more engaged, less anxious, and more eager to participate. One child asked if we could take turns tidying up the supply shelf — a small but meaningful sign of pride and ownership. Another student who often struggles with transitions noticed the cleaner, more organized spaces and said, \"It feels better here.\"\r\n\r\nAs the rest of the supplies arrive, we plan to continue transforming our classroom — creating defined areas where students can learn, play, and focus without distractions. We'll use the new materials to support routines, build a sense of stability, and reinforce safety and readiness to learn. I believe this project is helping students feel respected, cared for, and more comfortable — which in turn supports their learning and growth.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and giving them a space where they can feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Your generosity is already making a difference and will continue helping us grow all year long.","fullyFundedDate":1764599499789,"projectUrl":"project/clean-safe-and-ready-to-learn/9546819/","projectTitle":"Clean, Safe, and Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burgoyne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/patrickhenrysped"},{"teacherId":9729849,"projectId":9546525,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Read, Write, Grow Stronger. Although not all of the materials have arrived yet, the impact has already begun. Even seeing the first few boxes delivered created a buzz of excitement in our classroom. My students gathered around with huge smiles, asking, \"Is that for us?\" and \"When can we start using everything?\" Their anticipation alone has sparked renewed interest in reading and writing — something that is priceless in our SPED classroom.\r\n\r\nWith the initial materials that have arrived, we've already started building new routines. During our \"Read & Explore\" block, students are previewing the new literacy tools and practicing foundational reading skills with more enthusiasm than I've seen all year. One student who rarely volunteers asked if he could demonstrate how to use one of our new phonics resources for the class. Another student told me, \"I can't wait until all the stuff gets here so we can do even more reading.\" The sense of ownership and pride these early moments have created is exactly what I hoped for when I wrote this project.\r\n\r\nAs the remaining materials arrive, we will begin our next big step — launching a structured Writer's Workshop where students can practice sentence building, vocabulary, story writing, and daily reflection using their new journals and writing supports. These tools will allow every learner, including those with significant needs, to express themselves more confidently and engage deeply in literacy activities. I cannot wait to share more updates as everything comes together.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping us create a classroom where reading and writing feel exciting, accessible, and empowering. Your generosity is planting the seeds for real growth, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1764083598513,"projectUrl":"project/read-write-grow-stronger/9546525/","projectTitle":"Read, Write, Grow Stronger","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burgoyne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/patrickhenrysped"},{"teacherId":3555664,"projectId":9614320,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Scholastic subscription. My students are already so excited, and I know these magazines will spark their curiosity and help them grow as readers. Scholastic was always my favorite when I was in school, so it feels extra special to share that same excitement with my class now. Your generosity gives my students new topics to explore and meaningful learning experiences each month. We appreciate your support more than you know, and I'm truly grateful for the joy you've brought to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758799023864,"projectUrl":"project/scholastic-discoveries/9614320/","projectTitle":"Scholastic Discoveries!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3555664"},{"teacherId":9729849,"projectId":9706054,"letterContent":"The excitement in our classroom is building for our January STEM & Science Fair. Students are already asking, \"Can we bring this to the fair?\" and eagerly sketching ideas based on the experiments they've tried. Some are planning to investigate chemical reactions with safe household ingredients, others are designing structures that can withstand \"earthquakes,\" and a few are preparing to showcase circuits that light up using switches they build themselves. These STEM kits opened the door for authentic student-led investigations, and our learners are racing through it with inspiration and confidence.\r\n\r\nOver the next few weeks, students will choose a question they want to explore, design a test, collect real data, and prepare demonstrations using the tools you helped provide. Instead of just reading about science, they're getting ready to show science to families, educators, and community members during the fair. Because of your generosity, our students won't just participate—they will lead with independence, collaboration, and pride. Thank you for helping our young scientists discover not only how the world works, but their place in it.","fullyFundedDate":1763591325048,"projectUrl":"project/growing-together-a-sped-hosted-school-g/9706054/","projectTitle":"Growing Together: A SPED-Hosted School Garden","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burgoyne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/patrickhenrysped"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_77988","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":122,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":96,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":0,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"4.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":55.5,"schoolId":77988,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Patrick Henry Downtown - Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Patrick Henry Downtown - Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/missouri/st-louis-public-schools/henry-elementary-school/77988"}