{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"James Murray Elementary School 38","outOfStateSupporters":58.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1552573,"projectId":9069060,"letterContent":"The snacks you helped provide are now a vital part of our classroom care closet. We use them daily to support students who come to school hungry or need an extra boost to stay focused and engaged. One memorable moment was when a student quietly shared that having a snack helped them feel \"ready to learn.\" That simple gesture reminded us how important it is to meet basic needs before expecting academic success.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the fully stocked snack shelf, their faces lit up. Some whispered to each other with excitement, while others immediately asked if they could take one \"for later\" or \"for a little sister at home.\" It was clear they felt seen and cared for, and the snacks brought a sense of comfort and security to our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1742823851776,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-care-closet-full-and-focused/9069060/","projectTitle":"Classroom Care Closet: Full and Focused!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1552573_orig.jpg?crop=348,348,x160,y74&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1592318847216","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missmiller318"},{"teacherId":1552573,"projectId":9062441,"letterContent":"The hats, gloves, and fleece zip-ups were distributed to students who were in need of warm winter clothing. These items ensured that children could come to school comfortably and safely during colder months, which is especially important for consistent attendance and focus in class. One touching moment was when a second-grade student, who had been wearing only a light hoodie during freezing temperatures, smiled ear to ear after receiving a warm fleece zip-up in his favorite color. The simple gift made a big difference in his comfort and confidence. The students were genuinely excited and grateful. Many of them immediately put on their new hats and gloves and showed them off proudly to their friends and teachers. Several students hugged their fleece zip-ups and asked if they could wear them in class. One child even said, \"Now I won't be cold walking to school anymore.\" It was a heartwarming reminder that meeting basic needs helps create a stronger foundation for learning and well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1737559684142,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-warm-in-the-winter/9062441/","projectTitle":"Keeping Warm in the Winter!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1552573_orig.jpg?crop=348,348,x160,y74&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1592318847216","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missmiller318"},{"teacherId":1552573,"projectId":8522318,"letterContent":"We are using the math board games during our math centers and small group instruction to reinforce key concepts such as addition, subtraction, place value, and early multiplication. The games offer students a hands-on, interactive way to practice math skills in a low-pressure, high-engagement setting. One memorable moment occurred during a place value game where students had to build the largest number possible with base-ten cards. A student who typically struggles with number sense lit up when he beat his partner by strategically placing a 9 in the hundreds place. It was a fun and authentic way to apply classroom learning! The students were thrilled! Their eyes lit up when they saw colorful boards, spinners, and dice. Many of them asked, \"Can we play right now?\" The excitement quickly turned into focused engagement as they realized the games were both fun and educational. For some students who feel anxious during traditional math lessons, the board games provided a refreshing way to build confidence and teamwork skills while reinforcing foundational math concepts.","fullyFundedDate":1724014283192,"projectUrl":"project/math-magical-games-for-stations/8522318/","projectTitle":"Math-magical Games for Stations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1552573_orig.jpg?crop=348,348,x160,y74&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1592318847216","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missmiller318"},{"teacherId":1552573,"projectId":8352294,"letterContent":"We are using the colored sand and plastic trays as part of our multisensory approach to reinforce phonemic awareness and letter-sound correspondence. During a recent lesson on consonant blends, students used their fingers to trace the blend (e.g., \"bl,\" \"tr,\" \"st\") in the sand while simultaneously saying the sounds aloud. This engages their visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning pathways—all central to the Orton-Gillingham methodology. One powerful moment was during a review activity when a student who usually struggles with writing fluency was confidently tracing and articulating each sound without hesitation, showing real engagement and understanding.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe students were excited and curious! Many immediately wanted to touch the sand and explore the textures. The vibrant colors drew them in, and they were even more motivated to participate in the lesson. One student said, \"This is like playing while learning!\"—a testament to how engaging and fun the multisensory materials made the experience. The hands-on nature helped reduce anxiety around reading and writing tasks, especially for those who benefit from tactile reinforcement.","fullyFundedDate":1723737097209,"projectUrl":"project/multisensory-reading-experience/8352294/","projectTitle":"Multisensory Reading Experience","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1552573_orig.jpg?crop=348,348,x160,y74&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1592318847216","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missmiller318"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_81320","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":650,"numTeachers":66,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":15,"percentBlack":32,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":26,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"9.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":41.7,"schoolId":81320,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about James Murray Elementary School 38 on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"James Murray Elementary School 38","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/jersey-city-public-school-district/james-murray-elementary-school-38/81320"}
Join the 695 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
James Murray Elementary School 38 is
an urban public school
in Jersey City, New Jersey that is part of Jersey City Public School District.
It serves 650 students
in grades K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 9.8:1.
Its teachers have had 113 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
73%
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.
James Murray Elementary School 38 Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 10, 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.
James Murray Elementary School 38
$61,641
raised using DonorsChoose
113
projects
funded
25
teachers
funded
695
donors
4
projects
for
basic supplies
14
projects for
technology
19
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
James Murray Elementary School 38 has received support from
290 individuals from New Jersey and
405 individuals out-of-state.