{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"James Whitcomb Riley School 43","outOfStateSupporters":20.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10269019,"projectId":9787037,"letterContent":"I deeply appreciate the thoughtful and generous donations made to my classroom. My students loved the rug the most, and they were so excited when they saw it for the first time! It really added the coziness my room needed! My students also appreciated getting new dry-erase markers. We use them every day during our UFLI lessons, and with the style and type of marker I requested, I have seen a major improvement in their overall writing skills. \r\n\r\nAs for our headphones, those have come in handy so much with my scholars. I had originally purchased other headphones that broke so easily and stopped working after a few weeks. However, the ones that were donated to my class are much more durable and more comfortable on my students' heads. It has made iPad time way more enjoyable. I truly appreciate everyone who donated to my list and made my students' classroom experience that much more successful and comforting. Thank you all.","fullyFundedDate":1761936642109,"projectUrl":"project/happy-learners/9787037/","projectTitle":"Happy Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Debruicker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10269019_orig.jpg?crop=1083,1083,x0,y166&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769399509372","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10269019"},{"teacherId":10263227,"projectId":9716958,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding my project! We started using these instruments this month and the students LOVE them! We've already learned how to play 3 notes and are preparing to learn ABC by the Jackson Five for an upcoming concert! The students always ask me if we are playing our nuvos this week and the smiles I see when I say yes are absolutely amazing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this possible and promoting the young students in my program by giving them access to instruments more similar to traditional band instruments. Photos to come next week!","fullyFundedDate":1761060653076,"projectUrl":"project/nuvo-instruments-for-young-students/9716958/","projectTitle":"Nuvo Instruments for Young Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reinert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10263227_orig.jpg?crop=950,950,x112,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758721023624","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10263227"},{"teacherId":6811298,"projectId":9585069,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation to this project! It has been awesome to be able to award my students positve behavior points and let them cash them in for prizes. I have had amazing behavior during testing and intervention time. I have also witnessed an increase in student accountability for their behaviors. Students are able to earn a point (sticker) for positive behavior and one for participation when they attend intervention groups. They are also able to earn 2 for positive behavior and an additional sticker for completing any testing they have to do with me. Right now we are in the middle of several State mandated tests, so having a little reward after their hard work has been great!\r\n\r\nI do want to apologize for the tardiness of this thank you. Due to unforseen circumstances I have been out of school since August. Thank you for your understanding!","fullyFundedDate":1755708310467,"projectUrl":"project/rewarding-positive-behavior/9585069/","projectTitle":"Rewarding Positive Behavior","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Heil","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6811298_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1653342601222","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6811298"},{"teacherId":10044592,"projectId":9725457,"letterContent":"Thank you again for donating our classroom a carpet! It is colorful and comfortable. The carpet has totally changed our space. My students can now sit comfortably for meetings, read-alouds, small group sessions, and peer discussions.\r\n\r\nThis central space helps students feel connected and allows them to engage in learning. It helps with classroom management because it has created an organized gathering area. Your generous gift has created an inclusive environment where all students can focus, participate, and thrive. \r\n\r\nThis carpet is both attractive and functional! Thanks again for our colorful carpet!","fullyFundedDate":1759260977565,"projectUrl":"project/comfy-carpet/9725457/","projectTitle":"Comfy Carpet","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Potter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10044592"},{"teacherId":9122374,"projectId":9710139,"letterContent":"We are using the new hygiene resources as part of our daily routines and health lessons to help students build responsibility and confidence. One meaningful moment was when students created a simple \"clean habits\" chart, practicing handwashing, using tissues properly, and taking care of personal needs throughout the school day. These products have helped students stay focused on learning instead of worrying about discomfort or hygiene needs.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were excited and curious. Many were eager to talk about why hygiene is important and proudly shared what they already knew about staying clean and healthy. The availability of these products immediately made them feel supported and cared for, which positively impacted classroom morale.","fullyFundedDate":1757951602531,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-start-for-learning/9710139/","projectTitle":"Fresh Start for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Law","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9122374_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737729841080","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9122374"},{"teacherId":9122374,"projectId":9655885,"letterContent":"For my second-grade students, personal headphones have help reduce distractions and improve focus during quiet, independent activities like reading or listening to educational programs. They can also support students who need extra help with attention, sensory sensitivity, or language learning by creating a calmer learning experience. They have allowed my students to better concentrate on reading, writing, or listening activities without being easily distracted. Headphones can support students with sensory sensitivities by creating a comfortable learning environment. They also help young learners follow along with educational videos or audio instructions at their own pace. Using headphones can increase confidence, as students are less likely to feel overwhelmed by classroom noise. Overall, when used appropriately, headphones can make learning more enjoyable and supportive for second graders.","fullyFundedDate":1757180604686,"projectUrl":"project/plugged-into-possibilities/9655885/","projectTitle":"Plugged Into Possibilities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Law","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9122374_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737729841080","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9122374"},{"teacherId":9122374,"projectId":9656500,"letterContent":"Having a mailbox in the classroom helps students stay organized and take responsibility for their work. It teaches them how to receive and manage papers, notes, and messages independently. Classroom mailboxes also build routines, patience, and respect for others' belongings while making daily tasks run more smoothly. It also encourages communication between teachers and students in a simple, familiar way. Using a mailbox helps students practice real-world skills like following directions and checking important information regularly.","fullyFundedDate":1757554409569,"projectUrl":"project/youve-got-mail/9656500/","projectTitle":"You've Got Mail!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Law","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9122374_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737729841080","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9122374"},{"teacherId":10044592,"projectId":9708701,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your generous donation of headphones for our classroom. Your donation has made a meaningful and immediate impact on my students' daily learning.\r\n\r\nStudents have been able to focus more intently, pace their learning, and fully engage with online content. Whether they are listening to reading passages, practicing phonics, using interactive learning programs, or taking a test, the headphones help eliminate distractions and allow students to concentrate fully on their individual assignments.\r\n\r\n Most exciting for me is how these headphones support all learners. Students who need extra practice can replay lessons or portions of lessons privately, while those who don't have that need can move forward. The headphones give all students a sense of confidence and independence. Thank you again for your generous donation!","fullyFundedDate":1757984169659,"projectUrl":"project/headphone-zone/9708701/","projectTitle":"Headphone Zone","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Potter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10044592"},{"teacherId":8298697,"projectId":9839319,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our project. Because of your donation, our Pre-K classroom is now fully stocked with essential sanitation supplies that help keep our learning environment clean, safe, and healthy.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has made an immediate impact. Our young learners are able to explore, create, and learn comfortably each day, and your contribution ensures that we can maintain the high standards of care they deserve. These supplies help us teach not only academics, but also important habits like responsibility, hygiene, and caring for our shared space.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your investment in our students. Your support reminds us that our classroom is part of a larger community that believes in giving children the best possible start.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1764103221107,"projectUrl":"project/germs-be-gone-pre-k-learning-continues/9839319/","projectTitle":"Germs Be Gone! Pre-K Learning Continues On!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8298697_orig.png?crop=960,960,x0,y160&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657289951786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8298697"},{"teacherId":9123670,"projectId":9661075,"letterContent":"When our TIME for Kids magazines arrived each week, my students treated them like treasures. They eagerly flipped through the pages, pointing out bold headlines, surprising photographs, and topics they \"had never heard about before.\" During our first read, students were amazed that the articles were about real events happening in the world right now. This sense of authenticity has sparked rich discussions, thoughtful questions, and genuine curiosity. Many students who don't always gravitate toward reading have become some of the most enthusiastic participants, proudly sharing interesting facts they learned from their latest issue.\r\n\r\nThese magazines have already strengthened our nonfiction literacy routine. Students use each issue to practice close reading, text-feature analysis, and vocabulary building, all while diving into content that aligns beautifully with our science and social studies standards. The digital version and Teacher's Guides have helped me differentiate lessons, assign quizzes through Google Classroom, and support readers at different levels. As a result, students are becoming more confident navigating real-world information and more skilled at thinking critically about what they read.\r\n\r\nThanks to TIME for Kids, my classroom feels more connected to the world beyond our walls. Students are beginning to see themselves as informed thinkers and problem-solvers, and many have started taking issues home to teach their families what they learned. This project has truly enriched our learning environment and given my students meaningful access to high-quality nonfiction—something that will benefit them far beyond this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1757529208562,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-the-world-time-for-kids-bring/9661075/","projectTitle":"Exploring the World: TIME for Kids Brings Learning to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Law","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9123670_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722375660323","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9123670"},{"teacherId":9123670,"projectId":9660239,"letterContent":"When our new headphones arrived, my students were immediately excited to see the colorful sets neatly labeled and ready for use. They eagerly plugged them into their devices, amazed at how clearly they could hear directions, stories, and interactive lessons. Students who often struggled to focus during digital activities were suddenly more engaged, nodding along as they completed reading tasks or practiced skills independently. The built-in microphones have also opened the door for meaningful speaking and listening activities, students love recording their responses and hearing their own voices played back with clarity.\r\n\r\nThis technology has already transformed the way we learn in our classroom. With reliable headphones, students can participate in personalized learning stations without disrupting their peers, and I can run small groups more effectively while others work independently. The headphones have been especially helpful during IREAD preparation and other online assessments, giving students the quiet, focused environment they need to do their best. Even students who were hesitant to use digital tools before have grown more confident, often asking, \"Can we use the headphones today?\" Their excitement and independence have noticeably increased.\r\n\r\nThe organization tools funded by this project, our Bluetooth label maker, label tape, and batteries, have made a tremendous difference as well. Because every pair is clearly labeled, students can quickly find their own headphones and keep them in great condition. This has helped build responsibility, pride, and a shared sense of ownership in the classroom. Thank you for giving my students access to the technology they need to learn effectively and confidently. Your generosity has created a more focused, organized, and joyful learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1757528889286,"projectUrl":"project/sound-on-headphones-that-power-our-lear/9660239/","projectTitle":"Sound On! Headphones That Power Our Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Law","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9123670_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722375660323","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9123670"},{"teacherId":10107347,"projectId":9751549,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of our classroom. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to materials that make learning more comfortable, engaging, and meaningful each day. The cozy bean bag chair has been a wonderful addition to our calming area—students now have a safe, comforting space where they can independently regulate their emotions using the various coping manipulatives available to them. This simple addition has made a remarkable difference in helping them feel grounded and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe whiteboard on wheels has also transformed the way we approach lessons. With easier access to manipulatives and hands-on tools, my students are finding math more fun, interactive, and accessible. Since our school is departmentalized, the chair pockets have been extremely useful as well. They help students keep track of their daily learning materials, something many of them have struggled with in the past.\r\n\r\nYour donation of art supplies has sparked creativity in our classroom, allowing students to bring their ideas to life with vibrant colors. The box of pencils has been equally impactful—many students come to school without writing utensils, and now they are able to fully participate in classwork and complete homework with confidence.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has touched our classroom in so many ways, and we are truly grateful. Thank you for believing in our students and supporting their growth.\r\n\r\nWith appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1761936643843,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-calm-and-creative-space-for-f/9751549/","projectTitle":"Creating a Calm and Creative Space for First Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. King","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10107347"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_19188","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":240,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":75,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"6.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.1,"schoolId":19188,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about James Whitcomb Riley School 43 on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"James Whitcomb Riley School 43","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/indiana/indianapolis-public-school-district/james-whitcomb-riley-school-43/19188"}
Join the 359 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
James Whitcomb Riley School 43 is
an urban public school
in Indianapolis, Indiana that is part of Indianapolis Public School District.
It serves 240 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 6.3:1.
Its teachers have had 149 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Share and help support James Whitcomb Riley School 43
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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
85%
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 Whitcomb Riley School 43 Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 9, 2026
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 Whitcomb Riley School 43
$81,416
raised using DonorsChoose
149
projects
funded
54
teachers
funded
359
donors
7
projects
for
basic supplies
40
projects for
technology
17
projects for
books
4
projects
for
art supplies
James Whitcomb Riley School 43 has received support from
284 individuals from Indiana and
75 individuals out-of-state.