{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Barack Obama Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":37.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":432168,"projectId":9841716,"letterContent":"Thank you, thank you, thank you for the donations that helped enable our school library to purchase the Pizza and Taco and Max Meow series books. They are such a fun addition to our library collection. The first day I put them out for circulation, all but one of the Pizza and Taco books were checked out and none of the Max Meow books were left! \r\n\r\nBack when school started in August, I asked the kids which books they wanted me to try and get for the school library. I had a third grader who is new to the school this year immediately ask for Pizza and Taco. And, ever since that first week, he has asked me EVERY SINGLE TIME I SEE HIM if I had gotten any of those titles yet. He was beaming when they arrived (I of course had to take his picture with them). I love when kids get excited about reading, especially in this day and age where technology trumps reading for so many of our young people. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and generosity. I am truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1762186414777,"projectUrl":"project/pizza-tacos-and-superhero-cats-in-the/9841716/","projectTitle":"Pizza, Tacos, and Superhero Cats in the Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bruner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp432168_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649102169056","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/carrie-bruner"},{"teacherId":432168,"projectId":9744563,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations that helped enable our school library to purchase a button maker. We are going to use it to make buttons featuring the students' favorite book characters, graphic design projects, storytelling projects, and more. I am in the process of taking damaged picture books and graphic novels and turning them into fun buttons. This is such a better way to make use of books that can no longer be circulated... no more recycling and throwing away super damaged books. I also have plans to use the button maker to promote upcoming events at the school \r\n\r\nYour support has enriched our library and helped us offer meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. I am truly grateful for your contribution and for the positive impact it will have on our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1758636775736,"projectUrl":"project/button-up-in-the-library/9744563/","projectTitle":"Button Up in the Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bruner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp432168_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649102169056","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/carrie-bruner"},{"teacherId":9752144,"projectId":9567965,"letterContent":"When the recess materials arrived, my students were beyond excited. I wish you could have seen their faces, wide eyes, huge smiles, and lots of \"Can we use them today?!\" The moment I brought everything outside, they crowded around the box, pulling out jump ropes and foam balls as if it were a treasure chest.\r\n\r\nThese materials have already made such a difference in our daily routine. The soccer ball has become an instant gathering spot, and even students who don't usually join group games have started teaming up to play. A few students have been practicing jump rope tricks and cheering each other on. Others have fallen in love with the bubbles and chalk. One group spent an entire recess designing a giant chalk figures. The parachute has quickly become a class favorite. The laughter during our parachute games is the kind every teacher hopes to hear.\r\n\r\nWhat I've noticed most is how these simple items have brought the kids together. Recess feels calmer, happier, and more inclusive. Students who used to wander alone now join games, and students who struggled with taking turns are practicing those skills without even realizing it. These materials didn't just add fun; they added connection.\r\n\r\nNext, we plan to use some of the equipment during our teamwork and movement lessons. The students are already brainstorming parachute challenges and new versions of tag using the foam balls. Their creativity is endless, and your generosity made that possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our students the chance to play, imagine, and simply be kids. You have made a real difference in our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1755694915348,"projectUrl":"project/making-recess-fun-and-fit-with-outdoor-p/9567965/","projectTitle":"Making Recess Fun and Fit with Outdoor Play Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hicks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9752144_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742766876844","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/reggeon"},{"teacherId":432168,"projectId":9744736,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations that have allowed our school to purchase the books from the History Smashers series. I know that these books will be a great addition to our school library because they teach about history in a way that will interest our students and help them think critically about how history is told and who gets to tell it. Plus, the author Kate Messner, does a great job in including voices and perspectives that oftentimes get left out of historical textbooks and resources. \r\n\r\nThere was a big delay in shipping for several of the titles that I had asked for, so the full series didn't arrive until this past week. Because of this, the books haven't started circulating just yet. However, they are catalogued and ready to go for when we return to school on Wednesday after having a couple of days off. I've had several kids ask me about them already, so I know they will be a hit. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity. There are SO many worthwhile organizations that are deserving of your kindness at this time, and I am truly grateful that you made the decision to support my students. They are so worth it!","fullyFundedDate":1760369824913,"projectUrl":"project/smashing-history-in-the-library/9744736/","projectTitle":"Smashing History in the Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bruner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp432168_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649102169056","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/carrie-bruner"},{"teacherId":9069944,"projectId":9387402,"letterContent":"When the boxes of new classroom supplies arrived, my 42 fourth graders at Barack Obama Elementary School could hardly contain their excitement! Their eyes lit up as we opened each box new notebooks, pencils, markers, and organizers for everyone. It was such a joyful moment to see how something so simple could make them feel so special. Right away, they started talking about how they couldn't wait to use their new things for math, writing, and art. That moment reminded me how much having the right tools can truly inspire students to do their best.\r\n\r\nSince then, we've been putting everything to great use. During math lessons, my students love using their dry-erase boards to show their work and compare answers with friends. In writing, their new journals have become a favorite some even decorate the covers to make them their own. One student told me, \"I feel like a real author now!\" Seeing their excitement and confidence grow has been one of the best parts of this project.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom feels more creative, organized, and full of positive energy. These supplies have made learning smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. We're currently working on a social studies project, and the students are using their materials to create posters and take notes for presentations. Thank you for believing in our classroom you've made a lasting difference, and my students feel it every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1756088966198,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds-classroom-supplie/9387402/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds: Classroom Supplies for 2025-2026","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Raphy Antone Tantoan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9069944_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705089889062","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9069944"},{"teacherId":432168,"projectId":9714463,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to my 3Doodler Pen Project. It is so nice to be able to now have enough to make a class set of them so that all students can participate when they are used in the library. They are such a fun tool and I like seeing the students' creative side come out when they are in use. We are still working on mastering the best way to create with the pens, but I am so impressed by how quickly the students have picked up tips and tricks to work with them. \r\n\r\nNot only are these pens great for inspiring creativity, they also help our younger kids develop their fine motor skills and hand eye coordination. And, what I really appreciate about them, is that although we have a 3D printer in the library, these take SO much less time to use.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generous donations to my project. I am truly grateful and I know that my students are too. Thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1758811065700,"projectUrl":"project/3doodler-pens-imagination-at-work-in-th/9714463/","projectTitle":"3Doodler Pens: Imagination at Work in the Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bruner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp432168_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649102169056","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/carrie-bruner"},{"teacherId":5352402,"projectId":9435701,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution toward materials for our small group reading intervention. Your support provides students with the tools they need to strengthen their skills, build confidence, and grow as readers. Because of your generosity, our students will benefit from more engaging and effective learning experiences that will support their success now and in the future. Many of my students have come into our classroom and expressed enthusiasm for the additional materials for Mrs. Bovo's small group area. Mrs. Bovo and I are truly grateful for your investment in their education.","fullyFundedDate":1753449976946,"projectUrl":"project/the-heart-of-small-group-learning/9435701/","projectTitle":"The Heart of Small Group Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thurston","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5352402_orig.jpg?crop=1370,1370,x1813,y1813&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745543405347","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thurston"},{"teacherId":207810,"projectId":9129255,"letterContent":"How are you?\r\n\r\nWhen the three new rugs arrived, our classroom instantly felt different—warmer, brighter, and more alive. What was once just a floor became a gathering place, a stage for imagination, and a cozy corner where learning feels exciting.\r\n\r\nThe large Lakeshore rug has given every child a \"spot\" of their own during lessons. You can see the comfort on their faces as they settle in, shoulder-to-shoulder, listening and sharing ideas without the distraction of scrambling for space. It's created a sense of order, belonging, and togetherness.\r\n\r\nThe alphabet and number rugs have completely transformed our library and activity areas. Students eagerly curl up with books on the soft, colorful letters, tracing words with their fingers as they read. During GoNoodle dance breaks, the rugs become our safe launchpads—students hopping from number to number, giggling and moving with energy that feels focused instead of chaotic. During group projects, the rugs invite collaboration; small teams gather naturally, sprawled across a space that feels theirs.\r\n\r\nThese rugs are more than just classroom items—they're anchors of comfort, sparks of creativity, and silent partners in building a love of learning. My students now see our classroom as a place that welcomes them, inspires them, and gives them room to grow.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this transformation possible.","fullyFundedDate":1746787063612,"projectUrl":"project/rugged-learning-creating-soft-spaces/9129255/","projectTitle":"\"Rugged\" Learning: Creating Soft Spaces for Strong Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Richardson, Ed.S.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp207810_orig.jpg?crop=1574,1574,x0,y514&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740519810572","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-k-richardson"},{"teacherId":432168,"projectId":9622104,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous donations you made that enabled our school library to purchase almost 30 brand-new Pete the Cat books! It has taken me awhile to catalog and cover the new books (always a challenge finding the time to do that) and I know the kids were getting antsy waiting for me to do so. But I love excited they were waiting for me to finish. \r\n\r\nPete the Cat books are such a good tool for helping teach literacy skills to our younger students. With the stories being centered around simple, everyday experiences (losing buttons, going to school, trying new things), and Pete responding to those problems with a calm attitude, the books' repetitive phrases help the students learn to read and help teach the students emotional resilience.\r\n\r\nAgain, I am truly grateful for your generosity. With so many people and organizations struggling for funding right now, I am touched that you chose my students to support. Thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1755743575600,"projectUrl":"project/we-need-more-pete-the-cat/9622104/","projectTitle":"We Need More Pete the Cat!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bruner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp432168_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649102169056","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/carrie-bruner"},{"teacherId":432168,"projectId":9542005,"letterContent":"Thank you, thank you, thank you for the donations that have enabled our school library to receive two brand new, beautiful rugs! The main rug we use is larger than our old one and has so much more room for the students to stretch out and get cozy while they enjoy read-aloud stories. \r\n\r\nA rug may seem like an insignificant thing in aiding a child's education, but gathering on the rug fosters a sense of community and is a place for students to share, listen, and engage with peers. Plus, it adds color and beauty to the learning space which makes the learning process more enjoyable. \r\n\r\nAgain, thank you so much your donations that helped our school library receive new rugs. It is humbling to be chosen as a recipient of your generosity when there are so many worthwhile organizations that need donations and are struggling right now. I am so thankful and appreciative.","fullyFundedDate":1755724269938,"projectUrl":"project/comfy-and-colorful-in-the-library/9542005/","projectTitle":"Comfy and Colorful in the Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bruner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp432168_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649102169056","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/carrie-bruner"},{"teacherId":207810,"projectId":9204947,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping me bring this hands-on Science experience to life! As soon as the pudding, Oreos, gummy worms, seeds, flowerpots, and all the other goods arrived, my kids lit it up like it was Christmas morning. The moment we started layering those edible soil cups—crushed Oreos for bedrock, chocolate pudding for topsoil, and gummy worms wiggling through it all—my students were invested! \r\nThat one messy, magical activity sparked so many thoughtful questions about decomposition, nutrients, and soil health. It wasn't just \"dessert\"—it was Science in a cup!\r\n\r\nThen came the real deal: planting actual flower seeds in pots and placing them on our windowsills to track their growth. The kids named their plants, journaled about them every other day, and yes—some even sang to them (true story!). Having the plastic scoops, hooks, and cupcake liners made setup and cleanup manageable, so we could stay focused on the learning.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, the reading comprehension workbooks have been a quiet powerhouse. They've helped students work both in small groups and independently to review concepts on what they've learned in preparation for the SOLs. Basically it was the perfect balance of hands-on discovery and structured literacy practice.\r\n\r\nOverall, this project didn't just support a lesson—it brought Science to life. Your generosity planted more than seeds; you planted exploration, excitement, and confidence in a room full of goofy, growing scientists. \r\nThank you so much for investing into them","fullyFundedDate":1745846911253,"projectUrl":"project/love-it-live-it-plant-it/9204947/","projectTitle":"Love It, Live It, PLANT It!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Richardson, Ed.S.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp207810_orig.jpg?crop=1574,1574,x0,y514&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740519810572","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-k-richardson"},{"teacherId":8844125,"projectId":9419562,"letterContent":"My students are using the storage bins to keep their backpacks and personal items organized throughout the day. It has really helped cut down on clutter in the classroom and makes transitions between activities much smoother. My students also use it to sit on when they are working with partners. I have pillows on it which makes it comfortable for my students. \r\n My students so excited! Several of them immediately picked out their own spot and commented on how neat and colorful the bins looked with their book bags inside the binds. A few even said it made the room feel more like 'their space,' which was wonderful to hear.","fullyFundedDate":1751515978694,"projectUrl":"project/storage-is-everything/9419562/","projectTitle":"Storage Is Everything","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Canty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8844125_orig.jpg?crop=806,806,x146,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743370422340","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8844125"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_34952","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":274,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":77,"percentWhite":13,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":62.3,"schoolId":34952,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Barack Obama Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Barack Obama Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/richmond-public-school-dist/jeb-stuart-elementary-school/34952"}