{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School","outOfStateSupporters":38.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8023710,"projectId":9123266,"letterContent":"My elementary students and I would like to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of STEM materials. Your support is giving our students the opportunity to explore, build, create, and learn through hands-on experiences. These materials will help make our STEM club exciting and meaningful while providing students with opportunities to develop skills that will support them in the classroom and beyond.\r\n\r\nOur students especially enjoy building and working together as a team. When they receive a STEM challenge, they become excited about figuring out what they can create. Students work together to brainstorm ideas, gather materials, build their designs, test their creations, and make improvements. They learn that there is not always one correct answer and that different ideas can lead to successful solutions. This encourages students to think creatively and become comfortable exploring new possibilities.\r\n\r\nThe STEM materials also provide students with opportunities to develop important academic skills through hands-on learning. While building, students can practice measuring, counting, comparing, identifying shapes, recognizing patterns, and thinking about balance, size, and structure. They are able to take concepts they have learned in the classroom and apply them to real-world challenges. Instead of simply reading about how structures work, students can actually build them, test them, observe what happens, and make changes based on what they discover.\r\n\r\nTeamwork is another important part of our STEM club. Students learn how to communicate their ideas, listen to their classmates, share materials, and make decisions as a group. They learn that successful teamwork means allowing everyone to contribute. Students may have different ideas about how to complete a challenge, so they must learn how to respectfully discuss their ideas and work together to choose a solution. These experiences help students develop communication, cooperation, leadership, and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nOur students also learn the importance of perseverance. Sometimes a structure may fall, a design may not work, or a solution may not produce the expected result. Instead of giving up, students are encouraged to look at what happened, identify what they can change, and try again. This process helps students understand that mistakes are a natural part of learning. They begin to recognize that persistence and patience can help them accomplish difficult tasks.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding parts of STEM club is seeing students become proud of their accomplishments. Students who may initially be hesitant to participate often become excited once they begin building and experimenting. They enjoy showing their classmates and teachers what they created and explaining how they solved the challenge. These moments help build confidence and encourage students to see themselves as capable learners and problem-solvers.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping us create opportunities for students to learn through creativity, teamwork, and hands-on exploration. Thank you for investing in our elementary students and helping us provide STEM experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, perseverance, and a love of learning. Your support is helping our students discover that when they work together, think creatively, and keep trying, they can build something amazing.","fullyFundedDate":1746546630796,"projectUrl":"project/kids-sky-lab/9123266/","projectTitle":"Kids Sky Lab","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ross","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8023710_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1653830820438","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8023710"},{"teacherId":8023710,"projectId":7920018,"letterContent":"My students and I at Jefferson-Houston Middle School would like to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of snacks for our students. Your support means so much to our school community, especially to students and families who may be experiencing financial challenges. Your generosity helped ensure that our students had access to snacks during our school activities and STEM experiences without creating an additional financial burden for their families. By providing these snacks, you helped our students feel included, supported, and prepared to participate fully in their activities.\r\n\r\nWhen our students first saw the donated snacks, they were extremely excited! Their smiles, excitement, and conversations about which snacks they wanted to enjoy showed us how meaningful your donation was to them. Some students immediately began talking with their classmates about their favorite snacks, while others were excited simply to have something special to enjoy during the day. These may seem like small moments, but they can have a lasting impact on children. Your generosity gave our students an opportunity to enjoy a snack, spend time with their classmates, and create positive memories together.\r\n\r\nAt Jefferson-Houston Middle School, we are committed to providing our students with meaningful educational opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom. Our STEM program encourages students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on learning experiences. These activities allow students to develop important skills such as teamwork, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Field trips and special STEM activities give our students the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world experiences and discover new interests and possibilities for their futures.\r\n\r\nHaving snacks available during these activities was especially helpful because our students were able to stay energized and focused throughout the day. For some of our families, providing additional snacks for school activities can be difficult. Your donation helped remove that concern and allowed our students to participate without feeling different from their classmates. Every student deserves to feel included and have the opportunity to enjoy school experiences regardless of their family's financial circumstances.\r\n\r\nYour generosity represents much more than a donation of snacks. It shows our students that their community believes in them and wants to see them succeed. Your support helps us create an environment where students can learn, participate, build friendships, and feel valued. The excitement on their faces when they received the snacks was a wonderful reminder of how even a simple act of kindness can make a meaningful difference in a child's school experience.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and supporting the Jefferson-Houston Middle School community. My students and I are truly grateful for your generosity. Because of your kindness, our students were able to enjoy their snacks, participate in STEM activities, spend time with their peers, and make positive memories that they will carry with them. Thank you for helping us make these experiences possible and for being a part of our students' journey!","fullyFundedDate":1697074036748,"projectUrl":"project/successful-students-win/7920018/","projectTitle":"Successful Students Win","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ross","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8023710_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1653830820438","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8023710"},{"teacherId":1015023,"projectId":10137261,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our project, \"Rolling Into Reading Success: Tools for Small Group Learning.\" Your support has directly transformed our classroom into a more dynamic, flexible, and engaging environment where every student has the tools they need to thrive.\r\n\r\nThe Impact has been tremendous. It has enhanced Small Group. Our new mobile storage and organizational tools allow us to transition seamlessly into targeted reading groups. Materials are organized, accessible, and ready to go, maximizing every precious minute of instructional time.\r\n\r\nHaving dedicated literacy tools at hand has turned guided reading from a daily routine into an exciting, hands-on experience. Students are noticeably more eager to dive into word work and guided comprehension activities.\r\n\r\nWith resources clearly arranged and easily rolled to wherever learning is happening, students take ownership of their reading journey, building both confidence and critical foundational skills.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our young readers are discovering the joy of books in an environment tailored to their individual needs. You haven't just provided supplies; you've invested in their confidence, academic growth, and lifelong love of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1776432213248,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-into-reading-success-tools-for/10137261/","projectTitle":"Rolling Into Reading Success: Tools for Small Group Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Means-Atiomo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1015023_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596647778245","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-means"},{"teacherId":9342842,"projectId":9983213,"letterContent":"Students were excited to receive new volleyball equipment, including knee pads, soft-touch volleyballs, and a ball holder to organize practices. After previously having little to no equipment available for practices, participation increased. The soft volleyballs were especially well received because they made it easier and more comfortable for students to learn, practice, and build confidence with their skills. Having the proper equipment created a more engaging and positive experience for students participating in the program. \r\n\r\nThe knee pads also helped make the volleyball program more accessible to students who may not have the financial resources to purchase their own equipment. Providing these essential items removes a potential barrier to participation and ensures that students can safely take part regardless of their financial circumstances. The ball holder will keep equipment organized and accessible, making it easier for students and staff to manage the program and maximize limited practice time. \r\n\r\nThe new equipment not only supported students during the program but also helped us build a stronger foundation to grow the volleyball program for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1772122177750,"projectUrl":"project/from-zero-to-serve-building-a-middle-sc/9983213/","projectTitle":"From Zero to Serve: Building a Middle School Volleyball Program","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Campos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9342842_orig.jpg?crop=2946,2946,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753894027632","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9342842"},{"teacherId":2387901,"projectId":9994200,"letterContent":"It is with great gratitude and appreciation that I submit this impact letter to you for your kindness and willingness to give, toward \"Kindergarten Rocks\"! With the wonderful manipulatives that were purchased with your donation, I was able to create annd supply small groups ; that are providing hours or enjoyment by my students. I know it is creating a love of learning in them that will last a lifetime. I was also able to open a fine motor stations with manipulative and playdoh and more ! My students can gain not only fine motor skills but have fun doing it.\r\n\r\nIt makes me smile to see them rush to get to be in the centers. I have to set a time so everyone can have a turn at the centers. They love it !\r\n\r\nThank you. Thank you Thank you for your kind and generous donations!","fullyFundedDate":1776129011687,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-rocks/9994200/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Rocks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shabazz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2387901_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y56&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692149150685","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2387901"},{"teacherId":10355024,"projectId":9971522,"letterContent":"Thank you for making our classroom economy come to life! Your support has transformed the way my students engage with goal-setting, financial literacy, and personal responsibility every single day.\r\n\r\nHow We're Using the Resources:\r\n\r\nOur PBIS economy is thriving! Students earn tickets throughout the week for meeting academic benchmarks, demonstrating IB learner profile attributes, and supporting their classmates. Every Friday, they have the opportunity to \"shop\" at our classroom marketplace. The snacks you provided—especially those Oreos and Pringles—are the hottest commodities! I'll never forget the day the supplies arrived. When I rolled in the boxes, my students erupted in cheers. One student immediately started calculating how many tickets she'd need to save for a pack of Oreos, while another announced he was going to budget carefully so he could buy both a snack and new pencils for his desk. The energy was electric!\r\n\r\nA Specific Moment:\r\n\r\nJust last week, one of my 7th graders, who has been working hard to improve his organizational skills, finally saved enough tickets to purchase a set of highlighters and a snack. He beamed with pride as he made his purchase, telling me, \"I waited three weeks for this, but it was worth it!\" That moment perfectly captured what this system is all about—delayed gratification, planning, and the reward of hard work.\r\n\r\nWhat's Next:\r\n\r\nWe're now diving deeper into our IB unit on global economics, and students are making real connections between our classroom economy and larger economic systems. Next, we'll be analyzing supply and demand by tracking which items are most popular in our marketplace and discussing how scarcity affects their choices. Some students have even proposed becoming \"classroom entrepreneurs\" and are drafting business plans to offer services (like homework help or desk organization) in exchange for tickets from their peers!\r\n\r\nYour generosity didn't just stock our shelves—it empowered my students to see themselves as capable, thoughtful decision-makers. You've helped create a space where learning is active, relevant, and deeply personal.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their growth as scholars and savvy young citizens.","fullyFundedDate":1769191978490,"projectUrl":"project/a-snack-tastic-incentive-system/9971522/","projectTitle":"A Snack-tastic Incentive System","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10355024_orig.jpg?crop=2046,2046,x483,y756&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1766598224956","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10355024"},{"teacherId":9645948,"projectId":9893167,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with these essential supplies! The binders, Clorox wipes, and dry erase markers have already been incredibly helpful in keeping our classroom organized, clean, and ready for learning each day. Supplies like these may seem simple, but they make a big difference in our daily routines and help everything run more smoothly for both students and teachers.\r\n\r\nThe binders have been especially useful for helping students stay organized with their materials. We use them to keep important papers, notes, and learning resources in one place so students can easily find what they need. Organization is such an important skill for students to develop, and having binders allows them to practice keeping their work neat and structured. It also helps them take ownership of their learning, as they are responsible for maintaining their materials and using them during lessons, small group work, and review activities.\r\n\r\nThe dry erase markers are another supply we use constantly throughout the school day. Students love using whiteboards to practice new skills, solve problems, and share their thinking during lessons. Whether we are working on math problems, spelling words, or quick response activities, dry erase markers allow students to actively participate and show their understanding in a fun and interactive way. Because we use them so often, having a fresh supply available helps ensure that every student has the tools they need to fully engage in our lessons.\r\n\r\nThe Clorox wipes are also extremely valuable for helping us maintain a clean and healthy classroom environment. With students sharing materials and working closely together throughout the day, it is important that we regularly clean desks, tables, and common surfaces. The wipes allow us to quickly sanitize our workspace, helping to keep germs from spreading and ensuring that our classroom stays a safe and comfortable place for everyone. It also teaches students the importance of taking care of their shared environment and being responsible members of the classroom community.\r\n\r\nOverall, these supplies play an important role in supporting both learning and classroom management. They help students stay organized, actively participate in lessons, and maintain a clean space where everyone can feel comfortable and ready to learn. We truly appreciate your generosity and willingness to support our classroom in such meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping provide these important classroom essentials. Your support helps create a positive learning environment where students have the tools they need to succeed each day.","fullyFundedDate":1763385395457,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials/9893167/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nugent","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9645948_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751488343038","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9645948"},{"teacherId":9645948,"projectId":9454618,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the cozy carpet! It has quickly become a special addition to our classroom, and the students truly enjoy using it throughout the day. They love having a comfortable place to sit while they work, read, or participate in group discussions. It has created a warm and inviting space where students feel relaxed and ready to learn. Having this area has made a noticeable difference in the classroom atmosphere, as it encourages students to gather together, collaborate, and stay engaged in their work.\r\n\r\nThe carpet has also been incredibly helpful during our lessons when students come to the front of the room. Instead of trying to see from their desks, they now have a comfortable space where they can sit and focus while we work through examples, read stories, or discuss new ideas. This has made it easier for students to stay attentive and participate more actively in our learning activities. Many of them look forward to coming up to the carpet during our lessons because it feels like a special part of the classroom where everyone can learn together.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the carpet has helped make learning more accessible for students who may have difficulty seeing the board clearly from their seats. They now have a cozy spot where they can move closer to the instruction without feeling uncomfortable or out of place. Having this option allows all students to better follow along with lessons, ask questions, and stay involved in the learning process. Small changes like this can make a big difference in helping every student feel supported and included in the classroom environment.\r\n\r\nBeyond the practical benefits, the carpet has also helped build a stronger sense of classroom community. Students often gather there for partner work, small group activities, and reading time. It has become a place where they can share ideas, collaborate with their classmates, and celebrate their learning together. Creating spaces like this helps foster a positive classroom culture where students feel comfortable, valued, and excited to participate.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your generosity and thoughtfulness in providing this carpet for our classroom. Your support helps us create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where students can thrive. It may seem like a simple addition, but it has already made a meaningful impact on our daily routines and the way students experience learning in our classroom. Thank you again for helping make our classroom an even more comfortable and engaging place for our students to learn and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1754937544880,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-carpet/9454618/","projectTitle":"Cozy Carpet","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nugent","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9645948_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751488343038","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9645948"},{"teacherId":1015023,"projectId":9860951,"letterContent":"This Project had a meaningful impact on our girls step team by helping them feel confident, unified, and proud while representing our school. As a Title I school, many of our students face economic challenges that limit their access to team accessories. With the matching bows, scrunchies, and other items provided through this project, our girls were able to step onto the floor looking coordinated and polished. This boosted their confidence and strengthened their sense of belonging and school spirit.\r\n\r\nOur girls step team continued to show what it means to be leaders in our school community. They expressed teamwork, pride, and confidence through rhythm and movement at performances and events. This year, they also showed incredible school pride by cheering on our Girls Basketball team as they worked hard and won the championship!\r\n\r\nStep proved to be more than just a performance activity. It has become a powerful source of empowerment and expression for our girls.","fullyFundedDate":1764662144200,"projectUrl":"project/stepping-strong-accessories-that-empowe/9860951/","projectTitle":"Stepping Strong: Accessories That Empower Our Girls","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Means-Atiomo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1015023_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596647778245","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-means"},{"teacherId":8910963,"projectId":10095412,"letterContent":"Our new whiteboards, markers, and erasers have quickly become an essential part of our daily learning routine, allowing every student to actively participate across reading lessons. We use them for interactive practice, quick checks for understanding, small group instruction, and fluency drills. One memorable moment was during a reading lesson on decoding multisyllabic words, students eagerly used their boards to break apart syllables and underline vowel teams, and I was able to instantly see who needed support and who was ready for enrichment. \r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was contagious. Students were thrilled to have their own boards and felt more confident sharing their thinking because they could write, erase, and try again without fear of mistakes. Even my quieter learners have become more willing to participate. Moving forward, we will continue using these tools during intervention as we strengthen phonics, fluency, and sentence building. These resources have truly transformed engagement in our classroom, and we are so grateful for the opportunity they provide our students every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1771243694779,"projectUrl":"project/whiteboard-revolution/10095412/","projectTitle":"Whiteboard Revolution","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8910963_orig.png?crop=500,500,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724346238966","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8910963"},{"teacherId":10306471,"projectId":9810987,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting my School Counseling Office through DonorsChoose. Because of you, my students now have access to resources that help create a safe, welcoming, and calming environment where they can focus on their social-emotional growth and well-being.\r\n\r\nWe are using these new resources daily in both individual counseling sessions and small-group lessons, which are focused on emotional regulation, coping skills, friendship building, and problem-solving. One meaningful moment that stands out was during a small-group session when a student used one of the new calming tools for the first time and proudly shared, \"This helps my brain slow down.\" That moment alone showed me just how impactful your support truly is. When students first saw the materials, their reactions were immediate and heartfelt. They were excited, curious, and eager to explore the space. Several students commented on how the office felt \"more comfortable\" and \"more peaceful,\" which is exactly the type of environment we strive to create so students feel safe asking for help and expressing themselves.\r\n\r\nWe will continue using these resources to support ongoing SEL lessons, crisis support, and preventative counseling work. Students are currently practicing identifying emotions, using calming strategies independently, and applying problem-solving skills they can carry with them into classrooms and beyond. These tools will remain a consistent part of our counseling program for years to come.\r\n\r\nYour generosity goes far beyond materials—it helps build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging for our students. Thank you for believing in our school and in the importance of student mental health. I am incredibly grateful for your support and the lasting difference you've made.","fullyFundedDate":1764737101307,"projectUrl":"project/my-school-counseling-office/9810987/","projectTitle":"My School Counseling Office!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10306471_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y509&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760033313577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10306471"},{"teacherId":8910963,"projectId":9924314,"letterContent":"We use our new dry erase boards every single day during reading and instruction. During phonics lessons, students practice writing sight words and building sentences, and in show their thinking in real time. One of my favorite moments was during a small group lesson when a student who normally hesitates to participate quickly held up their board with a big smile. The ability to erase and try again has truly built their confidence.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were beyond excited! They immediately asked, \"Do we get to use these today?\" The boards and markers made learning feel special and fun.\r\n\r\nWe will continue using these tools during our reading fluency and encoding practice. I will be tracking their growth and celebrating milestones with small incentives, helping them stay motivated as we work toward mastering grade-level skills. Your generosity is helping us build confident, engaged learners every day!","fullyFundedDate":1764641311316,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-readers-one-passage-at/9924314/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Readers, One Passage At a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8910963_orig.png?crop=500,500,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724346238966","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8910963"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_34660","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":493,"numTeachers":54,"percentFrplEligible":87,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":47,"percentWhite":25,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":19,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"9.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":61.2,"schoolId":34660,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/alexandria-city-public-school-district/jefferson-houston-school-of-arts/34660"}