{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"John P Freeman Optional School","outOfStateSupporters":24.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10192026,"projectId":9935676,"letterContent":"Your generous support of our \"Warm Winter Essentials for Our Students\" project has made a meaningful difference in the daily lives of our students. Because of your donation of winter beanies and gloves, many of our students are now better prepared to face the colder months with comfort and confidence. For some of our families, access to warm winter gear can be a challenge, so these items are more than just accessories—they are essential resources that help students stay focused and present at school.\r\n\r\nWith proper winter gear, our students are able to participate fully in outdoor activities, transitions between classes, and before- and after-school programs without the distraction of being cold. This directly impacts their ability to concentrate, engage, and perform academically. It also supports their overall well-being by helping to keep them healthy during the winter season.\r\n\r\nBeyond the physical warmth, your generosity has also provided emotional support. Our students feel cared for, valued, and supported by people who believe in them—even beyond the walls of our school. That sense of encouragement builds confidence and strengthens our school community. Thank you for helping us ensure that every student has what they need to succeed, no matter the weather.","fullyFundedDate":1765246145608,"projectUrl":"project/warm-winter-essentials-for-our-students/9935676/","projectTitle":"Warm Winter Essentials for Our Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sims","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10192026"},{"teacherId":10192026,"projectId":9987063,"letterContent":"Your generous support of our \"Panther Pride in Pictures\" project has made an incredible impact on our students, staff, and school culture. Because of your donations, we were able to create a vibrant and memorable experience that celebrates our students as kings and queens—building confidence, pride, and a sense of belonging. The whistles will be used daily by our coaches and student leaders to promote structure, organization, and engagement during practices and events, helping us maintain a positive and energetic environment.\r\n\r\nThe decorative items such as sashes, crowns, robes, and themed table settings helped us transform an ordinary space into something truly special. Our students were able to visually see themselves as royalty, which reinforced self-worth and encouraged them to carry themselves with pride both on and off the field. These moments go beyond athletics—they create lasting memories and help shape character, leadership, and teamwork.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our students didn't just participate in an event—they experienced something meaningful and uplifting. Thank you for believing in our vision and investing in our scholars. Your support continues to inspire Panther Pride every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1769647261311,"projectUrl":"project/panther-pride-in-pictures/9987063/","projectTitle":"Panther Pride in Pictures","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sims","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10192026"},{"teacherId":10192026,"projectId":10040480,"letterContent":"Your generosity has made an immediate and powerful impact on my students' physical development and enthusiasm for fitness. With the addition of the vertical jump trainer, battle rope, and weighted jump ropes, we have been able to enhance our strength and conditioning activities in a way that feels both exciting and purposeful. For example, during one of our recent classes, students rotated through stations where they used the resistance bands to improve explosive jumping ability, practiced endurance and upper-body strength with the battle rope, and built cardiovascular fitness with the weighted jump ropes. These tools have allowed me to create a more structured and engaging workout environment that mirrors real athletic training.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new equipment, their excitement was through the roof. Many of them had never used professional-level training tools before, and they were eager to try everything. It created a sense of pride and motivation, especially for students who are interested in sports like football, basketball, and volleyball. Even those who are not typically as active were drawn in by the new and dynamic equipment, which helped increase participation and confidence across the board.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we plan to build on this momentum by incorporating these tools into a more advanced fitness and performance unit. Students will begin tracking their progress in areas like vertical jump, endurance, and strength, setting personal goals and working toward improvement over time. We are also connecting these activities to lessons on health, fitness principles, and goal setting. Thanks to your support, my students are not only becoming stronger physically but also learning discipline, teamwork, and the value of hard work.","fullyFundedDate":1769647261137,"projectUrl":"project/strength-matters/10040480/","projectTitle":"Strength Matters","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sims","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10192026"},{"teacherId":10192026,"projectId":10075221,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous support of our project, \"Pickleball Power: Serving Up Fitness and Fun.\" Your willingness to invest in our students has made a powerful and lasting impact on our physical education program and the overall classroom environment.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contributions, we were able to provide our students with high-quality pickleball equipment that has truly transformed the way they experience physical activity. Before this project, many of our students had limited exposure to non-traditional sports.","fullyFundedDate":1770398823917,"projectUrl":"project/pickleball-power-serving-up-fitness-and/10075221/","projectTitle":"Pickleball Power: Serving Up Fitness and Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sims","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10192026"},{"teacherId":10192026,"projectId":10060299,"letterContent":"Thank you for Fueling Our Community, One Student at a Time! Because of your generosity, our classroom now has a steady supply of snacks and hydration that students can rely on throughout the day. We're using these resources to support learning during long lessons, assessments, and after-school activities—especially on days when students arrive hungry or stay late for extra help. One standout moment was during a review session when a quick snack break helped students refocus and jump right back into problem-solving with renewed energy.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the snacks and drinks, their reactions said it all—big smiles, excited chatter, and a genuine sense of being cared for. Many shared that having access to snacks helps them concentrate and feel more comfortable participating in class. It's more than just food; it's reassurance that their community believes in them and wants them to succeed.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our next steps include continuing hands-on projects and collaborative work without worrying about students' basic needs getting in the way of learning. As we move forward with our current lessons, these resources will help keep students energized, engaged, and ready to give their best. Your support has made a real, daily impact in our classroom, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership in our students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1770126476444,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-our-community-one-student-at-a/10060299/","projectTitle":"Fueling Our Community, One Student at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sims","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10192026"},{"teacherId":10192026,"projectId":9992347,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our Swing Smarter: Golf Skills Through Technology project. Because of you, our students now have access to technology that has transformed how they learn, practice, and understand the game of golf. Your contribution has brought learning to life in a way that traditional instruction alone simply could not.\r\n\r\nMany of our donors regularly use technology at home, but seeing how it functions in a school setting—especially in physical education and skill development—can be eye-opening. The technology you funded allows students to receive immediate, visual feedback on their golf swings. Instead of relying only on verbal cues or delayed correction, students can now see data related to swing speed, club path, ball contact, and accuracy. This instant feedback helps them connect cause and effect: when they adjust their stance or grip, they can immediately see how it impacts performance. As a result, students are learning faster, retaining concepts longer, and becoming more confident in their abilities.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting aspect of this new technology for students is how interactive and personalized it is. Each swing becomes a learning opportunity rather than a guess. Students are eager to take turns, analyze their results, and challenge themselves to improve.","fullyFundedDate":1769647262098,"projectUrl":"project/swing-smarter-golf-skills-through-techn/9992347/","projectTitle":"Swing Smarter: Golf Skills Through Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sims","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10192026"},{"teacherId":10192026,"projectId":10005300,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our Student Athlete Recovery project. Because of you, our students now have access to recovery resources that are already making a meaningful difference in their daily routines and overall well-being.\r\n\r\nWe are using these new materials during post-practice recovery sessions and in our classroom lessons on physical wellness. One powerful moment came when students learned how to properly use the recovery tools and immediately connected the experience to how their bodies feel after games and intense training. Many were excited—and honestly surprised—to see professional-level recovery equipment available to them. Their reactions ranged from curiosity to genuine appreciation, especially as they began to feel less soreness and fatigue.\r\n\r\nYour contribution gave you a peek into a space where learning goes beyond textbooks. Next, students will be tracking their recovery progress as part of a lesson on body awareness, injury prevention, and long-term athletic health. These resources are helping them understand that recovery is not optional—it's essential.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your support and for believing in our students.","fullyFundedDate":1769647261241,"projectUrl":"project/student-athlete-recovery/10005300/","projectTitle":"Student Athlete Recovery","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sims","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10192026"},{"teacherId":10192026,"projectId":9938326,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of Print, Protect, and Empower Our Classroom. Because of you, our students now have consistent access to classroom technology that directly supports learning. The ability to print assignments, learning guides, and student work has helped lessons run more smoothly and has increased student focus and engagement. Technology in our classroom bridges digital instruction with hands-on learning, allowing students to better understand concepts and stay organized.\r\n\r\nStudents are especially excited about seeing their work come to life in print. Many take pride in preparing their own materials and sharing completed assignments, which has boosted confidence and motivation. Several students who previously struggled with organization or participation have shown noticeable growth, feeling more empowered and included. Your support has made a meaningful impact by providing equity, independence, and pride in learning. Thank you for investing in our students and their success.","fullyFundedDate":1766505916892,"projectUrl":"project/print-protect-and-empower-our-classroo/9938326/","projectTitle":"Print, Protect, and Empower Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sims","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10192026"},{"teacherId":10192026,"projectId":9934664,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, technology has become a powerful daily learning tool in our classroom. The HP laptop is now used for research, writing assignments, interactive lessons, and skill-building programs that adjust to each student's learning level. Students are strengthening their reading, math, and critical thinking skills while also building confidence in using technology responsibly. Tasks that once felt overwhelming now feel achievable, and that shift in mindset has been incredibly powerful to witness.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students is the independence this laptop gives them. They love being able to explore topics on their own, create presentations, type their work, and collaborate digitally with classmates. For many of them, this is their first real experience using a personal learning device, and the sense of pride and ownership it brings is unmatched. They are more engaged, more motivated, and more eager to participate in lessons than ever before.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were once hesitant to speak up in class have truly come alive with this technology. One student who struggled with writing now confidently types full paragraphs and even volunteers to share their work. Another student who learns best visually has excelled using educational videos and interactive tools. This project has not only supported academic growth—it has boosted self-confidence, independence, and belief in what my students can achieve. Thank you for helping make this transformation possible.","fullyFundedDate":1764552607898,"projectUrl":"project/building-self-confidence-through-technol/9934664/","projectTitle":"Building Self-Confidence Through Technology: An HP Laptop for Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sims","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10192026"},{"teacherId":10192026,"projectId":9816936,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and school community, we want to extend our deepest appreciation for your generous support of our \"Fueling Kindness: Student-Led Snack Packs to Fight Hunger\" initiative. Your contribution made it possible for our students to prepare and distribute snack packs that directly support children in need.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students were able to experience the power of service, leadership, and compassion firsthand. Your kindness helped ensure that no child went without a small but meaningful source of nourishment and encouragement.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our mission and for fueling kindness in a very real way. Your generosity is making a lasting impact—one snack pack at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1762364390687,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-kindness-student-led-snack-pack/9816936/","projectTitle":"Fueling Kindness: Student-Led Snack Packs to Fight Hunger","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sims","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10192026"},{"teacherId":10192026,"projectId":9714512,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping our team \"Gear Up for Success\"! The basketball equipment you provided has transformed our practices and brought new energy to our students. From the moment they saw the new gear—balls, cones, jerseys, and training tools—the excitement was electric. Students were high-fiving, cheering, and couldn't wait to get on the court.\r\n\r\nWe've already used the equipment to run skill-building drills and team challenges that emphasize communication, perseverance, and sportsmanship. One powerful moment came during a leadership huddle, where students used the new gear to teach younger peers basic basketball skills—turning practice into mentorship.\r\n\r\nNext, we're preparing for our school-wide \"Teamwork Tournament,\" where students will showcase their growth and lead mini-clinics for classmates. The equipment you funded isn't just helping them play—it's helping them lead, grow, and inspire others.","fullyFundedDate":1760102954678,"projectUrl":"project/gear-up-for-success-basketball-equipmen/9714512/","projectTitle":"Gear Up for Success: Basketball Equipment for Our Team","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sims","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10192026"},{"teacherId":10192026,"projectId":9671187,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students now have a wellness fridge filled with fresh fruit, gatorade,and cold water that keeps them fueled throughout the day. \r\n The excitement on their faces when it was unveiled showed how much it means to them. \r\n This simple addition has helped students stay more focused in class, reduced distractions from hunger, and given our athletes a reliable energy boost before and after practice. Your support is building healthier habits and brighter futures.","fullyFundedDate":1759265215458,"projectUrl":"project/providing-a-fridge-for-student-wellness/9671187/","projectTitle":"“Providing a Fridge for Student Wellness”","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Sims","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10192026"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_54845","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":548,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":63,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":92,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":75.5,"schoolId":54845,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about John P Freeman Optional School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"John P Freeman Optional School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/tennessee/memphis-shelby-county-schools/john-p-freeman-school/54845"}