{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"John Q Thomas Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":26.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":534815,"projectId":9558564,"letterContent":"Our school finished the first year of Empower Hour Fridays the Spring semester 2025 having had subjects like poetry, Japanese, and football from which students could choose. The end brought survey results for the guidance for this year's offerings for the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders here at Thomas Elementary. One frequently given subject was Cooking. So of course, this Donors Choose project had to be composed!\r\n\r\nStudents in this Empower Hour have been thrilled with their experiences so far. Our first session began with a survey of different produce ingredients and the basics of washing, cutting and tasting 10 different things ranging from carrots and tomatoes to bok choy and swiss chard. Students now work in teams on recipes and take turns using the knives and stirring the skillets. The items you helped us to receive for this wonderful project have already served as life changing tools! \r\n\r\nI will never forget after our first day of cooking together when a student approached me in the hall Wednesday of the next week to tell me that after making Spinach Quesadillas, he started making plans to open a home based business making and selling food. To hear this from a 4th grade student brings such joy!","fullyFundedDate":1758839363135,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-in-the-classroom/9558564/","projectTitle":"Cooking in the Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chapman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp534815_orig.jpg?crop=454,454,x0,y31&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713403977403","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/e-chapman"},{"teacherId":1511485,"projectId":9598201,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to Decoden Class! Over the past three weeks 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders have learned how to mix materials, fill piping bags, and \"ice\" or decorate their objects. We have decodened brushes, combs, picture frames, mirrors, and hair clips. \r\n\r\nDecoden improves their skills and sense of community. Their designs reflect their unique personalities, and watching the joy they have when searching for a new charm is priceless. Their skills have improved exponentially since the first class. Also, their ability to plan and execute their designs is truly awe-inspiring. Finally, they use the time to make gifts for their friends and family members. \r\n\r\nWhen they first saw the materials, they were very nervous, but after some experience and coaching, they now move forward with confidence and creativity. \r\n\r\nRecently, my students have set up the materials and cleaned up all on their own. That is not an easy thing! Your contribution supports their character development in responsibility and resilience. \r\n\r\nIn the future, we will collect their creations to display at our family showcase. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your support. How Thomas Tiger Kids are having a blast at school!","fullyFundedDate":1758846231716,"projectUrl":"project/decoden-art-expression-project/9598201/","projectTitle":"Decoden Art Expression Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Paetz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1511485_orig.jpg?crop=1337,1337,x42,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1601502660222","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1511485"},{"teacherId":9753003,"projectId":9784573,"letterContent":"The addition of new books has had an immediate and meaningful impact on my classroom. Students are more excited to read, more willing to try new genres, and more motivated to finish books and continue with series they love. I've seen increased reading stamina, stronger engagement during independent reading time, and more conversations about books among students. These new titles have helped create a classroom environment where reading feels accessible, enjoyable, and valued for every learner. Overall, these resources strengthened literacy skills and built lasting community.","fullyFundedDate":1760447868447,"projectUrl":"project/book-bridges-building-readers-one-serie/9784573/","projectTitle":"Book Bridges: Building Readers One Series at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lewis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9753003_orig.jpg?crop=1079,1079,x0,y492&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744333130770","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9753003"},{"teacherId":9400713,"projectId":9530314,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your support. Your contribution provided a diverse range of essentials—from grooming supplies and snacks to science tools and organizational bins—that have collectively transformed our classroom into a sanctuary of learning and care.\r\n\r\nMeeting Basic Needs with Compassion\r\nThe snacks you provided have had a more profound impact than I can put into words. We have students who face significant food insecurity; some have been so hungry they've broken down in tears. Having a reliable, dignified way to offer them a snack has completely changed the emotional temperature of our room. When a student's stomach is full, they can finally focus on being a student again. Similarly, the grooming essentials have allowed our scholars to feel clean, confident, and ready to face the day.\r\n\r\nThe Power of an Organized Space\r\nThey say an organized space leads to an organized mind, and your gift proved it! As a teacher, staying on top of paperwork and materials is a constant battle.\r\n\r\nEssential Infrastructure: The paper trays and bins have given every assignment and STEM material a \"home.\"\r\n\r\nEfficiency: Because everything is labeled and contained, we spend less time searching for supplies and more time on our science experiments. This structure provides a sense of calm and predictability that my students crave.\r\n\r\nScience and Success\r\nWith our new science materials safely organized in their new containers, our hands-on lessons have reached a new level. The students feel like \"real scientists\" when they can go to a designated station, grab an organized bin of materials, and begin their inquiry.\r\n\r\nA Foundation for Learning\r\nYour generosity did more than just buy \"stuff.\" You provided the stability of an organized room, the dignity of personal care, and the comfort of a meal. You have removed the barriers that were keeping my students from succeeding.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in the health, happiness, and organization of our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1764628389534,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-curiosity-and-circuits-a-4th/9530314/","projectTitle":"Comfort, Curiosity, and Circuits: A 4th Grade Learning Adventure","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Deib","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9400713_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755214773365","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-deib"},{"teacherId":9400713,"projectId":9715375,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the incredible impact your generosity has had on our classroom! The STEM materials you funded have officially arrived, and they have completely transformed our daily routine.\r\n\r\nA \"Double Whammy\" for Learning\r\nWe kicked off our Non-Fiction Reading and Magnetism and Electricity units with a surge of energy. Typically, technical reading can be a hurdle for students, but these materials have provided a powerful \"double whammy\" of motivation:\r\n\r\nReading with Purpose: We have been using the experiment manuals to practice navigating non-fiction texts. Students are learning how to follow multi-step instructions, interpret diagrams, and understand technical vocabulary.\r\n\r\nImmediate Application: Because the students know that reading the manual is the \"key\" to unlocking the experiment, their focus is sharper than ever. They aren't just reading to finish a task; they are reading to build a circuit or test a magnetic field!\r\n\r\nSeeing the Spark\r\nThe excitement in the room is palpable. Watching a student successfully light up a bulb or create a magnetic pull after carefully reading the instructions is a teacher's dream. These materials have turned our reading block into a high-stakes, high-reward laboratory.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only provided the physical tools for science but has also helped my students see themselves as capable readers and future engineers. Thank you for investing in their curiosity and their literacy.","fullyFundedDate":1758312744097,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-science-building-bright-minds/9715375/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Science: Building Bright Minds with STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Deib","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9400713_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755214773365","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-deib"},{"teacherId":9400713,"projectId":9770773,"letterContent":"This is the ultimate \"win\" for a teacher. There is nothing quite like the moment a \"non-reader\" finally finds the book that flips the switch. Graphic novels are such a powerful bridge for visual learners and students who feel overwhelmed by walls of text.\r\n\r\nHere is a draft that highlights that specific transformation.\r\n\r\nImpact Letter: The Graphic Novel Revolution\r\nDear Donors,\r\n\r\nI am thrilled to share the \"reading revolution\" happening in our classroom, all thanks to the collection of graphic novels you provided.\r\n\r\nFrom Reluctance to Resurgence\r\nThe most profound impact of your gift has been on my most reluctant readers. Before these books arrived, I had three students who consistently refused to pick up a book. They felt discouraged by traditional novels and disconnected from the stories.\r\n\r\nToday, those same three students are the ones begging me to take these books home. They are so immersed in the vibrant illustrations and fast-paced dialogue that they have forgotten they ever \"hated\" reading. Seeing them tucked into a corner, completely lost in a story, has been the highlight of my semester.\r\n\r\nWhy Graphic Novels Matter\r\nWhile these books look like \"fun,\" they are doing serious work in our classroom:\r\n\r\nBuilding Stamina: Students who used to quit after two pages are now reading for 30 minutes straight.\r\n\r\nVisual Literacy: They are learning to decode tone, mood, and complex plot points through the interplay of art and text.\r\n\r\nConfidence: Completing a whole book—even a graphic one—gives students the confidence to identify as \"readers,\" which changes their entire approach to school.\r\n\r\nA Classroom Obsessed\r\nThe \"obsession\" is real! There is now a waiting list for the most popular titles, and the peer-to-peer book recommendations haven't stopped. You haven't just provided books; you've provided the \"spark\" that has turned my students into lifelong readers.\r\n\r\nThank you for seeing the value in these stories and for helping every student in my class find a book they truly love.","fullyFundedDate":1763514925199,"projectUrl":"project/graphic-novels-on-high-demand/9770773/","projectTitle":"Graphic Novels on High Demand","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Deib","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9400713_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755214773365","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-deib"},{"teacherId":2624063,"projectId":9661487,"letterContent":"The rolling carts have truly transformed the way my students and I stay organized in our classroom. Before, supplies and materials were scattered around the room, and it was easy for students to feel overwhelmed trying to find what they needed. Now, each cart gives us a clear, easy-to-use space for everything—from books and papers to daily supplies.\r\nMy students take pride in keeping their materials neat and organized. They know exactly where to find what they need and can take responsibility for putting things away on their own. Our transitions are smoother, our classroom feels calmer, and my students are learning how good organization helps them do their best work. I'm so grateful to have these carts supporting both independence and success every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1757528277267,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-into-organization-help-third-gr/9661487/","projectTitle":"Rolling Into Organization: Help Third Graders Keep Learning on Track!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burdick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2624063_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1493677721817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/s-burdick"},{"teacherId":534815,"projectId":9351657,"letterContent":"Our first project creating with cardboard included 3rd and 4th grade students. There were four art stations around the room available for students to choose from. The cardboard station was by far the most popular! They were thrilled and showed great inventiveness with the cardboard cutting tool and the cordless hot glue guns. The results showed where the mindset of these artists starts with this material- they cut apart the boxes and then made new containers. With joy, as their art teacher, I can show them so many ways that cardboard can be used to make both three dimensional art but layered works that can be hung as well.\r\nSeveral of the things initially in this project were unavailable, so I had to choose alternatives. One of these choices was a set of adorable black and white scissors for our lower elementary artists. The hole for the thumb brings to mind the paw of a panda, so teaching Kinder students how to use scissors was quite simple and effective. Those little students said \"ooooh, how cute\" when I started the art class that day! What a joy to teach!","fullyFundedDate":1749061625585,"projectUrl":"project/art-students-love-creating-with-cardboar/9351657/","projectTitle":"Art Students Love Creating with Cardboard","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chapman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp534815_orig.jpg?crop=454,454,x0,y31&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713403977403","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/e-chapman"},{"teacherId":534815,"projectId":9470156,"letterContent":"Last year, my second year as an Art Teacher, I had a couple students that sought sketchbooks to use outside the Art Class. Fortunately, there were several sketchbooks on hand that I could give. Seeing how these brought joy and engagement, I sought sketchbooks for whole grade levels this year. When these 75 arrived, they students were thrilled! \r\nThe other two items in this \"Essentials for the Art Room\" project included 3 gallons of glue and a full class size set of water color pencils. In the month of September, the Hispanic Heritage month, our three second grade classes made alebrije collage art. To produce images of their magical animals, on paper, both these water color pencils and glue were used.\r\nThe items we received from this project are truly essential for our art room and will serve these artists so well this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1753986222347,"projectUrl":"project/essentials-for-the-art-room/9470156/","projectTitle":"Essentials for the Art Room","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chapman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp534815_orig.jpg?crop=454,454,x0,y31&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713403977403","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/e-chapman"},{"teacherId":9753003,"projectId":9361304,"letterContent":"Introducing the new set of markers and colored pencils had an immediate and noticeable impact on my students. Their eyes lit up with excitement as they explored the vibrant colors and smooth textures, eager to bring their creativity to life. The high-quality tools not only elevated the visual quality of their work but also boosted their confidence and motivation.\r\n\r\nStudents who were previously hesitant to engage in art activities began participating with enthusiasm, expressing themselves more freely and taking greater pride in their projects. The variety of colors allowed for deeper exploration of shading, detail, and design, fostering both artistic growth and a stronger sense of ownership over their learning. The simple addition of these new materials created a more inspiring, inclusive, and dynamic classroom environment.","fullyFundedDate":1754159278750,"projectUrl":"project/bright-minds-bold-colors/9361304/","projectTitle":"Bright Minds, Bold Colors","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lewis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9753003_orig.jpg?crop=1079,1079,x0,y492&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744333130770","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9753003"},{"teacherId":9400713,"projectId":9639876,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of books to our classroom library! My students were thrilled to receive the Percy Jackson series, a water science book, and several Who Is nonfiction titles. These books have already sparked so much excitement and curiosity—students are eager to dive into new stories, explore science topics, and learn about fascinating figures from history.\r\n\r\nThe water science book will be especially meaningful as we wrap up our current science unit on water and conservation. It will help students connect their classroom learning to real-world issues, while also encouraging them to think critically about how they can help protect our planet. Meanwhile, the Percy Jackson series has hooked some of my reluctant readers, and the nonfiction books have given others the chance to explore their passions and deepen their knowledge.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your kindness and commitment to fostering a love of reading and learning in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1757520954192,"projectUrl":"project/expanding-our-classroom-library-with-adv/9639876/","projectTitle":"Expanding Our Classroom Library With Adventure and Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Deib","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9400713_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755214773365","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-deib"},{"teacherId":9400713,"projectId":9573601,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that provided flexible seating for our classroom. The addition of our new bouncy chair has given students a wonderful way to self-regulate while learning. Having the option to gently move while working helps them stay calm, focused, and engaged throughout the day.\r\n\r\nAlready, I've seen the difference this seating makes in helping students take ownership of their learning. They are more active and comfortable, which allows them to better concentrate on reading, writing, and math. Flexible seating has truly supported our classroom community by giving students the tools they need to be successful in so many ways.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your support in making our classroom a place where all students can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1755715828317,"projectUrl":"project/bounce-into-learning-with-flexible-seati/9573601/","projectTitle":"Bounce Into Learning with Flexible Seating!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Deib","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9400713_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755214773365","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-deib"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_57630","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":365,"numTeachers":27,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":21,"percentIndigenous":24,"percentLatinx":44,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":73.1,"schoolId":57630,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about John Q Thomas Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"John Q Thomas Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/flagstaff-unified-school-district-1/john-q-thomas-elementary-school/57630"}