{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Joseph Catharine Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6480191,"projectId":9318071,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students at Catharine Elementary School, thank you for your generous donation to our fundraiser. Your support enables us to have a year long supply of everyday classroom items. With these materials, my students are engaged learners mastering skills such as annotating and citing evidence in text. \r\n\r\nBecause of supporters like you, they now have everything they need at their fingertips in order to be successful learners in the classroom. You are making a difference in my students' lives and it is truly inspiring.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1754736678941,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-smiles-stock-our-classroom-s/9318071/","projectTitle":"Supplies & Smiles: Stock Our Classroom Shelves!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Krautheim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6480191"},{"teacherId":7585916,"projectId":5672241,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, my first graders started the school year feeling welcomed, valued, and excited to learn. Each student received their very own \"Back to School Survival Kit,\" filled with thoughtful items to spark joy and build confidence—like a copy of The Magical Yet to inspire a growth mindset, a pencil and eraser to remind them that mistakes are part of learning, and a \"happy face\" pin to wear proudly on the first day.\r\n\r\nThe impact was immediate. On our first morning, I saw students holding their books close, proudly showing off their pins, and smiling as they shared which part of the kit was their favorite. Many came to school already having listened to the QR code recording of me reading The Magical Yet with their families, which created a wonderful bridge between home and school. Reading now feels like a shared adventure—students are quoting lines from the book, encouraging each other with \"yet\" statements, and showing a stronger willingness to try again when they struggle.\r\n\r\nThese kits did more than provide supplies—they built a sense of belonging and community from day one. Parents have shared how meaningful it was for their child to receive something so personal before school even began, and the excitement has carried over into our daily lessons. Your gift set the tone for a year of curiosity, resilience, and joy.","fullyFundedDate":1628202509851,"projectUrl":"project/1st-grade-back-to-school-survival-kit/5672241/","projectTitle":"1st Grade Back to School Survival Kit","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7585916_orig.jpg?crop=928,928,x100,y79&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726655467632","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgrantsclass"},{"teacherId":8063133,"projectId":8968334,"letterContent":"This has dramatically impacted my students. Thank you so much for all the love and support. You have helped us create the first-ever cheer program at Catherine Elementary School. By immersing each child in the sport of cheerleading, you've opened new doors for students and outlets where they can practice cheer in a safe space with the appropriate equipment. I have never seen my students so happy and confident in and out of the classroom. I will continue to make sure this club is long-standing at my school for as long as I can and all the materials are put a good use year after year.","fullyFundedDate":1736988709208,"projectUrl":"project/young-cheerleaders-need-some-pep/8968334/","projectTitle":"Young Cheerleaders: Need Some Pep!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morrone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8063133_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y756&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1652975467854","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-morrone1"},{"teacherId":8583391,"projectId":9047057,"letterContent":"Your donations made it possible for our class to experience duck egg hatching firsthand. Your donations funded the incubator, fertilized duck eggs, heat lamps, and bedding --everything we needed to witness the hatching within the comfort of our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe students were immediately captivated the moment they saw the eggs in the incubator. Their eyes lit up with wonder and curiosity, and many gathered around with questions, predictions, and excitement. It sparked daily conversations that aligned perfectly with our ELA and Science curriculum. \r\n\r\nWhen the ducklings finally hatched, the classroom erupted with joy and awe. Students watched in amazement as tiny beaks broke through shells. Holding the ducklings was a highlight for everyone--gentle hands cradled the babies with care, and wide smiles spread across the room.\r\n\r\nAfterward, the writing that followed was thoughtful and detailed. Students described the ducklings' appearance, movements, and personalities, using vocabulary from our ELA unit. It was clear that this hands-on experience left a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1737222796951,"projectUrl":"project/egg-hatching-exploration-connecting-stu/9047057/","projectTitle":"Egg Hatching Exploration: Connecting Students to Birds and Life Cycles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holmstrom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8583391_orig.jpg?crop=512,512,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659988116858","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/holmstrom"},{"teacherId":8583391,"projectId":6721202,"letterContent":"You have made an incredible difference by providing essential school supplies to students in a low-income school community. Your generosity ensures that students have the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed. These supplies help foster confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging, giving students the opportunity to focus on their education without worrying about basic necessities.\r\n\r\nThank you for your kindness and support! Your contributions empower students to dream bigger and achieve their goals, creating a lasting impact in their lives and in the community. Your generosity is truly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1661213427378,"projectUrl":"project/books-supplies-for-1st-grade/6721202/","projectTitle":"Books & Supplies for 1st Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holmstrom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8583391_orig.jpg?crop=512,512,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659988116858","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/holmstrom"},{"teacherId":9505531,"projectId":8601586,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our classroom has transformed into a space that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. The new resources—particularly our welcoming reading corner—have made a significant difference for my second-grade students. It's a place where they can dive into books, explore new ideas, and develop their reading skills. I've seen students who were previously reluctant readers now eagerly reach for books during independent reading time.\r\n\r\nOne of the highlights has been our recent classroom project on \"Character Traits.\" Each student chose a book from our new reading collection and focused on a main character. They then created posters showcasing the character's traits and shared their insights with the class. The excitement on their faces as they presented their projects was priceless!\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, they were thrilled. Their eyes lit up as they discovered new books, games, and educational tools. The reading corner has become a favorite space for many, and the energy in the room is palpable. It's clear that these new resources have made learning more engaging and accessible for all students.","fullyFundedDate":1723695225444,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-build-our-cozy-reading-corner/8601586/","projectTitle":"Help Us Build Our Cozy Reading Corner!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lance","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9505531"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_90702","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":437,"numTeachers":33,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":66,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.5,"schoolId":90702,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Joseph Catharine Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Joseph Catharine Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/philadelphia-city-school-district/joseph-catharine-elementary-school/90702"}
Join the 233 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Joseph Catharine Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that is part of Philadelphia City School District.
It serves 437 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.2:1.
Its teachers have had 48 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
89%
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.
Joseph Catharine Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
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.
Joseph Catharine Elementary School
$25,269
raised using DonorsChoose
48
projects
funded
21
teachers
funded
233
donors
11
projects
for
basic supplies
6
projects for
technology
10
projects for
books
2
projects
for
art supplies
Joseph Catharine Elementary School has received support from
148 individuals from Pennsylvania and
85 individuals out-of-state.