{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kensington International School","outOfStateSupporters":27.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8004566,"projectId":10187938,"letterContent":"My students are using these new resources every day to support their learning and creativity. One of our most exciting uses is creating writing portfolios in their new binders. Throughout the year, students will save their favorite writing pieces, projects, and work samples so they can look back and see how much they have grown as writers. These portfolios will also be a special part of our student-led conferences, where students can proudly share their work and progress with their families. The chart paper, colored paper, and construction paper will also be used during our ELA project weeks to create hands-on projects that allow students to write, collaborate, and show what they have learned.\r\n\r\nMy students were so excited to see all of the new materials! They especially loved choosing their binders and learning that they would be creating their very own writing portfolios. They were excited about having a special place to keep their work and were proud to know that they would eventually be able to share it with their families. Seeing their excitement reminded me how something as simple as classroom supplies can make students feel proud, prepared, and excited about learning.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to begin adding our first writing pieces to our portfolios and continue building them throughout the school year. Students will be revising and improving their writing, reflecting on their progress, and selecting pieces they are especially proud of. We will also be using the colorful paper and chart paper for upcoming ELA projects that will give students opportunities to work together and demonstrate their understanding in creative ways. I am so excited to watch these portfolios grow alongside my students and eventually see them proudly share their accomplishments with their families.","fullyFundedDate":1786229598915,"projectUrl":"project/time-for-new-materials/10187938/","projectTitle":"Time for New Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Podworski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8004566_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x53,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673365754808","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mspodworski"},{"teacherId":8004566,"projectId":10187920,"letterContent":"The new headphones are helping my students make the most of their Chromebook learning time. The USB connection works much better with the computers provided by our school, which means students can spend less time troubleshooting audio problems and more time learning. Many of the programs my students use require them to listen, record their voices, or use a microphone to respond to questions. Having reliable headphones allows students to work independently, practice important skills, and fully participate in technology-based learning activities.\r\n\r\nMy students are most excited to finally have headphones that work consistently! They love being able to put on their headphones and immediately get started with their assignments without having to spend time fixing connection problems or searching for a working pair. They are especially excited about being able to use the microphone feature to record their voices and interact with their learning programs. It gives them more independence and makes technology time much more enjoyable.\r\n\r\nStudents who use programs that require listening and speaking have especially benefited from the new headphones. I have seen students become more confident during independent work because they know their headphones and microphone will work when they need them. Students who previously became frustrated by audio issues can now focus on completing their assignments and demonstrating what they know. It has been wonderful to see students become more independent and comfortable using technology as a learning tool.","fullyFundedDate":1778024332033,"projectUrl":"project/heaphones-on/10187920/","projectTitle":"Heaphones On","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Podworski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8004566_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x53,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673365754808","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mspodworski"},{"teacherId":8004566,"projectId":10052400,"letterContent":"We are using the new school uniforms to keep our classroom uniform closet stocked with clean, school-approved clothing that students can access when they need a change of clothes. Accidents happen, spills happen, and sometimes students simply need a fresh uniform during the school day. Having these resources available allows students to quickly change and return to class without feeling embarrassed or missing valuable learning time. It also helps ensure that every student can follow our school uniform expectations.\r\n\r\nMy students were excited to see the new uniforms added to our classroom resources. Knowing that they have clean, school-approved clothing available when they need it gives them a sense of comfort and security. Students appreciate knowing that they can get the help they need without having to worry about being embarrassed or feeling different from their classmates. These uniforms help our students feel prepared, supported, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue focusing on our third-grade reading and writing goals while building a positive and supportive classroom community. Having our uniform closet stocked means students can handle unexpected situations quickly and get right back to learning. We will continue working on classroom routines, collaborating with classmates, and engaging in hands-on reading and writing activities. My goal is for every student to feel comfortable, confident, and ready to give their best effort each day.","fullyFundedDate":1778105400737,"projectUrl":"project/school-uniforms/10052400/","projectTitle":"School Uniforms","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Podworski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8004566_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x53,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673365754808","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mspodworski"},{"teacherId":8004566,"projectId":9747478,"letterContent":"The uniform sweatshirts are being used throughout the school day to help my students stay warm and comfortable while following our school uniform expectations. Because our building can get cold, especially during the winter months, having a school-approved sweatshirt available means students can focus on learning instead of worrying about being cold or being out of uniform. We keep the sweatshirts available for students who need one, making sure everyone has what they need to feel comfortable and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nMy students were excited and grateful to have warm, school-approved sweatshirts of their own. For some students, having a sweatshirt available at school is more than just having an extra layer—it gives them a sense of comfort and belonging. I loved seeing students proudly put on their new sweatshirts and return to class ready to participate in learning. These donations helped show my students that their comfort and well-being matter.\r\n\r\nNow that my students have access to the resources, they need to stay warm and comfortable, we can continue focusing on our classroom learning goals. Our next steps include working together during reading and writing lessons, participating in small-group activities, and building strong classroom routines. When students are comfortable, prepared, and confident, they are better able to focus, participate, and make progress throughout the school year.","fullyFundedDate":1769040811033,"projectUrl":"project/brrr-its-cold-in-here/9747478/","projectTitle":"Brrr It's Cold in Here","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Podworski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8004566_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x53,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673365754808","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mspodworski"},{"teacherId":8004566,"projectId":9489995,"letterContent":"We are using our new classroom resources every day to make learning more hands-on, organized, and engaging. The board games are especially helpful during small-group instruction and early-finisher activities because they allow my third graders to practice reading, vocabulary, math skills, and teamwork while having fun. The binders and sheet protectors help us keep student work and learning materials organized, while the laminator allows me to create reusable activities, centers, and learning tools that students can use throughout the school year. Having these materials available gives me more opportunities to create meaningful learning experiences for my students.\r\n\r\nMy students were so excited to see all of the new materials in our classroom! They were eager to explore the board games and see the different activities we would be using throughout the year. For many of my students, having new classroom supplies makes them feel excited and prepared to learn. Seeing their excitement reminded me how something as simple as a new game, binder, or learning activity can help create a positive classroom environment and make students feel valued.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to use these resources as we begin our third-grade learning routines and build our classroom community. Students will be working in small groups, practicing grade-level reading and writing skills, and learning how to collaborate respectfully with their classmates. We will also be using the reusable materials for learning centers and review activities. I am excited to continue building a classroom where students feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions, working together, and developing the confidence they need to succeed in third grade.","fullyFundedDate":1760399165373,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-new-materials/9489995/","projectTitle":"New Year, New Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Podworski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8004566_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x53,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673365754808","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mspodworski"},{"teacherId":8004566,"projectId":9407211,"letterContent":"This project will have a meaningful impact on my students by helping me create a welcoming, organized, and fully prepared classroom where every student has the tools they need to learn. Starting a new school year brings excitement and new opportunities, but it also comes with the need for essential classroom materials. Having these supplies available from the very first day will allow us to begin learning right away without students worrying about whether they have what they need.\r\n\r\nMany of my students come from low-income families, and providing classroom materials can help remove barriers that may prevent them from fully participating in learning. When students have access to pencils, paper, folders, organizational tools, and other classroom supplies, they can focus their energy on reading, writing, problem-solving, and growing as learners.\r\n\r\nAs I begin this new school year and continue teaching third grade, these materials will help me create a positive learning environment where students feel prepared, supported, and excited to learn. I am so grateful to the donors who make it possible for me to provide my students with the resources they need to start the year strong and feel confident in their classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1755701262496,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-new-grade/9407211/","projectTitle":"New Year, New Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Podworski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8004566_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x53,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673365754808","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mspodworski"},{"teacherId":8004566,"projectId":9328454,"letterContent":"This project will have a meaningful impact on my students by helping us maintain a clean, healthy, and welcoming classroom environment. Since my students eat breakfast and lunch in the classroom, spills, crumbs, and everyday messes are a regular part of our school day. Having paper towels, disinfecting wipes, and cleaning spray will allow us to quickly clean and sanitize our classroom so students can focus on learning.\r\n\r\nTissues and sanitizing supplies are also essential because students may experience allergies or become sick throughout the school year. Having these materials readily available will help reduce the spread of germs and allow students to feel comfortable and cared for while at school.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these resources will help my students learn in an environment that is organized, safe, and ready for learning every day. As a teacher, having these essential classroom supplies allows me to spend less time worrying about basic cleaning needs and more time focusing on what matters most—supporting my students and helping them succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1755718003540,"projectUrl":"project/keep-it-clean/9328454/","projectTitle":"Keep It Clean","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Podworski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8004566_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x53,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673365754808","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mspodworski"},{"teacherId":10261613,"projectId":10010755,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our Pre-K classroom! Because of your kindness, our students now have access to a variety of engaging fine motor toys and materials that will help strengthen the skills they need for future success.\r\n\r\nIn preschool, fine motor development is an important foundation for skills that students will carry along with them forever. Your support provides our students with hands-on opportunities to build hand strength, coordination, problem-solving skills, and confidence through play.\r\n\r\nThe excitement on their faces as they explore these new materials is unforgettable. Your generosity is making a meaningful difference in our classroom!\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our young learners and for helping us provide an engaging environment where our students can learn and grow!","fullyFundedDate":1778029038331,"projectUrl":"project/fine-motor-firsts/10010755/","projectTitle":"Fine Motor Firsts!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cascio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10261613"},{"teacherId":8012705,"projectId":9848090,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Taking Care of Our Tech! Because of your generosity, our students and staff now have the cleaning supplies they need to take better care of our school laptops. After a brief lesson on technology care, students were excited to use the wipes independently and take ownership of keeping their devices clean and in good condition. This project has helped build responsibility, independence, and a stronger sense of care for the tools we use every day for learning. We are so grateful for your support of our school community!","fullyFundedDate":1771287567756,"projectUrl":"project/taking-care-of-our-tech/9848090/","projectTitle":"Taking Care of Our Tech!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kali","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8012705_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634913666877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8012705"},{"teacherId":8012705,"projectId":9891816,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Mental Health Tools in the Classroom.\" Your generosity has had an incredible impact on both our students and staff.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our classrooms are now equipped with sensory headphones and sand timers, which are being used in designated \"Take a Break\" spaces. These spaces have quickly become an essential part of our school day, giving students a safe and supportive environment to pause, reset, and practice important emotion regulation skills.\r\n\r\nStudents are learning how to recognize their feelings and use coping strategies to manage strong emotions in a healthy way. The tools you provided help make these moments more structured and effective, allowing students to return to learning feeling calmer and more in control.\r\n\r\nWe have already seen meaningful changes—students are more equipped to handle challenges, and staff feel more confident supporting them in real time. Instead of disruptions leading to lost learning time, we are seeing growth, resilience, and stronger relationships within the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create spaces where students feel supported not just academically, but emotionally as well. Your kindness is making a lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1768438593154,"projectUrl":"project/mental-health-tools-in-the-classroom/9891816/","projectTitle":"Mental Health Tools in the Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kali","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8012705_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634913666877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8012705"},{"teacherId":8012705,"projectId":9746700,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Warming Up for Fall.\" Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in the daily lives of our students.\r\n\r\nOur school serves a high population of students experiencing homelessness and economic hardship, and something as simple as having a warm, comfortable sweatshirt can have a powerful impact. Because of you, our students now have access to uniform sweatshirts that help them stay warm, feel more confident, and focus on learning instead of discomfort.\r\n\r\nWe've already seen the difference in our classrooms—students are more settled, more present, and ready to engage. Your support has helped remove a barrier that might otherwise keep students distracted or even out of school on colder days.\r\n\r\nBeyond the physical warmth, your kindness has shown our students that people care about them and their success. That message is just as important as the sweatshirts themselves.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our students and helping us create a more supportive and equitable learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1768438592703,"projectUrl":"project/warming-up-for-fall/9746700/","projectTitle":"Warming Up for Fall!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kali","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8012705_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634913666877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8012705"},{"teacherId":9068036,"projectId":7422339,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous support in funding my project through DonorsChoose. Your kindness and commitment to education have made a meaningful difference in my classroom, and I truly appreciate your willingness to invest in my students' learning experience. Because of you, I am able to provide engaging resources and opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise.\r\n\r\nYour contribution goes far beyond materials—it helps inspire curiosity, build confidence, and create a more enriching environment for my students. Thank you for believing in both my students and me. Your support reminds us that there are people who care deeply about education and our success, and we are so thankful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1686751689964,"projectUrl":"project/ready-for-a-groovy-year/7422339/","projectTitle":"Ready For A Groovy Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9068036_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1686698363353","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/misslaurensullivan"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_60889","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":278,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":20,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":69,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":72.8,"schoolId":60889,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kensington International School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kensington International School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/springfield-public-school-district/kensington-avenue-elementary-school/60889"}
Join the 313 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Kensington International School is
an urban public school
in Springfield, Massachusetts that is part of Springfield Public School District.
It serves 278 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.9:1.
Its teachers have had 405 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 5
278 Students
20 Teachers
31 Kensington AveContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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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
90%
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.
Kensington International School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Aug 31, 2026
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.
Kensington International School
$225,604
raised using DonorsChoose
405
projects
funded
58
teachers
funded
313
donors
70
projects
for
basic supplies
57
projects for
technology
26
projects for
books
15
projects
for
art supplies
Kensington International School has received support from
228 individuals from Massachusetts and
85 individuals out-of-state.