{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"KIPP District of Columbia - Leap Academy","outOfStateSupporters":68.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8690179,"projectId":9929610,"letterContent":"I want to send a big thank you to all of the donors who supported our project, \"Little Learners, Big Imagination—One Magna-Tile at a Time.\" Your generosity means so much to our classroom. Because of you, my students now have materials that spark creativity, imagination, and hands-on learning every day.\r\n\r\nWhen the Magna-Tiles arrived, the students were so excited. Their faces lit up as they started building right away—creating houses, towers, animal homes, and even little cities. It was amazing to watch them work together, share ideas, and problem-solve while building. These moments help develop their creativity, teamwork, and early STEM skills.\r\n\r\nThe Magna-Tiles have quickly become a favorite in our classroom. My students love exploring new ways to build and create during center time, and I love seeing their confidence grow as they bring their ideas to life.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and helping support their learning and imagination. Your kindness is truly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1765568899965,"projectUrl":"project/little-learners-big-imaginationone-mag/9929610/","projectTitle":"Little Learners, Big Imagination—One Magna-Tile at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8690179_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y78&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764304314018","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8690179"},{"teacherId":9080728,"projectId":9899666,"letterContent":"The donation of our claw machine has truly transformed the energy and excitement in my preschool classroom at KIPP DC. What may seem like a simple prize machine has become a powerful motivational tool that boosts attendance, reinforces positive behavior, and builds early academic confidence. Each morning, students eagerly rush through the door with bright eyes and hopeful smiles, knowing that consistent attendance and effort earn them tokens for a turn at the claw machine. The anticipation alone has created a joyful routine that makes coming to school feel special, celebrated, and rewarding. \r\n\r\nWe are using the claw machine as part of our \"Show Up and Shine\" attendance initiative. Students earn tokens for on-time arrival, active participation, and teamwork. I will never forget the moment one of my quieter students carefully maneuvered the claw, successfully picked up a small prize, and proudly exclaimed, \"I did it!\" The entire class erupted in cheers. When students first saw the machine, their faces lit up with pure excitement—wide smiles, jumping feet, and endless questions about how they could earn a turn. It instantly became a symbol of possibility and celebration.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are integrating the claw machine into our upcoming math and social-emotional learning lessons. Because of your generosity, our classroom environment is filled with motivation, structure, and joy. Your support has not only increased attendance—it has strengthened our classroom community and reminded our preschoolers that showing up every day truly matters.","fullyFundedDate":1766067144785,"projectUrl":"project/grab-greatness-encouraging-daily-attend/9899666/","projectTitle":"Grab Greatness: Encouraging Daily Attendance","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kucheria Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9080728_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690990835305","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9080728"},{"teacherId":10106381,"projectId":9929233,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, \"Building Christmas Magic\" truly came to life in our classroom! When the materials arrived, my students' eyes lit up with pure excitement. They could hardly wait to explore everything. Watching their faces as they discovered the new resources was such a special moment — they immediately began building, creating, and sharing ideas with one another. Your support didn't just bring supplies; it brought joy, imagination, and meaningful learning experiences to our classroom.\r\n\r\nWe have been using the materials during our holiday-themed centers, where students are practicing early literacy, math, and social skills through hands-on play. Whether they are building together, sorting and counting, or creating festive crafts, they are strengthening fine motor skills, learning to cooperate, and expressing their creativity. One of my favorite moments was hearing them proudly explain what they built and how they worked together to make it happen. Their confidence and engagement have grown so much.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom feels even more magical this season. These resources will continue to support hands-on learning and joyful discovery long after the holidays are over. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their growth. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on their little hearts and big imaginations.","fullyFundedDate":1766067053148,"projectUrl":"project/building-christmas-magic/9929233/","projectTitle":"Building Christmas Magic","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brooks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10106381_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755200540604","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10106381"},{"teacherId":10091836,"projectId":9955945,"letterContent":"Your generosity has transformed learning in my PreK-4 classroom! With the new pretend play medical supplies, students have been fully engaged in exploring the roles of doctors, veterinarians, optometrists, and dentists. Each center is stocked with tangible items: stethoscopes, bandages, glasses, dental tools, and animal care props, that allow students to care for their \"patients\" in a hands on and meaningful way. These supplies have made learning about health, empathy, and responsibility come alive. Students practice important skills like checking vitals, comforting patients, and problem solving when their animals or classmates \"need help.\"","fullyFundedDate":1769180629447,"projectUrl":"project/medical-unit/9955945/","projectTitle":"Medical Unit","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mickel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10091836"},{"teacherId":10091836,"projectId":9746958,"letterContent":"Once my students saw the treasure box filled with prizes like slime, Hot Wheels cars, Dum Dums, stickers, Play-Doh, and small balls, their motivation soared. Students were eager to make positive choices, follow directions, and participate in class because they knew their hard work could earn a reward.\r\n\r\nThe treasure box has not only made learning more fun, but it has also helped reinforce our classroom expectations. Students are celebrating their successes, cheering for one another, and showing more independence in managing their behavior. The joy on their faces when they earn a prize is priceless, and it has created a classroom culture where positive behavior is noticed and celebrated.","fullyFundedDate":1760534654778,"projectUrl":"project/rewards-galore/9746958/","projectTitle":"Rewards Galore","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mickel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10091836"},{"teacherId":9080728,"projectId":9444149,"letterContent":"The *STEM My Brain* project with LEGOs has had a powerful impact on learning in the Green Caterpillar classroom at by giving students hands-on opportunities to explore engineering, creativity, and problem-solving. Students use the LEGOs during structured STEM centers and free-build time to design towers, vehicles, and imaginative structures while practicing collaboration and communication. One meaningful classroom moment occurred when students were challenged to build the tallest structure that could stand on its own. They tested their designs, made adjustments after failures, and worked together to strengthen their build. \r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the LEGOs, their excitement was immediate and joyful. Many students eagerly reached for the pieces, sharing ideas and asking questions about what they could create. Even students who are typically hesitant to participate became engaged, confidently building and explaining their creations to peers. The LEGOs encouraged students to use descriptive language such as *connect, stack, balance,* and *strong*, while also promoting turn-taking, leadership, and teamwork.\r\n\r\nBecause of our donors' generosity, students are now ready to deepen their learning through more intentional STEM challenges. The next steps include integrating LEGOs into our current lessons by building structures that represent letters, numbers, and real-world objects connected to our classroom themes. Students will begin planning their designs, following simple build challenges, and reflecting on what worked and what they would change. These experiences continue to strengthen early math, literacy, and STEM foundations while inspiring creativity and confidence in every aspect of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1760447427840,"projectUrl":"project/stem-my-brain/9444149/","projectTitle":"STEM my Brain","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kucheria Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9080728_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690990835305","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9080728"},{"teacherId":8484581,"projectId":9439569,"letterContent":"We want to express our deepest gratitude for your support. We have introduced sensory into every aspect of the day to make our scholars transition to school a positive one. Your contributions have helped create a warm, nurturing, and responsive learning environment—one that truly meets our students where they are and supports them in becoming their best selves. It takes a village to make meaningful change, and your partnership has made a real difference in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your ongoing support, your thoughtful collaboration, and your generosity. Our students feel it every single day, and we see the impact reflected in their smiles, their confidence, and their eagerness to learn. We are incredibly grateful for you.","fullyFundedDate":1754598375150,"projectUrl":"project/inclusive-reading-environment-accessibl/9439569/","projectTitle":"Inclusive Reading Environment: Accessible, Safe, and Soothing for Everyone","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Q","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8484581_orig.png?crop=262,262,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767383623048","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/educatormsque"},{"teacherId":10106381,"projectId":9524774,"letterContent":"Since receiving the Cricut machine, I have been using it to create custom classroom materials that support our lessons and spark student creativity. I design and cut shapes, letters, images, and themed pieces that students then decorate, assemble, and personalize. These materials have been especially helpful for art-integrated lessons, seasonal projects, and hands-on activities that allow students to express themselves while reinforcing academic skills.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, they were excited and eager to begin decorating. They loved having unique, high-quality pieces made just for them, and many immediately shared ideas about colors, patterns, and designs they wanted to use. The materials helped increase focus and enthusiasm, making activities feel special and meaningful.\r\n\r\nNext, I will continue using the Cricut to prepare materials that align with current classroom lessons, including literacy, math, and thematic units. Students will decorate and complete projects that strengthen fine motor skills, creativity, and confidence. Thanks to our donors, I'm able to provide engaging, personalized learning experiences that make our classroom feel vibrant and inviting every day.","fullyFundedDate":1760534656727,"projectUrl":"project/sweet-motivation-for-growing-minds/9524774/","projectTitle":"Sweet Motivation for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brooks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10106381_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755200540604","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10106381"},{"teacherId":8860050,"projectId":9017320,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! Your generous donation of gloves, Method cleaning spray, Kleenex, Lysol wipes, and Purell hand sanitizing wipes has made a huge difference in keeping our PreK 4 learning environment clean, healthy, and welcoming. With little ones exploring, creating, and learning every day, these supplies help us maintain a safe and comfortable space for everyone. Your kindness ensures that we can focus on what matters most, helping our students grow, learn, and thrive together. We are so grateful for your care and support!","fullyFundedDate":1738678297520,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-me-strong/9017320/","projectTitle":"Keeping Me Strong","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bowman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8860050_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704597638713","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8860050"},{"teacherId":8860050,"projectId":8904519,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom STEM station! My PreK 4 students are absolutely loving the Magna-Tiles, rocks, animals, and books you helped provide. These engaging materials have turned our classroom into a space full of curiosity, creativity, and discovery. Each day, students are building structures, sorting objects, and exploring textures while learning about science, math, and the world around them. Your kindness has truly enriched their early learning experiences and inspired a lifelong love of discovery!","fullyFundedDate":1734536321177,"projectUrl":"project/science-eyes/8904519/","projectTitle":"Science Eyes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bowman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8860050_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704597638713","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8860050"},{"teacherId":8860050,"projectId":8916338,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Having a variety of art supplies has allowed my PreK 4 students to explore their creativity through hands-on, engaging art activities. The art supplies lasted the entire school year and I was able to begin this school year with a few supplies. My students are developing fine motor skills, self-expression, and confidence as they create colorful masterpieces. Your kindness has truly made a difference in helping our youngest learners experience the joy of art every day.","fullyFundedDate":1734536321407,"projectUrl":"project/endless-art/8916338/","projectTitle":"Endless Art","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bowman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8860050_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704597638713","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8860050"},{"teacherId":9080728,"projectId":9284012,"letterContent":"The stackable storage bins have been such a game changer in our classroom. The students are now able to easily find and return materials for literacy centers, math small groups and during flex art activities. I have even been able to provide studens with independence which helps keep the classroom clean with the various supply stations. One of our favorite projects so far was a math sorting activity where students used the bins to organize shapes, counters, and number cards. They loved being able to grab what they needed quickly without waiting for me to pass things out, and it made the lesson flow so much smoother. \r\n\r\nOur next step is to use the bins as part of our literacy stations. Each bin will hold a different activity—word building, reading games, and writing prompts—so students can rotate through with everything ready to go. This organization will help them stay focused on learning while building responsibility for taking care of materials.","fullyFundedDate":1746699558828,"projectUrl":"project/assessment-oasis-where-learning-meets-pl/9284012/","projectTitle":"Assessment Oasis Where Learning Meets Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kucheria Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9080728_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690990835305","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9080728"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_95049","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":226,"numTeachers":12,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":96,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - Pre-K","studentTeacherRatio":"18.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":31.3,"schoolId":95049,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about KIPP District of Columbia - Leap Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"KIPP District of Columbia - Leap Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/district-of-columbia/kipp-dc-public-schools/kipp-leap/95049"}