{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Leith Walk Elementary School 245","outOfStateSupporters":40.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9365114,"projectId":9698671,"letterContent":"The STEAM Legends Pre-K project has transformed the way our youngest learners engage with education by introducing technology and hands-on exploration at the earliest stages of development. Its impact can be seen in several powerful ways:\r\n\r\nEarly Technology Integration: Students are learning to use age-appropriate digital tools, coding toys, and interactive resources that build comfort with technology from the start. This early exposure helps them see technology as a tool for creativity and discovery rather than just entertainment.\r\n\r\nCritical Thinking Development: The project encourages children to ask questions, test ideas, and reflect on outcomes. Whether they are building structures, experimenting with materials, or solving puzzles, they are practicing how to think critically and make decisions. \r\n\r\nProblem-Solving Skills: Students are challenged to find solutions through trial and error, collaboration, and creativity. These experiences help them develop resilience, adaptability, and confidence in their ability to overcome challenges.\r\n\r\nEmpowered Learners: Most importantly, the project fosters a sense of independence and curiosity. Children begin to see themselves as capable problem-solvers and innovators, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.","fullyFundedDate":1758202976714,"projectUrl":"project/steam-legends-pre-k/9698671/","projectTitle":"Steam Legends Pre-K","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duvall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9365114"},{"teacherId":3144565,"projectId":9531875,"letterContent":"Thanks to your kindness, our classroom is now filled with Books, Balance, and Brain Breaks—and the difference has been immediate and powerful. The headphones have helped transform our independent work time into focused, peaceful learning. Students who used to get distracted easily are now locked in and excited to listen to stories, complete digital tasks, and engage without all the background noise. One student even said, \"I feel like I have my own little bubble to think in!\"\r\n\r\nOur calming corner has become a safe, trusted space for students to pause, breathe, and regulate their emotions. The first time they saw the cozy seating, sensory tools, and visuals, they literally gasped and asked, \"Is this really for us?\" Watching students take ownership of their emotions and choose to use the space when needed has been so rewarding. And our new bookshelf? It's been buzzing with excitement—students rush over during reading time to explore new titles, and we're already building a culture of book-sharing and thoughtful conversations.\r\n\r\nThis project didn't just bring supplies—it brought calm, focus, and joy into our learning space. As we continue working on emotional regulation and building strong reading habits, these resources will remain a key part of our growth. Thank you for investing in my students' hearts and minds—you've truly made a lasting impact. 💛","fullyFundedDate":1758851765997,"projectUrl":"project/books-balance-and-brain-breaks/9531875/","projectTitle":"Books, Balance, and Brain Breaks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Woolford","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3144565_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754317707998","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3144565"},{"teacherId":9433022,"projectId":9524441,"letterContent":"When we received the box of donated puppets, my 5th graders and I were filled with excitement and gratitude. The students eagerly gathered around as we unboxed the puppets, their faces lighting up with anticipation. Many of them have always been interested in performing puppet shows, and this donation made it possible for more students to participate at once. They immediately began planning how they could use the puppets to retell traditional stories we've been studying in class. It was heartwarming to see their creativity and collaboration come alive as they took turns developing characters, rehearsing lines, and bringing each puppet to life.\r\n\r\nI also introduced the puppets to my preschool students during one of our storytelling sessions. It was their very first experience using puppets, and the room was filled with laughter, curiosity, and engagement. Some of the younger children had a little difficulty manipulating the puppet mouths because their hands were so small, but they didn't give up—they kept practicing and helping one another. The puppets sparked a vibrant discussion about emotions, storytelling, and imagination, allowing each child to express themselves in new and joyful ways.\r\n\r\nThese puppets have already made a lasting impact across multiple grade levels, helping to deepen creativity, storytelling, and communication skills. As our next step, my students will continue to use the puppets to perform short skits that connect with our literacy lessons and cultural stories. We're so thankful to our donor for this generous contribution—it has truly brought learning to life in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1760730131602,"projectUrl":"project/around-the-world-with-puppets-a-global/9524441/","projectTitle":"Around the World with Puppets: A Global Drama Experience","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9433022_orig.jpg?crop=799,799,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705181566231","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9433022"},{"teacherId":9721965,"projectId":9313191,"letterContent":"The feelings and emotions books have opened up important conversation in the classroom and are helping my students recognize and express their emotions. The Koala Breathing Bear is a big hit, especially during moments of anxiety and overstimulation. I also us it to practice deep breathing with the entire class. The weighted dog is also a very loved item. It offers a calming presence and a sense of comfort to students who need a little sensory input to feel secure. The wiggle bands have allowed students to move while remaining seated and helps those students that need to stim. \r\n\r\nThe gumball machine has been implemented as an incentive for positive rewards. The machine has been filled with capsules with slips of incentives like Lunch Bunch with the Teacher, Slippers in the Classroom, Extra Computer Time. The students are working hard to earn their token for a chance to get to use the machine.","fullyFundedDate":1746786304950,"projectUrl":"project/calm-connect-and-celebrate-supporting/9313191/","projectTitle":"Calm, Connect, and Celebrate: Supporting Social-Emotional Growth in 2nd Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jacobs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9721965"},{"teacherId":9721965,"projectId":9138168,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support, that has provided classroom materials that have truly transformed the learning experience for my students.\r\nThe individual white boards have made an amazing impact on classroom engagement. Each student now has the ability to actively participate in lessons by writing & displaying their responses. This simple tool has made learning more interactive, the kids feel like they are on a game show when we use them. It also allows me to quickly assess understanding.\r\n\r\nThe individual erasers may seem like a small change, but the kids were so excited for them! They no longer have to wait to share to use just a few erasers in the classroom. We've gained back valuable instructional minutes, previously lost passing and sharing supplies, time we now use for meaningful learning.\r\n\r\nThe kids absolutely love the hands-on learning games. They think they are just fun to play. To me they are more than just fun - they allow my students to build their number fluency and problem-solving skills. Thank you again for helping create a classroom environment that supports active learning, student voice, and joy.","fullyFundedDate":1742923168890,"projectUrl":"project/welcome-to-the-fun-side-of-math/9138168/","projectTitle":"Welcome to the Fun Side of Math!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jacobs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9721965"},{"teacherId":9365114,"projectId":9086163,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for the generous provision of the Beanbag Learning Center, Lakeshore Hopscotch Carpet, and Fun Fitness Dice for Kids, which have made a meaningful difference in our classroom environment. These tools have brought new life to our classroom, merging physical activity with learning in an engaging and developmentally enriching way. The Beanbag Learning Center encourages movement while reinforcing academic skills such as counting, spelling, and color recognition. \r\n\r\nThe Lakeshore Hopscotch Carpet has quickly become a favorite among our learners, offering a vibrant and accessible way to integrate physical movement with foundational concepts like number sequence and spatial awareness. With the Fun Fitness Dice for Kids, movement breaks have turned into joyful moments of camaraderie and exercise. Students are excited to participate and improve coordination through targeted, playful activities.\r\n\r\nTogether, these resources have helped transform our classroom into a space that nurtures both body and mind, supporting the holistic development of every child. Thank you for investing in tools that bring lasting joy, encourage lifelong healthy habits, and make learning come alive.","fullyFundedDate":1746781526687,"projectUrl":"project/fun-and-fitness-learning-in-the-classroo/9086163/","projectTitle":"Fun and Fitness Learning in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duvall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9365114"},{"teacherId":4579014,"projectId":9283423,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my DonorsChoose project! Because of you, we are now more organized, efficient, and better equipped to support student learning especially in literacy.\r\n\r\nThe students were so excited when the materials arrived. They helped unpack boxes and immediately began asking questions about what everything was for. Their faces lit up when they realized the new bins, shelves, and tools would help keep our materials neat and give them easier access to their books and learning materials.\r\n\r\nWe're already putting the materials to good use. I created a new literacy station using the organizers you helped fund, and it's become a class favorite during small group time. Students have more independence and ownership over their learning now that they can clearly see and access the resources they need.\r\n\r\nThese new tools have laid the foundation for a smoother and more focused learning environment, which means more time spent on what really matters growing as readers and thinkers. Thank you again for your support and for making such a meaningful impact in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746787340000,"projectUrl":"project/organization-needed/9283423/","projectTitle":"Organization needed!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Richards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4579014_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523896175797","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/aisharichards"},{"teacherId":549851,"projectId":9336800,"letterContent":"The children love the new additions to our classroom. We are using the new resources in our math learning centers. \r\n They are using the sensory spheres to learn about texture and they are learning new vocabulary and reinforcing previously learned vocabulary as well.\r\n The wooden puzzles contain several in a pack so there are enough for the children to use and they get so excited when they are able to put the challenging puzzles together by themselves. The gold medals make them feel proud of themselves after working hard on a project.\r\n Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom. These items help us to learn so much.","fullyFundedDate":1746998820002,"projectUrl":"project/help-make-prekindergarten-math-centers-f/9336800/","projectTitle":"Help Make Prekindergarten Math Centers Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McLaurin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp549851_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701042752682","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/549851"},{"teacherId":549851,"projectId":9161391,"letterContent":"The children love the new additions to our classroom. We are using the new resources in our learning centers. The children are using the dolls in the housekeeping center and in the calming corner when they have big emotions and need to calm themselves. \r\n They are using the sensory spheres to learn about texture in the Sensory Center and the colored rice in the sensory bin to learn about comparing quantities.\r\n The wooden puzzles contain several in a pack so there are enough for the children to use and they get so excited when they are able to put the challenging puzzles together by themselves.\r\n Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom. These items help us to learn so much.","fullyFundedDate":1746494599838,"projectUrl":"project/enhanced-sensory-opportunities-for-prek/9161391/","projectTitle":"Enhanced Sensory Opportunities for PreK Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McLaurin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp549851_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701042752682","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/549851"},{"teacherId":3110096,"projectId":9296643,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting our DonorsChoose project. Because of you, my 3rd–5th grade students will soon enjoy a more comfortable and inviting small group environment with the addition of cozy couches and seating.\r\n\r\nThese materials will help transform our small group area into a warm, welcoming space where students feel safe, valued, and ready to learn. Creating a calm, cozy atmosphere is especially important for building strong relationships, fostering open discussions, and encouraging deeper engagement during small group instruction.\r\n\r\nI know that this comfortable setting will make a big difference for students who may struggle with focus, anxiety, or motivation. Having a dedicated space that feels more like home than a traditional classroom will help them relax, connect with others, and take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this vision a reality. Your support is helping create a classroom that meets students' academic and emotional needs—and they are going to love it.","fullyFundedDate":1746787284457,"projectUrl":"project/small-groups-big-impact-a-welcoming-sp/9296643/","projectTitle":"Small Groups, Big Impact: A Welcoming Space for Focused Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Douglas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3110096_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746663438857","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdouglas6"},{"teacherId":3110096,"projectId":9295186,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of your kindness, my 3rd–5th grade students now have access to engaging literacy centers from Lakeshore that will help them strengthen both fluency and comprehension skills.\r\n\r\nI am so excited to begin using these centers with my students during small group instruction and independent practice. The hands-on activities are designed to meet a variety of learning needs and will allow students to build reading confidence through structured, meaningful tasks. With these resources, students will be able to practice reading aloud with expression, improve their understanding of texts, and develop key strategies for making inferences, summarizing, and more.\r\n\r\nThese centers will also help me differentiate instruction more effectively, ensuring that all students receive the targeted support they need to grow as readers. I know these materials will make a lasting difference in their literacy development.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in their education and giving them tools that will support their success.","fullyFundedDate":1746787260876,"projectUrl":"project/focused-and-fun-learning-activities-tha/9295186/","projectTitle":"Focused and Fun: Learning Activities that Spark Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Douglas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3110096_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746663438857","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdouglas6"},{"teacherId":3110096,"projectId":9294776,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of your kindness, my 3rd–5th grade students now have access to beautiful sets of chapter books—including Tuck Everlasting, Charlotte's Web, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, and The One and Only Ivan—to use during literature circles in small groups.\r\n\r\nI am so excited to introduce these powerful stories to my students. These books are filled with rich vocabulary, complex characters, and meaningful themes that will spark thoughtful conversations and deep connections. During literature circles, students will have the opportunity to collaborate, analyze texts, and grow as readers through small group discussions.\r\n\r\nMany of my students are already looking forward to getting their own copies and diving into these engaging books. I know these titles will inspire both reluctant and enthusiastic readers alike, helping them build confidence, empathy, and a true love of reading.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible. Your support puts high-quality literature directly into students' hands and helps create a classroom where all learners feel valued and empowered.","fullyFundedDate":1746787153445,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-spark-brilliance-building-ou/9294776/","projectTitle":"Books That Spark Brilliance: Building Our Small Group Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Douglas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3110096_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746663438857","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdouglas6"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_64394","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":910,"numTeachers":61,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":91,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":59.1,"schoolId":64394,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Leith Walk Elementary School 245 on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Leith Walk Elementary School 245","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maryland/baltimore-city-public-school-district/leith-walk-elementary-school-245/64394"}