{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Lowell Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":21.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9339774,"projectId":8118919,"letterContent":"Having this iPad as a dedicated part of my office over the last several months has been a total game-changer. Before this, I was constantly scrambling to figure out how to bridge the language gap, often having to rely on whatever device was handy or just making do with broken communication. Having a permanent, reliable tool that stays right here in the counseling space means I'm always ready to help a student or a family the second they walk through the door. It has become a staple of my daily routine, and I honestly can't imagine going back to the way I was doing things before.\r\n\r\nIt's been especially helpful during those high-stress moments when a student is in crisis and can't find the English words to explain what's wrong. Instead of the situation escalating because of a misunderstanding, I can just grab the iPad and we can get on the same page immediately. It has made my office feel like a much more professional and safe space for our diverse families. They know that when they come to see me, I have the tools ready to actually listen to them. It's been nine months of much smoother meetings and much better support for my kids.","fullyFundedDate":1707420756093,"projectUrl":"project/translation-needs-in-our-diverse-school/8118919/","projectTitle":"Translation Needs in Our Diverse School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Angela","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9339774_orig.jpg?crop=2257,2257,x1236,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749515395478","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9339774"},{"teacherId":9339774,"projectId":9402859,"letterContent":"The transformation of my counseling office has been profound. Before this project, the room felt like a standard, sterile school office. Now, it is a sensory-rich environment that immediately communicates safety to my students. The new layout and materials have allowed me to create a \"peace corner\" where students can go to self-regulate without feeling like they are being watched or judged. It's no longer just a room; it's a therapeutic tool in itself. It's also a space that other staff and teachers utilize for students and for themselves at time, it has really transformed the feel of the room having so many sensory, inclusion, and calming items available for students.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping me turn this vision into a reality. In social work, the environment is often called the 'third teacher,' and your gift has allowed me to create a space that teaches my students they are worthy of comfort and peace. I've already seen students who used to be hesitant to enter my office now asking to come in just to take a 'reset' break. Your generosity has provided the physical foundation for the emotional healing that happens here every day.","fullyFundedDate":1759547751318,"projectUrl":"project/transforming-our-counseling-space-for-st/9402859/","projectTitle":"Transforming Our Counseling Space for Student Well-Being","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Angela","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9339774_orig.jpg?crop=2257,2257,x1236,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749515395478","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9339774"},{"teacherId":9339774,"projectId":9791808,"letterContent":"This library has opened up the world to my students right here in our classroom. Many of my students come from families with global roots, and seeing stories of migration and international resilience has been incredibly healing for them. It has helped transform our social work space into a hub of global empathy and understanding.\r\nI've been using these materials to help students see their own personal challenges as part of a larger human experience. We use the stories of global change-makers to inspire our own \"school-wide\" acts of kindness and advocacy. This project has given my students the tools to see themselves as powerful, capable citizens of a much larger world.","fullyFundedDate":1767216908991,"projectUrl":"project/brave-voices-bold-stories-building-an/9791808/","projectTitle":"Brave Voices, Bold Stories: Building an Inclusive Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Angela","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9339774_orig.jpg?crop=2257,2257,x1236,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749515395478","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9339774"},{"teacherId":9339774,"projectId":9791779,"letterContent":"This project has bridged a major gap in my curriculum. Before these materials arrived, I struggled to find SEL resources that didn't feel \"one size fits all.\" Now, I can tailor my emotional support to be culturally responsive. When we talk about big feelings like grief or anger, we are doing it through stories that respect and honor the diverse backgrounds my students come from.\r\nI am using these books daily to help students navigate complex emotions in a way that feels authentic to them. It has made my counseling sessions much more effective because the students feel that their culture and their feelings are being treated with equal respect. Having these high-quality, diverse resources has elevated the level of care I can provide to every student.","fullyFundedDate":1766342372953,"projectUrl":"project/real-books-for-real-kids-facing-real-lif/9791779/","projectTitle":"Real Books for Real Kids Facing Real Life","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Angela","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9339774_orig.jpg?crop=2257,2257,x1236,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749515395478","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9339774"},{"teacherId":9339774,"projectId":9791837,"letterContent":"The impact of these books on our school community has been immediate. By having stories that explicitly feature neurodiversity and different physical abilities, I've been able to normalize these experiences for all my students. It has shifted the conversation from \"why is that person different?\" to \"how can we make sure everyone is included?\" This library has given us a shared language for empathy.\r\nIn my small group sessions, we've used these texts to talk about self-advocacy and friendship. Students who rarely saw themselves in literature are now pointing to characters and saying, \"That's just like me.\" That moment of recognition is huge for their self-esteem. Your support has allowed me to create an environment where \"belonging\" is a visible, tangible reality for every child.","fullyFundedDate":1767216907827,"projectUrl":"project/sel-diversity-and-inclusion-in-action/9791837/","projectTitle":"SEL, Diversity, and Inclusion in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Angela","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9339774_orig.jpg?crop=2257,2257,x1236,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749515395478","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9339774"},{"teacherId":9339774,"projectId":9402929,"letterContent":"I finally got these books on the shelves this past week, and they're already getting a lot of use. It's been cool to see the kids just walk over and start flipping through stories that actually look like them and their families. Instead of me just talking at them about how to handle feelings, I can just hand them a book that hits on exactly what they're going through. It makes the whole session feel a lot more natural when we have something real to look at together.\r\nHonestly, having these updated stories has just made my daily work a lot smoother. I've noticed that some of my kids who usually stay pretty quiet are actually starting to speak up more because they recognize a character or a situation from their own life. It's been a busy week getting everything organized, but seeing a student actually get excited about a book in my office makes all the effort worth it. These aren't just sitting on a shelf; they're already becoming a regular part of how I check in with my students every day.","fullyFundedDate":1759251505572,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-build-us-diverse-stories-for/9402929/","projectTitle":"Books That Build Us: Diverse Stories for Social-Emotional Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Angela","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9339774_orig.jpg?crop=2257,2257,x1236,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749515395478","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9339774"},{"teacherId":9339774,"projectId":9402842,"letterContent":"This collection of social justice books has fundamentally changed the conversations we have in my social work classroom. For my students, social-emotional learning cannot be separated from the reality of the world they live in. By providing stories that tackle topics like fairness, activism, and systemic change, I am able to help them process the \"big feelings\" that come with navigating an unequal world. It has moved our sessions from just talking about personal coping skills to talking about collective resilience and the power of their own voices.\r\nI am using these books as a framework for helping students manage the stress and anxiety that often stem from social injustices they see or experience. We've been using these stories to practice \"courageous conversations,\" giving students a safe space to ask hard questions and develop a sense of agency. These resources are helping my students realize that emotional health isn't just about \"staying calm\"—it's about having the confidence and the vocabulary to stand up for themselves and their community.\r\n\r\nNow that these books are in the hands of my students, I've watched them become a bridge between the classroom and their lived experiences. I often see students pointing out parallels between the characters' struggles for justice and things they see in their own lives.","fullyFundedDate":1751099436972,"projectUrl":"project/social-justice-books-for-our-social-emot/9402842/","projectTitle":"Social Justice Books for Our Social Emotional Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Angela","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9339774_orig.jpg?crop=2257,2257,x1236,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749515395478","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9339774"},{"teacherId":9339774,"projectId":9402822,"letterContent":"The addition of this SEL library has provided the practical, daily \"language\" my students need to navigate their school day. Before this project was funded, I often had to rely on abstract explanations for complex feelings. Now, I have a physical resource for every situation—whether a student is dealing with a friendship conflict, a burst of anger, or a moment of deep anxiety. These books turn big, scary emotions into something manageable and relatable.\r\nI use these books as the \"anchor\" for almost every counseling session now. Having a story to read together lowers the pressure on the student; it allows them to talk about the character's feelings first, which eventually opens the door for them to talk about their own. I've seen students start to use the specific coping strategies they learned in these stories out on the playground and in their classrooms, proving that these resources are providing them with life skills that stick.","fullyFundedDate":1755230853360,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-build-our-social-emotional-learn/9402822/","projectTitle":"Help Us Build Our Social Emotional Learning Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Angela","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9339774_orig.jpg?crop=2257,2257,x1236,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749515395478","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9339774"},{"teacherId":9339774,"projectId":7961401,"letterContent":"The materials from this project have completely changed the \"vibe\" of my office. Instead of a sterile, clinical room, it now feels like a genuine sanctuary. When students come in mid-crisis, I no longer have to work as hard to get them to sit down and breathe; the environment does half the work for me. The soft lighting and tactile tools provide immediate sensory feedback that helps them ground themselves before we even start talking.\r\n\r\nSince the project was funded, I've seen a noticeable decrease in the time it takes for a student to de-escalate. Having a dedicated \"calm-down\" chair and sensory fidgets allows them to regulate their nervous systems physically. It's transformed my practice from just \"talking\" to providing a holistic, therapeutic experience where students feel safe the moment they cross the threshold.","fullyFundedDate":1703635038675,"projectUrl":"project/create-a-calm-and-welcoming-counseling-s/7961401/","projectTitle":"Create a Calm and Welcoming Counseling Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Angela","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9339774_orig.jpg?crop=2257,2257,x1236,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749515395478","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9339774"},{"teacherId":1078089,"projectId":9982459,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our classroom library. The new texts help students build vocabulary, strengthen comprehension skills like predicting and inferring, and explore important themes such as empathy, perseverance, and diverse perspectives. Reading in our classroom is active and engaging through read-alouds, partner discussions, small groups, and independent choice reading, all designed to build confidence and a love of reading.\r\n\r\nMany students are especially enjoying the new books. Reluctant readers are more motivated when they find stories that reflect their lives and match their interests, while others are excited by deeper characters and themes, often recommending books to peers. These texts have sparked meaningful conversations and a renewed excitement for reading, and we are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1767746012627,"projectUrl":"project/prancing-into-lunar-new-year/9982459/","projectTitle":"Prancing Into Lunar New Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rae","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1078089_orig.jpg?crop=489,489,x295,y295&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720654175150","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-raerichardson"},{"teacherId":1078089,"projectId":9890710,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. The materials you provided have greatly enhanced student learning, especially during our environmental science unit. In this unit, students take on the role of biomimicry engineers, studying and analyzing why certain organisms are more or less likely to survive in their environments. The interactive visuals allow students to explore adaptations, habitats, and human impact, making complex science concepts clearer, more engaging, and more meaningful for all learners across diverse abilities.","fullyFundedDate":1767169688905,"projectUrl":"project/glad-to-learn2-materials-to-make-langua/9890710/","projectTitle":"GLAD to Learn2: Materials to Make Language Continue to Bloom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rae","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1078089_orig.jpg?crop=489,489,x295,y295&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720654175150","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-raerichardson"},{"teacherId":1078089,"projectId":9888743,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support for the technology that is used in our classroom. The tools you provided have greatly enhanced student learning by supporting colored science vocabulary cards for instruction, student behavior charts, and daily schedules. Color-coded visuals help students better understand and retain concepts, while digital behavior charts clearly reinforce expectations and encourage positive choices. Having student schedules displayed and easily adjusted helps students anticipate transitions, stay organized, and feel secure, which leads to improved focus and learning.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about this technology is how interactive and visually engaging it is. Many students, especially those who benefit from structure and visual support, have responded very positively to the vibrant colors, clear routines, and real-time feedback. Students who once struggled with attention, transitions, or self-regulation are showing increased independence, confidence, and pride in their progress. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in creating a supportive, structured, and engaging learning environment, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1763577271235,"projectUrl":"project/making-a-bright-and-welcoming-classroom/9888743/","projectTitle":"Making a Bright and Welcoming Classroom for Everyone!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rae","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1078089_orig.jpg?crop=489,489,x295,y295&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720654175150","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-raerichardson"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_35961","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":393,"numTeachers":28,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":36,"percentWhite":15,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":19,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":78.7,"schoolId":35961,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Lowell Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Lowell Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/district-one-seattle-public-schools/lowell-elementary-school/35961"}