{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mark Twain Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":21.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9443555,"projectId":9293618,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project, \"Sensory Friendly Classroom.\" Because of your kindness, our classroom now has a variety of sensory items that are making a meaningful difference every single day.\r\n\r\nThe sensory tools—such as fidget items, textured toys, and sensory lights have helped create a calmer, more inclusive environment where all students can feel safe, focused, and supported. These items give students healthy ways to self-regulate, manage stress, and stay engaged during learning activities.\r\n\r\nWhether it's helping students with sensory sensitivities feel more comfortable or simply giving them tools to stay calm and focused, your donation has brought peace and empowerment into our daily routine.\r\n\r\nYour generosity shows my students that people care about their well-being, their education, and their future. Thank you for making our classroom a better place to learn and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1746510179768,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-friendly-classroom/9293618/","projectTitle":"Sensory Friendly Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kimani","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9443555"},{"teacherId":9443555,"projectId":9299195,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose! Because of your kindness, we now have Tonies audiobox and several characters in our classroom—and the impact has been incredible.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the Toniebox and characters arrived, my students were excited. The combination of storytelling, and music has transformed our classroom environment. For many of my students, especially those who are early or reluctant readers, Tonies offer a new, engaging way to experience stories and language. This is also a learning center that the students can complete independently and answer questions about what is read to them. \r\n\r\nThe Toniebox has quickly become a favorite during independent learning time and centers. I've seen students who are normally hesitant to engage in reading independently light up as they listen to stories come to life through the characters. It's helping to build listening skills, vocabulary, and a love for storytelling—all while giving them a sense of ownership and independence.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping bring joy, literacy, and imagination into our classroom. Your support means the world to us.","fullyFundedDate":1752506726323,"projectUrl":"project/read-along-with-tonies/9299195/","projectTitle":"Read Along with Tonies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kimani","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9443555"},{"teacherId":4941774,"projectId":9175888,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of the A Little Spot of Emotion box sets and plushes to our classroom! Your kindness has brought not only a wonderful new set of books to our shelves but also meaningful opportunities for emotional learning, connection, and growth.\r\n\r\nWhile many people know the joy of reading a good book, teaching through books—especially about something as big as emotions—requires thoughtful tools. The Little Spot series has given us exactly that. These books introduce essential social-emotional skills like recognizing feelings, managing emotions, building confidence, and showing empathy—all in ways that are engaging and accessible for young learners.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading isn't just about decoding words—it's about making sense of ourselves and the world around us. During our morning meetings and literacy lessons, we read from the Little Spot books, use the plushes for role-playing, and talk about how we feel in different situations. Students are learning the language of emotions and discovering healthy ways to express and manage them. It's powerful to watch.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our classroom is a more compassionate, emotionally aware place. You've helped us create a learning environment where students not only grow academically, but also socially and emotionally—and that kind of growth lasts a lifetime.","fullyFundedDate":1743530342630,"projectUrl":"project/little-spot-of-emotions-education/9175888/","projectTitle":"Little Spot of Emotions Education","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Paulsell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4941774_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511661610839","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4941774"},{"teacherId":4941774,"projectId":9236396,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of the Doodles Help Handwriting books for our classroom! These engaging and thoughtfully designed texts have already made a meaningful difference in our students' learning, and we're so grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nWhile many people love reading, teaching students to become confident readers and writers involves much more than simply opening a book. The Doodles Help Handwriting series has introduced our students to essential pre-writing and writing skills in a fun, approachable way. Through doodling, tracing, and interactive prompts, students are developing fine motor control, letter formation, and the confidence to express themselves on paper—all while engaging with playful language and early literacy concepts.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading and writing are closely connected. During literacy time, students use the Doodles books to practice handwriting while engaging in phonics activities, story discussions, and creative writing. The books bring a sense of joy and ease to a task that can often feel frustrating for emerging writers. Instead of simply copying letters, they're learning in context—drawing, doodling, and laughing as they work on meaningful skills.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, handwriting practice has become one of the most anticipated parts of our day. Thank you for giving our students tools that are not only helping them learn to write, but helping them love to write. Your generosity is truly helping build the foundation for their future success.","fullyFundedDate":1744207012199,"projectUrl":"project/doodles-help-handwriting/9236396/","projectTitle":"Doodles Help Handwriting","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Paulsell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4941774_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511661610839","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4941774"},{"teacherId":4941774,"projectId":9175886,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing our classroom with a Toniebox and a wonderful collection of Tonie characters! Your contribution has made a tremendous impact on our students, and I'm excited to share how this new technology is helping them learn and grow every day.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, the Toniebox has become more than just a fun listening device—it's a powerful learning tool. Many of our students are developing their listening comprehension, imagination, and language skills through the engaging audio stories and songs. For young learners, especially those who are still building foundational literacy, the Toniebox provides an accessible, screen-free way to interact with storytelling and develop a love of books and language.\r\n\r\nWhat excites the students most about the Toniebox is how interactive and personalized it feels. They love choosing their own Tonie character, placing it on the box, and hearing a story or song come to life. The simple act of being in control of their own story time has empowered them, especially those who may struggle with more traditional learning methods. It's common now to hear students asking, \"Can I pick the next Tonie?\" with eager smiles and focused attention.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has brought so much joy, curiosity, and meaningful learning to our classroom. Thank you for believing in our students and for giving them this unique opportunity to explore storytelling and creativity through technology. 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Join the 142 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Mark Twain Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Springfield, Missouri that is part of Springfield School District R12.
It serves 353 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.1:1.
Its teachers have had 62 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
30%
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.
Mark Twain 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.
Mark Twain Elementary School
$21,336
raised using DonorsChoose
62
projects
funded
19
teachers
funded
142
donors
8
projects
for
basic supplies
4
projects for
technology
6
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Mark Twain Elementary School has received support from
112 individuals from Missouri and
30 individuals out-of-state.