{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mary M Walsh Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4686768,"projectId":9506949,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Calm & Ready to Learn\" project! Your generosity has helped provide our students with valuable resources that promote emotional regulation, self-awareness, and a positive learning environment where every child can thrive.\r\n\r\nThe calming materials you provided—including sensory fidgets, breathing and mindfulness tools, visual timers, calming sensory resources, and other self-regulation supports—have become an important part of our classroom each day. These resources give students practical strategies for managing frustration, anxiety, excitement, and other big emotions so they can refocus and fully engage in learning.\r\n\r\nOne of the greatest changes we've seen is the way students have begun to recognize their own emotions and choose strategies that work best for them. Instead of becoming overwhelmed during challenging moments, many students now pause, use one of the calming tools, practice mindful breathing, and return to their work feeling more confident and in control. These small moments have made a tremendous difference in helping students build resilience and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nThe impact has extended beyond individual students. Our classroom has become a place where emotional wellness is openly discussed and supported. Students remind one another to use calming strategies, celebrate progress, and understand that everyone needs a moment to reset from time to time. These conversations have helped foster empathy, patience, and a stronger sense of community within our classroom.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided much more than classroom materials—it has equipped students with lifelong tools for managing emotions, strengthening self-confidence, and developing healthy coping skills that will benefit them far beyond this school year. Every day, these resources help students feel calm, supported, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in both their academic success and their social-emotional growth. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on our classroom, and we are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1755730393727,"projectUrl":"project/calm-ready-to-learn/9506949/","projectTitle":"Calm & Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leach","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4686768_orig.jpg?crop=2533,2533,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638891556348","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/allyson-leach"},{"teacherId":4686768,"projectId":9496873,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Rewards for Awesome Students\" project! Your generosity has helped us continue creating a school culture where positive choices, perseverance, kindness, and leadership are celebrated in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThe rewards you provided—including STEM building kits, arts and crafts activities, sports equipment, card and board games, sensory items, puzzles, and other exciting prizes—have brought so much joy to our students. Every month, students eagerly work toward earning points through positive behavior, responsible decision-making, and demonstrating our school values, knowing they have the opportunity to be recognized during our schoolwide assemblies.\r\n\r\nOur monthly prize wheel has become much more than a fun event—it has become a powerful motivator that encourages students to consistently make positive choices. It's common to hear students encouraging one another to keep earning points, reminding friends of our school expectations, or setting personal goals so they can qualify for the next celebration. Those conversations have helped reinforce that success comes from daily effort, not just one good day.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments is watching the excitement when students spin the prize wheel and discover what they've won. Whether it's a new game to enjoy with their family, a creative activity to complete at home, or a fun item they've been hoping to earn, every prize represents the hard work and positive character they've demonstrated throughout the month. Just as meaningful is the applause and encouragement they receive from classmates, creating a school community where students genuinely celebrate one another's success.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided more than exciting rewards—it has helped build confidence, strengthen positive habits, and create lasting memories for our students. Thank you for investing in a school culture that recognizes effort, celebrates growth, and reminds every child that their positive choices matter.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of our students and staff, thank you for making this project possible. Your kindness has made a lasting difference in our school community, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1755732005118,"projectUrl":"project/rewards-for-awesome-students/9496873/","projectTitle":"Rewards for Awesome Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leach","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4686768_orig.jpg?crop=2533,2533,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638891556348","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/allyson-leach"},{"teacherId":4686768,"projectId":9231358,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Organized & Inspired to Learn\" project! Your generosity has made a meaningful difference by helping us create a classroom that is organized, engaging, and designed to help every student succeed.\r\n\r\nThe organizational materials you provided—including storage bins, classroom organizers, labeled containers, learning supplies, and other classroom essentials—have transformed the way our classroom functions each day. Students can now easily locate the materials they need, transition more efficiently between activities, and spend more time learning instead of searching for supplies. These simple improvements have made our classroom more student-centered and have encouraged greater independence and responsibility.\r\n\r\nBeyond keeping our classroom organized, these materials have created an environment where students take pride in caring for their learning space. They enjoy helping keep materials organized, returning supplies to their designated places, and working together to maintain a classroom that is welcoming and ready for learning. It's been wonderful to watch students take ownership of their environment and recognize that everyone plays a role in creating a positive classroom community.\r\n\r\nOne of the greatest impacts has been the increased confidence students show when working independently. Whether gathering materials for a project, selecting the tools they need for a lesson, or cleaning up after an activity, students are becoming more self-sufficient and focused because everything has a place and is easily accessible.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided so much more than classroom supplies. You have helped create a learning environment that is calm, organized, and inspiring—one where students can focus on learning, collaborate with confidence, and develop lifelong habits of responsibility and organization.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and our entire classroom community, thank you for believing in our learners and investing in their success. Your kindness has had a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1744956737989,"projectUrl":"project/organized-inspired-to-learn/9231358/","projectTitle":"Organized & Inspired to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leach","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4686768_orig.jpg?crop=2533,2533,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638891556348","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/allyson-leach"},{"teacherId":4686768,"projectId":9151944,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Positive Mindsets, Happy Learners\" project! Your generosity has provided our students with meaningful resources that help strengthen their confidence, resilience, and social-emotional well-being every single day.\r\n\r\nThe materials you provided—including growth mindset books, affirmation cards, social-emotional learning activities, calming tools, journals, and classroom resources that encourage positive thinking—have become an important part of our daily routines. These resources help students recognize their strengths, work through challenges, celebrate progress, and understand that mistakes are valuable opportunities for learning and growth.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding moments has been hearing students naturally use the language we've practiced together. Phrases like, \"I can't do it...yet,\" \"I'll try a different strategy,\" and \"Mistakes help me learn\" have become common throughout our classroom. Watching students encourage one another, celebrate effort instead of perfection, and persevere through difficult tasks has shown just how impactful these resources have been.\r\n\r\nThe journals and reflection activities have also given students a safe space to express their thoughts, set personal goals, and recognize the progress they're making both academically and emotionally. These simple but powerful routines have helped students build self-awareness while creating a classroom culture where kindness, optimism, and perseverance are valued every day.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our students are developing skills that extend far beyond the classroom. They are learning how to face challenges with confidence, believe in their own abilities, support one another, and approach each day with a positive mindset. Those are lifelong skills that will continue to benefit them long after this school year.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in both their hearts and their minds. Your kindness has helped create a classroom where every child feels encouraged, capable, and empowered to grow. We are incredibly grateful for your support and the lasting impact you have made on our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1743135380033,"projectUrl":"project/positive-mindsets-happy-learners/9151944/","projectTitle":"Positive Mindsets & Happy Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leach","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4686768_orig.jpg?crop=2533,2533,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638891556348","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/allyson-leach"},{"teacherId":4686768,"projectId":9151738,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible generosity in supporting our \"Rewards for Awesome Students\" project! Because of your kindness, we have been able to continue celebrating students who consistently demonstrate perseverance, responsibility, kindness, leadership, and positive choices throughout the school year.\r\n\r\nOur monthly school assemblies have become one of the most anticipated events for students. Throughout each month, students work hard to earn points by making positive decisions, supporting their classmates, and showing what it means to be a respectful and responsible member of our school community. Seeing their excitement as they qualify for the prize wheel and eagerly wait to see what they've earned is truly unforgettable.\r\n\r\nThe variety of rewards you provided—including games, LEGO building sets, craft activities, sports equipment, plush prizes, STEM toys, and creative art supplies—has made every celebration feel special. Students love having so many different prizes to choose from, and it's wonderful to see rewards that encourage creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, active play, and family fun outside of school.\r\n\r\nBeyond the prizes themselves, this project has strengthened our positive school culture. Students frequently encourage one another to make good choices, celebrate each other's accomplishments, and set personal goals to earn enough points for the next assembly. The recognition has helped shift the focus from simply following expectations to taking pride in contributing positively to our school community.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments each month is watching the smiles, cheers, and applause as students celebrate not only their own success but also the achievements of their classmates. Those moments remind us that recognizing effort, growth, and character can be just as meaningful as celebrating academic accomplishments.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping us create joyful experiences that reinforce positive behavior and build confidence. Your generosity has provided more than just prizes—it has helped create lasting memories, strengthened our school community, and inspired students to continue making positive choices every day.\r\n\r\nFrom all of us, thank you for believing in our students and making this project possible!","fullyFundedDate":1741814492702,"projectUrl":"project/rewards-for-awesome-students/9151738/","projectTitle":"Rewards for Awesome Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leach","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4686768_orig.jpg?crop=2533,2533,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638891556348","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/allyson-leach"},{"teacherId":4686768,"projectId":9137665,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Brightening Our Classrooms\" project! Your generosity has transformed our learning space into a more welcoming, engaging, and comfortable environment where students are excited to learn each day.\r\n\r\nThe classroom materials you provided—including colorful décor, flexible seating options, organizational supplies, rugs, lighting, and other classroom enhancements—have made a tremendous difference in creating a space that feels warm, inviting, and student-centered. From the moment students walk through the door, they notice the difference and often comment on how comfortable and welcoming the classroom feels.\r\n\r\nThese improvements have done much more than brighten the room—they have helped improve student focus, engagement, and overall well-being. Students enjoy having flexible places to work independently or collaborate with classmates, while the organized learning spaces make it easier for them to access materials and take ownership of their learning. The calming atmosphere has also helped create a positive environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to do their best.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments has been watching students proudly show visitors around the classroom and explain how the different spaces help them learn. Whether choosing a comfortable spot to read, collaborating with classmates during group work, or simply appreciating the bright and welcoming atmosphere, students truly feel that this classroom belongs to them.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided so much more than classroom supplies—it has created an environment where students feel valued, inspired, and excited to come to school each day. A thoughtfully designed classroom sends a powerful message that their learning matters, and thanks to your support, our students have a space that reflects just that.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and our entire classroom community, thank you for believing in them and helping us create a classroom where every child can thrive. Your kindness has made a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1741813337019,"projectUrl":"project/brightening-our-classrooms/9137665/","projectTitle":"Brightening Our Classrooms!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leach","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4686768_orig.jpg?crop=2533,2533,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638891556348","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/allyson-leach"},{"teacherId":4686768,"projectId":9137644,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making our \"Calm & Ready to Learn\" project a reality! Your generosity has helped create a classroom environment where students have the tools they need to regulate their emotions, refocus their attention, and return to learning with confidence.\r\n\r\nThe calming resources you provided—including sensory fidgets, breathing tools, calming timers, sensory stones, and aromatherapy materials—have quickly become valuable parts of our daily classroom routines. Students are learning that everyone experiences moments of frustration, worry, or overwhelm, and that having healthy strategies to manage those emotions is an important life skill. Rather than seeing these tools as \"toys,\" students recognize them as supports that help them calm their minds and bodies so they can be successful learners.\r\n\r\nOne of the greatest impacts has been watching students independently identify when they need a moment to regulate. Whether using a breathing ball to practice deep breaths, watching a calming liquid timer, holding a sensory stone during a challenging task, or choosing another calming strategy, students are developing greater self-awareness and independence. These moments have reduced disruptions, increased time spent engaged in learning, and created a classroom culture where emotional wellness is valued just as much as academic growth.\r\n\r\nPerhaps my favorite part has been hearing students encourage one another by suggesting a calming strategy or reminding a classmate to take a few deep breaths before trying again. Those simple interactions demonstrate that they are not only learning to regulate their own emotions but are also building empathy and supporting one another.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom is more than just a place to learn academics—it's a place where students feel safe, supported, and equipped with lifelong tools for managing emotions and building resilience. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in both their academic success and their social-emotional well-being. Your kindness has made a lasting difference, and we are incredibly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1741812576482,"projectUrl":"project/calm-ready-to-learn/9137644/","projectTitle":"Calm & Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leach","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4686768_orig.jpg?crop=2533,2533,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638891556348","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/allyson-leach"},{"teacherId":4686768,"projectId":9045456,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Rewards for Awesome Students\" project! Your generosity has had an incredible impact on our school community by helping us recognize and celebrate students who consistently demonstrate positive behavior, leadership, perseverance, and kindness.\r\n\r\nEach month, our students eagerly work toward earning points through our schoolwide recognition system, knowing they'll have the opportunity to participate in our exciting monthly prize wheel during our school assemblies. The anticipation builds all month long, and hearing students cheer one another on as names are called has become one of our favorite traditions.\r\n\r\nThe prizes you provided have been a huge hit! Students have been thrilled to earn rewards such as LEGO sets, art supplies, sports balls, fidget toys, board games, craft kits, journals, books, and other fun activities they can enjoy at home with family and friends. These rewards are meaningful because they celebrate students' hard work while encouraging creativity, physical activity, and quality time beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the greatest impact has been the motivation these rewards have created. Students regularly talk about their goals, encourage classmates to make positive choices, and proudly celebrate one another's accomplishments. Our assemblies have become more than just a chance to win a prize—they are an opportunity to recognize the character, effort, and leadership that help make our school a positive place to learn.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, we've been able to reinforce the idea that hard work, perseverance, responsibility, and kindness are worth celebrating. Thank you for investing in our students and helping us create joyful experiences that motivate them to be their very best every day. Your support has strengthened our school culture and created memories that our students will carry with them long after the prizes have been won.\r\n\r\nFrom all of us, thank you for believing in our students and helping us celebrate their success!","fullyFundedDate":1740685855195,"projectUrl":"project/rewards-for-awesome-students/9045456/","projectTitle":"Rewards for Awesome Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leach","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4686768_orig.jpg?crop=2533,2533,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638891556348","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/allyson-leach"},{"teacherId":4686768,"projectId":9036809,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making our \"Managing Big Emotions\" project possible! Because of your generosity, my students were able to create their own personalized calming jars to use as a tool for managing emotions, reducing stress, and building self-regulation skills throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nThe excitement in our classroom was contagious as students carefully chose their colors, glitter, and decorations to make each calming jar uniquely their own. More importantly, they learned that these weren't just fun crafts—they were creating a personal strategy they could use whenever they felt frustrated, overwhelmed, anxious, or needed a moment to refocus. It was incredible to watch students take ownership of their jars and proudly explain when and how they planned to use them.\r\n\r\nSince creating the calming jars, students have continued to use them during moments when they need to slow down, take deep breaths, and regulate their emotions before returning to learning. Having a tangible tool has helped normalize conversations about emotions and reminded students that everyone experiences big feelings—and that there are healthy strategies we can use to manage them.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was hearing students encourage one another by saying, \"Go grab your calming jar,\" when a classmate needed a break. Watching them not only use the tools themselves but also support one another in practicing emotional regulation showed just how meaningful this project has been.\r\n\r\nYour generosity provided much more than classroom supplies. You gave my students lifelong strategies for recognizing and managing their emotions, building resilience, and creating a classroom culture where every child feels supported. These are skills that will benefit them not only this school year but for years to come.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and our entire classroom community, thank you for believing in them and investing in their social-emotional growth. Your kindness has made a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1741125241912,"projectUrl":"project/managing-big-emotions/9036809/","projectTitle":"Managing Big Emotions","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leach","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4686768_orig.jpg?crop=2533,2533,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638891556348","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/allyson-leach"},{"teacherId":9711609,"projectId":10160662,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom at this critical time of the year. Your generosity is helping my first-grade students stay focused and continue building important skills.\r\n\r\nWith the new headphones, students can fully participate in reading and phonics programs that require listening and concentration. This keeps learning time consistent and productive.\r\n\r\nThe walkie talkies have also made a big difference. They allow staff to communicate quickly and respond when support is needed, helping us maintain a safe and structured classroom environment.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these resources ensure that all students have what they need to stay engaged and succeed.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a meaningful difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1776259100722,"projectUrl":"project/staying-connected-and-focused-in-first-g/10160662/","projectTitle":"Staying Connected and Focused in First Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mullineaux","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9711609"},{"teacherId":9711609,"projectId":9897232,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through this project. Our students now have access to T-shirts that have become an important part of both our learning and our school community.\r\n\r\nIn STEM, students use these materials to explore the science of heat transfer with heat-transfer vinyl. They test ideas and experiment with temperature, pressure, and time while following the engineering design process: planning, creating, testing, and revising. This hands-on work helps them think like scientists and engineers.\r\n\r\nBeyond the classroom, these shirts bring students together during events like Chinese New Year, Summer Splash, and other school activities. Having these materials ensures all students can participate, feel included, and have what they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a meaningful difference in our classroom and school.","fullyFundedDate":1763555553846,"projectUrl":"project/heat-transfer-stem-project/9897232/","projectTitle":"Heat Transfer STEM Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mullineaux","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9711609"},{"teacherId":7644954,"projectId":9979225,"letterContent":"Thank you again for supporting our Chinese New Year celebration! Because of your generosity, our students enjoyed another meaningful hands-on activity that connected Chinese New Year with the ideas of new beginnings, community, and hope.\r\n\r\nStudents had so much fun designing their own flags and sharing the meaning behind their creations. It was wonderful to hear them explain their ideas while learning that, although cultures celebrate in different ways, many share the same values of unity, belonging, and fresh starts.\r\n\r\nAs someone who grew up celebrating Chinese New Year, I truly appreciate the opportunity to share my culture while helping students make connections to American history and their own lives. Thank you for making these meaningful experiences possible and for helping create such a memorable week for our students. We are so grateful for your continued support.","fullyFundedDate":1768006327931,"projectUrl":"project/chinese-new-year-and-new-beginnings-in-a/9979225/","projectTitle":"Chinese New Year and New Beginnings in America","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lambert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7644954_orig.jpg?crop=453,453,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690764628921","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7644954"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_60899","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":232,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":14,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":68,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":62.0,"schoolId":60899,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mary M Walsh Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mary M Walsh Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/springfield-public-school-district/mary-walsh-elementary-school/60899"}