{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"McKinley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":39.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7380130,"projectId":9952798,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping my classroom learn responsibility with a new, safe place to store our iPads and Big Books. We have enjoyed learning how to properly set each iPad on a tray and why it's important to take care of our technology. We have also practiced putting our big books back in a book shelf so they can be organized and not get ruined for the upcoming classes.\r\n\r\nWhen we came back from our holiday break, the kids noticed the new furniture pieces right away and became very curious. They were excited to learn that someone was kind enough to donate to our classroom so we could have materials needed to keep our things safe and organized. They learned how to write a thank you note as well!\r\n\r\nWe will continue learning how to care for our materials in our classroom and how to properly store them when not in use. We are hoping this will transfer home as well so that they are learning how to keep their own things at home organized and put away when not using.","fullyFundedDate":1767202508666,"projectUrl":"project/book-storeing/9952798/","projectTitle":"Book “Store”ing","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Byram","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7380130_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668652450057","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-superbyram"},{"teacherId":1631189,"projectId":9206987,"letterContent":"T-shirt book reports have had a wonderful impact on student engagement and literacy in the library. This creative project allowed students to design and decorate a T-shirt that represents key elements of a book they've read—such as the title, author, characters, setting, and theme.\r\n\r\nBy combining art and reading, students were able to demonstrate comprehension in a fun, hands-on way that goes beyond traditional written reports. The activity encouraged deeper thinking, creativity, and pride in their work, while also sparking curiosity among peers as they shared and discussed their designs. Displaying the shirts in the library helped build a sense of community and excitement around reading, inspiring others to pick up new books and celebrate stories together.\r\n\r\nThank you again for this generous donation as it has made a huge impact and would not have been possible without your help.","fullyFundedDate":1746732195786,"projectUrl":"project/t-shirt-book-reports/9206987/","projectTitle":"T Shirt Book Reports","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeWitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1631189_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454726282479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissadewitt"},{"teacherId":7380130,"projectId":9637836,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing hands on materials for my students. We were so excited to get new things to help us learn. My KinderREADy class is dependent on learning with materials in their hands.\r\n\r\nWe used our ABC boards for the first time in small group this week, the students loved having colorful, magnetic boards to help them identify letters. We were also able to use the boards for name practice. \r\n\r\nThe Number Blocks activities were exciting for us to use in working with numbers and counting. Many of the students enjoyed putting the trains together and finding differ ent ways to use the blocks.","fullyFundedDate":1757545627965,"projectUrl":"project/abc-is-where-it-all-begins/9637836/","projectTitle":"ABC is Where it All Begins","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Byram","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7380130_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668652450057","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-superbyram"},{"teacherId":1631189,"projectId":9536122,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution! Your support makes it possible for us to offer meaningful rewards that help reinforce positive expectations and motivate students to make good choices.\r\n\r\nConsistent recognition encourages responsibility—whether it's returning library books on time or completing assignments—and tangible or verbal rewards boost engagement and effort, especially among reluctant learners. These incentives foster participation, collaboration, and growth in both academic and social areas.\r\n\r\nYour generosity truly helps us make a difference. Thank you for helping us build a culture of responsibility, motivation, and kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1758807717978,"projectUrl":"project/argh-matey/9536122/","projectTitle":"Argh Matey","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeWitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1631189_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454726282479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissadewitt"},{"teacherId":1631189,"projectId":9536599,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift to our library! Your support helps make our vision a reality—creating a space that is fun, exciting, and full of opportunities for learning. We have begun to introduce engaging and educational games into our library centers to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and encourage collaboration among students and they are overcome with excitement.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our library will continue to be a vibrant and welcoming place where students can develop a lifelong love of learning. Thank you for helping us make the library a place students can't wait to visit!","fullyFundedDate":1758807718401,"projectUrl":"project/the-games-people-play/9536599/","projectTitle":"The Games People Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeWitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1631189_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454726282479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissadewitt"},{"teacherId":1631189,"projectId":9076442,"letterContent":"This project has been a tremendous success! Students have loved using Canva to design visually appealing bookmarks that double as book recommendations for their peers. It's become one of our most popular activities, sparking creativity while also encouraging more reading—students are eager to finish books for the chance to create their own bookmark.\r\n\r\nYour generosity made this possible. Because of your support, our students are exploring technology in a fun, meaningful way and sharing their love of reading with others.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your kindness and commitment to our library community.","fullyFundedDate":1741614586445,"projectUrl":"project/dont-lose-the-page/9076442/","projectTitle":"Don't Lose The Page","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeWitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1631189_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454726282479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissadewitt"},{"teacherId":1631189,"projectId":9291323,"letterContent":"These books have been a huge hit! Our students have been incredibly excited to explore these new additions to the library, and they've been flying off the shelves. It has been wonderful to introduce our students to new and exciting books.\r\n\r\nYour generous donation has allowed us to provide a diverse selection of interesting and visually appealing books that truly capture our students' curiosity. Without your support, this purchase would not have been possible.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your kindness and generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1756317332924,"projectUrl":"project/picture-this/9291323/","projectTitle":"Picture This","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeWitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1631189_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454726282479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissadewitt"},{"teacherId":1631189,"projectId":8753371,"letterContent":"These books have been a huge hit! Our students have been incredibly excited to explore these new additions to the library, and they've been flying off the shelves. It has been wonderful to introduce our students to the beauty of the park that's practically in their own backyard—many of them had never seen it before.\r\n\r\nSince sharing these books, students have shown great curiosity about the park's wildlife and unique places. Your generous donation has allowed us to provide a diverse selection of interesting and visually appealing books that truly capture our students' curiosity. Without your support, this purchase would not have been possible.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your kindness and generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1728003811904,"projectUrl":"project/love-where-you-live/8753371/","projectTitle":"Love Where You Live","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeWitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1631189_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454726282479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissadewitt"},{"teacherId":9697020,"projectId":9148022,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project, *Yoga and Movement: Creating a Calm and Focused Space.* Your kindness has made a meaningful impact in my resource classroom, where students now have access to tools that help them regulate their emotions, refocus their energy, and feel safe and supported throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nWith flexible seating options and calming techniques now available, my students are better equipped to manage stress, stay engaged, and experience success in their learning. The environment has truly transformed into a peaceful, student-centered space where every child—regardless of their needs—can thrive. On behalf of myself and my amazing students, thank you for helping us build a classroom where calm, focus, and growth are possible every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1747153586475,"projectUrl":"project/yoga-and-movement-creating-a-calm-and-f/9148022/","projectTitle":"Yoga and Movement: Creating a Calm and Focused Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fletcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9697020"},{"teacherId":9697020,"projectId":8928310,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my resource room classroom has been transformed into a vibrant space for hands-on STEM learning! The new math and science activities have given my students the opportunity to explore complex concepts through engaging, interactive experiences. Watching them light up as they experiment, build, and problem-solve has been truly rewarding. These tools have allowed students with diverse learning needs to access the curriculum in ways that are meaningful and tailored to their strengths.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made a real difference in how my students view math and science—not as difficult subjects, but as exciting challenges they can conquer. It's been incredible to see their confidence grow as they work collaboratively, make discoveries, and take pride in their progress. On behalf of myself and all of my students, thank you for believing in the power of hands-on learning and for helping create a classroom where every student has the chance to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1731507788468,"projectUrl":"project/stem-hands-on-learning/8928310/","projectTitle":"Stem: Hands On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fletcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9697020"},{"teacherId":1631189,"projectId":9208355,"letterContent":"This project far exceeded our expectations. Our students were genuinely excited to learn about various disabilities and, even more meaningfully, to share that knowledge with their peers. The younger students were equally enthusiastic and receptive to learning from the older students, creating a powerful peer-to-peer learning experience rooted in empathy and understanding.\r\n\r\nThis is a project I plan to continue for as long as I serve as the librarian. The impact it had on our school community was truly inspiring—and it would not have been possible without your generous support.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our mission and making this meaningful experience a reality. Your donation helped foster awareness, inclusion, and leadership in ways that will leave a lasting impression on our students.","fullyFundedDate":1742909977552,"projectUrl":"project/everyones-included/9208355/","projectTitle":"Everyone's Included","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeWitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1631189_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454726282479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissadewitt"},{"teacherId":1631189,"projectId":9207012,"letterContent":"These nonfiction books have been a huge hit! Our students have been incredibly excited to explore these new additions to the library, and they've been flying off the shelves. Finding the right book can be a challenge, especially for reluctant readers, but these engaging and high-quality books have made a tremendous difference.\r\n\r\nYour generous donation has allowed us to provide a diverse selection of interesting and visually appealing books that truly capture our students' curiosity. Without your support, this purchase would not have been possible.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your kindness and generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1742909977714,"projectUrl":"project/its-all-about-the-facts/9207012/","projectTitle":"It's All About the Facts","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeWitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1631189_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454726282479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissadewitt"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_78789","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":299,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":55,"percentIndigenous":20,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":60.8,"schoolId":78789,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about McKinley Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"McKinley Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/montana/billings-school-district-2/mckinley-elementary-school/78789"}
Join the 143 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
McKinley Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Billings, Montana that is part of Billings School District 2.
It serves 299 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.0:1.
Its teachers have had 78 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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
31%
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.
McKinley Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jan 15, 2026
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.
McKinley Elementary School
$35,700
raised using DonorsChoose
78
projects
funded
29
teachers
funded
143
donors
5
projects
for
basic supplies
10
projects for
technology
14
projects for
books
6
projects
for
art supplies
McKinley Elementary School has received support from
87 individuals from Montana and
56 individuals out-of-state.