{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hamady Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4403902,"projectId":9653187,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of our Financial Literacy Pretend Play Centers project. Thanks to you, our kindergarten and first-grade students—many of whom are autistic, cognitively impaired, or have learning disabilities—now have engaging materials to explore roles such as chefs, construction workers, customer service employees, and cashiers.\r\nWhen the students first saw the new resources, their excitement was contagious! For many of our special education learners, hands-on experiences are essential for building real-world skills. They immediately began planning menus, building \"restaurants,\" and setting up construction zones. One memorable moment was during our \"Chef and Customer\" activity: students created a pretend café, complete with menus and a cash register. They practiced taking orders, calculating totals, and making change—skills that connect directly to our math and financial literacy standards. Watching them confidently handle play money and explain their prices was incredible.\r\nCurrently, we're expanding these centers into a larger classroom project called \"Community Helpers Market.\" Students will design their own businesses, set prices, and manage transactions. This next step will deepen their understanding of earning, spending, and saving, while fostering teamwork and communication—critical skills for their future independence.\r\nYour contribution didn't just provide materials—it opened doors for authentic learning experiences that empower our students to thrive. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1761046234581,"projectUrl":"project/start-young-unlock-your-future-with-fin/9653187/","projectTitle":"Start Young: Unlock Your Future with Financial and Career Knowledge!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Riggie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4403902_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688756898028","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-riggie"},{"teacherId":4403902,"projectId":9731192,"letterContent":"Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, our K-1 special education classroom has taken a huge leap toward financial literacy! The addition of a color printer has transformed our learning experience. Many of you use technology at home, but in our classroom, this printer is more than just a convenience—it's a powerful teaching tool. It allows us to create vibrant, realistic signs for our classroom store, making the learning environment engaging and authentic.\r\nThe most exciting part for our students? Seeing their ideas come to life in full color! When they design price tags, menus, and store signs, the bright visuals make the activity feel real and meaningful. This hands-on experience helps them understand the value of money, practice decision-making, and build confidence in a fun, interactive way.\r\nOne student in particular, who usually struggles with engagement, has absolutely blossomed with this new technology. He proudly creates colorful signs for our store and beams when his work is displayed. This sense of ownership and accomplishment is priceless—and it's all thanks to you. Your support is helping our students become financial wizards, one colorful sign at a time!","fullyFundedDate":1758645939354,"projectUrl":"project/financial-wizards/9731192/","projectTitle":"Financial Wizards","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Riggie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4403902_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688756898028","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-riggie"},{"teacherId":9926677,"projectId":9362568,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation that provided our school with professional learning books. These resources have truly elevated my teaching practice and supported the growth of my colleagues. I'm the kind of \"book person\" who loves to highlight key ideas, jot notes in the margins, and revisit chapters that spark new inspiration. You'll often find me reading with a cup of tea in hand, surrounded by sticky notes, preparing ways to share what I've learned with my fellow educators.\r\n\r\nThe lessons from these books have introduced powerful strategies on literacy instruction, student engagement, and effective teaching practices. I've incorporated these insights into professional development sessions, where teachers collaborate and reflect on new ways to support our students. One of my favorite moments was during a recent PD session when teachers shared how a strategy from one of the texts helped their struggling readers make real progress—proof that these resources are making a difference far beyond my own classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support has ignited a ripple effect of learning and collaboration throughout our school. Thank you for investing in our professional growth and, most importantly, in the success of our students.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nTameka Pritchett\r\nLiteracy Coach, Westwood Heights Schools","fullyFundedDate":1748276773362,"projectUrl":"project/from-practice-to-progress-books-that-st/9362568/","projectTitle":"From Practice to Progress: Books that Strengthen Literacy Teaching","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pritchett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9926677"},{"teacherId":6712182,"projectId":8922537,"letterContent":"Thank you for your thoughtful donations to my students. We had a great school year utilizing all of the Little Spots. The students learned about emotions, flexible thinking, and how to verbalize their thoughts and feelings. Using the materials we celebrated National Scribble Spot day and the kids enjoyed every minute.\r\nIn my small groups, students played the Feelings Island game as well as Hot Angry Spot. We had so much fun expressing our emotions using images, colors, and posters. \r\nWith your gracious donation, you assisted us in having a very successful year with Diane Alber's Little Spot of Emotions!","fullyFundedDate":1743183633986,"projectUrl":"project/a-little-spot-of-learning/8922537/","projectTitle":"A Little Spot of Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chelsea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6712182_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704745035839","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6712182"},{"teacherId":4403902,"projectId":9506408,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed into a more inclusive and communicative space for our young learners who face challenges with verbal expression. The AAC devices, communication cards, Handy Pocket Talkers, and card stock for visuals have opened up new pathways for our students to express themselves, participate in lessons, and connect with peers.\r\n\r\nOne memorable moment happened during our morning circle time. A student who typically struggles to initiate communication used a Handy Pocket Talker paired with a visual card to greet the class for the first time. The room lit up with smiles and cheers—it was a powerful reminder of how these tools empower our students to be heard.\r\n\r\nWe've also used the cardstock to create personalized visual schedules and emotion cards, which help students navigate their day and express how they're feeling. During a recent literacy lesson, students used communication cards to identify characters and emotions in a story, allowing them to engage more deeply with the material.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were curious and excited. They explored the visuals with wide eyes, and several immediately began pointing to pictures and symbols that represented their favorite activities or feelings. It was clear that they recognized these tools as something meant just for them.\r\n\r\nNext, we're working on a classroom project called \"All About Me,\" where each student will create a visual board using the new materials to share their interests, family, and favorite things. This project not only builds communication skills but also fosters a sense of identity and belonging.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our students the tools to find their voices. Your support is making a lasting difference in their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1758134358476,"projectUrl":"project/give-a-voice-to-the-voiceless/9506408/","projectTitle":"Give a Voice to the Voiceless","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Riggie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4403902_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688756898028","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-riggie"},{"teacherId":4403902,"projectId":9291633,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! The resources you provided—snacks, rewards, and art supplies—have made a tremendous impact on our students' daily experiences and learning journeys. From the moment the students saw the new materials, their eyes lit up with excitement and curiosity. Parents have shared how surprised and grateful they are for the high-quality prizes and supplies that are helping their children thrive.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the snacks to keep our young learners energized and focused throughout the day, especially during those long stretches of learning. The rewards have become a powerful motivator, encouraging students to engage deeply in lessons and celebrate their growth. One memorable moment was during our \"Kindness Garden\" art project, where students used the new markers to create vibrant flowers representing kind acts they've done or received. The pride they felt in their work was truly heartwarming.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our journey in kindergarten and first grade, our students are learning how to be amazing tiny humans in this big world. With your help, they're not only growing academically but also socially and emotionally. Next, we're diving into a unit on community helpers, where students will use their art supplies to create posters and role-play different jobs. Your support has made our classroom a place of joy, creativity, and meaningful learning—thank you for being a part of it!","fullyFundedDate":1750366892870,"projectUrl":"project/restocking-for-a-successful-school-year/9291633/","projectTitle":"ReStocking for a Successful School Year","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Riggie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4403902_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688756898028","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-riggie"},{"teacherId":4403902,"projectId":9299572,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation to the Kindness Rocks project. Your support has made a significant impact on our classroom and the wider community. With the funds raised, we were able to purchase vibrant paint pens, which have become essential tools for our students as they create colorful messages on rocks. These painted rocks are not just art projects; they carry important messages of kindness and positivity that we can share throughout our community.\r\n\r\nThe book Kindness Rocks has been a wonderful addition to our classroom library. It shares a powerful message about the importance of kindness, and I'm thrilled to say that it is now in every classroom in our school. This has sparked engaging discussions among the students about what it means to be kind and how small acts can make a big difference.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their reactions were priceless. Their eyes lit up with excitement as they explored the array of colors. Many of them immediately began brainstorming ideas for their rock messages, eager to express their thoughts on kindness. This enthusiasm was infectious, and it set the stage for a collaborative classroom atmosphere where creativity and compassion flourished.\r\n\r\nOne specific project that stands out involved our students creating a \"Kindness Garden.\" Each student painted a rock with a unique message or image that represented kindness to them. We then placed these rocks in our school garden, transforming it into a vibrant display of positivity. The students took pride in their contributions, and it was heartwarming to see them share their rocks with one another, discussing the meanings behind their messages. This project not only allowed them to express their creativity but also reinforced the importance of kindness in our daily lives.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps involve integrating these lessons of kindness into our current curriculum. We are planning a community outreach project where students will create additional rocks to distribute in local parks and public spaces. This will not only spread kindness beyond our classroom but also encourage our students to take an active role in their community. We hope to organize a \"Kindness Rocks Day,\" where students can gather to paint and share their creations with friends and family, fostering a spirit of community involvement.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has allowed us to embark on this journey of kindness, creativity, and community engagement. Thank you once again for your generosity and for believing in the power of kindness. We are excited to continue this project and share the positive impact it has on our students and the community.","fullyFundedDate":1747081456599,"projectUrl":"project/kindness-rocks/9299572/","projectTitle":"Kindness ROCKS!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Riggie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4403902_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688756898028","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-riggie"},{"teacherId":4403902,"projectId":9226873,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well! I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the wonderful \"Little Spot of Emotion\" books and plush toys you provided, along with the beautiful reading nook. Your generous support has truly transformed our classroom environment, and I am excited to share how we are using these new resources.\r\n\r\nHow We Are Using the New Resources\r\nThe \"Little Spot of Emotion\" books have become a vital part of our social-emotional learning curriculum. We recently completed a project focused on understanding and expressing emotions, using the books as a springboard for discussions. Students explored various feelings through the stories, and then created their own emotion journals where they illustrated and wrote about times they experienced different emotions. The plush toys have also been a hit; students use them during our discussions to represent different feelings, making the learning experience more interactive and relatable.\r\n\r\nStudents' Reactions\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their excitement was palpable! The colorful books and adorable plush toys immediately caught their attention, and they couldn't wait to dive into the stories. It was heartwarming to see their faces light up as they discovered the reading nook—a cozy space where they could curl up with a book and a plush toy. This new setup has encouraged them to engage more deeply with the material and each other.\r\n\r\nNext Steps for Our Projects\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to build on our emotion project by incorporating role-playing activities. Students will use the plush toys to act out scenarios that illustrate various emotions, helping them practice empathy and communication skills. Additionally, we will continue to utilize the reading nook for quiet reading time, where students can explore new books and reflect on their feelings in a safe and comfortable space.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your incredible support. Your contributions have not only enriched our classroom but have also fostered a deeper understanding of emotions among my students. We are excited to see how these resources will continue to enhance our learning experiences!","fullyFundedDate":1746573881228,"projectUrl":"project/reading-a-cozy-thing-to-do/9226873/","projectTitle":"Reading, A Cozy Thing to Do","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Riggie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4403902_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688756898028","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-riggie"},{"teacherId":4403902,"projectId":9251829,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well! I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous contributions to our classroom. Your support has made a significant impact on the learning experiences of my students, and I am excited to share how we are using the new resources you provided.\r\n\r\nHow We Are Using the New Resources\r\nWe have incorporated the center-based learning tools you donated into our daily activities. One specific project that stands out is our recent art and design challenge, where students used the watercolor paints and specialized scissors to create unique artwork. They worked in small groups, collaborating and sharing ideas, which not only enhanced their creativity but also fostered teamwork.\r\n\r\nStudents' Reactions\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their faces lit up with excitement! The colorful watercolor paints and the fun games sparked immediate enthusiasm. They couldn't wait to dive in and explore the possibilities. It was heartwarming to witness their eagerness to use the tools, and it truly energized our classroom environment.\r\n\r\nNext Steps for Our Projects\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to expand on our art and design challenge by integrating the duct tape for color coding into our next project. Students will create visual displays that represent different themes, using the tape to organize their ideas and enhance their presentations. This will not only reinforce their understanding of the subjects we are studying but also allow them to express their creativity in new ways.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your incredible support. You have given my students the opportunity to learn in a more engaging and interactive manner, and we are excited to see where these resources will take us next!","fullyFundedDate":1746838902592,"projectUrl":"project/cut-color-and-center-time/9251829/","projectTitle":"Cut, Color, and Center Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Riggie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4403902_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688756898028","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-riggie"},{"teacherId":4403902,"projectId":9178039,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible resources you provided—specifically, the musical clock and cubbies. These items have transformed our classroom environment. The musical clock has become a delightful tool for teaching time. Students are engaged as they learn to tell time through song, making it a fun and memorable experience. Just last week, we had a \"Time Telling Day,\" where students created their own schedules using the clock, showcasing their understanding in a creative way.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the cubbies, their excitement was contagious! They immediately began organizing their materials, taking pride in their newfound independence. This has not only fostered responsibility but also created a more organized learning space.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to integrate the musical clock into our daily routines, using it as a cue for transitions and activities, further reinforcing their time management skills. Thank you for your generous support, which has made such a positive impact on our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1742934185498,"projectUrl":"project/dancing-the-time-away-while-gaining-inde/9178039/","projectTitle":"Dancing the Time Away While Gaining Independence","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Riggie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4403902_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688756898028","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-riggie"},{"teacherId":4403902,"projectId":9158194,"letterContent":"I hope this letter finds you well! I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful resources you have provided to our classroom. The sensory beads, wooden peg board counters, 3D shapes, and noise-canceling headphones have transformed our learning environment in remarkable ways. We recently embarked on a project where students created their own geometric sculptures using the 3D shapes. It was a joy to see their creativity flourish as they combined different shapes to build unique designs, reinforcing their understanding of geometry in a hands-on way.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their reactions were priceless! The excitement was palpable as they eagerly explored the sensory beads, marveling at their textures and colors. The wooden peg board counters quickly became a favorite, as students used them for counting and sorting activities, enhancing their fine motor skills while having fun. The noise-canceling headphones have also made a significant impact, providing a calm space for students who need a little extra focus during independent work.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to expand on our current project by incorporating storytelling elements. Each student will narrate a story inspired by their sculpture, connecting art and language skills. This integration of creativity and learning will not only deepen their understanding of geometry but also enhance their communication skills. Thank you once again for your generous contributions, which have made such a positive difference in our classroom. We are excited to continue this journey and share our progress with you!","fullyFundedDate":1742654674240,"projectUrl":"project/autism-does-not-define-the-student/9158194/","projectTitle":"Autism Does Not Define The Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Riggie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4403902_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688756898028","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-riggie"},{"teacherId":4403902,"projectId":9151451,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our classroom project for my special education students in kindergarten and first grade! Your donations allowed us to purchase number rocket manipulatives, ladybug number projects, and snacks, creating a warm and welcoming learning environment for all.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their faces lit up with excitement! They eagerly engaged in hands-on activities, using the manipulatives to explore numbers and enhance their understanding. One memorable moment was during our ladybug number project, where students collaborated to create their own ladybugs while practicing counting. Looking ahead, we plan to integrate these resources into our upcoming math lessons, focusing on building foundational skills through interactive play. Your support has truly made a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1741696981246,"projectUrl":"project/warm-comforting-tools-to-learn-snacks/9151451/","projectTitle":"Warm Comforting Tools To Learn, Snacks, and Rockets!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Riggie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4403902_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688756898028","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-riggie"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_128175","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":131,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":84,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 1","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.1,"schoolId":128175,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hamady Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hamady Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/westwood-heights-school-district/michael-h-hamady-elementary-school/128175"}