{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hamady Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":33.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4403902,"projectId":9989788,"letterContent":"Our classroom has been positively transformed by these new resources—sometimes in ways you might not expect, but in the best possible way!\r\nOne of the biggest impacts has been with the replacement shoes. Michigan winters mean big, bulky boots, and while they keep little toes warm outside, they can make it tough for students to fully participate once we're inside. Now, students can switch into their classroom shoes, and suddenly they're ready to move, learn, and play comfortably. A favorite moment was seeing one student, who usually struggles during movement activities, light up and fully join in during our daily routine—just because they felt comfortable and confident. It may seem like a small change, but it made a huge difference in their participation!\r\nThe hygiene supplies have also been incredibly important in helping our classroom run smoothly and with dignity. Accidents happen (especially in a K–1 classroom!), and now we are prepared. Instead of a stressful situation, we can quickly support students with fresh underpants, soap, and the supplies they need to feel clean and comfortable again. The hairbrushes and ties have also come in handy—there's nothing like seeing a student's confidence boost after a quick \"refresh\" and heading back to learning feeling their best.\r\nWhen the students first saw everything, they were curious and excited—especially about the \"special shoes\" just for the classroom! It quickly became part of our routine, and now they proudly switch them out each day like it's their own little ritual of getting ready to learn.\r\nLooking ahead, these resources will continue to support our daily routines and help remove barriers to learning. Our next steps are focused on building independence—students are practicing taking care of their belongings, managing their own needs, and participating fully in group activities without discomfort or distraction standing in their way. These may seem like simple skills, but they are essential building blocks for lifelong success.\r\nWe are so grateful to our donors for helping us create a classroom where students can feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn each day. Because of you, our students can focus on being kids—learning, growing, and even having a little fun along the way! Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom! 💛","fullyFundedDate":1777987288503,"projectUrl":"project/running-on-hygiene/9989788/","projectTitle":"Running on Hygiene","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":10220394,"letterContent":"Our classroom has been buzzing with excitement (and just a little friendly competition!) since we started using these new resources. In our K–1 special education classroom, we focus on building essential life skills, and these materials have turned learning into something our students genuinely look forward to each day.\r\nThe games have quickly become a favorite. During small groups and centers, we've been practicing counting, taking turns, and strengthening social skills—but to our students, it just feels like playtime. One standout moment was watching a group play a counting game where students had to wait their turn. What used to be a challenge turned into a celebration—students were reminding each other of the rules, cheering one another on, and even saying things like \"Good job!\" without prompting. (Teacher win!)\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, it felt a bit like a mini holiday in our room. The bright colors and hands-on pieces immediately caught their attention, and suddenly everyone wanted to try something new at the same time! The flip crayons have been a game-changer—helping build fine motor skills while also cutting down on frustration (and dropped crayons every five seconds... another teacher win!).\r\nWe also used the bulletin board paper to transform one of our learning centers, and it has made such a difference. The space feels warm, inviting, and—most importantly—like a place students want to be. It's amazing how a little visual upgrade can boost focus and excitement.\r\nLooking ahead, we're excited to keep building on these skills by incorporating more structured group activities where students can continue practicing teamwork, communication, and independence. Each small step—whether it's counting correctly, waiting patiently, or sharing with a friend—is a big victory in our classroom.\r\nWe truly couldn't do this without your support. Because of you, our students are gaining confidence, learning important life skills, and having a lot of fun along the way. Thank you for helping make our classroom a place where growth, laughter, and learning happen every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1778066870031,"projectUrl":"project/games-trick-students-into-learning/10220394/","projectTitle":"Games Trick Students Into Learning","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":9789618,"letterContent":"Thank you SO much for fully funding our classroom's brand‑new carpet cleaner! In our K–1 special education room, spills and bathroom accidents happen faster than you can say \"Oops!\"—so having this magical cleaning machine has been a total game-changer. We've already used it during centers when a little accident threatened to derail our morning, but thanks to the cleaner, we were able to zap the mess, refresh the room, and get right back to learning like nothing ever happened. It's basically our new superhero sidekick.\r\nWhen my students first saw the shiny new cleaner, they were very intrigued. You'd think I'd rolled a rocket ship into the classroom. They wanted to push buttons, peek in the tank, and one kiddo proudly announced, \"It's like a vacuum that takes a bath!\"—and honestly, that's a perfect description. Knowing that our room would stay fresh and cozy made them visibly more relaxed and excited for the day. Clean carpets = happy tiny humans.\r\nRight now, we're working through a unit on personal responsibility and self-help skills, and having a cleaner, safer floor makes our whole learning environment feel more inviting. Students are exploring, moving, and working on independence without worrying about lingering smells or sticky spots (which I also appreciate!). Thanks to your generosity, we can keep our classroom bright, clean, and ready for anything—big adventures, big learning, and yes... the occasional big mess. We're so grateful for you and the difference you've made in our little world.","fullyFundedDate":1767031331494,"projectUrl":"project/potty-training-is-tough-cleaning-up-flo/9789618/","projectTitle":"Potty Training Is Tough, Cleaning Up Floors Should Not Be","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":9776862,"projectId":9627311,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of the carpet to our classroom. This thoughtful gift has made a remarkable difference in creating a warm, inviting, and comfortable space for our students.\r\n\r\nHaving a clean and beautiful carpet encourages students to gather, collaborate, and engage in learning activities with enthusiasm. It provides a sense of pride in their environment and helps foster a positive atmosphere where creativity and focus can thrive.\r\n\r\nOne student shared, \"I love having a smiley face carpet. It makes me happy when I come to school.\" This simple statement truly reflects the joy and appreciation your gift has brought to our classroom. Your generosity has enhanced our learning environment and the daily experience of every student. Thank you for investing in their success and well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1757602093949,"projectUrl":"project/my-firsties-need-a-fun-rug/9627311/","projectTitle":"My Firsties Need a Fun Rug!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Farrell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9776862"},{"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"}],"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","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"K - 1","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.0,"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"}