{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Neval Thomas Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":53.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":732421,"projectId":9801159,"letterContent":"My students and I have been using the new dramatic play materials, especially the children's exercise equipment, during our daily center time and structured movement activities. One memorable moment was when we transformed our dramatic play area into a \"fitness center.\" Students took different roles, such as trainers, participants, and even front desk staff. They created routines, counted repetitions, and encouraged one another as they moved through different \"stations.\" This not only supported their physical development but also strengthened their social skills, language development, and ability to work collaboratively.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their reaction was excitement and curiosity. They were immediately drawn to the equipment and eager to try everything out. Many students began role-playing right away, pretending to workout or lead workouts and coach their classmates. It was especially rewarding to see students who are typically quieter become more confident and expressive through movement and play. The materials made learning fun, active, and meaningful.","fullyFundedDate":1766067130863,"projectUrl":"project/playing-is-learning/9801159/","projectTitle":"Playing is Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mills","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp732421_orig.jpg?crop=2992,2992,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638573650909","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/732421"},{"teacherId":732421,"projectId":9778803,"letterContent":"My students and I have been using the new building blocks during both structured lessons and free exploration time. One memorable classroom moment was when I challenged students to work in small groups to design and build a structure that could stand on its own while meeting certain criteria (such as height or stability). Students collaborated, tested ideas, and revised their designs when things didn't work the first time. It turned into a powerful lesson in problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance. I was able to guide their thinking with questions while allowing them the freedom to experiment and learn through trial and error.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the building blocks, their reaction was pure excitement. They were immediately eager to start building and exploring. Even students who are typically more reserved became engaged and hands-on. The materials sparked creativity right away—students began imagining towers, homes, and even entire communities. It created a sense of joy and curiosity that carries on through out our day.","fullyFundedDate":1766067042173,"projectUrl":"project/1-2-3-build-with-me/9778803/","projectTitle":"1, 2, 3, Build With Me!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mills","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp732421_orig.jpg?crop=2992,2992,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638573650909","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/732421"},{"teacherId":3964608,"projectId":9764297,"letterContent":"We received your donation of the wonderful ukuleles and storage stand just in time for the holidays. Oh, how grateful we are! Because my students have never played this instrument before, I am taking the time now to create a holiday unit centered around the ukulele. This unit will include studying its origin, proper technique/care for the instrument, and learning basic chords to accompany and or compose songs. \r\n\r\nMy first class to see the instruments was a 3rd grade class and they were excited. A week before the instruments arrived, my students told me they had never played this instrument before. Now that the instruments are here, I have students jumping in excitement to tell me they have experience and can teach the class! Of course, the latter isn't true, however I love the willingness of my students to try and learn. Most importantly, I only had 2 out of 150+ students try and touch the instruments without permission. This discipline further proved to me that the ukulele was the perfect instrument to enhance their musical experience. \r\n\r\nCurrently, my students are practicing holding and caring for the instrument and are open plucking the four strings to accompany songs. In addition, when the students are playing the ukulele, they work with a partner. I have 9 ukuleles and the average class size is 20. Partner work allows the students to critique each other, build their social skills through problem solving, and overall build the culture of our classroom. \r\nMy next step is to teach my students how to tune their instrument. I have been using my planning periods to tune the instruments because I currently do not have individual tuners for each ukulele. However, until then, I will select students to assist me with this task. Many of my students have asked me to help when they have extra time in their general education class or during their recess. \r\n\r\nOverall, I am truly grateful to have this set of ukuleles in my school. Students are never too young to learn an instrument. By playing and caring for these instruments, not only will their love for music continue to grow but also their curiosity to learn new things and love for mankind.","fullyFundedDate":1760693821565,"projectUrl":"project/lets-play-ukulele/9764297/","projectTitle":"Let’s Play, Ukulele!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hopkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3964608"},{"teacherId":8997608,"projectId":7269231,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generous donation of fidget items, alternative seating equipment, and learning gadgets for our classroom. These resources have already made a remarkable difference in supporting my students with ADHD and executive functioning challenges. The fidget tools have become a staple, helping students channel their energy and stay focused during lessons, while the flexible seating options give them the comfort and movement they need to do their best work. Just last week, during a group writing project, students rotated through the new seating choices and used the gadgets to stay engaged—one student even commented, \"I can think better when I'm in this chair!\"\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes first arrived, the excitement was contagious. Students gathered around, eyes wide, eagerly asking, \"What's that?\" and \"Can I try it?\" The moment they saw the variety of fidgets and seating options, they immediately began imagining how they could use them. It was such a joy to watch students who often struggle with sustained attention become fully immersed in the novelty and usefulness of these tools. Their faces lit up, and it was clear they felt seen and supported.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, these resources will continue to play an important role in our ongoing projects. We are currently working on a research and presentation unit, and the flexible seating and fidgets are helping students manage their focus during long stretches of work time. Our next step is to integrate the gadgets into small-group collaboration, allowing students to share ideas and practice executive functioning skills like planning and organization. Thanks to your generosity, my students not only have the tools they need to succeed academically, but they also feel empowered to take ownership of their learning in ways that truly fit their individual needs.","fullyFundedDate":1681839412878,"projectUrl":"project/the-jumping-jelly-beans-of-nt/7269231/","projectTitle":"The Jumping Jelly Beans of N.T.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alghali","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8997608_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680194220601","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8997608"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_24111","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":275,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":81,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":92,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":46.7,"schoolId":24111,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Neval Thomas Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Neval Thomas Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/district-of-columbia/dc-public-schools/neval-thomas-elementary-school/24111"}
Join the 92 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Neval Thomas Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Washington, District of Columbia that is part of DC Public Schools.
It serves 275 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 9.2:1.
Its teachers have had 32 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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
98%
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.
Neval Thomas Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Apr 3, 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.
Neval Thomas Elementary School
$24,971
raised using DonorsChoose
32
projects
funded
19
teachers
funded
92
donors
10
projects for
technology
4
projects
for
art supplies
Neval Thomas Elementary School has received support from
43 individuals from District of Columbia and
49 individuals out-of-state.
