{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Overby - Sheppard Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":29.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8653397,"projectId":9692158,"letterContent":"Thank you so much! When our students saw the LEGO Concorde Airbus kit and the fresh supply of classroom snacks, their faces lit up. The excitement was immediate—they couldn't believe they were going to build something connected to our recent field trip to the NASA museum in Williamsburg. During that visit, they stood just inches away from the Discovery and Concorde models, asking endless questions and imagining what it would be like to create one themselves. Now, thanks to you, they actually can.\r\n\r\nWe've already begun using the LEGO set to support teamwork, problem-solving, and fine motor skills. Students enjoy working in small groups while taking SEL breaks and time to do something outside of ELA and Math. It's incredible to see them draw real-world connections—linking engineering, history, and hands-on creativity with our wonderful LEGO sets.\r\n\r\nThe renewed supply of snacks has made an equally meaningful impact. Many of our learners struggle with focus or come to school hungry, and having consistent, reliable snacks has helped them stay engaged and motivated throughout the day. It's a small thing that truly changes the rhythm of our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1761923311661,"projectUrl":"project/lego-legends-and-learning-fuel/9692158/","projectTitle":"LEGO Legends and Learning Fuel!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Foster","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8653397_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672844644247","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8653397"},{"teacherId":2377395,"projectId":9731404,"letterContent":"There are no words to fully express my gratitude to you. Thank you doesn't seem to be enough. Your donation is helping our students stay warm as it gets colder. We are grateful to have people like you in the world who care about children. Our world is a better place because of you.\r\n\r\nYou have put a smile on the face of many children so far this year. When students come to school inappropriately dressed for the weather, I am able to give them something warm to wear. I can't thank you enough for your generosity. Thank you, thank you and thank you!!!","fullyFundedDate":1758823092071,"projectUrl":"project/warm-clothes-restock/9731404/","projectTitle":"Warm Clothes Restock","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ware","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2377395_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533280332344","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sware"},{"teacherId":8653397,"projectId":9655869,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for supporting my project! Your generosity has truly transformed our classroom. My exceptional education students were over the moon when the new resources arrived — their faces lit up with excitement as we unpacked everything together.\r\n\r\nWe've already been putting these materials to great use. The snacks have been a game changer, helping my students stay energized and focused throughout the day. The secure storage trunk has made it easy to keep our classroom neat and organized, and I finally have a safe place to store our yummy snacks. The paper and envelopes have been so helpful for daily assignments and sending updates and notes home to families — something that really strengthens our home-school connection.\r\n\r\nThe biggest hit, though, has been the LEGO sets. My students light up during our STEM and social-emotional learning blocks, where they use the LEGOs to build stories, problem-solve, and collaborate. One of my favorite moments was watching a small group work together to design a \"calm down corner model\" — they said it reminded them of how we all work together to stay calm and help each other learn. It was such a perfect reflection of their growth and creativity!\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students have the tools they need to thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally. You've helped create a learning environment that truly supports every child's potential, and I'm so grateful for that.","fullyFundedDate":1757102321720,"projectUrl":"project/from-snacks-to-stem-helping-students-th/9655869/","projectTitle":"From Snacks to STEM: Helping Students Thrive","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Foster","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8653397_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672844644247","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8653397"},{"teacherId":9337379,"projectId":9057738,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom! Your support helped us receive essential supplies that may seem simple on the surface, but make a huge difference in our daily learning environment.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, we now have:\r\n-Clorox wipes and tissues to keep our classroom clean, healthy, and safe.\r\n-Copy paper that allows me to provide students with engaging learning materials, activities, and handouts.\r\n-Pencils that are always ready for note-taking, writing, and problem-solving—no one ever has to worry about not having one.\r\n-An electric pencil sharpener that saves time, reduces frustration, and keeps us all focused on learning.\r\n\r\nThese items may not be flashy, but they are the foundation of a well-functioning, caring classroom. They show our students that someone out there—someone they may never meet—believes in their education and wants to give them the tools they need to succeed.\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting us. You have made a real impact.","fullyFundedDate":1746826942215,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-cozy-and-clean/9057738/","projectTitle":"Comfort, Cozy, and Clean","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Godley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9337379_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720631026923","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9337379"},{"teacherId":8653397,"projectId":9084115,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our classroom has become a space that students love walking into every day! The flexible food-themed stools and new setup have completely transformed how we use the space for learning and connection.\r\nWhen my students returned for a new school year in a new grade level, their faces lit up the moment they saw the classroom. The fun, colorful stools immediately drew them in. They're not just cute—they'll help create an inviting environment that makes students feel excited, safe, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWe'll be using this updated space in so many meaningful ways. During small group pull-outs for reading or math, the flexible layout will make it easy for me to work closely with students while others are comfortable and engaged nearby. The open floor plan allows for movement, which is especially important for students who need sensory breaks or benefit from different seating options.\r\nStudents can enjoy rotating between stations during literacy and math blocks, and the space helps them feel ownership over their learning.\r\n\r\nBecause this project was funded right before the start of the school year, it allowed us to kick off with something fresh and exciting. It sent a strong message to my students: people believe in you and want to see you thrive. That's a message we carry with us every day.\r\n\r\nWhat's Next?\r\nThis setup makes it easy for students to spread out and get creative. \r\nThis space has become more than just a classroom—it's a place where students grow, collaborate, and shine. Thank you for helping us create a learning environment that truly supports the whole child. Your generosity made a lasting impact, and we're so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746785265795,"projectUrl":"project/sweet-funky-classroom-vibes/9084115/","projectTitle":"Sweet & Funky Classroom Vibes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Foster","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8653397_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672844644247","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8653397"},{"teacherId":2377395,"projectId":9270489,"letterContent":"There are no words to fully express my gratitude to you. Thank you doesn't seem to be enough. Your donation has given our student access to a change of clothes when needed. We are grateful to have people like you in the world who care about children. Our world is a better place because of you.\r\n\r\nYou have put a smile on the face of many children. It is because of you that students are able to change their clothes when they have accidents and stay at school. I can't thank you enough for your generosity. Thank you, thank you and thank you!!!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMs. Ware","fullyFundedDate":1746457259729,"projectUrl":"project/clothes-restock/9270489/","projectTitle":"Clothes Restock","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ware","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2377395_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533280332344","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sware"},{"teacherId":9198323,"projectId":9013196,"letterContent":"I'm so grateful for your generosity in helping us substitute the old guillotine from the art room. \r\n\r\nBecause of you, the time to prep materials was cut substantially, and I can now give more attention to other areas of my planning. \r\n\r\nBecause we are an elementary school, our students are very young, and require a lot of preparation for their learning. In the past, I had to cut each sheet of paper at a time, and it would consume my prepping time in a absurd way. I'm happy to say that I can focus on creating more fun activities and lessons, and all that just because of the guillotine.\r\n\r\nMy biggest thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1735581015047,"projectUrl":"project/upgrading-our-classroom-a-precision-gui/9013196/","projectTitle":"Upgrading Our Classroom: A Precision Guillotine for Faster, Smoother Prep!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Boas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9198323_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y201&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694348868592","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9198323"},{"teacherId":9198323,"projectId":8699995,"letterContent":"I almost have no words for all the help I received in the past year. Because of your generosity, our 2025/2026 year is starting with a beautiful art classroom, that is ready for our students, and maybe future artists, to enjoy, create, have fun, and grow.\r\n\r\nThe tempera sticks were a huge success for the young one from pk to 1 grade. It is so easy and messy free, they were able to explore color mixing with no trouble.\r\n\r\nThe dot-a-dot also facilitated for the young ones that don't have all the fine motors skills to use colors in their work. \r\n\r\nThe markers were a blessing, thanks to you, we have markers to use in this new upcoming year. They go so fast that I'm glad it was possible to obtain those as well.\r\n\r\nThank you, from the bottom of my heart, for helping our school and our students.","fullyFundedDate":1726662757438,"projectUrl":"project/from-surplus-to-success-art-supplies-th/8699995/","projectTitle":"From Surplus to Success: Art Supplies Thanks to Generous Giving","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Boas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9198323_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y201&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694348868592","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9198323"},{"teacherId":9653369,"projectId":9033150,"letterContent":"Thank you sincerely from myself and the students. The promise of these new books created quite a buzz within the school, especially when they arrived. I was thrilled to add the titles to the growing collection at the school.\r\nNow as the new school year is starting, I am happy to place these options for students on the shelves. They are prominently displayed to entice any student looking for new titles and new stories. What a great way to showcase the library right from the start!\r\nThe collections will enable students to follow their favorite characters and plots from start to end.\r\nMany thanks for you support.","fullyFundedDate":1744218366268,"projectUrl":"project/more-books-please/9033150/","projectTitle":"More Books Please!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Barry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9653369_orig.png?crop=462,462,x29,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723554055898","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9653369"},{"teacherId":7278104,"projectId":9061780,"letterContent":"Your contributions to our \"Paper Please?\" project was a highlight! When the paper arrived, we were dancing for joy!!!! Prior to receiving the paper, small group paper activities, decodable readers, paper crafts, response sheets and the likes there of could not longer be printed. I kept a stash of paper for assessments and prayed that I had enough to get through the year!\r\n\r\nThe boxes arrived and I passed out the paper. Several colleagues expressed great appreciation for the gift of paper. Many of us were without paper. I showed my students the boxes of paper and they were also very happy because I had been rationing the paper and cutting what I had into small sheets (which they did not like).\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1743693996466,"projectUrl":"project/paper-please/9061780/","projectTitle":"Paper Please?","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7278104_orig.jpg?crop=857,857,x25,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597173269744","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7278104"},{"teacherId":2833415,"projectId":8781610,"letterContent":"The student were so excited seeing the boxes delivered. The questions were, \"What's in the box?; Is it for us? Can we play with it?\" They were so ready to use the items, we had to take turns in the area, because the space could not accommodate all students at once. \r\n\r\nStudents are using the table settings and food items to set the table, correctly and prepare meals according to the 'My Plate ' servings. Four students sit at the table and others 'cook' and 'serve' the meals. It is so interesting to see the children interact with the materials.\r\n\r\nOur goal is for all students to be able to set the table and prepare meals according to the 'My Plate\" food servings. We discuss all kinds of foods and foods they may not have heard of or tasted before. It gives the children a chance to think about trying new foods. New ideas are happening each day in the Dramatic Play area with our food prep and table settings.","fullyFundedDate":1734636360242,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-house/8781610/","projectTitle":"Keeping House","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Isaac-Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2833415_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x221,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638813075876","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2833415"},{"teacherId":7278104,"projectId":8966331,"letterContent":"Pencils, quality pencils and primary journals! Wow! With much joy each student received their new supplies. While I rejoiced over the primary journals and the writing journey we would go on, they squealed and clapped when I showed them the new jumbo pencils, colored pencils and an electric pencil sharpener! The back story is, I have been using a manual pencil sharpeners for weeks. Thus it was taking a long time to get pencils ready for the day. \r\n\r\nI threw away the box of dry rotted colored pencils we had been using and gave each student new colored pencils. My little ones now have vibrant colors to showcase their ideas in their new journals. They will leave kindergarten with a collection of drawings and writings that tell their story. Thank you so much for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1735495954172,"projectUrl":"project/pencils-quality-pencils-and-primary-jou/8966331/","projectTitle":"Pencils, Quality Pencils and Primary Journals","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7278104_orig.jpg?crop=857,857,x25,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597173269744","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7278104"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_45009","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":256,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":87,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":71.0,"schoolId":45009,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Overby - Sheppard Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Overby - Sheppard Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/richmond-public-school-dist/overby-sheppard-elementary-school/45009"}
Join the 541 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Overby - Sheppard Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Richmond, Virginia that is part of Richmond Public School Dist.
It serves 256 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 10.7:1.
Its teachers have had 168 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
90%
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.
Overby - Sheppard Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
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.
Overby - Sheppard Elementary School
$82,063
raised using DonorsChoose
168
projects
funded
52
teachers
funded
541
donors
15
projects
for
basic supplies
18
projects for
technology
17
projects for
books
4
projects
for
art supplies
Overby - Sheppard Elementary School has received support from
384 individuals from Virginia and
157 individuals out-of-state.