{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Pittsburgh Allegheny Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":20.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6232341,"projectId":9873255,"letterContent":"Funding this project has been a blessing for our classroom. To being our classroom is small and most sensory stimulating items can be quite large. However, having these few smaller items have made a difference for our students who need help redirecting their energy and/or allowing them opportunities to self-stimulate and recenter their bodies during the busy school day.\r\nAt first our students were not sure of the new items but once they understood how to use them and the calming effect it offered them the items quickly became a classroom favorite. The bands on the chairs have helped calm those busy feet and cut down the amount of kicking that happens under the table. Students love bouncing their feet on them and stretching them out. \r\nThe balance boards are slowly becoming a new option for calming. At four years old it can be difficult to understand how to balance while standing on a rounded object so we are still figuring out this skill but sitting and rocking is providing our students with stimulation that is much needed, much like the swivel seat. Being able to rock side to side is very satisfying in our classroom this year.\r\nThese options would not have been made available without your generosity and kindness. So, thank you from our entire classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1773961166605,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-stimulation-in-pre-k/9873255/","projectTitle":"Sensory Stimulation in Pre-k","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Basel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6232341_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668113132850","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-basel"},{"teacherId":7622266,"projectId":10059480,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous support of our preschool classroom. Families entrust us with their children's very first educational experience, and your donation helps us create an environment that is not only focused on learning, but also safe, healthy, nurturing, and welcoming.\r\n\r\nThe items you provided are making a meaningful difference in our daily routines. Even small touches—like the colorful bandages—have had a big emotional impact. What might seem simple has helped comfort students and ease tears, turning moments of distress into opportunities for reassurance and even pride.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has also greatly supported our efforts in promoting independence and hygiene. The step stools and storage solutions have made potty training more manageable and sanitary, while giving students a sense of confidence as they take care of their own needs. The automatic, hands-free trash can has been an unexpected highlight—students are fascinated by what they call the \"magic\" lid, and it has actually encouraged them to take initiative in cleaning up after themselves.\r\n\r\nOne student, in particular, has benefited tremendously from the potty watch. It has empowered her to recognize her own needs and take ownership of her routine, building both independence and self-confidence.\r\n\r\nNaptime has also been transformed into a calmer, more soothing experience. The bubble lamp creates a peaceful atmosphere that helps students relax and settle in. Its gentle color changes are captivating, and it has even provided a quiet, comforting activity for students who do not sleep, allowing them to rest without disturbing others. The canvas tote bags have further supported independence, making it easier for students to manage and store their belongings.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the dental care materials have allowed us to introduce important lessons about healthy habits. Using the model teeth and timer, students are learning proper brushing techniques in a hands-on, engaging way—an experience they thoroughly enjoyed and will carry with them beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom is not only more organized and sanitary, but also more supportive of each child's growth, independence, and well-being. Your donation is having a lasting impact on both the daily experiences and the development of these young learners.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1772550498636,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-safe-healthy-preschool-class/10059480/","projectTitle":"Creating a Safe, Healthy Preschool Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kristie Early Childhood & Special Education Certified","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7622266_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772067578214","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7622266"},{"teacherId":7622266,"projectId":9979128,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity as I begin my very first year in this PreK classroom. Your support has truly helped set the foundation for a positive and successful start, and I am incredibly grateful.\r\n\r\nThe supplies you provided have quickly become an essential part of our daily routine. Items like the dry erase boards and markers, and pencil sharpener are in constant use, supporting hands-on learning and helping my students stay engaged throughout the day. It's amazing how these everyday tools make such a meaningful difference in building skills and confidence.\r\n\r\nSome of the items have brought so much joy and comfort to the classroom. The astronaut projector, for example, has become a favorite—my students love quietly gazing at the stars on the ceiling, and it creates such a peaceful, calming atmosphere for rest time. And the pink paint? Let's just say it's a class favorite—especially for my girls, who would happily paint the entire room pink if they could!\r\n\r\nI've also seen wonderful growth in independence thanks to tools like the squeezer scissors, which are perfect for my youngest learners as they build confidence in their abilities. As a teacher, I especially appreciate the jumbo magnetic ten frame. Because it's so easy for everyone to see, it's helping my students begin to understand numbers and sets of ten in a clear, hands-on way. The communication center /art shelf has also made a big difference in keeping our space organized, which helps create a calm, productive, and happy learning environment for everyone.\r\n\r\nWhile these items may seem simple, they each play an important role in our classroom community. Your generosity is not only impacting my current students, but many of these materials will continue to support future classes for years to come (though I have a feeling the pink paint and crayons won't last quite that long!).\r\n\r\nThank you again for your thoughtfulness and support. It truly means so much to me and to my students.","fullyFundedDate":1769177801496,"projectUrl":"project/basic-materials-for-a-new-start/9979128/","projectTitle":"Basic Materials For a New Start","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kristie Early Childhood & Special Education Certified","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7622266_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772067578214","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7622266"},{"teacherId":7622266,"projectId":10008153,"letterContent":"The children are especially excited about the Alphabot letter transformers. They eagerly anticipate \"playing\" with them each day, and I've been able to turn that excitement into a learning opportunity by having them reassemble the bots to discover hidden letters. The Learning Locks have also become a favorite—students take turns matching keys and locks, and their faces light up with pride and joy when they successfully open one.\r\nThe ice cream set is another beloved activity. It allows for both structured learning and imaginative play. I often engage students by asking for specific \"letter\" scoops, encouraging letter recognition, matching, and even partner activities. Of course, sometimes they simply enjoy playing with them—and honestly, what child doesn't love ice cream?\r\n\r\nThe Alphabet Tubs and Jumbo Magnetic Letters have been incredibly effective in strengthening letter recognition and phonemic awareness. The tubs capture students' curiosity with the small objects inside, and I challenge them to sort mixed items back into the correct groups. During our morning routine, I use the jumbo letters so all students can participate—together we identify the letter, its sound, and a corresponding word. For younger students, we reinforce learning with visual supports at their tables, while older students are beginning to blend sounds into simple words. I'm thrilled to share that a few students are already starting to read!\r\n\r\nWe are also very excited about the art easel, which the students frequently ask about. While we are currently waiting for it to be securely installed, I know it will soon become a valuable creative space for this class and for future students as well.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your thoughtful support of our classroom. Your generosity is truly appreciated and is helping to create a joyful, engaging learning environment for these children.","fullyFundedDate":1769190996793,"projectUrl":"project/developing-literacy-love-for-prek/10008153/","projectTitle":"Developing Literacy Love for PreK","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kristie Early Childhood & Special Education Certified","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7622266_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772067578214","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7622266"},{"teacherId":8292311,"projectId":9942661,"letterContent":"Thank you for allowing my class to be successful while we were remote learning. Often, it is hard for the students to be engaged while we are online. By using the Kindle and the OSMO I was able to work with my children live on screen, while they working at home. This allowed for less disruptions and more engagement. The children loved seeing me work along side them, just like I do in the classroom. \r\n\r\nThese two tools will help my classes in the future. In the years to come I will be able to use these tools with other classes.","fullyFundedDate":1768239605991,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-remote-learning/9942661/","projectTitle":"Engaging Remote Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pontillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8292311"},{"teacherId":7622266,"projectId":10125198,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. Because of your thoughtful gift of these \"naptime\" items, both my students and I are now enjoying a much calmer and more relaxing experience each day.\r\n\r\nStudents who don't sleep can listen to the iPad with headphones without disturbing others, while some quietly color, write, or use the aqua art books by the soft glow of the cat or dinosaur night lights. It may seem like a small thing, but in a classroom with no windows, it can get very dark—now they can actually see what they're working on, and that has made such a difference.\r\n\r\nThe Travel Glow Art Studio has been a huge hit! Many of the students had never used a glow board before, and they are beyond excited to take turns. The best part is they don't even realize they're practicing their writing skills—they think they're just playing. If you look at the pictures, you can really see how beautifully it glows in our dark room. They absolutely love it!\r\n\r\nHaving a variety of items to rotate keeps them engaged, so that quiet hour is no longer something they dread. While they may be too little to express it in words, I can assure you they truly appreciate it—and so do I. I'm now able to focus on my paperwork while they are happily and meaningfully occupied. Naptime has become something we all look forward to.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made my day easier and their time happier, and I am so grateful for the positive impact you've made in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you again—you are truly a lifesaver!","fullyFundedDate":1772578311035,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-calming-relaxing-naptime-expe/10125198/","projectTitle":"Creating a Calming Relaxing Naptime Experience","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kristie Early Childhood & Special Education Certified","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7622266_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772067578214","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7622266"},{"teacherId":7622266,"projectId":10009487,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in purchasing the Ninja Life Hacks books for our little classroom. Your thoughtful gift has made such a meaningful difference for my students, and I am truly grateful.\r\n\r\nEach book focuses on a different emotion and provides simple, powerful \"life hacks\" to help students understand and manage their feelings—whether by looking at situations from a new perspective or practicing self-calming techniques. The students were immediately drawn to the Ninja characters and were so excited to read, listen, and discuss each story. They are not just enjoying the books—they are truly connecting with them.\r\n\r\nWe even celebrated our learning with a fun \"Ninja Party,\" where students crawled and stepped over yarn \"laser beams\" and completed an obstacle course. While they had an amazing time, the most meaningful part was practicing mindfulness and self-calming strategies together—skills they are already beginning to use in their everyday interactions.\r\n\r\nBecause of these books, I've seen such a positive shift in our classroom. Students are learning to pause, think about how others feel, and respond with kindness. It has been so special to watch them comfort one another—offering hugs or kind words when a classmate is upset instead of reacting in frustration. They are building empathy, self-awareness, and confidence in a way that truly sticks.\r\n\r\nYour gift has given me the tools and resources to positively change the dynamic of our classroom. My students are not only growing as readers, but also as kind, thoughtful individuals who are learning skills that will stay with them for life. While they may be too young to fully express it, I know they truly appreciate these books—and I certainly do as well.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for making such a lasting impact on our classroom. It truly means so much to all of us.","fullyFundedDate":1768951257970,"projectUrl":"project/learning-life-hacks/10009487/","projectTitle":"Learning Life Hacks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kristie Early Childhood & Special Education Certified","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7622266_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772067578214","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7622266"},{"teacherId":6232341,"projectId":9629632,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom. Your support has allowed our students to be more independent and take control of their learning. Our classroom now has a complete set of math centers that vary in skills, tasks, and abilities. Our students love completing tasks early so they can go work with our math bins building their math skills. \r\n\r\nOur bins allow our students to freely work on a math skill like reading dice. The bin has all the materials a student would need to work on such skills. The student can take the bin to their workspace, follow the picture directions on the lid and use the resources found inside to work on those skills. \r\n\r\nThe bins not only help the students work more independently and build confidence but also helps our classroom stay organized and keeps our resources readily available for all learners. Thank you for making this possible for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1764600501399,"projectUrl":"project/center-organization/9629632/","projectTitle":"Center Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Basel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6232341_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668113132850","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-basel"},{"teacherId":6232341,"projectId":9922449,"letterContent":"I am writing you with the warmest regards. Thanks to you each and every one of our students has a new pair of gloves and a nice hat to keep them warm. Snow showed up a little early in the Pittsburgh area and it was perfect timing for our students. All of our students walked into the classroom beaming and showing off their new warm winter attire. Sharing with one another and their teachers how much they love their new gloves especially. \"My hands stayed warm, the whole way here!\" a student shared with her classmate while she shows off her warm hands. \"Mine too!\" replied her classmate pulling her gloves back out of her coat with enthusiasm. Another student told the teacher why they showed up late and mentioned \"The bus didn't come to my moms, and we had to wait for the next one and my ears didn't hurt so much today.\". He was used to waiting for the bus but not customed to waiting in the winter and with a hat, he only had a hood, and they hood helped but not as well as the hat. These small blessings made a huge impact on our class this school year. Thank you for allowing these small items to make a student's day a little warmer.","fullyFundedDate":1764729086852,"projectUrl":"project/warm-winter-gear/9922449/","projectTitle":"Warm Winter Gear","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Basel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6232341_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668113132850","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-basel"},{"teacherId":6232341,"projectId":9625759,"letterContent":"It brings me GREAT pleasure to thank you for all of your generosity, donations, and support for our classroom. Your kindness has allowed us to purchase a color printer for our classroom to use. \r\nThe purchase of a color printer not only prevents us from literally running outside between 2 buildings to obtain a color copied/printed items but also allows us to enhance our learning activities in our room. For example, with the color printer we have been able to print off a colorful letter hunt game for the students during thanksgiving. The students absolutely loved hunting for hidden letter on a turkey and tracing that letter they found. A black and white copy of this game makes it near to impossible for students to find the hidden letters. This was a much-loved activity and a huge success. Students were finding letters, identifying them, working on fine motor skills and more importantly having fun while doing it, thank you.\r\nAdditionally, we were able to print off a snowman activity during the month of December. The student were using their creativity and dressing the snowman up with different cut outs giving the snowman eyes, nose, mouth, masculine/feminine accessories, buttons, etc. all while building social skills, language development, and creativity.\r\nWithout doners like you we cannot add these extra experiences for our students. We will continue to find creative ways to use our classroom printer not only for colorful calendars, newsletters, and parent handouts but also for fun and engaging learning experiences for our students. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1761951848446,"projectUrl":"project/printer-for-pre-k/9625759/","projectTitle":"Printer for Pre-K","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Basel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6232341_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668113132850","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-basel"},{"teacherId":2994373,"projectId":9806072,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to thank you for your contribution to my classroom.\r\nThe new dry erase markers and erasers have completely transformed our daily morning review sessions, allowing every student to actively participate on their own whiteboards without struggling with faded colors.\r\n\r\nThe bandaids have saved us time. While they seem simple, having a stock of Band-Aids readily available has been a game-changer for those little playground mishaps, allowing students to feel safe, comforted, and quickly return their focus to their lessons. \r\n\r\nOn behalf of my entire class, thank you for your investment in our future. We are ready to learn, grow, and succeed, all thanks to your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1764712806154,"projectUrl":"project/fostering-a-joyful-and-engaging-classroo/9806072/","projectTitle":"Fostering a Joyful and Engaging Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Drwal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2994373_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1607475029796","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ldrwal"},{"teacherId":6232341,"projectId":9625530,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom! Keeping a clean classroom in pre-k is so very important and also can be very beneficial. A clean classroom not only helps keep illness down but also helps provide a clean and safe environment for everyone to learn in. Your donations have allowed us to clean our tables, doors, toys, etc. more often. The first few months of school has flown by, and we have had very little illness in our classroom thanks to your support.\r\nCold and flu season is upon us and we hope that your donations will help keep illness down among our students as we continue to clean our toys, tables and various surfaces in our classroom. For the few students who have become ill we are also very grateful for the soft tissues we have been able to use to clean their face and noses. Public school tissues are not the softest or most durable, so every little bit helps keeps the germs out of our hands and off of our faces. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1758294445360,"projectUrl":"project/clean-classroom/9625530/","projectTitle":"Clean classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Basel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6232341_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668113132850","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-basel"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_88664","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":572,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":53,"percentWhite":30,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.6,"schoolId":88664,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Pittsburgh Allegheny Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Pittsburgh Allegheny Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/pittsburgh-public-schools/pittsburgh-allegheny-elementary-school/88664"}