{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Dr Preston L Williams Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":28.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4538051,"projectId":8379688,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our snack project! As mentioned in the project description, our students get HANGRY when they don't have enough to eat and that makes it just about impossible to learn and grow! Your generous contribution allowed us to keep our bellies full so that our brains could do the heavy lifting. Students also loved having choice in what they ate! Whenever possible, we try to give student choice and power in matters that concern them (which means EVERYTHING at school!) Thank you, again, for all of your support.","fullyFundedDate":1724547470148,"projectUrl":"project/full-bellies-focused-students/8379688/","projectTitle":"Full Bellies = Focused Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cooper-Peyton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4538051_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649528106610","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ecooperpeyton"},{"teacherId":4538051,"projectId":8379566,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project! Your donation allowed us to bring artistic joy back into our classroom. We were able to purchase watercolors, acrylic paints, paint sticks, playdoh, and more for our students to use and explore. \r\n\r\nSo far, a classroom of second graders and a classroom of kindergartners have been able to use these supplies; I anticipate that they will last for up to one more year! \r\n\r\nWe use the playdoh almost every day. It is an amazing tool for young hands and minds and it fits into just about every curricular category. We love to use it during literacy and math centers as well as for social emotional learning. While we use the paints less often, they bring a similar amount of joy and excitement. Thank you for making this happen for us!","fullyFundedDate":1716472926703,"projectUrl":"project/art-from-the-start/8379566/","projectTitle":"Art From the Start!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cooper-Peyton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4538051_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649528106610","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ecooperpeyton"},{"teacherId":8429436,"projectId":9115827,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation, which is putting books into the hands of students in our elementary school library!\r\n\r\nSome of these books replaced well-loved, worn-out copies. And some are additional copies of books so that students don't have to wait as long to read them. Students are enjoying these books, and they are flying off the shelves!\r\n\r\nI have already used these books in lessons this school year. I used the Pizza and Taco series and Narwhal and Jelly series when introducing graphic novels to my second graders. The Amulet, Hilo, and I Survived series were used with older students in my graphic novels lesson.","fullyFundedDate":1746785315174,"projectUrl":"project/boxed-set-graphic-novels/9115827/","projectTitle":"Boxed-Set Graphic Novels","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calentine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8429436_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661375814017","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dpwlibrary"},{"teacherId":8429436,"projectId":9115764,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation, which is putting books into the hands of students in our elementary school library!\r\n\r\nSome of these books replaced well-loved, worn-out copies. And some are additional copies of books so that students don't have to wait as long to read them. Students are enjoying these books, and they are flying off the shelves!\r\n\r\nI have already used these books in lessons this school year. I used the Pizza and Taco series and Narwhal and Jelly series when introducing graphic novels to my second graders. I used the Super Mario and Stitch books when teaching 3rd through 5th grade students how to read manga. The Amulet, Hilo, and I Survived series were also used with older students in my graphic novels/manga lesson.\r\n\r\nAgain, I appreciate your donation to our school library!","fullyFundedDate":1746786030271,"projectUrl":"project/popular-books-for-student-check-out/9115764/","projectTitle":"Popular Books for Student Check Out","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calentine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8429436_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661375814017","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dpwlibrary"},{"teacherId":9031873,"projectId":8509896,"letterContent":"Words can't fully express my gratitude for your generous support of our classroom project, \"Read... Dream... Repeat.\" Because of your kindness, my students now have access to engaging, diverse books that are helping them see themselves as readers — and dreamers. 📚✨\r\n\r\nEach day, I see students eagerly reaching for books that spark their imagination and curiosity. The new reading materials have transformed our classroom into a place where reading feels like an adventure rather than an assignment. \r\n\r\nYou have given my students the opportunity to explore new worlds, dream big dreams, and discover the joy that comes from getting lost in a great book.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of literacy and for investing in the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders. Because of you, our classroom truly lives by the words: Read... Dream... Repeat.","fullyFundedDate":1723685292963,"projectUrl":"project/read-dream-repeat/8509896/","projectTitle":"Read. Dream. Repeat!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bowdry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9031873_orig.jpg?crop=1500,1500,x0,y300&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683604359656","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9031873"},{"teacherId":4538051,"projectId":8391695,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding this project. It would not have been possible without support from Young Sheldon and Amazon Music Tour! Thank you for giving us the funding that we needed in order to make this project a reality. Our students were thrilled to unbox the items and we put them to use right away. \r\n\r\nWe use the ice machine regularly to explore states of matter and temperature. Our school does not have an ice machine so we were limited when trying to do projects that investigate the impact of hot and cold. We are now able to do that with ease! We use the skillet and kettle on a regular basis, as well!","fullyFundedDate":1715911243824,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-up-learning/8391695/","projectTitle":"Cooking Up Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cooper-Peyton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4538051_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649528106610","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ecooperpeyton"},{"teacherId":3983158,"projectId":9238971,"letterContent":"Because of you, our kindergartens had an amazing end of year celebration!\r\nOur students were so very excited to receive such an amazing end of the year gift. They were each able to receive books and practice pages for the summer to bridge kindergarten to first grade. They loved their kindergarten graduation swag and each felt super special!\r\nThank you for bring our end of the year celebration to life, and recognizing all of our kindergarteners for all of their accomplishments during their first year in elementary school!","fullyFundedDate":1746787233030,"projectUrl":"project/bridging-kindergarten-to-first-grade/9238971/","projectTitle":"Bridging Kindergarten to First Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. John","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3983158_orig.jpg?crop=1586,1586,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1714926085780","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-sjohn"},{"teacherId":3983158,"projectId":9235122,"letterContent":"Because of you, our kindergartens had an amazing end of year celebration!\r\nWe \"rocked\" our performance at our kindergarten celebration by breaking out the blow up instruments during our performance of \"We are going to 1st grade.\" Students loved the photo booth we were able to set up with balloons. They loved their k grad swag and each student felt so special. \r\nThank you for bring our end of the year celebration to life, and recognizing all of our kindergarteners for all of their accomplishments during their first year in elementary school!","fullyFundedDate":1746697848844,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-promotion-celebration/9235122/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Promotion Celebration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. John","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3983158_orig.jpg?crop=1586,1586,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1714926085780","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-sjohn"},{"teacherId":471307,"projectId":9428215,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donations, which have contributed to a wonderful start to our school year. Many families in our community face challenges in preparing their children for school, particularly when it comes to the expenses associated with necessary supplies. Your support has made a significant difference, ensuring that each student has the tools they need for a successful year.Thanks to your contributions, I have been able to provide essential materials that enhance our students' learning experiences. Your kindness has not only eased the financial burden on families but has also fostered a positive and supportive learning environment.I hope you enjoy the attached pictures of my students engaging with the materials that your generosity has made possible. Your commitment to our students' education is deeply appreciated, and it truly shows how much you care about their success.Thank you once again for your support and for making a difference in the lives of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1755623994282,"projectUrl":"project/a-new-and-exciting-year/9428215/","projectTitle":"A New and Exciting Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp471307_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1611336118431","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/471307"},{"teacherId":471307,"projectId":9245709,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your generous donations to my kindergarten graduation project. Your support has made a significant difference in the lives of my students, allowing me to provide them with meaningful graduation gifts that they truly cherish. It warms my heart to see their excitement and joy as they receive these gifts, knowing that your contributions have played a vital role in celebrating their accomplishments.\r\n Thanks to your kindness, each child received not only a special gift but also valuable resources that will keep them engaged throughout the summer. The reading materials and math activities you helped provide will encourage their love for learning and support their development during this crucial time. It is so rewarding to see the children eager to explore new stories, practice their math skills, and express their creativity in writing, all thanks to your thoughtful donations.\r\n Your generosity has not only enriched the educational experience of my kindergartners but has also created lasting memories for them as they transition to the next stage of their academic journey. Thank you once again for believing in our project and for making a positive impact on the lives of these young learners. Your support means the world to us, and I am truly grateful for your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1746563179639,"projectUrl":"project/first-grade-here-we-come/9245709/","projectTitle":"First Grade Here We Come!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp471307_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1611336118431","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/471307"},{"teacherId":8429436,"projectId":7200233,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding the items for the Library Comfort and Calming Bench!\r\n\r\nThe calm bench is frequently used by students during library visits. There are often three students squeezed in reading books together or quietly chatting.\r\n\r\nStudents who need a break sit or lie down on the bench and use the pillows for comfort. The fidgets and other items help students calm down and reset so that they can join class when they are ready.\r\n\r\nAs the librarian, I like to sit on the calm bench to read new books or review books that I am considering for lessons. The bench is in a sunny spot that overlooks a courtyard where we can see birds and plants.\r\n\r\nThe Library Comfort and Calming Bench has been a wonderful addition to the library.","fullyFundedDate":1683548697907,"projectUrl":"project/library-comfort-and-calming-bench/7200233/","projectTitle":"Library Comfort and Calming Bench","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calentine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8429436_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661375814017","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dpwlibrary"},{"teacherId":8429436,"projectId":8591632,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding the large rug for our elementary school library. Our previous rug did not have enough squares for every student to take a seat. Frequently, a few students were left out and had to sit outside of the rug. This did not model the library goal of making everyone feel welcome and included.\r\n\r\nWhen staff and students first saw the rug, there were many exclamations about how bright and colorful it is. Students love how soft the rug is.\r\n\r\nThe bands of colored squares make transitions from read alouds to the tables for activities go much smoother. I am able to say, \"Red row, walk to the red table. Orange row...\" Everything in the library is color-coordinated, and this rug helps immensely.\r\n\r\nThe large, colorful rug is an amazing addition to our library.","fullyFundedDate":1726836199789,"projectUrl":"project/large-rug-for-library-story-time/8591632/","projectTitle":"Large Rug for Library Story Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Calentine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8429436_orig.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661375814017","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dpwlibrary"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_29137","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":503,"numTeachers":34,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":37,"percentWhite":18,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":32,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":71.1,"schoolId":29137,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Dr Preston L Williams Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Dr Preston L Williams Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/urbana-school-district-116/prairie-elementary-school/29137"}
Join the 782 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Dr Preston L Williams Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Urbana, Illinois that is part of Urbana School District 116.
It serves 503 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.8:1.
Its teachers have had 228 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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Dr Preston L Williams Elementary School Demographics
95%
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
70%
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.
Dr Preston L Williams Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jan 11, 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.
Dr Preston L Williams Elementary School
$103,444
raised using DonorsChoose
228
projects
funded
42
teachers
funded
782
donors
18
projects
for
basic supplies
9
projects for
technology
43
projects for
books
8
projects
for
art supplies
Dr Preston L Williams Elementary School has received support from
556 individuals from Illinois and
226 individuals out-of-state.