{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Savoy Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":70.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4834859,"projectId":9939328,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring new materials into our classroom for our Clothing Study. Your support has turned this unit into a hands-on experience where my students can explore, pretend, and make sense of the world around them. The books about clothing have helped us build important vocabulary and background knowledge, and I hear students making connections between what we read and what they wear every day. The laundry sorting basket and play set are a favorite center; students \"do the laundry\" for our classroom and baby dolls, sorting, matching, and talking through how we care for clothes. At the art table, ribbon, yarn, texture rubbing plates, rubbing crayons, and glue sticks inspire them to design outfits and create patterns while noticing the textures they see on different fabrics. In the sand and water table, they wash baby doll clothes, squeeze out the water, and hang them to dry, practicing real-world skills while talking with their peers. Because of your generosity, my students are learning about clothing in ways that are active, joyful, and meaningful every day.","fullyFundedDate":1766067043323,"projectUrl":"project/closet-full-of-curiosity/9939328/","projectTitle":"Closet Full of Curiosity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ritchie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4834859_orig.png?crop=272,272,x0,y79&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762285241531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4834859"},{"teacherId":4834859,"projectId":9909153,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our Pre-K classroom. Your gift has made such a meaningful difference in how our students learn, play, and connect each day.\r\n\r\nThe building materials have quickly become a favorite during center time. Students are using the blocks, vehicles, and ramps to design structures, create roads, and solve problems together. Recently, a small group worked together to \"build a city,\" testing ideas and adjusting their designs while using new vocabulary like \"balance,\" \"faster,\" and \"stronger.\" It was wonderful to see their teamwork and excitement.\r\n\r\nThe mini clipboards have also been a special addition. Students use them to draw, label, and share their ideas, helping to build confidence in their early writing and storytelling.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our classroom is filled with hands-on learning, collaboration, and joy. We are truly grateful for the impact you've made in our students' daily experiences. Thank you again for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1766067128551,"projectUrl":"project/building-big-dreams-in-pre-k/9909153/","projectTitle":"Building Big Dreams in Pre-K!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ritchie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4834859_orig.png?crop=272,272,x0,y79&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762285241531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4834859"},{"teacherId":9212214,"projectId":9892413,"letterContent":"These supplies have been essential to keeping learning consistent and uninterrupted. My students were excited to see fresh paper ready for writing, drawing, and project work, and they quickly put it to use during journals and literacy centers. We now print hands-on learning materials without worrying about running out, which allows lessons to stay engaging and student-centered. One highlight was seeing students proudly share their completed work, knowing everyone had what they needed. Moving forward, we'll continue using these materials to support writing development and creative expression.","fullyFundedDate":1766067130449,"projectUrl":"project/every-sheet-counts-paper-printing-pow/9892413/","projectTitle":"Every Sheet Counts: Paper & Printing Power!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atem","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9212214_orig.jpg?crop=3337,3337,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750353240109","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-atem"},{"teacherId":4834859,"projectId":9939290,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our Dramatic Play center now has a child-sized washer, dryer, ironing board, and laundry basket that my Pre-K students use every day. During our Clothing Study, they 'wash,' 'dry,' sort, and iron clothes, talking about what is dirty, clean, wet, and dry as they move through each step. One morning a small group lined up at the washer, took turns loading items, pressing the buttons, and then folding and putting everything into the basket when it was 'done.' When students first saw the set, they literally rushed over, saying 'we have a washing machine!' and immediately started assigning jobs. These materials turned Dramatic Play into a real-world laundry room where students build vocabulary, fine-motor skills, cooperation, and independence as they work and play together. Next, we'll keep using the set to support writing and math by having students make simple laundry lists and count, sort, and compare different kinds of clothing.","fullyFundedDate":1766067135785,"projectUrl":"project/loads-of-learning/9939290/","projectTitle":"Loads of Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ritchie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4834859_orig.png?crop=272,272,x0,y79&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762285241531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4834859"},{"teacherId":4834859,"projectId":9885310,"letterContent":"In our Pre-K classroom, the new kitchen set has completely transformed our dramatic play center into the busy 'heart of the home' we always imagined. Students are using the stove, sink, and cabinets every day as they act out cooking dinner, washing dishes, hosting 'family' meals, and even opening their own pretend restaurants with classmates. When they first saw the kitchen, several students literally gasped, pointed, and started calling out, 'Look, a real kitchen!' before rushing over to turn knobs, open doors, and assign jobs like chef, parent, and cashier. Now, this center is a favorite choice during free play, and we see richer language, more cooperation, and lots of problem-solving as children negotiate roles, share materials, and talk through everyday routines. Next, we plan to connect this play to our literacy and math work by creating simple menus, writing grocery lists, and using pretend food to practice counting and sorting. Because of your support, our students have a beautiful, sturdy space where their tiny hands and big imaginations can grow stronger every single day. Thank you again for investing in my students, and in our classroom where they feel excited, capable, and ready to learn every day.","fullyFundedDate":1766067128088,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-hands-big-imaginations/9885310/","projectTitle":"Tiny Hands, Big Imaginations!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ritchie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4834859_orig.png?crop=272,272,x0,y79&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762285241531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4834859"},{"teacherId":9212214,"projectId":9898815,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our PBIS reward system has become even more meaningful and motivating for my students. When the materials first arrived, the excitement in the classroom was immediate. Students were eager to see what they could work toward earning and began reminding each other about making positive choices. We now use these resources as incentives when students demonstrate kindness, responsibility, and perseverance during lessons and daily routines.\r\n\r\nOne special moment was watching a student proudly earn a reward after consistently helping classmates during center time. Moments like this show how powerful positive reinforcement can be in building confidence and leadership skills. Students are not only excited about the rewards, but they are also becoming more aware of how their actions contribute to a positive classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1766067127609,"projectUrl":"project/building-readers-leaders-through-posit/9898815/","projectTitle":"Building Readers & Leaders Through Positive Choices!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atem","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9212214_orig.jpg?crop=3337,3337,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750353240109","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-atem"},{"teacherId":4834859,"projectId":9939179,"letterContent":"Because of your generous support, our classroom organization has been transformed. The new uniform storage bins replaced mismatched containers and made center materials easier for students to access, use, and return independently.\r\n\r\nDuring center time, I now see more focused, hands on learning across blocks, art, literacy, and math centers. Students confidently \"shop\" for materials, set up purposeful play spaces, and clean up without constant reminders. In math centers, scholars independently select manipulatives, count collections, build patterns, and compare quantities because everything is clearly organized and easy to find.\r\n\r\nOne student who typically needs frequent prompts now finds her bin and returns materials independently. In Pre K, that independence is a powerful step toward building responsibility and confidence.\r\n\r\nAs we continue using the bins, I will rotate materials for each new study and add simple extensions to deepen learning. Thank you for investing in our Pre K scholars and supporting an organized, accessible learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1764715440924,"projectUrl":"project/clear-bins-clear-minds/9939179/","projectTitle":"“Clear Bins, Clear Minds!”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ritchie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4834859_orig.png?crop=272,272,x0,y79&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762285241531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4834859"},{"teacherId":10317691,"projectId":9841806,"letterContent":"When the boxes arrived, my students didn't know what was inside—but they felt the excitement in the air. As we opened each package and pulled out the fidgets, playdough, kinetic sand, and the brand‑new classroom play table, something in the room shifted. It felt like hope. It felt like someone out there—someone they've never met—believed in them.\r\n\r\nHow We're Using the New Resources\r\nThese materials have become more than classroom tools. They've become bridges—helping my students cross from overwhelm to calm, from frustration to focus, from silence to communication.\r\nEvery morning, students walk in and head straight to the sensory station. Some choose playdough and slowly squeeze it between their palms, grounding themselves before the day truly begins. Others choose a fidget and hold it tightly, using the rhythm to feel steady and safe.\r\nThe kinetic sand has become a quiet retreat—when emotions rise, students know they can go to the sand, breathe, and come back ready to try again.\r\nThe play table has transformed learning into something joyful. My students gather around it, laughing, building, talking, and taking turns in ways that felt impossible months ago.\r\n\r\nA Moment That Meant Everything\r\nThere was one moment I'll never forget.\r\nOne student—who usually shuts down when work feels too hard—was having a difficult morning. Tears were welling up, shoulders tight, breathing fast. I gently guided them to the kinetic sand, and we sat there together. After a few minutes, they whispered, \"This helps me... I can try again.\"\r\nThey returned to their work—not perfectly, not instantly—but bravely.\r\nAnd that small moment of courage came from something a donor gave us.\r\nThat's the power your gift had.\r\n\r\nTheir Reactions When They First Saw the Materials\r\nWhen the students first saw the sensory tools, they didn't just smile—they lit up. Some gasped. Some clapped. One student, who rarely uses words, whispered \"Wow.\" Another kept pointing at the play table, almost unable to believe it was really for them.\r\nThese resources told my students something I try to communicate every day:\r\nYou matter. Your needs matter. People care about you.\r\n\r\nWhat's Next for Our Learning\r\nRight now, my students are working hard on building fine‑motor skills, emotional regulation, communication, and independence. These tools are now woven into every part of that journey.\r\n\r\nWe'll use playdough and kinetic sand to strengthen hands for writing.\r\nWe'll use fidgets and textures to build self‑advocacy: learning to ask for what helps them feel safe.\r\nWe'll use the play table to practice sharing, turn‑taking, and social language—skills that help them far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nWith your help, our classroom is becoming a place where students don't just learn—they thrive. Every day, these materials help them feel calmer, braver, more capable, and more connected to the world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1762192036367,"projectUrl":"project/roaring-for-resources-unlocking-potenti/9841806/","projectTitle":"Roaring for Resources: Unlocking Potential, One Roar at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10317691"},{"teacherId":6850076,"projectId":9656977,"letterContent":"My students and I are incredibly grateful for your donation. The previous headphones that we had had been at the school even before I came here. They were old, chunky, and peeling. My students deserve to have a comfortable learning experience in music class. The new headphones fit comfortably around their head with no residue left on their clothes. The keyboard labels make learning accessible for all of my students.\r\n\r\nOur 5th grade students can comfortably practice on the keyboard without having to hear the sounds from their surroundings. They have a music composition project that they are currently completing that requires them to use headphone to record. Our new set is amazing and makes it easy for students to record their work. Our piano labels make it easy for all students to read and play music. Some of the 1st graders read the sheet music with letters on it and are able to identify the letters on the keyboard thanks to you. They are improving their reading skills and their playing skills. At Savoy, our students are joyfully exploring the piano with ease thanks to you.","fullyFundedDate":1760693742604,"projectUrl":"project/piano-exploration/9656977/","projectTitle":"Piano Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6850076_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758147121916","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6850076"},{"teacherId":9212214,"projectId":9858424,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous support of the Bainum Family Foundation, our new carpets have transformed key areas in our classroom, including the morning meeting space, the library, and the block center. When the carpets arrived, my students were immediately drawn to them and quickly understood that these areas were special places for learning, collaboration, and connection. During morning meeting, students can sit comfortably together, helping them focus, listen, and participate more fully. In the library and block center, the carpets create defined, inviting spaces that encourage purposeful play, problem-solving, and peer interaction. These soft spaces have made a big difference in how my students engage with their environment, and they will continue to support meaningful learning experiences every day.","fullyFundedDate":1766067129552,"projectUrl":"project/soft-spaces-for-big-learning/9858424/","projectTitle":"Soft Spaces for Big Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atem","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9212214_orig.jpg?crop=3337,3337,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750353240109","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-atem"},{"teacherId":9212214,"projectId":9884078,"letterContent":"Thank you so much to the Bainum Family Foundation for making our classroom laptop possible. When I introduced the laptop to my students, they were thrilled to see learning come to life through interactive songs, stories, and visuals. We are already using it for whole-group lessons, small-group instruction, and digital learning moments that keep students engaged and excited. This laptop has also helped me better document student growth and create more intentional lessons tailored to my students' needs.","fullyFundedDate":1766067140219,"projectUrl":"project/learning-in-the-digital-age-one-click-a/9884078/","projectTitle":"Learning in the Digital Age: One Click at a Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atem","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9212214_orig.jpg?crop=3337,3337,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750353240109","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-atem"},{"teacherId":9212214,"projectId":9898782,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, the materials from this project have quickly become part of our everyday classroom routines. These are the kinds of supplies that quietly make a huge difference, helping our classroom stay organized, keeping lessons running smoothly, and giving students the tools they need to participate in activities fully. When the items first arrived, my students were excited to explore them and eager to start using them during centers and small group work.\r\n\r\nOne special moment was at our learning centers, when students could independently grab the materials they needed and get right to work. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow as they used the resources to complete activities, create projects, and collaborate with classmates.","fullyFundedDate":1766067130259,"projectUrl":"project/the-supplies-we-didnt-know-we-needed/9898782/","projectTitle":"The Supplies We Didn’t Know We Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atem","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9212214_orig.jpg?crop=3337,3337,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750353240109","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-atem"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_24139","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":199,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":88,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":94,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"7.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":29.9,"schoolId":24139,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Savoy Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Savoy Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/district-of-columbia/dc-public-schools/savoy-elementary-school-birney-elementary-school/24139"}