{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Simon Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":58.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8434223,"projectId":10062686,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. The moment these materials arrived, our classroom transformed into a true \"Thrive Zone.\" My students immediately gravitated toward each item, exploring them with the unique perspectives and incredible resilience that make them who they are.\r\n\r\nThe bubble tube has become a calming anchor in our room. Students sit beside it, watching the colors shift and the bubbles rise, and you can see their bodies relax as their focus settles. The stepping stones and wobble board have turned movement into meaningful growth—students are channeling their energy into building balance, coordination, and core strength, all while having fun.\r\n\r\nThe mirror sheets have sparked beautiful moments of self‑discovery. Students are studying their reflections, practicing facial expressions, and exploring social cues in a safe, playful way. And the voice buttons have quickly become a powerful tool for communication. Students are pressing them to share needs, make choices, and express themselves with pride.\r\n\r\nTogether, these tools have created a space where every student can explore, regulate, and grow in ways that honor their individual strengths. Your support didn't just provide materials—it helped build a sanctuary where my students can truly thrive. We are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1772313483683,"projectUrl":"project/big-moves-big-dreams/10062686/","projectTitle":"Big Moves, Big Dreams","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bolston","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8434223"},{"teacherId":8434223,"projectId":10030306,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the incredible interactive books! The moment they arrived, my students dove right in—pressing buttons, feeling textures, and pulling every tab they could find. The room filled with laughter, surprise, and so much excitement.\r\n\r\nThese books have turned reading time into an adventure. Students who usually hesitate to pick up a book are now eager to explore each page. They're strengthening their fine motor skills without even realizing it, and the sensory elements keep them engaged from start to finish.\r\n\r\nThe best part is watching them \"read\" independently—using touch, sound, and movement to follow the story in their own way. You've given them a literacy experience that feels empowering, fun, and truly accessible. We're so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1768830637108,"projectUrl":"project/pop-up-potential-bringing-stories-to-li/10030306/","projectTitle":"Pop-Up Potential: Bringing Stories to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bolston","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8434223"},{"teacherId":8434223,"projectId":9975016,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support. The materials you funded have already brought so much joy and engagement to our classroom. Students are using the Big Feelings Pineapple to explore emotions in ways they've never been able to before—pointing to faces, swapping pieces, and proudly showing how they feel.\r\n\r\nThe pretend‑play items, like the Sorting Snacks Mini Fridge and the Little Tikes washer and dryer, have quickly become favorites. Students are practicing real‑life routines, taking turns \"doing laundry,\" and building independence through play.\r\n\r\nGames like Shark Bite and sensory activities such as Rock 'n' Gem Surprise have sparked laughter, communication, and curiosity. And the dancing talking cactus has become a classroom celebrity, encouraging students to interact, imitate, and share moments together.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is already making a real difference, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1769357656190,"projectUrl":"project/helping-learners-grow-through-joyful-pla/9975016/","projectTitle":"Helping Learners Grow Through Joyful Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bolston","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8434223"},{"teacherId":8434223,"projectId":9975556,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to help expand our classroom sensory and play area. Your support has made a remarkable difference.\r\nThe new play‑structure couch has quickly become one of the children's favorite places to learn, explore, and unwind. They use it to build forts, create imaginative worlds, collaborate with friends, and practice problem‑solving in ways that feel natural and joyful. For many of our students, the soft, flexible design also provides a calming sensory space where they can regulate their emotions and feel safe and grounded throughout the day.\r\nYour kindness has given our classroom a tool that supports creativity, comfort, and connection. We are truly grateful for your contribution and for believing in the importance of play‑based and sensory‑rich learning.\r\nThank you for helping our students thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1768440865828,"projectUrl":"project/a-flexible-space-for-growing-minds/9975556/","projectTitle":"A Flexible Space for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bolston","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8434223"},{"teacherId":1028168,"projectId":9812429,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing these chairs for our whole group lessons. My students crave structure and routine and these chairs help provide that. They now pull them out for morning meeting. It also just gives everyone their own space and a sense of security. The chairs sit on the edge of the rug when we're not meeting and some students will go and sit in them because the sides give them a cozy place to be.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped us create an inclusive environment where everyone has a place to be during our morning circle and read alouds.","fullyFundedDate":1766067033839,"projectUrl":"project/sit-sit-sit/9812429/","projectTitle":"Sit, Sit, Sit!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1028168_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y200&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755196139080","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/deborah-williams"},{"teacherId":8434223,"projectId":9957930,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom now has a Yoto player that is already transforming the way students experience stories and music. The excitement on their faces when they choose a card, press play, and hear a story come to life has been priceless. For many of them, this is the first time they've had access to an independent listening center where they can explore books, build comprehension, and enjoy music in a way that feels magical and empowering.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just fund a device—it opened a doorway to imagination, calm moments, and joyful learning. Students who are still developing reading confidence now have another way to engage with stories, and those who need sensory breaks or quiet time have a soothing, structured tool they can rely on.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and for investing in experiences that help students grow, dream, and feel seen. Your kindness truly makes a difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1766959734067,"projectUrl":"project/music-stories-for-all-learning/9957930/","projectTitle":"Music & Stories for ALL Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bolston","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8434223"},{"teacherId":8434223,"projectId":9968685,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. The moment these materials arrived, our classroom transformed into a true \"Thrive Zone.\" My students immediately gravitated toward each item, exploring them with the unique perspectives and incredible resilience that make them who they are.\r\n\r\nThe bubble tube has become a calming anchor in our room. Students sit beside it, watching the colors shift and the bubbles rise, and you can see their bodies relax as their focus settles. The stepping stones and wobble board have turned movement into meaningful growth—students are channeling their energy into building balance, coordination, and core strength, all while having fun.\r\n\r\nThe mirror sheets have sparked beautiful moments of self‑discovery. Students are studying their reflections, practicing facial expressions, and exploring social cues in a safe, playful way. And the voice buttons have quickly become a powerful tool for communication. Students are pressing them to share needs, make choices, and express themselves with pride.\r\n\r\nTogether, these tools have created a space where every student can explore, regulate, and grow in ways that honor their individual strengths. Your support didn't just provide materials—it helped build a sanctuary where my students can truly thrive. We are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1769817978903,"projectUrl":"project/bridges-to-belonging-a-sensory-journey/9968685/","projectTitle":"Bridges to Belonging: A Sensory Journey","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bolston","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8434223"},{"teacherId":8378409,"projectId":9581841,"letterContent":"Thank you for fully funding our performing arts project. Because of your generosity, our students now have essential equipment that is already transforming the way our program operates.\r\n\r\nThe speakers and microphones are being used in daily rehearsals and performances, ensuring every student can be heard clearly and confidently. Instead of straining to project or competing with poor sound quality, students are learning proper stage presence and vocal control. The garment racks and shelving have allowed us to organize costumes and props efficiently, which has dramatically improved rehearsal flow. Students now take ownership of maintaining an orderly costume and props room — an important professional skill in itself.\r\n\r\nWe are building our performing arts department from the ground up, and these resources provide the structure we needed to grow responsibly. At a school where access to arts programming has been limited, this equipment signals to students that their creativity is valued and worth investing in. They are rising to that expectation with focus, discipline, and pride.\r\n\r\nThis project has moved us from \"making do\" to building something sustainable. With proper sound equipment and organized storage, we can continue expanding productions, welcoming more students into the program, and raising the standard of every performance.\r\n\r\nYour support is not temporary — it is foundational. Thank you for helping us establish a program that will continue to grow and serve students for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1765568900528,"projectUrl":"project/gearing-up-for-greatness/9581841/","projectTitle":"Gearing Up for Greatness","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Joyner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8378409_orig.jpg?crop=466,466,x17,y13&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692062791355","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8378409"},{"teacherId":8833507,"projectId":9594722,"letterContent":"We are so excited about the two new rugs that arrived for our classroom! One rug now defines our block center, giving students a special space to build, plan, and collaborate on creative structures. The other rug brightens our dramatic play area, making it even more inviting for imaginative role-playing and storytelling.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the rugs, they were thrilled! They immediately ran to explore the new spaces, setting up block constructions and creating imaginative play scenarios right away. The rugs have made these areas feel special and cozy, encouraging students to dive into hands-on learning and collaboration.\r\n\r\nNext, our students will continue to expand their creations in the block center and develop new stories in dramatic play, using these defined spaces to practice problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Your support is helping us create an environment where learning feels fun and engaging every day!","fullyFundedDate":1765831680229,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-spaces-for-creative-learning-in-our/9594722/","projectTitle":"Cozy Spaces for Creative Learning in Our Classroom Centers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lindo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8833507"},{"teacherId":1028168,"projectId":9541085,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity towards helping set up this safe space in my classroom. We needed a space that felt safe and calm for our students. We'll look over and sometimes all of them are on this rug together! They love the cozy seats and also the balls and weighted stuffed animals that are there. The divider has been a huge blessing!\r\n\r\nWe've been able to use it to focus on academic tasks, rest and work on daily living tasks during lunch. Sometimes being able to block out the rest of the classroom helps our students calm themselves.\r\n\r\nThank you for being such generous parterns!","fullyFundedDate":1759892823046,"projectUrl":"project/safe-sensory-space/9541085/","projectTitle":"Safe Sensory Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1028168_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y200&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755196139080","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/deborah-williams"},{"teacherId":1028168,"projectId":9599030,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the water and sand toys and the containers for play and storage! My students need to be able to use their hands and seek sensory activities throughout the classroom. So, sand, water and play dough are favorites!\r\n\r\nHaving these highly preferred materials for students helps us to work on their goals. They work as reinforcers and for us to be able to teach routines that will help us build more academic skills as the year progresses. We could not do this work without your generosity and partnership!","fullyFundedDate":1758395719959,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-play/9599030/","projectTitle":"Sensory Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1028168_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y200&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755196139080","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/deborah-williams"},{"teacherId":1028168,"projectId":9598893,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations that allowed us to add baby dolls, dollhouse furniture, cars and a new rug for our dramatic play to the classroom! Having new play people and dolls has allowed my students to put them in houses and start to learn how to play. We've seen functional play increase as they feed the babies and put them to bed.\r\n\r\nThe new rug also makes this space so much more cozy. We spend so much time on the floor and it's nice not to be on the tile but to have a soft place to land as we play.","fullyFundedDate":1758126816582,"projectUrl":"project/dolls-and-cars-and-blocks-oh-my/9598893/","projectTitle":"Dolls, and Cars and Blocks, Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1028168_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y200&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755196139080","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/deborah-williams"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_24147","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":207,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":76,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":90,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"8.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":41.4,"schoolId":24147,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Simon Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Simon Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/district-of-columbia/dc-public-schools/simon-elementary-school/24147"}