13th & Union Elementary School in Reading, Pennsylvania on DonorsChoose

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This foundation not only supports classroom community but also promotes positive interactions and friendships.\r\n\r\nThe addition of painting and art supplies, playdoh, and even golf pencils for our scavenger hunt has provided hands-on, creative ways for students to learn and grow. Painting and art allow children to explore self-expression while strengthening fine motor skills and creativity. Playdoh offers a sensory-rich experience that builds hand strength and coordination while keeping learning fun. Using golf pencils on scavenger hunts gives students tools that are developmentally appropriate for their small hands, making writing more accessible and successful. 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Having their own board gives each child the opportunity to practice writing their names and letters in a fun, hands-on way while building confidence and fine motor skills. \r\nThe ability to easily erase and try again helps reduce frustration and encourages persistence, making the learning process more enjoyable. Students love the interactive nature of using whiteboards, and the excitement they show while practicing fosters a positive attitude toward writing. These boards not only support foundational literacy skills but also make learning feel like play, which is especially important in early childhood education.","fullyFundedDate":1746787002139,"projectUrl":"project/write-it-right-letter-paddles-in-action/9147723/","projectTitle":"Write It Right: Letter Paddles in Action!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9752433_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732293681857","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9752433"},{"teacherId":9584934,"projectId":9275108,"letterContent":"Your donation to our project has contributed to the emotional needs of my students. My classroom is comprised of students in grades K-2 who are Autistic, nonverbal, need assistance with emotional regulation, and have sensory needs. The swings have helped to provide that emotional regulation and sensory input. When our students get overstimulated or frustrated they need help from staff to regulate their emotions and the way they do that is through stimming. For most of our students, spinning and swinging helps to calm and regulate the nervous system. \r\n\r\nThe response of my students were split. For some of our students, it was an immediate smile and they all wanted a turn and wanted to swing. For the other half of my students they did not know how to use this tool and we needed to show them how it can help regulate their emotions and satisfy their need for sensory input. Some of our students enjoy the swinging back and forth and also the enclosed nature of the pod swing which helps to remove environmental stimulation. 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About this school

13th & Union Elementary School is an urban public school in Reading, Pennsylvania that is part of Reading School District. It serves 641 students in grades K - 4 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.4:1. Its teachers have had 28 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades K - 4

641 Students

48 Teachers

1600 N 13th St

Reading, PA 19604 View local requests

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at 13th & Union Elementary School to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

13th & Union Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.

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13th & Union Elementary School Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

89%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

13th & Union Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Mar 19, 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.