{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"13th & Union Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":28.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9752433,"projectId":9491959,"letterContent":"Having Spot emotional books in the classroom has been such a meaningful way to help students learn about their feelings and how to express them. These stories give children the language and understanding to recognize emotions in themselves and others, which builds empathy, self-regulation, and social skills. Through engaging characters and simple storytelling, students can better connect to real-life situations, making it easier for them to manage emotions in a healthy way. 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. Together, these resources encourage active participation, creativity, and skill-building while making learning engaging and enjoyable.","fullyFundedDate":1754508991219,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-tiny-hands-big-imaginations/9491959/","projectTitle":"Tools for Tiny Hands, Big Imaginations, and Bright Futures!","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":9752433,"projectId":9147723,"letterContent":"The donation of whiteboards provides students with a valuable and engaging tool for practicing early writing skills. 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. Some of our students are regulated by the spinning nature of the pod swing.\r\n\r\nI want to express my most sincere appreciation for your contribution to my students.","fullyFundedDate":1746493439271,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-swing-and-stands/9275108/","projectTitle":"Sensory Swing and Stands","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erika","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9584934"},{"teacherId":9752433,"projectId":8962201,"letterContent":"The items from the Math Magic Station have greatly supported the growth and development of our Pre-K learners by making math concepts engaging, interactive, and hands-on. The ice cream cone counters have been especially helpful in teaching addition and number identification. Students eagerly count and match scoops to their cones, improving their ability to recognize numbers while strengthening their early addition skills. The ten frames have provided a clear visual aid for understanding number relationships, helping students grasp concepts like counting, one-to-one correspondence, and even being able to write numbers.\r\n\r\nActivities like the math snapping and pattern-building exercises have fostered fine motor skills alongside critical thinking. As students snap pieces together to create patterns, they practice sequencing and spatial awareness while building their understanding of math concepts. The ring toss activity has been an excellent tool for improving hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills, making learning numbers and counting a fun physical challenge. Additionally, the ice cream scoop counting set has encouraged playful exploration of quantities and measurements, allowing students to practice number writing and representation creatively.\r\n\r\nTogether, these resources have transformed math lessons into exciting, multi-sensory experiences. They have not only improved the students' understanding of foundational math concepts but also boosted their confidence and enthusiasm for learning. By engaging in these hands-on activities, students are developing the skills they need for future academic success while building a love for math at an early age.","fullyFundedDate":1733326406670,"projectUrl":"project/math-magic-station/8962201/","projectTitle":"Math Magic Station","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":9752433,"projectId":8962373,"letterContent":"The new resources have been an exciting addition to our classroom, and my students have been learning about recycling in a fun and interactive way. Using the Michael Recycle book, students discovered the importance of recycling through the adventures of a superhero they found hilarious and inspiring. They loved the idea of becoming \"recycling heroes\" themselves. To reinforce what they learned, the students used our classroom trash truck to demonstrate their understanding of what can and cannot be recycled. Seeing their enthusiasm as they practiced sorting \"trash\" into the correct recycling bins was amazing, showing their growing confidence and knowledge.\r\n\r\nThe students were especially thrilled to explore the books that came with the resources, which sparked meaningful conversations about how small actions can make a big difference for the environment. They were eager to get hands-on with their learning and proudly showed off their sorting skills. Moving forward, we have an exciting assembly about recycling planned, which will further solidify their understanding. Every Thursday until the end of the year, the students will be responsible for collecting and sorting trash and recycling from around the school. This will give them practical experience and help build habits they can carry into their lives outside the classroom. Looking ahead to next year, I hope to start this program even earlier so that students can develop a deeper connection to recycling and sustainability.","fullyFundedDate":1733249986585,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-impact-pre-k-recycli/8962373/","projectTitle":"\"Little Hands, Big Impact: Pre-K Recycling Heroes\"","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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_88939","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":641,"numTeachers":48,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":85,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"13.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":71.9,"schoolId":88939,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about 13th & Union Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"13th & Union Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/reading-school-district/thirteenth-union-elementary-school/88939"}
Join the 128 supporters who believe in this school.
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.
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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
89%
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.
13th & Union Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
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.
13th & Union Elementary School
$11,428
raised using DonorsChoose
28
projects
funded
14
teachers
funded
128
donors
1
project
for
basic supplies
1
project for
technology
4
projects for
books
13th & Union Elementary School has received support from
92 individuals from Pennsylvania and
36 individuals out-of-state.