{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"West County Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4033967,"projectId":10190793,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in bringing \"Making a Splash: Water Science and Outdoor Play!\" to life. When the boxes of water sprinklers, wading pools, and games arrived my students' excitement was palpable. They couldn't wait to get outside and start exploring! One of the most rewarding moments was watching a group of students work together to create a \"waterfall\" using the new tools; the look of pure wonder on their faces when they realized they could change the water's direction was priceless.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using these resources to explore the concepts of volume and buoyancy in our daily outdoor STEM block. The materials have turned our playground into a living laboratory where students are learning through trial, error, and a lot of happy splashing. Looking ahead, our next steps involve a \"Sink or Float\" challenge where students will predict and then test how different natural objects interact with the water currents they've built. Your support has truly transformed our outdoor space into a hub of scientific discovery!","fullyFundedDate":1777677466358,"projectUrl":"project/making-a-splash-water-science-and-outdo/10190793/","projectTitle":"Making a Splash: Water Science and Outdoor Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Callahan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4033967_orig.jpg?crop=2841,2841,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763061304437","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4033967"},{"teacherId":4033967,"projectId":10197164,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity in supporting our project, \r\n\"Active Bodies, Active Minds: Fueling Play and Fitness.\" When the boxes arrived in our classroom, the energy was electric! My students were absolutely thrilled to see the new equipment, and their faces lit up as we unboxed everything together. It felt like a holiday in our classroom, and the children were so touched to know that people they haven't even met care so much about their health and happiness.\r\n\r\nWe have already begun integrating these resources into our daily routine. Whether it's using the equipment for organized team games during recess or taking \"brain breaks\" with fitness activities during long instructional blocks, the impact is visible. I've noticed a significant shift in student engagement; after they've had the chance to move their bodies and release some energy, they return to their desks with much better focus and a readiness to learn. It has truly transformed the \"afternoon slump\" into a time of productivity.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to use these materials to start a weekly \"Fitness Friday\" challenge where students can set personal goals and track their progress. This project is doing so much more than just providing toys; it is teaching my students the importance of physical health and helping them build the stamina they need to succeed academically. Thank you for investing in my students' well-being and for making our classroom a more vibrant, active place to grow!","fullyFundedDate":1777591873596,"projectUrl":"project/active-bodies-active-minds-fueling-pla/10197164/","projectTitle":"Active Bodies, Active Minds: Fueling Play and Fitness","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Callahan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4033967_orig.jpg?crop=2841,2841,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763061304437","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4033967"},{"teacherId":8664149,"projectId":10079498,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of your kindness, our students were able to purchase materials to create thoughtful gift baskets for elderly members of our community. This project has been a meaningful experience, allowing students to practice empathy, creativity, and kindness while giving back to others. Your contribution helped turn a simple idea into a heartfelt act of service.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your role in making this project possible. The gift baskets brought joy not only to those who received them, but also to our students, who felt proud to make a positive difference. Your generosity has helped foster compassion and community awareness in our classroom. Thank you again for supporting our students and helping us spread kindness beyond our school walls.","fullyFundedDate":1770674757547,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-kindness-a-community-s/10079498/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Kindness: A Community Service Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kristin Holdman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8664149_orig.jpg?crop=1068,1068,x0,y185&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1664297671329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8664149"},{"teacherId":8664149,"projectId":9961862,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose. Because of your kindness, our students now have a comfortable carpet where they can gather, learn, and grow together. This new space has already made a meaningful difference, giving students a cozy and inviting place to read, collaborate, and participate in group activities. Your contribution has truly helped create a more welcoming and engaging learning environment.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your investment in our students' education and well-being. The carpet is more than just a classroom addition—it's a place where ideas will be shared, friendships will be built, and confidence will grow. Your generosity reminds us that there are people who care deeply about our students and their success. Thank you again for making a lasting impact in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1771010710242,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-create-a-comfortable-learning-sp/9961862/","projectTitle":"Help Us Create a Comfortable Learning Space","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kristin Holdman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8664149_orig.jpg?crop=1068,1068,x0,y185&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1664297671329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8664149"},{"teacherId":10114074,"projectId":10084269,"letterContent":"Your generous support has made a powerful difference in our classroom. With the addition of yoga mats and storage bins, students now have a safe, comfortable space to reset, refocus, and regulate their emotions throughout the day. The yoga mats give students a designated area to practice mindfulness, stretching, and calming strategies, which helps reduce stress and improve concentration.\r\nThe bins have brought organization and structure to our classroom, making materials easily accessible and creating a more peaceful, clutter-free environment. This allows students to spend more time learning and less time feeling overwhelmed.\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students are developing healthier coping skills, stronger focus, and a greater sense of independence. You've helped create a classroom that supports not only academic success, but also emotional well-being. Thank you for investing in my students and giving them tools they will carry with them far beyond this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1770827066927,"projectUrl":"project/students-leading-wellness-and-encouragem/10084269/","projectTitle":"Students Leading Wellness and Encouragement for Our School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10114074"},{"teacherId":5599623,"projectId":10053170,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of your kindness, our students now have a wonderful collection of board games that have become the foundation of a meaningful, student-led community service initiative.\r\nWith these materials, our students designed and hosted events focused on teaching good sportsmanship through play. They welcomed peers and community members, guiding them through games while modeling teamwork, patience, respect, and positive communication. It was inspiring to see students step into leadership roles—encouraging others, resolving conflicts, and celebrating both wins and losses with grace.\r\nYour contributions did far more than provide games; they created opportunities for connection, learning, and personal growth. Our students gained confidence and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a good sport, and they were proud to pass those lessons on to others.\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support and belief in our students. You have helped create experiences that will stay with them far beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1769720804395,"projectUrl":"project/wellness-through-play-board-games-for-s/10053170/","projectTitle":"Wellness Through Play: Board Games for Student-Led Community Service","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kearns","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5599623_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745877675233","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5599623"},{"teacherId":9999383,"projectId":10133340,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom through your generous contribution to \"Chill for Goodwill.\" When the slushie machine finally arrived, my students were absolutely buzzing with excitement! The moment we set it up, their eyes lit up, and it immediately became the highlight of our classroom.\r\n\r\nWe are using the machine as a special incentive for positive behavior and goal achievement. Seeing students work so hard to earn a \"slushie break\" has completely transformed our classroom culture. It has turned small wins into celebrations and has given students something tangible to look forward to during our busiest weeks.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, I plan to use these slushie celebrations to anchor our end-of-unit reflections. It has been a joy to watch them gather, chat, and relax after working hard. Thank you for making these memorable, \"chill\" moments possible for my students; your support has truly made our classroom a happier, more cohesive place to be.","fullyFundedDate":1775065669634,"projectUrl":"project/chill-for-goodwill/10133340/","projectTitle":"Chill for Goodwill","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9999383_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y424&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744654568299","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9999383"},{"teacherId":10333727,"projectId":10005701,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and support of our school health office. Because of you, our supply shelves are no longer bare—they are full, organized, and ready to meet the needs of every student who walks through my door.\r\n\r\nThe excitement from students has been incredible. They notice everything and it has made such a positive impact on their experience. Instead of feeling worried or uncomfortable when they come to see the nurse, they now feel cared for, safe, and even a little excited to pick out a bandage or receive the help they need.\r\n\r\nYour kindness goes far beyond supplies. You've helped create a welcoming space where students feel supported physically and emotionally. That kind of environment makes a real difference in their day and their ability to return to class ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students' well-being and for making a meaningful difference in our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1768513573793,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-minds-bodies-books-for-the-sc/10005701/","projectTitle":"Healthy Minds & Bodies: Books for the School Nurse’s Office","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tongay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10333727_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767295110912","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10333727"},{"teacherId":4033967,"projectId":10163959,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the incredible impact your gift had on our \"Tiny Beads, Big Imagination\" project! As soon as the boxes of beads arrived, our classroom was transformed into a bustling jewelry studio. Seeing the students' eyes light up as they opened the materials was a moment I won't soon forget.\r\n\r\nWorking with these tiny beads has been a transformative experience for my students. Beyond the beautiful patterns they created, this project provided a vital opportunity for them to practice fine motor coordination, spatial planning, and, perhaps most importantly, patience. For many of my students, this was the first time they felt the quiet, meditative focus that comes with detailed craft work. These beads have allowed my students to see themselves as artists capable of precision and beauty.\r\n\r\nThank you for providing the tools that helped my students turn these tiny beads into such big expressions of creativity and self-worth. You have truly made a lasting difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1776088023936,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-beads-big-imaginations/10163959/","projectTitle":"Tiny Beads, Big Imaginations","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Callahan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4033967_orig.jpg?crop=2841,2841,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763061304437","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4033967"},{"teacherId":4033967,"projectId":10159495,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous support of our \"Sculpting Masterpieces, Not Messes!\" project. When the new sculpting materials arrived, my students were absolutely buzzing with excitement. For many of them, this was the first time they had access to high-quality supplies that actually allowed them to bring their creative visions to life without the frustration of sub-par tools.\r\n\r\nSeeing their reactions when they opened the packages was a highlight of my school year; their eyes lit up, and they immediately began discussing the projects they wanted to create. \r\n\r\nThese materials have transformed our art time from a chaotic struggle into a focused, creative studio environment. Knowing that we have the proper tools has allowed my students to take risks with their art and express themselves more fully. We are already looking forward to our next unit on [mention upcoming lesson], where we will use these foundational skills to create even more complex pieces. Thank you for investing in my students' creativity and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1776088024181,"projectUrl":"project/sculpting-masterpieces-not-messes/10159495/","projectTitle":"Sculpting Masterpieces, Not Messes!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Callahan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4033967_orig.jpg?crop=2841,2841,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763061304437","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4033967"},{"teacherId":3984211,"projectId":9849136,"letterContent":"Your donations provided our classroom with 2 reading pens for struggling readers. I am able to work with students across many grade levels on reading interventions; these pens have allowed so many opportunities to students who struggle with reading to feel more confident as they use it as a tool to help solve words that are unknown to them. \r\nThis resource is so reliable across grade levels. I work with students Kindergarten through 2nd and help with 3rd sometimes as well, and many students have been able to use this tool to help through reading tests, to build their comprehension skills and more.","fullyFundedDate":1771007812777,"projectUrl":"project/reading-rockets-in-horizons/9849136/","projectTitle":"Reading Rockets in Horizons","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dane","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3984211_orig.png?crop=827,827,x0,y201&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732210587024","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3984211"},{"teacherId":5599623,"projectId":10040398,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of your kindness, our classroom is now filled with \"Who Was\" books that have sparked curiosity, excitement, and a genuine love of learning among my students.\r\nWith these books, students were able to dive into the lives of inspiring individuals from history, science, sports, and the arts. They used what they learned to create their own biographies—developing research skills, practicing writing, and building confidence as they shared their work. It was incredible to watch them make connections, ask thoughtful questions, and take pride in their projects.\r\nYour contribution didn't just provide books—it created meaningful learning experiences that my students will remember. You've helped bring stories to life and empowered young learners to see themselves as readers, writers, and thinkers.\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support and belief in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1769108242636,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-real-life-heroes-to-life-biogr/10040398/","projectTitle":"Bringing Real-Life Heroes to Life: Biographies for Curious Third Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kearns","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5599623_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745877675233","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5599623"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_45176","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":364,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":62,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":97,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":0,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":69.5,"schoolId":45176,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about West County Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"West County Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/missouri/west-county-r4-school-district/west-county-elementary-school/45176"}