{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"West Hancock Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":72.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5261011,"projectId":9859885,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for your generous donation to our classroom garden! The outdoor garden supplies and hummingbird feeders have brought our garden to life and created exciting, hands-on learning opportunities for our students. Every day, students are observing nature, exploring plant growth, and marveling at the hummingbirds that visit our feeders. Your support helps us connect science lessons to the real world and inspires curiosity, care, and wonder in our young learners. Thank you for helping our garden—and our students—thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1762095712063,"projectUrl":"project/a-garden-for-wings-learning-with-butter/9859885/","projectTitle":"A Garden for Wings: Learning with Butterflies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sours","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5261011"},{"teacherId":5261011,"projectId":9432818,"letterContent":"Here's a slightly longer and fuller version that keeps your friendly tone but adds more detail and warmth:\r\n\r\nThank you, donors!\r\nWe are so grateful for the olla pots you provided for our classroom garden. They have helped our plants grow and thrive by allowing us to better control the water and keep our garden healthy. With your support, students have been able to see science in action—learning how plants use water, how conservation works, and how teamwork helps things grow.\r\n\r\nYour generosity made this hands-on learning experience possible. Our garden has become a place of excitement and discovery, and we couldn't have done it without you. Thank you for helping our classroom garden bloom and for giving our students a chance to learn in such a meaningful, memorable way!","fullyFundedDate":1760548283245,"projectUrl":"project/water-wise-growing-with-olla-pots-in-ou/9432818/","projectTitle":"Water Wise: Growing with Olla Pots in Our Classroom Garden","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sours","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5261011"},{"teacherId":5261011,"projectId":9671548,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Forces in Motion: Hands-On STEM with Newton's Laws project! Because of your generosity, my students will be able to explore science in an exciting, hands-on way that brings Newton's Laws to life. These materials will allow them to experiment, test predictions, and actually see the principles of motion and force in action, which is so much more meaningful than just reading about them in a textbook.\r\n\r\nThrough building, experimenting, and observing, my fifth graders will develop a deeper understanding of concepts like inertia, acceleration, and reaction forces. Even more importantly, they will practice critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration as they design and test their ideas. Your gift ensures that students can engage in authentic STEM experiences that spark curiosity and help them see themselves as scientists and engineers.\r\n\r\nI cannot thank you enough for investing in our classroom. Because of you, my students will not only learn about Newton's Laws but will also gain the confidence to ask questions, take risks, and discover how science connects to their everyday lives. Your generosity makes a lasting impact!","fullyFundedDate":1757541599521,"projectUrl":"project/forces-in-motion-hands-on-stem-with-new/9671548/","projectTitle":"Forces in Motion: Hands-On STEM with Newton’s Laws","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sours","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5261011"},{"teacherId":5261011,"projectId":9658300,"letterContent":"Write\r\n\r\nDear Donor,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous support of our Smart Spenders and Savers project! Because of you, my students will have the chance to build real-world financial literacy skills that will serve them for a lifetime. With these resources, my fifth graders can practice budgeting, comparing prices, and making thoughtful spending and saving choices in ways that feel engaging and meaningful.\r\n\r\nIt is incredibly powerful for students to have opportunities to apply math skills in practical ways. These materials will allow them to work through scenarios that mirror real life—such as deciding whether to save for something special, understanding the difference between needs and wants, and thinking critically about money choices. Watching them collaborate, discuss, and problem-solve as they learn to manage money responsibly will help them grow in confidence and prepare them for the future.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has made it possible for my students to gain experiences they otherwise would not have had. I am so grateful that you chose to invest in their learning. The lessons they will learn from this project are not only academic but also lifelong tools for independence, responsibility, and wise decision-making.","fullyFundedDate":1757423282498,"projectUrl":"project/building-smart-spenders-and-savers/9658300/","projectTitle":"Building Smart Spenders and Savers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sours","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5261011"},{"teacherId":5261011,"projectId":9432758,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in supplying our classroom with store supplies and snacks. Your kindness goes far beyond the items themselves—it helps create a fun and motivating environment where students are excited to learn and work hard. With these supplies, our classroom store can now run smoothly, allowing students to practice responsibility, decision-making, and financial literacy in a real-world way.\r\n\r\nThe snacks you've provided will also make a huge difference. For many of my students, having a small treat during the day is not only motivating but also comforting. It gives them something to look forward to, and it reminds them that people out there truly care about their success.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has brought joy to our classroom and will continue to impact my students each day. We are so grateful for your support and for believing in the importance of investing in our children's growth.","fullyFundedDate":1756326626483,"projectUrl":"project/earning-learning-and-leading-our-clas/9432758/","projectTitle":"Earning, Learning, and Leading: Our Classroom Store Experience","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sours","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5261011"},{"teacherId":5261011,"projectId":9579845,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Equipped for Learning. Because of your generosity, my students now have the essential tools they need to focus, stay organized, and feel confident in their learning. The notebooks, pencils, and supplies will be used daily in reading, writing, math, and creative activities, giving every child the opportunity to participate fully. These resources remove barriers, promote equity, and encourage pride in their work. Your kindness has truly transformed our classroom, and we are so grateful for the lasting impact you've made on our students' education.","fullyFundedDate":1756126718438,"projectUrl":"project/equipped-for-learning/9579845/","projectTitle":"Equipped for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sours","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5261011"},{"teacherId":5261011,"projectId":9428501,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Play for All: Expanding Outdoor Fun and Fitness at Recess. Your generosity has truly brightened our playground and our students' days. With the new outdoor equipment, every child now has the chance to be active, engaged, and included during recess. These additions not only encourage fitness and healthy habits but also promote teamwork, creativity, and joy. Because of you, our students can enjoy a more balanced school day where learning and play go hand in hand. We are so grateful for your kindness and for believing in the power of play!","fullyFundedDate":1755294522596,"projectUrl":"project/play-for-all-expanding-outdoor-fun-and/9428501/","projectTitle":"Play for All: Expanding Outdoor Fun and Fitness at Recess","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sours","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5261011"},{"teacherId":5261011,"projectId":9468261,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supplying our classroom with terracotta pots for our outdoor garden! Your generosity is giving my students the opportunity to plant, nurture, and watch their plants grow and thrive. This hands-on experience will help them explore science, responsibility, and teamwork in a real, living classroom environment. They will care for their plants every day, observe changes, and learn the joy of seeing their hard work come to life. We are truly grateful for your support in helping our garden—and our students—grow!","fullyFundedDate":1754079410311,"projectUrl":"project/growing-minds-terracotta-pots-for-our-g/9468261/","projectTitle":"Growing Minds: Terracotta Pots for Our Garden Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sours","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5261011"},{"teacherId":5261011,"projectId":9281985,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has become a place where curiosity and celebration go hand in hand! The STEM supplies you helped provide are giving my students opportunities to build, design, explore, and problem-solve in hands-on, meaningful ways. From constructing models to testing experiments, they are learning to think critically and work collaboratively—skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nThe surprise rewards and treasure box items you also funded have added an extra layer of motivation and excitement. These small tokens help reinforce positive behavior, effort, and academic achievement. Students are not only learning how to work hard but also experiencing the joy of being recognized and celebrated for their growth.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped us create a learning environment that's both intellectually engaging and emotionally uplifting. These tools and rewards are helping students believe in themselves, support one another, and stay energized in their learning journeys. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1751040845473,"projectUrl":"project/stem-and-surprises-engaging-minds-and-m/9281985/","projectTitle":"STEM and Surprises: Engaging Minds and Motivating Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sours","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5261011"},{"teacherId":5261011,"projectId":9050247,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom is now growing in more ways than one! The garden supplies you helped fund have transformed our learning experience by bringing STEM to life right outside our door. From planting seeds to measuring growth and observing life cycles, my students are now engaging with science, math, and environmental studies in hands-on, meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThis project has sparked curiosity, encouraged responsibility, and fostered teamwork. Students are learning to problem-solve as they plan garden layouts, test soil conditions, and track plant development over time. These activities not only build STEM skills, but also promote a deeper understanding of sustainability and the natural world.\r\n\r\nYour gift didn't just provide tools and materials—it provided an opportunity for students to explore, wonder, and grow their love for learning. Thank you for helping us turn our garden into a living classroom where knowledge blooms!","fullyFundedDate":1746867655807,"projectUrl":"project/a-garden-of-growth/9050247/","projectTitle":"A Garden of Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sours","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5261011"},{"teacherId":5261011,"projectId":9282739,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! The STEM materials you provided are giving my students the opportunity to explore, build, and problem-solve in hands-on and exciting ways. These activities spark curiosity and creativity, making learning more meaningful. The treasure box rewards are also making a big impact by motivating students to stay focused, show kindness, and put forth their best effort. Your kindness is helping create a fun, inspiring, and well-rounded learning environment where students feel supported and celebrated. We are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1746452261082,"projectUrl":"project/hooked-on-learning-rewarding-hard-work/9282739/","projectTitle":"Hooked on Learning: Rewarding Hard Work the Fun Way","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sours","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5261011"},{"teacherId":5261011,"projectId":9281920,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping bring stand-up desks to our classroom! These new desks are already making a difference by giving my students the option to move, stretch, and stay engaged while learning. Many of my students focus better when they're not confined to a traditional desk all day, and having this flexible seating option allows them to feel more comfortable and in control of their learning environment. Your generosity is helping create a classroom that supports both movement and motivation. We are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1746452047579,"projectUrl":"project/wiggle-move-learn-desks-that-fit-5th/9281920/","projectTitle":"Wiggle, Move, Learn: Desks That Fit 5th Grade Energy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sours","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5261011"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_97170","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":363,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":63,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":88,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":27.3,"schoolId":97170,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about West Hancock Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"West Hancock Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/mississippi/hancock-county-school-district/west-hancock-elementary-school/97170"}
Join the 374 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
West Hancock Elementary School is
a rural public school
in Picayune, Mississippi that is part of Hancock County School District.
It serves 363 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.8:1.
Its teachers have had 193 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
3%
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.
West Hancock Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 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.
West Hancock Elementary School
$52,013
raised using DonorsChoose
193
projects
funded
18
teachers
funded
374
donors
13
projects
for
basic supplies
35
projects for
technology
35
projects for
books
4
projects
for
art supplies
West Hancock Elementary School has received support from
102 individuals from Mississippi and
272 individuals out-of-state.