{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Whetstone Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1608580,"projectId":9636894,"letterContent":"Wow this project has been the best one yet! I have always benefitted from having something to fidget with even as an adult. My team often tries to purchase fidgets, but with them being so expensive, it is hard to get enough for all of the students that need them. With the help of this project I have been able to provide fidgets for students that need them without worrying about being able to find or purchase them. I have been able to stock all of our special education offices, counseling, wellness, administration, and other adults who support our students who need help with regulation with plenty of fidgets. The students are always so excited to have new ones available. This has truly been a life changing project for our kids!","fullyFundedDate":1758290859649,"projectUrl":"project/fidget-power/9636894/","projectTitle":"Fidget Power","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clements","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1608580_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y22&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1622204114410","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/caraclements"},{"teacherId":1608580,"projectId":9359472,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support with my project! With you support I have been able to provide concrete positive rewards for my students. They love being able to spin the wheel for the variety of prizes that we have. Their favorites have been being able to write with the colored pen for the day, since we usually use pencils and the pencil charms since they get to use them in their own class too. I would not be able to provide these rewards to my students without your support. I am so grateful to be able to count on this amazing community for support.","fullyFundedDate":1751982201415,"projectUrl":"project/rewarding-hard-work/9359472/","projectTitle":"Rewarding Hard Work!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clements","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1608580_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y22&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1622204114410","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/caraclements"},{"teacherId":9323064,"projectId":9748772,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, we extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donations of snacks, fidgets, and prizes. Your kindness has made a meaningful and immediate difference in the lives of our students with disabilities.\r\n\r\nThese items are far more than treats or toys—they are powerful tools that help our students stay engaged, focused, and motivated. The fidgets provide sensory support that helps many students regulate their emotions and stay on task. The snacks and prizes have become a source of excitement and pride, giving students something to work toward and celebrate.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we have seen students show greater perseverance in meeting their goals, increased participation in classroom activities, and renewed confidence in themselves. The joy on their faces when they earn a prize is a reminder of how small acts of generosity can create meaningful moments of success.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your partnership in supporting their growth and achievements","fullyFundedDate":1758824546159,"projectUrl":"project/snacksprizes-for-special-education-stud/9748772/","projectTitle":"Snacks/Prizes for Special Education Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alvarez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9323064"},{"teacherId":8607755,"projectId":9539929,"letterContent":"My students are very thankful for your donations! We have snack daily in the afternoon to help them continue to focus and learn. I am also able to send some food home with students that I know may need an extra snack at home. Lastly, I also use the snacks that were ordered such as breakfast bars to provide a quick breakfast snack to students who come in late and have missed breakfast. \r\n\r\nMy students have been so excited and thankful to receive food throughout our day and at home! Their families are also very appreciative for this resource given to their child at school. To know that our classroom supports their whole child included their basic needs has brought our classroom community together and fostered inportant relationships!","fullyFundedDate":1757137256353,"projectUrl":"project/full-stomachs-means-ready-for-learning/9539929/","projectTitle":"Full stomachs means ready for learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cooper","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8607755_orig.jpg?crop=902,902,x0,y466&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660143419157","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8607755"},{"teacherId":3604558,"projectId":9125097,"letterContent":"Our class is so grateful for the generous donation of headphones! With nearly 90 pairs, every student now has access to their own set, which has completely transformed our learning environment. We use the headphones daily during reading centers, online research, and writing activities that include audio components. Students can now focus without distractions, listen to reading passages, and engage with digital lessons at their own pace. One special project we've enjoyed is our \"Listening to Learn\" station—students use the headphones to follow along with audiobooks that match their reading levels, helping them build fluency and comprehension while fostering a love for reading.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the headphones, their excitement was contagious! They couldn't believe that each of them would get to use their own pair—no more sharing or waiting for turns. Many students commented on how \"official\" it made their classroom feel, like a real tech-ready learning space. As we move forward, students will continue to use the headphones during our upcoming research unit on the Medieval Times, where they'll listen to educational podcasts and videos to gather information for their writing. Your donation has made it possible for every child to have a focused, individualized learning experience, and we can't thank you enough for making that happen!","fullyFundedDate":1743007215375,"projectUrl":"project/tune-into-learning-with-headphones/9125097/","projectTitle":"Tune Into Learning With Headphones!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3604558_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712368317527","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3604558"},{"teacherId":3604558,"projectId":9342698,"letterContent":"Our class has been putting the new materials to great use! The anchor charts have become an essential tool during our literacy and writing lessons—students often refer back to them for reminders about dialogue rules, text structure, and grammar tips. The pencils and headphone storage have helped us stay organized and ready for independent work, especially during reading centers. The washi tape, bookmarks, and stickers have added a creative touch to our classroom, allowing students to personalize their work and celebrate small successes. One of our favorite projects so far has been our \"Reader's Choice\" bookmarks—students decorated their own using the washi tape and stickers, and now proudly use them during silent reading time.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new supplies, their faces lit up with excitement! They immediately began brainstorming ways to use the colorful materials in their projects. The simple addition of washi tape and stickers turned ordinary assignments into works of art that students couldn't wait to display. Looking ahead, we're starting a new writing unit focused on informational text about the Medieval Times. Students will use the anchor charts to organize their ideas, the pencils for drafting, and the bookmarks to keep track of sources during research. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom feels more engaging, organized, and full of creativity—and my students are more motivated than ever to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1753996415623,"projectUrl":"project/every-student-deserves-a-pencil/9342698/","projectTitle":"Every Student Deserves a Pencil","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3604558_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712368317527","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3604558"},{"teacherId":8477945,"projectId":6483769,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for you amazing donations.\r\nThe chair pockets allowed students to keep their materials handy and ready to be used. With all the transitions and materials they have, it's important to make it as simple as possible so no learning time is being wasted!\r\nThe wobbly cushions are a must! We not only used them in the library for independent reading time but also when a student needs a little wiggle out on the carpet. These allow students to 'bounce and wiggle' while staying on the carpet during instruction time.\r\nYour donation made a huge difference for my students and myself!","fullyFundedDate":1653878474604,"projectUrl":"project/organization-and-comfort-for-all/6483769/","projectTitle":"Organization and Comfort for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Valencia Rondon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8477945"},{"teacherId":2671314,"projectId":9106598,"letterContent":"Our soap sculpture activity gave us a hands-on way to connect with the creativity and skill of Renaissance artists like Michelangelo. While he carved marble to bring his visions to life, we used soap as a softer material to practice shaping and sculpting. This experience helped us understand the patience and precision needed to transform a simple block into a detailed figure, just as Renaissance sculptors did. Carving soap made the artistic process feel real and approachable, giving us a new appreciation for the dedication behind great sculptures.\r\n\r\nThis activity also motivated us to learn more about Renaissance art through reading and writing. After trying soap carving ourselves, reading about Michelangelo's techniques and challenges became more meaningful. Writing about our experience helped us reflect on the creative process and better understand the connection between history and art. Overall, the soap sculpture project made learning active and rewarding by combining hands-on creativity with historical study. It inspired us to appreciate both the skill and imagination involved in making art and showed how engaging with a subject personally can deepen understanding and motivate further learning","fullyFundedDate":1745426294861,"projectUrl":"project/sculptors-like-michelangelo/9106598/","projectTitle":"Sculptors Like Michelangelo","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Valencia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2671314_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596899817195","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-valencia"},{"teacherId":9571490,"projectId":8460175,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of the Chair Bands for Kids with Fidgety Feet and the Talltalk Chair Pockets for Classroom. Your thoughtful support has made an incredible difference in our first grade classroom at Whetstone Elementary School.\r\n\r\nThese resources have transformed the way our students learn, organize, and engage during the school day. The fidget bands have been especially beneficial for students with ADHD, sensory needs, or simply high energy levels. These bands give students the freedom to move their legs and release energy in a quiet, focused way without leaving their seats or disrupting instruction. The bands provide just enough movement to help students stay grounded and alert, and the difference in their focus and behavior has been noticeable almost immediately.\r\n\r\nOur students love using the bands, and it has become a natural, integrated part of our classroom routine. What's most valuable is that the bands promote equity for students with different needs now have access to a tool that helps them succeed alongside their peers. Instead of being singled out, they are supported in a way that feels inclusive, respectful, and empowering.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the fidget bands, the Talltalk Chair Pockets have provided a much-needed organizational boost. Each chair pocket includes a name tag slot and roomy compartments that allow students to store their books, folders, and supplies right at their seats. This has helped reduce clutter and transition time while also encouraging responsibility and independence. For young learners who are just developing their organizational skills, these pockets make a big difference in staying on task and prepared.\r\n\r\nThe chair pockets have also made the classroom feel more personalized and welcoming. Each student has their own clearly labeled space, and they take great pride in keeping their materials neat and accessible. This simple system has helped foster a greater sense of ownership and belonging, which is so important at this early stage of learning.\r\n\r\nTogether, these donations support both the physical and academic needs of my students. You've helped us create a classroom that values movement, organization, flexibility, and equity. My students are naturally curious, energetic, and eager to learn, and these tools allow them to do just that without unnecessary barriers.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the potential of every student. Your donation is more than a classroom supply. It's a statement that all students deserve the tools they need to succeed. You've made learning more accessible, enjoyable, and effective for our entire classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1721146633931,"projectUrl":"project/include-learning-modalities/8460175/","projectTitle":"Include Learning Modalities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vivekanandan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9571490_orig.jpg?crop=1420,1420,x84,y1335&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749941819606","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9571490"},{"teacherId":9571490,"projectId":8460113,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom project! Because of your support, we were able to receive a brand-new classroom carpet, and I cannot express how much of a difference it has made for my students and our learning environment.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment we unrolled the carpet and placed it in our classroom, it became the heart of our space. The design, with its clearly marked individual spots, created a sense of personal space and ownership for each child. This was especially meaningful in a classroom full of young learners who are still developing a sense of boundaries, focus, and self-regulation. The carpet gave us more than just a soft place to sit. It gave structure, calm, and routine.\r\n\r\nEvery morning, students would eagerly walk into the room and head straight to their spot on the carpet. It became our gathering place for morning meetings, direct instruction, story time, and group activities. During quiet reading time or buddy reading sessions, children would often choose the carpet as their preferred space curling up with a book, sometimes alone, sometimes with a friend, always comfortable and engaged.\r\n\r\nThis carpet also helped transform our classroom into a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment. It supported both academic and social-emotional learning. Having a shared space where every student felt seen and valued helped build our classroom community and fostered stronger peer relationships.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your generosity goes beyond just the physical carpet. You have helped create a space where students feel safe, respected, and ready to learn. As a teacher, it means the world to me to be able to offer my students resources that support their well-being and academic success. Sometimes, it's the simple things like a clean, comfortable place to gather that make the biggest difference in a child's school experience.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in teachers and in public education. Your contribution is a powerful reminder that there are people out there who care deeply about students and their success. Your support has made a lasting impression not only on me but on every child who walks through our classroom door.","fullyFundedDate":1720626623373,"projectUrl":"project/carpet-for-first-graders/8460113/","projectTitle":"Carpet for First Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vivekanandan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9571490_orig.jpg?crop=1420,1420,x84,y1335&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749941819606","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9571490"},{"teacherId":8495606,"projectId":9292367,"letterContent":"I began my journey at my school in first grade and with my move to fourth grade, I am overjoyed to be teaching old students and new. I have a passion for teaching students how to read and with the new curriculum I get to teach them how to learn from reading. How literature is a form of art. I can't wait to dive into texts with them, and these books are extra special because they get to go on their own reading journey. \r\n\r\nI have stared reading the books so I can help my students find books that they enjoy. It is making me extra excited for my students to get to dive into these books! My students will be able to read this book during independent work time and take these books home so they can read more. \r\n\r\nI am especially excited about these books because these sets include stories from diverse backgrounds and my students will see themselves in these books. It means the world to us. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting our classroom and my future readers.","fullyFundedDate":1746787178143,"projectUrl":"project/a-new-classroom-library/9292367/","projectTitle":"A New Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Darragh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8495606_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687190241142","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8495606"},{"teacherId":2671314,"projectId":8962463,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating pencils and erasers – they came at just the right time! We now have a steady supply, and I'm using the extra pencils to teach my students responsibility. I'm lending them out in exchange for a collateral item, hoping to help them understand the value of their supplies and that they're not disposable.\r\n\r\nPencils are typically only provided at the beginning of the year, and once we run out, it's up to us to find a way to replenish them. Your generosity is a huge support for our class, and I truly appreciate your contribution to our students' learning. \r\n\r\nThank you again for making a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1733157588146,"projectUrl":"project/just-pencils-and-erasers/8962463/","projectTitle":"Just Pencils and Erasers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Valencia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2671314_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1596899817195","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-valencia"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_64872","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":711,"numTeachers":60,"percentFrplEligible":67,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":24,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":55,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":70.0,"schoolId":64872,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Whetstone Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Whetstone Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maryland/montgomery-county-public-schools/whetstone-elementary-school/64872"}