{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Whittier Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":54.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10195113,"projectId":9630174,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our classroom feels completely different! The carpet squares have given my students a warm, comfortable space to sit during science lessons, group discussions, and hands-on activities. When they first saw the colorful squares, they were thrilled—many immediately picked \"their spot\" and settled in with big smiles.\r\nRecently, during a lesson on adaptations, students gathered on their squares to share observations and ideas. The calm, organized seating helped everyone stay focused and engaged. Next, we'll use these squares for our upcoming unit on ecosystems, where students will work in small groups to build food chain models. Your generosity has created a learning environment where students feel cared for and ready to explore every day.","fullyFundedDate":1758546572329,"projectUrl":"project/cold-floors-warm-hearts-big-discoverie/9630174/","projectTitle":"Cold Floors, Warm Hearts, Big Discoveries!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Edwards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10195113_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755697345951","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10195113"},{"teacherId":10195113,"projectId":9630620,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is more organized than ever! The new bins have transformed how we manage science materials. Students now have a clear system for storing experiment supplies, safety tools, and hands-on learning kits. When they first saw the bins neatly arranged in our cabinets, they were excited to take ownership—several even volunteered to label and organize everything themselves!\r\nRecently, during a lesson on ecosystems, students quickly grabbed the materials they needed without the usual scramble. This saved time and kept the focus on learning.","fullyFundedDate":1757423232100,"projectUrl":"project/tidy-tools-focused-minds/9630620/","projectTitle":"Tidy Tools, Focused Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Edwards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10195113_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755697345951","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10195113"},{"teacherId":10089152,"projectId":9640030,"letterContent":"Our Whittier Loves to Read, Read-A-Thon was a success! We had over 75 students attend, along with over 50 family members. Students created books and shared them with their families, we hosted read-alouds, and created a camping-themed ambiance in the hallway of our school.\r\n\r\nThe students are looking forward to our next read-a-thon. Our students sincerely relish any opportunity to read their books uninterrupted. Thank you for allowing us to create a successful event. We can't wait to plan our next Whittier Loves to Read event (and neither can our scholars).","fullyFundedDate":1758511366143,"projectUrl":"project/storytelling-and-read-a-thon/9640030/","projectTitle":"Storytelling and Read-a-Thon","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Black","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10089152_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y504&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753238586021","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10089152"},{"teacherId":4377595,"projectId":9356477,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our classroom has been transformed into a vibrant and engaging reading community. The new books introduced a wide range of foundational literacy skills that are essential for early learners. Through these texts, my students are learning how to identify story elements, make predictions, recognize repeating patterns, expand vocabulary, understand character feelings, and develop comprehension through retelling. Many of the books encourage students to connect stories to their real lives, strengthening both emotional intelligence and communication skills.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is joyful, interactive, and hands-on. Students participate in shared reading, partner reading, and independent browsing throughout the day. We use read-aloud time to model fluency and expression, and students jump right in—asking questions, identifying sight words, pointing to letters, and engaging in rich discussions about what they notice in the pictures. Our reading area has become one of the most popular spaces in the classroom. Students can be found curled up with a book, reading to a friend, or even \"teaching\" a stuffed animal how to sound out words.\r\n\r\nSeveral students in particular have blossomed with the addition of these new books. One of my more hesitant readers now confidently selects books from our new collection and eagerly retells the stories to the class using the pictures as clues. Another student, who previously showed little interest in reading, now gravitates toward the nonfiction titles and excitedly shares new facts with her peers. Many of my ELL students are connecting deeply with the colorful illustrations and repetitive, predictable text structures, which support their language development and build confidence.\r\n\r\nThese books have truly opened doors for my students—encouraging curiosity, building foundational skills, and helping them discover themselves as readers. Your support has made a lasting impact in our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1757704620220,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-resilient-future-the-power-o/9356477/","projectTitle":"Building a Resilient Future: The Power of Culture and Climate","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burroughs-Noel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4377595_orig.png?crop=1071,1071,x14,y72&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667857815680","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4377595"},{"teacherId":9993934,"projectId":9359123,"letterContent":"I wanted to thank you all for the donations. It was amazing having materials that I could actually let the students take home after we completed our experiments in class. The hands-on learning that occurred was awesome to see. Our unit on energy transfer was great, students actually could see the electric energy transfer through the copper tape and when the lightbulbs lighted up, you could see their faces light up too. I still have enough materials for years to come. I haven't used the rest of the materials as they will be used for science experiments in the second semester. Thank you all again! Truly amazing!","fullyFundedDate":1755713477271,"projectUrl":"project/sparking-scientific-curiosity-with-hands/9359123/","projectTitle":"Sparking Scientific Curiosity with Hands-On 4th Grade Projects!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. E","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9993934_orig.png?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747313564905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9993934"},{"teacherId":9279955,"projectId":9223382,"letterContent":"Once more you have been an important part of helping non-verbal students access multiple areas to communicate! Through your support, I have been able to continue providing highly visual pictures for students to use for communicating their personal wants and needs as well as what they are learning in the classroom. \r\n\r\nMoreover, the iPads have been a huge resource for me as a speech-language pathologist to help my students trial different \"high-tech\" augmentative and alternative communication systems here in the school. This information helps with finding the right fit for the student to ultimately use, develop, and grow with as a student at Whittier and beyond! \r\n\r\nIn recent weeks, a student's device was loss and while the district has been working hard to replace it, she was able to loan one of the iPads and therefore, did not lack a way to communicate with others that fits her needs.\r\n\r\nI am tremendously grateful for the support that donors in the community have provided for this project, my last, and to the many other projects I've seen funded for students at our school.","fullyFundedDate":1746785333590,"projectUrl":"project/i-talk-you-talk-we-talk-together/9223382/","projectTitle":"I Talk, You Talk, We Talk Together","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9279955_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695236780164","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9279955"},{"teacherId":9754064,"projectId":9336343,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation to my classroom! The beanbag chairs have made such a wonderful addition to my daily Morning Reading Club. Four days a week starting at 8am, students come up to my classroom to choose a book and enjoy reading it in a calm, peaceful environment. This provides a lovely alternative to the cafeteria, which can become a bit loud for some students, especially those who are sensitive to noise stimulation. My 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students love coming to my room to relax in a beanbag chair and choose from my selection of books. They are especially excited about the graphic novels. Recently I've even had Kindergarteners asking to join as well, and I'm so happy that even our youngest readers are excited to join in. Students also use the beanbag chairs throughout the day, when it is time for independent reading or writing. We truly appreciate your donation!","fullyFundedDate":1755609115463,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-up-with-a-great-book/9336343/","projectTitle":"Cozy Up With a Great Book!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Greenglass","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9754064_orig.jpg?crop=445,445,x35,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726621099455","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leah-greenglass"},{"teacherId":6462628,"projectId":9335697,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom snack project. Your generosity goes far beyond providing food—you've given my students the fuel they need to stay focused, energized, and ready to learn each day.\r\n\r\nMany of our students face challenges beyond the classroom, and your support helps meet a vital need. Because of you, they can concentrate better, participate more fully, and feel cared for in a nurturing learning environment. Your kindness is making a real difference in their daily success.","fullyFundedDate":1757258724178,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-for-focus-snacks-for-student-succe/9335697/","projectTitle":"Fuel for Focus: Snacks for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stewart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6462628_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y160&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1652209187457","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6462628"},{"teacherId":6462628,"projectId":9630656,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing our classroom with markers and dry-erase boards! These tools make a tremendous difference in creating interactive and engaging lessons.\r\n\r\nDry-erase boards allow teachers to model problem-solving, write key vocabulary, illustrate concepts, and make quick adjustments during instruction. Markers make learning more visible and dynamic by helping highlight key ideas and information for all students to see.\r\n\r\nStudents also benefit greatly from these resources—they can practice solving math problems, share ideas, and show their work on individual or group boards. This hands-on approach encourages participation, collaboration, and immediate feedback, helping teachers assess student understanding in real time.\r\n\r\nYour support helps bring learning to life in our classroom, and we're deeply grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1756069668638,"projectUrl":"project/welcome-back/9630656/","projectTitle":"Welcome Back","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stewart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6462628_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y160&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1652209187457","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6462628"},{"teacherId":10089152,"projectId":9491269,"letterContent":"On behalf of our 2nd-grade class, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your generous support and contribution. Because of your kindness, our classroom has been filled with exciting new resources that are already making a big impact on our students' learning and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nThanks to your donation, our students received books that spark curiosity, puzzles that encourage problem-solving, whiteboards and erasers for hands-on learning, and even a globe that helps them explore the world beyond our classroom walls. Each of these items has added a new layer of engagement and joy to our daily activities, and the students are absolutely loving them!\r\n\r\nIt's truly inspiring to see how your generosity brings learning to life. Your support not only provided valuable materials, but it also showed our students that there are people who believe in them and their education.\r\n\r\nFrom all of us in the 2nd grade, thank you for making a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1755748272274,"projectUrl":"project/whittier-loves-to-read-in-2nd-grade/9491269/","projectTitle":"Whittier Loves to Read in 2nd Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Black","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10089152_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y504&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753238586021","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10089152"},{"teacherId":6276976,"projectId":9329149,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students have stepped into the world of broadcasting and filmmaking with confidence and creativity. The iPads have opened doors to professional-quality photography and video production, while the computer has given students the ability to edit, refine, and publish their work. For many of our scholars, this is their first experience using tools that mirror those of real filmmakers and journalists.\r\n\r\nThis project is teaching students more than how to take pictures and make videos—it's teaching them how to tell stories, collaborate, and problem-solve. With the iPads, students capture live events, interviews, and classroom moments, then bring those raw clips into the editing software on the computer. They learn sequencing, pacing, and how to adjust sound and visuals to clearly communicate their ideas. These are critical skills that connect literacy, technology, and creativity.\r\n\r\nThe most thrilling part for our students is seeing their work come alive on screen. Whether it's a morning broadcast, a short film, or a photo essay, they love watching their projects transform from an idea into something the whole school can enjoy. The moment when they \"premiere\" a finished product is magical—it gives them a sense of pride and ownership that motivates them to keep creating.\r\n\r\nSome students who are usually quiet in the classroom have found their voice through this project. For example, one shy student who rarely spoke up in discussions has become a leader behind the camera, teaching classmates how to frame shots and capture just the right lighting. Another has developed a passion for editing, spending extra time learning how to make transitions and add titles. The technology has given these students not just tools, but a platform to shine.","fullyFundedDate":1747094944150,"projectUrl":"project/lights-camera-action-empowering-stude/9329149/","projectTitle":"Lights, Camera, Action! Empowering Student Broadcasters and Filmmakers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rain","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6276976_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1550792074556","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6276976"},{"teacherId":9754064,"projectId":9230850,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the blank books that you donated to my writing classroom! Since the first week of school, my first grade students have been hard at work coming up their own original stories, based on some wonderful picture books that we read together in class.\r\n\r\nMy students began the writing process by planning their stories and making sure they had a setting, several characters, and a problem and solution for their characters to work through. Then they drafted and revised their stories before publishing. They will share their stories with classmates, teachers, and families during a special storytelling event on October 16th after school. They are so excited for this event!\r\n\r\nThe books you donated helped make my students understand that their ideas and written words are important and special. I can't wait for them to share their unique stories with others! Later in the year I will guide students in other grades through the process of writing and sharing their own stories using the beautiful blank books that you donated.","fullyFundedDate":1746463345375,"projectUrl":"project/students-are-authors/9230850/","projectTitle":"Students are Authors!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Greenglass","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9754064_orig.jpg?crop=445,445,x35,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726621099455","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/leah-greenglass"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_24124","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":413,"numTeachers":33,"percentFrplEligible":44,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":60,"percentWhite":12,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":45.3,"schoolId":24124,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Whittier Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Whittier Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/district-of-columbia/dc-public-schools/whittier-elementary-school/24124"}