{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Whittier Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":54.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9754064,"projectId":9878082,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to my classroom! I wish you could have seen the looks of excitement on my students' faces as we opened the boxes together and unpacked our new books. They couldn't wait to start reading!\r\n\r\nStudents come into my classroom before and after school to pull up a beanbag chair and read. All of the books you donated were recommended by my students, and they were so proud to show off the books they loved and chose to share with their classmates. \r\n\r\nMy students especially love reading series. Your donations helped provide students with exciting, engaging series such as Keeper of the Lost Cities, Investigators, Wings of Fire, and more. These books will keep them reading for months and months!","fullyFundedDate":1768402037667,"projectUrl":"project/whittier-students-love-to-read/9878082/","projectTitle":"Whittier Students Love to Read!","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":9994370,"letterContent":"Thank you. Using whiteboards and dry-erase markers in a 4th-grade math classroom increases student engagement and participation by allowing all students to actively solve problems in real time. This strategy provides immediate insight into student thinking, supports quick formative assessment, and encourages a low-risk environment where students feel comfortable making and correcting mistakes. As a result, instruction becomes more responsive, and students build confidence and deeper conceptual understanding.","fullyFundedDate":1771006820477,"projectUrl":"project/mark-it-up/9994370/","projectTitle":"Mark it Up","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":6276976,"projectId":9834520,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a true design studio where ideas come to life. As soon as the sublimation printer arrived, students gathered around with excitement, eagerly watching as their digital designs were transferred onto real products for the very first time. One unforgettable moment was when a student held up a mug featuring her own artwork and said, \"Wait... I made this?\" That moment captured everything—confidence, pride, and the realization that their creativity has real value. Since then, students have been designing and producing shirts, mugs, keychains, and more, working in teams to bring their ideas from concept to creation. They are not only learning how to design, but also how to collaborate, problem-solve, and take ownership of their work.\r\nThe impact has gone far beyond the materials themselves. Students are thinking like entrepreneurs—discussing pricing, calculating costs, and preparing products for our school community. They are learning to embrace productive struggle, revising designs when something doesn't quite work, and celebrating each success along the way. For many of my students, this is their first experience using professional-grade equipment, and it has opened their eyes to new possibilities for their futures. They are beginning to see themselves not just as students, but as designers, creators, and business owners.\r\nNext, we are expanding our work into our student-run business and upcoming school markets, where students will apply everything they've learned in real-world settings. They will continue refining their designs, developing branding, and practicing customer service as they share their products with the community. This project has laid the foundation for a sustainable program that will continue to grow, allowing future groups of Whittier Design Makers to build on this success. Thank you for helping our students turn their ideas into something tangible, meaningful, and powerful.","fullyFundedDate":1767807520407,"projectUrl":"project/whittier-design-makers-young-entrepren/9834520/","projectTitle":"Whittier Design Makers: Young Entrepreneurs in Action","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":10089152,"projectId":9978592,"letterContent":"We are so appreciative of your contributions to our Second Grade English Language Arts classroom. Your generosity has made it possible for students to have the materials they need to maintain their writing journals and learn how to write paragraph outlines and full paragraphs.\r\n\r\nThe rolling carts and tape have helped us stay more organized and display the necessary anchor charts around our classroom. The students are having an amazing second half of the school year thanks to the abundance of supplies that allow them to focus on their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1767948849447,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-fresh-start/9978592/","projectTitle":"New Year Fresh Start","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":10276074,"projectId":9751981,"letterContent":"Thank you so much again for your generous support of Whittier Elementary's production of Beauty and the Beast, Jr! The students had a fantastic time in the show and your help allowed the staff directing and assisting with the production to focus more on the kids and the quality of their experience rather than fundraising. The art supplies that you provided us, including the poster boards, foam boards, and markers, helped us to create the amazing set and costume pieces that you see in the pictures. I can't even begin to describe how excited the students were when they saw their cup, fork, spoon, and plate costumes! \r\n\r\nThe other materials you purchased for us were used for props to help the show feel realer for our students. I have to say that the students' favorite BY FAR was the fake bread. It made a quick cameo in the show during Belle's line \"There goes the baker with his tray like always,\" but somehow was still the prop that the kids most wanted to play with during the entire run of the show. We're going to have to find other plays to do to use those in the future! If there are any bread-themed musicals that you know of, please contact the school to let us know! \r\n\r\nFinally, I want to say thank you for choosing to support the arts. Arts funding is so often slashed first and prioritized last for kids, but your generosity helped us to show our students that not only is it a priority, but one that helps them to be calmer, more intentional, happier, and more studious at school. Thank you for making a difference for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1758807954043,"projectUrl":"project/wess-beauty-and-the-beast-jr-product/9751981/","projectTitle":"WES's \"Beauty and the Beast Jr.\" Production!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Connell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10276074"},{"teacherId":10291117,"projectId":9768189,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to our classroom. My students and I were thrilled to receive the rug, the oversized bean bag, and the adjustable floor seating that they frequently use during stations. \r\n Your support has made a huge difference in our ability to create a comfortable learning environment that allows students to get out of their seats. Because of your kindness, my students now have options.\r\n I'm truly grateful for your partnership on fostering a love for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1762265258966,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-zones/9768189/","projectTitle":"Comfort Zones","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lewis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10291117_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758998666958","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10291117"},{"teacherId":6462628,"projectId":9894979,"letterContent":"Our students were absolutely thrilled to see the new snacks arrive! The excitement in the classroom was immediate, and they were so grateful for the thoughtful support.\r\n\r\nThese snacks are more than just food—they fuel our learning. Having access to healthy options helps students stay focused, energized, and ready to engage in instruction fully. During long academic blocks, the ability to pause for a nutritious snack makes a noticeable difference in stamina, concentration, and overall classroom productivity.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our students can learn without distraction from hunger and continue building strong academic habits. Thank you for investing in both their well-being and their success.","fullyFundedDate":1766524943686,"projectUrl":"project/study-and-snack/9894979/","projectTitle":"Study and Snack","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":9894902,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of cleaning and organizational materials for our classroom. Our students were genuinely excited to help organize our space and immediately began using the supplies with pride and responsibility.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we can maintain clean and safe learning areas during this season. Students are taking ownership of their environment by wiping down surfaces, organizing materials, and keeping their personal and shared spaces tidy. This not only helps us stay healthy but also reinforces responsibility and community in our classroom.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has made a meaningful impact on our daily routines and overall learning environment. We are truly grateful for your investment in our students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1766433602507,"projectUrl":"project/so-fresh-clean/9894902/","projectTitle":"So Fresh & Clean","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":6276976,"projectId":9718787,"letterContent":"My students are full of imagination, determination, and heart. They are special because they see possibility everywhere—whether designing a shirt that celebrates school pride or creating a mug that brings joy to someone's day. Each child brings unique talents, and together they inspire one another to dream big.\r\nWith the addition of iPads and an iMac, my students now have the tools to truly bring their ideas to life. The iPads allow students to work hands-on in Canva, where they learn how to turn their creative ideas into professional-quality digital designs. They explore color theory, typography, layout, and visual storytelling—all while problem-solving, revising their work, and learning from feedback. The iMac serves as our production hub, where finished designs are prepared for sublimation and transformed into real, tangible products. This technology bridges creativity with real-world application in a way that worksheets never could.\r\nWhat excites students most is seeing their ideas move from screen to product. There is nothing like the moment when a student watches their digital design become a real shirt, tote bag, or mug. That transformation makes learning feel meaningful and powerful. Students feel an incredible sense of pride knowing that something they created can be worn, gifted, or sold to support their school. It shifts their mindset from \"I'm just a kid in class\" to \"I'm a designer and entrepreneur.\"\r\nSeveral students who once struggled with confidence have truly come alive through this technology. Some who were quiet now lead design critiques. Others who struggled in traditional academic settings shine when using digital tools to express themselves visually. One student who rarely spoke up is now the go-to helper for peers learning Canva. Another student who struggled with focus can spend an entire class period carefully perfecting a product design. This technology opens doors for students to discover strengths they didn't know they had.\r\nBeyond design skills, students are learning teamwork, communication, budgeting, marketing, and customer service as we prepare to launch our student-run school store. They are gaining real-world entrepreneurial experience while building confidence and a belief in their own potential.\r\nBecause of this project, my students no longer just imagine great ideas—they create them, share them, and believe in themselves as future innovators. Your support is helping turn creativity into opportunity and dreams into reality.","fullyFundedDate":1758630742776,"projectUrl":"project/from-screen-to-sublimation-tech-for-you/9718787/","projectTitle":"From Screen to Sublimation: Tech for Young Entrepreneurs","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":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"}],"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":45.7,"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"}