{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"William McKinley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":61.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10079350,"projectId":10139982,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom and has given our students new opportunities to learn, explore, and engage through hands-on experiences.\r\n\r\nOur students were so excited when they first saw the new materials. Their smiles and enthusiasm were priceless! We have been using the snacks and sensory resources to support classroom activities, encourage communication and social interaction, and provide positive opportunities for students to practice making choices and building independence.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our current lessons, we will build on these experiences by encouraging students to describe their choices, try new activities, and participate more independently. Your support has helped make learning more engaging, joyful, and meaningful for our students. We are truly grateful for your investment in our classroom and for helping our students learn and grow!","fullyFundedDate":1777995754228,"projectUrl":"project/sweet-scents-and-super-snacks-for-succes/10139982/","projectTitle":"Sweet Scents and Super Snacks for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Paul","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10079350_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752522144785","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/room8-mspaul"},{"teacherId":10079350,"projectId":9927550,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has a large whiteboard and a set of markers that have quickly become an important part of our daily learning. Students use the board to practice writing, draw pictures, solve problems, share ideas, and participate in interactive lessons. When they first saw the large whiteboard and colorful markers, they were excited to have a new space where they could get up, interact with the lesson, and show what they know. Watching students eagerly take turns at the board has been especially rewarding.\r\n\r\nThe whiteboard has also helped make learning more hands-on and engaging for all of my students. During lessons, students can come to the board to practice new skills, demonstrate their thinking, and work together with their classmates. Our next steps are to continue using the board for daily instruction while encouraging students to become more independent in sharing their ideas and completing classroom activities. Thank you for providing a resource that gives our students another way to see it, touch it, and learn it!","fullyFundedDate":1773197278683,"projectUrl":"project/the-big-idea-board-see-it-touch-it-le/9927550/","projectTitle":"The Big Idea Board: See It, Touch It, Learn It","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Paul","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10079350_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752522144785","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/room8-mspaul"},{"teacherId":10079350,"projectId":9898248,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students now have access to nutritious snacks that help them stay focused, comfortable, and ready to learn. We use the snacks throughout the school day, especially during lessons and activities that require sustained attention. When the snacks arrived, my students were excited to see the variety of choices and eager to help organize them. One special moment was watching students choose a snack before beginning a challenging classroom activity—they were proud to make their own choices and settled into the lesson feeling prepared and supported.\r\n\r\nThese resources have become an important part of creating a positive and predictable learning environment. With their basic needs supported, my students are better able to participate, practice new skills, and celebrate their progress. My next steps are to continue building independence by having students help organize the snack area, make appropriate choices, and practice communication and self-advocacy skills. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom, and we are so grateful that you helped our students feel ready, confident, and focused on success. Thank you for investing in them!","fullyFundedDate":1772550421712,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-success-fueling-focus-in-our/9898248/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Success: Fueling Focus in Our Special Education Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Paul","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10079350_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752522144785","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/room8-mspaul"},{"teacherId":9819855,"projectId":9614543,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping bring \"First Chapter Friday: Where Stories Build Community\" to life in our classroom! Each Friday, we gather together to read the first chapter of a new book. Students listen, make predictions, discuss characters and conflicts, and decide whether they would like to continue reading the story independently. The new books have helped us create a weekly routine that strengthens reading comprehension while giving students a relaxed and enjoyable way to experience different authors, genres, cultures, and perspectives.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new books, they were excited to examine the covers, read the summaries, and talk about which stories they hoped we would feature first. One of my favorite moments occurred when students were so interested in a story that they asked me to continue reading after the first chapter ended. Several students immediately wanted to borrow the book, while others began recommending similar stories to their classmates. Their enthusiasm showed me that these resources are helping students see reading as something that connects us rather than simply another assignment.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to give students opportunities to help select future First Chapter Friday books and lead parts of our discussions. Students will also create short book recommendations, reading reflections, and displays to encourage their classmates to explore new titles. Your generosity has helped us build a stronger community of readers where students feel excited to share ideas, discover new interests, and grow together. Thank you for believing in my students and supporting their love of reading!","fullyFundedDate":1755437881672,"projectUrl":"project/first-chapter-friday-where-stories-buil/9614543/","projectTitle":"First Chapter Friday: Where Stories Build Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robbins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9819855_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y484&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786363731660","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9819855"},{"teacherId":9819855,"projectId":9714301,"letterContent":"Your generosity had an immediate and lasting impact on my 6th grade students at William McKinley Elementary. Every day, they used Chromebooks to read, write, complete research, collaborate with classmates, and access the digital resources that support their learning.\r\nWith your support, each student was accessed the essential tools needed to stay connected, focused, and engaged throughout the school day. Working chargers kept devices powered for instruction, while headphones created a distraction-free environment where students could concentrate, listen to educational videos, participate in online learning, and complete assessments with confidence.\r\n\r\nMore than just providing supplies, your donation helped create an equitable classroom where every student had the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. These resources have empowered my students to build the digital literacy, problem-solving, and collaboration skills they need for middle school and beyond.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their future. Your kindness helps ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.","fullyFundedDate":1759261243071,"projectUrl":"project/charged-up-for-learning/9714301/","projectTitle":"Charged Up for Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robbins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9819855_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y484&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1786363731660","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9819855"},{"teacherId":1398433,"projectId":9422708,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to stock our school store last academic year. All of the students were so excited to see the toys, snacks, and other items that we were able to offer because of all your kind help.\r\n\r\nOur students can frequently struggle with food insecurity, and while the school system does provide lunches, they don't always allow students to choose things that they are truly excited to eat. Being able to use their points earned through attendance incentives and good behavior each month allowed them to bring choice back into their food throughout the day (even if it was just Goldfish).\r\n\r\nOur entire school community really appreciates your support! Thank you so much for donating to our school.","fullyFundedDate":1753145132197,"projectUrl":"project/stock-our-school-store/9422708/","projectTitle":"Stock Our School Store!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Case","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1398433_orig.jpg?crop=711,711,x0,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750284998078","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-case"},{"teacherId":1398433,"projectId":9418029,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping provide me with the curriculum, fidget toys, decorations, and tools that I needed this year to help my students manage their emotions and be more successful students.\r\n\r\nEvery single item purchased helped me be a better counselor for my students this year, but the absolute biggest winner was the weighted sloth, whom I named Sally. (I like alliterative names in my office!) Sally has become famous throughout our elementary school, because she's so helpful with the younger kids that I carry her around the hallways when someone needs some help calming down. Students come into my office and say, \"Ms. Case, can I have a hug from Sally?\" and even if they don't ask, they find a gentle sloth working her way into their laps. \r\n\r\nAs they sit with Sally, they use some of our cognitive-behavioral cards to reflect on ways to better manage their emotions, they use the crayons, markers, and pencils to draw their feelings onto the page, and then they make their way back to class ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting me and my students at William McKinley! They deserve the world, and they so frequently don't get it. Having a supportive and comforting place in the school to feel their emotions is just one step towards their success in life and school.","fullyFundedDate":1750256095170,"projectUrl":"project/help-the-counselor-get-on-the-case/9418029/","projectTitle":"Help the Counselor Get on the Case!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Case","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1398433_orig.jpg?crop=711,711,x0,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750284998078","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-case"},{"teacherId":9414559,"projectId":9799052,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose. Because of your generosity, our students now have access to a sensory swing, sensory crash pad, sensory ball pit, and a beanbag. These resources have already made a meaningful difference in our classroom environment and in our students' ability to regulate their bodies so they can participate in learning.\r\n\r\nMany of the students I work with benefit from movement and deep pressure input to help organize their sensory systems. We are now able to use the sensory swing for calming vestibular input before returning to classroom tasks. The crash pad has become a favorite station where students safely practice jumping and landing activities that provide heavy work and body awareness. The beanbag gives students a comfortable and supportive place to sit and regulate during quiet moments or while completing seated tasks.\r\n\r\nOne particularly meaningful moment happened during our first week using the equipment. A student who often struggles to remain seated during activities was able to spend a few minutes in the sensory swing before returning to a writing task. After that short sensory break, the student completed more work than we had seen in several weeks. The ability to provide the right sensory input at the right time has helped students return to learning feeling more organized and ready to participate.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their excitement was immediate. Their eyes lit up when they noticed the colorful ball pit and the soft crash pad. Many students eagerly waited for their turn and showed huge smiles as they explored the equipment. Beyond the excitement, it was wonderful to see how naturally they began using the materials to calm their bodies and engage in purposeful movement.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a supportive space where students can build regulation, confidence, and readiness to learn. These sensory tools will continue to benefit our students every day as they practice important motor, sensory, and self-regulation skills.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for helping us create a classroom environment where every child can succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1767199849878,"projectUrl":"project/jump-swing-roll-and-learn/9799052/","projectTitle":"Jump, Swing, Roll and Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9414559_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1702671271991","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9414559"},{"teacherId":8989502,"projectId":9750277,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our new headphones have made a meaningful difference in how my students learn each day. In our classroom, technology is used intentionally to support focus, independence, and differentiated instruction. The headphones allow students to listen to instructional videos, audiobooks, and digital learning programs without distractions, which is especially important in a busy classroom environment.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is having their own set of headphones that helps them feel independent and successful. They are proud to put them on and immediately get to work, whether they are practicing reading skills, completing math activities, or calming themselves during independent work time. The headphones have turned learning into a more engaging and comfortable experience for them.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who struggle with attention and sensory distractions have especially benefited from this project. With the headphones, these students are able to block out background noise, stay focused for longer periods, and complete tasks with greater confidence. I've seen increased on-task behavior, reduced frustration, and improved engagement as a direct result of this resource.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create a calmer, more focused learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed. Thank you for investing in my students and helping them thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1758840235657,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-focus/9750277/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bavas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8989502_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723831704328","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mariabavas"},{"teacherId":2457022,"projectId":9596265,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your generous donation of the sports equipment. Your support means more than simply providing new gear- it helps create opportunities for our students to learn, stay active and develop confidence through physical activity.\r\nThe equipment you provided will be used daily and will truly enhance our program. Our students are already excited and motivated to participate, and your contribution plays a major role in making that possible,\r\nThank you again for your kindness, generosity, and commitment to our school community. We are sincerely grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1756693697388,"projectUrl":"project/having-a-ball-in-physical-education/9596265/","projectTitle":"Having a Ball in Physical Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Eckman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2457022_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1492896994683","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-eckman"},{"teacherId":8989502,"projectId":9457216,"letterContent":"Our new organizational tools have already transformed the way learning happens in our classroom. Students now have their own drawers with supplies and learning materials geared specifically to their reading and math levels. Students are now able to transition more independently using these drawers and the visual schedules I have now been able to laminate. Our new classroom divider also provides a space free of distractions for my small groups and doubles as a white board. The charging station has also been amazing; our laptops and AAC devices are now always ready, which means students can jump right into communication and academic tasks without delays.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, these resources will continue to support students in meeting their IEP goals through more structured and predictable routines. The dividers help create peaceful workspaces, while the individualized drawers keep each student's tools within reach, encouraging independence and confidence. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is becoming a more organized, calm, and supportive environment.","fullyFundedDate":1756174537793,"projectUrl":"project/setting-up-a-supportive-classroom-for-al/9457216/","projectTitle":"Setting Up a Supportive Classroom for All Learners to Thrive","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bavas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8989502_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723831704328","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mariabavas"},{"teacherId":10079350,"projectId":9734284,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom truly feels fresh, cozy, and clean — and my students feel the difference every single day. The blankets and pillows have transformed our reading corner into a calm, welcoming space where students can comfortably engage in independent reading, small group instruction, or simply take a quiet reset when they need it. For many of my students, especially those who benefit from sensory support and structured environments, having a soft, predictable space has made a huge impact on their ability to focus and regulate. The cleaning supplies have also allowed us to maintain a healthy, organized classroom that feels safe and cared for.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their faces lit up. They immediately gravitated toward the cozy corner, gently arranging the pillows and asking when they could use the blankets. There was a sense of pride — they kept saying, \"This is for us?\" It was such a special moment watching them feel valued and supported. Even something as simple as having fresh supplies to wipe down desks and keep our space tidy has encouraged responsibility and teamwork. They love helping keep \"our classroom\" clean.\r\n\r\nNext, we are continuing to build independent reading stamina and incorporating more small-group literacy rotations in our cozy space. We are also working on self-regulation strategies, and having a comfortable, calm environment plays a huge role in that growth. Your kindness didn't just provide materials — it created an atmosphere where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Thank you for being part of our classroom family.","fullyFundedDate":1762266420114,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-cozy-and-clean/9734284/","projectTitle":"Fresh, Cozy and Clean!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Paul","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10079350_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752522144785","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/room8-mspaul"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_90834","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":306,"numTeachers":32,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":39,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":57,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"9.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":39.0,"schoolId":90834,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about William McKinley Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"William McKinley Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/philadelphia-city-school-district/william-mckinley-elementary-school/90834"}