{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"John Q Thomas Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":27.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2624063,"projectId":9661487,"letterContent":"The rolling carts have truly transformed the way my students and I stay organized in our classroom. Before, supplies and materials were scattered around the room, and it was easy for students to feel overwhelmed trying to find what they needed. Now, each cart gives us a clear, easy-to-use space for everything—from books and papers to daily supplies.\r\nMy students take pride in keeping their materials neat and organized. They know exactly where to find what they need and can take responsibility for putting things away on their own. Our transitions are smoother, our classroom feels calmer, and my students are learning how good organization helps them do their best work. I'm so grateful to have these carts supporting both independence and success every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1757528277267,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-into-organization-help-third-gr/9661487/","projectTitle":"Rolling Into Organization: Help Third Graders Keep Learning on Track!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burdick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2624063_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1493677721817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/s-burdick"},{"teacherId":534815,"projectId":9351657,"letterContent":"Our first project creating with cardboard included 3rd and 4th grade students. There were four art stations around the room available for students to choose from. The cardboard station was by far the most popular! They were thrilled and showed great inventiveness with the cardboard cutting tool and the cordless hot glue guns. The results showed where the mindset of these artists starts with this material- they cut apart the boxes and then made new containers. With joy, as their art teacher, I can show them so many ways that cardboard can be used to make both three dimensional art but layered works that can be hung as well.\r\nSeveral of the things initially in this project were unavailable, so I had to choose alternatives. One of these choices was a set of adorable black and white scissors for our lower elementary artists. The hole for the thumb brings to mind the paw of a panda, so teaching Kinder students how to use scissors was quite simple and effective. Those little students said \"ooooh, how cute\" when I started the art class that day! What a joy to teach!","fullyFundedDate":1749061625585,"projectUrl":"project/art-students-love-creating-with-cardboar/9351657/","projectTitle":"Art Students Love Creating with Cardboard","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chapman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp534815_orig.jpg?crop=454,454,x0,y31&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713403977403","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/e-chapman"},{"teacherId":534815,"projectId":9470156,"letterContent":"Last year, my second year as an Art Teacher, I had a couple students that sought sketchbooks to use outside the Art Class. Fortunately, there were several sketchbooks on hand that I could give. Seeing how these brought joy and engagement, I sought sketchbooks for whole grade levels this year. When these 75 arrived, they students were thrilled! \r\nThe other two items in this \"Essentials for the Art Room\" project included 3 gallons of glue and a full class size set of water color pencils. In the month of September, the Hispanic Heritage month, our three second grade classes made alebrije collage art. To produce images of their magical animals, on paper, both these water color pencils and glue were used.\r\nThe items we received from this project are truly essential for our art room and will serve these artists so well this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1753986222347,"projectUrl":"project/essentials-for-the-art-room/9470156/","projectTitle":"Essentials for the Art Room","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chapman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp534815_orig.jpg?crop=454,454,x0,y31&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713403977403","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/e-chapman"},{"teacherId":9753003,"projectId":9361304,"letterContent":"Introducing the new set of markers and colored pencils had an immediate and noticeable impact on my students. Their eyes lit up with excitement as they explored the vibrant colors and smooth textures, eager to bring their creativity to life. The high-quality tools not only elevated the visual quality of their work but also boosted their confidence and motivation.\r\n\r\nStudents who were previously hesitant to engage in art activities began participating with enthusiasm, expressing themselves more freely and taking greater pride in their projects. The variety of colors allowed for deeper exploration of shading, detail, and design, fostering both artistic growth and a stronger sense of ownership over their learning. The simple addition of these new materials created a more inspiring, inclusive, and dynamic classroom environment.","fullyFundedDate":1754159278750,"projectUrl":"project/bright-minds-bold-colors/9361304/","projectTitle":"Bright Minds, Bold Colors","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lewis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9753003_orig.jpg?crop=1079,1079,x0,y492&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744333130770","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9753003"},{"teacherId":9400713,"projectId":9639876,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of books to our classroom library! My students were thrilled to receive the Percy Jackson series, a water science book, and several Who Is nonfiction titles. These books have already sparked so much excitement and curiosity—students are eager to dive into new stories, explore science topics, and learn about fascinating figures from history.\r\n\r\nThe water science book will be especially meaningful as we wrap up our current science unit on water and conservation. It will help students connect their classroom learning to real-world issues, while also encouraging them to think critically about how they can help protect our planet. Meanwhile, the Percy Jackson series has hooked some of my reluctant readers, and the nonfiction books have given others the chance to explore their passions and deepen their knowledge.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your kindness and commitment to fostering a love of reading and learning in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1757520954192,"projectUrl":"project/expanding-our-classroom-library-with-adv/9639876/","projectTitle":"Expanding Our Classroom Library With Adventure and Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Deib","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9400713_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755214773365","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-deib"},{"teacherId":9400713,"projectId":9573601,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that provided flexible seating for our classroom. The addition of our new bouncy chair has given students a wonderful way to self-regulate while learning. Having the option to gently move while working helps them stay calm, focused, and engaged throughout the day.\r\n\r\nAlready, I've seen the difference this seating makes in helping students take ownership of their learning. They are more active and comfortable, which allows them to better concentrate on reading, writing, and math. Flexible seating has truly supported our classroom community by giving students the tools they need to be successful in so many ways.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your support in making our classroom a place where all students can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1755715828317,"projectUrl":"project/bounce-into-learning-with-flexible-seati/9573601/","projectTitle":"Bounce Into Learning with Flexible Seating!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Deib","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9400713_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755214773365","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-deib"},{"teacherId":534815,"projectId":9324390,"letterContent":"When starting out in the Thomas Elementary Art Room, after 15 years of teaching general ed., I found the significant need to be ready for the 'Early Finisher'. This was pretty simple for the grades Kinder through 2nd as I had wood and Duplo blocks outgrown by my grandchildren. I also found in the Art Room things that could be put together into Montessori type activities. Now, I'm starting my third year teaching art.\r\nEarly Finishers in 3rd through 5th are now mentally and creatively challenged by what you have helped provide! The 100 piece Magnatile purchase became four sets, but I have observed every time so far, students get really excited to work together to create with two sets together- collaboration!! There are three Coogam Wooden Puzzle Pattern sets that I now wish I had more of, as they are being enjoyed so greatly as the visual challenge is fantastic and thought provoking! I laminated the challenge and solution pages so students have been keeping track and are proud to move to the next challenge. Clixo magnetic engineering pieces are fantastic to have for early finishers as they keep the art brain fully engaged - resulting in creative flow! Finally, the STEM Explorers Pixel Art Challenge is art based but introduces my 5th grade art students to graphing complexity!\r\nThese Early Finisher activities that you have helped provide will provide fantastic experiences for these students that will stick with them!","fullyFundedDate":1746805287607,"projectUrl":"project/early-finisher-activities-for-the-art-ro/9324390/","projectTitle":"Early Finisher Activities for the Art Room","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chapman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp534815_orig.jpg?crop=454,454,x0,y31&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713403977403","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/e-chapman"},{"teacherId":9753003,"projectId":9278801,"letterContent":"Receiving new book series has had a noticeable impact on students in my classroom by increasing their enthusiasm for reading and encouraging more independent exploration of books. Many students are now more engaged during reading time, often discussing characters and storylines with their peers. The fresh material has also supported stronger comprehension and vocabulary development, as students are more motivated to dive into stories that feel new and exciting to them. Additionally, the variety of genres and diverse characters has helped students find books they can personally connect with, promoting a more inclusive and dynamic reading environment that supports both academic growth and a lifelong love of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1746451488201,"projectUrl":"project/turning-pages-changing-lives/9278801/","projectTitle":"Turning Pages, Changing Lives!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lewis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9753003_orig.jpg?crop=1079,1079,x0,y492&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744333130770","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9753003"},{"teacherId":9753003,"projectId":9264049,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for providing headphones for our classroom. Since receiving them, I've noticed a remarkable improvement in both focus and engagement. Students are excited to use the headphones during individual work and lessons, often sharing how much easier it is to concentrate without distractions. Many have expressed that they feel more confident working independently, especially during audio-based activities. The classroom environment has become calmer and more productive, allowing each student to learn at their own pace.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly made a positive impact on our students' learning experience, and we are incredibly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746654076161,"projectUrl":"project/volume-up-for-education/9264049/","projectTitle":"Volume Up for Education!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lewis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9753003_orig.jpg?crop=1079,1079,x0,y492&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744333130770","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9753003"},{"teacherId":9753003,"projectId":9252791,"letterContent":"When I introduced Legos and magnet tiles to my students, their reactions were truly inspiring. The surprise of these hands-on building tools sparked immediate excitement and curiosity in the classroom. I noticed that students became more engaged and motivated to explore, working together enthusiastically. These materials not only encouraged creativity and problem-solving but also helped develop their spatial reasoning and fine motor skills. Overall, incorporating Legos and magnet tiles created a dynamic learning environment where students learned through play, collaboration, and critical thinking.","fullyFundedDate":1745203879275,"projectUrl":"project/get-students-off-their-screens/9252791/","projectTitle":"Get Students Off Their Screens!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lewis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9753003_orig.jpg?crop=1079,1079,x0,y492&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744333130770","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9753003"},{"teacherId":534815,"projectId":9042015,"letterContent":"The students in my Art Room have been so thrilled to see the addition of four new sewing machines to our collection! They were put on display the first time at our Thomas Elementary Open House resulting in parent and grandparent excitement. Last year, our sewing unit took more weeks than anticipated, with the 5 machines we started with. Students had to wait for time on a machine. So this year, donors bought time for our amazing textile artists!\r\nOur sewing unit will begin for 4th and 5th graders this year in November, after the completion of the current unit on ceramics. They will come to see that knowing how to sew brings the following types of benefits: practical, creative, personal, mental and physical.\r\nClothing repair and customization increases self-sufficiency and sustainability. The process of sewing from one's own design is a form of creative expression and results in a sense of accomplishment. The creative process results in improved cognitive function while providing stress relief and social connection. Sewing for these students is empowering in so many ways. Your donation helps make that happen.","fullyFundedDate":1746472564672,"projectUrl":"project/turning-fast-fashion-into-threads-that/9042015/","projectTitle":"Turning Fast Fashion Into 'Threads That Last' Through Art","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chapman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp534815_orig.jpg?crop=454,454,x0,y31&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713403977403","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/e-chapman"},{"teacherId":534815,"projectId":9280926,"letterContent":"When elementary students are making three dimensional art work, it is just amazing to watch. They discover new perspectives on the process of creation! Their work with clay, like you helped purchase, brings an element of time that has to be taken into consideration. They have to realize that the timeline for the completion is more rigid so their piece can become finished in the kiln.\r\nThe glaze in this Donors Choose project is new to our supply and will bring the option to mix color! This is a freedom the students asked for last year and now it is an option, thanks to you. The ceramic creations this year are going to be amazing!","fullyFundedDate":1746451488299,"projectUrl":"project/elementary-students-love-to-sculpt/9280926/","projectTitle":"Elementary Students Love to Sculpt!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chapman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp534815_orig.jpg?crop=454,454,x0,y31&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713403977403","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/e-chapman"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_57630","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":365,"numTeachers":27,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":21,"percentIndigenous":24,"percentLatinx":44,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":72.7,"schoolId":57630,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about John Q Thomas Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"John Q Thomas Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/flagstaff-unified-school-district-1/john-q-thomas-elementary-school/57630"}
Join the 227 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
John Q Thomas Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Flagstaff, Arizona that is part of Flagstaff Unified School District 1.
It serves 365 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.5:1.
Its teachers have had 100 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
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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
68%
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.
John Q Thomas 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.
John Q Thomas Elementary School
$57,388
raised using DonorsChoose
100
projects
funded
39
teachers
funded
227
donors
6
projects
for
basic supplies
11
projects for
technology
22
projects for
books
13
projects
for
art supplies
John Q Thomas Elementary School has received support from
165 individuals from Arizona and
62 individuals out-of-state.