{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Washington Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10428708,"projectId":10083311,"letterContent":"Sensory input plays a crucial role in the development, learning, and daily functioning of children with special needs, as it directly affects how they process information, regulate emotions, and interact with their environment, making it an essential consideration in both classroom and therapeutic settings. Many children with special needs, including those with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and sensory processing challenges, experience the world in ways that can be either overwhelming or under-stimulating, and appropriate sensory input helps create balance, allowing them to focus, engage, and feel secure. For example, tactile experiences, visual cues, and proprioceptive feedback can all support a child's ability to complete tasks, transition between activities, and build independence. In the classroom, thoughtfully designed materials and tools can provide this necessary sensory input in subtle but highly effective ways, one of which is the use of purple glue sticks. While they may seem like a simple supply, purple glue sticks offer a powerful combination of visual and tactile feedback that can significantly benefit students, particularly those who struggle with fine motor skills, attention, or self-monitoring. The purple color allows students to clearly see where glue has been applied, reducing uncertainty and helping them avoid using too much or too little, which can otherwise lead to frustration or messy outcomes. This visual feedback is especially important for children who rely heavily on concrete, immediate cues rather than abstract instructions, as it turns an invisible process into a visible one they can understand and control. As the glue dries clear, it also reinforces the concept of transformation, helping students recognize that their work will have a neat final appearance even if it looks different during the process. Additionally, the act of applying glue provides tactile input that can help regulate sensory needs, offering a calming and grounding effect for some children. The twist mechanism and pressure required to apply the glue can also strengthen fine motor coordination and hand muscles, supporting broader developmental goals such as writing and self-care tasks. Beyond the physical benefits, tools like purple glue sticks can also foster independence and confidence, as students are better able to monitor their own work without constant adult intervention, leading to a greater sense of accomplishment. When children feel successful in small tasks, they are more likely to remain engaged and motivated, which contributes to a positive learning environment overall. Incorporating sensory-friendly tools into everyday classroom routines demonstrates an understanding of diverse learning needs and creates a more inclusive space where all students can thrive. In this way, something as simple as a purple glue stick becomes more than just a supply—it becomes a strategic support that bridges sensory needs with academic tasks, helping special needs children access learning in a way that is both meaningful and effective.","fullyFundedDate":1771440769577,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-output-for-special-education-cla/10083311/","projectTitle":"Sensory Output for Special Education Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duncan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10428708_orig.jpg?crop=980,980,x0,y78&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770231096666","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10428708"},{"teacherId":8374081,"projectId":9718590,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to Boomwhackers, which have become an incredibly valuable tool for supporting learners with sensory needs. We use them during structured music and movement activities to help students explore sound in a predictable, engaging way. One especially meaningful moment was watching a student who often struggles with sensory overload remain calm and focused while tapping out a simple rhythm, smiling as they realized they were successfully participating alongside their peers.\r\n\r\nWhen the Boomwhackers were first introduced, students were curious and excited, but also comforted by how easy they were to use. The lightweight design and clear, distinct tones allowed students to explore music without feeling overwhelmed. For many of my students, these instruments provided a safe and positive sensory experience that encouraged participation, self-regulation, and confidence.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we are using the Boomwhackers to support rhythm patterns, cooperative play, and emotional regulation during lessons and transitions. These materials have allowed me to better meet the needs of all learners by incorporating music as a calming and inclusive learning strategy. I am deeply thankful to The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation and all of our supporters for helping create an environment where every student can feel successful, supported, and included.","fullyFundedDate":1760693822678,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-music/9718590/","projectTitle":"Sensory Music","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lewis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8374081"},{"teacherId":8374081,"projectId":9718658,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom is now filled with music, rhythm, and excitement! We are using the new drums and xylophones during music and movement lessons to help students explore rhythm, tempo, and pitch in a hands-on way. One of our favorite moments so far was watching students work together to create simple rhythmic patterns—listening carefully to one another, taking turns, and proudly performing their rhythms for the class. These instruments have become powerful tools for building focus, cooperation, and creativity.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the drums and xylophones, their faces lit up with pure joy. They were eager to touch the instruments, experiment with different sounds, and ask thoughtful questions about how music works. Many students who are usually quiet found confidence through music, while others showed leadership by helping their classmates keep a steady beat or follow a melody. The excitement was immediate and meaningful.\r\n\r\nNext, we will be using these instruments to connect music with other learning goals, such as counting beats in math, identifying patterns, and expressing emotions through sound. Students will continue building musical skills while strengthening teamwork, listening, and self-expression. Thank you for giving my students the opportunity to learn, grow, and make music together. Your support has truly made a lasting impact in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1760693822421,"projectUrl":"project/drummer-boys-and-girls/9718658/","projectTitle":"Drummer Boys and Girls","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lewis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8374081"},{"teacherId":8374081,"projectId":8382875,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of you, our students now have brand new giant mesh soccer balls and tetherballs to enjoy.\r\n\r\nThese resources may seem simple, but they create big opportunities for our students with special needs. The large size and lighter weight of the soccer balls make it easier for everyone to participate, regardless of physical ability, and the tetherballs provide a fun, engaging way to build coordination, teamwork, and confidence. Already, we've seen smiles, laughter, and a sense of accomplishment as students try new games and discover what they can do.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped create a more inclusive, active, and joyful learning environment. Thank you for believing in our students and giving them the chance to learn, grow, and play together.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1715954599872,"projectUrl":"project/round-2/8382875/","projectTitle":"Round 2","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lewis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8374081"},{"teacherId":1670704,"projectId":8739012,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations. We are eternally grateful for your generosity and hope that you feel the joy we feel to receive it. \r\n\r\nWith the bins we were able to keep the classroom super organized and it really changed the way we interact with the materials. It also helped while I was out on Maternity Leave for the sub to have everything labeled and organized so it was a seamless transition. \r\n\r\nWe could not thank you enough for all you do. We would not be able to be as successful without your help. We love our supplies.","fullyFundedDate":1725725405510,"projectUrl":"project/miss-saras-super-storage/8739012/","projectTitle":"Miss Sara's Super Storage","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1670704_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1542219013523","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/strebor-aras"},{"teacherId":7233024,"projectId":6723175,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for enhancing our science classroom!\r\n\r\nBecause of your generous support, my students now have access to hands-on materials that bring science to life in meaningful and exciting ways. When the supplies arrived, the students were overjoyed—some couldn't believe the materials were actually for them. One student said, \"We're real scientists now!\" It was such a powerful reminder of how much your support truly matters.\r\n\r\nWe've already started using the new resources in our unit on Human Impact on the Environment. One of our favorite activities was creating models and simulations to show how pollution, deforestation, and climate change affect ecosystems. Students used the materials to build small-scale environments and then introduced variables to observe cause and effect. It sparked deep conversations about sustainability, responsibility, and how their choices affect the planet.\r\n\r\nNext, we're diving into a unit on conservation and renewable resources, where students will be challenged to come up with real-world solutions to reduce negative human impact. They'll be using the new supplies for research, experimentation, and presentations that show their findings—and their hopes for a healthier planet.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our science classroom is no longer limited by what we talk about—we now get to explore, test, and experience science firsthand. Your generosity is empowering my students to become thoughtful, informed citizens of the world.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1661197499378,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-the-science-classroom/6723175/","projectTitle":"Enhancing the Science Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kessler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7233024_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y140&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1622165825309","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7233024"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_60532","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":714,"numTeachers":55,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":17,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":3,"percentLatinx":61,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"13.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.6,"schoolId":60532,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Washington Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Washington Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/washington-elementary-school-district/washington-elementary-school/60532"}