Jerry Williams Elementary School in Farmington, Arkansas on DonorsChoose

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In the past, our instrument inventory was limited, meaning that not\r\nevery student could actively participate during rhythm and ensemble activities. With the addition of\r\nthese instruments, every student now has the opportunity to take part in creating music together. This\r\nshift has led to smoother classroom management, fewer distractions, and a stronger sense of\r\nteamwork. The new instruments allow for more inclusive instruction where every child can practice,\r\nplay, and perform without waiting for their turn, creating a more efficient and engaging learning\r\nenvironment. The drums, in particular, have been a powerful addition for teaching rhythm, steady beat,\r\nand ensemble performance. They provide a strong tactile and auditory experience that helps students\r\ninternalize rhythm concepts in ways that clapping or body percussion alone cannot achieve. When\r\nstudents feel the vibration of the drum and physically experience pulse and rhythm, their\r\ncomprehension deepens. The new drums have also supported lessons in dynamics, tempo, and\r\ncultural music appreciation. We have been able to explore world drumming traditions and connect them\r\nto social studies and cultural units, broadening students' global awareness through music. Similarly, the\r\naddition of new triangles has strengthened lessons in tone color, texture, and musical layering.\r\nAlthough small in size, triangles add brightness and clarity to ensemble performances and allow\r\nstudents to explore how different timbres contribute to a balanced sound. Because triangles require\r\nprecision and control, students are learning valuable listening and coordination skills. Even our\r\nyoungest learners in kindergarten and first grade have developed stronger fine motor skills and better\r\ntiming through the use of these instruments. From the student perspective, the emotional and social\r\nimpact has been just as meaningful. Students are excited to come to music class knowing they will\r\nhave a chance to play real instruments that sound rich and authentic. This sense of ownership and\r\npride has increased participation and positive attitudes toward music. Students who were once hesitant\r\nto engage are now eager to join in ensemble activities. Playing drums and triangles has also built\r\nconfidence and encouraged creativity, as students experiment with creating rhythmic patterns,\r\naccompanying songs, and performing together. Collaborative music-making has fostered stronger peer\r\nrelationships and teamwork skills. When students play together, they must listen, cooperate, and\r\ncommunicate nonverbally—skills that translate directly into other areas of learning and personal\r\ndevelopment. The inclusive nature of percussion instruments allows every student, regardless of ability\r\nlevel, to find success and feel like an important part of the group. Overall, the addition of new drums\r\nand triangles has enriched our elementary music program in countless ways. These instruments have\r\ndeepened musical understanding, improved student engagement, enhanced classroom instruction, and\r\nstrengthened our school's culture of creativity and collaboration. 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About this school

Jerry Williams Elementary School is a suburban public school in Farmington, Arkansas that is part of Farmington Public Schools. It serves 482 students in grades Pre-K - 3 with a student/teacher ratio of 18.5:1. Its teachers have had 5 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 3

482 Students

26 Teachers

322 Broyles St

Farmington, AR 72730 View local requests

http://farmcards.org/

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Jerry Williams Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Jerry Williams Elementary School Demographics

33%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

13%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Jerry Williams Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 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.