{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"John R Downes Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":37.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10308557,"projectId":9816877,"letterContent":"We are writing to send a heartfelt thank you and show you the incredible impact of your donation!\r\nOur students received an 8-tray organizer, visual math boards, a Touch and Match guessing game, and Hear Myself Sound Phones etc. These materials are already transforming our learning environment, creating a more organized and sensory-rich space for every student.\r\nThe most exciting item has been the giant magnetic Draw and Write page! Our students immediately used it to draw vibrant pictures and express their personal gratitude for your kindness. It was a powerful way for them to connect your generosity to their learning.\r\nBecause of your support, we are seeing increased engagement with math concepts and stronger foundational reading skills. Thank you for investing directly in the tools our students need to succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1760372130110,"projectUrl":"project/you-help-the-wings-of-imagination-grow/9816877/","projectTitle":"You Help The Wings of Imagination Grow","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10308557"},{"teacherId":3721438,"projectId":9649389,"letterContent":"When our magical materials arrived, the classroom buzzed with pure excitement — it truly felt like the first day at Hogwarts! The moment the students saw the cozy reading nooks, colorful house banners, and our new organization tools, they gasped and immediately began exploring their \"Common Rooms.\" The joy on their faces said it all — our space had transformed into a warm, welcoming environment where every student felt like they belonged.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the new materials to strengthen both academics and community. During reading time, students curl up in their house reading areas with books that spark imagination and curiosity. Our new bins and caddies have made transitions smooth and independent, while the house points board motivates teamwork, kindness, and perseverance. One of my favorite moments was watching a student proudly earn the first \"House of the Week\" award for showing leadership and empathy toward a peer.\r\n\r\nNext, our young wizards will embark on a writing project called \"Letters from Hogwarts,\" where each student will write from the perspective of a house ambassador, using the journals and writing tools our donors helped provide. Just like Hogwarts, our classroom is now a place filled with warmth, wonder, and belonging — and your generosity made that magic possible.","fullyFundedDate":1756372993511,"projectUrl":"project/phoenix-flyers/9649389/","projectTitle":"Phoenix Flyers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Joseph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3721438_orig.jpg?crop=494,494,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1563830195090","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3721438"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44550","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":435,"numTeachers":33,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":21,"percentWhite":43,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":17,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.2,"schoolId":44550,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about John R Downes Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"John R Downes Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/delaware/christina-school-district/john-r-downes-elementary-school/44550"}
Join the 111 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
John R Downes Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Newark, Delaware that is part of Christina School District.
It serves 435 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.2:1.
Its teachers have had 47 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!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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
47%
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 R Downes 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.
John R Downes Elementary School
$30,079
raised using DonorsChoose
47
projects
funded
27
teachers
funded
111
donors
5
projects
for
basic supplies
5
projects for
technology
7
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
John R Downes Elementary School has received support from
69 individuals from Delaware and
42 individuals out-of-state.