{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hendley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":69.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9285614,"projectId":9266387,"letterContent":"I am delighted to share the incredible impact your support has had on our \"Little Learners Growing Minds\" project! Your generosity provided the essential hands-on math and literacy tools that are fundamentally changing how our students learn and grow.\r\nYour donation transformed our daily learning centers. We now have a wide array of engaging materials that allow us to provide personalized, concrete learning experiences:\r\n\r\nInteractive Learning Centers: Students are actively using the new math games and sorting games during center time. These digital and physical resources allow students to practice skills like counting, classification, and pattern recognition in a fun, fast-paced environment.\r\nA \"Real-World\" Math Moment: One specific area where the impact is huge is in teaching time. We are using the new math manipulatives for telling time, including large, geared teaching clocks. Just last week, during a lesson, a student who had been struggling with the concept finally grasped how the hour and minute hands move together. Watching him successfully set the clock to \"recess time\" and cheer with self-confidence was a priceless, impactful moment—the kind that happens daily now with these tangible tools.\r\n\r\nThe day the materials arrived was truly special. The excitement on their faces when they saw the new learning materials was priceless! They ran straight for the colorful sorting bears and the bright, oversized clocks. The materials didn't just look new; they signaled a change in the classroom, letting students know that learning was going to be more hands-on, more interactive, and a lot more fun. This initial burst of enthusiasm has translated into sustained engagement and greater focus in all our lessons.\r\n\r\nWe are continuing to build on this foundation of active, engaged learning. Our next step is to introduce concepts that blend technology with literacy, preparing them for future success.\r\n\r\nOur next classroom project, \"Help Us Write Our Future: Essential Tools for Learning,\" focuses on Writing and Technology, where students will use new digital tools to draft, illustrate, and publish their own short stories.","fullyFundedDate":1746785253913,"projectUrl":"project/little-learners-growing-minds/9266387/","projectTitle":"Little Learners Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Richardson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9285614_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711132175973","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9285614"},{"teacherId":3028383,"projectId":9682132,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom now has a beautiful calming center—a safe space where big feelings are welcomed, not judged. The soft seating and sensory tools have already made a huge difference. When students feel overwhelmed, they can grab a weighted pillow, squeeze a fidget toy, or simply sit quietly to reset.\r\nThe day we unveiled the calming center was unforgettable. One student walked in, eyes wide, and whispered, \"This is soooo beautiful!\" Then they sat down, hugged a pillow, and smiled like they'd found a little piece of peace. That moment said it all—your gift is helping create a space where students feel safe and cared for.\r\n\r\nThe emotion posters and reflection cards have become powerful teaching tools. During a recent writing activity, a student paused, visited the calming center, and used a reflection card to identify that they were feeling frustrated. Instead of giving up, they returned ready to finish their story. Moments like these show that our students aren't just learning academics—they're learning lifelong skills for managing emotions.\r\nNext, we'll integrate the calming center into our social-emotional lessons. Students will practice naming feelings, choosing coping strategies, and supporting peers who need a break. Your gift is helping us create a classroom where confidence and care grow every day.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1757297044321,"projectUrl":"project/where-big-feelings-meet-gentle-spaces/9682132/","projectTitle":"Where Big Feelings Meet Gentle Spaces","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ansani","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3028383_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757097395484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3028383"},{"teacherId":9936747,"projectId":9169041,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project! Your contributions made it possible for us to bring joy and fun activities to our students through carnival games, water activities, and more.\r\n\r\nAlthough our original end-of-year event was impacted by the weather, we were still able to use these materials to create safe, positive, and engaging experiences for our students. In a community where our children are often surrounded by challenges and violence, having moments filled with laughter, teamwork, and celebration means more than words can express.\r\n\r\nThe excitement on our students' faces as they participated in these activities showed just how much they needed this outlet. They were able to build friendships, practice cooperation, and simply enjoy being kids. Your generosity provided them with not just games, but memories that will stay with them far beyond the event.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of our school community, thank you again for helping us create these moments of joy and positivity.","fullyFundedDate":1747422383899,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-the-carnival-to-our-kids-games/9169041/","projectTitle":"Bringing the Carnival to Our Kids: Games, Water, and Smiles!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Drew","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9936747_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747439562445","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9936747"},{"teacherId":8654945,"projectId":8845996,"letterContent":"Thank you for the engaging books and reading games that have motivated my scholars as they persevere through rigorous first-grade content. The games and books helped motivate my students to become stronger readers. Their favorite materials were sentence building puzzles. \r\n\r\nThese materials always help my students have fun while learning. It helps us turn our data from well below or below into on or above grade level. We achieved our goals this past school year and look forward to seeing more growth in the next school year.","fullyFundedDate":1733270426715,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-fundamental/8845996/","projectTitle":"Reading is FUNdamental!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8654945_orig.jpg?crop=436,436,x93,y12&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661458038532","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-k-dont-play"},{"teacherId":9416121,"projectId":9130220,"letterContent":"thank you so much for your support of our Girls on the Run team! Because of you, we had a truly wonderful season filled with growth, fun, and meaningful connections.\r\n\r\nOur team not only completed a successful season, but we also celebrated with an exciting 5K run—joined by returning girls from last year, which made it even more special. The students felt happy, empowered, and supported every step of the way, and their families were equally proud and grateful.\r\n\r\nYour donations provided the snacks that kept our girls energized, hydrated, and nourished after long school days. The party favors were a huge hit as well—they were the perfect way to motivate and reward the team for their hard work and commitment.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and helping to make this experience possible. Your impact is felt in every joyful mile and smiling face!","fullyFundedDate":1741842852709,"projectUrl":"project/girls-on-the-run/9130220/","projectTitle":"Girls On The Run","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cook","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9416121"},{"teacherId":9416121,"projectId":8884654,"letterContent":"thank you so much for supporting our classroom with snacks and toys — your generosity made such a meaningful impact on our students!\r\n\r\nThe snacks you helped provide were a lifesaver. For some of our students who don't always eat school breakfast or lunch, having healthy (and tasty!) snacks on hand meant we could still keep them nourished and focused throughout the day. These weren't your average snacks either — they were better-for-you options that the kids actually enjoyed, which is a big win!\r\n\r\nWe also used the snacks as part of our learning — during small groups, we practiced counting, sorting, and even trying new foods, which was exciting for many of our students. It made learning feel more like play, and the students were so engaged.\r\n\r\nThe toys and sensory items you helped us get were just as important. For our more sensory-seeking kids, the lights, sounds, and textures really pulled them in and supported their learning in a way that worked for them. It was amazing to see how something as simple as a toy could spark focus, smiles, and real growth.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, we were able to meet our students' needs in a fun, supportive, and creative way. You helped us make learning enjoyable and make sure no one went hungry — and that means everything.\r\n\r\nWe appreciate you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1734536325881,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-and-supplies-for-a-rocking-school/8884654/","projectTitle":"Snacks and Supplies for a Rocking School Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cook","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9416121"},{"teacherId":9416121,"projectId":8555344,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with snacks and toys — your generosity made such a meaningful impact on our students!\r\n\r\nThe snacks you helped provide were a lifesaver. For some of our students who don't always eat school breakfast or lunch, having healthy (and tasty!) snacks on hand meant we could still keep them nourished and focused throughout the day. These weren't your average snacks either — they were better-for-you options that the kids actually enjoyed, which is a big win!\r\n\r\nWe also used the snacks as part of our learning — during small groups, we practiced counting, sorting, and even trying new foods, which was exciting for many of our students. It made learning feel more like play, and the students were so engaged.\r\n\r\nThe toys and sensory items you helped us get were just as important. For our more sensory-seeking kids, the lights, sounds, and textures really pulled them in and supported their learning in a way that worked for them. It was amazing to see how something as simple as a toy could spark focus, smiles, and real growth.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, we were able to meet our students' needs in a fun, supportive, and creative way. You helped us make learning enjoyable and make sure no one went hungry — and that means everything.\r\n\r\nWe appreciate you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1723676404788,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-and-supplies-for-a-rocking-school/8555344/","projectTitle":"Snacks and Supplies for a Rocking School Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cook","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9416121"},{"teacherId":9416121,"projectId":8520940,"letterContent":"thank you so much for supporting our gardening project — your generosity has truly blossomed into something special for our students!\r\n\r\nSince receiving your support, the garden has become a vibrant and joyful space that we visit every chance we get — during recess, afterschool, in small groups, or even just as a well-deserved break. It has transformed from an underused area into a calming, sensory-rich environment that students run toward with excitement students light up and head straight for the garden with joy.\r\n\r\nThe garden has become a meaningful extension of our classroom. Whether we're planting, weeding, watering, or harvesting, every student finds their place. One student may love digging in the dirt, while another prefers watering or sorting seeds. There's always something for everyone, and students feel empowered knowing they are contributing to something they can be proud of. It's a space filled with hands-on learning, life skills, science experiments, teamwork, and joy.\r\n\r\nIt's also become a powerful incentive — a way to encourage focus and celebrate accomplishments. Sometimes, we just move a regular lesson outside, and suddenly, students who might not usually be interested are fully engaged simply because they're in the garden. It sparks curiosity and creates comfort in learning.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our garden is more than a place to grow plants — it's where we build confidence, calm our minds, connect with each other, and grow together. Your support has helped create a sacred space that nurtures our students' bodies, minds, and hearts.","fullyFundedDate":1729254610286,"projectUrl":"project/planting-dreams-going-green/8520940/","projectTitle":"Planting Dreams, Going Green","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cook","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9416121"},{"teacherId":9909432,"projectId":9276135,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our second-grade math classroom! When the materials arrived, my students were beyond excited—they couldn't wait to open the boxes and start exploring. The hands-on tools like the place value puzzles and 3D shape blocks have made a huge difference during our math centers. Concepts that were once confusing are now clicking, and I've seen a big boost in student confidence and participation.\r\n\r\nThe laminated reference tools and name plates are used daily, helping students work more independently. The bulletin board borders, colorful letters, and Crayola markers helped us brighten up our classroom and proudly display student work. Even the slime has found its place—used as a calm-down tool that helps a few of my students self-regulate and refocus.\r\n\r\nWith your support, our learning space feels more engaging, organized, and joyful. Thank you for giving my students the resources they need to thrive—we are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1746785247084,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-thinking-room-for-growing/9276135/","projectTitle":"Tools for Thinking, Room for Growing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Roberson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9909432_orig.jpg?crop=1660,1660,x0,y71&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739840810369","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9909432"},{"teacherId":9909432,"projectId":9128226,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has become more organized, engaging, and student-centered! The new coat rack has helped streamline our mornings—students now have a dedicated place for their belongings, which has created a calmer and more focused learning environment. The place value chart has quickly become a favorite tool during our math lessons. It's colorful, clear, and perfect for helping students understand big number concepts and build their confidence with place value.\r\n\r\nOne of our most exciting moments was during a recent math lesson where students used the chart to break down and explain numbers on their own. Seeing students who typically struggle light up and take ownership of their learning was truly special! When the new materials arrived, their reactions were priceless—there were gasps, cheers, and lots of \"Whoa, that's cool!\"\r\n\r\nRight now, we're using these resources to support a hands-on math unit focused on solving word problems and making change from $1. We're preparing for an interactive gallery walk activity, and these tools are helping students build the confidence and skills they need to tackle real-world math problems. Your donation has made such a difference—thank you for giving us the tools to learn, grow, and shine!","fullyFundedDate":1744032785630,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-bright-and-just-right-classroom/9128226/","projectTitle":"A Cozy, Bright, and Just-Right Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Roberson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9909432_orig.jpg?crop=1660,1660,x0,y71&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739840810369","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9909432"},{"teacherId":9285614,"projectId":8954140,"letterContent":"We are thrilled to share the wonderful impact your generous contributions have had on our students through the \"Open a Book and Explore Your Feelings\" project. Your support has enabled us to introduce a variety of new texts that have enriched our classroom experience in numerous ways.\r\nThrough these new books, our students have developed essential skills such as:\r\n\r\nCritical Thinking: Analyzing characters' motivations and plot developments.\r\nEmpathy: Understanding and relating to the emotions and experiences of different characters.\r\nVocabulary Expansion: Learning new words and phrases in context.\r\nCreative Expression: Engaging in activities like writing their own stories or drawing scenes from the books.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is a dynamic and interactive experience. Students are encouraged to read aloud by sharing passages with their peers to improve fluency and confidence. As well as group discussions, participating in discussions to express their thoughts and listen to others' perspectives. Along with personal reflection by writing journals about how the stories relate to their own lives and feelings.\r\n\r\nOne of the standout books has been \"A House for Hermit Crab\" by Eric Carle. This delightful story has captivated our students, particularly because it teaches valuable lessons about growth and change. Students in my class have shown a particular fondness for this book. We've incorporated activities such as creating dioramas of Hermit Crab's house and writing letters to Hermit Crab, which have been incredibly popular and engaging.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly made a difference, fostering a love for reading and helping our students explore their feelings through literature. Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey.","fullyFundedDate":1734040379053,"projectUrl":"project/open-a-book-and-explore-your-feelings/8954140/","projectTitle":"Open A Book and Explore Your Feelings","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Richardson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9285614_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711132175973","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9285614"},{"teacherId":8654945,"projectId":8356077,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. Your funding helped create a cooking club at Hendley where we get a chance to use the groceries from Martha's Table to create delicious snacks! The giant magnetic dry-erase posters cling to my boards and help students with their writing. The word building puzzles have helped students blend and encode and decode words. The reading strips help my advanced learners track themselves as they read chapter books which have smaller words and less pictures. \r\n\r\nThank you again so much for your kindness and generosity. We love our classroom materials.","fullyFundedDate":1725070624515,"projectUrl":"project/stem-in-southeast-dc/8356077/","projectTitle":"STEM in Southeast D.C.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8654945_orig.jpg?crop=436,436,x93,y12&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661458038532","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-k-dont-play"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_24091","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":251,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":86,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":92,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"8.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":31.0,"schoolId":24091,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hendley Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hendley Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/district-of-columbia/dc-public-schools/hendley-elementary-school/24091"}