{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"James A Garfield Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":72.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7235910,"projectId":9812875,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of your kindness, our students now have access to headphones that are making a meaningful difference in their learning every single day. In our classroom, students use technology for programs that build reading, phonics, and comprehension skills. With their own headphones, they are able to fully focus, hear sounds clearly, and engage more deeply with their lessons without distractions. This has been especially important during small group and independent learning time, where every minute of focused practice counts.\r\n\r\nWhat has been most exciting is seeing how much more confident and independent my students have become. They love putting on their headphones and immediately getting \"in the zone\" for learning. It has created a sense of ownership and excitement around using technology in a purposeful way. Students who previously struggled to stay focused are now more engaged and able to complete tasks with greater success.\r\n\r\nI have also noticed that some of my more reluctant learners have truly warmed up to using technology with headphones. They are more willing to participate, take risks, and keep trying, even when the work feels challenging. Your donation has not only supported their academic growth, but also their confidence and joy in learning.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our students and believing in their potential. Your support is truly appreciated and is making a lasting impact in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1766786396959,"projectUrl":"project/hey-hey-hey-listen-up-listen-up/9812875/","projectTitle":"Hey, Hey, Hey Listen Up, Listen UP...","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Agard Melecia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7235910_orig.jpg?crop=1932,1932,x0,y70&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1589692457263","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7235910"},{"teacherId":1555267,"projectId":9840234,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in funding an iPad for our special education department. This device has had a powerful and immediate impact on the way our students learn, engage, and participate in their daily routines.\r\n\r\nThe iPad has become an essential instructional tool within our classrooms. We use it to support individualized learning programs, reinforce academic concepts, and provide engaging, interactive activities tailored to each student's goals. \r\n\r\nThe accessibility and versatility of the iPad have increased student engagement and motivation. Many of our learners respond positively to interactive, technology-based instruction, which helps sustain attention and encourages active participation. This has led to more meaningful learning opportunities and increased independence during tasks.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the portability of the iPad allows support to remain consistent across settings—classrooms, therapy sessions, and transitions throughout the school day. This consistency is critical in helping our students build routines, maintain focus, and generalize skills in different environments.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the iPad has supported social and emotional growth. Students are more confident in their abilities, more willing to try new tasks, and more engaged with both staff and peers.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided more than just a device—it has created new opportunities for learning, independence, and success for our students. We are incredibly grateful for your support and the lasting impact it continues to make in our program.","fullyFundedDate":1766959734043,"projectUrl":"project/connecting-through-technology-an-ipad-f/9840234/","projectTitle":"Connecting Through Technology: An iPad for Every Ability","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Willoughby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1555267_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y258&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1569282754065","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-willoughby"},{"teacherId":1555267,"projectId":9840076,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the incredible impact that our DonorsChoose-funded laminator has had on the special education department at our school. What may seem like a simple piece of equipment has truly transformed the way we create, maintain, and deliver instruction to our students.\r\n\r\nIn special education, durability and consistency are essential. Our students rely on structured, visually clear materials that can withstand repeated use throughout the day. With the laminator, we are now able to create high-quality, long-lasting visuals, including communication boards, token systems, schedules, behavior supports, and academic materials tailored to each student's individual needs. These materials are no longer single-use—they are reused daily, ensuring consistency across staff and settings.\r\n\r\nThe laminator has also allowed us to respond more quickly to student needs. Instead of waiting for materials to be replaced or recreated, we can immediately produce supports that align with current goals and programs. This has increased instructional time and reduced downtime, allowing our team to stay focused on what matters most: meaningful engagement and skill development.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the ability to create durable materials has improved collaboration across staff. Teachers and therapists can share resources that hold up over time, ensuring continuity in instruction and behavior support. This consistency is critical for our students as they work toward communication, independence, and social-emotional growth.\r\nMost importantly, this laminator has helped us provide our students with learning tools that are engaging, accessible, and built to last. From hands-on learning activities to individualized supports, our students are benefiting every day from materials that are both functional and motivating.\r\nThank you for investing in our students and our program. Your support has made a lasting difference in our classrooms and in the lives of the children we serve.","fullyFundedDate":1761917266035,"projectUrl":"project/built-to-last-laminating-hands-on-learn/9840076/","projectTitle":"Built to Last: Laminating Hands-On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Willoughby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1555267_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y258&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1569282754065","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-willoughby"},{"teacherId":6561254,"projectId":9759977,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in providing our classroom with items like a sensory swing, sensory beads, weighted vests, and pressure vests. These resources have already made a meaningful difference in our daily routines. These items have helped to safely regulate their emotions and refocus before returning to learning. The weighted and pressure vests have become especially helpful during independent work and group activities, giving students the proprioceptive input they need to stay engaged and comfortable.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate—students were eager to explore, and their faces lit up as they experienced the calming effects firsthand. \r\n\r\nThese tools have not only supported emotional regulation but have also helped build independence and self-awareness as students learn to choose what works best for their bodies. Moving forward, we are incorporating these supports into structured sensory breaks and self-regulation lessons, helping students develop lifelong coping strategies. Your kindness has created a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, and we are deeply grateful for the impact you've made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1765192784783,"projectUrl":"project/weve-lost-our-senses/9759977/","projectTitle":"We’ve Lost Our Senses!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. R","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6561254_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1564062369885","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lovehasnodisability"},{"teacherId":6561254,"projectId":9627685,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of the tablet and Osmo learning games. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our classroom, both academically and socially.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher with a large class full of energetic students, I am always looking for tools that channel that energy in productive ways. I will admit that unstructured tablet time has never been my favorite part of classroom learning. With so many students, it can easily become distracting rather than purposeful. What has made this donation so impactful is that it allows us to use technology intentionally- as a learning tool rather than just screen time.\r\n\r\nThe Osmo system is especially effective because it blends hands-on materials with digital interaction. Students are not passively watching a screen. They are physically manipulating letter tiles, number pieces, and shapes while the tablet responds in real time. This combination keeps them engaged while still supporting fine motor skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nPerhaps most importantly, this tool has helped me manage our high energy in a constructive way. Instead of redirecting off-task behavior, I am able to see students deeply engaged in purposeful learning. The structure of the program supports independence, collaboration, and problem-solving — all while maintaining a positive classroom atmosphere.\r\n\r\nYour donation has not simply added a device to our room. It has provided a way to make technology meaningful and instructional. It has supported diverse learners, encouraged persistence, and helped transform energy into focus.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your generosity. Your contribution is helping our students grow academically while fostering confidence and enthusiasm for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1758763139823,"projectUrl":"project/technology-in-an-autism-classroom/9627685/","projectTitle":"Technology in an Autism Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. R","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6561254_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1564062369885","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lovehasnodisability"},{"teacherId":9601481,"projectId":9725261,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity through DonorsChoose, our year-long Roots & Renewal initiative has come to life for my Ward 8 scholars. This project immerses elementary students in hands-on environmental learning, integrating math, science, and local history through nature-based investigations. With the new materials, students are digging into soil studies, measuring plant growth, analyzing data from our outdoor observations, and researching Washington, D.C.'s ecosystems. They have also begun learning about Black environmental leaders connected to our community's history, making powerful connections between past advocacy and present-day stewardship. When the supplies arrived, students were thrilled—eager to explore, touch, measure, and immediately ask, \"When are we going outside?\"\r\n\r\nThrough partnerships with organizations like Living Classrooms, Ward 8 Woods, Smithsonian Center for Community and Environment, and the Anacostia Community Museum, students are connecting classroom learning to their local environment in authentic ways. Next, they will apply their research to design small-scale environmental solutions and present their findings, strengthening their problem-solving and civic leadership skills. These resources are helping them dig deep—into nature, into history, and into their own potential as environmental changemakers.","fullyFundedDate":1764718729757,"projectUrl":"project/roots-renewal-smithsonians-national/9725261/","projectTitle":"Roots & Renewal: Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Institute Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. W","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9601481_orig.jpg?crop=728,728,x187,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755617912064","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9601481"},{"teacherId":4495038,"projectId":9513198,"letterContent":"There is SO much that we print every day for our classroom and we are so thankful that we can do that without any delays thanks to you! Thank you for your generosity for the Instant Ink gift cards that will keep the visuals coming all year. We have used the ink to print student visual schedules, photos for our job board, photos for our affirmations on the walls, student behavior supports, visuals for communication, mini math anchor charts, and so much more! With your help, we are able to print in full color any time we need. Thank you for keeping our classroom ready to go every day. We appreciate your support so much!","fullyFundedDate":1755920090322,"projectUrl":"project/print-with-purpose-ink-for-visual-learn/9513198/","projectTitle":"Print With Purpose: Ink for Visual Learning & Community","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Callahan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4495038_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511215526433","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-callahansclass"},{"teacherId":4495038,"projectId":9512878,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom environment! These two rolling carts really elevated our space and provided necessary storage. One cart is directly behind my teacher table and I store students math and reading materials in the drawers. Another cart is used for our math manipulatives! These carts are perfect to keep us organized for the rest of the year and beyond. Thank you for supporting our classroom and keeping things fresh! Have a wonderful holiday season - we are so thankful for you!","fullyFundedDate":1758820151969,"projectUrl":"project/organized-inspired-fresh-start-for-ou/9512878/","projectTitle":"Organized & Inspired: Fresh Start for Our Classroom, Part 2","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Callahan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4495038_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511215526433","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-callahansclass"},{"teacherId":4495038,"projectId":9512365,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! We are so excited for the new materials that have made our classroom a more organized, functional, beautiful space. The scalloped bookshelf is perfect for our thematic books that are changed out with each unit. Students can see them from the front cover which increases their interest and use them during instruction as needed. We use the rolling cart for student binders for math that include work on topics such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and so much more! Thank you so much for supporting our vision for our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1754518086140,"projectUrl":"project/organized-inspired-fresh-start-for-ou/9512365/","projectTitle":"Organized & Inspired: Fresh Start for Our Classroom Part 1","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Callahan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4495038_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1511215526433","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-callahansclass"},{"teacherId":1555267,"projectId":4498071,"letterContent":"We sincerely apologize for how long it has taken to share our thanks—this message is long overdue! Our popcorn machine, cotton candy machine, and snow cone cart have brought years of excitement and joy to our students, and we are so grateful for your generosity.\r\n\r\nThese machines have become a highlight of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) celebrations, rewarding students for their hard work, kindness, and positive choices. From the smell of fresh popcorn filling the hallways to the bright smiles of students choosing their favorite snow cone flavor, these simple treats have created lasting memories and a true sense of community.\r\n\r\nEven after years of use, the equipment continues to hold up beautifully and has become a cherished part of our school traditions. Students look forward to each PBIS celebration, knowing their efforts are recognized in a fun and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your incredible support—and please forgive our very delayed note of appreciation. Your donation has made a lasting difference, and we're still enjoying every sweet, crunchy, and colorful moment you helped make possible!","fullyFundedDate":1569684321627,"projectUrl":"project/its-carnival/4498071/","projectTitle":"It's Carnival!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Willoughby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1555267_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y258&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1569282754065","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-willoughby"},{"teacherId":1555267,"projectId":8054426,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely apologize for the (inadvertently) much delayed response to this project update. I truly appreciate your patience and generosity, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to now share just how impactful this color printer has been for my students.\r\n\r\nHaving access to a color printer has transformed the way I'm able to create and individualize materials for my special education classroom. My students rely heavily on visuals to support communication, behavior, and learning. With this printer, I can produce bright, engaging materials such as color-coded schedules, token boards, visual supports, and picture-based learning activities that truly meet each child's unique needs.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, we made do with black-and-white copies that often lost the detail and clarity students needed to understand and stay engaged. Now, every day in our classroom feels more vibrant and accessible. Families have also benefited—students can take home matching color visuals for routines, AAC supports, and reinforcement systems, creating consistency between home and school.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our classroom and for your understanding regarding the delay in sharing this update. Your generosity continues to make a real difference in the daily success and confidence of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1703645624338,"projectUrl":"project/perfectly-printed-color-printer-needed/8054426/","projectTitle":"Perfectly Printed: Color Printer Needed for Engaging Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Willoughby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1555267_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y258&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1569282754065","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-willoughby"},{"teacherId":551338,"projectId":9234785,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our special education department! The new shelving and file cabinet have made a tremendous difference in how we store and organize our special education materials and student records.\r\n\r\nIn our preschool autism program, for example, we collect and review large amounts of data each day to track student progress on goals related to communication, social skills, and independence. Having sturdy, secure storage ensures that each child's records, data sheets, and program materials are kept safe, confidential, and easy to access for staff. This organization allows us to spend more time focusing on what matters most—providing high-quality, individualized instruction and celebrating each student's achievements.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped us create a more efficient and professional learning environment where our team can stay organized and our students can continue to grow. Thank you for recognizing the importance of structure and care in the world of special education—your generosity truly helps our learners shine.","fullyFundedDate":1750774667766,"projectUrl":"project/organized-and-empowered-storage-for-spe/9234785/","projectTitle":"Organized and Empowered: Storage for Special Education Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Battle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp551338_orig.jpg?crop=1103,1103,x0,y25&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683601147699","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/clairebattle"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_24081","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":202,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":85,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":95,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":27.9,"schoolId":24081,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about James A Garfield Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"James A Garfield Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/district-of-columbia/dc-public-schools/james-a-garfield-elementary-school/24081"}