{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ketcham Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":60.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9717131,"projectId":9641516,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of our classroom through DonorsChoose. I am truly grateful for your kindness and belief in the importance of creating a learning environment where all students feel supported, motivated, and excited to learn. Because of you, my students and I have received resources that will make a meaningful and lasting impact on our daily learning experiences.\r\n\r\nYour donation helped provide two essential items for our classroom: the Carpets for Kids \"Choose Kind\" Classroom Chalkboard Look Rug (6 ft x 9 ft) and the HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer. These resources may seem simple at first glance, but they play a powerful role in supporting both academic growth and social-emotional development for my students.\r\n\r\nThe \"Choose Kind\" classroom rug has already become a special gathering place in our room. It provides a comfortable and welcoming space where students can sit together for morning meetings, read-alouds, small-group instruction, and social-emotional learning activities. The message displayed on the rug serves as a daily reminder for students to practice kindness, empathy, and respect toward one another. For young learners, visual reminders like this are incredibly impactful. The rug helps set a positive tone for our classroom culture and encourages meaningful conversations about behavior, feelings, and how our actions affect others. It has truly become the heart of our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThe HP DeskJet printer has also been an invaluable addition to our classroom. Having reliable access to a printer allows me to better meet the diverse learning needs of my students. I can now quickly print individualized worksheets, visual supports, small-group materials, assessments, and family communication. This flexibility allows me to adapt instruction in real time and ensure that every student has access to materials that support their unique learning style. The printer has also helped reduce delays and interruptions, allowing instructional time to be used more effectively.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, my students now have access to tools that promote engagement, organization, and a positive learning environment. Your generosity directly impacts how instruction is delivered and how students experience school each day. You are not just providing materials—you are investing in children, their growth, and their future.\r\n\r\nPlease know that your kindness does not go unnoticed. My students may not know each of you personally, but they feel the impact of your generosity every time they gather on the rug to learn together or use newly printed materials to strengthen their skills. On behalf of my students and our classroom community, thank you for believing in us and for helping make our classroom a place where learning and kindness go hand in hand.","fullyFundedDate":1766067034995,"projectUrl":"project/sped-comfort-decor/9641516/","projectTitle":"SPED Comfort & Decor","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Dequirry Cann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9717131"},{"teacherId":3684882,"projectId":9625578,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the wonderful progress my students are making thanks to your generous donation of letter and number journals. These journals have become a cornerstone of our daily morning routine, providing each child with a dedicated space to develop their literacy and numeracy skills. It is truly inspiring to see the pride they take in their own personal books, and we are so grateful for the role you played in bringing these essential resources into our classroom.\r\n\r\nSince we began using the journals, I have seen a significant improvement in the students' fine motor development. Many of my learners started the year struggling with how to grip a writing utensil, but the structured practice in these journals has helped them master the art of holding a pencil correctly. As they work through the guided pages, they are learning to form their letters and numbers with precision and care. This daily, intentional practice has built the muscle memory and coordination they need to become confident writers.\r\n\r\nThe results of this hard work are now visible every single day. My students have moved from simple strokes to writing their own names and even simple CVC words with impressive legibility. Being able to see their thoughts take shape on the page has given them a newfound sense of independence and excitement for learning. Thank you for investing in these foundational skills; your kindness has given my students the tools they need to unlock a lifetime of communication and success.","fullyFundedDate":1766067037061,"projectUrl":"project/starting-off-write/9625578/","projectTitle":"Starting off \"Write'","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Irby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3684882_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1619965147549","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsirby2021"},{"teacherId":3684882,"projectId":9625469,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation to our classroom through DonorsChoose. The arrival of our new rest mats has truly transformed our daily routine, providing each child with a dedicated, comfortable space they can call their own. Before your support, our rest period was often a challenge to manage, but these high-quality mats have turned that time into a genuine period of peace and comfort for every single student.\r\n\r\nDuring our daily rest time, the classroom is now filled with a sense of calm that was previously hard to achieve. It is wonderful to see the children settled and resting so deeply; the room remains incredibly quiet as they drift off into much-needed naps. These mats provide the perfect level of support, allowing every child to feel safe and relaxed, which is essential for their physical growth and emotional well-being. Because they are no longer restless, the entire atmosphere of the room has become more nurturing and serene.\r\n\r\nThe most significant impact of your gift is seen when the children wake up. Because they have been able to rest so comfortably, they rise feeling refreshed and eager to tackle our afternoon lessons. We have noticed a remarkable increase in their focus and energy during our final hours of school, helping them make the most of every instructional minute. Thank you for recognizing that rest is a vital part of the learning process; your kindness has made a lasting difference in the lives of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1766067122820,"projectUrl":"project/sweet-dreams-little-ones/9625469/","projectTitle":"Sweet Dreams Little Ones","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Irby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3684882_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1619965147549","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsirby2021"},{"teacherId":5705232,"projectId":9598867,"letterContent":"We have had a great first half of the year, in part due to your generous contributions! In our first unit about perseverance, our students learned what it means to never give up. We then moved into studying flight and how people learned to fly. In this unit we studied text features, which the book from this project \"How People Learned to Fly\" was extremely useful. With clear heading, captions, and labeled diagrams, our students were able to engage in rich discussion about why the author chose to present the information in this way.\r\n\r\nAs we move into our current (and future!) units, we look forward to utilizing other books from this project. We typically read the book aloud together with a text focusing question or goal such as how the setting changes, exploring the characters motivation, or learning something new from a nonfiction text. Then, students take copies of portions of the text to read on their own and annotate for details or evidence around our focus of the day. Therefore, the books have been a huge help in making this learning fun and engaging on a daily basis in first grade! We cannot thank you enough for supporting us!","fullyFundedDate":1760534652410,"projectUrl":"project/brilliant-books-for-blooming-brains/9598867/","projectTitle":"Brilliant Books for Blooming Brains!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cogdell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5705232_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534393343960","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/multilingualmagic"},{"teacherId":3684882,"projectId":9461675,"letterContent":"I am writing to share a detailed update on the incredible impact your donation of laminating supplies has had on our classroom. While it might seem like a simple office supply, in the hands of my students, it has been transformative.\r\n\r\nBefore receiving these materials, we went through a significant amount of paper daily. Students would practice a skill once, and the paper would be discarded. Now, thanks to your generosity, we have been able to create durable, reusable \"write and wipe\" mats for almost every subject. Whether we are practicing handwriting, solving math problems, or tracing shapes, students can use dry-erase markers to do the work, wipe it clean, and start all over again.\r\n\r\nThis has two major benefits for us. First, it is incredibly environmentally friendly; we are saving hundreds of sheets of paper by reusing the same laminated centers. Second, and perhaps most importantly, it encourages a \"growth mindset.\" When a student makes a mistake on paper, it can feel permanent. With these laminated sheets, mistakes are easily wiped away, encouraging my students to take risks and practice as many times as they need to achieve mastery without frustration.\r\n\r\nYour gift has provided us with tools that will last not just for this school year, but for years to come. Thank you for helping me create a sustainable, hands-on learning environment where my students feel confident to try, try again.","fullyFundedDate":1755126959137,"projectUrl":"project/learning-that-lasts-a-laminator-for-reu/9461675/","projectTitle":"Learning That Lasts: a Laminator for Reusable Activities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Irby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3684882_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1619965147549","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsirby2021"},{"teacherId":7904800,"projectId":9724988,"letterContent":"Thank you so much to our incredible Donors Choose supporters for generously helping our classroom with much-needed supplies. Your kindness and belief in our students make a meaningful difference every single day. Because of you, our classroom is a safer, more organized, and more engaging learning environment where students can focus, explore, and grow with confidence. These supplies support hands-on learning, creativity, and daily routines that help our students feel comfortable and ready to learn. Many of our students come from communities where access to basic classroom materials can be limited, so your support truly helps bridge that gap. We are deeply grateful for your investment in our students' success and for partnering with us to make learning joyful, equitable, and impactful.","fullyFundedDate":1760534651367,"projectUrl":"project/head-into-kinder-learning/9724988/","projectTitle":"Head into Kinder Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wimbish","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7904800_orig.jpg?crop=1134,1134,x68,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1633301393368","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrswimbish-k"},{"teacherId":9171975,"projectId":9369067,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for this amazing contribution to our school! Pre-K graduation is a magical milestone, a vibrant celebration of those tiny humans taking their first big leap! It's not just about marking the end of a school year; it's about acknowledging the incredible growth, the budding friendships, and the sheer joy of learning that these little scholars have experienced. Think of it as a launching pad, a moment to shower them with encouragement and excitement as they prepare for the adventures of kindergarten. The beaming smiles and proud parents are a testament to the importance of recognizing this special achievement.\r\n\r\nWhile these materials came a bit late for the 24-25 school year. We will absolutely be able to utilize the materials gifted to us for this school year's graduation. In the meantime, the balloon pump, t-shirts, and cardstock have absolutely been useful for our many opportunities we have to celebrate our students throughout the school year such as awards day and our school spirit day. The joy we see in our little learners eyes as they achieve their goals is invaluable and we could thank you more for your contribution.","fullyFundedDate":1752528172049,"projectUrl":"project/its-time-to-celebrate-we-are-ready-to/9369067/","projectTitle":"It's Time to Celebrate! We Are Ready to Graduate","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cook","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9171975_orig.jpg?crop=3647,3647,x911,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692317266740","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9171975"},{"teacherId":7904800,"projectId":9656754,"letterContent":"Thank you, DonorsChoose, for generously supplying our class with ink. Your support made an immediate and meaningful impact on our students. With reliable printing, they were able to access high-quality worksheets, personalized learning materials, and colorful visuals that strengthened their understanding. Our younger learners especially benefited from having clear, engaging resources that supported reading, writing, and math practice. Your donation helped create a smoother, more effective learning environment where students felt prepared and motivated each day. We are truly grateful for your investment in our classroom and in our students' growth. Your kindness made a real difference.","fullyFundedDate":1757870262470,"projectUrl":"project/inkd-up/9656754/","projectTitle":"Ink'd Up","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wimbish","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7904800_orig.jpg?crop=1134,1134,x68,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1633301393368","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrswimbish-k"},{"teacherId":4950994,"projectId":9586805,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our Pretend & Play Table and Chair Set. Because of you, our Dramatic Play area has transformed into a space full of imagination, collaboration, and joyful learning.\r\n\r\nMy students use the table and chairs every single day. They set the table for pretend family meals, count plates and utensils, create menus, and role-play community helpers. One of our favorite moments so far was when a small group planned a \"fancy dinner party\" and worked together to write invitations, choose the food, and welcome their classmates as guests. It turned into a beautiful blend of literacy, math, and social-emotional learning.\r\n\r\nWhen they first saw the table and chairs, their excitement filled the room. Several students gasped and immediately began deciding who would cook, who would be the server, and how they would decorate the table. One student said, \"This looks like our table at home!\" Their joy showed just how meaningful this addition is for them.\r\n\r\nWe are beginning a project on exercising and creating a home gym as part of our dramatic play home.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my Pre-K4 students a space where their creativity, confidence, and love for learning can grow every day. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1757874172674,"projectUrl":"project/building-life-skills-one-pretend-meal-at/9586805/","projectTitle":"Building Life Skills One Pretend Meal at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pendleton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4950994_orig.jpg?crop=297,297,x0,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723589965644","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4950994"},{"teacherId":9171975,"projectId":9517363,"letterContent":"This is my now my 8th year teaching with and my second year as a Pre-K 3 teacher. Previously I have supported my school as Special Education Teacher and it has been my honor to have a Pre-K classroom of my own. Having materials to build a welcoming and engaging environment for our youngest scholars, has been crucial for enabling their growth and developing their love for learning.\r\n\r\nThese first few months of school we have done tons of projects, crafts, and culminating activities to accompany the curriculum. It was truly a pleasure getting to see how excited my scholars were to make our different activities. It was an even greater experience seeing how proud they were of the work they had done. So many of my students would ask if they could take their projects home as soon as they had finished (even if I planned on hanging them up in the classroom for a while first!).\r\n\r\nHaving the materials I needed them to make our classroom a home was truly a blessing and I am very thankful for all of those who helped make it happen!","fullyFundedDate":1755126961787,"projectUrl":"project/not-big-me-just-big-pre-k3/9517363/","projectTitle":"Not Big Me, Just Big Pre-K3!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cook","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9171975_orig.jpg?crop=3647,3647,x911,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692317266740","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9171975"},{"teacherId":5661134,"projectId":9511989,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. With your help, my students have the necessary tools that make for a successful student now and later as they matriculate to higher grade levels. Doing whatever is necessary to positively influence the next generation of thinkers is always my goal. \r\n\r\nUsing manipulatives oftentimes helps me with my practice of concept development, especially for those visual learners. Therefore, my students were excited to see materials that would aid them in their learning. An area of weakness for some of my tier three students is base 10 and place value. So, one of the tools selected and provided will assist with understanding. After a brief introduction of the tools, students were able to manipulate the tools with ease. I thank you again for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1753933389821,"projectUrl":"project/magnificent-mathematicians/9511989/","projectTitle":"Magnificent Mathematicians","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dunmore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5661134_orig.jpg?crop=670,670,x0,y33&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630265063834","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5661134"},{"teacherId":9717131,"projectId":8720218,"letterContent":"How are you and your students using the new resources?\r\n\r\nMy students and I have been using the new resources daily to support hands-on learning and small group instruction. The materials have helped bring our lessons to life — from interactive literacy centers to math exploration activities. These tools have made it easier to differentiate instruction and keep every student engaged.\r\n\r\nHow did your students react when they first saw the materials?\r\n\r\nMy students were so excited when they first saw the materials! Their faces lit up with smiles, and many of them couldn't wait to start exploring. They were curious, asking questions, and eager to try everything out. It was such a joyful moment to see how motivated they were to learn with the new resources.\r\n\r\nThe next step for my students is to continue using these materials in hands-on learning projects that help reinforce key skills. We'll be incorporating the resources into small group lessons and independent centers, allowing students to explore concepts at their own pace. These activities will help build confidence, creativity, and a love for learning that will last all year long.","fullyFundedDate":1725742616559,"projectUrl":"project/spedtacular-bright-beginnings/8720218/","projectTitle":"SPEDtacular Bright Beginnings","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Dequirry Cann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9717131"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_24162","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":250,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":95,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":39.7,"schoolId":24162,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ketcham Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ketcham Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/district-of-columbia/dc-public-schools/ketcham-elementary-school/24162"}