{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ketcham Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":60.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":3684882,"projectId":9338160,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students and staff at [School Name/Class Name], I am writing to extend our sincerest gratitude for your recent donation of updated iPads for our classroom. Your generosity has already had a remarkable and immediate impact on our daily learning environment.\r\n\r\nOne of the most critical parts of our day is small group instruction, where we can provide targeted support to students. Previously, managing the other learning centers while focusing on one group could be challenging. Thanks to your gift, this time has been completely transformed.\r\n\r\nStudents who are not in a direct teacher-led group can now work independently on the new iPads, engaging with educational games that reinforce the skills we are learning in class. We have been amazed at how engaged they are. The ability for students to track their own progress within these apps has fostered a new level of ownership and excitement for their learning. They are eager to beat their last score or master a new level.\r\n\r\nThis newfound independence has a powerful ripple effect. Because these students are so productively engaged, our teachers can remain fully focused on the small group they are instructing, without interruption. This has deepened the quality of that instructional time and created a more focused, productive atmosphere for every single student in the room.\r\n\r\nYour donation has provided more than just technology; it has given our students a tool for independent growth and our teachers the invaluable gift of focused time. Thank you for investing in our students and for making a tangible difference in their education.","fullyFundedDate":1752528176457,"projectUrl":"project/swipe-learn-grow-ipads-for-our-classr/9338160/","projectTitle":"Swipe, Learn, Grow: iPads for Our Classroom!","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":9461585,"letterContent":"On behalf of my entire class, I want to extend our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude for your incredible generosity. The materials you provided for our project have done more than just equip our classroom; they have fundamentally transformed it into a vibrant space filled with immense joy, light, and constant laughter. It is truly wonderful to witness the profound and positive impact your contribution has had on each and every student. We are so thankful for your support of our learning journey.\r\n\r\nFrom the very moment they walk through our door each morning, your donation is put to good use. The students eagerly use the new materials for their daily check-in, a simple routine that has quickly become a cherished and grounding part of our day. Seeing their own names and smiling pictures proudly displayed throughout the room has given them a profound sense of belonging and ownership in our shared space. It validates their presence and makes them feel like a truly integral and celebrated part of our little community, boosting their confidence in ways we see every day.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, our classroom now looks and feels like a magical pre-class, a safe and nurturing haven where children are not only comfortable but genuinely excited to explore, learn, and grow at their own unique pace. You have helped create an environment that truly nurtures curiosity, encourages creativity, and fosters unwavering confidence.\r\n\r\nWe appreciate everything you have done for us more than words can adequately express. We are so excited for the months ahead and look forward to sharing more pictures with you as our wonderful students continue to progress and blossom throughout the school year. Your kindness has made all the difference.","fullyFundedDate":1755126960541,"projectUrl":"project/hey-hey-hey-im-starting-pre-k/9461585/","projectTitle":"HEY! HEY! HEY! I'm Starting Pre-K","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":9342044,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire pre-K class, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donation of new LEGO sets. The joy your gift brought to our classroom was immediate and truly wonderful to witness.\r\n\r\nThe moment the students opened the boxes was pure magic. You could see their eyes light up with a mixture of awe and excitement as they saw the vibrant bricks inside. A wave of happy chatter filled the room as they immediately began exploring the different kits. They were especially thrilled to discover the alphabet and number LEGOs, which instantly sparked conversations about letters and counting while they played.\r\n\r\nWe spent time looking through the LEGO idea books together, with little fingers pointing out exciting projects and talking about which ones we wanted to build as a class. From my perspective as their teacher, it was incredibly rewarding to hear them already brainstorming and collaborating on their future creations. They were sharing ideas and planning their first builds before a single brick was even connected.\r\n\r\nYour donation has done more than just provide a new toy; it has unlocked a world of creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving for our young learners. I am so looking forward to watching my little architects create their masterpieces this year. Thank you for making these invaluable learning experiences possible.","fullyFundedDate":1752528176719,"projectUrl":"project/pre-k-stem-sation-help-us-load-up-the-l/9342044/","projectTitle":"Pre-K STEM-sation: Help Us Load Up the Learning!","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":4950994,"projectId":9224774,"letterContent":"Having clean, comfortable nap mats helps my pre-K4 students recharge their bodies and minds, so they are ready to learn after rest time. My young students are growing rapidly and need regular rest to stay healthy, focused, and emotionally balanced. When nap mats are soft, supportive, and clean, students feel safe and comfortable enough to relax and drift off to sleep.\r\n\r\nThis rest period gives their brains a chance to process new information, strengthens memory, and restores their energy for the afternoon. As a result, students wake up calmer, more attentive, and better able to participate in learning activities, problem-solving, and play. Clean mats also promote good hygiene, helping to reduce the spread of germs and maintain a healthy classroom environment.\r\nIn short, quality nap mats do more than provide a place to sleep—they create the conditions for pre-K4 students to rest well, return to learning refreshed, and thrive throughout the school day.","fullyFundedDate":1746787327321,"projectUrl":"project/sweet-dreams-bright-futures-provide-co/9224774/","projectTitle":"\"Sweet Dreams-Bright Futures: Provide Cozy Mats for our Pre-K Learners!\"","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"}],"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":39.8,"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"}