{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Takoma Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":59.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9783762,"projectId":9499830,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for making my age appropriate environment possible! \r\n\r\nComing from fourth grade to kindergarten meant that a great deal of my classroom supplies I had curated did not translate to a lower elementary environment. I was only able to do so much with butcher paper (creating an in class tree, and a Super Mario Bros. mural) and I worried that I could not make the environment stimulating to young minds who were coming from pre-k or having their first school experience. \r\n\r\nBecause of you, my classroom is full of signs that my scholars can look to as references and learning aides. They are exposed to the alphabet, shapes, seasons, numbers and more on whenever they look at the walls. You have given us a carpet where they can gather in the mornings to start their day or sit while I read to them. some of my students even excitedly try to finish their breakfast first so they can sit on the letter that corresponds with their name.\r\n\r\nAs a kindergarten teacher, I work hard to keep the environment as germ free as possible ( note that I say \"as possible\"). It is not easy to do without cleaning and disinfecting supplies (which often are paid for by myself). Thanks to your donation, I have been able to worry less about funding these supplies myself, and prepare my class with one less expense falling on my shoulders. I am so very thankful for this. \r\n\r\nAs a teacher in the city, it is so important to always remember that we don't know what a student goes through to be with us. They may face housing insecurity, come from a home with problems they should never have to witness, see addiction on the street, or even have to travel through areas and situations where they don't feel safe. I try to make certain to honor this by making sure they are met with love and an clean, safe, and enchanting environment in the classroom so that they are excited to be there. I hope to always be a safe harbor for my learners, where they can take respite from their struggles. I would like to close this by letting you know, that even though I do not know who you are, I will continue to be thankful to you for joining me on this mission.","fullyFundedDate":1755714345173,"projectUrl":"project/help-create-an-age-appropriate-environme/9499830/","projectTitle":"Help create an age appropriate environment for learning and thriving!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hazard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9783762_orig.png?crop=768,768,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763737510299","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9783762"},{"teacherId":5913391,"projectId":5760489,"letterContent":"I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your generous donation of a large classroom carpet. Your thoughtful gift has provided our students with a safe, comfortable, and welcoming space to learn together while maintaining proper distance during these challenging times. The new carpet has transformed our classroom into a warm and organized environment where students can focus, connect, and feel a sense of normalcy once again.\r\nThis carpet has made it much easier to create clearly defined, socially distanced seating areas that help keep everyone safe and healthy. Beyond its practical benefits, it has also brought a sense of excitement and joy to the students — they look forward to gathering on the carpet each day for lessons, reading, and class discussions. It has truly become the heart of our classroom community.\r\nYour kindness and support remind us that we are not alone in our efforts to provide a nurturing and secure learning environment. Thank you for investing in our students' well-being and helping us continue to make learning both safe and engaging. We are deeply appreciative of your generosity and the positive impact it has made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1638543843675,"projectUrl":"project/safe-space/5760489/","projectTitle":"Safe Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blocton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5913391_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1629652930381","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5913391"},{"teacherId":5913391,"projectId":8081668,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of four tablets to our classroom. Your contribution has brought excitement and new opportunities for learning to our students. The moment the tablets arrived, the students' faces lit up with enthusiasm — they couldn't wait to explore new educational apps, create projects, and engage with lessons in interactive ways.\r\nThese tablets have already made a meaningful difference in our daily learning environment. They allow students to collaborate on assignments, access online resources, and strengthen their digital literacy skills — all essential tools for their academic and personal growth. For many of our students, this is their first experience using such technology for learning, and it has opened doors to creativity, exploration, and confidence.\r\nYour generosity reminds our students that their education matters and that there are people who believe in their potential. Thank you for investing in their future and for helping us create a more dynamic, inclusive, and engaging classroom. We are truly grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1702909923848,"projectUrl":"project/technology-for-future-leaders/8081668/","projectTitle":"Technology for Future Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blocton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5913391_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1629652930381","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5913391"},{"teacherId":5913391,"projectId":3867242,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of guided reading books for our classroom. Your kindness has brought a new level of excitement and engagement to our reading time. The students were thrilled to explore the new stories and have already begun diving into the books with enthusiasm and curiosity. Your gift has made it possible for each child to have access to materials that truly match their reading levels and interests.\r\nThese guided reading books have already made a meaningful difference in helping students strengthen their reading fluency, comprehension, and confidence. With a variety of stories to choose from, students are developing a deeper love for reading and gaining the skills they need to think critically and understand what they read. It's inspiring to watch them grow as readers — asking questions, making connections, and sharing their thoughts with one another.\r\nYour generosity has had a lasting impact on our classroom. By providing these valuable resources, you've helped open doors to learning and imagination for every student. Thank you for supporting our efforts to nurture lifelong readers and for believing in the power of education. We are truly grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1547240430694,"projectUrl":"project/technology-for-future-leaders/3867242/","projectTitle":"Technology for Future Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blocton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5913391_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1629652930381","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5913391"},{"teacherId":8629287,"projectId":9425369,"letterContent":"This back-to-school season has been my most successful yet— in large part thanks to your generous donation! Having a class set of headphones for my students since the beginning of the school year has been game changing. \r\nWhen teaching classroom routines in the first weeks, I was able to smoothly implement each student having their own set of headphones to use when on a device. Additionally, students were so focused during Beginning of the Year testing because they all had their own pair of fully functioning and comfortable headphones.\r\nHeadphones have been especially useful for students who need more help with focus, since using the headphones immerses them in the iReady environment, rather than on the other sounds of learning surrounding them in the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1752704909014,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school-supplies/9425369/","projectTitle":"Back to School Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wolf","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8629287"},{"teacherId":2566594,"projectId":9390990,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of bins and paddles. Your thoughtful contribution has made a meaningful impact on our learning environment and student engagement. \r\n\r\nThe bins have helped us organize materials more efficiently, creating a safer and easier mode of transportation of students' supplies and electronics. It also made it possible for me, the teacher, to have a cleaner and more accessible space for my students. The paddles have added a fun and interactive element to our activities, encouraging participation and teamwork in ways that truly enhance the classroom experience.\r\n\r\nYour support not only proves to be a valuable resources but also inspires our students by showing them that their education and well-being are valued by members of the wider community. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and commitment in support of the education of children. \r\n\r\nThank you once again for your generosity. We look forward to the continued partnership and positive impact your support brings to our school.","fullyFundedDate":1752671540543,"projectUrl":"project/brilliant-individuals-need-security-bin/9390990/","projectTitle":"Brilliant Individuals Need Security (BINS)","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thomas-Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2566594_orig.png?crop=80,80,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749658117453","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2566594"},{"teacherId":7015042,"projectId":9480178,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of your donation, my students now have access to donut chairs that they can use instead of traditional chairs. This simple change has made a powerful difference in the way they learn and engage each day.\r\n\r\nThe donut chairs have given students the freedom to choose a comfortable seating option that helps them stay focused, calm, and ready to learn. Many of my students who previously had difficulty sitting still or staying engaged during lessons are now able to channel their energy in a positive way. The flexibility of having donut chairs around the room has also created a more welcoming, student-centered environment where learning feels active and fun.\r\n\r\nStudents have shared how much they enjoy having the choice to use the donut chairs, and I have noticed an increase in their participation and stamina during independent work. It's incredible to see how something as simple as flexible seating can make students feel more invested in their classroom community.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has provided not just new seating, but new opportunities for focus, movement, and success. We are deeply grateful for your support and the positive impact you have made on our learning space.","fullyFundedDate":1755183545211,"projectUrl":"project/your-seat-your-sound-your-success/9480178/","projectTitle":"Your Seat, Your Sound, Your Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Matthews","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7015042_orig.png?crop=225,225,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747511041268","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7015042"},{"teacherId":7015042,"projectId":9364539,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping me place books into the hands of my students for summer reading. Because of your gift, every child was able to take home a book of their very own to read, enjoy, and treasure.\r\n\r\nHaving access to these books over the summer helped my students avoid the \"summer slide\" and continue building their reading confidence. Many of them shared their excitement about finishing their books, discussing the characters, and even recommending them to friends and family. For some, this was the first time they had a new book to keep, and that sense of ownership truly motivated them to read.\r\n\r\nYour contribution not only provided reading material but also sent a powerful message to my students that their learning matters and that people believe in their success. These books helped my students return to school better prepared, more engaged, and eager to grow as readers.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your generosity and for the lasting impact you've made in the lives of our young scholars.","fullyFundedDate":1748651408032,"projectUrl":"project/feed-your-mind-read-all-the-time/9364539/","projectTitle":"Feed Your Mind, Read All the Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Matthews","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7015042_orig.png?crop=225,225,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747511041268","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7015042"},{"teacherId":9690597,"projectId":9212770,"letterContent":"Thank you for the thoughtful contribution that tremendously helped our school's scholars access their education with their needs in mind. As students experience grief, big feelings, unpredictability, and developing skills, these tools (books, noise-canceling headphones, and chews) help students learn in their style; keeping in mind their interests and their different sensory needs. Social-emotional learning is not a one-size fits all model where all students learn and practice skills the same way. As a counselor, I need to ensure that students needs are understood and met so that they can have access to their preferred learning style and learn environment. \r\nTHANK YOU!!!! for allowing me to continue advocating and ensuring students are receiving access to the things they need!","fullyFundedDate":1745600759881,"projectUrl":"project/support-students-needs/9212770/","projectTitle":"Support Students Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Latour","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9690597"},{"teacherId":9989191,"projectId":9221863,"letterContent":"Thank you greatly for your generous donations! The school year has just begun but we are already starting our learning with a bang! Our students are being given freedom to explore their own needs (rather than being told that they must do something) and your donations have made that possible. Many of the activities that you donated can be done independently to fill in any learning gaps and our students are beginning to explore this new freedom, along with thinking about their abilities and needs. In your donations, you have not only allowed them access to mathematics, but given them a chance to mature.\r\nYou also donated some manipulatives for our students. For those who need to do and experience math before moving on to the intangible methods, these manipulatives are invaluable. Thank you deeply for allowing our students access to mathematics and independence.","fullyFundedDate":1746467242494,"projectUrl":"project/getting-our-hands-on-math/9221863/","projectTitle":"Getting Our Hands on Math","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rosie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9989191"},{"teacherId":9892026,"projectId":9165039,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Enhancing Literacy Through Essential ELA Resources! Your generosity has truly transformed the learning experience in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe technology and literacy tools—especially the headphones and color printer—have made a significant and immediate impact. Students use these resources daily to strengthen reading comprehension, build writing fluency, and engage more deeply with texts. For example, we've been incorporating interactive reading platforms and digital writing tools during small-group instruction and independent practice. The headphones have been essential, allowing students to work without distraction and helping me provide real-time, targeted feedback. These tools have given students ownership over their learning in a way that feels modern, engaging, and empowering.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting aspects for my students has been using interactive features such as digital annotations, text-to-speech support, and visual vocabulary tools—all of which they can access independently without disrupting others. These features have been especially impactful for my English language learners and students with IEPs, who are now accessing grade-level content with greater confidence and autonomy.\r\n\r\nI've witnessed tremendous growth in many students—especially in those who previously struggled to engage. One student in particular, once reluctant to write, now eagerly uses the digital tools to plan, draft, and publish short opinion pieces. Seeing his writing displayed digitally has ignited his motivation and boosted his self-esteem.\r\n\r\nYour support has done more than provide supplies—it has sparked a renewed excitement for learning that will carry us through the rest of the school year and beyond. Thank you for believing in the power of literacy and in the potential of every learner in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1743027116887,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-literacy-through-essential-ela/9165039/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Literacy Through Essential ELA Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bryant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9892026_orig.jpg?crop=1300,1300,x957,y50&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753119743615","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9892026"},{"teacherId":9892026,"projectId":9049291,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my classroom through the Empowering Young Minds: Essential Supplies for Mid-Year Success project. Thanks to your generous contribution, my students had access to essential tools that have re-energized our learning environment halfway through the school year.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies arrived, the excitement was immediate and contagious. Students eagerly helped unpack the boxes and marveled at the new materials—work turn-in bins, colorful pens, storage organizers, and anchor chart supplies. One student exclaimed, \"It feels like a second first day of school!\"\r\n\r\nWe've already used these resources. During a recent literacy block, students used the new chart paper and markers to create group posters analyzing character traits in a novel were reading. It was amazing to see their collaboration, creativity, and confidence soar with the right tools at their fingertips.\r\n\r\nThese supplies have allowed me to focus on deeper learning goals without the constant worry of restocking basic materials. Your support has made a lasting impact—not just by providing physical resources, but by showing my students that their education matters and that there are people who believe in them. As we continue our journey, we're excited to use these tools to finish the school year strong and proud.","fullyFundedDate":1738784815060,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-minds-essential-suppli/9049291/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Minds: Essential Supplies for Mid-Year Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bryant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9892026_orig.jpg?crop=1300,1300,x957,y50&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753119743615","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9892026"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_24108","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":483,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":38,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":50,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":34,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":40.3,"schoolId":24108,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Takoma Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Takoma Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/district-of-columbia/dc-public-schools/meyer-elementary-school-takoma-educational-campus/24108"}