{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Friendship Public Charter School - Armstrong Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":69.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3302038,"projectId":9957583,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, Our Voice Is Our Instrument 1.0: Amplifying Young Artists. Because of your generosity, my students now have access to professional microphones that allow them to hear their voices clearly and understand how sound technology supports live performance.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first used the microphones, their excitement was immediate. Many of them had never performed with professional sound equipment before, and hearing their voices projected through the speakers helped them better understand vocal technique, projection, and stage presence. It also gave them the confidence to perform more boldly during rehearsals and performances.\r\n\r\nThese microphones are helping my students learn not only how to sing, but also how sound works in a live performance setting. They are developing skills in microphone technique, balance, and vocal control while performing musical theater and ensemble pieces. Because of your support, our young artists are learning that their voices truly are powerful instruments, and they now have the tools to share them with an audience.","fullyFundedDate":1768451350150,"projectUrl":"project/our-voice-is-our-instrument-10-amplify/9957583/","projectTitle":"Our Voice Is Our Instrument 1.0: Amplifying Young Artists","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Caulton Burgess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3302038_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468021987546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/southeastwizkids"},{"teacherId":3302038,"projectId":10008279,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, Matilda Jr. The Musical, Magic With Meaning. Because of your generosity, my students were able to experience the full process of producing a musical from rehearsal to performance. Through this project, students explored storytelling, character development, and the power of language while bringing Roald Dahl's Matilda to life on stage.\r\n\r\nWhen the students saw the costumes, props, and set pieces come together, their excitement was incredible. What began as lines on a script and songs in rehearsal suddenly became a real theatrical production. Students gained confidence as they performed, collaborated with their peers, and saw their hard work transform into a meaningful performance for our school community.\r\n\r\nProducing a musical is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen literacy and artistic expression. Students must analyze text, understand character motivation, memorize language, and communicate meaning through voice and movement. Because of your support, my students were able to experience the magic of theater while developing skills that will stay with them long after the final curtain call.","fullyFundedDate":1769742500998,"projectUrl":"project/matilda-jr-the-musical-magic-with-mean/10008279/","projectTitle":"Matilda Jr. The Musical, Magic With Meaning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Caulton Burgess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3302038_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468021987546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/southeastwizkids"},{"teacherId":3302038,"projectId":10073119,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, Playground Props for Powerful Performances. Because of your generosity, my students were able to bring the playground scene in our production of Matilda Jr. to life using the seesaws you helped provide. These props helped transform our stage into a believable playground environment where students could fully engage with the story through movement, acting, and music.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the seesaws on stage, they were incredibly excited. They immediately wanted to rehearse the scene and explore how their characters would move and interact with the set. Having a real playground element helped them understand how staging and physical movement strengthen storytelling. Instead of imagining the setting, they were able to experience it, which made their performances more confident and expressive.\r\n\r\nThese seesaws will continue to be used in our performing arts program as students learn about staging, character development, and theatrical storytelling. They will also eventually be shared with our early childhood classes, allowing younger students to explore imaginative play and creative expression. Your generosity is helping create meaningful artistic experiences for students across multiple grade levels.","fullyFundedDate":1771013416794,"projectUrl":"project/playground-props-for-powerful-performanc/10073119/","projectTitle":"Playground Props for Powerful Performances","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Caulton Burgess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3302038_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468021987546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/southeastwizkids"},{"teacherId":8626858,"projectId":9937434,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support. The students in room 171 can't tell you how much they appreciate it. Andrea Elliot said, \"Almost nothing counts more than the person who shows up.\" Thank you for showing up for our scholars. Because of your support our students have more opportunities to practice autonomy as they actively engage with the curriculum. The supplies provided has not only aided in our scholars ability to choose how they learn but from the smiles on their faces there is no denying the joy they experience when given the opportunity to learn in a way that speaks to them.","fullyFundedDate":1766067030693,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-cares/9937434/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Cares","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. C","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8626858_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y555&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746810722854","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8626858"},{"teacherId":3302038,"projectId":9951722,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our students and helping us bring Matilda Jr. to life in our school theater. Because of your generosity, our students now have the costumes and props needed to fully step into their characters and bring the story to the stage. When the materials arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students were eager to see the props and costumes and begin using them during rehearsals.\r\n\r\nRecently, students were able to give a preview of the show while using these materials, and it made a huge difference in their performance. The costumes and props helped students feel more confident in their roles and allowed the audience to better understand the story and characters. It was wonderful to see their hard work begin to come together in a real theatrical setting.\r\n\r\nAs students continue preparing for the full performance, they are also strengthening important literacy skills by analyzing the script, understanding character motivations, and practicing expressive reading. Your support is helping create a meaningful musical theater experience that combines creativity, collaboration, and learning.","fullyFundedDate":1765560349764,"projectUrl":"project/making-matilda-a-student-musical-theater/9951722/","projectTitle":"Making Matilda a Student Musical Theater Experience","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Caulton Burgess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3302038_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468021987546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/southeastwizkids"},{"teacherId":5737823,"projectId":9951772,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Out of This World\" galaxy-themed talent show for our PK3–8th grade students! Because of your generosity, our stage has truly transformed into a space adventure. We used the deep space galaxy backdrop as the centerpiece of our performance area, and when we turned on the purple LED strip lights, the entire room glowed like a real nebula. Students rehearsed their songs, dances, and performances under a starry sky, balloon arches, and the life-size astronaut cutout quickly became everyone's favorite photo moment. When they first saw the materials, they gasped, cheered, and immediately began imagining themselves as stars in their own galaxy. The balloon arch and silver star balloons made the space feel magical and celebratory, and the trophies gave students something tangible to work toward as they practiced with focus and excitement.\r\n\r\nYour support enhances our performing arts program, and we are excited to share what's next. Thank you for helping us create a moment our students will never forget!","fullyFundedDate":1765827598802,"projectUrl":"project/out-of-this-world-talent-built-for-eart/9951772/","projectTitle":"Out of This World- Talent Built for Earth and Beyond!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5737823_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y94&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1616775568756","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5737823"},{"teacherId":5737823,"projectId":9961311,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our school talent show! Because of your donation, we were able to use the EMART 10x7 backdrop stand to transform our auditorium stage into a true performance space. The backdrop created a professional stage setting for our talent show contestants, giving them a sense of pride and excitement as they performed. The trophies added a special touch to our awards ceremony—when students first saw them, their eyes lit up and the room filled with cheers. It made their hard work feel celebrated and seen. The Energizer AA batteries ensured our microphones and equipment ran smoothly, allowing every performer to be heard clearly and confidently. One unforgettable moment was watching a normally shy student step onto the stage, framed by the backdrop, and deliver a powerful solo—proof that your support created a space where courage and talent could shine.\r\n\r\nYour generosity gave our students more than supplies; it gave them an experience. The talent show is just the beginning. Next, students will use the stage setup for upcoming showcases, including poetry slams, class presentations, and our spring arts celebration. We are also incorporating lessons on stage presence, performance etiquette, and creative expression so students can continue building confidence and leadership skills. Because of you, our scholars are not only expressing themselves artistically—they are growing into more confident, creative individuals. Thank you for being a part of the magic and for investing in their voices and dreams.","fullyFundedDate":1765990743141,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-home-the-gold-trophies-for-our/9961311/","projectTitle":"Bringing Home the Gold- Trophies for our School Talent Show!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5737823_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y94&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1616775568756","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5737823"},{"teacherId":5806077,"projectId":9734486,"letterContent":"Thank you again for supporting out intervention block. We have also made great use of the resources in order to accelerate student learning. Your kindness does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful. Scholars from all backgrounds deserve access to high quality instructional materials, and you, the donors and supporters have done it again. These scholar are out future and deserve the very best. Thank you for being a part of out journey, and we hope you continue to support and see all of the great things that our scholars are doing.","fullyFundedDate":1760454985274,"projectUrl":"project/intervention-and-beyond/9734486/","projectTitle":"Intervention and beyond!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thompson-Milton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5806077_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568530593172","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thompsonliteracy"},{"teacherId":3302038,"projectId":9655939,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our vocal majors continue to grow through hands on learning experiences that bring music instruction to life. With access to professional microphones, students are actively applying vocal technique during rehearsals and performances while learning how sound, breath control, and expression work together. Hearing themselves clearly has helped students refine pitch, balance, and storytelling in ways that are immediate and meaningful.\r\n\r\nStudents are especially excited to use the microphones during live performances. Many have shown increased confidence and focus as they step forward to sing, knowing their voices will be heard and valued. Students listen more intentionally, support one another, and take pride in their growth as performers. These tools have encouraged responsibility, collaboration, and a stronger connection to the music.\r\n\r\nThank you for continuing to invest in our students and their voices. Your generosity has created powerful opportunities for students to learn through performance, build confidence, and experience the joy of being heard. Because of you, our vocal majors are developing skills that will stay with them long beyond the stage.","fullyFundedDate":1760693653070,"projectUrl":"project/magnify-the-music-microphones-for-vocal/9655939/","projectTitle":"Magnify the Music: Microphones for Vocal Majors 2.0","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Caulton Burgess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3302038_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468021987546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/southeastwizkids"},{"teacherId":3302038,"projectId":9656032,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my vocal majors now have hands on access to professional microphones that have elevated both their learning and their confidence. Students are actively using the microphones during rehearsals and performances to practice healthy vocal technique, projection, diction, and expressive storytelling. Being able to hear themselves clearly has helped students make immediate adjustments and take greater ownership of their growth as singers.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is the feeling of being trusted with real performance tools. Students who were once hesitant to step forward are now eager to take turns using the microphones and perform with confidence. They listen more carefully to themselves and to their peers, collaborate more intentionally, and approach rehearsals with increased focus and pride. The microphones have transformed our classroom into a space that mirrors authentic performance environments.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their voices. Your support has magnified their learning, strengthened their confidence, and created meaningful opportunities for them to be heard. Because of you, our vocal majors are growing not only as musicians but as confident young performers who feel valued and supported","fullyFundedDate":1760693619952,"projectUrl":"project/magnify-the-music-microphones-for-voca/9656032/","projectTitle":"Magnify the Music: Microphones for Vocal Majors 1.0","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Caulton Burgess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3302038_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468021987546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/southeastwizkids"},{"teacherId":3302038,"projectId":9968933,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom library is coming to life in the most beautiful way. We are well on our way to securing all of the books needed to prepare for our upcoming author visit, and my students are already diving into the stories with excitement and curiosity. These new texts are helping them strengthen reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills while also connecting literature to the music and performance work we do every day in our vocal classroom. Reading in our space looks like students gathered in small groups, discussing characters, making text-to-self connections, and even bringing stories to life through expressive reading and performance.\r\n\r\nWhat has been most special is watching reluctant readers become confident ones. Students who don't always raise their hands are now volunteering to read aloud, ask thoughtful questions, and share their interpretations. They love seeing themselves reflected in the books and knowing that an author will soon walk through our doors to talk about the writing process. That connection has made reading feel real, personal, and possible for them.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my scholars', both their reading voices and their singing voices. Your support is helping us build stronger readers, confident performers, and lifelong learners. We are so grateful for you and can't wait to share photos and stories from our author visit soon!","fullyFundedDate":1767216946099,"projectUrl":"project/reading-rhythm-and-raising-our-voices/9968933/","projectTitle":"Reading, Rhythm, and Raising Our Voices","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Caulton Burgess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3302038_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468021987546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/southeastwizkids"},{"teacherId":8626858,"projectId":9719683,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the materials provided. The supplies requested were to help with student fine motor skills witch is essential when it come to handwriting, mastering penmanship and a plethora of skills that can be used throughout their academic journeys and beyond. \r\n\r\n\r\nFred Rogers said that \"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood\" and in room 171 we totally agree. Because of you we can expand how we learn through exploration and play.","fullyFundedDate":1760534654604,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-it-copacetic-in-kindergarten/9719683/","projectTitle":"Keeping it copacetic in Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. C","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8626858_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y555&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746810722854","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8626858"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_108537","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":443,"numTeachers":9,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":95,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"49.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":30.5,"schoolId":108537,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Friendship Public Charter School - Armstrong Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Friendship Public Charter School - Armstrong Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/district-of-columbia/district-of-columbia-public-charter-school-board/friendship-armstrong-elementary-academy/108537"}