{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Friendship Public Charter School - Armstrong Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":69.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3302038,"projectId":10135624,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, Finding Our Voices: Career Exploration Through Music and Storytelling. Because of your generosity, our students received copies of Kiki Finds Her Voice by Kierra Sheard-Kelly, a book that perfectly connected literacy, music, and career exploration.\r\n\r\nAs a middle school vocal music teacher, I strive to help students see the many ways their passions can lead to future opportunities. Through reading and discussing this book, students explored themes of confidence, perseverance, self-expression, and discovering their unique gifts. They analyzed the author's journey as a singer, entrepreneur, and creative professional while reflecting on their own interests and future aspirations.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive and connected to the arts. Students participated in discussions, writing activities, and reflections that encouraged them to think critically about the importance of using their voices both on and off the stage. Many students, especially those who are performers themselves, saw pieces of their own stories in Kiki's experiences. It was inspiring to watch reluctant readers become engaged because they connected with the music-centered theme and the message of believing in themselves.\r\n\r\nThe excitement when the books arrived was incredible. Thanks to your support, students were able to hold high-quality books in their hands, see themselves reflected in the story, and engage in meaningful conversations about literacy, leadership, and career possibilities. Your generosity created an experience that extended far beyond reading and left a lasting impact on our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1773237505145,"projectUrl":"project/finding-our-voices-career-exploration-t/10135624/","projectTitle":"Finding Our Voices: Career Exploration Through Music and Storytelling!","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":10088301,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, Voices for Literacy in Our School Community. Because of your generosity, our students received copies of Kiki Finds Her Voice by Kierra Sheard-Kelly.\r\n\r\nAs a middle school vocal music teacher, I am always looking for opportunities to connect literacy and the performing arts. This book provided students with a powerful example of finding confidence, embracing their unique gifts, and using their voices to make a positive impact.\r\n\r\nOur students not only read and discussed the book, but they also explored themes of self-expression, perseverance, leadership, and the importance of believing in themselves. The project helped bridge reading and music while giving students access to a story that reflects excellence, creativity, and purpose.\r\n\r\nThe excitement on students' faces when the books arrived was priceless. Your support allowed us to place high-quality books directly into the hands of young readers and performers who will benefit from this experience for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping us create meaningful learning experiences through literacy and the arts.","fullyFundedDate":1773428034976,"projectUrl":"project/voices-for-literacy-in-our-school-commun/10088301/","projectTitle":"Voices for Literacy in Our School Community","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":10209737,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Your donations helped make our outdoor field day celebration a huge success for our students, staff, and school community. The art supplies, kraft paper, markers, colored pencils, Sharpies, extension cords, balloon pump, and additional materials allowed us to organize activity stations, and support the overall setup and coordination of the event. Every item contributed to creating a welcoming, organized, and engaging experience that celebrated school pride and community connection.\r\n\r\nThese resources will continue to support many future events and activities at our school beyond field day. The art materials and paper supplies will be used for classroom assignment, school-wide celebrations, bulletin boards, family engagement events, and student-centered projects throughout the year. The organizational and technology accessories will help me efficiently prepare for additional indoor and outdoor and community gatherings, while items like the hand chime and sanitizer will continue supporting classroom management and student wellness. Your generosity has provided us with versatile resources that will benefit our school community long after this event, and we are truly grateful for your investment in our students and programs.","fullyFundedDate":1779459906882,"projectUrl":"project/community-joy-in-action/10209737/","projectTitle":"Community Joy in Action!","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/ms-jones-music7"},{"teacherId":8626858,"projectId":10044695,"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 have 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":1770215786739,"projectUrl":"project/snackssmiles-and-success/10044695/","projectTitle":"Snacks,Smiles and Success","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":9332872,"projectId":10065747,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Helping Every Learner Shine. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom, and we are so grateful for your kindness. Because of your support, my students now have access to resources that help them learn in ways that meet their individual needs and strengths.\r\n\r\nWe have already begun using these new materials during small-group instruction, independent practice, and hands-on learning activities. One especially memorable moment was seeing the excitement on my students' faces when they first explored the new resources. Many of them were eager to try everything right away, asking questions, sharing ideas, and encouraging one another. The materials have helped build confidence, increase engagement, and make learning more accessible for every student.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the school year, these resources will play an important role in upcoming lessons and projects. My students will use them to strengthen academic skills, practice problem-solving, and work collaboratively with peers. Most importantly, your generosity is helping create a classroom where every learner feels supported, capable, and ready to shine. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1770215788141,"projectUrl":"project/helping-every-learner-shine/10065747/","projectTitle":"Helping Every Learner Shine","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9332872_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769970552237","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9332872"},{"teacherId":5737823,"projectId":9966419,"letterContent":"We are so appreciative of your donations! Technology in our performing arts classrooms is not just something students use—it is something they actively learn through. With the addition of professional equipment like the Shure SLXD2/B58 Handheld Transmitter with BETA 58A Vocal Mic Capsule and the 3.5mm to 6.35mm Stereo Audio Cable 50 Feet, students are engaging in real-world, hands-on learning that mirrors the professional performance environment. Rather than simply singing or speaking, they are learning how to use a wireless microphone properly, control their vocal projection, articulate clearly, and adjust their tone depending on the performance setting. The aux cable allows them to rehearse and perform with accompaniment tracks, helping them stay on tempo, follow musical cues, and balance their voice with background music. This kind of experiential learning deepens their understanding of performance while also building technical skills, confidence, and responsibility as they learn how to care for and manage professional-grade equipment.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about this new technology is how \"real\" it makes their performance experience feel. Using the same type of equipment seen in concerts and live productions instantly elevates their engagement and sense of ownership. Students who may have been hesitant to perform are especially drawn to the microphone—it gives them a boost of confidence and helps their voice be heard, both literally and figuratively. I've seen quieter students begin to take risks, volunteer for solos, and step into leadership roles during rehearsals. Additionally, students who are interested in behind-the-scenes work have become more engaged by learning how to set up the aux connection, troubleshoot sound, and support their peers during performances. This technology has truly opened the door for a wider range of students to connect with the performing arts, whether on stage or behind the scenes.","fullyFundedDate":1775571499853,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-voices-up-shure-to-amplify/9966419/","projectTitle":"Hands On. Voices Up. \"Shure\" to Amplify Student Voices!","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/ms-jones-music7"},{"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/ms-jones-music7"}],"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","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"49.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":30.9,"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"}