Carolyn Wenz Elementary School in Paris, Illinois on DonorsChoose

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We've been able to use these books as a tool not only to learn about or expand on new topics in music class, but also as a chance to practice our reading skills. Every little chance helps. \r\n\r\nI have had students from every grade level take advantage of my little fine arts library. I tutor 3rd grade and they've really enjoyed them but I also have 4th and 5th graders ask me every day if they can look at my books. Thank you for giving them more options and more topics to learn about. It really has made a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1773843202068,"projectUrl":"project/reading-musicians/10143170/","projectTitle":"Reading Musicians","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5339470_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777562920483","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rfonseca"},{"teacherId":5339470,"projectId":9883030,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity! While I teach music my classroom has quickly become a room that students like to stop by to borrow a book. My collection of books focus on the fine arts (music, art, theater, and dance) and I truly believe that the students appreciate finding books on topics they're interested in. Because of all of your donations I was able to add books for lower level readers who previously didn't have many options in my room. They are so excited to see all the different options they have now. \r\n\r\nMy tutoring students are also very happy to see more books being added. I see them three times a week and reading is a main subject they ask for help on. Over the past month with our new books I've seen these students improve already. They're gaining more confidence and their test taking skills are getting better. I can't say these outcomes are because of the new books but I'm hoping that the topics are helping. \r\n\r\nThese books are so helpful in so many different ways. I have students borrow them and return, my tutoring students utilize them during our time together, but they're also a great resource for me when teaching about specific composers/musicians. Thank you for helping to add more knowledge and joy to my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1767051504497,"projectUrl":"project/reading-musicians/9883030/","projectTitle":"Reading Musicians","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5339470_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777562920483","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rfonseca"},{"teacherId":5339470,"projectId":9698251,"letterContent":"The students are so excited to start their drumming unit that is possible because of your donations. This project helped us get a few random items but they were so excited about all of it. As soon as I took out the drum sticks they asked if we were going to start drumming. Then I showed them the drum pad mutes that will allow us to practice without hurting our hearing and they understood why we had not started drumming before now. Your donations just helped them start a brand new unit that they have never had in our building before and we cannot thank you enough for that. While the printer ink wasn't as exciting for them it was a necessary addition to our classroom. The last item we were able to get was our brand new set of floor cushions. I recently had to move classrooms and have a lot less seating in the new room. These floor cushions will help the students stay comfortable while they work around the classroom. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for choosing our classroom and helping us get these items that will help us continue learning, stay comfortable, and start to learn about new music concepts we've never explored before. 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About this school

Carolyn Wenz Elementary School is a town public school in Paris, Illinois that is part of Paris Union School District 95. It serves 253 students in grades 3 - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.0:1. Its teachers have had 33 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades 3 - 5

253 Students

21 Teachers

437 W Washington St

Paris, IL 61944 View local requests

Direct, proactive support

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Carolyn Wenz Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Mrs. Mitchell

Mrs. Paquette

Mrs. White

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Carolyn Wenz Elementary School Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Carolyn Wenz Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated May 12, 2026

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.