{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Whitney Young Elementary at Engelhard","outOfStateSupporters":47.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6114921,"projectId":10610045,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping our Lions reach for the stars! Your generosity has given our students exciting new opportunities to learn, explore, and build confidence. In our special education classroom, technology is an especially valuable tool because it allows us to meet students where they are academically and provide learning experiences that match their individual needs. With access to technology, students can practice reading, phonics, math, and other essential skills through interactive activities that provide immediate feedback and keep them engaged in learning.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part is seeing our students light up when learning feels fun and accessible. Technology allows students to work at their own pace, revisit challenging skills, and celebrate their progress along the way. For students who sometimes struggle with traditional paper-and-pencil activities, interactive lessons provide another way to participate, practice, and experience success. Watching our Lions become more independent, motivated, and willing to tackle challenging tasks reminds us how important it is to provide tools that support every learner.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and believing in their potential! Your kindness is making a meaningful difference in our classroom by helping us create more engaging, inclusive learning opportunities for every student. We are so grateful to have supporters like you cheering on our Lions as they continue to grow, learn, and shoot for the stars!","fullyFundedDate":1791395956139,"projectUrl":"project/roar-for-success-rewards-that-motivate/10610045/","projectTitle":"Roar for Success: Rewards That Motivate Work Towards IEP Goals","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mehling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6114921_orig.jpg?crop=803,803,x580,y317&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729273993560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/myprojectlink"},{"teacherId":6114921,"projectId":10565154,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Lions and helping bring our new basketball goals to Engelhard Elementary! Our students were so excited to see the new goals being used. What may seem like a simple basketball goal has created so many more opportunities for our students to get active, play together, and build relationships with their classmates. During recess and Wellness, students have been able to shoot hoops, practice their skills, play small games, and encourage one another. I have especially loved watching students who may not typically participate in organized sports find a way to join in and feel successful.\r\n\r\nThe basketball goals have also become a great opportunity for students to practice skills that go far beyond basketball. Students are learning to take turns, communicate, handle frustration, work as a team, and show good sportsmanship. We have already seen students cheering each other on after making a basket or helping a classmate learn how to shoot. As we continue using the goals throughout the school year, we hope to build on these moments by creating more structured games and activities that allow all students to participate at their own level. Thank you for giving our students another way to move, connect, and have fun together—you have truly helped our Lions score!","fullyFundedDate":1788814653549,"projectUrl":"project/lets-go-lions-shoot-for-the-stars/10565154/","projectTitle":"Let’s Go, Lions! Shoot for the Stars!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mehling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6114921_orig.jpg?crop=803,803,x580,y317&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729273993560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/myprojectlink"},{"teacherId":7867527,"projectId":10222957,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our **\"Creating, Connecting, and Growing: Hands-On Special Education Classroom\"** project! Your generosity has provided my students with a wonderful variety of art supplies and hands-on materials that allow them to create, explore, and express themselves in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThese materials are about so much more than art. They give my students opportunities to be creative, build fine-motor skills, practice communication and social skills, and learn through hands-on experiences. We also received items that help students regulate their emotions and find calm when they are feeling overwhelmed. Having these resources available in our classroom gives my students safe and positive ways to express themselves, connect with others, and grow.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, my students now have more opportunities to experience success, make choices, explore their creativity, and develop important skills in a fun and engaging way. Thank you for investing in my students and helping make our classroom a place where every child can **create, connect, and grow!**","fullyFundedDate":1778438736998,"projectUrl":"project/creating-connecting-and-growing-hands/10222957/","projectTitle":"Creating, Connecting, and Growing: Hands-On Special Education Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Walden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7867527_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784671406829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/blairwalden"},{"teacherId":6114921,"projectId":10220438,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my special education classroom! Your generosity has made a real difference for my students by giving them access to resources that make learning more hands-on, engaging, and accessible. In our classroom, students learn in many different ways, and having these materials allows me to meet students where they are while helping them build the confidence they need to keep trying.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments has been watching students who can sometimes become frustrated with school light up when they are able to use a new resource successfully. What may seem like a simple classroom material to someone else can be a huge motivator for one of my students. We use these resources during small-group instruction, independent work, and practice activities to reinforce reading, math, communication, and behavior skills. My students are excited to have materials that feel like they were made specifically for them, and they love having opportunities to learn while also having fun.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue building on these skills throughout the school year. We will keep using these resources during targeted instruction and independent practice while working toward greater independence and confidence. Thank you for investing in my students and believing that they deserve the tools and opportunities they need to be successful. Your support is helping create a classroom where every student can learn, grow, and feel proud of what they can accomplish!","fullyFundedDate":1786981498633,"projectUrl":"project/pbis-in-action-rewarding-student-succes/10220438/","projectTitle":"PBIS in Action: Rewarding Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mehling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6114921_orig.jpg?crop=803,803,x580,y317&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729273993560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/myprojectlink"},{"teacherId":6114921,"projectId":10307948,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Piece by Piece: Building Big Thinkers! Because of your generosity, my students will have access to engaging, hands-on materials that will strengthen their problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity every day.\r\n\r\nThese resources will make learning more meaningful and exciting while giving my students opportunities to build confidence as they explore, create, and grow. Your kindness is making a lasting difference in our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful for your investment in our students' futures.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us build big thinkers—one piece at a time!","fullyFundedDate":1786023237967,"projectUrl":"project/piece-by-piece-building-big-thinkers/10307948/","projectTitle":"Piece by Piece: Building Big Thinkers","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mehling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6114921_orig.jpg?crop=803,803,x580,y317&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729273993560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/myprojectlink"},{"teacherId":7867527,"projectId":10097390,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project and making it possible to create summer learning kits for my students. Because of your generosity, each student was able to take home engaging materials to practice important reading and math skills throughout the summer.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, these kits provided opportunities to continue learning even when school was out of session. Having hands-on activities and academic resources at home helped them stay connected to what they learned during the school year, build confidence, and reduce the summer learning loss that so many children experience.\r\n\r\nAs a special education teacher in a Title I school, I know that access to educational materials outside of the classroom can make a tremendous difference. Your kindness gave my students the tools they needed to keep learning, growing, and feeling successful all summer long.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their futures. Your generosity extended our classroom beyond the school walls, and the impact of your gift will continue to be felt as my students return to school more prepared and confident.","fullyFundedDate":1776958573821,"projectUrl":"project/summer-learning-kits/10097390/","projectTitle":"Summer Learning Kits","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Walden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7867527_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784671406829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/blairwalden"},{"teacherId":7867527,"projectId":10193827,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making our project, \"Teaching Kindness Through Giving: Care Bags for Shelter Animals,\" possible.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students spent the end of last school year creating care bags filled with supplies for local shelter animals. They were so excited to gather the items, assemble the bags, and know that they were helping animals in need. The project gave them a meaningful opportunity to practice kindness, empathy, and generosity in a hands-on way.\r\n\r\nAfter the care bags were completed, I delivered them to our local animal shelter on behalf of the class. My students were incredibly proud to know that their hard work would bring comfort and care to animals waiting for their forever homes. They loved knowing that something they created could make a difference.\r\n\r\nThis project became much more than a donation drive. It helped my students see that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact, and it reinforced the importance of giving back to the community. These are lessons they will carry with them long after they leave our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for making this experience possible. Your generosity not only provided much-needed supplies for shelter animals but also helped nurture compassionate, caring young people. We are truly grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1776886511774,"projectUrl":"project/teaching-kindness-through-giving-care-b/10193827/","projectTitle":"Teaching Kindness Through Giving: Care Bags for Shelter Animals","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Walden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7867527_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784671406829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/blairwalden"},{"teacherId":7867527,"projectId":10235928,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom through your generous donation of personal care items. Your kindness made a meaningful difference in the lives of my fifth-grade students.\r\n\r\nAs a special education teacher in a Title I school, I worked with many students who came to school without access to basic hygiene essentials. Thanks to your support, I was able to provide items such as deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and other personal care products whenever students needed them—not only to use during the school day, but also to take home to their families.\r\n\r\nFor many children, these simple items meant so much more than hygiene. They provided confidence, dignity, and one less thing to worry about. Students were able to participate in class feeling more comfortable and self-assured, knowing their basic needs were being met with care and compassion.\r\n\r\nYour generosity reminded my students that their community believes in them and wants them to succeed. The impact of your donation extended far beyond the classroom—it helped create an environment where students felt valued, respected, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and me, thank you for investing in their well-being and helping ensure every child had access to the essentials they deserve. Your support truly made a lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1778035500844,"projectUrl":"project/personal-care-essentials-for-students-in/10235928/","projectTitle":"Personal Care Essentials for Students in Need","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Walden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7867527_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784671406829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/blairwalden"},{"teacherId":10047651,"projectId":10289411,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom library project. Your generosity has made a huge difference in my classroom. Before receiving these bookshelves, I did not have enough space to properly organize my classroom library. Many of my books had to be stacked or stored away, making it difficult for students to find books that interested them.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, my classroom library is now organized, inviting, and easy for students to use. When my students first saw the new bookshelves, they were excited to explore the library and immediately began looking through the books. Having a well-organized reading space has encouraged them to spend more time reading and has made it easier for them to choose books they enjoy.\r\n\r\nYour support has created a welcoming environment where my students can build a love for reading. I am truly grateful for your generosity and for investing in my students' education. Thank you for helping make our classroom a place where every child has access to books and a space they are proud of.","fullyFundedDate":1782683138656,"projectUrl":"project/building-better-classroom-libraries/10289411/","projectTitle":"Building Better Classroom Libraries","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stewart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10047651_orig.png?crop=574,574,x0,y65&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748725004598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10047651"},{"teacherId":7867527,"projectId":10191154,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Hands-On STEAM Learning Through Design, Creativity, and Real-World Responsibility! Your generosity gave my students opportunities to learn through creativity, teamwork, and hands-on experiences that they'll remember for years to come.\r\n\r\nAs you can see in the photos, my students proudly helped create beautiful balloon columns for our graduation celebrations. While it may seem like a simple activity, learning to inflate, tie, and assemble balloons strengthened their fine motor skills, hand dexterity, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork. They were so proud to see something they created become part of such a special milestone for our school community.\r\n\r\nYou'll also see photos of my students enjoying end-of-the-year STEAM games that explored concepts like gravity and suction. These activities encouraged curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, and lots of laughter as students experimented, made predictions, and discovered how science is all around them.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom. The items you provided may seem small on their own, but together they help create a classroom where students are excited to learn, confident to create, and able to make lifelong memories. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in the lives of my students, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1776111261213,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-steam-learning-through-design/10191154/","projectTitle":"Hands-On STEAM Learning Through Design, Creativity, and Real-World Responsibility","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Walden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7867527_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784671406829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/blairwalden"},{"teacherId":6114921,"projectId":10196766,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom was able to turn compassion into action in a truly meaningful way. Through our \"Paws for a Cause\" project, students worked together to collect, organize, and prepare donations for a local dog shelter—items like food, treats, toys, and bowls that will directly support animals in need.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were beyond excited. There was an immediate buzz in the room as they unpacked everything, eagerly reading labels, sorting items, and asking thoughtful questions about how each item would help the dogs. One of the most powerful moments was when a student said, \"We're actually helping real dogs!\"—that realization made the experience feel real and important to them.\r\n\r\nWe've been using these resources as part of a hands-on service learning project. Students worked in teams to sort and organize donations, practice responsibility, and prepare items for delivery. This connected directly to our classroom goals of building teamwork, empathy, and real-world problem-solving skills. It also gave my students—who work incredibly hard every day—the chance to experience success in a new and meaningful way by giving back to their community.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are continuing to build on this experience by reflecting on our impact and exploring ways to stay involved in our community. Students are beginning to write about their experience, discuss the importance of helping others, and brainstorm future service projects. This project has opened the door for ongoing conversations about kindness, responsibility, and the power of even small actions to make a big difference.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students didn't just learn about making a difference—they actually lived it. Thank you for helping them see that their actions matter.","fullyFundedDate":1776975648303,"projectUrl":"project/paws-for-a-cause/10196766/","projectTitle":"Paws for a Cause","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mehling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6114921_orig.jpg?crop=803,803,x580,y317&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729273993560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/myprojectlink"},{"teacherId":6114921,"projectId":10097137,"letterContent":"Your generosity made a meaningful impact on my students, especially during one of the most important and often stressful times of the year—state testing. Through the use of engaging resources like puzzle books, brain games, and a digital breakout room created with the TPT gift card, my students were able to continue learning in a way that felt fun, low-pressure, and motivating. These tools helped reinforce critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills while giving students a sense of success and confidence. Many of my students do not regularly have access to this type of engaging, interactive learning experience, so it truly made a difference in how they approached both learning and testing.\r\n\r\nWhat excited my students the most was the combination of learning and celebration. The digital activities felt like games, which increased their engagement and willingness to persist through challenges. At the same time, the hands-on items like paddle games, chalk, and jump ropes gave them something to look forward to as they worked toward their goals. This balance helped create a positive classroom culture where effort was recognized and celebrated. Students who often struggle with confidence began to take more risks, participate more, and feel proud of their accomplishments. \r\n\r\nI saw some of my most hesitant learners truly shine. Students who typically avoid academic tasks were eager to participate in the breakout activities and brain games, often asking for more. One student in particular, who struggles with both focus and confidence, became a leader during group problem-solving activities and encouraged peers to keep trying. Moments like these reminded me that when students feel supported, engaged, and celebrated, they are capable of so much growth. Thank you for helping create an environment where my students could experience success, joy, and pride in their hard work.","fullyFundedDate":1776382600400,"projectUrl":"project/testing-triumphs-for-my-exceptional-lear/10097137/","projectTitle":"Testing Triumphs for My Exceptional Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mehling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6114921_orig.jpg?crop=803,803,x580,y317&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729273993560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/myprojectlink"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_58287","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":266,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":86,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":73,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":7,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":52.9,"schoolId":58287,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Whitney Young Elementary at Engelhard on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Whitney Young Elementary at Engelhard","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/kentucky/jefferson-county-public-schools/engelhard-elementary-school/58287"}