{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Whitney Young Elementary at Engelhard","outOfStateSupporters":47.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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":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":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"},{"teacherId":7867527,"projectId":10034863,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of our classroom. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to wonderful decodable books that they absolutely love.\r\n\r\nThese books have already made such a meaningful difference in our daily learning. My students are excited to read them during small group time and independent practice, and it has been so special to watch their confidence grow with each successful page they read. Being able to practice the exact phonics skills they are learning in a structured, meaningful way has helped reading feel less frustrating and much more joyful.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding parts has been seeing the pride on their faces when they realize, \"I can read this.\" For many of my students, that feeling of success is everything. It builds confidence not only in reading, but in themselves as learners. Oh I love nachos\r\n\r\nThey truly love these books, and your generosity is helping create readers who feel capable, successful, and proud. Thank you for investing in my students and giving them tools that will support their growth for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1772321455282,"projectUrl":"project/helping-struggling-readers-succeed/10034863/","projectTitle":"Helping Struggling Readers Succeed","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":9954716,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for supporting our elementary special education classroom. Because of your kindness, our students now have the art supplies they need to learn, create, and express themselves in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nPainting is so much more than an art activity in our classroom. It is a powerful tool that helps students regulate emotions, practice calming strategies, and build confidence in a safe and structured environment. Through art, our students strengthen fine motor skills, follow multi-step directions, and even reinforce important academic concepts like counting, patterns, sequencing, and storytelling.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, expressing feelings with words can be difficult. Having access to paint, smocks, and table covers allows them to fully engage in these experiences without stress or worry about the mess. These supplies help create a calm, inclusive, and welcoming space where every child can feel successful.\r\nYour generosity is making a real difference in the daily lives of our students. Thank you for helping us provide opportunities for learning, growth, creativity, and emotional regulation through art. We are so grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1771010424542,"projectUrl":"project/using-art-to-learn-regulate-and-expres/9954716/","projectTitle":"Using Art to Learn, Regulate, and Express","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":9909568,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting this incredibly meaningful project. As a special education teacher in a Title I school, I have the privilege of working with students who are resilient, kind, and full of potential, but who often face challenges beyond the classroom. Because of your generosity, each of my students was able to receive a thoughtful Christmas gift—something that made them feel seen, valued, and truly cared for during a time of year that can sometimes feel difficult or isolating.\r\n\r\nWhile the gifts themselves may seem small, the impact has been profound. I saw genuine joy, excitement, and pride on my students' faces—moments that reminded them they matter. These experiences help build confidence, strengthen emotional well-being, and foster a sense of belonging that carries over into our classroom each day. Your support has not only brightened their holiday season, but has also positively impacted their engagement, relationships, and overall happiness at school.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a difference in the lives of my students. Your kindness has touched their hearts in ways that will last far beyond the holidays.","fullyFundedDate":1764867652535,"projectUrl":"project/joyful-hearts-for-the-holidays/9909568/","projectTitle":"Joyful Hearts for the Holidays","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":9912106,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting our classroom with prizes and snacks for positive reinforcement. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference for my students. These items are used daily to celebrate positive behavior, reward progress toward academic goals, and encourage students to stay on task. For many of my students, these small rewards are incredibly motivating and help build confidence, independence, and a sense of pride in their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I've been able to create a structured and encouraging environment where students feel recognized for their efforts and successes. Positive reinforcement has helped improve behavior, increase engagement, and make learning a more enjoyable experience for everyone in our classroom. Thank you for investing in my students and helping them grow both academically and socially. Your impact is truly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1764008038335,"projectUrl":"project/building-confidence-through-positive-rei/9912106/","projectTitle":"Building Confidence Through Positive Reinforcement","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":9472249,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness in supporting my classroom this holiday season. Because of you, my students were able to experience the joy of receiving Christmas gifts, many of whom may not have otherwise had that opportunity.\r\n\r\nYour support means so much more than just the items themselves. You helped create excitement, belonging, and special memories for my students during a time that can be difficult for some of them. Seeing their smiles and genuine happiness was something I will never forget.\r\n\r\nAs a special education teacher, I strive to make my classroom a place where every child feels valued and cared for, and your donation helped make that possible in a truly meaningful way.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a difference in my students' lives and for helping bring a little extra magic to their holiday season.","fullyFundedDate":1763504361309,"projectUrl":"project/a-gift-for-every-child-making-christmas/9472249/","projectTitle":"A Gift for Every Child: Making Christmas Magic Happen","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":9832631,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our winter holiday project! Your donation will bring joy, creativity, and excitement to my students this season. They can't wait to make crafts, decorate our classroom, and celebrate together. For many of them, these experiences mean so much and help make school feel like a warm, welcoming place.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, we'll be able to create meaningful holiday memories that encourage teamwork, gratitude, and joy. You've helped make this time of year truly special for my students, and we are so thankful for your generosity and support!","fullyFundedDate":1761934882262,"projectUrl":"project/making-spirits-bright-in-special-educati/9832631/","projectTitle":"Making Spirits Bright in Special Education","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":52.7,"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"}