{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"McKinley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":71.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9312022,"projectId":9779348,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our team now has official game-ready jerseys with our school logo and player numbers, and the effect on my students has been incredible. We use the jerseys during practices and in competition, allowing students to experience what it truly feels like to represent their school as a team. When they first saw the jerseys with their logo and numbers, their excitement was unforgettable and they immediately began talking about what number they hoped to wear and how proud they felt to put on their school colors. Wearing the jerseys has helped them take greater ownership of their behavior, effort, and teamwork on the court.\r\n\r\nHaving matching jerseys has also elevated our practices and games by making them more structured and professional. I can now run organized drills, assign positions more clearly, and teach offensive and defensive strategies in a way that mirrors real game situations. Students are learning not only basketball skills, but also responsibility, communication, and sportsmanship. They understand that wearing a team uniform means supporting one another, respecting the game, and representing their school with pride.\r\n\r\nWe will continue to use the jerseys over the years as we prepare for more competitions in the future. We are focusing on setting goals, improving skills, and strengthening our teamwork both on and off the court. Because of your support, my students no longer feel like they are just practicing basketball, but they feel like true athletes competing for their school. Your generosity has given them confidence, unity, and a powerful sense of belonging that will last far beyond this season!!!","fullyFundedDate":1762266315519,"projectUrl":"project/suit-up-game-ready-jerseys-for-our-team/9779348/","projectTitle":"Suit Up! Game-Ready Jerseys for Our Team","teacherDisplayName":"Coach T Grimes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9312022_orig.jpg?crop=1503,1504,x0,y345&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722905936631","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9312022"},{"teacherId":5882055,"projectId":9593236,"letterContent":"The website have provided math and science-related videos that will help stimulate their mind for easier learning. Plus, we are able to use it for Social Studies and ELA.\r\n\r\nThey are readily engaged and thoroughly interested in skills and strategies related to math. The science concepts will help to energize them and get them excited about doing experiments in the classroom, like observing habitats or the three states of matter.\r\n\r\nPlus, the math and science-related videos will help to build their concentration and enthusiasm about both concepts","fullyFundedDate":1764703928221,"projectUrl":"project/popping-in-and-out-with-knowledge/9593236/","projectTitle":"Popping in and Out With Knowledge","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vasha","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5882055_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x23,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751152196861","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5882055"},{"teacherId":9312022,"projectId":9788998,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our basketball program has been completely transformed. With these new basketballs, every student now has proper equipment to practice dribbling, passing, and shooting during team workouts and drills. Instead of waiting their turn to share worn-out balls, students are actively engaged the entire practice. One of our first practices with the new basketballs turned into an impromptu skills circuit, and I watched students encourage one another as they worked on ball control and layups together.\r\n\r\nWhen the students saw the new basketballs for the first time, their faces lit up with excitement and pride. They immediately began organizing themselves into teams and asked if they could start practice early. Having real team equipment has made them feel like true athletes, not just students in a gym class. Their confidence has grown, and so has their willingness to try new skills without fear of failure.\r\n\r\nNow, we are using these basketballs to build structured team practices focused on fundamentals, sportsmanship, and game strategy. Students are working toward improved conditioning, teamwork, and leadership as we prepare for district competitions and skill challenges. Because of your support, our team now has the tools to train properly, grow together, and take pride in representing their school. You didn't just provide basketballs, but you helped give our students a sense of belonging, purpose, and motivation to keep striving.","fullyFundedDate":1760561401494,"projectUrl":"project/shoot-for-success-basketballs-for-our-t/9788998/","projectTitle":"Shoot for Success: Basketballs for Our Team","teacherDisplayName":"Coach T Grimes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9312022_orig.jpg?crop=1503,1504,x0,y345&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722905936631","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9312022"},{"teacherId":8566279,"projectId":9845877,"letterContent":"Another big thank you for funding our stem project! We are still very busy using all of the supplies. My students are enjoying the interactive math and science lessons resources and look forward to learning each day. They love using the erasable pens in their math notebooks, and they are making learning more colorful! The glow animal figurines have been a huge success, and my students enjoy adding to their collection. We appreciate having filter for our air purifier to keep up a bit less sicker and present at school. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1761538642275,"projectUrl":"project/stem-fun/9845877/","projectTitle":"STEM Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stroy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8566279_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659546749281","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tstroy"},{"teacherId":9585018,"projectId":9676665,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students are now able to fully engage in lessons that require audio without distractions. We use our class set of headphones daily during independent reading, online interventions, educational videos, and digital learning platforms. One powerful moment was during a reading intervention block when students were able to listen to their passages while following along with the text. The focus and comprehension I saw in that moment was something we had been missing before—students were truly immersed in their learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the headphones first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students couldn't wait to use them and were eager to log into their programs. What may seem like a small tool made a huge difference in helping them feel independent and focused. They quickly understood that the headphones were there to help them concentrate and take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, we are now able to move forward with even more technology-based lessons and personalized learning activities. Students are continuing to build their reading, math, and listening skills through online platforms that meet them at their individual levels. Your support has helped create a more focused, engaging, and effective learning environment, and we are so grateful for the opportunity you've given our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1762266256666,"projectUrl":"project/building-our-learning-lounge/9676665/","projectTitle":"Building Our Learning Lounge","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Daigle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9585018_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744831850053","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9585018"},{"teacherId":8831960,"projectId":9986996,"letterContent":"My students are using the new supplies daily during independent work, small-group instruction, and classroom routines. One special moment was during a writing activity when every student had a sharpened pencil and organized materials ready to go. Instead of stopping to search for supplies, my kiddos were able to focus fully on their learning and take pride in their work. The folders and sheet protectors have also helped students keep important papers neat and accessible, which has improved organization and responsibility. When my students first saw the new supplies, they were excited and grateful. Many smiled and immediately asked when they could start using them. Having the right tools made them feel prepared, confident, and valued. These simple resources created a positive classroom atmosphere and reinforced the message that every student deserves the tools they need to succeed. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1768569326145,"projectUrl":"project/every-student-deserves-the-right-tools/9986996/","projectTitle":"Every Student Deserves the Right Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rogers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8831960"},{"teacherId":8566279,"projectId":9751322,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding our STEM project! All materials were put to swift use and are currently helping to keep math and science activities organized. The students love having enough art trays to use to keep their supplies together and desks mess free, as they enjoy painting tasks. The color duck tape is a nice visual addition to student workbooks to create familiarity with the prior versions. The larger shelf organizer has been a nice upgrade to store all graded papers and extra materials for lessons. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1759349742175,"projectUrl":"project/we-are-stemulated-learners/9751322/","projectTitle":"We Are \"STEM\"ulated Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stroy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8566279_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659546749281","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tstroy"},{"teacherId":5882055,"projectId":9840733,"letterContent":"Diverse representation in books are a necessity for our young students, because they need to see others that reminds them that they are valuable and appreciate them for just being themselves.\r\nThese fluency flash cards will be for students to utilize to help with reading. The fluency flash cards will help the students to think abstractly and critically with fluency skills. This would help them in the classroom to easily complete their work.\r\n\r\nPlus, the ink will allow them to use additional resources in the classroom to practice fluency as well.","fullyFundedDate":1764719888361,"projectUrl":"project/freedom-to-read/9840733/","projectTitle":"Freedom to Read","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vasha","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5882055_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x23,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751152196861","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5882055"},{"teacherId":8831960,"projectId":9929468,"letterContent":"Seasonal Tales for Young Readers introduce key reading skills such as comprehension, sequencing, identifying main ideas, and building vocabulary. The stories also teach lessons about seasonal changes, traditions, emotions, and problem-solving, helping students make meaningful connections between the text and their own experiences. Reading in my classroom is engaging and student-centered. Students participate in interactive read-aloud, partner discussions, and independent reading time. We use these seasonal stories to spark conversations, ask questions, and make connections, creating a welcoming and enjoyable reading environment where students feel excited to read. The relatable themes and colorful illustrations help capture their interest and encourage them to read independently. Some students enjoy revisiting the stories multiple times, which has helped build their confidence, fluency, and love for reading.","fullyFundedDate":1767750914595,"projectUrl":"project/seasonal-tales-for-young-readers/9929468/","projectTitle":"Seasonal Tales for Young Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rogers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8831960"},{"teacherId":8831960,"projectId":9931145,"letterContent":"The Cozy Christmas Reads & Palm Pal Friends introduce important reading skills such as comprehension, sequencing, vocabulary development, and making text-to-self connections. Reading in my classroom is joyful, engaging, and interactive. My kiddos participate in whole-group read-aloud, small-group discussions, and independent reading time. They share their thinking, make predictions, and connect stories to their own experiences. These books have become a favorite choice during cozy reading moments and transition times. Several students who were once hesitant readers are especially enjoying these books. The fun characters, seasonal themes, and Palm Pal companions motivate them to read more confidently and for longer periods of time.","fullyFundedDate":1767751225528,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-christmas-reads-palm-pal-friends/9931145/","projectTitle":"Cozy Christmas Reads & Palm Pal Friends","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rogers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8831960"},{"teacherId":9132470,"projectId":9661917,"letterContent":"\"Books and Math Tools for Bright Minds\" will give my 2nd grade students engaging books and hands-on math tools that make learning fun and meaningful. Many of my students learn best when they can touch, see, and explore concepts — especially in math. Using manipulatives like counters, number lines, and place-value tools, along with high-interest books, will help them better understand math while also building reading, vocabulary, and critical-thinking skills.\r\n\r\nSeveral of my students are below grade level or need extra support, and these resources will help every child feel successful and confident. With your support, students will be more engaged, participate actively, and enjoy both math and reading. Thank you for helping my students grow into bright, curious, and capable thinkers!","fullyFundedDate":1763494383963,"projectUrl":"project/books-and-math-tools-for-bright-minds/9661917/","projectTitle":"Books and Math Tools for Bright Minds.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reese","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9132470"},{"teacherId":5882055,"projectId":9598581,"letterContent":"-The students will celebrate each grade level once a week to show kindness towards the students. They will be organized by grade levels and start with Pre-K, then Kindergarten, next, 1st grade, now their grade level, move on to 3rd grade, later 4th grade, lastly, 5th grade. Each grade level will be recognized so everyone can feel celebrated.\r\n\r\n-The rolling cart will be used so the students can display their snacks and keep track of how their campaign is helping their other peers during the celebration.\r\n\r\nThe laminating sheets and ink will help their peers celebrate the school year by providing them with sheets to write kind notes towards the next grade level. In addition to receiving kind notes, the students will receive snacks to promote being kind and generous to others. Plus, they will receive a hygiene bag filled with soap and deodorant to stay fresh during these warm days of school. Also, the wipes are to clean the cart and items for safety.","fullyFundedDate":1761325263804,"projectUrl":"project/seeking-and-leading/9598581/","projectTitle":"Seeking and Leading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vasha","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5882055_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x23,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751152196861","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5882055"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_18195","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":646,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":70,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":74,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":9,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"25.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":28.5,"schoolId":18195,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about McKinley Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"McKinley Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/louisiana/east-baton-rouge-parish-public-schools/university-terrace-elementary-school/18195"}