{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"McKinley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":71.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5882055,"projectId":10123079,"letterContent":"As a second grade teacher for the last nine years, I have been implementing varies components within the classroom to help students to learn how to read better.\r\nMy students will benefit from this training, because I will use the knowledge and experience I learn to help my students learn how to decode words and blend sounds together for pronounce words.\r\nThe Science of Reading class will help me develop new techniques to better help me students with phonics. This will help them to become more fluent in reading .","fullyFundedDate":1777250632678,"projectUrl":"project/reading-thru-advancing/10123079/","projectTitle":"Reading thru Advancing","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":9148493,"projectId":9434529,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity and support of our classroom. Because of your kindness and investment in our students, we have seen incredible growth and achievement this year. Your donation did more than provide resources—it opened doors, created opportunities, and helped build confidence in young learners who are discovering their potential every day.\r\n\r\nWith your support, my students made significant growth in their reading skills. Many students entered the year lacking confidence in their abilities and often hesitated to read aloud or participate in discussions. Over time, with access to engaging materials and meaningful learning experiences, they began to view themselves as readers. One of the greatest rewards as a teacher has been seeing the enjoyment on their faces as they read fluently and confidently. The smiles, excitement, and pride they displayed when mastering difficult words or completing a challenging text were priceless moments that would not have been possible without your support.\r\n\r\nReading fluency and comprehension improved across our classroom. Students became more willing to take risks, ask questions, and share their thinking with their peers. They learned that mistakes are a part of learning and that perseverance leads to growth. Watching students who once struggled become eager readers has been one of the highlights of this school year.\r\n\r\nThe growth in reading also had a powerful impact on mathematics instruction. As students strengthened their reading skills, mathematics became more enjoyable and less intimidating. They were better able to understand word problems, follow directions, explain their reasoning, and engage in mathematical discussions with confidence. Their improved literacy skills helped remove barriers that often make mathematics difficult for young learners.\r\n\r\nAs a result, student engagement in math lessons increased significantly. Students participated more actively, collaborated with classmates, and demonstrated greater perseverance when solving problems. Their comprehension improved not only in reading but across all subject areas, showing the strong connection between literacy and overall academic success.\r\n\r\nBeyond academic gains, your generosity helped create a classroom environment where students felt supported, encouraged, and capable of success. They learned to celebrate their progress, support one another, and take pride in their accomplishments. These are lessons that extend far beyond the classroom walls and will continue to impact them for years to come.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for believing in our classroom and investing in our future. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, and we are truly grateful for your partnership in helping them grow into confident readers, thinkers, and learners.","fullyFundedDate":1756857762881,"projectUrl":"project/fluent-readers-confident-mathematicians/9434529/","projectTitle":"Fluent Readers, Confident Mathematicians","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bradley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9148493_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696333808030","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9148493"},{"teacherId":3923149,"projectId":9234815,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our students now have access to engaging books and high-quality Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) resources that have transformed learning in our classroom. \r\nThe new books have sparked excitement and increased independent reading, especially among students who previously struggled to find books that matched their interests and abilities. \r\n\r\nThe TPT gift card has allowed me to purchase interactive digital lessons, enrichment activities, and differentiated materials that make learning more engaging and personalized. Students are especially excited by the hands-on projects, colorful resources, and technology-based activities that bring lessons to life.\r\n Several students who were once reluctant readers and learners have become more confident and eager to participate because they can access materials that meet their unique learning needs and challenge them at their level. \r\n\r\nYour support has helped create a classroom where students are motivated, engaged, and excited to learn every day.","fullyFundedDate":1746457916509,"projectUrl":"project/summer-reading-sunsation/9234815/","projectTitle":"Summer Reading Sunsation!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Davenport","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3923149_orig.jpg?crop=1158,1158,x0,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660496052119","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3923149"},{"teacherId":9312022,"projectId":9855491,"letterContent":"Due to your immense generosity, \"Scoot, Toss, Hop: Building an Inclusive Gym for All\" has made an incredible impact on my students and our physical education classes. As soon as I got this equipment into the hands of my children, I was amazed by how enthusiastic they became about practicing and learning new things. It was incredibly rewarding to see some of my typically shy students join other peers in class with a big smile on their face and take part in every aspect of the activity. Overall, thanks to the equipment, children feel like they are included and appreciated, as well as capable enough to do everything.\r\n\r\nThese resources have been used in the gym every day as part of different skill stations, team building, cooperation, and movements' practice. Children have been scooting, tossing, hopping, and balancing to develop both physically and socially. With such a variety of toys, I can provide them with differentiated instruction to help those with different abilities feel good and be successful in their activities. They are not sitting still, feeling disappointed; instead, they are actively participating and having fun doing this.\r\n\r\nIn the future, I would like to create lessons around cooperation, inclusion, coordination, and physical literacy practices. My students become friendlier toward each other and more ready to support classmates that need encouragement in developing particular skills. I believe that because of you, my children learn to value belonging and work hard to reach their goals. Thank you for being an inspiration and supporting the creation of positive experiences in physical education!","fullyFundedDate":1769646301794,"projectUrl":"project/scoot-toss-hop-building-an-inclusive/9855491/","projectTitle":"Scoot, Toss, Hop: Building an Inclusive Gym for All","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":10141939,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our Garfield book project! The students and I really look forward to this day each year, as Garfield continues to be a winning hit! Their excitement is priceless when I surprise them with their end of the year gift, and the books give the students comical, reading material for the hot and humid summer break! Literacy is so important to continue beyond school hours, so the books help to encourage that continued education. They also loved the variety of Garfield books this year, with the hopes that they can switch with each other over the summer to read another version. Thank you again to the Rise Up Foundation, where Reading is Alanezing!","fullyFundedDate":1773858309609,"projectUrl":"project/for-the-love-of-garfield-part-3/10141939/","projectTitle":"For the Love of Garfield, part 3!","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":7582858,"projectId":10136742,"letterContent":"Thank you for sharing the love for books with my students! They each have already pored over the titles and begun reading in our downtime after testing, and it has made my heart so gladdened to see their excitement! They were excited to see specific books that they've been mentioning wanting to read as I opened the packages. Their joy for literature and reading is one of the most profoundly rewarding aspects of teaching. I have the privilege of sitting front row and watching the love of reading develop as they expand their interests and desire to read.","fullyFundedDate":1777988139379,"projectUrl":"project/new-chapters-for-my-students-new-chapt/10136742/","projectTitle":"New Chapters for My Students & New Chapter Books Too","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Musgrove","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7582858_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742127507604","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-musgrove"},{"teacherId":7582858,"projectId":10063728,"letterContent":"This has already been such a gift! My current students have been excitedly helping pack these gifts readying to give them out. I also had surplus materials for some items, and shared the love with them so they could feel a part of the project. They saw how fun it must have been for past students to have had a hand in packing the birthday packs they received this year as well and that made them smile--to know that next year their friends in Kindergarten would get to maybe be given the very cup they were preparing.","fullyFundedDate":1778380743961,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-students-every-day-in-any-wa/10063728/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Students Every Day in Any Way","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Musgrove","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7582858_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742127507604","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-musgrove"},{"teacherId":8566279,"projectId":10211613,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our project! This project has a ton of resources and supplies that we will need for the new school year. Thank La to it being funded, I was able to remove most of the items from the parent school supply list, which will provide a lot of financial relief for incoming families. We are looking forward to having a clean and inviting classroom all year that is ready to go with replenishments on hand. I know the students will enjoy all of the art projects associated with this project too.","fullyFundedDate":1778266785799,"projectUrl":"project/new-school-year-essential-classroom-sup/10211613/","projectTitle":"New School Year: Essential Classroom Supplies","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":8566279,"projectId":10230732,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding our project! It means so much to begin the new school year with prepared with resources and incentives for my students. This will be our first year trying out the crayon cases so we are looking forward to fewer broken crayons and a cool durable case for them. The Yum Earth treats meet all students' dietary requirements so there will be no students left out to enjoy treats, and they help to keep students motivated academically and behaviorally. The keychains have gotten wildly popular, so I know my students will look forward to earning those.","fullyFundedDate":1778291152954,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-new-incentives/10230732/","projectTitle":"New Year & New Incentives!","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":8566279,"projectId":10222129,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding our project! My students are excited to have plenty of brain teaser resources during their school days and testing days in the spring. We are very much looking forward to our new classroom rug and the relaxing space shuttle to have center time and reading time. My students love to move around the room and enjoy the space, so the rug will allow them to do just that. The fruit chews are a great learning and behavioral incentive that meet all student dietary guidelines so that all students are included.","fullyFundedDate":1778379109680,"projectUrl":"project/a-puzzle-a-day-keeps-stress-away/10222129/","projectTitle":"A Puzzle a Day Keeps Stress Away!","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":3923149,"projectId":9791234,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when our boxes of Duck Tape and Post-it tabs arrived! As soon as they saw the bright colors, they could not wait to start using them. We are currently using the Post-it tabs during guided reading to mark important details, unfamiliar vocabulary, and evidence to support their answers. The Duck Tape has been a huge help during our STEM challenges. Recently, students worked in teams to design and build a model bridge, and they used the tape to strengthen their structures and test durability. They were engaged, collaborating, and thinking critically the entire time. Thanks to your generosity, learning has become even more hands-on and interactive. Our next step is beginning a research project where students will use the Post-it tabs to organize information from multiple sources before drafting their informational essays. Your support has truly made a difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1760730358655,"projectUrl":"project/full-steam-ahead/9791234/","projectTitle":"Full STEAM Ahead!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Davenport","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3923149_orig.jpg?crop=1158,1158,x0,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660496052119","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3923149"},{"teacherId":8556985,"projectId":8842207,"letterContent":"Our classroom library has completely changed the way my students experience reading. What was once a small collection has now grown into a space filled with high-interest books across so many genres—fantasy, graphic novels, sports, mystery, and more. Because of this, my students are finally seeing themselves as readers.\r\n\r\nWe use our classroom library every single day. During independent reading and book club time, students get to choose books that truly interest them. One of my favorite moments was watching a group of students excitedly recommend books to each other—especially our graphic novels and fantasy series, which have quickly become class favorites. Even some of my more reluctant readers are now asking, \"Can I take this home?\" or \"Do we have the next book?\"\r\n\r\nWhen the books first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students were flipping through pages, making wish lists, and organizing the shelves by their favorite genres. It instantly became one of the most loved areas in our classroom. They take pride in it and truly treat it like their own library.\r\n\r\nNext, we're continuing to build on this love for reading through book clubs, genre studies, and student-led discussions. Students are starting to explore new genres they wouldn't have picked before, and they're becoming more confident in sharing their thinking about what they read. As we move into end-of-year projects, many students are even choosing to incorporate books from our library into their work.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping create a space where students can discover a love for reading, explore their interests, and grow as confident readers. Your support has made a difference that we see and feel every single day in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1729173891334,"projectUrl":"project/epic-reads-igniting-curiosity-through-u/8842207/","projectTitle":"Epic Reads: Igniting Curiosity Through Unforgettable Book Series!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8556985_orig.jpg?crop=1585,1585,x703,y108&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693663756690","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8556985"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_18195","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":667,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":72,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":13,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"26.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":28.9,"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"}