{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Dora L Small Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":42.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10056293,"projectId":9413670,"letterContent":"Our classroom feels brand new—thanks to you!\r\n\r\nYour generosity has completely transformed our learning space. The new furniture has created a more comfortable, organized, and inviting classroom where students can focus, collaborate, and feel proud of their environment. From the very first day the furniture arrived, there was so much excitement—students were helping unpack, rearranging, and choosing their favorite new spots to learn. Students said things like, \"It feels like a whole new classroom!\" and \"I'm always going to sit here!\"\r\n\r\nWe now use our flexible seating and tables throughout the day during reading groups, partner work, and class discussions. Students are taking ownership of their learning space—deciding where they work best and showing greater focus and engagement during lessons. It's been wonderful to see how something as simple as new furniture can make such a big difference in how students feel about coming to school each day.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue using these flexible spaces to support small group instruction and collaborative projects. The room now encourages movement, teamwork, and creativity—helping every child feel more comfortable and confident as a learner.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and helping create a space where students can truly thrive. Your support made our classroom not just a place to learn—but a place to love learning.","fullyFundedDate":1752762431835,"projectUrl":"project/from-rigid-rows-to-flexible-flows/9413670/","projectTitle":"From Rigid Rows to Flexible Flows","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10056293_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753105530538","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10056293"},{"teacherId":1899770,"projectId":9192878,"letterContent":"My students LOVE the new whiteboard table! The overwhelming student reaction when they first saw the table was, \"That is so cool!\" We sincerely thank you for donating to help us get it. \r\n\r\nSince its arrival, students have been writing their mathematical thinking all over it. They absolutely love writing on the table, which is no longer taboo. Connections and patterns seem to jump right off the table, which has helped to deepen students' understanding of the mathematical concepts they are learning. \r\n\r\nLast week, two second grade students were playing a math game. At the end of the game, they each needed to add up their score. Out came the whiteboard markers! Both students wrote a long string of numbers in front of them and used the strategies they have been learning and practicing all year. It was such an awesome demonstration of the growth they have made this year! You made that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1742935164496,"projectUrl":"project/motivating-and-engaging-students-mathem/9192878/","projectTitle":"Motivating and Engaging Students' Mathematical Thinking","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stevens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1899770_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1477086193268","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lstevens"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_65306","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":204,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":22,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":76,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"9.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":57.7,"schoolId":65306,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Dora L Small Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Dora L Small Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maine/south-portland-city-school-district/dora-l-small-elementary-school/65306"}
Join the 26 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Dora L Small Elementary School is
an urban public school
in S. Portland, Maine that is part of South Portland City School District.
It serves 204 students
in grades K - 4 with a student/teacher ratio of 9.3:1.
Its teachers have had 7 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Public School
Grades K - 4
204 Students
22 Teachers
87 Thompson StContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
12%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Dora L Small Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
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.
Dora L Small Elementary School
$4,018
raised using DonorsChoose
7
projects
funded
6
teachers
funded
26
donors
2
projects for
books
Dora L Small Elementary School has received support from
15 individuals from Maine and
11 individuals out-of-state.