{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Johnston Square Elementary School 16","outOfStateSupporters":31.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9769889,"projectId":9426028,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Helping Every Student Hear: Headphones for Our Library Media Center.\" These headphones have already become a game-changer for our students. Many of our learners use technology at home, but using it for instruction is very different. The headphones allow them to fully participate in interactive read-alouds, phonics programs, research tools, audiobooks, and language-building activities without distraction. For many of my K–5 students, especially in a busy school environment, being able to focus on what they are hearing has made a huge difference in how confidently they learn.\r\n\r\nThe thing students love most is that the headphones make their time in the library feel more independent and personalized. My youngest students get so excited choosing their own digital story or practice activity, while my older students use them for research, recorded instructions, and reading supports. Several of my students who normally struggle to stay engaged have really thrived with the new setup—they can settle in, put on their headphones, and stay focused in a way that wasn't possible before.\r\n\r\nYour generosity didn't just provide equipment—you provided access, calm, and confidence. You've helped create a library space where students feel capable and supported, regardless of their reading level or learning needs. We are truly grateful.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our kids and in our library community.","fullyFundedDate":1752321083072,"projectUrl":"project/helping-every-student-hear-headphones-f/9426028/","projectTitle":"Helping Every Student Hear: Headphones for Our Library Media Center","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9769889"},{"teacherId":9769889,"projectId":9427901,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project. Your generosity made it possible for my students to dive into our fall forests unit in a hands-on, joyful way. With the new books and materials, we were able to build a cozy reading corner where students explored stories about forests, changing seasons, and animals preparing for winter.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, they lit up. Many of them immediately grabbed the forest storybooks and began pointing out colors, leaves, and animals they recognized. One student even said, \"It feels like fall is right here in our library!\" Moments like that show just how much these resources matter.\r\n\r\nOur next steps involve using these books to support a mini-research project about how forests change throughout the year. Students will take notes, make simple comparisons, and share what they learned. Your contribution didn't just bring us materials — it opened the door for curiosity, confidence, and deeper learning.","fullyFundedDate":1752321082993,"projectUrl":"project/creative-fall-fun-craft-supplies-for-ou/9427901/","projectTitle":"Creative Fall Fun: Craft Supplies for Our Library Media Center","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9769889"},{"teacherId":9769889,"projectId":9277261,"letterContent":"Our students have absolutely fallen in love with the new materials! We've been using the glitter, craft supplies, and story resources to bring reading and creativity together in fun, hands-on ways. One highlight was our \"Magical Insects\" project — students researched bugs using digital library tools, then created their own sparkly \"glitter bug\" creatures to showcase what they learned. Seeing their excitement as science and art came together was incredible. The room was buzzing (literally!) with curiosity and laughter.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes first arrived, students could hardly contain themselves. They took turns unboxing the supplies and kept saying, \"We get to use all this?!\" For many of them, this was their first time working with a variety of colorful materials like glitter, pipe cleaners, and craft gems, and they immediately started planning what they would create.\r\n\r\nNext, we're moving into a \"Bug Habitat Builders\" unit, where students will design small models of safe, creative homes for their glitter bugs while writing short stories about each creature's magical powers and personality. These resources have truly transformed how we explore reading, writing, and STEM — turning lessons into experiences they'll remember. Thank you for helping our classroom sparkle with imagination!","fullyFundedDate":1746481827891,"projectUrl":"project/glitter-bug-magic-for-growing-minds/9277261/","projectTitle":"Glitter Bug Magic for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9769889"},{"teacherId":9769889,"projectId":9282242,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping us make the library a cozier, more inviting place. The new stools have been a huge hit with students—when they first saw them, they immediately wanted to sit, read, and talk together. The bright colors and comfortable design have turned our reading rug into a spot where students feel welcome and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nWe've already used the seats during group reading and \"Lunch Brunch\" activities, and students love having flexible options beyond the usual tables and chairs. Your generosity has truly transformed our space into a place of comfort, curiosity, and collaboration. Thank you for supporting our library","fullyFundedDate":1746785977535,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-cozy-library-one-seat-at-a-t/9282242/","projectTitle":"Building a Cozy Library, One Seat at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9769889"},{"teacherId":9769889,"projectId":9126566,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my 3rd graders were able to bring a little bit of magic into our classroom — literally! After reading the Amulet graphic novel series, students were so excited to design and create their own magical amulets using the materials you helped provide. When they first saw the clay, paints, and carving tools, their eyes lit up with ideas. Some wanted to make protective charms like in the story, while others invented new \"powers\" for their amulets, from granting courage during tests to making recess feel longer.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was when a student who rarely speaks in class proudly stood up to explain the story behind her amulet's symbol — a swirl for \"friendship magic\" that she said would help everyone get along. The process not only sparked their imaginations but also gave them a chance to practice creativity, storytelling, and fine motor skills all at once.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be connecting our amulet creations to a writing project where students craft short fantasy stories about their magical objects. Your gift has inspired a project that blends reading, art, and writing into one unforgettable learning experience. We are so grateful for your kindness and support in making this magic happen.","fullyFundedDate":1742907122095,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-3rd-graders-create-their-own-mag/9126566/","projectTitle":"Help My 3rd Graders Create Their Own Magical Amulets!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9769889"},{"teacherId":9769889,"projectId":9281994,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my 4th and 5th graders were able to create their very own pillows as part of our self-care and creativity project. The excitement was contagious from the moment they saw the bright fabrics and soft stuffing — students immediately began brainstorming colors, patterns, and designs that would make their pillows unique to them. This hands-on activity became more than just a craft; it was a way for students to take ownership of something comforting that they could use whenever they needed a moment of calm.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was watching students help each other with tricky stitches or offer encouragement when someone's fabric didn't quite line up. The room was filled with laughter, focused energy, and that quiet hum that happens when kids are truly engaged. By the end of the project, each student proudly hugged their finished pillow, knowing they had made something both beautiful and useful.\r\n\r\nWe've already begun using the pillows in our classroom's calm corner and during quiet reading time. Students are taking turns using them to rest, refocus, and recharge during the day. The next step is to incorporate them into mindfulness exercises and journaling activities, so students have a complete toolkit for self-care. Your support has made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful that you've given our class a resource that blends creativity, comfort, and emotional well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1746477001620,"projectUrl":"project/rest-rise-pillows-for-self-care-and-c/9281994/","projectTitle":"Rest & Rise: Pillows for Self-Care and Calm","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9769889"},{"teacherId":9769889,"projectId":8808130,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation of essential library materials to Johnston Square Elementary. As a new librarian in my first year with the Baltimore City School System, I was excited yet challenged to revitalize a space that had not had a librarian in over a decade. Before I started, the library was mainly used for storage and tutoring sessions, but thanks to your support, I have been able to transform it into a true learning hub. Your donation has allowed me to bring engaging projects to life and provide students with much-needed creative resources.\r\n\r\nJust recently, we used the markers you sent for a Valentine's Day project that the students absolutely loved. They decorated clay hearts and wrote one thing they love about themselves, an activity that encouraged self-expression and confidence. The Crayola Classpack Crayons, Lakeshore Best-Buy Washable Broad-Tip Markers, and Prang Colored Pencil Set are used regularly, and the students especially enjoy working with the Acrylic Paint Marker Pens, which truly elevate their artwork. The storage bins you provided have also been a game-changer in keeping our supplies organized and accessible. Your generosity has made a lasting impact, and I am incredibly grateful for your support in helping us build a creative and inspiring library space.","fullyFundedDate":1731517618446,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-rebuild-our-library-program/8808130/","projectTitle":"Help Us Rebuild Our Library Program!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Ray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9769889"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_64353","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":271,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":96,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.8,"schoolId":64353,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Johnston Square Elementary School 16 on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Johnston Square Elementary School 16","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maryland/baltimore-city-public-school-district/johnston-square-elementary-school-16/64353"}