{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Leith Walk Elementary School 245","outOfStateSupporters":41.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9451558,"projectId":8274921,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your thoughtful donation of supplies to our school. Your generosity in providing these safety materials means more to our students and staff than you might realize.\r\nHaving the right safety supplies on hand gives us peace of mind and helps us maintain a secure learning environment for everyone. These items ensure that we're prepared to care for our students and respond to their needs throughout the school day. It's contributions like yours that help us keep our classrooms and school spaces safe and well-equipped.\r\nCommunity members like you make such a difference. Your willingness to invest in our school shows that you believe in protecting our students and supporting quality education, and that belief inspires all of us who work here every day.\r\nThank you again for your kindness and support. We are truly grateful to have partners like you who care about our students' wellbeing and success.","fullyFundedDate":1719577961627,"projectUrl":"project/is-it-safe-why-of-course/8274921/","projectTitle":"Is It Safe? WHY OF COURSE!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Duran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9451558_orig.jpg?crop=4000,4000,x0,y1000&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770485230288","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mwsheater"},{"teacherId":9365114,"projectId":9820077,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for believing in the power of early literacy. Our students have been absolutely thrilled to explore the new books in our classroom. They love turning the pages, discovering new stories, and studying the pictures with excitement and curiosity. These books have quickly become a favorite part of their day.\r\n\r\nIn our small‑group instruction, the students are using the books to practice identifying letters and recognizing basic sight words. It has been wonderful to watch their confidence grow as they point out letters they know or proudly read a word they've been practicing. The books have given them meaningful opportunities to build foundational reading skills in a way that feels fun and engaging.\r\n\r\nThe magnetic letters have also been a huge hit. Students are using them to spell their names, build sight words, and experiment with letter sounds. This hands‑on practice has helped them make important connections between what they see in print and how words are formed.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a real difference in our classroom. You've helped create joyful learning moments, sparked curiosity, and strengthened early literacy skills that will stay with our students for years to come. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1764180881773,"projectUrl":"project/little-readers-big-adventures/9820077/","projectTitle":"Little Readers, Big Adventures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duvall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9365114"},{"teacherId":9367955,"projectId":9676436,"letterContent":"The new area rug from our \"Comfy Communication!\" project has quickly become an essential part of our speech-language therapy space. We use the rug daily as a comfortable, welcoming area where students can sit together, engage with peers, and participate in meaningful speech and language activities. The soft, defined space encourages students to relax, focus, and communicate more freely during group and individual therapy sessions. Whether we are practicing speech sounds, building sentences, reading together, or playing language-based games, the rug helps create a calm environment that supports learning and connection.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new carpet, their reactions were filled with excitement and joy. Many immediately commented on how soft and \"cozy\" it felt, and several students asked if we could sit on it right away. Some chose their spots carefully, while others laid down just to enjoy the comfort. The rug instantly transformed the room into a space that felt special and safe, helping students feel valued and eager to participate.\r\n\r\nThis simple addition has enhanced our learning environment in powerful ways. The rug has become a gathering place where communication grows, confidence builds, and students feel comfortable expressing themselves. It truly supports our goal of making speech-language therapy both effective and enjoyable. Thank you for supporting my students!!","fullyFundedDate":1764181218759,"projectUrl":"project/comfy-communication/9676436/","projectTitle":"Comfy Communication!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bernardelli","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9367955_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769013208489","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9367955"},{"teacherId":9451558,"projectId":8255938,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to the materials they need to succeed in their learning journey. When the resources arrived, their excitement was palpable – they couldn't wait to dive in and explore! These materials have already made a significant difference in our classroom, enabling us to tackle more engaging and hands-on projects that bring our lessons to life. Your support has opened new doors for learning, and my students are thriving as a result. We're currently building on this foundation with our next unit, where students will continue to apply what they've learned using these wonderful resources. Thank you for believing in our classroom and investing in their future!","fullyFundedDate":1710263129717,"projectUrl":"project/going-back-to-the-basics/8255938/","projectTitle":"Going Back To The Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Duran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9451558_orig.jpg?crop=4000,4000,x0,y1000&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770485230288","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mwsheater"},{"teacherId":549851,"projectId":9691234,"letterContent":"Students love to use the materials at the light table. They are using words like translucent and transparent as guided by the teachers. It is becoming part of their working vocabulary. In math, we are learning about shapes so the translucent pattern blocks have helped them to create real life scenes which they can describe using theme related vocabulary. \r\n The students were excited when the new materials were introduced and were eager to put them to use. \r\n We plan to use the wooden blocks to create living and nonliving things as per our Science unit and will use the paint to paint pictures of what we build.","fullyFundedDate":1760644409563,"projectUrl":"project/pre-k-stem-experience-helps-with-critica/9691234/","projectTitle":"Pre-K Stem Experience Helps With Critical Thinking Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Camille McLaurin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp549851_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770068313082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/549851"},{"teacherId":549851,"projectId":9887112,"letterContent":"This project helped my students to create and design using the wooden blocks, kinetic sand, and play dough. As they created different things, I printed out colored pictures of the finished products using the ink cartridges as a model for things other students could create. Many times the students need a visual to help them along and the ink tends to be expensive so I was grateful for this donation.\r\n The vibrant colors of the kinetic sand interested them and made them want to use it to explore and learn. I used higher order questioning to help guide their creations and had them to explain what they made to their classmates using theme related vocabulary. \r\n Their responses made it evident that new learning was taking place.","fullyFundedDate":1763554089460,"projectUrl":"project/steam-learning-helps-prekindergarten-stu/9887112/","projectTitle":"STEAM Learning Helps Prekindergarten Students Become Thinkers and Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Camille McLaurin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp549851_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770068313082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/549851"},{"teacherId":549851,"projectId":9928361,"letterContent":"This project has encouraged my students to be more creative while in the block play area. They are using the materials as intended to construct and design theme related scenes. It really does help them to think outside of the box because the items are engaging and hold their interest. \r\n The students are excited to use the materials and they all want to go to the blocks area during Choice Time. It is great to see their excitement and growing vocabulary as a result of this project coming to life. We are grateful for the donations. \r\n We intend to keep the momentum going on our next project.","fullyFundedDate":1764691943628,"projectUrl":"project/enriching-the-blocks-play-area/9928361/","projectTitle":"Enriching the Blocks Play Area","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Camille McLaurin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp549851_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770068313082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/549851"},{"teacherId":9365114,"projectId":9698671,"letterContent":"The STEAM Legends Pre-K project has transformed the way our youngest learners engage with education by introducing technology and hands-on exploration at the earliest stages of development. Its impact can be seen in several powerful ways:\r\n\r\nEarly Technology Integration: Students are learning to use age-appropriate digital tools, coding toys, and interactive resources that build comfort with technology from the start. This early exposure helps them see technology as a tool for creativity and discovery rather than just entertainment.\r\n\r\nCritical Thinking Development: The project encourages children to ask questions, test ideas, and reflect on outcomes. Whether they are building structures, experimenting with materials, or solving puzzles, they are practicing how to think critically and make decisions. \r\n\r\nProblem-Solving Skills: Students are challenged to find solutions through trial and error, collaboration, and creativity. These experiences help them develop resilience, adaptability, and confidence in their ability to overcome challenges.\r\n\r\nEmpowered Learners: Most importantly, the project fosters a sense of independence and curiosity. Children begin to see themselves as capable problem-solvers and innovators, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.","fullyFundedDate":1758202976714,"projectUrl":"project/steam-legends-pre-k/9698671/","projectTitle":"Steam Legends Pre-K","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duvall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9365114"},{"teacherId":3144565,"projectId":9531875,"letterContent":"Thanks to your kindness, our classroom is now filled with Books, Balance, and Brain Breaks—and the difference has been immediate and powerful. The headphones have helped transform our independent work time into focused, peaceful learning. Students who used to get distracted easily are now locked in and excited to listen to stories, complete digital tasks, and engage without all the background noise. One student even said, \"I feel like I have my own little bubble to think in!\"\r\n\r\nOur calming corner has become a safe, trusted space for students to pause, breathe, and regulate their emotions. The first time they saw the cozy seating, sensory tools, and visuals, they literally gasped and asked, \"Is this really for us?\" Watching students take ownership of their emotions and choose to use the space when needed has been so rewarding. And our new bookshelf? It's been buzzing with excitement—students rush over during reading time to explore new titles, and we're already building a culture of book-sharing and thoughtful conversations.\r\n\r\nThis project didn't just bring supplies—it brought calm, focus, and joy into our learning space. As we continue working on emotional regulation and building strong reading habits, these resources will remain a key part of our growth. Thank you for investing in my students' hearts and minds—you've truly made a lasting impact. 💛","fullyFundedDate":1758851765997,"projectUrl":"project/books-balance-and-brain-breaks/9531875/","projectTitle":"Books, Balance, and Brain Breaks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Woolford","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3144565_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754317707998","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3144565"},{"teacherId":9433022,"projectId":9524441,"letterContent":"When we received the box of donated puppets, my 5th graders and I were filled with excitement and gratitude. The students eagerly gathered around as we unboxed the puppets, their faces lighting up with anticipation. Many of them have always been interested in performing puppet shows, and this donation made it possible for more students to participate at once. They immediately began planning how they could use the puppets to retell traditional stories we've been studying in class. It was heartwarming to see their creativity and collaboration come alive as they took turns developing characters, rehearsing lines, and bringing each puppet to life.\r\n\r\nI also introduced the puppets to my preschool students during one of our storytelling sessions. It was their very first experience using puppets, and the room was filled with laughter, curiosity, and engagement. Some of the younger children had a little difficulty manipulating the puppet mouths because their hands were so small, but they didn't give up—they kept practicing and helping one another. The puppets sparked a vibrant discussion about emotions, storytelling, and imagination, allowing each child to express themselves in new and joyful ways.\r\n\r\nThese puppets have already made a lasting impact across multiple grade levels, helping to deepen creativity, storytelling, and communication skills. As our next step, my students will continue to use the puppets to perform short skits that connect with our literacy lessons and cultural stories. We're so thankful to our donor for this generous contribution—it has truly brought learning to life in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1760730131602,"projectUrl":"project/around-the-world-with-puppets-a-global/9524441/","projectTitle":"Around the World with Puppets: A Global Drama Experience","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9433022_orig.jpg?crop=799,799,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705181566231","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9433022"},{"teacherId":9721965,"projectId":9313191,"letterContent":"The feelings and emotions books have opened up important conversation in the classroom and are helping my students recognize and express their emotions. The Koala Breathing Bear is a big hit, especially during moments of anxiety and overstimulation. I also us it to practice deep breathing with the entire class. The weighted dog is also a very loved item. It offers a calming presence and a sense of comfort to students who need a little sensory input to feel secure. The wiggle bands have allowed students to move while remaining seated and helps those students that need to stim. \r\n\r\nThe gumball machine has been implemented as an incentive for positive rewards. The machine has been filled with capsules with slips of incentives like Lunch Bunch with the Teacher, Slippers in the Classroom, Extra Computer Time. The students are working hard to earn their token for a chance to get to use the machine.","fullyFundedDate":1746786304950,"projectUrl":"project/calm-connect-and-celebrate-supporting/9313191/","projectTitle":"Calm, Connect, and Celebrate: Supporting Social-Emotional Growth in 2nd Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jacobs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9721965"},{"teacherId":10072979,"projectId":9451036,"letterContent":"On behalf of our 4th-grade students in Baltimore City, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity. Fourth grade is a pivotal year where math transitions from simple arithmetic to complex concepts like fractions, decimals, and geometry. Because of your support, our students no longer have to view math as just \"numbers on a page.\" They now have the tools to touch, move, and truly understand the foundations of mathematics.\r\n\r\nThe Impact of Your Gift\r\nThe resources you have provided are more than just classroom supplies; they are \"aha\" moments waiting to happen. By using these hands-on manipulatives and interactive games, our students are:\r\n\r\nBuilding Fluency: Turning passive observation into active discovery through tactile interaction.\r\nDeveloping Resilience: Using small-group challenges to communicate reasoning and learn from peers.\r\nMastering Abstract Concepts: Using concrete tools like fraction bars and place value boards to embed strategies into long-term memory.\r\n\r\nOur New Learning Materials\r\nThanks to your contributions, our classroom is now equipped with:\r\nMath Folder Game Libraries (Grades 4-5)\r\nPlace Value Write & Wipe Boards\r\nPlace Value Folder Game Library (Grades 4-5)\r\nGiant Magnetic Dominoes\r\nPop to Win! Math Game (Grade 4)\r\nAddition Family Engagement Packs\r\nPattern Blocks\r\n\r\nSpecial Acknowledgments\r\nWe would like to extend a special thank you to the specific donors who made this vision a reality:\r\nRipple: We are profoundly grateful for your commitment to our classroom by matching every single donation received. Your partnership doubled the impact of our community's generosity.\r\nMichael Jordan and Jordan Brand: Thank you for your incredible support and for inspiring our students to aim high and dream big.\r\nSusannah Cafardi: Thank you for your dedicated contribution and for believing in the potential of our learners.\r\nOur Village: To the host of family members, friends, colleagues, and community members who sponsored these materials—your names may be many, but your collective impact is singular. You have shown our students that their community is rooting for their success.\r\nWith these resources, we anticipate measurable growth in our students' computation skills and, more importantly, a lasting surge in their confidence. Thank you for empowering Baltimore City students to embrace math as an exciting, collaborative journey.","fullyFundedDate":1758202686926,"projectUrl":"project/4th-grade-math-masters/9451036/","projectTitle":"4th Grade Math Masters","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Norman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10072979_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y87&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753103269447","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10072979"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_64394","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":910,"numTeachers":61,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":91,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":58.5,"schoolId":64394,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Leith Walk Elementary School 245 on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Leith Walk Elementary School 245","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maryland/baltimore-city-public-school-district/leith-walk-elementary-school-245/64394"}