{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"James W Hennigan K-8 School","outOfStateSupporters":37.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4556922,"projectId":6916821,"letterContent":"My students have been using the new phonics games during small-group reading instruction to strengthen their foundational reading skills. Many of my students are English Language Learners who are still developing their understanding of English sounds, spelling patterns, and word structures. These games allow students to practice important skills like blending sounds, identifying vowel patterns, and decoding unfamiliar words in a fun and engaging way. One of my favorite parts has been watching students work together to sound out challenging words and celebrate when they get them right. The games have made phonics practice feel less like work and more like an exciting challenge!\r\n\r\nMy students were incredibly excited when they first saw the new phonics games! They immediately wanted to explore the different activities and find out how to play. For many of my students, reading in English can feel challenging, especially when they are still learning the language. Having colorful, interactive materials made practicing these skills feel much more approachable. It has been wonderful to see students who are sometimes hesitant during traditional reading lessons become enthusiastic participants when the games come out. They especially love the opportunity to play with classmates and show off the skills they have been learning!\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue building students' decoding skills while helping them become more fluent and confident readers. Students are currently working on recognizing common phonics patterns, reading multisyllabic words, and improving their ability to read sentences smoothly and accurately. As they master these foundational skills, we will begin applying them to increasingly complex texts and focusing more deeply on reading comprehension. Our ultimate goal is for students to become independent readers who feel confident tackling grade-level material. Thanks to your generosity, we now have engaging resources that will help students build the skills they need to reach that goal!","fullyFundedDate":1668470874444,"projectUrl":"project/fun-with-phonics/6916821/","projectTitle":"Fun with Phonics!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mazan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4556922_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1537120089064","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4556922"},{"teacherId":1496625,"projectId":9754357,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations. The students and I were so excited to receive the ink! I was able to make so many different colorful resources for our classroom. These really made learning come alive for the students. The students were able to print their choices of pictures. \r\n\r\nI was able to use the ink to go along with another project of board board books to make interactive, adapted texts for my students with Autism. I was able to print pictures and use velcro to attach to the pages to make the books interactive for my students. They were engaged and happy to read and listen to these books.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generous contributions to our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1767145630045,"projectUrl":"project/ink-for-a-colorful-year/9754357/","projectTitle":"Ink for a Colorful Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1496625"},{"teacherId":1496625,"projectId":9993671,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations. The students and I were so excited to receive so many great books! They loved to just explore the books and look at the pictures. There were excited to pick their favorites for me to read. \r\n\r\nI was able to use the board books to make interactive, adapted texts for my students with Autism. I was able to print pictures and use velcro to attach to the pages to make the books interactive for my students. They were engaged and happy to read and listen to these books.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generous contributions to our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1778189275963,"projectUrl":"project/board-books-to-support-learning/9993671/","projectTitle":"Board Books to Support Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1496625"},{"teacherId":10258577,"projectId":9710794,"letterContent":"When the rain and snow started falling this winter, we knew our students would face their biggest challenge yet: staying active and engaged during indoor recess. Thanks to your generous donation of gross motor materials, we turned that challenge into an opportunity.\r\n\r\nWhat Your Gift Made Possible\r\nWith the balance beams, stepping stones, foam balls, and movement games you provided, our classroom transformed. Students who once felt restless and unfocused during indoor days now have purposeful outlets for their energy. We've watched shy students gain confidence as they master new physical skills, and we've seen improved behavior and emotional regulation ripple throughout our entire day.\r\n\r\nThe Impact We're Seeing\r\nJust last week, a student who typically struggled with focus during afternoon lessons told me, \"I feel better when I get to move during recess.\" That's the power of your donation. By supporting gross motor development, you've supported better learning, better behavior, and better emotional health—not just during recess, but throughout the entire school day.\r\n\r\nOur students are stronger, more coordinated, and more confident. But more importantly, they're reminded that adults in their community believe in their growth and well-being.\r\n\r\nThank You\r\nYour investment in movement and play isn't just about rainy days—it's about building resilient, healthy learners who are ready to thrive. We're grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1769949873517,"projectUrl":"project/indoor-recess-fun/9710794/","projectTitle":"Indoor Recess Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duarte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10258577"},{"teacherId":5542814,"projectId":9511534,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project Binders and Basics to Start the Year Off! Your generosity has had an immediate and meaningful impact on my 5th and 6th grade classrooms. These essential supplies—such as binders, dry erase markers, and erasers (among other things) are truly the foundation of our daily learning. Having these materials readily available ensures that every student can begin the school year prepared, organized, and ready to engage in learning from day one.\r\n\r\nWith these supplies, my students are able to stay organized, keep track of their work, and fully participate in lessons across all subject areas. Binders help students manage multiple subjects and responsibilities, while writing tools and paper allow them to actively engage in their learning every day. For many students, especially those who may not have access to these materials at home, this donation removes barriers and creates a more equitable classroom where everyone has what they need to succeed. Providing these basics ensures that no student is left out of an activity due to lack of supplies.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these materials have helped create a positive and confident start to the school year. When students have their own supplies, they take greater pride in their work and feel a stronger sense of ownership over their learning. This has led to increased engagement, independence, and overall classroom morale. Your support has not only provided tools—it has helped build a structured, inclusive, and empowering learning environment where all students can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1765236675205,"projectUrl":"project/binders-and-basics-to-start-the-year-off/9511534/","projectTitle":"Binders and Basics to Start the Year Off Right!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Al-Ghanem","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5542814_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756091969736","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/al-ghanem"},{"teacherId":5542814,"projectId":8640157,"letterContent":"The headphones have had a powerful impact on my 5th and 6th grade classrooms by making independent and differentiated learning truly possible. In my classroom, students often work in a stations-based model, where small groups receive direct instruction while others work independently. These headphones ensure that all students can stay engaged in their learning without distractions.\r\n\r\nOne of the most important benefits of these headphones is increased accessibility for students with diverse learning needs. Many of my students struggle with reading, and the headphones allow them to listen to text, directions, and instructional content. This reduces frustration and helps students stay engaged rather than giving up when material feels challenging.\r\n\r\nThe headphones also create a more focused and productive classroom environment. With multiple groups working simultaneously, they minimize noise and distractions, allowing students to concentrate more deeply on their tasks. This is especially important in a classroom with varied ability levels, where students need different types of support and instruction at the same time.\r\n\r\nOverall, this donation has strengthened my ability to provide differentiated instruction, increased student engagement, and created a more inclusive and effective learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1726788762700,"projectUrl":"project/heading-back-with-headphones/8640157/","projectTitle":"Heading Back With Headphones","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Al-Ghanem","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5542814_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756091969736","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/al-ghanem"},{"teacherId":5542814,"projectId":8584756,"letterContent":"The materials have had an immediate and meaningful impact on my 5th and 6th grade classrooms by helping create a clean, safe, and fresh learning environment. With frequent hands-on activities, collaborative work, and daily classroom use, having reliable cleaning supplies allows us to maintain a space where students can focus on learning rather than distractions. Also giving students supplies to stay clean and fresh helps them feel ready for the day ahead of them. \r\n\r\nThese supplies such as disinfecting wipes, are used daily to clean desks, shared materials, and high-touch surfaces. This helps reduce the spread of germs and keeps students healthier, which is essential for consistent attendance and academic progress. A clean classroom environment supports both physical health and peace of mind for students.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these supplies help create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to learn. A clean space promotes a sense of pride, responsibility, and community, as students take part in maintaining their classroom. This contributes to a positive classroom culture where all students can thrive.\r\n\r\nOverall, this donation has helped transform our classroom into a healthier, more focused, and more engaging space for learning every day.","fullyFundedDate":1726133990459,"projectUrl":"project/so-fresh-and-so-clean/8584756/","projectTitle":"So Fresh and So Clean","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Al-Ghanem","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5542814_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756091969736","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/al-ghanem"},{"teacherId":5542814,"projectId":8289470,"letterContent":"The donated art supplies have had a meaningful impact on my 5th and 6th grade classrooms. These materials provide hands-on, multisensory learning opportunities that allow students to access content in ways that traditional paper-and-pencil tasks often cannot.\r\n\r\nWith access to glue, paint, craft materials, and other creative tools, students are able to express their understanding of concepts through art, which supports both comprehension and retention. For many students with learning disabilities, art serves as an important alternative pathway for communication and expression, helping them demonstrate their knowledge with greater confidence.\r\n\r\nThese supplies help foster engagement and motivation. Students are more willing to participate in lessons when they include creative, tactile components. This increased engagement leads to improved focus, perseverance, and overall academic growth.\r\n\r\nThe materials also support the development of fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and independence. As students create, they practice planning, organizing, and completing tasks—skills that are essential across all subject areas.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, the supplies contribute to a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment. They allow all students to experience success, build self-esteem, and take pride in their work. Art activities can boost confidence and provide a safe space where there is no single \"right\" answer, encouraging students to take risks and celebrate their creativity .\r\n\r\nOverall, this donation has transformed learning into a more engaging, accessible, and empowering experience for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1713801889946,"projectUrl":"project/art-supplies-for-learning-disabilities/8289470/","projectTitle":"Art Supplies for Learning Disabilities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Al-Ghanem","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5542814_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756091969736","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/al-ghanem"},{"teacherId":5542814,"projectId":8584885,"letterContent":"The donated art supplies have had a meaningful impact on my 5th and 6th grade classrooms. These materials provide hands-on, multisensory learning opportunities that allow students to access content in ways that traditional paper-and-pencil tasks often cannot.\r\n\r\nWith access to glue, paint, craft materials, and other creative tools, students are able to express their understanding of concepts through art, which supports both comprehension and retention. For many students with learning disabilities, art serves as an important alternative pathway for communication and expression, helping them demonstrate their knowledge with greater confidence.\r\n\r\nThese supplies help foster engagement and motivation. Students are more willing to participate in lessons when they include creative, tactile components. This increased engagement leads to improved focus, perseverance, and overall academic growth.\r\n\r\nThe materials also support the development of fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and independence. As students create, they practice planning, organizing, and completing tasks—skills that are essential across all subject areas.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, the supplies contribute to a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment. They allow all students to experience success, build self-esteem, and take pride in their work. Art activities can boost confidence and provide a safe space where there is no single \"right\" answer, encouraging students to take risks and celebrate their creativity .\r\n\r\nOverall, this donation has transformed learning into a more engaging, accessible, and empowering experience for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1725126839072,"projectUrl":"project/staying-organized-with-binders/8584885/","projectTitle":"Staying Organized with Binders!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Al-Ghanem","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5542814_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756091969736","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/al-ghanem"},{"teacherId":6504189,"projectId":9897388,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all the amazing things you donated to our classroom. The diverse books, science comics, STEM kits, fossils, geodes, exploration kits, and posters have already made a big impact.\r\n\r\nThe kids have been so excited to explore all of the hands on materials. One of their favorite things is breaking open geodes and seeing the crystals inside. We're also excited to use the Newton's cradle to explore energy in motion and in the moment - they can see and hear the energy transfer.\r\n\r\nThe posters and books have been a great addition to our social studies and science learning too, especially as we dive into complex ancient societies. The books also provide real stories about lives today.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a huge difference to our classroom. Thank you for helping us build a hands-on and engaging classroom where students can learn and explore! \r\n\r\nThank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1765662813309,"projectUrl":"project/make-it-hands-on-science-social-studi/9897388/","projectTitle":"Make It Hands On! Science & Social Studies Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Conway","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6504189"},{"teacherId":4154603,"projectId":8965625,"letterContent":"On behalf of our organization and the children and families we serve, thank you for your generous donation of building pieces. Your thoughtful contribution has already begun to make a meaningful difference, and we are deeply grateful for your support.\r\nThe building pieces you donated are much more than simple materials. They are tools for learning, creativity, and connection. Through hands-on building experiences, children are able to strengthen fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and spatial awareness. Just as importantly, these materials encourage collaboration, communication, and imaginative play—skills that are essential for both academic success and social-emotional development.\r\nThanks to your generosity, our students now have access to resources that support exploration and discovery in a tangible, engaging way. We have seen children work together to plan structures, take turns sharing ideas, and persevere when a design does not work as expected. These moments of trial and success help build confidence and resilience, especially for children who may struggle with processing information or managing frustration. Your donation helps create an environment where learning feels safe, joyful, and empowering.\r\nYour support also allows us to be more inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of our learners. Building activities provide alternative ways for children to express themselves, particularly for those who may find verbal communication challenging. With your donated materials, we are better equipped to meet children where they are and to foster growth at their own pace.","fullyFundedDate":1735657759659,"projectUrl":"project/building-learning-fun/8965625/","projectTitle":"Building Learning Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Myriame Delva-Pierre","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4154603_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1572798765735","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4154603"},{"teacherId":4154603,"projectId":9010547,"letterContent":"My students were able to take advantage of these snacks. Thank you for your thoughtfulness! \r\nWe would like to send a huge and heartfelt thank you to all of our wonderful donors for generously providing snacks. Your kindness and support truly made a difference, and we are incredibly grateful for the time, effort, and care you put into giving back. What may seem like a small gesture has had a big impact on our community, and it did not go unnoticed.\r\nBecause of your donations, many people were able to enjoy snacks that brought comfort, energy, and smiles throughout the day. Snacks may seem simple, but they play an important role in helping people stay focused, feel welcomed, and know that someone cares. Your generosity helped create a positive and supportive environment, and it reminded everyone involved that we are surrounded by thoughtful and compassionate individuals.\r\nWe truly appreciate that you chose to support us. Whether you donated a little or a lot, every contribution mattered and helped make this effort a success. Your willingness to give shows a strong sense of community and kindness, and it inspires others to do the same. Acts like yours help build connections and remind us how powerful generosity can be when people come together.\r\nYour support also helped reduce stress and made daily activities more enjoyable for those who benefited from the snacks. For many, it was a much-needed boost during a busy or challenging day. These moments of care and encouragement can make a lasting difference, and you helped make that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1735657775569,"projectUrl":"project/nourish-in-order-to-flourish/9010547/","projectTitle":"Nourish in Order to Flourish","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Myriame Delva-Pierre","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4154603_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1572798765735","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4154603"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_62877","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":472,"numTeachers":48,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":27,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":65,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"9.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.4,"schoolId":62877,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about James W Hennigan K-8 School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"James W Hennigan K-8 School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/boston-public-schools/james-hennigan-elementary-school/62877"}
Join the 1,024 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
James W Hennigan K-8 School is
an urban public school
in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts that is part of Boston Public Schools.
It serves 472 students
in grades K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 9.8:1.
Its teachers have had 458 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades K - 8
472 Students
48 Teachers
200 Heath StContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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
93%
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.
James W Hennigan K-8 School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Nov 2, 2026
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.
James W Hennigan K-8 School
$358,231
raised using DonorsChoose
458
projects
funded
79
teachers
funded
1,024
donors
68
projects
for
basic supplies
107
projects for
technology
59
projects for
books
23
projects
for
art supplies
James W Hennigan K-8 School has received support from
639 individuals from Massachusetts and
385 individuals out-of-state.