{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sumner G Whittier School","outOfStateSupporters":19.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9913458,"projectId":9604117,"letterContent":"Working with my 5th and 6th grade students has been such a joy, especially now that we have our new counseling space. The moment they walked in, their faces lit up! They immediately began commenting on how calm, beautiful, and peaceful the room feels. Many of them said it's their favorite place to come when they need a break or want to talk.\r\n\r\nThis space has truly transformed the way students open up and express themselves. It's become a safe, welcoming environment where they feel comfortable sharing their feelings, reflecting, and finding calm in their day. I'm so grateful to everyone who helped make this possible — your generosity has made a lasting difference in my students' emotional well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1755727011123,"projectUrl":"project/big-feelings-need-safe-spaces-help-us/9604117/","projectTitle":"Big Feelings Need Safe Spaces — Help Us Build One!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mellus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9913458"},{"teacherId":9812025,"projectId":9306027,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of pencils and attachable desk pens. Your thoughtful gift has solved a small but meaningful daily challenge; ensuring that every student always has access to a writing utensil. It's amazing how something so simple can have such a big impact! Because of your donation, students come to class prepared and ready to write every day, which has led to smoother lessons and more focused learning time.\r\n\r\nHaving reliable access to writing tools has also encouraged our students to take greater pride in their written work and to develop stronger writing habits. They're writing more frequently and with greater confidence, knowing they always have what they need. Your contribution has made it easier for them to engage fully in their learning and to build the essential communication skills that will support them in high school and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1746785489330,"projectUrl":"project/the-mystery-of-the-missing-pencil/9306027/","projectTitle":"The Mystery of the Missing Pencil","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Towers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9812025_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736433017158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9812025"},{"teacherId":9812025,"projectId":9462084,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of paper for our colorful homework trackers. Your contribution has made it possible for our 8th graders to take ownership of their learning in a fun and engaging way. The students are excited to personalize their trackers, and it's already helping them stay on top of assignments, deadlines, and daily goals. Colored paper has become a powerful tool for building structure, independence, and confidence in their academic routines.\r\n\r\nAs our students prepare to transition to high school, developing strong organizational and executive functioning skills is absolutely essential. Your donation directly supports these skills by helping students learn how to plan ahead, manage their time, and take responsibility for their work. Thank you for investing in their growth and for helping them build habits that will serve them well beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1755911766244,"projectUrl":"project/color-me-organized/9462084/","projectTitle":"Color Me Organized!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Towers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9812025_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736433017158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9812025"},{"teacherId":9812025,"projectId":9213312,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of headphones, calming lights, sensory kicking bands, and other supportive materials. Your thoughtfulness has created a more peaceful and inclusive learning environment for all of our students. These tools are already making a difference. These supplies help students stay focused, manage their energy, and feel more comfortable in the classroom. It's amazing to see how something as simple as a set of calming lights or sensory bands can transform a student's ability to learn and thrive.\r\n\r\nYour generosity shows a deep understanding of the diverse needs of today's learners and the importance of supporting their emotional well-being. Because of you, our classroom is a calmer, more welcoming space where every student has the opportunity to succeed. Thank you for your kindness, your care, and for making such a meaningful impact on our students' daily lives.","fullyFundedDate":1746785333724,"projectUrl":"project/creating-calm-implementing-sensory-frie/9213312/","projectTitle":"Creating Calm: Implementing Sensory-Friendly Classroom Materials for Inclusive Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Towers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9812025_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736433017158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9812025"},{"teacherId":9812025,"projectId":9462125,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of hygiene and sanitary products. Your thoughtful contribution meets a very real need in our school community and helps ensure that every student can feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn each day. These supplies have already made a positive difference, helping our students focus on their studies without worry or distraction.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and compassion set a powerful example of what it means to care for others. Even though we don't know your name, your generosity has reminded our students that there are people who truly value their well-being. Thank you for supporting our classroom and for making such a meaningful impact through your gift.","fullyFundedDate":1761360777459,"projectUrl":"project/take-what-you-need-hygiene-supplies-for/9462125/","projectTitle":"Take What You Need: Hygiene Supplies for All","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Towers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9812025_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736433017158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9812025"},{"teacherId":9812025,"projectId":9027644,"letterContent":"On behalf of our 8th-grade class and team, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of project supplies. Your kindness has made a real difference in our classroom, providing our students with the tools they need to learn, create, and explore their ideas. The excitement on their faces as they opened the supplies was priceless—your support has helped spark curiosity and creativity in ways that will last far beyond this project.\r\n\r\nYour generosity reminds our students that there are caring individuals in the community who believe in their potential and education. Thank you for investing in their future and for showing them that their work matters. We are deeply grateful for your thoughtfulness and the positive impact you've made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1743009607072,"projectUrl":"project/project-supplies/9027644/","projectTitle":"Project Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Towers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9812025_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736433017158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9812025"},{"teacherId":9538392,"projectId":9115103,"letterContent":"How are you and your students using the new resources? Please share a specific classroom project or moment.\r\n\r\nMy students are making excellent use of the rocking chairs and yoga ball seats during our Civics lessons. Students who usually struggle to stay seated and focused were able to participate in an entire discussion while using the yoga ball seats. Their energy was directed into small, steady movements, which allowed them to listen, contribute, and even take notes without needing constant redirection. The flexible seating has quickly become a valuable tool for enhancing focus and confidence in our classroom.\r\n\r\nHow did your students react when they first saw the materials?\r\n\r\nThe excitement was immediate! Students rushed to try out the rocking chairs and yoga balls as soon as they walked in. One student mentioned, \"It feels like my brain is calmer when I can move a little.\" Another said, \"I don't get as distracted anymore—this is my new favorite seat.\" Their reactions demonstrated just how meaningful it is to have learning tools that accommodate the way their bodies and brains work best.\r\n\r\nWhat are the next steps for your students on a current classroom lesson or project?\r\n\r\nCurrently, we are working on a project where students act as news reporters to cover current events related to the Bill of Rights. With their new seating options helping them regulate their focus and energy, students are better able to research, draft scripts, and collaborate with their groups. Next, they will record their news reports as podcasts or video segments, and I can already see how the flexible seating is making the classroom more productive and creative.","fullyFundedDate":1746720696896,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-rock-and-roll-into-lear/9115103/","projectTitle":"Help My Students Rock and Roll Into Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Norberg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9538392"},{"teacherId":1986329,"projectId":9439567,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you all enough for helping support my students at the start of their literacy journey this year! My students are so excited to be able to practice multiple ways for phonemic awareness drills and sight words. So far their favorite part is using the sand trays to work on multiple sound spellings. My students are excited to learn more about reading through content specific picture books and poems. I have created vowel sticks for students using popsicle sticks and looking forward to showing the students how to use coffee straws as their new syllable dividers! I am looking forward to using the items from this project to help students in several grades this year! I","fullyFundedDate":1753919448104,"projectUrl":"project/a-new-chapter/9439567/","projectTitle":"A New Chapter","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nichols","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1986329_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471286306763","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nichols103"},{"teacherId":10009669,"projectId":9036730,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for making our \"Igniting Curiosity: Advanced Science Simulation Tools\" project a reality! The moment the boxes arrived, my students gathered around with wide eyes and endless questions. When we unveiled the DNA model kits, one student gasped and said, \"We get to build REAL DNA? Like the stuff inside us?\" That sense of wonder has transformed our classroom. We immediately dove into a genetics unit where students worked in teams to construct double helix models, identifying base pairs and understanding how genetic information is stored. The prepared microscope slides have been equally transformative—watching students examine actual insect specimens and plant cells for the first time, calling their classmates over to see \"the most amazing thing,\" has reminded me why I became a teacher.\r\n\r\nOur current project has students acting as medical researchers investigating how genetic traits are inherited. Using the DNA models and colored pencils to diagram inheritance patterns, they're creating detailed genetic profiles and testing hypotheses about dominant and recessive traits. The neurological reflex hammers have added an incredible hands-on component to our nervous system unit—students are testing reflexes, recording response times with our new thermometers (for temperature-related experiments), and using pH paper to explore how body chemistry works. Next, we'll be launching an ecology investigation where students will examine pond water samples under the microscopes, document their findings with laminated field guides they've created, and present their discoveries to younger grades.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has done more than provide materials—it has ignited genuine scientific curiosity in students who now see themselves as real scientists. Thank you for believing in our classroom and investing in these young minds.","fullyFundedDate":1746453059017,"projectUrl":"project/igniting-curiosity-advanced-science-sim/9036730/","projectTitle":"Igniting Curiosity: Advanced Science Simulation Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dorcy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10009669_orig.jpg?crop=1978,1978,x0,y79&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746035208452","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jenniferdorcy"},{"teacherId":1986329,"projectId":9061340,"letterContent":"We finished out our last day of school today! With your help we were able to finish off the year successfully. We made incredible improvements in reading and math. The students were able to continue to keep their supplies organized with new pencil boxes! We were able to get rid of the ones holding on my duct tape. We were able to keep our classroom clean and keep ourselves healthy with cleaning supplies. We could easily grab a bandage after too much fun on the playground! We are truly so lucky to have donors like you!","fullyFundedDate":1745920268862,"projectUrl":"project/sharpening-up-our-skills-and-supplies/9061340/","projectTitle":"Sharpening Up Our Skills and Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nichols","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1986329_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471286306763","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nichols103"},{"teacherId":1996270,"projectId":9107913,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity! My students are so excited they can finally hear!! Whenever my get a chance to use their computers now they can hear and are so excited that my room is completely silent!\r\n\r\nI could not have done this without your help. The saying \"it takes a village\" is so true. You have helped twenty five students end the school year on such a high note! I am forever grateful for your kind heart and I know my students are too! \r\n\r\nIts because of people like you that I can not only continue to do my job, but do it well!","fullyFundedDate":1744033078501,"projectUrl":"project/lets-hear-it/9107913/","projectTitle":"Lets Hear It!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anastasi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1996270_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1465865768956","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1996270"},{"teacherId":9895427,"projectId":9062683,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support through DonorsChoose, our project \"Building Champions: Empowering Student-Athletes On and Off The Court\" has had a powerful and immediate impact on our students. With the new basketballs, coaching board, and practice pennies, our athletes dove into their season with enthusiasm and pride. From the moment the equipment arrived, the energy in the gym shifted—students were buzzing with excitement, eager to try out the new gear. It was more than just materials—it was validation that their growth and teamwork matter. One of my favorite moments was seeing a student confidently use the coaching board to lead his team through a new play, a clear sign of leadership blossoming. \r\n\r\nThe photos shared captures this energy perfectly—our athletes are in motion, focused, and working together during free-throw drills, something we've been able to do consistently now that we have the right tools. The pennies made organizing teams easy and professional, and the quality basketballs allowed every student to stay engaged in skill development. These resources elevated our practices and games, but more importantly, they boosted the students' sense of identity as a team. Many students expressed how \"real\" it felt to have proper gear—some even said it made them feel like champions already.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're carrying this momentum into our \"Growth Portfolio\" project, where students will reflect on both their athletic and personal development throughout the season. They'll set goals, track progress, and explore how the lessons from the court—teamwork, discipline, resilience—translate into their academic and personal lives. Thank you again for being a part of this journey. Your kindness helped us build not only skills, but confidence and community.","fullyFundedDate":1738960342610,"projectUrl":"project/building-champions-empowering-student-a/9062683/","projectTitle":"Building Champions: Empowering Student-Athletes On and Off Court","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chappell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9895427_orig.jpg?crop=626,625,x0,y91&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736964877527","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/schappell"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_61524","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":615,"numTeachers":53,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":8,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":76,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":80.3,"schoolId":61524,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sumner G Whittier School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sumner G Whittier School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/everett-public-schools/sumner-g-whittier-school/61524"}