{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Thurston Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":25.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4424891,"projectId":9812113,"letterContent":"With your incredible support, our classroom is a space where students feel empowered to manage their emotions and take ownership of their learning. Your generosity has provided my first graders with engaging self-regulation tools that they can use independently throughout the day. Rather than relying solely on adult direction, students are now learning to recognize when their bodies feel wiggly, overwhelmed, or frustrated—and they are confidently choosing a tool that helps them reset and refocus.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful outcomes has been the element of choice. Students are able to select from a variety of fidgets and sensory supports, discovering which tools work best for their individual needs. This independence builds self-awareness and confidence, helping them understand that they have the ability to calm their bodies and return to learning. Watching a seven-year-old pause, quietly choose a calming tool, and rejoin a lesson ready to participate is truly remarkable.\r\n\r\nYour support has done more than provide supplies—it has created opportunities for growth, independence, and lifelong skills. My students are learning that big feelings are manageable and that they have the power to choose strategies to refocus and succeed. Thank you for investing in their well-being and helping our classroom thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1764606394571,"projectUrl":"project/finding-our-calm-empowering-first-grade/9812113/","projectTitle":"Finding Our Calm: Empowering First Graders to Self-Regulate and Succeed","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Karr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-karr1"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_72902","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":506,"numTeachers":35,"percentFrplEligible":21,"percentAsian":28,"percentBlack":8,"percentWhite":46,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":9,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":74.7,"schoolId":72902,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Thurston Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Thurston Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/ann-arbor-public-school-district/thurston-elementary-school/72902"}
Join the 261 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Thurston Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Ann Arbor, Michigan that is part of Ann Arbor Public School District.
It serves 506 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.5:1.
Its teachers have had 65 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Public School
Grades K - 5
506 Students
35 Teachers
2300 Prairie StContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
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
42%
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.
Thurston Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated May 22, 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.
Thurston Elementary School
$33,456
raised using DonorsChoose
65
projects
funded
19
teachers
funded
261
donors
4
projects
for
basic supplies
12
projects for
technology
19
projects for
books
Thurston Elementary School has received support from
195 individuals from Michigan and
66 individuals out-of-state.
