{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Washington Writers Academy","outOfStateSupporters":35.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4481787,"projectId":9522305,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for your kindness and support in providing healthy snacks for our classroom. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in the lives of my students and has helped them learn, grow, and thrive each day.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been immediate and powerful. Students who used to struggle with attention and fatigue during lessons are now more alert and ready to participate. I have seen a noticeable improvement in focus, stamina, and overall mood. When students are full, they are not just physically satisfied, they're mentally prepared to tackle challenges, absorb new information, and stay on task. This translates directly into increased learning and academic growth. \r\n\r\nOver the past few weeks, I have had students who have shared, \"I used to feel sleepy and couldn't think right before lunch. Now I get my work done.\" Another said, \"I know you care about me when I see snacks in the classroom. I know I won't be hungry anymore.\" These small moments of comfort and encouragement add up to big changes in confidence and motivation. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped foster a sense of community and compassion in our classroom. Students are learning to share, support one another, and understand the importance of kindness. They know that there are people out there who believe in them and that they matter. Thank you again for your support. You have helped me create a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. That's a gift that lasts far beyond the school day.","fullyFundedDate":1755685754475,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-minds-with-nutritious-snacks/9522305/","projectTitle":"Fueling Minds With Nutritious Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ryder-Hill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4481787_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1496962438615","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/h-ryderhill"},{"teacherId":4481787,"projectId":9480779,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your incredible support of our classroom. Your generosity has made a tremendous difference in our learning environment and has brought joy to our daily UFLI lessons.\r\n\r\nThe dry erase markers and pocket sleeves provide an interactive, hands-on learning approach that keeps students focused and excited. With these tools, they can decode words, identify phonemes, and build sentences. The ability to erase and try again has encouraged a growth mindset, allowing students to take risks and learn from mistakes without fear. In turn, this has significantly boosted reading fluency and decoding skills. Students who once struggled to blend sounds are now reading short sentences and passages with confidence. I even have a few students who previously avoided reading aloud. These students now volunteer often and beam with pride when they complete their reading section. These moments are a direct result of the tools you helped provide-tools that turned passive reading into active exploration.\r\n\r\nAnd then there are the M&M's. Such a small treat, yet they make a big impact. We use them as part of our phonics games and as reading incentives. Whether it's matching sounds, building words, or completing reading challenges, the M&M's have added a layer of motivation and joy to our classroom. \r\n\r\nThanks to you, our classroom feels more vibrant, hopeful, and empowered. You have helped create a space where students are eager and motivated to learn. You've ensured that every student starts the day with a smile on their face and a marker in their hand. Thank you for making a difference in their lives. I am truly grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1753966968214,"projectUrl":"project/ufli-rockstars/9480779/","projectTitle":"UFLI Rockstars!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ryder-Hill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4481787_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1496962438615","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/h-ryderhill"},{"teacherId":5301112,"projectId":9022517,"letterContent":"Thank you sooo much! Our sensory table has been a hit and we haven't even been able to bring everything out yet, the year just begun and they love the kinetic sand. We wanted to start with kinetic sand before regular sand first this year because it's easier to manage, and hey can create more, and it is less of a mess. The students have been using the letter molds and number molds, burying items, and just overall building those hand muscles in the sand, we cannot wait to bring out the construction sand, the blue sand for ocean animals, and much more! Thank you so much for being so generous and helping us fund this project!","fullyFundedDate":1745707341936,"projectUrl":"project/kickoff-fun-with-kinetic-sand/9022517/","projectTitle":"Kickoff Fun with Kinetic Sand!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. M.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5301112_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645014594777","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mlovesprek"},{"teacherId":5301112,"projectId":9027449,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to our project! This block area project has helped to restock our block area and help our students to have hands on fun, be creative and explore. These magnet blocks have been easy to build with while building up the strength of their fingers. \r\nWe truly appreciate you all for giving our project life and adding to our room. The students really enjoy the shape builders and magnets. We ask them questions about what they are building and how they are building it, what materials they use. \r\nWe truly appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1746842550513,"projectUrl":"project/encouraging-the-mind-through-block-area/9027449/","projectTitle":"Encouraging the Mind Through Block Area Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. M.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5301112_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645014594777","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mlovesprek"},{"teacherId":5301112,"projectId":9311280,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing so generous and helping me to find this projects. Having take home folders ready for the students helps with communication and a way to send home their artwork. Not to mention they love the sand table playing with the sand that allows them to mold with their fingers and be creative. The rest of the prizes will help with our celebrations and gifts later on in the year and we truly appreciate you for making this happen as we love to send the students off with nice things at the end of the year. Thanks again!","fullyFundedDate":1746699552694,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school-boost/9311280/","projectTitle":"Back to School Boost","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. M.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5301112_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645014594777","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mlovesprek"},{"teacherId":9692096,"projectId":9246835,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for bringing A Little Bit of Everything to life! Your generosity means my students will have the tools, materials, and experiences that make learning more engaging and exciting.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, we can explore new activities, practice important skills, and create together in ways that simply wouldn't have been possible without this support. These resources will touch so many little hands and hearts, and I know my students will feel the love and encouragement behind them.\r\n\r\nYour kindness reminds me why I love teaching so much—it's about building a community that believes in our kids and their potential. Thank you for believing in us!","fullyFundedDate":1746658019809,"projectUrl":"project/a-little-bit-of-everything-for-big-learn/9246835/","projectTitle":"A Little Bit of Everything for Big Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thibodeau","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9692096_orig.jpg?crop=565,565,x99,y115&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726010349490","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-thibodeau"},{"teacherId":8853871,"projectId":7231045,"letterContent":"The moment the supplies arrived, my students' eyes lit up with excitement. I still remember how one student shouted, \"yay\" as we unpacked the boxes. They couldn't believe that people they'd never met had given them tools to help them learn and grow.\r\n\r\nWe've already put these resources to great use! They have been enjoying playing with these centers these couple of years during our math rotations. My students were able to collaborate, problem-solve, and express themselves in ways we simply couldn't before. \r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in us and for making a difference in our learning journey!","fullyFundedDate":1678727715919,"projectUrl":"project/math-games-for-first-grade/7231045/","projectTitle":"Math Games for First Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nguyen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8853871_orig.jpg?crop=1226,1226,x0,y572&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669401566920","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8853871"},{"teacherId":5301112,"projectId":9051798,"letterContent":"I truly want to thank you for the donations and helping us to fund this project. It is always important to me that my students have resources that help show diversity and a piece of themselves in the classroom. Exposure to different skin tones, culture, and traditions are very important as well. This helps my students to realize that we do look different and there is a reason for that, however we have many similarities as well. Everyone is important and deserves to be celebrated and loved. The students love playing with the families at the doll house, creating faces, and reading about different cultures. Thank you all again so much!","fullyFundedDate":1742767011917,"projectUrl":"project/we-all-belong-here-diversity-and-inclus/9051798/","projectTitle":"We All Belong Here, Diversity and Inclusion!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. M.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5301112_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645014594777","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mlovesprek"},{"teacherId":4481787,"projectId":9303597,"letterContent":"I can't say thank you enough for helping our classroom get more books. A classroom library is more than just shelves filled with books; it is a place of discovery, curiosity, and inspiration. Thanks to your kindness, my students now have access to a wide variety of books that engage their minds and spark their creativity. Whether it's a story about adventure, a book that teaches valuable life lessons, or an introduction to new cultures and ideas, each book has opened doors to countless possibilities for my young readers.\r\n\r\nReading is one of the most important skills a child can develop. It enhances comprehension, strengthens vocabulary, and builds confidence in communication. But beyond the academic benefits, reading also provides joy, comfort, and empowerment. Through these books, students are able to see themselves reflected in stories, learn about the world beyond their own experiences, and develop empathy for others. Your generosity has ensured that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to explore these invaluable lessons.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your generosity and commitment to fostering a love for reading. Your support means the world to my students, and we are beyond grateful for everything you have done for us. Because of you, our classroom library is not just a collection of books—it is a place of wonder, excitement, and endless possibilities.","fullyFundedDate":1746580854650,"projectUrl":"project/a-love-of-reading-makes-the-biggest-impa/9303597/","projectTitle":"A Love of Reading Makes the Biggest Impact","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ryder-Hill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4481787_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1496962438615","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/h-ryderhill"},{"teacherId":4481787,"projectId":9303775,"letterContent":"I can't say thank you enough for helping us get some new books into our classroom library. Your generosity has provided my students with access to new worlds, exciting adventures, and invaluable learning experiences. Books are more than just pages with words—they are windows into knowledge, imagination, and discovery. Thanks to you, my students will continue to have the opportunity to develop a lifelong love for reading. \r\n\r\nListening to my students beg to have partner and independent reading time is truly amazing. They excitedly choose books and can't wait to get started. These moments are priceless, and they are all possible because of your kindness. Your generosity has created an environment where students feel encouraged to read, discuss, and embrace the magic of storytelling.\r\n\r\nThank you again for igniting my student's curiosity and expanding their young minds beyond the 4-walls of our classroom. You are very much appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1746569851353,"projectUrl":"project/a-love-of-reading-makes-the-biggest-impa/9303775/","projectTitle":"A Love of Reading Makes the Biggest Impact (2)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ryder-Hill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4481787_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1496962438615","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/h-ryderhill"},{"teacherId":4481787,"projectId":9186483,"letterContent":"I can't say thank you enough for helping my classroom of little learners get the supplies they needed to learn, grow, and succeed. The pencils, glue sticks, sticky notes, and markers have each played a role in enriching their academic experiences in the classroom. Many students rely on these supplies to complete their work, participate in activities, and express their creativity. Your generosity has ensured that every child in our classroom has what they need to feel confident and prepared each day.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, our classroom is a place of encouragement and opportunity. You have helped create an environment where students feel empowered, respected, and ready to explore new ideas. Your donations are more than just supplies—they are the foundation for learning, the tools for growth, and the encouragement that every child needs.\r\n\r\nAgain, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting our classroom and helping my students thrive. Your generosity means the world, and we are deeply grateful that you took the time out of your busy day to ensure that we have the tools needed for success. You are the definition of a true classroom hero.","fullyFundedDate":1742943458928,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-find-our-supplies/9186483/","projectTitle":"Help Us Find Our Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ryder-Hill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4481787_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1496962438615","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/h-ryderhill"},{"teacherId":4481787,"projectId":9186698,"letterContent":"I am sure you could hear the hoots and hollers from where you were at. When my students saw the boxes containing the snacks they were beyond thrilled. They came at the perfect time because our snack bucket was at an all-time critical level low.\r\n\r\nIt is so nice to know that I don't have to worry about how hungry my students are anymore. They are able to finish their activities without listening to their tummy's rumble. I can tell how much more focused they are on the task at hand and my students body language says it all. They are content. They are happy. They are not worried about being hungry because we have all these amazing snacks.\r\n\r\nOver the past few weeks, I have seen their academics soar. I have seen my students jump levels in reading. I have seen them solve math problems in their heads. All of this is possible because you took the time to believe in my students and their abilities.\r\n\r\nThere is no way that I could ever thank you enough for supporting my classroom. Your generosity made it possible for my students to learn without worrying about being hungry. Please realize how much I appreciate your kindness and willingness to help my students. I hope you know that you just made this group of first graders so incredibly happy. You rock!","fullyFundedDate":1742940924557,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-quiet-our-bellies/9186698/","projectTitle":"Help Us Quiet Our Bellies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ryder-Hill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4481787_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1496962438615","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/h-ryderhill"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_69110","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":260,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":60,"percentWhite":13,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":64.6,"schoolId":69110,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Washington Writers Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Washington Writers Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/kalamazoo-public-school-district/washington-writers-academy/69110"}
Join the 571 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Washington Writers Academy is
an urban public school
in Kalamazoo, Michigan that is part of Kalamazoo Public School District.
It serves 260 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 9.0:1.
Its teachers have had 252 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
67%
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.
Washington Writers Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
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.
Washington Writers Academy
$66,585
raised using DonorsChoose
252
projects
funded
29
teachers
funded
571
donors
31
projects
for
basic supplies
19
projects for
technology
41
projects for
books
19
projects
for
art supplies
Washington Writers Academy has received support from
369 individuals from Michigan and
202 individuals out-of-state.