{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Southwood Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":25.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9443140,"projectId":8270573,"letterContent":"I am writing with a full heart to thank you for your generous contribution that allowed us to purchase a mini fridge for our Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) classroom. While a fridge may seem like a small addition, it has already become an essential tool that is making daily life and learning much smoother for my students. Your support has created meaningful opportunities for independence, life skills practice, and comfort in our classroom, and I would love to share some of the ways we are putting it to use.\r\n\r\nFrom the very first day we brought the fridge into the classroom, my students were captivated. Their faces lit up with excitement as they explored opening and closing the door, organizing items inside, and even practicing turning the temperature dial with supervision. For many of my students, routines and consistency are key, and the fridge has become a part of our daily rhythm. They eagerly check it each morning to make sure snacks, drinks, and lunches are ready and stored properly. One student in particular, who often struggles with transitions, has found comfort in the routine of helping put items in the fridge when he arrives each day. This simple responsibility has given him pride and a sense of ownership.\r\n\r\nThe fridge has also been a wonderful tool for teaching life skills. We have started a \"snack time project\" where students practice requesting food using their communication devices or verbal language. They learn how to open the fridge, select their snack, and clean up afterward. This small routine builds independence and provides opportunities for practicing both communication and fine motor skills. Recently, one student who is usually hesitant to use verbal speech surprised us all by clearly asking for his juice from the fridge. The joy on his face—and the applause from his classmates—was a moment I will never forget.\r\n\r\nBeyond snack time, we are incorporating the fridge into larger projects. For example, in our upcoming \"Healthy Habits\" unit, students will practice preparing simple, healthy snacks such as fruit cups and yogurt parfaits. They will learn how to store ingredients safely, follow step-by-step instructions, and share their creations with classmates. The fridge is a critical piece of this project, and I am so excited to watch my students gain confidence in their ability to prepare and manage food. These skills will serve them well beyond the classroom and into their daily lives at home and in the community.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, my goal is to expand these lessons into more structured cooking and independent living activities. With your support, the mini fridge has opened the door to authentic, hands-on experiences that give my students the chance to practice real-world skills in a safe and supportive environment.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students, their families, and myself, thank you again for your generosity. This mini fridge is far more than an appliance—it is a tool for growth, independence, and joy. You have given my students opportunities they would not have had otherwise, and I am deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1710780743266,"projectUrl":"project/fridge-for-healthy-snacks/8270573/","projectTitle":"Fridge for Healthy Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Youngs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9443140_orig.jpg?crop=534,534,x25,y92&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705859794930","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9443140"},{"teacherId":9443140,"projectId":8166529,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who generously donated supplies for my classroom serving students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Your kindness, thoughtfulness, and willingness to give have already made a meaningful impact, and I am so grateful for the difference you are helping create in the lives of my students.\r\n\r\nAs many of you know, teaching students with autism requires creativity, flexibility, and a wide range of resources. Each child has their own unique strengths, challenges, and ways of learning. Having access to the right tools—whether it's sensory materials, organizational supplies, communication supports, or basic classroom essentials—means that I can create an environment where every student feels comfortable, understood, and capable of success. Thanks to your donations, my classroom is now stocked with items that will help my students stay engaged, regulate their emotions, and focus on learning.\r\n\r\nYour contributions go far beyond pencils, folders, or sensory toys. Every supply you have given represents an opportunity: an opportunity for a student to practice communication, to calm down after feeling overwhelmed, or to take pride in completing a task independently. These small moments add up to tremendous growth, and your generosity has played a direct role in making them possible.\r\n\r\nWhat has touched me most is that your support shows my students that they are not alone. They are surrounded by a community that believes in them and wants them to succeed. Many of my students face daily challenges that most people never see, and knowing that others care enough to provide resources for their education is an incredible encouragement—not just for them, but for their families and for me as their teacher.\r\n\r\nI also want you to know that your donations ease the burden that many teachers carry when trying to provide for their classrooms. Educators often spend their own time and money to ensure their students have what they need. Your generosity not only provides essential resources for my students but also reminds me that I am not doing this work alone. You are partners in this journey, and your support renews my energy and commitment to giving my students the best educational experience possible.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, I am excited to put these supplies to use in creative ways—setting up new learning centers, introducing calming strategies with sensory items, and ensuring my classroom stays organized and welcoming. I know my students will thrive in this enriched environment, and I will make sure to share their successes, big and small, because you have played an important role in them.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students, their families, and myself, thank you again for your generosity, kindness, and belief in the importance of supporting children with autism. 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Southwood Elementary School

Join the 85 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

Southwood Elementary School is a suburban public school in Grand Rapids, Michigan that is part of Kentwood Public School District. It serves 302 students in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.8:1. Its teachers have had 16 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades K - 5

302 Students

18 Teachers

630 66th St SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49548 View local requests

http://www.kentwoodps.org

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Southwood Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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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.

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Southwood Elementary School Demographics

84%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

46%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Southwood Elementary School 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.

Southwood Elementary School

$7,884

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

donors

project for art supplies

Southwood Elementary School has received support from 63 individuals from Michigan and 22 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Southwood Elementary School

About this school

Equity Focus School

Southwood Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Southwood Elementary School Demographics

Southwood Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

Southwood Elementary School

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.