{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Detroit Innovation Academy","outOfStateSupporters":43.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10203600,"letterContent":"Squeeze, Shape, Learn: Play-Doh Power in First Grade Centers!\" will have a lasting impact on my first grade students by providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences that strengthen both academic and developmental skills. Through Play-Doh centers, students will build fine motor strength needed for writing, cutting, and everyday classroom tasks while also practicing important literacy and math concepts in a fun and meaningful way. \r\n\r\nMy students will use Play-Doh to form letters, build sight words, create numbers and shapes, and model their thinking during center time. These tactile activities help make learning more concrete for young learners, especially students who benefit from hands-on and sensory-rich instruction. Research and classroom experience show that activities involving squeezing, rolling, pinching, and shaping help improve hand-eye coordination and prepare students for stronger handwriting skills.\r\n\r\nThis project will also support creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Students will work together, share materials, problem-solve, and express themselves through imaginative play. Many of my students come from a Title I school environment and may not have access to these kinds of educational materials at home, so having these resources in our classroom ensures every child can participate in joyful, engaging learning opportunities. \r\n\r\nWith donor support, my classroom centers will become exciting spaces where students can squeeze, shape, explore, and learn every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1778110903527,"projectUrl":"project/squeeze-shape-learn-play-doh-power-in/10203600/","projectTitle":"Squeeze, Shape, Learn: Play-Doh Power in First Grade Centers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10204122,"letterContent":"\"Phonics Power: Building Strong Readers One Sound at a Time!\" will give my first grade students the foundational phonics skills they need to become confident, successful readers. Many of my students are still developing letter-sound recognition, blending, decoding, and fluency skills. With engaging hands-on phonics materials, decodable readers, literacy games, and interactive learning tools, students will receive the targeted practice they need to strengthen early reading abilities.\r\n\r\nThis project will create meaningful opportunities for students to practice reading in fun and exciting ways while building confidence and independence. Strong phonics instruction helps students decode unfamiliar words, improve comprehension, and develop a lifelong love for reading. These resources will especially benefit my struggling readers by providing multisensory learning experiences that support different learning styles and help close learning gaps.\r\n\r\nThe impact of this project will extend beyond the classroom. As students become stronger readers, they will gain confidence across all subject areas, improve classroom participation, and build the skills needed for long-term academic success. Your support will help lay the foundation for a future filled with literacy, confidence, and achievement for every child in my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1778076579032,"projectUrl":"project/phonics-power-building-strong-readers-o/10204122/","projectTitle":"Phonics Power: Building Strong Readers One Sound at a Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10204139,"letterContent":"\"Words to Sentences: Building Strong Readers & Writers Through Literacy\" will have a powerful impact on my first grade students by giving them engaging, hands-on literacy materials that strengthen foundational reading and writing skills. These resources will help students move from recognizing individual words to confidently reading complete sentences and expressing their ideas through writing.\r\n\r\nMany of my students are still developing early literacy skills and need extra support with phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and sentence building. With these materials, students will have opportunities to practice reading in meaningful and exciting ways that build both confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nThis project will create a classroom environment where literacy feels fun, interactive, and achievable for every child. As students grow stronger readers and writers, they will also grow in self-esteem, communication skills, and overall academic success. Your support will help nurture a love for reading that can positively impact their future for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping them build the skills they need to become successful lifelong learners","fullyFundedDate":1778073428236,"projectUrl":"project/words-to-sentences-building-strong-read/10204139/","projectTitle":"Words to Sentences: Building Strong Readers & Writers Through Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10180569,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our Little Astronomers project! Your generosity is bringing STEM and storytelling to life in my first grade classroom.\r\n\r\nWith these resources, students are exploring space through engaging books and hands-on learning. They are building vocabulary, strengthening reading skills, and developing curiosity about planets, stars, and the world beyond Earth. These experiences help make learning meaningful and memorable.\r\n\r\nAs a Title I classroom, many of my students have limited access to books and science materials at home. Your support ensures that every child has the opportunity to explore, learn, and succeed.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students are becoming confident learners, curious thinkers, and true \"Little Astronomers.\" Thank you for helping them reach for the stars! Thank you once again!!!!","fullyFundedDate":1776445086620,"projectUrl":"project/little-astronomers-exploring-space-thro/10180569/","projectTitle":"Little Astronomers: Exploring Space Through STEM & Storytelling!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10173911,"letterContent":"My first graders learn best through hands-on, engaging experiences. This project will transform our classroom into an interactive learning space where students can explore literacy, math, science, and social studies in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nWith these materials, students will actively build, create, and problem-solve, helping them better understand key concepts. In literacy, they will strengthen reading and writing skills. In math, hands-on tools will support number sense and problem-solving. In science and social studies, students will explore the world and develop curiosity about different places and cultures.\r\n\r\nAs a Title I classroom, many of my students have limited access to these types of resources outside of school. This project helps ensure all students have equal opportunities to succeed while building confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nThese materials will be used daily to support learning, collaboration, and creativity. Most importantly, they will help my students grow into confident learners, independent readers, and curious \"World Explorers.\"\r\n\r\nYour support will spark excitement, build essential skills, and create lasting learning experiences for every child. Thank you for helping my students shine!","fullyFundedDate":1775164576103,"projectUrl":"project/shining-stars-world-explorers-hands-o/10173911/","projectTitle":"Shining Stars & World Explorers: Hands-On Learning for First Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10089538,"letterContent":"Your support will make a meaningful difference in my first-grade classroom by providing students with the tools they need to succeed. Many of my students face challenges that impact their learning, and access to engaging, hands-on materials helps bridge that gap.\r\n\r\nWith these resources, students will build essential skills in reading, writing, and math while staying motivated and confident. They will have opportunities to explore, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning in a supportive environment.\r\n\r\nIn a Title I classroom, these materials are especially important, as many students may not have similar resources at home. Your generosity ensures that every child has an equal opportunity to grow and succeed.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students' futures and helping them develop a lifelong love of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1773925784878,"projectUrl":"project/build-spell-count-magnetic-learning-f/10089538/","projectTitle":"Build, Spell, Count! Magnetic Learning for Math & Literacy Centers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10174456,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our classroom! Because of you, my first-grade students now have access to engaging, predictable books that are helping them grow into confident readers.\r\n\r\nThese books have made a huge difference in our daily learning. The repetition and familiar patterns help students recognize words, build fluency, and improve comprehension. Many of my students who once felt unsure about reading are now excited to participate and read aloud with confidence.\r\n\r\nThe joy these books bring is truly special. My classroom is now filled with laughter, engagement, and a love for reading. Students look forward to reading time, and they are eager to share stories with their peers. They are not only learning important literacy skills, but they are also developing a lifelong love of books.\r\n\r\nYour support has also helped ensure that all of my students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality reading materials. You are helping to create equal opportunities for success.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a lasting impact on my students' learning and confidence. Your generosity means so much","fullyFundedDate":1775078192498,"projectUrl":"project/laugh-read-repeat-predictable-books/10174456/","projectTitle":"“Laugh, Read, Repeat: Predictable Books for Powerful Readers”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10089004,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a vibrant space where learning truly comes alive. The materials you provided through the \"Bright Colors, Big Ideas in First Grade\" project have made an immediate and meaningful impact on my students.\r\n\r\nWith fresh supplies like crayons, markers, and engaging learning tools, my students are more excited than ever to participate. Something as simple as having their own bright, new materials has boosted their confidence and pride in their work. They are eager to write, draw, and share their ideas, which has strengthened both their creativity and academic skills.\r\n\r\nThese resources have also allowed me to create more interactive and hands-on lessons. Students are now fully engaged during literacy and math centers, collaborating with one another, and thinking more deeply. I have seen growth not only in their academic abilities, but also in their independence and willingness to take risks in their learning.\r\n\r\nMany of my students come from backgrounds where access to school supplies is limited. Because of you, they now have the tools they need to feel successful and included. Your support has helped create an equitable learning environment where every child has the opportunity to shine.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, you have reminded my students that there are people who care about them and believe in their future. That feeling alone is powerful and lasting.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping us turn bright colors into even brighter ideas!","fullyFundedDate":1775078189071,"projectUrl":"project/bright-colors-big-ideas-in-first-grade/10089004/","projectTitle":"Bright Colors, Big Ideas in First Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10135740,"letterContent":"This project has made a meaningful impact on both the learning and engagement of my first grade students. With these hands-on literacy tools and essential supplies, students are more actively involved in their learning and better able to build foundational skills.\r\n\r\nThe Touch & Read Vowel Sounds Match and Sight-Word Sentence Match activities have strengthened students' phonics and reading skills. By touching, matching, and reading words, students are making stronger connections between sounds and text. I have seen growth in their ability to decode words, recognize sight words, and read sentences with greater confidence. Students who once struggled are now more willing to participate and take risks.\r\n\r\nThe dry erase markers have increased engagement during lessons. Every student can now respond using their own whiteboard, allowing for full participation and quick checks for understanding. This has made instruction more interactive and effective across subjects.\r\n\r\nThe Crayola crayons ensure that all students have access to quality materials for coloring and writing tasks. This supports fine motor development and helps students take pride in their work.\r\n\r\nOverall, these materials have created a more engaging, supportive classroom where students feel confident and excited to learn. As a Title I classroom, this project has helped provide equitable access to the tools my students need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1773870559602,"projectUrl":"project/batty-about-reading-building-fluency-wi/10135740/","projectTitle":"Batty About Reading: Building Fluency With Nonfiction","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10154315,"letterContent":"This project has made a meaningful and lasting impact on my first grade classroom by strengthening early literacy skills, increasing student engagement, and building confidence in young learners.\r\n\r\nThe Learn to Read Levels A–B books have been especially powerful in helping my students develop foundational reading skills. These books provide beginning readers with texts that are appropriate for their level, allowing them to practice decoding, build fluency, and recognize high-frequency \"heart words.\" Before having access to these books, many students felt frustrated when reading because the material was too difficult. Now, they are excited to pick up books they can successfully read. I have seen a noticeable increase in student confidence, participation, and willingness to read independently and aloud. Students who once hesitated are now eager to share their reading with peers and teachers.\r\n\r\nThe MAGNA-TILES microMAGS letter set has transformed how students engage with phonics and word-building activities. Instead of simply writing words on paper, students are now able to physically build and manipulate letters to form words. This hands-on approach has made learning more interactive and meaningful. Students are more engaged during small group instruction and centers, and they are better able to understand letter-sound relationships. I have observed improved retention of phonics skills, as well as increased collaboration among students as they work together to build and read words.","fullyFundedDate":1773842986298,"projectUrl":"project/groovy-readers-pete-the-cat-comes-to-fi/10154315/","projectTitle":"Groovy Readers: Pete the Cat Comes to First Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":9959498,"letterContent":"During reading instruction, colorful charts and materials support phonics, sight words, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Students are able to clearly see patterns, examples, and strategies displayed around the room. Having student work showcased on bright paper has also boosted confidence and pride. Students light up when they see their work displayed, and it encourages them to put forth their best effort. This sense of ownership helps build a positive classroom culture where learning is celebrated.\r\n\r\nIn math, the impact has been just as meaningful. Bright visuals are used to model number bonds, math strategies, and problem-solving steps. Color helps students organize their thinking and distinguish between different parts of a problem. For students who need visual support, these materials make abstract math concepts more concrete and accessible. I've seen increased participation, stronger explanations, and greater willingness to try challenging problems.","fullyFundedDate":1767647055255,"projectUrl":"project/bright-colors-bright-minds-in-the-class/9959498/","projectTitle":"Bright Colors, Bright Minds in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10060568,"letterContent":"Learning to read is one of the most important milestones in a child's educational journey, and first grade is a pivotal year in building the skills and confidence that set the foundation for lifelong learning. Thanks to the generosity of donors, my students now have access to engaging reading materials and literacy tools that are making a powerful difference in our classroom. These resources have truly created a big impact for our little readers.\r\nBeyond skill development, this project has helped create a positive reading culture in our classroom. Students celebrate their progress, encourage one another, and see reading as something to enjoy rather than avoid. Many students now choose to read during free time and express pride in their growth. This shift in mindset is just as important as academic improvement.","fullyFundedDate":1769812174550,"projectUrl":"project/little-readers-big-impact/10060568/","projectTitle":"Little Readers, Big Impact","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_104822","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":335,"numTeachers":13,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":98,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"25.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":56.9,"schoolId":104822,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Detroit Innovation Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Detroit Innovation Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/michigan-department-of-education/detroit-innovation-academy/104822"}