{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Pontiac OLHSA Head Start","outOfStateSupporters":33.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9156061,"projectId":9099163,"letterContent":"Even though we've only been using the new STEM resources for less than a month, I can already see how much they're helping my students learn and grow. We recently used the STEM Builders to create simple machines, and the kids had a blast working together to solve problems and build different structures. They were so pumped to see how their ideas turned into real models, and they kept asking questions about how things work. These tools are going to be super helpful all year, helping students develop important skills like creative thinking, teamwork, and understanding science and engineering concepts in a fun way.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, they were full of surprise and curiosity. They eagerly reached out to touch the slime sand, paint, and playdough, and they couldn't wait to start experimenting. One student exclaimed, \"I really, really like playdough.\" Their smiles and excited voices showed how much they loved exploring with these hands-on tools. Next, we plan to use the slime sand, and playdough to learn about textures and shapes, and we'll work on a project to create colorful sculptures. I can't wait to see how these activities help my students build confidence and discover new ideas, making learning a joyful adventure for everyone.","fullyFundedDate":1746787328893,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-engineers-stem-toys-for-growing-mi/9099163/","projectTitle":"Tiny Engineers: STEM Toys for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tameka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9156061_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739895969400","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9156061"},{"teacherId":9156061,"projectId":9095497,"letterContent":"I really appreciate your amazing support! Since we got the new resources, my students and I have been having a blast learning together. The magnetic tiles have quickly become a hit; the kids enjoy building letters and numbers, which really helps them grasp these essential skills of alphabet knowledge. In a recent classroom project, they used the tiles to spell out their names and some simple words. Watching their excited faces as they created and learned was such a joyful experience. The indoor games have also been great for fostering teamwork and problem-solving, while the basketballs and ring toss set allow the kids to stay active and work on their coordination.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first laid eyes on the new materials, they were buzzing with curiosity and excitement. They dove right in, exploring each item, asking questions, and experimenting with the magnetic tiles and games. Their enthusiasm showed just how much they appreciated having new tools to aid their learning. These resources have injected so much energy and joy into our classroom, making learning even more fun for everyone.\r\n\r\nLooking forward, we plan to use these items to enhance our current lessons in literacy and math. The magnetic tiles will keep helping the kids recognize letters and numbers, while the physical activities will encourage movement and coordination. I aim to keep crafting engaging activities that support each child's growth and boost their confidence. Your support allows us to keep discovering and learning in enjoyable and meaningful ways. Thanks again for helping us create a classroom where every child can flourish.","fullyFundedDate":1746787169982,"projectUrl":"project/fun-and-games-indoor-recess-adventures/9095497/","projectTitle":"Fun and Games: Indoor Recess Adventures!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tameka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9156061_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739895969400","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9156061"},{"teacherId":9468628,"projectId":9222124,"letterContent":"As we count down the final days and months of the school year, the donated materials have become more than just supplies—they've turned into meaningful keepsakes for each student. Every child received something special to take home, a reminder of their time here. They smiled with pride, knowing the year is coming to a close, thinking about the friends they'll carry with them into the future—and those they may not see again.\r\n\r\nThe classroom is now full of drawings, letters, and keepsakes, each one saying, \"I did it.\" It's been one of the most joyful sights—seeing those smiles. Once we have our mini commencement, we'll share pictures so donors can see exactly what their generosity made possible: happy kids, lasting memories, and moments full of laughter and pride.","fullyFundedDate":1743800841954,"projectUrl":"project/class-of-2025/9222124/","projectTitle":"Class of 2025!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Maiyia Xiong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9468628_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y91&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737741744313","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9468628"},{"teacherId":9468628,"projectId":9033904,"letterContent":"My students and I used the new resources together and shared them with others in our program. One specific project we did was a science experiment involving snow. We went outside to collect snow, and the gloves and scarves provided helped us handle it safely and comfortably. The hats were especially useful to help keep our ears warm and protected from the wind so we could focus on our work without getting too cold.\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the different items provided by donors, their excitement was nonstop. They couldn't stop smiling and talking about the colors of the hats, mittens, and scarves—discussing which ones they wanted and which colors they thought were for boys or girls. The room was full of laughter, joy, and pure happiness as they tried things on and shared the moment together.\r\n\r\nAnother project I'm working on focuses on outdoor activities beyond winter, making sure the kids are ready for spring and summer too. This project will provide extra materials to support outdoor fun and hands-on learning during the warmer months, giving students even more opportunities to explore and grow outside the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1737559681559,"projectUrl":"project/warm-winter-for-all-kids/9033904/","projectTitle":"Warm Winter for all Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Maiyia Xiong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9468628_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y91&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737741744313","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9468628"},{"teacherId":9634456,"projectId":8777772,"letterContent":"with your help with the items you brought for the classroom it helped my children become more entune with their emotions. When asked they are able to say how the feel, and why they feel that way. Everyday doing message time the children sit on the rug without being asked they say which emotion they are sitting on. The rug is a great conversation piece for the children. Since receiving the items the children have learned a few sign language words, and also help the new children as I receive new students.","fullyFundedDate":1731369096879,"projectUrl":"project/emotional-support-project/8777772/","projectTitle":"Emotional Support Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thompson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9634456_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753662752391","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9634456"},{"teacherId":9733772,"projectId":8746942,"letterContent":"Thank you for your kind donations to my students. Every week the children vote on which of two books they would like to listen to at rest time. Not only does this give them a wonderful opportunity to experience new stories, but also the process of voting and counting up the votes to determine the \"winner.\" They also start to understand how graphing is done as we make our choice by putting a tally mark under the picture of the book we want to listen to.\r\n\r\nThe dry erase boards have also been enjoyed. The looks and squeals of delight when a child writes his/her name for the first time with recognizable letters are a joy to hear. Some of the children have started attempting to write the names of their classmates as well as their own.","fullyFundedDate":1735171131666,"projectUrl":"project/start-your-journey-on-the-road-to-loving/8746942/","projectTitle":"Start Your Journey on the Road to Loving to Read","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pat","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9733772_orig.jpg?crop=1264,1265,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755556275354","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9733772"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_120421","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":63,"percentWhite":15,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":14,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"US Census Data for the surrounding geographic area","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"Census ZCTA","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":66.7,"schoolId":120421,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Pontiac OLHSA Head Start on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Pontiac OLHSA Head Start","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/office-of-head-start/pontiac-head-start-early-head-start/120421"}
Join the 81 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Pontiac OLHSA Head Start is
a public school
in Pontiac, Michigan that is part of Office of Head Start.
Its teachers have had 26 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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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: US Census Data for the surrounding geographic area
81%
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.
Pontiac OLHSA Head Start Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 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.
Pontiac OLHSA Head Start
$14,927
raised using DonorsChoose
26
projects
funded
12
teachers
funded
81
donors
2
projects
for
basic supplies
4
projects
for
art supplies
Pontiac OLHSA Head Start has received support from
54 individuals from Michigan and
27 individuals out-of-state.