{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Whittier International School","outOfStateSupporters":34.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":9937831,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Black History Month Celebration Costumes project. Because of you, our students were able to fully step into their roles during Black History: Music that Changed America. During rehearsals, students representing different musical eras used the costumes to better understand how fashion, performance style, and cultural identity connected to the history we studied. \r\n\r\nWhen the costumes arrived, students were excited and immediately began talking about which era they would represent. The clothing sparked curiosity, confidence, and deeper discussion about the artists and movements behind the music. Students extended this learning by writing reflections and researching additional musicians who influenced social change. Thank you for helping us create a meaningful experience that brought history, culture, and student voice to life.","fullyFundedDate":1768772436891,"projectUrl":"project/black-history-month-celebration-costumes/9937831/","projectTitle":"Black History Month Celebration Costumes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":9921022,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Black Music Through History project. Because of you, our students were able to fully bring their Black History Month performance to life with meaningful costumes and props. During rehearsals, something shifted when students put on the outfits representing their musical era. They stood taller, moved with more confidence, and embodied the artists they had studied. One powerful moment came when a group performing music from the Civil Rights era connected their choreography to the message of freedom and resilience, explaining how music gave people strength during times of injustice.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the costumes and props, their excitement was immediate. They eagerly tried pieces on, asked questions about the time periods, and began discussing how fashion reflected culture and identity. Many said the costumes made them \"feel like real performers,\" which deepened their connection to the history behind the music.\r\n\r\nStudent reflected on the impact of Black musicians across decades and connect those contributions to current artists and social movements. We extended this learning through writing, discussion, and analysis of how music continues to influence change today. Thank you for helping us create an experience that honored history, celebrated culture, and empowered students to express powerful stories through performance.","fullyFundedDate":1768013538125,"projectUrl":"project/black-music-through-history/9921022/","projectTitle":"Black Music Through History!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":10072971,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Stories of Resilience project. Because of you, our advanced reading groups have begun powerful novel studies with Number the Stars, Prisoner B-3087, and Refugee. Even in our first week, students have engaged in thoughtful discussions about courage, moral choices, and survival. One moment that stood out was during a small-group conversation when students compared the risks taken by characters in different historical contexts and debated what they would have done in similar situations while using evidence from the text to support their thinking.\r\n\r\nWhen students first received their own copies, they were excited and immediately began flipping through the pages, noticing chapter titles and asking questions about the characters. Having their own books for close reading made them feel trusted and ready for deeper learning. Many expressed how eager they were to read stories that \"feel real\" and tackle meaningful themes.\r\n\r\nStudents will continue building their analysis skills through literature circles, reflective writing, and cross-text comparisons of resilience across time periods. They will examine themes of identity, injustice, and moral responsibility while connecting historical events to present-day global issues. Thank you for helping us create a space where students can think critically, empathize deeply, and grow as both readers and global citizens.","fullyFundedDate":1770093762008,"projectUrl":"project/stories-of-resilience/10072971/","projectTitle":"Stories Of Resilience","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":10075482,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Expanding STEAM Learning Through Hands-On Building Materials project. Because of you, our first graders are using PicassoTiles, magnetic sticks, Brain Flakes, and building sets every week during STEAM centers. Recently, students worked in teams to design a structure that could \"withstand wind\" from a small fan. They tested, redesigned, and improved their creations. Students were thinking like true engineers while practicing collaboration and perseverance.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were beyond excited. Their eyes lit up, and they immediately began sharing ideas about what they wanted to build. Some students who are typically quiet during whole-group lessons became leaders during building time, confidently explaining their designs and problem-solving strategies.\r\n\r\nStudents connected these building challenges to our science and literacy units by designing habitats, creating story settings, and solving simple engineering problems tied to real-world themes. These materials are helping students ask questions, test ideas, and reflect on what worked and what didn't. Thank you for giving our young learners the tools to build creativity, confidence, and critical thinking skills every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1770265398528,"projectUrl":"project/expanding-steam-learning-through-hands-o/10075482/","projectTitle":"Expanding STEAM Learning Through Hands-On Building Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":10069765,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Keep Students Engaged While They Are Learning From Home project. Your generosity is helping us provide meaningful, high-quality instruction to students who are temporarily learning online due to the current political climate in Minneapolis. We are using the Teacher Pay Teachers resources to create interactive digital lessons, differentiated practice activities, and culturally responsive assignments that keep students actively engaged. One special moment occurred during a virtual lesson when students used a new interactive activity to collaborate in breakout rooms. Despite being apart, they were laughing, discussing, and fully participating.\r\n\r\nOur goal for this project is to keep students connected, confident, and engaged during an uncertain time. When students began using the new materials, they were excited by how interactive and clear the lessons felt. Many commented that the activities were \"more fun\" and easier to follow, which increased participation and completion rates. What makes our students special is their resilience. They continue to show up ready to learn, even while navigating stress and change outside of school.\r\n\r\nWe will continue incorporating collaborative projects and structured routines to maintain a sense of normalcy and connection. Thank you for helping us ensure that learning remains consistent, engaging, and supportive no matter where our students are learning.","fullyFundedDate":1769989744182,"projectUrl":"project/keep-students-engaged-while-they-are-lea/10069765/","projectTitle":"Keep Students Engaged While They Are Learning From Home","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":10046473,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Picturing the IB Learner Profile Attributes project. Because of you, our IB library now includes beautiful picture books that bring the IB Learner Profile to life in meaningful and accessible ways. We are using these books during morning meetings, read-alouds, and inquiry lessons to explore attributes like being Caring, Principled, and Open-Minded. One powerful moment happened after reading a story about a Risk-Taker. Students immediately began sharing examples of when they had tried something new, connecting the character's experience to their own lives.\r\n\r\nOur goal for this project is to help students truly see, understand, and live the IB Learner Profile Attributes in their daily actions. When the books arrived, students were excited to flip through the pages, noticing the powerful illustrations and asking thoughtful questions about the characters. What makes our students special is their curiosity and empathy. They are eager to discuss fairness, identity, kindness, and responsibility. In our diverse classroom, picture books create a safe space for every learner, including EL and SPED students, to access big ideas and join meaningful conversations.\r\n\r\nOur teachers are using these books as mentor texts during writing, reflection journals, and student-led discussions about how they are growing as global citizens. These stories will continue guiding them not just academically, but socially and ethically as well. Thank you for helping us build a classroom where students don't just learn the IB attributes. They see them, talk about them, and become them.","fullyFundedDate":1769800213290,"projectUrl":"project/picturing-the-ib-learning-profile-attrib/10046473/","projectTitle":"Picturing the IB Learning Profile Attributes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":10046449,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Hands-on Morning Tasks project. Because of you, our students now begin each day with engaging, brain-boosting activities that spark creativity, collaboration, and excitement for learning. The STEM bins are used each morning as students build, design, and problem-solve together instead of completing traditional worksheets. These materials make a powerful difference. Students practice communication, teamwork, and critical thinking while warming up their brains in meaningful ways. They are especially impactful in our diverse, multilingual IB classroom, where hands-on learning supports language development and builds confidence for all learners.\r\n\r\nOur goal for this project is to create joyful, inquiry-based mornings that motivate students to come to school excited and ready to learn. When students first saw the bins, they were thrilled. Many rushed in asking, \"What do we get to build today?\" They immediately began sharing ideas, negotiating roles, and proudly showing off their creations. What makes our students special is their imagination, resilience, and eagerness to learn, even when facing challenges outside of school.\r\n\r\nThese materials are also supporting indoor recess during long Minnesota winters, giving students positive outlets for creativity and collaboration. Thank you for helping us build a classroom where learning starts with joy, curiosity, and connection every single morning.","fullyFundedDate":1769469000924,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-morning-tasks/10046449/","projectTitle":"Hands-on Morning Tasks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":7857717,"projectId":9899367,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for such a kind and generous donation to our kindergarten classroom. When I received our puppet trees in the mail, the kindergarteners were so excited to see what they were. After I built them, they were so excited to see that they were for our puppets. \r\n\r\nMy students love puppets and love playing with puppets. We were able to fit all of our puppets in the two puppet trees. They have been able to keep our puppets so organized because of these trees. They are even discovering puppets they haven't seen because they are displayed so well.","fullyFundedDate":1769459152107,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-puppets/9899367/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Puppets","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lydia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7857717_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1685332244585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7857717"},{"teacherId":7857717,"projectId":9617732,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your kind and generous donation to our kindergarten classroom. In our kindergarten classroom, we do so many things in just one day. We do crafts, cut and paste activities, recess, etc.. All of those activities bring scraps, dirt, and wood chips and this vacuum has been a game changer.\r\n\r\nI strive to teach my kindergarten students responsibility. I always remind them that this is \"our classroom\" and we need to all work together to keep our environment tidy. We all do our part and this vacuum helps us accomplish that.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for such a generous gift.","fullyFundedDate":1755900772208,"projectUrl":"project/vacuum-our-classroom/9617732/","projectTitle":"Vacuum Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lydia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7857717_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1685332244585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7857717"},{"teacherId":7857717,"projectId":9135544,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your kind and generous donation to our kindergarten classroom. We received these two step stools in the mail and have used them every single day of school since. \r\n\r\nThe step stool under our promethean board has made participating so much more equitable. Every kid, no matter their size, is able to interact with the board when I'm teaching.\r\n\r\nThe step stool under the sink, has allowed every student easier access to the water fountain. They no longer need to stand on the tips of their toes to reach. \r\n\r\nThank you so very much for your donation.","fullyFundedDate":1745847005649,"projectUrl":"project/step-up-to-learning/9135544/","projectTitle":"Step-Up to Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lydia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7857717_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1685332244585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7857717"},{"teacherId":2606203,"projectId":9937778,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Black History: Music That Changed America project. Your generosity helped bring our students' learning to life and made our Black History Month performance truly meaningful and memorable.\r\n\r\nWe are using the costumes during rehearsals and will be using them for our final performance as students explored three major eras of music history. One special moment occurred during practice when students, dressed in clothing inspired by their assigned decade, began moving and performing with greater confidence and pride. The costumes helped them step into history, understand the cultural significance of each era, and connect emotionally to the stories of artists who used music to resist oppression and inspire change.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the costumes, their excitement was immediate. They smiled, tried them on eagerly, and began talking about how their outfits matched the music and history they were learning. Many shared that wearing the costumes made them feel like \"real performers\" and helped them better understand the time period they were representing.\r\n\r\nNext, students will build on this experience by reflecting on the role of music in social movements and connecting it to modern artists and current events. They will continue developing performance skills through movement, voice, and collaboration while deepening their understanding of Black history and cultural contributions. This project has inspired students to see themselves as storytellers and changemakers through the arts.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create an experience that honored history, celebrated culture, and empowered our students' voices. We are deeply grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1767647061285,"projectUrl":"project/black-history-music-that-changed-americ/9937778/","projectTitle":"Black History: Music that Changed America","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rudolph","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2606203_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649820541890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ashleyrudolph"},{"teacherId":5882075,"projectId":10071280,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity! The joy on my student's faces and the fun they are having engaging with the hands on social emotional learning tools is amazing! They are so excited to build with the marble run which has led to great practice with cooperative group work skills.\r\n\r\nThe snacks are keeping them fueled to engage in learning that otherwise may be difficult with a hungry feeling lingering. The healthy options I am able to offer thanks to your generosity are appealing to the kids and help with their focus and engagement. \r\n\r\nThe social emotional \"A little spot\" lessons, plushies, and books have already been a hit as we continue to explore the many emotions we feel daily and navigate how to express and manage these emotions, especially in these trying times in Minneapolis. The perfect petzzz pups join our learning time and help students feel calm. They love taking the pup with them to our take a break space and take deep breaths with the pup. Once again, your generosity to support students receiving special education services in Minneapolis is truly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1770143294109,"projectUrl":"project/essentials-for-social-emotional-learning/10071280/","projectTitle":"Essentials for Social Emotional Learning in K-2 Special Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gillard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5882075_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1537127018949","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c-crook"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_66390","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":491,"numTeachers":43,"percentFrplEligible":90,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":38,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":38,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.8,"schoolId":66390,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Whittier International School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Whittier International School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/minneapolis-public-schools/whittier-international-school/66390"}