{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Whittier Traditional Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":61.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9063407,"projectId":9268803,"letterContent":"We've been using the new resources in daily practices and team-building activities that focus not only on skill development but also on sportsmanship and leadership. One memorable activity was our \"Team Challenge Week,\" where students rotated through drills emphasizing communication and trust. Watching them encourage one another and celebrate small successes showed just how much ownership they feel over their learning and growth.\r\n\r\nNow that our team has the right tools, we're setting new goals. Our next step is to start a student-led fitness and strategy project, where players create short training plans and reflective journals to track progress. This combines health education with math and writing, helping students connect athletic effort to academic skills.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our students aren't just playing basketball — they're learning teamwork, discipline, and self-confidence that carry far beyond the game.","fullyFundedDate":1746787415054,"projectUrl":"project/hoop-for-growth/9268803/","projectTitle":"Hoop For Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hickman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9063407_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y312&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737062521868","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9063407"},{"teacherId":835199,"projectId":9085913,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a few minutes to thank you for your donation to our classroom. Our students have been so engaged with the seeds and plants. The combination of having live plants and seeds to grow has been perfect. Sometimes, planting seeds is too slow a process for students, so having live plants to care for while they wait for their seeds to grow was amazing. In addition, since a few of our live plants didn't \"make it,\" having the joy of new seeds sprouting has taken off a bit of that sting. \r\n\r\nThis process has been fascinating for our learners, as we have explored not only what helps plants grow and thrive, but also how sometimes events beyond our control (like slow shipping) can impact our situations. Our less hardy plants were not able to survive the slower shipping, but most of them did, and that's okay. It gave us an excellent opportunity to discuss how we handle disappointment and what we can do instead, such as doing our best with the plants that survived the trip. \r\n\r\nMy students have really enjoyed taking care of their plants, watering them, and drawing them. We have learned a lot of vocabulary about the plant life cycle. Thank you for your generosity in providing us with this opportunity. You bless us.","fullyFundedDate":1741099904606,"projectUrl":"project/english-language-learners-need-gardening/9085913/","projectTitle":"English Language Learners Need Gardening Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jensen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp835199_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1501159126931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jensen"},{"teacherId":835199,"projectId":9070983,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for these donations to our school ticket store (Pride Store). The students are so excited to see these new additions to the store and have been so excited to shop for new items with their Pride tickets. It is so motivating for the learners to see their positive actions translate into tangible rewards. \r\n\r\nSome of the comments that we heard from our older students included: \r\n\"I want to buy one of those slap bracelets for my little sister!\"\r\n\r\n\"There are so many colors [of nail polish] to choose from. I can't decide.\"\r\n\r\n\"They finally have soccer balls!\"\r\n\r\nBecause we have so many students who speak other languages - some of the comments were between students in Swahili and Spanish - but you could tell by the excitement in their voices that they were very happy to see the new additions to the ticket store. It was a definite hit. You have blessed us with these new rewards, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1741099905209,"projectUrl":"project/stock-our-pride-store-rewards-that-ins/9070983/","projectTitle":"Stock Our PRIDE Store: Rewards That Inspire Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jensen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp835199_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1501159126931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jensen"},{"teacherId":835199,"projectId":8633875,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for the small snacks you provided for our students to fulfill their basic need of food throughout the school day. For many of our students, these snacks provide security and comfort. They know that they will have enough to keep them going until we provide them with another lunch - because there may not be a dinner waiting for them at home. \r\n\r\nWe know that students cannot focus on learning when they are hungry or worried about when they will eat again. Thank you for helping us to fill these gaps. You are such a blessing for our young learners. Without you, our students would not be as successful. You are amazing. Thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1737219272156,"projectUrl":"project/english-language-learners-need-small-sna/8633875/","projectTitle":"English Language Learners Need Small Snacks to Stay Motivated","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jensen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp835199_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1501159126931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jensen"},{"teacherId":5483432,"projectId":8610821,"letterContent":"Thank you again, for your generosity in supporting my class with providing snacks, cleaning supplies and a printer. The students all enjoy being able to take brain breaks and having a healthy snack to enjoy makes it all better. \r\n\r\nI enjoy watching the students wait at the printer to make copies of their work to take home to show their parents the progress they've made towards their goals as well as the work they've completed. \r\n\r\nWithout your help, I would've had to purchase additional snacks and cleaning supplies for my class and give without a printer for the class.","fullyFundedDate":1733283340307,"projectUrl":"project/clean-class-and-healthy-snacks/8610821/","projectTitle":"Clean Class and Healthy Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Edwards","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5483432_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715188978705","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5483432"},{"teacherId":5492654,"projectId":8774583,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations! My students were so excited when we popped open those new cans of play-doh. We typically use play-doh to practice writing music notation, but it also serves as a wonderful way to celebrate our concerts with creativity and free play. I wish you could have seen the kids' faces as they were building with the play-doh.\r\n\r\nI was personally excited for the printer paper. In our building, we have to provide many of our own office supplies, including paper. With this, I was able to set up the piano folders for my 4-6 grade piano students. We couldn't run our classroom without people like you. Thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1733265139808,"projectUrl":"project/stock-us-up/8774583/","projectTitle":"Stock Us Up!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hale","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5492654_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y154&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697037194798","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/caitlin-thompson"},{"teacherId":4990091,"projectId":9055089,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in funding our school ticket store for our students. Your contribution has had a significant and positive impact on their behavior, helping create a more focused, respectful, and motivated learning environment. \r\n\r\nWhen students were shown the the available items, it became an immediate source of excitement and encouragement for the students. By earning tickets for positive behaviors, such as good attendance, teamwork, and completing assignments, students found themselves more motivated to make responsible choices and contribute to the classroom community. They began to recognize that their actions, both big and small, had tangible rewards instilling a sense of accountability and pride. \r\n\r\nWe noticed that students were more focused on their studies, as they understood that consistent, positive behavior directly influenced their ability to \"purchase\" rewards. This shift in mindset not only made the classroom environments more productive but also fostered a sense of fairness and trust between the students and teachers. It has also provided opportunities for students to make choices and practice decision making skills. Whether they chose school supplies, books, or other fun incentives, the empowered them to weigh options and think critically about how to spend their earned tickets. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has allowed us to create a positive, motivation environment that fosters better behavior and promotes healthy learning atmosphere for all students. The success of the tickets store has been amazing and we are thrilled to see the change in our students. \r\nThank you again for your support. You have helped to cultivate a more positive, respectful, and engaging space for our students to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1737389118880,"projectUrl":"project/lion-pride-school-incentives/9055089/","projectTitle":"Lion Pride School Incentives!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nelson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4990091"},{"teacherId":9652499,"projectId":8790711,"letterContent":"Our school sincerely thanks you for your support of our school ticket store/reward system. Your donations have a huge impact on both the students and the overall school environment. The rewards motivate the students to be engaged and work hard. They also provide a sense of accomplishment for the kids and promote positive behavior. They encourage teamwork, respect, and personal responsibility. \r\n\r\nYour contribution truly makes a difference for our school! \r\nThank you so much,\r\nMrs. Gabriel\r\nESL teacher\r\nWhittier Elementary","fullyFundedDate":1735925347450,"projectUrl":"project/lion-pride-school-incentives/8790711/","projectTitle":"Lion Pride School Incentives!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gabriel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9652499_orig.jpg?crop=397,397,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760705860974","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9652499"},{"teacherId":835199,"projectId":8388383,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a few moments to thank you for your donation of fresh fruits and vegetables for my students. It was such a treat for my students to have these each week in our classroom for the first semester this year. My students looked forward to \"fruit day\" each week and were so excited about the snack at the end of the day. \r\n\r\nThe students' excitement for this snack really highlighted for me the continual blessing that DonorsChoose is for our learners. This experience wouldn't have been possible for my students without the generosity of people like you. We know that these experiences are special for our students - having strawberries was such a delight for them - and you provided that for them. \r\n\r\nYou are a blessing, feeding our learners, literally and emotionally. Thank you for all you do for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1724628447603,"projectUrl":"project/english-language-learners-need-fresh-fru/8388383/","projectTitle":"English Language Learners Need FRESH Fruits/Vegetables to Focus Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jensen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp835199_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1501159126931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jensen"},{"teacherId":4990091,"projectId":8825212,"letterContent":"I want to express my sincere gratitude for your thought for donation that provided us Cheez-Its for our classroom. Your generosity has made a meaningful impact on our students' daily learning experience. \r\n\r\nHaving these snacks readily available has not only provided a much needed boost of energy during our bust school days but has also helped create a more focused and positive learning environment. Whether it's a quick snack during a break or a treat before an afternoon lesson, these Cheez-Its have brought smiles to my students' faces and allowed them to stay engaged and ready to learn. \r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped foster a sense of care and community in our classroom, and we are so appreciative of your support. Thank you for making a difference in our Whittier students' day!","fullyFundedDate":1727294443133,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials-shipment-2024-09-2/8825212/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials Shipment: 2024-09-25","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nelson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4990091"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_77137","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":359,"numTeachers":32,"percentFrplEligible":93,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":39,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":39,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"11.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":38.5,"schoolId":77137,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Whittier Traditional Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Whittier Traditional Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/missouri/kansas-city-school-district-33/whittier-traditional-elementary-school/77137"}
Join the 598 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Whittier Traditional Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Kansas City, Missouri that is part of Kansas City School District 33.
It serves 359 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.2:1.
Its teachers have had 297 projects funded 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.
Whittier Traditional Elementary School Demographics
93%
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
90%
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.
Whittier Traditional Elementary School 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.
Whittier Traditional Elementary School
$140,545
raised using DonorsChoose
297
projects
funded
39
teachers
funded
598
donors
43
projects
for
basic supplies
23
projects for
technology
41
projects for
books
10
projects
for
art supplies
Whittier Traditional Elementary School has received support from
230 individuals from Missouri and
368 individuals out-of-state.