{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Patrick Henry Downtown - Academy","outOfStateSupporters":44.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9729849,"projectId":9980992,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now have access to hands-on materials that support their most important developmental skills—fine motor strength, independence, and confidence. In our classroom, these resources are used daily during structured centers and intervention blocks to help students build the foundational skills they need for writing, self-care, and academic success. Activities like manipulating small objects, building, and using hands-on tools allow students to strengthen the muscles in their hands while staying engaged and motivated. One powerful moment was watching a student who typically avoids writing tasks independently engage with a fine motor activity, then transition to writing with greater confidence—something we have been targeting as part of their IEP goals. These materials are helping bridge the gap between skill development and academic participation.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were immediately excited and eager to explore. Many of my learners benefit from sensory-rich, hands-on experiences, and having access to these tools has made learning more accessible and enjoyable. Students were proud to take ownership of the materials, learning how to use and care for them as part of our classroom routines. For some of my students, tasks like grasping a pencil, cutting, or manipulating objects can be challenging, so these resources provide meaningful, low-stress opportunities to practice those skills in a way that feels like play. We have already seen increased engagement, improved focus, and greater willingness to attempt tasks that were previously frustrating.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue to use these materials to support both academic and life skills development. Students will apply their growing fine motor and coordination skills to writing, math manipulatives, and functional tasks such as opening containers, organizing materials, and completing classroom routines independently. We are also integrating these tools into our social-emotional learning, allowing students to build persistence, problem-solving skills, and confidence. Your support has helped create an environment where every student, regardless of ability, can access learning in a meaningful and supportive way. Thank you for investing in our students and helping them build the skills they need for success both in and out of the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1770991594808,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-needs-supporting-our/9980992/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Needs: Supporting Our Kindergarten SPED Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burgoyne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/patrickhenrysped"},{"teacherId":9729849,"projectId":9950469,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our indoor recess time has been transformed into a calm, structured, and meaningful part of our school day. Instead of unstructured downtime that can often lead to dysregulation for students with diverse needs, we now have engaging, hands-on materials that promote creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction. My students use these resources daily during indoor recess rotations, choosing from activities like building, puzzles, and cooperative games. One powerful moment was watching a student who typically struggles with peer interactions successfully work alongside a classmate to build a structure together, using language and turn-taking skills we have been targeting in their IEP. These materials have become more than just \"play\"—they are an extension of our learning, supporting fine motor development, communication, and self-regulation.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were immediately excited and eager to explore. There was a sense of ownership as they helped organize the games and learn expectations for using them. Many of my students thrive with predictable routines, and having structured indoor recess options has significantly reduced frustration and behavioral challenges. We have already seen students making more positive choices, collaborating with peers, and transitioning back to academic instruction more calmly and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are continuing to build on these skills by integrating indoor recess materials into social-emotional learning and structured group activities. Students are practicing turn-taking, problem-solving, and communication, all while building independence and confidence. We are also using these materials as part of our SPED-led inclusive activities, where students model appropriate play and social interactions for their peers across settings. Your support has helped create a classroom environment where every student has access to safe, engaging, and meaningful play—even on the days we must stay inside. Thank you for helping us create a space where students can learn, grow, and thrive in every moment of their day.","fullyFundedDate":1770989441440,"projectUrl":"project/calm-creative-indoor-recess-for-every-l/9950469/","projectTitle":"Calm, Creative Indoor Recess for Every Learner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burgoyne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/patrickhenrysped"},{"teacherId":9729849,"projectId":9950462,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a space where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn every single day. The health and hygiene supplies are not just materials—they are tools that allow our students to fully participate in learning. Many of my students receive special education services and benefit from structured routines, and these resources have become part of our daily schedule. Each morning, students independently use tissues, sanitize their hands, and clean their workspaces, building both independence and life skills. One powerful moment was watching a student who typically struggles with transitions independently grab a wipe and clean their area before beginning math—something we had been working on as part of their IEP goals. That small moment reflected growth in self-regulation, independence, and pride in their learning space.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, the excitement was immediate and genuine. Students were eager to help organize supplies and take ownership of their classroom. For many of them, having access to these basic health resources is not something they consistently experience outside of school, so it meant a lot to them to have their own space stocked with what they need. Several students commented on how \"clean\" and \"fresh\" the classroom felt, and we've seen an increase in engagement during lessons because students are more comfortable and less distracted. A clean and healthy environment truly supports their ability to focus, regulate emotions, and participate fully in instruction—something research consistently shows is essential for learning environments to be effective.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are continuing to build on this foundation by integrating health and hygiene routines into our social-emotional learning and life skills instruction. Students are practicing responsibility, independence, and self-care—skills that will support them far beyond the classroom. We are also using these materials to support group projects, collaborative learning, and our SPED-led activities where students model expectations for their peers. Your support has made it possible for our classroom to be a place where every learner—regardless of need—can feel confident, cared for, and ready to succeed. Thank you for investing in our students and helping us create a healthy, inclusive learning environment where they can truly thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1770991594571,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-classrooms-for-every-learner/9950462/","projectTitle":"Healthy Classrooms for Every Learner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burgoyne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/patrickhenrysped"},{"teacherId":9729849,"projectId":10021922,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has become a space where communication, sensory regulation, and meaningful engagement come together to support every learner. Many of my students receive special education services and benefit from hands-on, multisensory experiences to access communication and learning. These new sensory and communication tools are used daily during small group instruction, centers, and intervention blocks to support students in expressing their needs, building vocabulary, and engaging with peers. One powerful moment was watching a student who typically relies on gestures or becomes frustrated independently use a communication support during a sensory activity to request items and participate with peers. These materials are not just tools—they are opening pathways for students to find their voices and connect with others.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were immediately drawn to them and eager to explore. Sensory play naturally motivates my students, and incorporating communication into these activities has increased both engagement and language use. Students are more willing to attempt new words, use AAC supports, and interact with peers when learning feels hands-on and meaningful. For many of my students, sensory supports also play a critical role in helping them regulate their emotions and stay focused, allowing them to participate more fully in instruction. We have already seen increased communication attempts, improved attention, and more positive peer interactions during both structured lessons and play-based learning.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue to build on these skills by embedding communication goals into sensory-based learning experiences across all content areas. Students will use these materials to practice requesting, labeling, answering questions, and engaging in social interactions, all while developing self-regulation and independence. We are also using these tools to support inclusive, SPED-led activities where students model communication strategies for their peers. Your support has helped create an environment where every student—regardless of their communication needs—has the opportunity to participate, express themselves, and succeed. Thank you for helping our students find their voices and build meaningful connections every day.","fullyFundedDate":1770989441769,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-play-and-communication-tools-for/10021922/","projectTitle":"Sensory Play and Communication Tools for Our Kindergarten Autism Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burgoyne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/patrickhenrysped"},{"teacherId":1911132,"projectId":8078563,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to our fourth grade community! We are so excited to receive the items you sponsored for our classroom. The materials you provided made it a more comfortable and prepared school year for my students and our classroom community. The students were so excited when I told them that the project was funded. The enthusiam of seeing their little faces light up when the project was funded was so amazing. They guessed what we were receiving and the unwrapping of the items was truly a classroom teacher dream come true. Thanks again, \r\n\r\nAudrey Hammock\r\n4th Grade teacher \r\nPatrick Henry Elementary","fullyFundedDate":1705879480088,"projectUrl":"project/clean-sharp-and-sticky/8078563/","projectTitle":"Clean, Sharp, and Sticky","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hammock","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1911132_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470192412988","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-hammock"},{"teacherId":9729849,"projectId":9936654,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for fully funding our Cleaning for Confidence: Supporting Student Well-Being project! Your generosity has made a profound difference not just for one classroom, but for many learning spaces across our school.\r\nBecause of your support, essential cleaning and hygiene supplies are now available not only in my Special Education classroom, but also in other self-contained SPED rooms and each grade-level classroom that includes resource-served students. These materials help keep learning environments clean, safe, and welcoming every single day — supporting the health, confidence, and comfort of students throughout our entire school community.\r\nA clean and organized space is meaningful in more ways than one. It helps reduce germs and illness, creating a healthier environment for all learners. It strengthens students' sense of dignity and pride in their classroom. And it allows teachers and staff to focus on what matters most — building academic skills, fostering student growth, and nurturing positive relationships with every child.\r\nYour support sends a powerful message to our students: their well-being matters. Because of your generosity, students feel seen, cared for, and ready to learn. Staff feel equipped to create environments where all students — in self-contained settings and resource support across classrooms — can thrive.\r\nThank you for investing in our students' success, for championing their health and confidence, and for partnering with us to make our school a brighter, safer place for every learner.","fullyFundedDate":1768516724364,"projectUrl":"project/cleaning-for-confidence-supporting-stud/9936654/","projectTitle":"Cleaning for Confidence: Supporting Student Well-Being","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burgoyne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/patrickhenrysped"},{"teacherId":9729849,"projectId":9950332,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our Big Feelings, Safe Spaces — SEL for Growing Hearts & Minds project! Because of the incredible contributions from The DonorsChoose Community, my students now have the social-emotional learning (SEL) tools that help them understand, express, and regulate their emotions in healthy, constructive ways.\r\n\r\nThe SEL materials — including calm-down kits, emotion-cards, cozy seating, mindfulness tools, and conflict resolution resources — have become foundational supports in our classroom. These tools have empowered students to take ownership of their emotions, communicate their needs, and engage in learning with greater confidence and calm. Instead of acting out when overwhelmed, students now reach for strategies that help them self-regulate, reflect, and connect with others.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I was able to integrate SEL into everyday routines and instruction in meaningful, developmentally appropriate ways. During classroom discussions, students reference their feeling cards to describe emotions and identify coping strategies. During transitions or challenging moments, they use calm-down tools and cozy spaces to reset and return ready to learn. These materials have helped students grow in empathy, resilience, and interpersonal skills — which, in turn, has strengthened our classroom community and culture.\r\n\r\nOne powerful moment came when a student who often struggled with frustration used her coping toolkit to calm herself during a difficult task, then proudly shared with classmates how she managed her big feelings. That experience was a reminder that SEL isn't just a curriculum — it's a life skill that builds confidence and lifelong success.\r\n\r\nYour generosity didn't just provide supplies; you helped create a supportive learning environment where students feel seen, heard, and equipped to grow academically and socially. Thank you, DonorsChoose Community, for investing in my students' hearts and minds and making a lasting impact on their day-to-day school experience.","fullyFundedDate":1767199127714,"projectUrl":"project/big-feelings-safe-spaces-sel-for-growi/9950332/","projectTitle":"Big Feelings, Safe Spaces: SEL for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burgoyne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/patrickhenrysped"},{"teacherId":9729849,"projectId":9950217,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our From Regrouping to Fractions — Math Made Concrete! project! Because of the incredible generosity of The DonorsChoose Community, my students now have access to hands-on math tools that make abstract concepts like place value, regrouping, fraction understanding, and computation tangible, engaging, and accessible.\r\n\r\nThe manipulatives — including place value disks and charts, fraction tiles, number lines, base-ten blocks, and guided math tools — have transformed math learning for my classroom. These materials allow students to see and touch the math they are learning, which has made a dramatic difference in their understanding and confidence. Students who previously struggled with regrouping now build and physically move pieces to explore \"why\" the math works, rather than just memorizing procedures. Students working on fractions are able to compare, compose, and decompose fractions with real manipulatives, turning confusion into clarity.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I was able to implement differentiated, evidence-based instruction that meets students where they are and accelerates their progress. Small-group instruction with these tools has led to measurable growth: students are explaining their reasoning more clearly, using math vocabulary with confidence, and approaching challenging problems with persistence. One student who used to say, \"I'm just not good at math,\" proudly exclaimed, \"I get it now!\" as she built equivalent fractions with tiles. Moments like that remind me daily why hands-on math tools matter.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just provide materials — it helped build a classroom culture where curiosity thrives, mistakes are embraced as learning opportunities, and students can experience real success in math. My learners are more engaged, confident, and prepared for grade-level challenges because of you.\r\n\r\nThank you, DonorsChoose Community, for investing in my students and helping them grow into capable, joyful mathematicians.","fullyFundedDate":1767199127531,"projectUrl":"project/from-regrouping-to-fractions-math-made/9950217/","projectTitle":"From Regrouping to Fractions: Math Made Real","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burgoyne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/patrickhenrysped"},{"teacherId":9729849,"projectId":9950350,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our Multisensory Reading Tools for Big Reading Growth project! Because of the incredible contributions from The DonorsChoose Community, my students now have the evidence-based, hands-on tools they need to develop stronger reading skills, build confidence, and experience success as emerging readers.\r\n\r\nWith materials such as magnetic letter tiles, sound cards, decoding tools, textured letter cards, and multisensory phonics manipulatives, I was able to meet students exactly where they are in their literacy journeys. These tools transformed abstract reading concepts into concrete learning experiences, allowing students to feel, move, and manipulate letters and sounds as they learned — which is especially impactful for learners who struggle with traditional pencil-and-paper approaches.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I was able to implement targeted, small-group instruction that truly accelerates growth. Students who once hesitated to read aloud began practicing with confidence. One student proudly exclaimed, \"I can read this word now!\" as she blended sounds with magnetic tiles. Another celebrated student who previously avoided reading tasks now picks up a book during free time and excitedly shares new words he's learned. These moments of pride and accomplishment wouldn't have been possible without the multisensory tools your generosity provided.\r\n\r\nYour support helped increase engagement, strengthen phonemic awareness, and boost reading fluency across our classroom. You didn't just provide manipulatives — you helped create a joyful, accessible path to literacy for every learner.\r\n\r\nThank you, DonorsChoose Community, for making a lasting impact on my students' ability to read, grow, and believe in themselves.","fullyFundedDate":1767199127269,"projectUrl":"project/multisensory-reading-tools-for-big-readi/9950350/","projectTitle":"Multisensory Reading Tools for Big Reading Gains","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burgoyne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/patrickhenrysped"},{"teacherId":9729849,"projectId":9917113,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity in supporting our Focused and Fearless: Sensory Tools That Support Self-Regulation and Engagement project! Because of the incredible support from The DonorsChoose Community, my students now have access to the sensory tools they need to stay focused, regulate their bodies and emotions, and fully participate in learning.\r\n\r\nThese materials — including body socks, wiggle seats, fidget tools, noise-reducing headphones, and movement bands — have made a powerful difference in our classroom environment. Students who once struggled to sit through lessons, manage transitions, or stay engaged during small-group instruction are now more self-aware, calm, and ready to learn. The sensory supports have given each child options to meet their unique needs, which has increased confidence, decreased frustration, and improved their ability to access grade-level content.\r\n\r\nI have witnessed incredible moments of growth: a student who previously became overwhelmed during reading groups now uses noise-reducing headphones and participates with confidence; another who needed movement breaks is able to return to his seat and engage in math tasks with greater focus. These tools have helped us create a classroom where every learner feels supported and capable.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I was able to personalize sensory strategies for each student and weave them into our routines in a way that truly promotes self-regulation and inclusion. You didn't just provide tools — you helped cultivate a more peaceful, joyful, and productive learning space where students feel seen and successful.\r\n\r\nThank you, DonorsChoose Community, for believing in my students and contributing to a school experience where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Your support has made a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1767199570419,"projectUrl":"project/focused-and-fearless-sensory-tools-that/9917113/","projectTitle":"Focused and Fearless: Sensory Tools That Build Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burgoyne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/patrickhenrysped"},{"teacherId":9729849,"projectId":9936727,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our Hands-On STEM Wonders: Exploring Space, Energy and Engineering project! Because of The DonorsChoose Community, my students now have access to engaging, hands-on STEM materials that have truly transformed the way they learn science and engineering.\r\n\r\nWith the astronomy kits, solar system viewers, FM radio and circuitry components, solar ovens, hologram projectors, and pitching machines, my learners were able to explore big concepts like space, energy transfer, force and motion in ways that were concrete, interactive, and exciting. These materials brought abstract ideas to life and made learning joyful and meaningful — especially for students who thrive when they can touch, build, experiment, and see real results.\r\n\r\nI've watched students light up with curiosity as they constructed working radios, tested solar ovens, and explained planetary movement using the astronomy tools. They collaborated, problem-solved, asked thoughtful questions, and persevered through challenges. The confidence many of my learners gained was remarkable — they began to see themselves as capable scientists, engineers, and innovators.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I was able to integrate inquiry-based STEM experiences into our daily curriculum in a way that increased engagement, strengthened critical thinking, and helped all students access grade-level science standards with joy and success. Your generosity showed my students that their learning matters and that discovery is something to be celebrated.\r\n\r\nThank you, DonorsChoose Community, for empowering these young minds and making a lasting impact on their growth, confidence, and love of learning!","fullyFundedDate":1766237952976,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-stem-wonders-exploring-space/9936727/","projectTitle":"Hands-On STEM Wonders: Exploring Space, Energy and Engineering","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burgoyne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/patrickhenrysped"},{"teacherId":9729849,"projectId":9546322,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for generously funding our Healthy Snack Breaks project! Because of your support, my students in the Special Education Resource and Self-Contained Cross-Category classes at Patrick Henry Downtown Academy now have consistent access to nutritious snack options that fuel their learning, support emotional regulation, and strengthen our classroom community.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the snacks — including fruit puree pouches, protein bars, fruit bars, veggie straws, and more — I have witnessed meaningful changes in our daily routines. These healthy snack breaks give students a chance to pause, refuel, and reset between lessons and activities. Rather than feeling hungry or fatigued, many students now return to learning with renewed focus and energy, ready to participate and engage.\r\n\r\nOne moment that stands out happened during a challenging transition from math to reading groups. Several students were experiencing frustration and difficulty focusing. After a brief snack break and time to regulate, I immediately saw a shift — calmer bodies, cooperative attitudes, and improved attention as we continued instruction. These small but powerful moments reinforce how essential proper nutrition is to learning, especially for students who may not consistently have access to food outside of school.\r\n\r\nYour generosity means more than just snacks — it means my students feel cared for, supported, and valued. You have helped create a learning environment where students can better regulate their emotions, focus on instruction, and fully participate in their education. Thank you for helping fuel both their bodies and their minds, and for showing them that people truly believe in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1764959388125,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-snack-breaks/9546322/","projectTitle":"Healthy Snack Breaks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burgoyne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/patrickhenrysped"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_77988","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":122,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":96,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":0,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"4.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":55.5,"schoolId":77988,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Patrick Henry Downtown - Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Patrick Henry Downtown - Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/missouri/st-louis-public-schools/henry-elementary-school/77988"}