{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"West County Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":33.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3982404,"projectId":9964360,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. My students especially appreciated the tablet charging station during our end of the year map testing season. unlike previous years before, I was able to keep enough tablets in my room the students no longer needed to lug them from their own classrooms to mine. They also were so appreciated when a tablet would have a mishap and lose power or not work properly. I also used the magnetic posters as a quick way to reference the strategy that I was teaching my students during a certain group time.","fullyFundedDate":1774539988910,"projectUrl":"project/level-up-learning-a-student-led-reading/9964360/","projectTitle":"Level Up Learning: A Student Led Reading Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wisdom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3982404_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x0,y310&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1594333137145","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-wisdom19"},{"teacherId":5599623,"projectId":10158970,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, every student in my classroom was able to experience the magic of reading The Mouse and the Motorcycle together. Having a class set of this beloved novel transformed reading from an individual activity into a shared adventure that sparked excitement, curiosity, and meaningful conversations every day.\r\nAs we read, students practiced essential literacy skills including making predictions, identifying character traits, inferring characters' motivations, summarizing chapters, and supporting their thinking with evidence from the text. We also explored themes such as responsibility, friendship, problem-solving, and perseverance. These discussions encouraged students to think deeply about the characters' choices while making connections to their own lives.\r\nReading in our classroom is an interactive experience. Students take turns reading aloud, discuss important events with partners, and eagerly share their predictions before turning each page. We pause often to ask questions, clarify vocabulary, and celebrate moments that make us laugh or keep us on the edge of our seats. Because every child has their own copy, students are able to annotate, follow along closely, and revisit important passages with confidence.\r\nSome of my most reluctant readers have been especially engaged with Ralph and his motorcycle adventures. The humor, action, and relatable characters have motivated students who are often hesitant to read chapter books to eagerly pick up their books and ask to read \"just one more chapter.\" Watching students become excited about reading and confidently participate in discussions has been one of the greatest gifts this project has provided.\r\nThank you for making this unforgettable reading experience possible. Your generosity has helped strengthen my students' literacy skills while fostering a genuine love of reading that will continue long after we finish the final chapter.","fullyFundedDate":1773842026796,"projectUrl":"project/revving-up-reading/10158970/","projectTitle":"Revving Up Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kearns","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5599623_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745877675233","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5599623"},{"teacherId":5599623,"projectId":10141943,"letterContent":"Because of your incredible generosity, The Wild Robot has become so much more than a book in our classroom—it has become an adventure that my students have eagerly looked forward to each day. Thank you for giving my third graders the opportunity to experience this unforgettable story together.\r\nAs we've read, students have strengthened important reading skills such as making predictions, identifying character traits, drawing conclusions, and supporting their thinking with evidence from the text. The story has also sparked meaningful conversations about kindness, perseverance, friendship, empathy, and what it truly means to belong. It has been amazing to watch students make personal connections to Roz's journey and discuss the challenges she faces with such thoughtfulness.\r\nReading in our classroom is an interactive experience. We laugh together, wonder together, and stop frequently to ask questions, make predictions, and celebrate exciting moments in the story. Many students who were once hesitant to participate in reading discussions now eagerly raise their hands to share their ideas. Even some of my most reluctant readers ask, \"Can we read one more chapter?\" before we put the book away for the day.\r\nOne of the greatest joys has been seeing every student become invested in the characters. They cheer for Roz, worry about her challenges, and celebrate her successes as if she were a real friend. Watching students become so engaged with literature reminds me why classroom read-alouds are such a powerful part of learning.\r\nThank you for making these moments possible. Your generosity has inspired a love of reading, strengthened literacy skills, and created memories that my students will carry with them long after we've turned the final page. We are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1773881083721,"projectUrl":"project/a-class-adventure-with-the-wild-robot/10141943/","projectTitle":"A Class Adventure with The Wild Robot!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kearns","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5599623_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745877675233","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5599623"},{"teacherId":4041108,"projectId":10151081,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my STEM project! Your generosity is making a real difference in my classroom and in the lives of my students.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students will have hands-on opportunities to explore, create, problem-solve, and discover through engaging STEM activities. These experiences help build critical thinking, teamwork, and confidence while making learning exciting and meaningful.\r\n\r\nYour investment in our classroom goes far beyond supplies—it shows my students that people they may never meet believe in them and care about their education. That is a powerful lesson in itself.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping make these opportunities possible. My students and I are incredibly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1776088023387,"projectUrl":"project/stem-in-horizons/10151081/","projectTitle":"STEM in Horizons","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Landrigan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4041108_orig.jpg?crop=615,615,x0,y412&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773415532967","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4041108"},{"teacherId":5599623,"projectId":10073077,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, my students have been fully immersed in hands-on learning through our new gardening supplies, including seeds and a classroom greenhouse. Since receiving these materials, students have eagerly planted a variety of seeds, observed the germination process, and documented daily changes in their plant journals. One of the most memorable moments came when the first tiny sprouts emerged in our greenhouse. The classroom erupted with excitement as students rushed over to compare their seedlings and celebrate the results of their care and patience. It was a powerful opportunity for them to see science come to life right before their eyes.\r\nWhen the supplies first arrived, my students were thrilled. They immediately began asking questions about what we would grow, how the greenhouse worked, and when they could start planting. Their enthusiasm transformed into curiosity and responsibility as they carefully prepared soil, planted seeds, and took ownership of watering and monitoring their plants each day.\r\nAs we continue this project, students will investigate the factors that affect plant growth by comparing different growing conditions and collecting data throughout the season. They will use their observations to make predictions, analyze results, and connect their learning to broader lessons about ecosystems, food production, and environmental stewardship. Your support has provided far more than gardening supplies—it has created meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity, teamwork, and a lasting appreciation for the natural world. Thank you for making these opportunities possible for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1771221550127,"projectUrl":"project/from-seed-to-success-teaching-life-skil/10073077/","projectTitle":"From Seed to Success: Teaching Life Skills Through Gardening","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kearns","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5599623_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745877675233","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5599623"},{"teacherId":10114074,"projectId":10250396,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, \"Bringing Learning to Life with a Portable Easel.\" Your generosity has provided a valuable resource that will make lessons more interactive, engaging, and accessible for my students. The portable easel allows us to move learning throughout the classroom, support small-group instruction, and create hands-on experiences that keep students excited about learning. Your kindness is helping bring lessons to life and giving my students new opportunities to grow every day. We are truly grateful for your support! 💙📚✏️","fullyFundedDate":1777992778731,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-learning-to-life-with-a-portabl/10250396/","projectTitle":"Bringing Learning to Life with a Portable Easel","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10114074"},{"teacherId":9999383,"projectId":10202875,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity in funding our project, \"Bubbles, Sand, and Happy Hands.\" When the boxes arrived in our classroom, the children's faces completely lit up with excitement. They couldn't wait to see what was inside, and their joy was absolutely infectious as we unpacked the new sensory materials. For young learners, having hands-on resources like these isn't just fun—it is an essential part of how they explore and understand the world around them.\r\n\r\nWe have been using the new sand and bubble resources daily during our center time and sensory exploration blocks. A specific moment that stands out was watching a few of my more reserved students completely open up while playing with the new sand tools. They began communicating, sharing, and giggling together, creating a wonderful collaborative environment. These materials have given my students a safe, engaging outlet to develop their fine motor skills while simultaneously practicing vital social-emotional skills like sharing and turn-taking.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next steps are to integrate these wonderful sensory resources into our upcoming science and storytelling lessons. We plan to use the sand textures to practice forming letters and shapes, and we will use the bubble activities to study basic scientific concepts like air flow and surface tension. Your support has brought so much happiness and meaningful learning into our classroom, and we are truly thankful for your investment in our students' growth.","fullyFundedDate":1778601037696,"projectUrl":"project/bubbles-sand-and-happy-hands/10202875/","projectTitle":"Bubbles, Sand, and Happy Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9999383_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y424&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744654568299","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9999383"},{"teacherId":10333727,"projectId":10034961,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our health office was able to stay stocked with essential medications and snacks during a very busy flu season. Your donations of items like Tylenol, ibuprofen, Tums, and easy snacks made a direct impact on students every single day.\r\n\r\nThis year, many students came to the nurse's office feeling unwell with headaches, fevers, stomachaches, and nausea. Having these supplies readily available meant students could receive quick comfort and care so they could either return to learning or safely rest until a parent arrived. The snacks were especially helpful for students who needed something in their stomach before taking medication, students with upset stomachs, or children who simply hadn't had enough to eat that day.\r\n\r\nYour kindness helped create a health office that felt calm, prepared, and supportive during one of the busiest times of the school year. Families, students, and staff all benefited from the extra care your donations made possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us keep students healthy, comfortable, and ready to learn. Your support truly made a difference during flu season!","fullyFundedDate":1771010711161,"projectUrl":"project/helping-students-stay-healthy-during-flu/10034961/","projectTitle":"Helping Students Stay Healthy During Flu Season","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tongay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10333727_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767295110912","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10333727"},{"teacherId":10357858,"projectId":9910529,"letterContent":"I apologize for the super late thank you! Right after the time the items started coming in I actually went on maternity leave and returned back in the classroom for the last 2 weeks of school! We were not able to complete the project this year due to me having a baby, but I have spent the last week getting items ready for a large unit on it next year with my students! I love it and the items will be so helpful every year!!! Your donation is going to impact many students to come! Thank you again!!!","fullyFundedDate":1768513572970,"projectUrl":"project/hatching-in-2nd-grade/9910529/","projectTitle":"Hatching in 2nd Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Echel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10357858_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1780888531602","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10357858"},{"teacherId":4033967,"projectId":10190793,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in bringing \"Making a Splash: Water Science and Outdoor Play!\" to life. When the boxes of water sprinklers, wading pools, and games arrived my students' excitement was palpable. They couldn't wait to get outside and start exploring! One of the most rewarding moments was watching a group of students work together to create a \"waterfall\" using the new tools; the look of pure wonder on their faces when they realized they could change the water's direction was priceless.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using these resources to explore the concepts of volume and buoyancy in our daily outdoor STEM block. The materials have turned our playground into a living laboratory where students are learning through trial, error, and a lot of happy splashing. Looking ahead, our next steps involve a \"Sink or Float\" challenge where students will predict and then test how different natural objects interact with the water currents they've built. Your support has truly transformed our outdoor space into a hub of scientific discovery!","fullyFundedDate":1777677466358,"projectUrl":"project/making-a-splash-water-science-and-outdo/10190793/","projectTitle":"Making a Splash: Water Science and Outdoor Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Callahan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4033967_orig.jpg?crop=2841,2841,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763061304437","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4033967"},{"teacherId":4033967,"projectId":10197164,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity in supporting our project, \r\n\"Active Bodies, Active Minds: Fueling Play and Fitness.\" When the boxes arrived in our classroom, the energy was electric! My students were absolutely thrilled to see the new equipment, and their faces lit up as we unboxed everything together. It felt like a holiday in our classroom, and the children were so touched to know that people they haven't even met care so much about their health and happiness.\r\n\r\nWe have already begun integrating these resources into our daily routine. Whether it's using the equipment for organized team games during recess or taking \"brain breaks\" with fitness activities during long instructional blocks, the impact is visible. I've noticed a significant shift in student engagement; after they've had the chance to move their bodies and release some energy, they return to their desks with much better focus and a readiness to learn. It has truly transformed the \"afternoon slump\" into a time of productivity.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to use these materials to start a weekly \"Fitness Friday\" challenge where students can set personal goals and track their progress. This project is doing so much more than just providing toys; it is teaching my students the importance of physical health and helping them build the stamina they need to succeed academically. Thank you for investing in my students' well-being and for making our classroom a more vibrant, active place to grow!","fullyFundedDate":1777591873596,"projectUrl":"project/active-bodies-active-minds-fueling-pla/10197164/","projectTitle":"Active Bodies, Active Minds: Fueling Play and Fitness","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Callahan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4033967_orig.jpg?crop=2841,2841,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763061304437","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4033967"},{"teacherId":8664149,"projectId":10079498,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of your kindness, our students were able to purchase materials to create thoughtful gift baskets for elderly members of our community. This project has been a meaningful experience, allowing students to practice empathy, creativity, and kindness while giving back to others. Your contribution helped turn a simple idea into a heartfelt act of service.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your role in making this project possible. The gift baskets brought joy not only to those who received them, but also to our students, who felt proud to make a positive difference. Your generosity has helped foster compassion and community awareness in our classroom. Thank you again for supporting our students and helping us spread kindness beyond our school walls.","fullyFundedDate":1770674757547,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-kindness-a-community-s/10079498/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Kindness: A Community Service Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kristin Holdman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8664149_orig.jpg?crop=1068,1068,x0,y185&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1664297671329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8664149"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_45176","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":390,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":62,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":95,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":67.0,"schoolId":45176,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about West County Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"West County Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/missouri/west-county-r4-school-district/west-county-elementary-school/45176"}