{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"McKinley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":39.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1631189,"projectId":9689589,"letterContent":"Students are actively using the new Makerspace resources during library. The excitement was immediate. When students saw the new Makerspace materials, there were gasps, wide eyes, and an endless stream of questions: \"When can we use this?\" and \"Can I make my own invention?\" Students who are often hesitant in traditional academic settings were especially eager to participate. The materials felt inviting and accessible, and students quickly realized that this was a space where creativity, experimentation, and even mistakes were encouraged.\r\n\r\nNext, we are planning to use the 3D doodlers to highlight the students' favorite books. It will be exciting for them to use a tool they have not have had the opportunity of using. Thank you again, the funding provides the tools and materials needed to build a sustainable Makerspace that supports our library program. These supplies will allow students to keep creating, revising, and innovating, turning their ideas into hands-on learning experiences and building skills they will carry with them well beyond the library. Thank you again because without you this project would not have been possible.","fullyFundedDate":1764634634321,"projectUrl":"project/innovate-create-explore-a-stem-makers/9689589/","projectTitle":"Innovate, Create, Explore: A STEM Makerspace for All Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeWitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1631189_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454726282479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissadewitt"},{"teacherId":1631189,"projectId":9831009,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our winter-themed book project to our library. We are sincerely grateful for your commitment to literacy and student engagement.\r\n\r\nBecause of this grant, we were able to purchase a collection of high-quality winter-themed fiction and nonfiction books that celebrate the season while encouraging imagination, connection, and a love of reading. These new titles will enhance both classroom and library collections, providing students with engaging reading opportunities during the coldest months of the year.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and for helping us create welcoming, engaging literacy experiences throughout the school year. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1767202509128,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-up-with-books/9831009/","projectTitle":"Cozy Up With Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeWitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1631189_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454726282479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissadewitt"},{"teacherId":1631189,"projectId":9849884,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous consideration and support of our grant proposal to expand \"audiobook\" access in the library. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to increasing literacy opportunities for all learners.\r\n\r\nWith this grant, we were able to purchase podcast-quality audio equipment that allows students and staff to record audiobook versions of our library titles. These recordings use QR codes placed directly on the books, creating an innovative and student-friendly way to support reading comprehension and engagement.\r\n\r\nThis project has been an absolute favorite, especially for the students who would benefit most. The books with the QR codes have been flying off the shelf and have increased the library checkouts so far this year. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for helping bring a project to life that creates excitement among the readers. Your support will have a lasting impact on our students and the way they access and enjoy books.","fullyFundedDate":1761965911818,"projectUrl":"project/listen-and-learn/9849884/","projectTitle":"Listen and Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeWitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1631189_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454726282479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissadewitt"},{"teacherId":1631189,"projectId":9834351,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our project to enhance student engagement through creative learning in the library. We are truly grateful for your investment in materials that support hands-on learning and student expression.\r\n\r\nBecause of this grant, we will be able to provide quality art supplies, including crayons and markers, for use in library projects and classroom-connected activities. These materials will strengthen literacy connections, encourage creativity, and give students across grade levels meaningful opportunities to express their ideas and understanding through art.\r\n\r\nThank you for your commitment to enriching student learning and for helping us create engaging, creative opportunities for our students. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1761966168220,"projectUrl":"project/color-our-world/9834351/","projectTitle":"Color Our World","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeWitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1631189_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454726282479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissadewitt"},{"teacherId":9715494,"projectId":8717800,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contributions towards our new classroom rug. The students were thrilled with the new addition, as was I. It created a whole new area to use when reading, working with math materials, or needing a different style of seating.\r\n\r\nAlong with having another space to work in comfortably, it also extends the learning with letters and numbers in the kindergarten classroom. My students love to practice finding the letter of choice.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting public schools.\r\n\r\nWhitney Kimpton","fullyFundedDate":1725153390215,"projectUrl":"project/the-floors-are-flourishing/8717800/","projectTitle":"The Floors Are Flourishing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kimpton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9715494_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767162184026","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9715494"},{"teacherId":9697020,"projectId":9471397,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my special education classroom is now better equipped to meet the diverse needs of my students. The snacks you provided have been especially impactful for students who do not always have access to these resources. Having snacks available helps them stay focused, regulated, and ready to learn throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThe prize box items have also been a huge motivator. They encourage positive behavior, perseverance, and engagement, which is especially important for students working on social-emotional and behavioral goals.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the hands-on materials such as markers and removable white boards have increased flexibility in our classroom. These tools allow students to practice skills in a low-pressure, interactive way, support different learning styles, and make it easy to adjust instruction in the moment. Because of you, my students are more supported, motivated, and confident in their learning every day. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference for students in need.","fullyFundedDate":1758819287426,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials/9471397/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fletcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9697020"},{"teacherId":7380130,"projectId":9952798,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping my classroom learn responsibility with a new, safe place to store our iPads and Big Books. We have enjoyed learning how to properly set each iPad on a tray and why it's important to take care of our technology. We have also practiced putting our big books back in a book shelf so they can be organized and not get ruined for the upcoming classes.\r\n\r\nWhen we came back from our holiday break, the kids noticed the new furniture pieces right away and became very curious. They were excited to learn that someone was kind enough to donate to our classroom so we could have materials needed to keep our things safe and organized. They learned how to write a thank you note as well!\r\n\r\nWe will continue learning how to care for our materials in our classroom and how to properly store them when not in use. We are hoping this will transfer home as well so that they are learning how to keep their own things at home organized and put away when not using.","fullyFundedDate":1767202508666,"projectUrl":"project/book-storeing/9952798/","projectTitle":"Book “Store”ing","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Byram","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7380130_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668652450057","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-superbyram"},{"teacherId":1631189,"projectId":9206987,"letterContent":"T-shirt book reports have had a wonderful impact on student engagement and literacy in the library. This creative project allowed students to design and decorate a T-shirt that represents key elements of a book they've read—such as the title, author, characters, setting, and theme.\r\n\r\nBy combining art and reading, students were able to demonstrate comprehension in a fun, hands-on way that goes beyond traditional written reports. The activity encouraged deeper thinking, creativity, and pride in their work, while also sparking curiosity among peers as they shared and discussed their designs. Displaying the shirts in the library helped build a sense of community and excitement around reading, inspiring others to pick up new books and celebrate stories together.\r\n\r\nThank you again for this generous donation as it has made a huge impact and would not have been possible without your help.","fullyFundedDate":1746732195786,"projectUrl":"project/t-shirt-book-reports/9206987/","projectTitle":"T Shirt Book Reports","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeWitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1631189_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454726282479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissadewitt"},{"teacherId":7380130,"projectId":9637836,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing hands on materials for my students. We were so excited to get new things to help us learn. My KinderREADy class is dependent on learning with materials in their hands.\r\n\r\nWe used our ABC boards for the first time in small group this week, the students loved having colorful, magnetic boards to help them identify letters. We were also able to use the boards for name practice. \r\n\r\nThe Number Blocks activities were exciting for us to use in working with numbers and counting. Many of the students enjoyed putting the trains together and finding differ ent ways to use the blocks.","fullyFundedDate":1757545627965,"projectUrl":"project/abc-is-where-it-all-begins/9637836/","projectTitle":"ABC is Where it All Begins","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Byram","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7380130_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668652450057","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-superbyram"},{"teacherId":1631189,"projectId":9536122,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution! Your support makes it possible for us to offer meaningful rewards that help reinforce positive expectations and motivate students to make good choices.\r\n\r\nConsistent recognition encourages responsibility—whether it's returning library books on time or completing assignments—and tangible or verbal rewards boost engagement and effort, especially among reluctant learners. These incentives foster participation, collaboration, and growth in both academic and social areas.\r\n\r\nYour generosity truly helps us make a difference. Thank you for helping us build a culture of responsibility, motivation, and kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1758807717978,"projectUrl":"project/argh-matey/9536122/","projectTitle":"Argh Matey","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeWitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1631189_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454726282479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissadewitt"},{"teacherId":1631189,"projectId":9536599,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift to our library! Your support helps make our vision a reality—creating a space that is fun, exciting, and full of opportunities for learning. We have begun to introduce engaging and educational games into our library centers to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and encourage collaboration among students and they are overcome with excitement.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our library will continue to be a vibrant and welcoming place where students can develop a lifelong love of learning. Thank you for helping us make the library a place students can't wait to visit!","fullyFundedDate":1758807718401,"projectUrl":"project/the-games-people-play/9536599/","projectTitle":"The Games People Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeWitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1631189_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454726282479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissadewitt"},{"teacherId":1631189,"projectId":9076442,"letterContent":"This project has been a tremendous success! Students have loved using Canva to design visually appealing bookmarks that double as book recommendations for their peers. It's become one of our most popular activities, sparking creativity while also encouraging more reading—students are eager to finish books for the chance to create their own bookmark.\r\n\r\nYour generosity made this possible. Because of your support, our students are exploring technology in a fun, meaningful way and sharing their love of reading with others.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your kindness and commitment to our library community.","fullyFundedDate":1741614586445,"projectUrl":"project/dont-lose-the-page/9076442/","projectTitle":"Don't Lose The Page","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeWitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1631189_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454726282479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissadewitt"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_78789","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":299,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":55,"percentIndigenous":20,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":60.8,"schoolId":78789,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about McKinley Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"McKinley Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/montana/billings-school-district-2/mckinley-elementary-school/78789"}