{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"McKinley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2458534,"projectId":10245175,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our second-grade classroom! Your kindness has provided my students with much-needed basic classroom supplies, including crayons, colored pencils, notebooks, headphones, and other everyday learning materials.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, having their own supplies is something they truly value. Because of your generosity, they can come to school ready to learn, create, write, read, and participate without worrying about whether they have the materials they need. These supplies may seem simple, but they make a tremendous difference in our classroom each and every day.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your donation shows my students that people in our community believe in them and care about their education. I am incredibly grateful for your support of my students and our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping give my second graders the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1778679642270,"projectUrl":"project/basic-school-supplies/10245175/","projectTitle":"Basic School Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2458534_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1522352798073","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2458534"},{"teacherId":1631189,"projectId":10159484,"letterContent":"Breakout EDU has created a buzz of excitement in our library and transformed the way students experience learning. At the beginning of this school year, we used our Breakout EDU set to have students work together in teams to solve library-related challenges. What could have been a traditional library lesson became an interactive experience that had students engaged, thinking, communicating, and eager to participate.\r\n\r\nThe Breakout EDU activities gave students the opportunity to work collaboratively while developing important skills such as problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, and perseverance. One of the most rewarding parts of using this kit has been watching students demonstrate perseverance. When they didn't immediately know the answer or figure out a clue, they were motivated to keep trying. \r\n\r\nThank you again for making this project possible. Without your generosity and support, we would not have been able to bring this exciting learning experience to our students.","fullyFundedDate":1778020288697,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-learning-interactive-literacy/10159484/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Learning: Interactive Literacy Through Breakout EDU","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":10338447,"letterContent":"These bins have helped organize our library and are transforming the way students interact with our books. The bins have allowed us to display books by genre, topic, author, reading level, and areas of interest. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by rows of books, students can see the covers, recognize familiar topics, and quickly identify books they want to read.\r\n\r\nThis organization has been especially valuable in helping students discover books they may have overlooked in the past. One section in our library is our early chapter book collection is often overlooked and forgotten. I have tried several different methods to increase circulation in this area, but the addition of these bins has been amazing. The impact was especially noticeable today when I had a class visit the library and almost every child selected an early chapter book from one of these bins.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generous donation as this would not have been possible without you.","fullyFundedDate":1789582659474,"projectUrl":"project/bin-there-read-that/10338447/","projectTitle":"Bin There, Read That!","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":10129343,"letterContent":"The students at our school have been so excited to connect with these Disney books and the characters they already know and love. These books have been flying off the shelves, which has been incredibly exciting to see. Students are eager to check them out, share them with their friends, and discover new stories featuring familiar characters. Not to mention, the quality of these books is excellent, making them a wonderful addition to our library collection.\r\n\r\nAs a school librarian, my hope is that every child will find a book that sparks their interest and develops a love for reading. The addition of these Disney graphic novels has helped make that goal a reality for many of our students. For some children, a familiar character is the connection that encourages them to pick up a book and give reading a try.\r\n\r\nI am so grateful for the support that made this project possible. The generosity has put books into the hands of children who are excited to read them—and there is no greater impact for a school library than that.","fullyFundedDate":1777640357022,"projectUrl":"project/expanding-literacy-through-disney-graphi/10129343/","projectTitle":"Expanding Literacy Through Disney Graphic Novels In Our School Library","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":9863060,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous donation of Native American books to our library. Our students have been incredibly excited about these new titles and were already checking them out as I was getting them ready for the shelves.\r\n\r\nAs I was processing the books, I found myself reflecting on how lucky we are to have donors like you supporting our students and our library. These are high-quality books that we simply would not have been able to afford without your generosity.\r\n\r\nIt is essential for all students to see themselves as an important part of our school and community, and these books will definitely help them understand how valued and important they are. Your gift is helping our students see themselves, learn about others, and grow as readers.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support and your commitment to our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1771009591068,"projectUrl":"project/native-american-books/9863060/","projectTitle":"Native American 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":2458534,"projectId":9676713,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your generous donations to our 2nd Grade Classroom at McKinley Elementary School. The headphones and supplies have made a huge impact for our students who do not come to school with their basic needs met on a daily basis. Additionally, we have an extremely mobile population and the extra supplies on hand helps to support those students as well. Again, thank you for your thoughtful and kind donation. We appreciate the opportunity Donors Choose has given classroom teachers to connect with all donors like you. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1764036908572,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-humans/9676713/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Humans!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2458534_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1522352798073","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2458534"},{"teacherId":7380130,"projectId":10028482,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping me create Friday Fun Folders for my students to take home each weekend. They now have access to fun materials such as learning games and are getting their families more involved.\r\nEvery Friday, my students get excited to see who is taking the folders home. They love playing the games in the folder which give them even more opportunities to see letters, numbers and read stories. \r\nMy goal is to add more resources in the future that are play based learning activities. Thanks again for supporting my vision and helping me get more resources in my students' hands.","fullyFundedDate":1769190146433,"projectUrl":"project/the-abc-village/10028482/","projectTitle":"The ABC Village","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":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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_78789","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":289,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":52,"percentIndigenous":19,"percentLatinx":12,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":12,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":61.2,"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"}