{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Edward Williams Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":31.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4374690,"projectId":10552997,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our Ready to Learn and Explore project! Your generosity has provided my gifted and talented students with resources that have transformed our classroom into a place of discovery, creativity, and hands-on learning. When the materials arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students eagerly unpacked the new resources, asking questions and sharing ideas about how they could use them in their learning. Their enthusiasm reminded me just how powerful it is to provide children with tools that spark curiosity and inspire exploration.\r\n\r\nWe have already begun using the materials in collaborative investigations and inquiry-based activities. One memorable moment occurred during a STEM exploration lesson when students worked together to solve challenges, test ideas, and reflect on their results. The new resources encouraged them to think critically, communicate effectively, and persevere through obstacles. It was wonderful to see students take ownership of their learning and confidently share their discoveries with their classmates.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, these materials will continue to support deeper learning experiences. Our next steps include expanding our research and project-based learning activities, where students will investigate real-world problems, develop creative solutions, and present their findings. Your support has opened the door to opportunities that help students grow as thinkers, problem-solvers, and lifelong learners. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their future. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on our classroom, and we are truly grateful.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,\r\n Carleen Rodgers\r\n Elementary Gifted & Talented Teacher\r\n Mount Vernon City School District","fullyFundedDate":1790650071314,"projectUrl":"project/ready-to-learn-and-explore/10552997/","projectTitle":"Ready to Learn and Explore","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodgers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4374690"},{"teacherId":2816217,"projectId":10747833,"letterContent":"A Heartfelt Thank You for Supporting Inclusive Learning!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for funding our project, Help Me Give My Students the Tools They Need to Learn, Grow, and Succeed! Your generosity provides our sixth-grade special education students with 20 pairs of individual headphones and reusable cable ties, making a meaningful difference in our daily learning environment.\r\n\r\nIn our Title I classroom, these headphones are much more than classroom supplies. They are essential tools that help remove barriers to learning and provide students with greater access to educational opportunities. Our students use iPads, text-to-speech technology, and individualized digital lessons to strengthen their reading, math, listening, and comprehension skills. Having their own headphones allows them to listen carefully, minimize distractions, and work independently at their own pace.\r\n\r\nYour support helps us create a more inclusive classroom where students can focus, build confidence, develop independence, and take greater ownership of their learning. Whether a student is listening to a story, completing an i-Ready lesson, or practicing an important academic skill, these headphones help make learning more accessible and meaningful.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your generosity sends our students a powerful message: they matter, their education matters, and they deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of our students, thank you for believing in them, investing in their potential, and helping us make inclusive learning possible for every mind. Your kindness will have a positive impact in our classroom every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1792776926571,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-every-mind-supporting-in/10747833/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Every Mind: Supporting Inclusive Learning in Special Education","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ohannessian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2816217_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767056842805","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshoros"},{"teacherId":4294679,"projectId":8356138,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations toward bringing new technology into our classroom! Your kindness and support are making a meaningful difference in my students' learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students will have greater access to technology that makes learning more engaging, interactive, and exciting. These resources will allow me to create lessons that meet the diverse needs of my students, encourage creativity, strengthen problem-solving skills, and provide opportunities for hands-on learning.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your donation goes far beyond simply adding technology to our classroom. You are helping students build confidence, develop important digital skills, and gain access to learning opportunities that will prepare them for future success. Most importantly, you are helping create a classroom where every student has the opportunity to learn, explore, and thrive.\r\n\r\nI am truly grateful for your generosity and for believing in the importance of providing students with the tools they need to succeed. Thank you for investing in my students and helping make our classroom a place where learning possibilities are endless!","fullyFundedDate":1717468124261,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-technology/8356138/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Technology!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fortuna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4294679_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1623865577005","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4294679"},{"teacherId":2816217,"projectId":10711540,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our project and helping us provide essential care and support for our students! Your generosity means more than words can express. As a Title I special education classroom, we strive to ensure that every student feels safe, valued, comfortable, and ready to learn. Your support helps us meet our students' basic needs so they can focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and succeeding.\r\n\r\nThe snacks help students who arrive at school hungry maintain their energy, concentration, and readiness to participate in lessons. Winter clothing and gear keep students warm during the colder months, while laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, and other care items help us maintain a clean, healthy, and welcoming classroom environment. These resources also allow us to support students' needs with dignity, compassion, and respect.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your kindness reaches far beyond the supplies themselves. For example, when a student comes to school hungry or without appropriate winter clothing, we can provide the support they need to feel comfortable, regain their focus, and participate more confidently in classroom activities. By helping remove these everyday barriers, you give our students greater opportunities to learn, develop independence, and experience success.\r\n\r\nThank you for recognizing the importance of caring for the whole child and investing in our students' well-being and future. Your generosity reminds our students that they matter, their needs are important, and their community believes in them. Together, we create a classroom where every child feels cared for, supported, and empowered to succeed.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a meaningful difference in our students' lives every day!","fullyFundedDate":1791740982757,"projectUrl":"project/care-first-helping-every-student-arrive/10711540/","projectTitle":"Care First: Helping Every Student Arrive Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ohannessian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2816217_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767056842805","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshoros"},{"teacherId":3900083,"projectId":10712585,"letterContent":"Thank you again for supporting this project and for investing in the care and well-being of our students.\r\n\r\nSince this project was funded, I have transitioned out of the school and am no longer employed by the district. The materials were delivered to the school and are currently in the possession of the school administration. Because I left before I was able to fully implement the project, I am unfortunately unable to provide a firsthand account of how the resources are currently being used or how students reacted when they received them.\r\n\r\nMy original intention was to use these materials to create a supportive resource for students who needed snacks and other basic care items throughout the school day. The goal was to make these resources available discreetly and equitably so that students could have their immediate needs met without embarrassment or disruption to learning.\r\n\r\nI also understand that the district has since placed restrictions on the distribution of outside food to students, so I cannot confirm whether the snack portion of the project will be implemented exactly as originally planned. Decisions regarding the use and distribution of the materials are now being made by the school's administration.\r\n\r\nWhile I wish I could personally share the moment of students receiving and using these resources, I want to be honest with the donors who made this project possible. My hope is that the materials will continue to be used in a way that supports students who need them most and remains aligned with the spirit of the original project: ensuring that students feel cared for, supported, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nI remain deeply grateful for your generosity and willingness to support our students.","fullyFundedDate":1791109261644,"projectUrl":"project/the-care-closet/10712585/","projectTitle":"The Care Closet","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LeFever","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3900083_orig.png?crop=537,537,x211,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1589197212305","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tlefever"},{"teacherId":2816217,"projectId":10282988,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my classroom through DonorsChoose! Your kindness and generosity make a meaningful difference for my incredible Title I special education students at Edward Williams School.\r\n\r\nThe Samsung S Pen Creator Edition and SanDisk Ultra 256GB USB flash drive provide valuable tools that help me create, organize, and deliver engaging, accessible, and differentiated instruction. The S Pen allows me to develop visual models, annotate texts, and customize learning materials to meet my students' individual needs. The flash drive helps me securely organize and access important instructional resources so I can provide the support each student needs to succeed.\r\n\r\nMy students thrive when learning is presented in ways that are engaging, meaningful, and accessible to them. These resources help me provide visual supports, step-by-step guidance, and modified materials that allow every learner to participate, grow, and experience success.\r\n\r\nAs a special education teacher, I know that having the right tools makes a tremendous difference in how students access learning. Your generosity helps me create a more organized, inclusive, and supportive classroom where every student feels valued and receives opportunities to reach their full potential.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students, believing in their abilities, and helping me make learning accessible for every mind. Your support means so much to our classroom community!","fullyFundedDate":1789828251621,"projectUrl":"project/digital-organization-tools-for-special-n/10282988/","projectTitle":"Digital Organization Tools for Special Needs Leanrners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ohannessian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2816217_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767056842805","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshoros"},{"teacherId":3900083,"projectId":10184607,"letterContent":"The Math in Motion project has brought new energy and excitement to math learning. We are using the games during small groups, intervention, math centers, and enrichment to give students opportunities to practice important skills in a fun, hands-on way. The cardstock has also allowed us to create durable task cards, math challenges, game boards, and reusable resources that students can use throughout the year.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new materials, they were immediately excited and wanted to know when they could start playing! One of the best moments has been watching students who are usually hesitant during math instruction become active participants during a game. They are solving problems, explaining their thinking, helping classmates, and sometimes practicing a skill without even realizing how much math they are doing.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue incorporating these resources into our math instruction and intervention groups. As students strengthen their foundational skills, we will introduce more challenging games and activities that require them to apply strategies, think critically, and collaborate with their peers.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we are creating a math environment where students can practice, make mistakes, try again, and build confidence. Thank you for helping us make math something our students can experience, explore, and enjoy!","fullyFundedDate":1776100154602,"projectUrl":"project/math-in-motion/10184607/","projectTitle":"Math in Motion","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LeFever","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3900083_orig.png?crop=537,537,x211,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1589197212305","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/tlefever"},{"teacherId":2816217,"projectId":10247328,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my students and helping create a classroom where every learner has the opportunity to feel comfortable, focused, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nMy classroom is filled with incredible, hardworking students who learn differently and often need additional supports to be successful. As a Title I school, many of my students also face challenges outside of the classroom that can make learning even more difficult. Because of this, creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment is incredibly important.\r\n\r\nThe stools and tennis balls provided through this project have given my students additional seating options that better meet their individual needs. For students who have difficulty sitting still, stools provide an opportunity for gentle movement while they work. This small amount of movement can help students stay engaged, participate in lessons, and maintain their focus for longer periods of time.\r\n\r\nThe tennis balls have also made a meaningful difference. Placed on the legs of classroom chairs, they help reduce scraping and other distracting noises while allowing chairs to move more smoothly. A quieter classroom helps reduce distractions and creates a calmer environment where students can concentrate on learning.\r\n\r\nWhat may seem like simple classroom supplies can have a meaningful impact on a child's school day. When students are physically comfortable and their sensory needs are supported, they are better able to focus on instruction, participate in activities, interact positively with their peers, and feel confident in their abilities.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these materials communicate an important message to my students: You belong here, your needs matter, and we will find ways to help you succeed.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped me create a classroom that is more flexible, comfortable, and inclusive. You are not simply providing stools and tennis balls—you are helping provide students with opportunities to self-regulate, engage in learning, and experience success.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for helping make our classroom a place where every mind is included.","fullyFundedDate":1783702732050,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-focus-in-a-special/10247328/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Focus in a Special Education Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ohannessian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2816217_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767056842805","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshoros"},{"teacherId":5822906,"projectId":10090441,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and for making our project, \"Voices, Cultures, and Confident Readers,\" a reality. Because of your support, my students now have meaningful new books, including Middle School Confidential, The Skin I'm In, and books about Hurricane Katrina, along with book pouches, report cover fasteners, and other reading supplies. The fasteners allowed me to create custom student workbooks that pair directly with each novel, giving every student organized materials to annotate, respond to questions, and engage more deeply with the text. The book pouches have also helped students take ownership of their reading materials and keep everything organized throughout each unit.\r\n\r\nThese books have already transformed our classroom discussions. As we read together, students are practicing important reading skills such as identifying themes, making inferences, analyzing characters, citing text evidence, and connecting literature to real-world events and their own experiences. More importantly, they are seeing characters whose lives, cultures, and challenges reflect many of their own. The Skin I'm In has sparked thoughtful conversations about identity, confidence, and kindness, while Middle School Confidential has opened the door to discussions about friendships, emotions, and navigating the middle school years. Our lessons on Hurricane Katrina have helped students build empathy while learning about resilience, history, and the impact of communities coming together during difficult times.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the greatest impact has been seeing students genuinely excited to read. Many eagerly ask if we can read \"just one more chapter,\" and students who were once hesitant to participate are now volunteering to share their thoughts during discussions. The combination of engaging books, organized materials, and interactive workbooks has helped create a classroom where reading feels meaningful, personal, and enjoyable. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their growth as readers and learners. Your generosity has provided resources that will continue to inspire confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1771786077417,"projectUrl":"project/voices-cultures-and-confident-readers/10090441/","projectTitle":"Voices, Cultures, and Confident Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DeOliveira","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5822906_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769798086260","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mdeoliveira"},{"teacherId":4376821,"projectId":10024426,"letterContent":"My students were so excited to see the variety of snacks that were sent to our classroom! They couldn't wait to make their selections, and each day brought a new sense of excitement as they wondered, \"What snack will I choose today?\" They loved talking with one another about their favorite snacks and even traded with friends when they found something they preferred. It became a fun part of our daily routine.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these snacks helped solve grumbling bellies, allowing my students to stay focused and ready to learn throughout the day. As their teacher, it was wonderful to watch their excitement and know that this generous donation made a meaningful difference in both their happiness and their ability to learn. Thank you for helping care for my students in such a thoughtful way.","fullyFundedDate":1778082879181,"projectUrl":"project/calm-bodies-happy-bellies-better-learn/10024426/","projectTitle":"Calm Bodies, Happy Bellies, Better Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lowe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4376821_orig.png?crop=611,611,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1630001873227","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4376821"},{"teacherId":2816217,"projectId":10283128,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for these incredible books for our classroom! They have truly been amazing for our students. The female-perspective classics and engaging literature have opened up meaningful conversations, increased student engagement, and provided exposure to stories and voices that many of our students may not have experienced otherwise.\r\n\r\nIn our Title I special education classroom, access to high-quality literature makes a tremendous difference. Our students work so hard every single day to overcome academic and emotional challenges, and these books have helped them feel empowered, included, and excited about reading. Seeing strong female characters, important themes, and relatable experiences in literature has helped many of our students build confidence and connect more deeply with texts.\r\n\r\nThese books are already supporting small-group instruction, read-alouds, independent reading, and thoughtful class discussions. They are helping students strengthen comprehension skills, expand vocabulary, improve reading stamina, and develop a love for literature in a safe and supportive environment.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your generosity is reminding our students that they matter and that their education is important. Thank you for believing in our special needs scholars and for helping bring meaningful literature, inspiration, and opportunity into our classroom. Your support has made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1779371039001,"projectUrl":"project/classic-literature-for-our-special-needs/10283128/","projectTitle":"Classic Literature for Our Special Needs Scholars","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ohannessian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2816217_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767056842805","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshoros"},{"teacherId":2816217,"projectId":10061602,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom calm corner project. Your kindness has already made a meaningful impact on my students and our classroom community, and I am truly grateful for your investment in their emotional well-being and success.\r\n\r\nThe calm corner materials have quickly become an important part of our daily classroom routine. Students are already using the sensory tools, calming supports, and flexible seating to help regulate their emotions when they begin to feel overwhelmed, anxious, frustrated, or overstimulated. Instead of struggling through difficult emotions, students now have a safe and supportive space where they can pause, reset, and return to learning more focused and prepared to succeed.\r\n\r\nIn our special education classroom, many students are still learning how to identify their feelings and use appropriate coping strategies independently. These materials are helping teach those critical lifelong skills in a positive and supportive way. Students are learning that it is okay to ask for support, take a break when needed, and use tools to help calm their minds and bodies. Over time, this has already begun reducing classroom disruptions and increasing student confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nOne of the most meaningful impacts has been seeing students independently choose strategies from the calm corner before reaching a point of frustration. The calming visuals, sensory supports, and structured environment are helping students feel emotionally safe, understood, and supported throughout the school day. When students feel regulated and secure, they are better able to participate in instruction, engage with peers, and work toward their academic and IEP goals.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping create more than just a classroom space—it is helping build a classroom community where students feel valued, supported, and capable of success. The skills they are developing through these supports will benefit them not only academically, but socially and emotionally for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and helping provide them with the tools they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Your support truly makes a difference every single day.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,\r\n\r\nMrs. Ohannessian and Class","fullyFundedDate":1777578490987,"projectUrl":"project/calm-corner-support-for-title-i-special/10061602/","projectTitle":"Calm Corner Support for Title I Special Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ohannessian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2816217_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767056842805","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshoros"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_23283","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":377,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":66,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":27,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"12.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.6,"schoolId":23283,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Edward Williams Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Edward Williams Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/mount-vernon-city-school-district/edward-williams-elementary-school/23283"}