{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Westerly Hills Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":42.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10230821,"projectId":9844890,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Keeping Our Learning Space Fresh and Safe. Because of your generosity, we now have a carpet cleaner that has already made a noticeable difference in our classroom. Our rug is used daily for whole group lessons, partner discussions, independent reading, and social emotional learning. Being able to quickly clean and sanitize this shared space helps us maintain a healthier classroom and creates an environment where students can focus, feel comfortable, and learn without distractions.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the carpet cleaner, they were excited and full of questions. After seeing classmates become sick and realizing how often we all share the rug space, they began to truly understand the purpose of keeping it clean. This led to meaningful conversations about germs, responsibility, and taking care of one another. Many students expressed pride in having a clean classroom and have become more mindful about cleaning up spills, snacks, and materials. Several students have even taken on the role of reminding their peers to help keep our shared spaces tidy and safe.\r\n\r\nAs we continue learning, our rug will remain a central part of our daily instruction. Students are currently working in reading groups, participating in class discussions, and engaging in collaborative activities that require movement and flexibility within the classroom. Having a clean and well-maintained learning space allows these lessons to run smoothly and safely. Because of your support, my students are learning in an environment that reflects care, respect, and community. Thank you for helping us create a classroom where students feel supported, valued, and ready to learn every day.","fullyFundedDate":1762266314711,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-our-learning-space-fresh-and-saf/9844890/","projectTitle":"Keeping Our Learning Space Fresh and Safe","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Green","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10230821_orig.jpg?crop=752,752,x56,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760788364116","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10230821"},{"teacherId":6698321,"projectId":9295680,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of decodable books to our kindergarten classroom. Your support has made a powerful difference in helping our youngest learners develop strong, confident reading skills.\r\n\r\nThese books have transformed the way our students experience reading. Because the texts align directly with the phonics skills we are teaching, students are able to sound out words independently rather than guessing or memorizing patterns. This has allowed them to practice real decoding strategies and truly understand how reading works.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been immediate and exciting to witness. Students who once hesitated to read aloud are now eagerly volunteering. They feel successful because they can actually read the words on the page. That sense of accomplishment has built both their confidence and their love of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1746787082293,"projectUrl":"project/decoding-our-way-to-success/9295680/","projectTitle":"Decoding Our Way to Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ramseur","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6698321_orig.jpg?crop=504,504,x0,y50&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1640747621263","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6698321"},{"teacherId":6698321,"projectId":9295599,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of classroom manipulatives, phonics games, and decodable books to our kindergarten classroom. Your support has made a meaningful and immediate difference in the way our students learn to read, write, and build foundational skills.\r\n\r\nThe hands-on manipulatives have transformed learning into an active, engaging experience. Students are now able to physically sort, build, count, and explore concepts, which strengthens both their understanding and confidence. These tools have been especially helpful for our young learners who benefit most from tactile and visual learning opportunities.","fullyFundedDate":1746787018933,"projectUrl":"project/making-connections-with-letters-and-soun/9295599/","projectTitle":"Making connections with letters and sounds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ramseur","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6698321_orig.jpg?crop=504,504,x0,y50&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1640747621263","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6698321"},{"teacherId":6698321,"projectId":9438501,"letterContent":"Donations to our kindergarten classroom make a difference you can truly see every single day. When children have access to bright, engaging books, letter games, and hands-on literacy tools, reading becomes exciting instead of intimidating. They gather on the carpet eager to hear new stories, practice their sounds with confidence, and proudly share their first written sentences. These materials help us meet each child where they are—supporting beginners while challenging confident readers—so every student feels successful and included. Your support helps create a warm, language-rich environment where a love of reading can grow naturally.\r\n\r\nMath donations have the same joyful impact. With counting cubes, ten frames, pattern blocks, and interactive games, students don't just learn numbers—they explore, build, and discover. You can hear their excitement as they solve problems together, count out loud, and celebrate when something finally \"clicks.\" These hands-on tools turn abstract math ideas into real experiences that make sense to young learners. Because of your generosity, math feels playful and approachable, helping children build confidence and a strong foundation that will carry them far beyond kindergarten.","fullyFundedDate":1755298430514,"projectUrl":"project/starting-strong-and-finishing-stronger-i/9438501/","projectTitle":"Starting Strong and Finishing Stronger in Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ramseur","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6698321_orig.jpg?crop=504,504,x0,y50&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1640747621263","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6698321"},{"teacherId":4483907,"projectId":9375175,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students now have access to the tools they need to confidently navigate technology and engage more deeply in their learning. The new computer mice have transformed how my students interact with digital lessons, assessments, and learning programs by giving them better control, precision, and independence while working online.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, many students struggled using trackpads, which slowed them down and caused frustration during writing assignments, research projects, and interactive learning activities. Now, students are able to click, scroll, drag, and type with ease—allowing them to focus on their academic tasks rather than the mechanics of using a device.\r\n\r\nThese mice have been especially impactful during literacy instruction, online assessments, and small-group interventions, where students regularly use digital platforms for reading practice, writing responses, and skill-based programs. I've already seen an increase in student confidence, engagement, and efficiency as they complete assignments more independently and with fewer technical barriers.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your donation has helped level the playing field for my students by ensuring they all have equal access to functional learning tools. You didn't just provide classroom supplies—you empowered young learners to build essential technology skills they will carry with them for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their growth. Your kindness is making a real and lasting difference in our classroom every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1748889859187,"projectUrl":"project/click-learn-and-grow-mice-for-young-t/9375175/","projectTitle":"Click, Learn, and Grow: Mice for Young Tech Explorers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4483907_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747950218139","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4483907"},{"teacherId":3325944,"projectId":9953230,"letterContent":"Thank you again for supporting my students and my classroom! It was such a nice surprise to find out over winter break that my project had been fully funded. My students gets excited everytime the see a new box coming into the room and can't wait to see what is inside. \r\n\r\nNormally we go to the black top for recess when the playground is wet but they have been begging to go every day due to the new recess items. They have been having jump rope contest, drawing pictures with chalk, and playing frisbee together. It is so nice to see them excited over the things we have gotten. \r\n\r\nThey have also really enjoyed the new items for the prize box and the treats. Each day I pick 2 students who have shown model expectations to go to the prize box and their faces light up when they see the new items in there. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting us!","fullyFundedDate":1767144758607,"projectUrl":"project/mid-year-refresh/9953230/","projectTitle":"Mid-year Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Melahn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3325944_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1452692404380","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3325944"},{"teacherId":10230821,"projectId":9662144,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting our classroom and believing in my students. Your generosity has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our learning environment, and I am incredibly grateful for the investment you made in our children's success. Because of you, our classroom is no longer just a place where students sit and listen. It is a space where they feel comfortable, motivated, valued, and excited to learn every single day.\r\nFlexible seating has truly transformed the way my students experience learning. Every child is different, and your donation allowed us to honor those differences. Some students focus best when they can gently move, others feel more confident working from a cozy space, and some simply need an option that helps them feel calm and regulated. Having choices empowers students to take ownership of their learning and make decisions that support their success. I have seen students become more engaged, more focused, and more willing to participate simply because they are comfortable in their learning space. That comfort translates directly into confidence, and confidence leads to growth.\r\nIn addition to flexible seating, your support helped provide meaningful rewards that encourage positive behavior, effort, and perseverance. These rewards are not just prizes. They are celebrations of hard work, kindness, responsibility, and determination. When students know their efforts are noticed and valued, it motivates them to keep trying, even when learning feels challenging. I have watched students push themselves academically, support their classmates, and take pride in their accomplishments because they know their growth matters. Your generosity helped create a classroom culture where effort is celebrated and success is shared.\r\nWhat makes your donation even more special is the sense of community it brings into our classroom. My students understand that people they may never meet took the time to support them. That knowledge alone is powerful. It teaches them that learning matters beyond the walls of our school and that there are people in the world who believe in them and want to see them succeed. Many of my students come from diverse backgrounds, and your kindness sends a strong message that they are worthy, capable, and supported.\r\nBecause of you, our classroom feels brighter both physically and emotionally. Students are happier to come to school, more comfortable taking academic risks, and more engaged in lessons. The flexible seating encourages collaboration, movement, and creativity, while the reward system reinforces positive choices and strong work habits. Together, these resources help create an environment where students feel safe, motivated, and eager to learn.\r\nAs a teacher, I see firsthand how resources like these make a difference. They help me better support my students' needs and create lessons that are engaging and inclusive. Your donation did more than provide supplies. It helped create opportunities for focus, growth, confidence, and joy in learning. These are experiences my students will carry with them far beyond this school year.\r\nPlease know that your generosity does not go unnoticed. My students and I are deeply thankful for your support, your kindness, and your belief in education. Because of you, our classroom is a place where flexible seating supports learning, bright minds are nurtured, and big rewards celebrate hard work and progress. Thank you for helping us build a classroom where students feel empowered to learn, grow, and shine.\r\nThe Green Beans (my scholars) are very thankful!💚","fullyFundedDate":1760556472312,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-bright-minds-and-big/9662144/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating, Bright Minds, and Big Rewards!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Green","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10230821_orig.jpg?crop=752,752,x56,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760788364116","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10230821"},{"teacherId":4483907,"projectId":9392524,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, this project has had a clear academic impact on my students. The cozy seating has helped students stay focused for longer periods of time, which has improved their reading stamina and overall engagement during independent and small-group work. The calming environment has also reduced distractions and helped students transition more smoothly between tasks.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has directly supported stronger academic habits and a more productive learning environment. Thank you for investing in my students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1755298430447,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-cozy-learning-space-for-engag/9392524/","projectTitle":"Creating a Cozy Learning Space for Engaged Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4483907_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747950218139","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4483907"},{"teacherId":7472015,"projectId":9693576,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donations to this project. My classroom has been nice and clean because of your generous donations. We have been using the tissue paper, wiping noses and faces left and right. The wipes have been keeping our classroom sanitized and germ free. The ziploc bags have helped to send reading books home. \r\n\r\nThe cold weather is among us and the scholars come to school every day with runny noses. The tissues have made a difference in our kinder room. I am so grateful that every corner has a tissue box. It has helped my scholars to stay germ free.\r\n\r\nI am thankful for the wipes because all of the tables and desks are cleaned every day. The scholars love to help keep the room fresh and cleaned. The ziploc bags served so many purposes in the classroom. It helps to organize their desks such as the crayons, pencils and reading books. It's used to stored snacks and manipulatives. We are so thankful for the generous giving to make this project funded.","fullyFundedDate":1758220886762,"projectUrl":"project/clean-students/9693576/","projectTitle":"Clean Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7472015"},{"teacherId":8397047,"projectId":9239393,"letterContent":"Your gifts have and will continue to spark joy and creativity! Thank you for always loving our students and giving them opportunities to grow. While we haven't started the projects yet either the cyanotype papers I know they will be excited to try them out. This will be a brand new art experience that will really enhance their creativity. They have enjoyed using the Kwik sticks to make various projects already. It is a very popular medium in the art room. I am excited see how their projects come out. And I know they will be so proud of what they will accomplish. Thank you again for giving these art making opportunities to my students.","fullyFundedDate":1755298430792,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-and-cultural-exploration-with/9239393/","projectTitle":"Creativity and Cultural Exploration Within Art","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Insley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8397047"},{"teacherId":8397047,"projectId":9341604,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for investing in my students and the art room! With the supplies you gifted, my students will learn and make connections between art and the environment. They will also get to explore the importance of pollinators. The hope is to have the projects done in February so when spring comes around their projects are ready for the bees. As well as recycled paper Mother's Day cards and earth day artwork created with the paper making screens. \r\nI know the students will be so excited to try new art processes and I can hardly wait to see that excitement. Thank you again for always supporting our scholars.","fullyFundedDate":1755298430637,"projectUrl":"project/recycled-paper-making-and-beepollinator/9341604/","projectTitle":"Recycled Paper Making and Bee/Pollinator Cups","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Insley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8397047"},{"teacherId":2760932,"projectId":9298136,"letterContent":"Students and community members came together to promote good hygiene through a meaningful initiative that provided essential hygiene items to those in need. The effort reflects the importance of caring for one another and supporting the basic needs of every member of the community.\r\n\r\nThe students were especially enthusiastic about both donating and distributing the items. Their excitement showed a genuine desire to make a positive impact and contribute to a cause greater than themselves. Through this project, they not only learned the value of giving but also experienced the joy that comes from helping others and working together for a shared purpose.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, this initiative has inspired continued commitment to community service. By building on the success of this project, they hope to strengthen community bonds and encourage others to take part in making a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1747684748820,"projectUrl":"project/self-care-for-all-community-service-proj/9298136/","projectTitle":"Self-Care for All Community Service Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mumford","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2760932_orig.jpg?crop=719,719,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724173030971","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2760932"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1696","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":507,"numTeachers":45,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":62,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":29,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":57.5,"schoolId":1696,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Westerly Hills Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Westerly Hills Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/charlotte-mecklenburg-school-district/westerly-hills-elementary-school/1696"}