{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"James W Smith Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":47.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4733424,"projectId":9606770,"letterContent":"Technology in our classroom is used intentionally to support learning, engagement, and independence—not passive screen time. The Tonies Box has become a meaningful tool that helps students build early literacy skills, listening comprehension, and language development through stories, songs, and read-alouds. Because it is screen-free and hands-on, students can independently select stories, follow along, and stay focused without distractions. This supports routines like quiet time, transitions, and small-group learning while encouraging responsibility and self-confidence.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about the Tonies Box is how interactive and tangible it is. They love choosing a character, placing it on the box, and hearing the story begin instantly. This simple cause-and-effect interaction makes learning feel magical and empowering. The characters spark curiosity and imagination, and students often retell stories, sing songs together, or act out what they've heard—deepening comprehension and social interaction in a joyful way.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who typically struggle with attention, transitions, or expressive language have especially connected with this new technology. Some students who are quieter or hesitant to participate have become more engaged during story time, while others use the Tonies Box as a calming and regulating tool. Seeing students independently use the box, share it with peers, and feel proud of navigating learning on their own has been incredibly rewarding. This resource has truly enhanced our classroom environment and made learning more accessible and inclusive for all students.","fullyFundedDate":1762265322728,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-fall-in-love-with-stori/9606770/","projectTitle":"Help My Students Fall in Love With Stories!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Potter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4733424_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597072181238","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4733424"},{"teacherId":4733424,"projectId":9453537,"letterContent":"The new toys in our class have made a big impact on our learning by encouraging creativity, teamwork, and hands-on exploration. Students are more engaged during activities, and the variety of materials helps them practice problem-solving, fine-motor skills, and communication with one another. These tools make learning feel fun and interactive, which helps everyone stay focused and excited to participate each day. I am so thankful to all the donors that made this possible! It has been so much fun using the new materials!","fullyFundedDate":1755255838152,"projectUrl":"project/playtime-with-a-purpose-support-our-you/9453537/","projectTitle":"Playtime with a Purpose: Support Our Youngest Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Potter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4733424_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597072181238","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4733424"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_2564","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":289,"numTeachers":32,"percentFrplEligible":93,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":35,"percentWhite":38,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":16,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":52.8,"schoolId":2564,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about James W Smith Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"James W Smith Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/craven-county-school-district/james-w-smith-elementary-school/2564"}
Join the 640 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
James W Smith Elementary School is
a rural public school
in Cove City, North Carolina that is part of Craven County School District.
It serves 289 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 9.0:1.
Its teachers have had 205 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Share and help support James W Smith Elementary School
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of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
51%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
James W Smith Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 27, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
James W Smith Elementary School
$84,571
raised using DonorsChoose
205
projects
funded
66
teachers
funded
640
donors
19
projects
for
basic supplies
14
projects for
technology
39
projects for
books
6
projects
for
art supplies
James W Smith Elementary School has received support from
338 individuals from North Carolina and
302 individuals out-of-state.
