{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Y.E. Smith Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":47.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9891326,"projectId":9072416,"letterContent":"I cannot begin to thank you for your generous donation that allowed me to have such a essential items brought to my classroom. Far too often, are the needs of children with disabilities and differences are overlooked and forgotten, as many overlook their capabilities. Many students who have disabilities are able to find success in the classroom, and through providing accommodations and supports, this success is made easier and more accessible to them. \r\n\r\nMany students struggle to remain on task, especially for students with disabilities, where learning is already especially difficult for them, this over-stimulating environment, may cause them to become dis-engaged altogether, and deem their task \"impossible\", causing them to feel inferior and incapable. These wobble stools and wiggle seats have brought SO much joy to so many students. There is a light on these student's faces now, that there wasn't before, because they are able to focus and have a tool to help them remain engaged, allowing them to complete tasks and feel capable. These alternative seating options have also allowed many of my students who have sensory needs, to remain seated, remain on-task, all while feeding their need to move. Students have found enjoyment in using these alternative seating options, because they too, notice their improved behavior in class and in turn, have completed more work. \r\n\r\nMy favorite impact from having this resource is that it allows my students to be an advocate for their learning and their needs. Many students have become aware of their sensory needs, including the tendency of them to get out of their seat, fidget with items, and become distracted in class. These students are now asking to use the specific alternative seating option, and are able to explain why they would like to use the seat and the impact it has on their engagement in class. Having access to this resource allows them to see that everything is possible with the correct supports and resources. So thank YOU for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1737411772405,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-to-aid-focus-in-the-cla/9072416/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating to Aid Focus in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cannady","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9891326_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737340926831","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9891326"},{"teacherId":9891326,"projectId":9047166,"letterContent":"I cannot begin to thank you all for your generous donations that allowed me to have such an essential item brought to my classroom, and my school. Far too often, are the needs of children with disabilities and differences overlooked and forgotten, as many overlook their capabilities. Many students who have disabilities are able to find success in the classroom, and through providing accommodations and supports, this success is made easier and more accessible to them. \r\n\r\nThe classroom and school environment are environments where hands-on learning, whole group and small group instruction, and various means of engagement and activities take place. For many, the busyness of the school environment is filled with distractions and over-stimulating noises and movements that prevent them from giving their full attention to the task at hand. Especially for students with disabilities, where learning is already especially difficult for them, this over-stimulating environment, may cause them to become dis-engaged altogether, and deem their task \"impossible\", causing them to feel inferior and incapable. These noise-cancelling headphones have brought SO much joy to so many students. There is a light on these student's faces now, that there wasn't before, because they are able to focus and have a tool to help them focus, allowing them to complete tasks and feel capable. These headphones have also allowed many of my students who have sensory needs, to participate in school wide events such as assemblies, school concerts, that were too overwhelming, prior to having access to this resource. Students have found enjoyment in environments such as the cafeteria for lunch and breakfast, and specials such as music, where they are able to enjoy the environment, rather than be overwhelmed by the noise. \r\n\r\nMy favorite impact from having this resource is that it allows my students to be an advocate for their learning and their needs. Many students have become aware of their \"triggers\" and potentially overstimulating environments, and in turn, ask to use the headphones. Having access to this resource allows them to see that everything is possible with the correct supports and resources. So, thank YOU for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1737331701820,"projectUrl":"project/support-students-with-sensory-needs/9047166/","projectTitle":"Support Students With Sensory Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cannady","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9891326_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737340926831","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9891326"},{"teacherId":4575471,"projectId":2738467,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible impact diverse books have had in our classroom. These stories, filled with characters from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, have opened windows to the world for my students while holding up mirrors to their own lives. Diverse books spark meaningful discussions, foster empathy, and help every child feel seen and valued. Watching students connect with characters who share their traditions or learn about others' lives in a way that broadens their perspectives has been nothing short of inspiring. These books have created a more inclusive and compassionate learning environment, and for that, I am deeply thankful.","fullyFundedDate":1514245933594,"projectUrl":"project/reading-together-common-fuel-that-produ/2738467/","projectTitle":"Reading Together: Common Fuel that Produces Uncommon Results","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hoop","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4575471_orig.png?crop=320,320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666549072351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissa-hoopingarner"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1468","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":326,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":39,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":50,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":52.9,"schoolId":1468,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Y.E. Smith Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Y.E. Smith Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/durham-public-schools/y-e-smith-elementary-school/1468"}
Join the 187 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Y.E. Smith Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Durham, North Carolina that is part of Durham Public Schools.
It serves 326 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 10.9:1.
Its teachers have had 45 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
90%
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.
Y.E. Smith Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 2025
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.
Y.E. Smith Elementary School
$24,371
raised using DonorsChoose
45
projects
funded
23
teachers
funded
187
donors
1
project
for
basic supplies
6
projects for
technology
7
projects for
books
2
projects
for
art supplies
Y.E. Smith Elementary School has received support from
99 individuals from North Carolina and
88 individuals out-of-state.