{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hershal H Beam Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":29.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":818966,"projectId":9312396,"letterContent":"My students have had the best time making art projects with the supplies and materials that you have provided for us. We have learned about fish anatomy, habitats, and types of fish that live in the waters off the North Carolina coast.\r\nThe projects with the amphibians are still on going and not finished yet, but they are looking great. Each student \"adopted\" an amphibian and researched their habitats .\r\nThey also learned about what they eat, how they are different from the fish and the challenges that they face finding food and raising their young.\r\n The Kindergarten students were blown away by the diffusing color leaves. They called it art magic. They were so excited to use the paint brushes that did not require water to paint with. They painted their leaves and I used a spray bottle to apply the water so that the paint colors would diffuse and mix together. They were mesmerized and so excited to take them home and show them off to their families.\r\nMy students are so lucky to have donors like you who care about having students experience new materials and art supplies that go above and beyond crayons and pencils. I thank you for your kindness and your gracious help.","fullyFundedDate":1756758029529,"projectUrl":"project/art-and-science-go-hand-in-hand/9312396/","projectTitle":"Art and Science Go Hand in Hand!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Biddix","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp818966_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595954084705","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dbiddix"},{"teacherId":9498579,"projectId":8874228,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and continuous support in making this project possible. Your contributions have made a big difference in my classroom and in my students' learning experience. Because of your help, my kids are now more engaged and excited to participate in dictation, writing, and other interactive activities. It's wonderful to see their faces light up with joy as they learn new things in fun and meaningful ways. Your kindness and willingness to give have truly inspired us. We are deeply grateful for your compassion and commitment to education.","fullyFundedDate":1734099450259,"projectUrl":"project/the-benefits-of-whiteboards-and-eraser/8874228/","projectTitle":"The Benefits of Whiteboards, and Erasers for Kids for Dictation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tortal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9498579_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y1008&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711208303075","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9498579"},{"teacherId":8670615,"projectId":9374034,"letterContent":"On behalf of myself and all the students at HH Beam Elementary, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your incredibly generous donation of this restock and Refresh project!\r\n\r\nThe keyboards have already made a huge difference during our independent work time and group work - the kids LOVE them! And we now have enough for several students to work simultaneously with new headphones as well! The storage organizers have been a fantastic addition, too. We used them to create a neat and labeled worksheet area so kids can find and collect their own materials and music no matter what grade they are in. \r\n\r\nMrs. Corry is another teacher in my building and she uses the classroom next door to me, she is a kind and gracious person, and usually the teacher I lean on when we need help in the music room. At her request, I would also like to thank you additionally for the music stands which will be used primarily in our school shows to hold speaking parts and scripts for students while they read into the microphone. Holding the books for the students used to be her job, and now it will look much more professional and be easier on us both come show time! So thank you for that too! \r\n\r\nYour contribution directly helps create a more engaging and effective learning environment for our young learners. Thank you for investing in our classroom and our students' music education.","fullyFundedDate":1752586487625,"projectUrl":"project/august-replenish-and-refresh/9374034/","projectTitle":"August Replenish and Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Howell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8670615_orig.jpg?crop=1670,1670,x650,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661980150300","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8670615"},{"teacherId":8670615,"projectId":9253747,"letterContent":"The materials that this project has funded have changed the game in the music room at HH Beam Elementary! Students are engaged and participating, more empowered to monitor their needs in the classroom, and better equipped to make the most of their learning opportunities!\r\nThe breathing buddy, now named Hopper, is a fast favorite with the kids who use it as a calm down cool down activity following high movement or exciting times in the classroom. The breathing tiles are an amazing tool for students who need that tactile object they can hold too!\r\nThe desk bells and music box have been a welcome addition to the Exceptional Children's class that I am teaching new this year! The second I bought them out all the students were rapt with attention and the kids have had great fun learning how they work and listening to them. These instruments are special not just because they are unique in sound, but also because every child of every skill and ability can play them and enjoy them equally well.\r\nAs always this community's continued support of the music program at HH Beam means so much to me and the students I serve. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1746634854509,"projectUrl":"project/increasing-access-in-music/9253747/","projectTitle":"Increasing Access in Music","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Howell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8670615_orig.jpg?crop=1670,1670,x650,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661980150300","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8670615"},{"teacherId":10001784,"projectId":9396863,"letterContent":"Thank you for your heartfelt gift for our classroom. Our students came in to open house with smiles and excitement find the colorful and happy classroom. They enjoyed looking for their name on our welcome to our class board with the cutouts. The look of joy when they saw a bright happy classroom is one I will remember for years to come.\r\n\r\nOn the first few days of school we read the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle and the students completed a scavenger hunt to find items from the book around our room. They thought it was so neat that we had the same polka dots that the book had, the caterpillar rug, and games that we can play like the hungry caterpillar. When we transition into centers we use the cutouts to label each center with a number and the students enjoy finding their number.\r\n\r\nOver the next few months we will be using the games and the story sequencing activity to help our students build their skills in literacy and language. This is huge for our students as over half our class does not speak English.","fullyFundedDate":1750256124785,"projectUrl":"project/the-very-hungry-caterpillar-kindergarten/9396863/","projectTitle":"The Very Hungry Caterpillar Kindergarten Room Makeover","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10001784_orig.jpg?crop=1152,1153,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749070683853","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10001784"},{"teacherId":9496361,"projectId":8741325,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom motivation project! The prizes you helped fund have made a huge impact on my students. As soon as the prize box arrived, their faces lit up with excitement. They couldn't believe the variety of rewards they could earn just by working hard and staying focused. It instantly transformed our classroom culture—students are now more engaged, more goal-driven, and more proud of their achievements.\r\n\r\nOne specific moment that stood out was when a student who normally struggles to stay on task earned a prize for completing all of their assignments for the week. The sense of pride and joy they felt was unforgettable. These small rewards have turned into big moments of growth and confidence for my students.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we're using the prizes to reinforce positive behaviors, academic milestones, and teamwork. Thank you for making this possible—you've not only donated materials, but you've helped inspire a stronger, more motivated classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1727997839144,"projectUrl":"project/motivation-matters-prizes-and-incentive/8741325/","projectTitle":"Motivation Matters: Prizes and Incentives to Boost Student Performance","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cardona","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9496361"},{"teacherId":9404279,"projectId":8907150,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well. I am beyond grateful for your kindness and support in providing my students with the tray organizers and magnetic base-ten blocks through our project, \"Tools for Learning and Responsibility.\"\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their faces lit up with excitement! They eagerly explored the tray organizers, thrilled to have their own designated space to store their supplies neatly. It has already made a huge difference in fostering organization and responsibility in the classroom. The magnetic base-ten blocks have transformed our math lessons—students are now actively engaged, using the blocks to build numbers, visualize place value, and strengthen their understanding of addition and subtraction.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was during a recent math lesson when a student who previously struggled with place value suddenly had an \"aha\" moment using the base-ten blocks on the board. Seeing the numbers come to life made everything click for her! Similarly, the tray organizers have helped students take ownership of their materials, reducing lost items and distractions.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our learning journey, these tools will be instrumental in upcoming lessons on addition and subtraction with regrouping, as well as problem-solving strategies. We are also working on building independence, and the tray organizers are teaching students how to be responsible for their own learning materials.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible! Your generosity has not only provided valuable resources but has also empowered my students to grow academically and develop essential life skills. We are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1730221028510,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-learning-and-responsibility/8907150/","projectTitle":"Tools for Learning and Responsibility","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Plasabas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9404279_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x658,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755561195569","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9404279"},{"teacherId":9498579,"projectId":8680012,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our First Grade Manipulative Project on DonorsChoose. Your generosity has brought excitement and opportunity into our classroom, allowing my students to engage with hands-on tools that make learning math and literacy fun, interactive, and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThe math manipulatives have helped my students see concepts like counting, addition, and patterns come to life, building their understanding and confidence. Literacy tools, such as letter tiles and word-building kits, have encouraged my students to explore reading and writing in creative ways. These resources have not only supported academic growth but have also fostered teamwork, problem-solving, and a love for learning.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has truly made a difference. You have provided my students with opportunities they wouldn't have had otherwise, and the skills they are building now will stay with them for years to come.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and their families, thank you for your support, your generosity, and for believing in our classroom. We are forever grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1730041138229,"projectUrl":"project/first-grade-manipulatives/8680012/","projectTitle":"First Grade Manipulatives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tortal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9498579_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y1008&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711208303075","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9498579"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_2726","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":575,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":30,"percentWhite":23,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":39,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":70.8,"schoolId":2726,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hershal H Beam Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hershal H Beam Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/gaston-county-school-district/hershal-h-beam-elementary-school/2726"}
Join the 120 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Hershal H Beam Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Gastonia, North Carolina that is part of Gaston County School District.
It serves 575 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.4:1.
Its teachers have had 42 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
69%
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.
Hershal H Beam Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 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.
Hershal H Beam Elementary School
$17,672
raised using DonorsChoose
42
projects
funded
22
teachers
funded
120
donors
6
projects
for
basic supplies
7
projects for
technology
5
projects for
books
10
projects
for
art supplies
Hershal H Beam Elementary School has received support from
85 individuals from North Carolina and
35 individuals out-of-state.