{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kendall - Whittier Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":46.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9178848,"projectId":9538110,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my classroom! I am so happy that you are willing to provide supplies for my classroom this year. The joy that these supplies have brought to my students is so wonderful to see. I feel so uplifted that through your support, I am able to fulfill my mission to support these students in a whole-hearted manner, seeing them as unique individuals; not just to be taught, but also to be nurtured and loved.\r\nI am especially grateful to have received the polaroid camera from my Donors Choose project. In the first week of school I took pictures of all the students and had them bring them home to their families. They got so excited when I started taking the pictures and couldn't wait for their turn. They huddled around the table where I laid out the photos out to develop, eager to see their own. At dismissal time they eagerly showed them to their parents with big smiles.\r\nI am also especially thankful to have received the box of snacks from my Donors Choose project. When I passed them out to the students, one of them told me with wonder, \"This is the best day ever!\" The students also feel the same about the prizes and certificates (also from Donors Choose!), they feel so special whenever they get to celebrate their wins, both big and small.\r\nThank you again for making my students so happy, and for helping me bring smiles to their faces and love to their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1755019632438,"projectUrl":"project/teaching-the-whole-child/9538110/","projectTitle":"Teaching the Whole Child","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lickona","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9178848_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y741&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753140532778","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mary-lickona"},{"teacherId":8930662,"projectId":9364360,"letterContent":"Our students have been so excited to use the new materials, and they have already made a meaningful impact on our learning environment. We introduced the resources during our morning centers, and one of the first activities we completed was a hands-on literacy project where students matched vocabulary cards to real objects in the classroom. This helped them stay engaged, practice language skills, and participate more confidently during group time. It was wonderful to see how quickly they connected with the materials.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new items, their faces lit up with curiosity and joy. Several of them immediately began exploring the resources, asking questions, and sharing with their classmates. For many of my preschoolers—especially those who learn best through visual and tactile supports—these tools have already created more opportunities for participation, communication, and independence.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we will continue to incorporate these materials into daily lessons and upcoming thematic units. Our next project will involve using the resources during a science exploration activity, where students will sort, classify, and describe objects using the new visual supports. Thanks to your generosity, my students now have tools that support their learning every single day, and I am truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1757537305635,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-learning/9364360/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jessica Shollmier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930662_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1675301422782","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930662"},{"teacherId":8930662,"projectId":9158259,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generous donation that brought a beautiful classroom sofa and a collection of post office-themed learning materials into our preschool space. Your kindness has transformed our learning environment in ways I couldn't have imagined, and I'd love to share how deeply it has impacted both me and my students. As a preschool teacher and psychologist, I understand how essential comfort, imagination, and hands-on learning are in early childhood development—but your donation brought these concepts to life in the most meaningful and personal way.\r\n\r\nThe day the sofa arrived, the energy in our room completely changed. One of my students, Valeria, who has always struggled with staying focused during our independent learning time, immediately curled up on the new sofa with a stack of vocabulary picture cards. She looked up at me with a soft smile and said, \"This is my thinking seat.\" Since that moment, the sofa has become a comforting anchor for her—and many others—during transitions, reading time, and small group instruction. Children now use the sofa as a space to self-regulate when they feel overwhelmed, and it has become a symbol of calm and security in our classroom routine. It has also supported more intentional one-on-one moments. I've sat there with students helping them sound out new words, retell stories, and even talk about their feelings. These are the kinds of memories that shape their trust in school and love for learning.\r\n\r\nJust as inspiring has been the arrival of the post office materials. These items have sparked an explosion of curiosity and engagement. We began a mini \"Community Helpers\" project centered around the postal system, and I turned a corner of the classroom into our very own pretend post office. With the pretend mailbox, stamps, envelopes, labels, sorting trays, and uniforms you helped us obtain, the children began writing and delivering \"letters\" to one another. Some wrote notes like \"Thank you for being my friend,\" or drew pictures for their favorite teacher or classmate. One morning, I found that they had independently created a \"mail schedule\" on our whiteboard, assigning roles as letter carriers, sorters, and clerks. Watching them engage in role play that developed their writing, speaking, turn-taking, and problem-solving skills was incredible.\r\n\r\nWhat moved me most, though, was the change I saw in a group of quieter students who don't typically initiate interactions. During the post office project, these children began participating in delivering notes, asking questions about addresses and stamps, and even inventing their own \"mail codes.\" One boy, who usually avoids writing activities, wrote his first full sentence because he wanted to make sure his letter made it to his friend's cubby. The post office setup gave him a meaningful reason to write, and it ignited his confidence in a way that no worksheet ever could.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just provide classroom furniture or pretend play materials—it gave my students the tools to feel emotionally safe, socially connected, and intellectually curious. These are foundational experiences that build strong learners. The sofa helped create a cozy, welcoming space that encourages focus, comfort, and trust. The post office materials opened a world of literacy and imagination that sparked new friendships and new learning pathways. You made this possible.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in our classroom. Your gift was more than generous—it was transformational. Every envelope they sort, every story they read on the sofa, and every smile they share while playing mail carrier is a reflection of the learning, growth, and joy your support has made possible.","fullyFundedDate":1743467000461,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-futures/9158259/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jessica Shollmier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930662_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1675301422782","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930662"},{"teacherId":8930662,"projectId":9081761,"letterContent":"Our students have greatly benefited from this project, as it has provided them with engaging and diverse books that spark curiosity and foster a love for reading. These new texts have introduced essential literacy skills such as comprehension strategies, vocabulary development, and critical thinking. Through guided discussions, students learn to analyze characters, identify themes, and make connections to their own lives.\r\nIn our classroom, reading is an interactive and dynamic experience. Students participate in read-aloud sessions, small group discussions, and independent reading time. They engage with stories through questioning, predictions, and hands-on activities that deepen their understanding.\r\nOne student, in particular, has shown remarkable growth and enthusiasm. Initially hesitant to pick up a book, she now eagerly selects stories and shares her thoughts with classmates. Her confidence has soared, and she actively participates in discussions, demonstrating a newfound love for reading.\r\nThanks to your support, our students are not just learning to read; they are discovering the joy and power of literature!","fullyFundedDate":1741705592643,"projectUrl":"project/building-foundations-exploring-shapes-a/9081761/","projectTitle":"Building Foundations: Exploring Shapes and Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jessica Shollmier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930662_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1675301422782","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930662"},{"teacherId":8309982,"projectId":8724159,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous donations! My kids have enjoyed the Dr. Seuss pencils, Bear Erasers, cute notebooks, and the yummy snacks immensely. I have consistently used them to motivate my kids to reach their short-term and long-term goals in both academic and behavioral development, and to reward them for their hard work and progress. My kids have shown significant growth in both reading and math on MAP tests. Two of my newcomers grew over 20 points in reading. \r\n\r\nYour donations have not only encouraged my kids to try their best and reach their goals no matter what it takes, but have also inspired them to be a contributor to our community. \r\n\r\nI deeply appreciate your kindness and generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1735505881437,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials-and-incentives-for/8724159/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials and Incentives for a Great School Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wooten","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8309982_orig.jpg?crop=1816,1816,x1695,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690995634783","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8309982"},{"teacherId":8930662,"projectId":7136836,"letterContent":"Our students have greatly benefited from this project, as it has provided them with engaging and diverse books that spark curiosity and foster a love for reading. These new texts have introduced essential literacy skills such as comprehension strategies, vocabulary development, and critical thinking. Through guided discussions, students learn to analyze characters, identify themes, and make connections to their own lives.\r\nIn our classroom, reading is an interactive and dynamic experience. Students participate in read-aloud sessions, small group discussions, and independent reading time. They engage with stories through questioning, predictions, and hands-on activities that deepen their understanding.\r\nOne student, in particular, has shown remarkable growth and enthusiasm. Initially hesitant to pick up a book, she now eagerly selects stories and shares her thoughts with classmates. Her confidence has soared, and she actively participates in discussions, demonstrating a newfound love for reading.\r\nThanks to your support, our students are not just learning to read; they are discovering the joy and power of literature!","fullyFundedDate":1680187270417,"projectUrl":"project/ms-shollmier/7136836/","projectTitle":"Ms. Shollmier","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jessica Shollmier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930662_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1675301422782","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930662"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_87445","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":817,"numTeachers":58,"percentFrplEligible":70,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":10,"percentWhite":16,"percentIndigenous":4,"percentLatinx":57,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":54.0,"schoolId":87445,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kendall - Whittier Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kendall - Whittier Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oklahoma/tulsa-public-schools/kendall-whittier-elementary-school/87445"}