{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Walt Whitman Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":67.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5523059,"projectId":8118294,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generous support of our classroom phonics project! Because of your donation, my students now have the tools and materials they need to strengthen their phonics skills, build confidence in reading, and develop a love for learning. Your generosity has truly transformed the way my students approach reading, and it has had a lasting impact on their academic growth.\r\n\r\nPhonics is the foundation of reading, and for many of my students, it can be both exciting and challenging. Some of my students struggle with decoding words, blending sounds, or recognizing patterns, while others need extra practice to reinforce their understanding. With the materials provided through this project — including manipulatives, phonics games, flashcards, and engaging workbooks — I am now able to provide targeted instruction that meets each student where they are. These tools allow me to differentiate instruction, giving struggling readers extra support while challenging advanced readers with more complex activities.\r\n\r\nThe impact on my students' learning has been incredible. I have watched their confidence grow as they master new phonics rules, decode unfamiliar words, and read independently. Students who were hesitant to read aloud at the beginning of the year now proudly share their progress with peers, teachers, and family members. Because of this project, students are not only improving their reading skills but are also developing a sense of pride in their accomplishments. Every time a student successfully blends sounds or reads a tricky word, the excitement in the classroom is palpable — and it's all thanks to your support.\r\n\r\nThe materials you provided have also expanded what I am able to accomplish in my teaching. I can now incorporate hands-on, interactive activities that make phonics instruction engaging and memorable. Games and manipulatives allow students to practice phonics in small groups, partner work, and whole-class lessons, creating a more dynamic and collaborative learning environment. These resources have saved time and allowed me to focus on providing individualized support and feedback, helping each student grow at their own pace.\r\n\r\nFor English language learners and students who struggle with confidence in reading, these materials have been especially impactful. Phonics games and visual supports make abstract concepts more concrete, while repeated practice helps students internalize patterns and rules. I've seen students who once struggled with basic decoding now read short passages fluently and with expression. This progress has been a game-changer for their overall literacy development.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly made a difference in my classroom. By providing the resources for this phonics project, you have given my students the foundation they need to become confident, independent readers. You have also empowered me as a teacher to provide more effective, engaging, and personalized instruction. I am deeply grateful for your support and for believing in the power of literacy to change lives.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping my students succeed. Your contribution is helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally, and your impact will be felt for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1705583006879,"projectUrl":"project/strong-phonics-skills/8118294/","projectTitle":"Strong Phonics Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lovett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5523059_orig.jpg?crop=370,370,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1573327663817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5523059"},{"teacherId":5523059,"projectId":8118212,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your incredible generosity and kindness in supporting our classroom snack project. Because of you, my students now have access to healthy, consistent snacks each day — something that may seem small, but has made a tremendous difference in our classroom community, focus, and overall well-being. Your donation has filled not just our snack bins, but also our hearts.\r\n\r\nMany of my students come to school eager to learn, but not all come with full stomachs. Some mornings begin with quiet whispers of \"I didn't have breakfast,\" or \"I forgot my snack.\" Before this project, there were days when I would see students trying to stay focused through hunger, doing their best but clearly struggling to give their full attention. Thanks to your generosity, that has changed. Now, when a student feels hungry, we have something to offer — no stigma, no worry, just a simple moment of care and kindness that lets them know they are supported.\r\n\r\nThe snacks you helped fund — from granola bars and crackers to fruit snacks, applesauce pouches, and pretzels — have brought comfort, stability, and smiles to my third graders' faces. You would be amazed at how much energy and excitement fills the room when students see our snack basket being refilled. It's not just about the food itself; it's about what it represents. It tells them: \"Someone cares about you. Someone wants you to feel good and do your best.\" That message matters deeply to a child.\r\n\r\nHaving snacks available has made an immediate academic impact, too. Students are more focused during lessons, especially during those long stretches between breakfast and lunch. I've noticed fewer distractions and fewer complaints of stomachaches or tiredness. Instead, students are more engaged, participating actively in discussions and activities. It's been heartwarming to watch them go from sluggish and hungry to alert and ready to learn — all because of something as simple as having a snack available when they need it.","fullyFundedDate":1704723080404,"projectUrl":"project/feeding-scholars/8118212/","projectTitle":"Feeding Scholars","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lovett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5523059_orig.jpg?crop=370,370,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1573327663817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5523059"},{"teacherId":5523059,"projectId":8118235,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nI cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity and support of our classroom. Because of your donation, I was able to provide my students with the supplies we needed to celebrate their hard work, accomplishments, and daily successes. Your kindness made it possible for our class to have the materials to make every milestone — big or small — feel special. What might seem like a simple set of supplies to some has truly created moments of joy, pride, and belonging for my students.\r\n\r\nThis year, I have an amazing group of third graders who come to school every day ready to learn, grow, and do their best. They are kind, curious, and full of energy. Many of them face challenges outside of school, but inside our classroom, I want them to feel valued, seen, and celebrated. Thanks to your donation, we were able to create that atmosphere in a real and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nWith the supplies you helped fund — from colorful paper, markers, and stickers to classroom decorations, certificates, and small prizes — we have been able to make each celebration an event the students look forward to. Whether it's recognizing a student who finally mastered a tricky reading skill, celebrating a class goal met, or honoring students who show kindness and integrity, we now have everything we need to make those moments memorable. Seeing their faces light up when they receive a special note, a small reward, or even a simple balloon display is a reminder of how powerful it is to make children feel proud of themselves.\r\n\r\nOne of the most beautiful parts of this project has been watching how the celebrations have built our classroom community. Students cheer for each other's accomplishments. They take pride in helping decorate the room for special occasions. They even nominate classmates for recognition! The sense of teamwork and encouragement that has grown in our class is something I will never forget — and it all began because we had the tools and materials to make celebrations possible.\r\n\r\nFor my English language learners and quieter students, these moments have been especially impactful. Many of them are still finding their voices and gaining confidence in their new language. Having a chance to be recognized in front of their peers — with a certificate or a round of applause — has helped them feel included and proud. The visual elements, bright decorations, and hands-on materials have also helped make learning more engaging and meaningful for all students.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, I see every day how small gestures of celebration can spark motivation and joy. When students know that their hard work and kindness are noticed, they are more eager to try, to help others, and to believe in themselves. Your donation allowed me to create that spark and keep it glowing throughout the year. It's more than just supplies — it's the foundation for a positive, uplifting classroom culture.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping me celebrate my students. Thank you for giving me the means to make their achievements shine. And thank you for reminding them — and me — that there are people in the world who care deeply about their success and happiness. Your generosity has made a lasting difference, and we will carry that sense of gratitude and joy into everything we do.","fullyFundedDate":1703786532607,"projectUrl":"project/celebrate-3rd-grade/8118235/","projectTitle":"Celebrate 3rd Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lovett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5523059_orig.jpg?crop=370,370,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1573327663817","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5523059"},{"teacherId":3733253,"projectId":3091872,"letterContent":"The computer cart made a huge difference in our classroom. It allowed us to store, charge, and organize our laptops in one secure, central location. Before we had the cart, managing devices took up valuable learning time. Thanks to this addition, we were able to transition quickly into lessons that used technology, without the chaos or delay of figuring out where things were or whether they were charged.\r\n\r\nStudents were more independent and responsible with their devices because everything had a designated place. The cart helped create structure and routines that supported smoother lessons and more time focused on learning.\r\n\r\nIt also kept our technology in great shape—devices were no longer getting lost, damaged, or left uncharged. This meant students could fully participate in reading programs, writing assignments, and digital assessments without interruption.\r\n\r\nThanks to the cart, our classroom ran more efficiently, and students had better access to the tools they needed to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1522186184905,"projectUrl":"project/computer-cart-for-scholars/3091872/","projectTitle":"Computer Cart for Scholars","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aaronson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3733253_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470623571264","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-aaronson"},{"teacherId":3733253,"projectId":2558791,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Your donation will make a meaningful difference in helping my students grow as independent learners.\r\n\r\nWith these engaging learning centers, my students will have the opportunity to practice important skills in a hands-on, exciting way—while also building their confidence, focus, and responsibility. These materials will allow them to work at their own pace, make choices about their learning, and feel proud of what they accomplish.\r\n\r\nYour kindness helps create a classroom where students feel empowered, motivated, and supported every day. I'm so grateful to you for making that possible!","fullyFundedDate":1494855189060,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-centers-for-independent-learner/2558791/","projectTitle":"Engaging Centers for Independent Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aaronson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3733253_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470623571264","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-aaronson"},{"teacherId":3733253,"projectId":2984725,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of you, each of my students now has their own pair of headphones—and the impact has been immediate and meaningful.\r\n\r\nWith these headphones, students are able to focus during independent learning time, especially when using programs that support reading, language development, and personalized instruction. Our classroom is quieter, more focused, and much more efficient because everyone can engage with their learning without distraction.\r\n\r\nThese headphones have also helped me better support small group instruction, knowing the rest of the class is actively learning and working independently. For many of my students, especially those who benefit from audio support or adaptive programs, this simple tool has been a game changer.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping create a learning environment where every student can succeed. Your kindness means the world to us!","fullyFundedDate":1518277358118,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-to-help/2984725/","projectTitle":"Headphones to Help","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aaronson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3733253_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470623571264","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-aaronson"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_87476","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":257,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":56,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":11,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":32.6,"schoolId":87476,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Walt Whitman Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Walt Whitman Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oklahoma/tulsa-public-schools/walt-whitman-elementary-school/87476"}