{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hiram W Dodd Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6497361,"projectId":9691584,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom's DonorsChoose project. Because of your support, our students now have access to high-quality blocks and building toys that spark creativity, problem-solving, and imagination every single day.\r\n\r\nThe excitement on their faces when they explore new materials is truly priceless. These hands-on tools help students collaborate, design, and think critically—skills that will support them far beyond our classroom.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your kindness and belief in our students. Your donation makes a real difference, and we appreciate you being part of our learning community.","fullyFundedDate":1760290949425,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds-empowering-studen/9691584/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds: Empowering Students Through STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Styles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6497361_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1560776521653","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6497361"},{"teacherId":8382256,"projectId":9178008,"letterContent":"Because of your generous donation of noise-canceling headphones, my K-5 students are already experiencing a powerful and positive change in their daily learning. In our busy school environment, many children (especially those with attention, sensory, or anxiety needs) struggle to stay engaged when surrounded by noise. These headphones have created a calmer, more supportive space where students can focus, feel regulated, and do their best work. Students now come to my office and look forward to using them whenever they need a moment of quiet, and the difference in their confidence and concentration is remarkable. Your kindness has truly helped our school community, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746785458319,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-students-focus-with-noise-cance/9178008/","projectTitle":"Help Our Students Focus with Noise-Cancelling Headphones","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rozenski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rozenskischoolcounselor"},{"teacherId":6497361,"projectId":9396542,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, our indoor recess time has become even more fun and organized! The new bins have been perfect for storing all of our action figures and Barbies. Now the children can easily find what they want to play with — and just as easily put everything away when recess is over.\r\n\r\nWhen the bins arrived, the students were so excited to sort the toys and give everything its own special place. They take pride in keeping the bins neat and love being able to choose from all their favorite toys during rainy-day recess.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped make our indoor playtime smoother, more creative, and full of smiles. Thank you for supporting our classroom and helping us build a space where fun and responsibility go hand in hand","fullyFundedDate":1750256138130,"projectUrl":"project/bins-to-win-organizing-our-learning-spa/9396542/","projectTitle":"Bins to Win: Organizing Our Learning Space!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Styles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6497361_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1560776521653","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6497361"},{"teacherId":1727858,"projectId":9339479,"letterContent":"When the bean bag chairs arrived, my students lit up with excitement! They quickly found favorite spots where they could wiggle, settle, and focus more easily. Having flexible, cozy seating has helped them feel calm and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWe now use the bean bags for reading groups, partner work, and sensory breaks. Students who once struggled to sit still can now relax and stay engaged, and even reluctant learners are joining in. Thank you for helping create a classroom that feels welcoming, supportive, and student-centered.","fullyFundedDate":1750774623386,"projectUrl":"project/sit-wiggle-learn-flexible-seating-for/9339479/","projectTitle":"Sit, Wiggle, Learn: Flexible Seating for All","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Galusha","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1727858_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1514993211258","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lindsaygalusha"},{"teacherId":1727858,"projectId":9123642,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, my students now have resources that match their favorite interests — dinosaurs, Pokémon, Bluey, trains, and more. When lessons include what they love, they are motivated to participate and build skills in math, reading, and communication.\r\n\r\nThe best part is seeing their excitement. A student who once avoided math now solves problems when Pikachu is on the page, while another practices social skills through Bluey-themed activities. Your support made learning fun, accessible, and confidence-building for every child.","fullyFundedDate":1746469285908,"projectUrl":"project/from-bluey-to-bugs-sparking-joyful-lear/9123642/","projectTitle":"From Bluey to Bugs: Sparking Joyful Learning for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Galusha","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1727858_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1514993211258","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lindsaygalusha"},{"teacherId":1727858,"projectId":9201682,"letterContent":"When these adapted books arrived, our classroom lit up with excitement. Reading now feels joyful and accessible because every student can take part. With removable pictures and language boards, students are learning to match words with images, identify characters, and make choices during stories. These moments may seem small, but for my students they are huge steps toward literacy, independence, and communication.\r\n\r\nYour generosity truly opened the door to literacy for my students. Because of you, we now have resources that reflect their interests, support their voices, and make reading a meaningful part of our classroom routine. Thank you for helping us build confidence, curiosity, and a love for stories.","fullyFundedDate":1744204158771,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-is-a-right-adapted-books-for-a/9201682/","projectTitle":"Literacy Is A Right: Adapted Books For All","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Galusha","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1727858_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1514993211258","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lindsaygalusha"},{"teacherId":8159916,"projectId":9189807,"letterContent":"Our class recently worked on a collaborative poster project for Hispanic Heritage Month, and it was a wonderful way to celebrate student representation in our school community. Each student designed one panel of the poster, using bright colors and creative drawings to highlight the people, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic culture. When we assembled all the panels together, the final poster became a beautiful display of teamwork and pride. Seeing it hanging in the hallway allows every student to feel like their voice and perspective are part of something bigger.\r\n\r\nBefore we began, we read a story about why representation matters and how it helps everyone feel seen and valued. The story sparked meaningful conversations about respecting and celebrating differences. Completing the project gave students a hands-on way to connect to that message while also practicing collaboration and creativity. This special project, made possible by a DonorsChoose gift card, turned into more than just an art activity—it became a celebration of identity and community that all students can enjoy as they walk through the hallway.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for you donation to make this project possible.","fullyFundedDate":1746785273311,"projectUrl":"project/lets-empower-first-graders-through-repr/9189807/","projectTitle":"Let's Empower First Graders Through Representation!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kimble","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8159916"},{"teacherId":1976702,"projectId":9136125,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for our new bean bags! The students love sitting on them during reading. They choose reading books during free time more often now because they love sitting on the bean bags! Our old beanbags were stained and had lost so many beans that no one wanted to sit on them. We also use the bean bags for sensory break time as well as our monthly incentive of watching a movie. Students work hard to earn extra bean bag time as well. The bean bags help with regulation as well. If a student is having a hard time and needs a cool down break, they can use the bean bag. We chose blue because it is a calming color and also it is also the color of our \"blue zone\" for Zones of regulation. \r\n\r\nThe students are loving the bean bags! We cannot thank you enough for your generous donation to our 243 family :)","fullyFundedDate":1746667272881,"projectUrl":"project/relax-learn-a-beanbag-project/9136125/","projectTitle":"Relax & Learn: A Beanbag Project!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cameron","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1976702_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1551018555624","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/elizabeth-cameron"},{"teacherId":8191410,"projectId":9186518,"letterContent":"I wanted to send a big thank you for giving my students the opportunity to raise the ladybugs and observe ants in their new habitat. It was such a fun and fascinating experience to watch them grow and build their little worlds. The students learned so much about how insects live, work together, and go through their life cycles.\r\n\r\nThe ladybugs were especially fun to watch as they changed from larvae into adults, and the ant colony was amazing to observe—so busy and organized! It really opened their eyes to how important these tiny creatures are in nature.\r\n\r\nThe gift card for Teacherspayteacher.com provided the students with observation journals to track the ladybugs everyday growth. They also loved looking at the models to see a larger than life version of the ants and ladybugs. \r\n\r\nThank you again for making this experience possible. It was both educational and exciting, and my students truly enjoyed every part of it!","fullyFundedDate":1743097240254,"projectUrl":"project/inspiring-young-minds-through-live-insec/9186518/","projectTitle":"Inspiring Young Minds Through Live Insect Habitats","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scherman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8191410_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663465469861","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8191410"},{"teacherId":6620688,"projectId":9045117,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! When the boxes began arriving, it felt like Christmas morning in our classroom. My students were absolutely bursting with excitement and couldn't wait to tear them open and see what was inside. They were especially thrilled to use the new stools and yoga chair in our class library. It has quickly become their favorite place to read and relax, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere that encourages both focus and joy. I also have a room full of budding artists who were over the moon about the new art supplies—they've already started using them to bring their creativity to life in our projects.\r\n\r\nWe've already begun incorporating these new materials into our daily routines and upcoming projects. The flexible seating options have helped students feel more comfortable and focused during independent reading time, and the art supplies are being used in our current lesson that integrates reading and visual storytelling. Students are working on creating their own illustrated stories, which not only supports literacy but also allows them to express themselves in meaningful, artistic ways. Your donation has truly transformed our classroom, and we're so grateful for the opportunity to grow, create, and learn with these amazing resources. Thank you for making such a lasting impact!","fullyFundedDate":1746662436636,"projectUrl":"project/inspiring-creativity-in-every-corner/9045117/","projectTitle":"Inspiring Creativity in Every Corner!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Solderich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6620688_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650313613696","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6620688"},{"teacherId":6620688,"projectId":9044967,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support! When my students saw the new books—especially ones featuring characters who look like them—their reactions were heartwarming and unforgettable. One student excitedly shouted, \"Mrs. Solderich, that looks just like me!\" It was such a powerful moment, and it reminded me how important representation is in helping children feel seen and valued. These books have already sparked new interest in reading, and I know they will continue to build confidence, foster inclusion, and encourage a love of literacy in our classroom.\r\n\r\nI'm also so grateful for the Teachers Pay Teachers gift card, which will be used to purchase much-needed supplemental materials. With all new curriculum introduced over the past two years, I am constantly searching for resources to meet the diverse needs of my students and support their learning. Your donation allows me to bring in creative, engaging materials that enrich our lessons and help each child grow. Thank you again for making such a meaningful impact on our classroom and for believing in the importance of education and equity.","fullyFundedDate":1746469285795,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-us-diverse-stories-for-firs/9044967/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Us: Diverse Stories for First Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Solderich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6620688_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650313613696","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6620688"},{"teacherId":1727858,"projectId":9128393,"letterContent":"When the indestructible books arrived, my students lit up with joy. They eagerly flipped pages, pointed to animals and vehicles, and used their AAC to label what they saw. No rips, no tears, just pure excitement. The books are incredibly colorful and engaging! \r\n\r\nThese books are now part of every corner of our classroom. I no longer worry about damage. They are perfect for our curious, energetic learners. Students are more independent, engaged, and confident during literacy stations. \r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we are building language, encouraging AAC use, and creating joyful moments through books that can finally keep up with our kids. Thank you for making this possible! You are such a blessing!","fullyFundedDate":1740876186748,"projectUrl":"project/built-to-last-indestructible-books-for/9128393/","projectTitle":"Built To Last: Indestructible Books for Limitless Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Galusha","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1727858_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1514993211258","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lindsaygalusha"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_90195","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":627,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":75,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"16.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":65.7,"schoolId":90195,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hiram W Dodd Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hiram W Dodd Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/allentown-city-school-district/hiram-w-dodd-elementary-school/90195"}
Join the 568 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Hiram W Dodd Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Allentown, Pennsylvania that is part of Allentown City School District.
It serves 627 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.1:1.
Its teachers have had 221 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
83%
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.
Hiram W Dodd 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.
Hiram W Dodd Elementary School
$71,579
raised using DonorsChoose
221
projects
funded
27
teachers
funded
568
donors
18
projects
for
basic supplies
48
projects for
technology
22
projects for
books
9
projects
for
art supplies
Hiram W Dodd Elementary School has received support from
373 individuals from Pennsylvania and
195 individuals out-of-state.