{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Catherine School Pre-K Head Start ","outOfStateSupporters":33.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":10040739,"letterContent":"The new jumbo lap board and dry-erase markers have quickly become an essential part of our daily learning routines. My Pre-K students use the lap board during whole-group and small-group instruction to practice writing their names, identifying letters, and drawing shapes. One special moment was during our morning message when students were invited to come up and write the first letter of their name on the jumbo board. Their excitement was clear as they proudly shared their work with their classmates, and many students who were previously hesitant to write were eager to participate. The fine-tip dry-erase markers have also been perfect for helping students develop their pencil grip and control while practicing letters, numbers, and simple drawings.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, my students were thrilled. They immediately noticed how big the lap board was and were excited that everyone could see and learn together. They were eager to use the markers and asked to practice writing their letters and drawing pictures. The reusable surface has made learning feel fun and low-pressure, allowing students to try, erase, and try again. This has helped build their confidence and encouraged them to take risks in their early writing and drawing.\r\n\r\nThese new resources are supporting our continued focus on early literacy and writing development. Next, students will use the lap board to practice letter formation, drawing story pictures, and participating in interactive writing activities connected to our classroom books and themes. This hands-on practice is helping strengthen their fine motor skills, letter recognition, and confidence as emerging writers. Thank you for providing tools that make learning engaging, interactive, and meaningful for my young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1769176992032,"projectUrl":"project/write-wipe-learn/10040739/","projectTitle":"Write, Wipe, Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":10054573,"letterContent":"The Creative Teaching Press Book Buddy Bags have made a meaningful impact on my students by strengthening the connection between school and home. We are using these bags to send books and literacy activities home with students so they can practice important early reading skills with their families. One special moment was when students eagerly chose their Book Buddy Bag and could not wait to see which book was inside. During our classroom discussion, students proudly shared that they read their books at home and talked about the pictures and story with their families. This has helped build their confidence, excitement for reading, and sense of responsibility.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the Book Buddy Bags, they were immediately excited and engaged. They loved that each bag was colorful and special, and they understood that it was something just for them. Students carefully carried their bags, showing that they valued the materials. The bags have also helped teach important skills such as caring for books, following routines, and developing independence. Families have shared that their children are more interested in reading at home and are asking to read more often.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for my students include continuing to build their early literacy skills, such as identifying letters, recognizing sounds, and retelling stories. We will also use the Book Buddy Bags to introduce new vocabulary and comprehension activities connected to our classroom themes. These bags will help create consistent literacy experiences between school and home, ensuring that students continue to grow as confident, motivated readers. Because of your generosity, my students now have the tools they need to develop a lifelong love of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1769616254476,"projectUrl":"project/book-buddy-bags-taking-reading-home/10054573/","projectTitle":"Book Buddy Bags: Taking Reading Home","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":10058729,"letterContent":"Since receiving these materials, my students have been able to engage more fully in hands-on learning and creative activities throughout the school day. The kids' paint aprons have allowed students to explore painting, sensory art, and classroom projects with confidence, knowing they can get messy while staying clean. The dry erase markers are now used daily during small-group instruction and independent practice, helping students work on letter formation, number writing, and drawing responses to stories. The desktop storage drawers have been especially helpful in keeping materials organized and easily accessible for students, promoting independence and smoother transitions.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new supplies, they were excited and eager to use them right away. Many of them immediately asked to paint or draw, and they were proud to put on their own aprons before starting art activities. Having clearly organized materials also helped students stay focused and reduced frustration, as they could easily find what they needed without waiting for adult assistance.\r\n\r\nThese resources have already strengthened our daily routines, and the next steps include expanding art-based learning and integrating more interactive lessons across literacy, math, and fine-motor centers. Students will continue using the dry erase markers for skill practice and the storage system to build responsibility and independence. Thanks to your generosity, my classroom is more engaging, organized, and supportive of meaningful learning experiences every day.","fullyFundedDate":1769463704077,"projectUrl":"project/create-write-and-organize-tools-for-a/10058729/","projectTitle":"Create, Write, and Organize: Tools for a Ready-to-Learn Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":10040699,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been filled with hands-on math learning that truly meets students where they are developmentally. We have been using the number matching games, counting bears, pizza counting sets, and dinosaur balance regularly during small-group instruction and center time. One standout moment was watching students independently match numerals to quantities using the counting bears and tweezers—carefully strengthening their fine motor skills while proudly counting aloud. These materials have made abstract math concepts concrete, engaging, and accessible for all learners.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. They were eager to explore, touch, and experiment—especially with the pizza counting game and dinosaur balance, which quickly became favorites. Students who are typically hesitant during math activities were more willing to participate, take turns, and stay engaged for longer periods of time. The playful design of the materials helped reduce anxiety around numbers and encouraged problem-solving, collaboration, and perseverance.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we are using these resources to deepen number sense by working on counting with one-to-one correspondence, comparing quantities, identifying numerals, and exploring simple addition and balance concepts. The shapes pocket chart is also supporting our daily shape practice and math vocabulary development. Because of your support, our students are building a strong foundation in early math skills through meaningful, hands-on experiences that foster confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Thank you for making this growth possible!","fullyFundedDate":1768934405805,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-math-fun-for-little-learners/10040699/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Math Fun for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":10028991,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom library has become an even more engaging and meaningful space for our young learners. These new books are helping students build essential early literacy skills such as letter recognition, phonics, rhyming, listening comprehension, and understanding how print works. Titles like I Am the Alphabet and the Pete the Cat Phonics mini-books support students as they connect letters to sounds, while books like I Read Signs help children make real-world connections between print they see in books and print they see in their community.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive and joyful. Students participate in read-alouds, turn-and-talks, shared reading, and small-group discussions where they practice predicting, asking questions, and expressing their ideas. Social-emotional learning is also woven into our literacy time—books like My Mouth Is a Volcano and The Smart Cookie spark important conversations about self-control, confidence, and believing in yourself. Students are learning that books are not just stories, but tools that help them understand their feelings and the world around them.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have especially connected with these new texts. Some proudly recognize letters and sounds they now see \"everywhere,\" while others are eager to retell stories, act them out, or relate them to their own lives. Books like A Stone Sat Still and Do You Want to Be a Community Helper? have inspired curiosity, thoughtful questions, and rich conversations. Because of you, our students are more confident readers, enthusiastic learners, and excited to explore books every single day. Thank you for investing in their love of reading and their future success!","fullyFundedDate":1768849806350,"projectUrl":"project/turning-pages-building-confidence/10028991/","projectTitle":"Turning Pages, Building Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":9960387,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students are now using rhythm sticks, egg shakers, and tambourines during music and movement time to build early listening skills, coordination, and self-expression. We use the instruments in whole-group and small-group settings to explore rhythm patterns, follow simple beats, and respond to musical cues such as fast/slow and loud/soft. One favorite activity has been echo clapping and shaking, where students listen carefully and repeat patterns using their instruments, strengthening both attention and memory skills.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the instruments, they were thrilled and eager to participate. Many immediately began experimenting with sounds and movements, smiling and laughing as they discovered how each instrument worked. Even students who are typically hesitant to engage in group activities showed increased confidence and participation. The variety of instruments allowed every child to feel successful, while also encouraging turn-taking, cooperation, and respectful use of shared materials.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, the next steps for my students include connecting music activities to early literacy, math, and social-emotional learning. We will count beats, create simple rhythm patterns, pair movement with songs and stories, and use music as a calming and regulating transition throughout the day. These instruments have transformed our classroom into a joyful, engaging learning environment where students can learn through sound, movement, and play. Thank you for making such meaningful learning experiences possible.","fullyFundedDate":1765828461437,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-sounds-building-music/9960387/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Sounds: Building Music Skills in Preschool","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":9888793,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students are actively using the Play Sand sensory kit during small-group instruction and center time to strengthen their fine-motor skills, creativity, and social-emotional development. The children scoop, mold, and shape the magic sand to create ice cream cones, cakes, and beach-themed treats, while practicing turn-taking, sharing materials, and following simple directions. One of our favorite moments was watching students collaborate to run a pretend \"ice cream shop,\" taking turns being the customer and the server while using descriptive language to talk about textures, shapes, and colors.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. Their eyes lit up as they explored the soft texture of the sand and eagerly began creating their own designs. Even students who typically struggle to stay engaged were able to remain focused longer, showing increased patience and independence as they worked through sensory play. The calming nature of the sand also helped support self-regulation, making it an effective tool for children who benefit from hands-on, sensory-based learning.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, the next steps for my students include expanding this activity into themed learning experiences connected to early math, language development, and social skills. We will incorporate counting scoops, sorting tools, storytelling through pretend play, and cooperative building challenges. Your contribution has transformed our sensory center into a meaningful learning space where every child can explore, create, and grow—thank you for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1764602523464,"projectUrl":"project/stem-scoops-building-measuring-and-cr/9888793/","projectTitle":"STEM Scoops: Building, Measuring, and Creating With Magic Sand!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":10261569,"projectId":9927623,"letterContent":"The Bingo games we received through your generous donation are much appreciated. These are exciting additions to our classroom. My students enjoy playing Bingo games. This gives students a chance to interact with each other and practice coping skills. \r\n\r\nWe haven't played all the games yet, but one of the favorites so far is number bingo. This is a definite a winner! This is a wonderful way to teach single digit and two-digit number recognition. Another game we played was rhyming bingo. My students are working on this skill. This is such a great way to introduce and practice new skills such as rhyming. Thank you so much for supporting our learning!","fullyFundedDate":1764191326078,"projectUrl":"project/bingo-game-on/9927623/","projectTitle":"Bingo, Game On!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mallory","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10261569_orig.jpg?crop=1276,1276,x198,y233&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758460607831","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10261569"},{"teacherId":10261569,"projectId":9899232,"letterContent":"Thank you so much Young Sheldon for the Adventure Helicopter and Super Sorting pie we received through your generous donation. These are exciting additions to our classroom. \r\n\r\nMy students play with the helicopter every day we are at school! They have learned the use of various parts of the helicopter. Students really enjoy using the helicopter basket to transport. They attach it to the helicopter and fly the helicopter to its destination. They also enjoy the command center inside the helicopter. It has a seat for an additional crew member, and a fold-down bench. They make up stories and share ideas. It is fun and meaningful to watch as children increase their vocabulary and cognitive skills.\r\n\r\nA huge thank you also for the Super Sorting Pies. This is a definite a winner! I shared these with other classrooms in our building. We use these pies in many ways. We reinforce basic skills such as color recognition and sorting. We use it to teach counting, one-to-one correspondence, and quantification. As children's skills increase we will work on addition and subtraction skills.","fullyFundedDate":1763569401880,"projectUrl":"project/we-need-stem-to-build-our-futures/9899232/","projectTitle":"We Need STEM to Build Our Futures!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mallory","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10261569_orig.jpg?crop=1276,1276,x198,y233&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758460607831","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10261569"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":9926339,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students are actively using these new math centers during small-group instruction and independent learning time. We recently set up a hands-on math rotation where students explored the How Long Is It? Measurement Center by comparing classroom objects using nonstandard units, discussing which items were longer or shorter, and recording their thinking with pictures and numbers. At another center, students used the Ten-Frames Class Set and Magnetic Numbers to build numbers, count quantities, and match numerals to sets, strengthening their number sense in a fun and meaningful way. The Nuts About Sorting! and Shape Sorting Center quickly became favorites as students sorted by color, shape, and size while practicing language skills like explaining their choices and working cooperatively with peers.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, the excitement was immediate—students couldn't wait to touch, explore, and try everything out. They were especially eager to use the magnetic numbers and sorting pieces, proudly showing their classmates how they grouped objects or built numbers on the board. These resources made learning feel like play, which increased engagement and confidence, especially for students who learn best through hands-on experiences.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our next steps include deepening these math skills by introducing simple measurement challenges, number composition activities, and more complex sorting rules. Students will continue to build a strong foundation in early math concepts that support problem-solving, reasoning, and collaboration. Your support has truly enriched our classroom and helped make math joyful and accessible for every learner.","fullyFundedDate":1764598432754,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-math-for-little-learners/9926339/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Math for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":9935160,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is now a healthier and more welcoming space for learning. We are using the Clorox disinfecting wipes and Lysol disinfectant spray daily to clean tables, chairs, shared materials, and high-touch areas before and after activities. A specific moment that stood out was during small-group learning centers—students were excited to help wipe down their tables and materials, proudly taking responsibility for keeping their classroom clean and safe.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new cleaning supplies, they were curious and eager to learn why cleanliness matters. We had a short classroom conversation about germs and how cleaning helps keep everyone healthy. Many students shared that they use wipes at home too, which helped connect this learning to their everyday lives and reinforced good hygiene habits in a developmentally appropriate way.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we can now maintain a consistent cleaning routine that allows students to focus more on learning and less on disruptions caused by illness. The next steps include continuing to build independence by teaching students safe, age-appropriate ways to care for their environment while reinforcing lessons on health, safety, and responsibility. Your contribution has made a meaningful difference in supporting both student wellness and learning.","fullyFundedDate":1764603640988,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-our-classroom-clean-and-healthy/9935160/","projectTitle":"Keeping Our Classroom Clean and Healthy","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"},{"teacherId":7653965,"projectId":9805351,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students are now using laminated learning materials and dry-erase tools every day across our classroom. We've been laminating letter cards, number charts, shape mats, and name-writing sheets so students can practice skills repeatedly without fear of making mistakes. One favorite moment was during small-group instruction, when students eagerly used the fine-tip Expo markers to trace letters, solve simple math problems, and draw pictures to explain their thinking—then happily erased their work and tried again. The magnetic erasers made cleanup quick and fun, helping students take responsibility for their learning space.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, they were excited to explore them right away. They loved having their \"own\" dry-erase markers and were proud to use laminated tools like real learners. The ability to erase and retry boosted their confidence, especially for students who are still developing fine-motor skills or who feel hesitant about writing on paper. These tools created a low-stress environment where mistakes are viewed as part of learning.\r\n\r\nNext, we will continue using these resources to deepen literacy and math instruction by creating additional reusable centers, including sight-word practice, letter-sound mapping, counting activities, and problem-solving boards. Because of your generosity, students are engaging more actively, practicing skills longer, and building confidence every day. Thank you for giving my classroom tools that make learning interactive, flexible, and joyful.","fullyFundedDate":1764605753703,"projectUrl":"project/reusable-learning-tools-for-engaged-youn/9805351/","projectTitle":"Reusable Learning Tools for Engaged Young Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7653965_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y66&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1605916936068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lawrence105"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_117450","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":43,"percentWhite":12,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - Pre-K","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":66.7,"schoolId":117450,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Catherine School Pre-K Head Start on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Catherine School Pre-K Head Start ","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/philadelphia-city-school-district/catherine-school-annex/117450"}