{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"George Sharswood Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":31.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10441410,"projectId":10494528,"letterContent":"Students of all ages have been overjoyed at our new stations! They love practicing counting money and cooking things in our kitchen area, and the dentist set is a huge hit!! \r\n\r\nThe setup process took a few weeks, but mostly because students were so excited to participate in that as well! A few 8th graders built some of these stations entirely independently, getting good practice at following instructions and solving problems, while a few 1st graders helped me with screwing in screws and finding parts! Now that we're finished, they've been practicing their new skills at the tool station :)\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your donation. It has truly breathed new life into my room and has been a real treat for students to come back from summer break to!!","fullyFundedDate":1787593053543,"projectUrl":"project/technology-class-seeking-montessori-play/10494528/","projectTitle":"Technology Class Seeking Montessori Play Areas","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. J","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10441410"},{"teacherId":10441410,"projectId":10118156,"letterContent":"Our classroom has become so much brighter thanks to your donation to help get my students a color printer and more markers! Students come in excited to complete projects on Adobe Express to see their designs come to life! Even in an age of shortcutting design with AI, so many are excited to adjust their color palette manually over and over until it's just right, or spend more than a few minutes looking for their new favorite font. A few students have even expressed interest in graphic design as a career now! \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your donation again!","fullyFundedDate":1773336256294,"projectUrl":"project/bring-color-to-our-tech-projects/10118156/","projectTitle":"Bring Color To Our Tech Projects!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. J","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10441410"},{"teacherId":4426852,"projectId":10042021,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Pre-K classroom! Your generous donation of Magna-Tiles, kinetic sand, and liquid watercolors will give our young learners exciting opportunities to explore, create, and learn through hands-on play. These materials will inspire creativity, encourage problem-solving, strengthen fine motor skills, and help our students express themselves. \r\nI have not introduced the materials yet, as we are early in the school year but I know this group of kids will be very excited to see and use the new items. I plan on putting out the magna-tiles and kinetic sand in a few weeks when my students have gotten a little more acquainted with the rules and routines of the classroom. \r\nYour kindness makes a meaningful difference in our classroom and helps make learning fun, engaging, and memorable!","fullyFundedDate":1780277415831,"projectUrl":"project/magna-tiles-magna-smiles/10042021/","projectTitle":"Magna-Tiles, Magna-Smiles!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4426852_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533850925223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sharswood109"},{"teacherId":4426852,"projectId":9992678,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous donations to our project. Because of your kindness, our Pre-K classroom will be enriched with engaging and meaningful materials that inspire curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning. From ribbon dancers that encourage movement and self-expression to sewing alphabet cards that build early literacy and fine motor skills, each item you contributed plays a vital role in shaping a dynamic learning environment for our students.\r\n\r\nYour support also allows us to provide beloved Pete the Cat books that foster a love of reading, as well as hands-on brain teaser building games that promote problem-solving and critical thinking. Additionally, the colorful duct tapes will make a meaningful difference for our visually impaired student, helping create a more accessible and inclusive classroom and playground experience. Every contribution reflects your commitment to empowering young learners and ensuring all students have the tools they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their growth. Your generosity has made a lasting impact, and we are truly appreciative of your support.","fullyFundedDate":1769028457993,"projectUrl":"project/it-takes-a-village/9992678/","projectTitle":"It Takes a Village…","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4426852_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533850925223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sharswood109"},{"teacherId":4426852,"projectId":9719325,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donation to our Pre-K classroom. At this pivotal age, children learn best through play and tactile exploration, and your support has allowed us to bring in essential math materials that turn abstract numbers into a world of hands-on discovery for my little learners.\r\nBecause of your kindness, our classroom is now equipped with various counters, sorting materials, and math sets. These tools are so much more than just toys; they are the building blocks of early numeracy. When a four-year-old physically sorts bugs by color , they aren't just playing—they are developing the foundational logic and spatial awareness they will use for the rest of their lives. Your contribution has turned our math center into a place of pure joy and curiosity.\r\nIt is truly inspiring to have partners like you who recognize the importance of early childhood education. Your investment ensures that my students' first experiences with mathematics are positive, engaging, and full of confidence. Thank you for helping us count, sort, and grow! We are so grateful to have you as part of our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1767044461386,"projectUrl":"project/counting-our-way-to-success/9719325/","projectTitle":"Counting Our Way to Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4426852_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533850925223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sharswood109"},{"teacherId":9933566,"projectId":9784644,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom laminator has already made a meaningful difference in the way my students learn, practice skills, and build independence. While laminators may seem like a simple tool compared to tablets or laptops, in a classroom like mine, they are powerful learning supports that help materials last longer, stay clean, and remain accessible for all learners.\r\n\r\nMany donors are familiar with using technology at home, but in schools—especially in special education settings—tools like a laminator help transform everyday materials into durable, reusable instructional supports. My students rely heavily on hands-on, visual, and structured learning. We use task cards, visual schedules, communication boards, adapted books, and choice boards every single day. Without lamination, these materials quickly tear, bend, or become unusable. With our new laminator, I can create sturdy, wipeable resources that hold up to constant use. This means students can practice skills repeatedly without materials falling apart after just a few days.\r\n\r\nThe laminator allows me to individualize instruction in a way that truly meets each child's needs. I can quickly create custom visual supports, behavior charts, first-then boards, and step-by-step directions tailored to specific students. Instead of spending money repeatedly reprinting and replacing materials, I can now laminate them once and use them all year long. Students are able to write on materials with dry-erase markers, practice independently, and then simply wipe them clean to try again. This builds confidence, encourages repetition, and supports mastery without waste.\r\n\r\nWhat has been most exciting to my students is the independence the laminated materials provide. They love being able to use \"real\" classroom tools that feel sturdy and professional. My students are especially motivated by interactive activities like laminated file folder games, matching tasks with Velcro pieces, and reusable worksheets. Because the materials are durable, they can manipulate them without fear of ripping them. This is especially important for students who are still developing fine motor skills. The stronger materials give them the freedom to explore and engage without frustration.\r\n\r\nSeveral of my students have particularly benefited from this new addition to our classroom. One student who struggles with anxiety thrives when using laminated visual schedules because they can physically check off each completed activity. Having a sturdy, consistent visual support has reduced transitions-related stress and increased their ability to stay on task. Another student who is working on communication skills uses a laminated choice board daily to express needs and preferences. Before, paper options would quickly bend or get damaged, making communication difficult. Now, the board stays intact and reliable, giving this student a consistent voice throughout the day.\r\n\r\nIn a busy classroom, materials go through a lot of wear and tear. The laminator ensures that the resources we create remain clean, sanitary, and long-lasting. This is especially important in a setting where multiple students share materials and frequent cleaning is necessary. Being able to wipe down materials easily helps maintain a healthy learning environment.\r\n\r\nYour support has provided more than just a machine—it has given my students access to durable, individualized learning tools that promote independence, engagement, and confidence. Every laminated visual, task card, and adapted resource is a direct result of your generosity. Because of you, our classroom materials are stronger, our instruction is more flexible, and our students are empowered to learn in ways that meet their unique needs.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping us build a classroom where learning materials are built to last—just like the skills they are developing.","fullyFundedDate":1762043848016,"projectUrl":"project/226-laminator/9784644/","projectTitle":"226 Laminator","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9933566_orig.jpg?crop=1922,1922,x1210,y825&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740769819321","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9933566"},{"teacherId":4426852,"projectId":9582784,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our Pre-K project. Your donation directly helps fund hands-on materials that make learning meaningful and joyful for our youngest learners. Items like puzzles, Duplo Legos, scarves for music and movement, and other interactive tools encourage creativity, problem-solving, and active engagement. Because of you, our students can explore, build, move, and learn in ways that support their growth and development every day. We are truly grateful for your kindness and belief in early childhood education.","fullyFundedDate":1758226420987,"projectUrl":"project/piece-by-piece/9582784/","projectTitle":"Piece by Piece","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCay","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4426852_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533850925223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sharswood109"},{"teacherId":10074986,"projectId":9455128,"letterContent":"Having this new equipment is a total game-changer for making science less about memorizing facts and more about doing cool stuff. The growing kit is bringing biology right to their lab tables, letting students move from static textbook pictures to actually managing a mini-ecosystem. They get to be real scientists, making observations, collecting data, and watching life cycles unfold. Meanwhile, those new, high-quality microscopes let every student see the microscopic world clearly, transforming abstract concepts like cells and bacteria into stunning visual reality. It makes science feel immediately relevant and sparks that natural curiosity every middle schooler has.\r\n\r\nAnd let's not forget the practical side! The combination of more engaging tools and better infrastructure makes the whole process smoother. When students know they have excellent tools to work with, they get more excited about starting a lab. The new drying rack might seem small, but it's huge for efficiency! It cuts down on the chaos and wait time during cleanup, meaning you can squeeze more valuable lab time into each class period. All these materials together create a classroom where experimentation is the norm, allowing students to learn critical thinking skills through direct experience rather than just reading about them.","fullyFundedDate":1753587115928,"projectUrl":"project/stem-materials/9455128/","projectTitle":"STEM Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lindskog","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10074986"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_90777","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":364,"numTeachers":36,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":17,"percentBlack":9,"percentWhite":37,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":26,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":7,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"10.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.2,"schoolId":90777,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about George Sharswood Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"George Sharswood Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/philadelphia-city-school-district/george-sharswood-elementary-school/90777"}