{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Pittsburgh Carmalt Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":19.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8324080,"projectId":10051017,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for fully funding our Donors Choose project! Your generosity and support mean the world to our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful for your kindness.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students now have cozy bean bags to share during carpet time, creating a warm and comfortable space for learning and collaboration. We were especially excited to build a designated quiet, calm-down area complete with a private tent, sensory items, and fidgets—this will give students a safe place to regulate their emotions and refocus when needed.\r\n\r\nYour donations also provided multi-purpose trays we use every day for a variety of activities, from art projects to working with math manipulatives. The Teachers Pay Teachers gift card has allowed me to purchase high-quality supplemental materials to support small group instruction, helping students in need of both skill remediation and enrichment.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the seat sacks and zipper pouches have helped my students stay organized and take responsibility for their materials, while the watercolor sets are inspiring creativity during art activities and our Fun Friday time. The snacks you've provided ensure students have the energy and nourishment they need to stay focused and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWhen the students received these items, their excitement was immediate and heartfelt. Their faces lit up as they explored each new resource, and many expressed how special and cared for they felt knowing that others were thinking of them. The cozy seating quickly became a favorite during carpet time, and the calm-down area has already made a positive difference for students who need a quiet moment. They have eagerly used the trays, art supplies, and organizational tools, showing a renewed enthusiasm for learning and creativity each day.\r\n\r\nYour support is making a direct and meaningful impact on our students' daily experiences. You have helped to create a classroom environment that is engaging, supportive, and full of opportunities for every child to succeed.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and investing in their future!","fullyFundedDate":1769321626566,"projectUrl":"project/whole-child-wellness-comfort-care-and/10051017/","projectTitle":"Whole-Child Wellness: Comfort, Care, and Nourishment for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8324080_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646182632714","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8324080"},{"teacherId":9717897,"projectId":9906580,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now have access to culturally relevant novels that reflect diverse voices and experiences. As we begin our novel study, students are excited to see characters, cultures, and perspectives that feel meaningful and relevant to their own lives.\r\n\r\nThese books are helping spark thoughtful discussions about identity, empathy, and understanding others. When students feel connected to what they are reading, their engagement and confidence as readers grows. I am already seeing students eager to participate, share their thoughts, and make deeper connections to the text.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create a classroom where every student can see themselves in literature and feel that their stories and experiences matter. Thank you for making this learning opportunity possible for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1764721902505,"projectUrl":"project/stories-that-look-like-us-culturally-re/9906580/","projectTitle":"Stories That Look Like Us: Culturally Relevant Books for 4th","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DiGregorio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9717897_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724968724967","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9717897"},{"teacherId":1259266,"projectId":10009194,"letterContent":"Thank you again so much for contributing to my classroom. Your support means so much to me and my students. They were so excited to get their trampoline back and it has been used over and over daily by our students for sensory breaks and to get their wiggles out before having to get to work. \r\n\r\nThey love exploring the new wobble and balance boards and stepping stones as new options to get sensory input or output. It's been so nice giving them a variety of choices to move their bodies when they need to. We wouldn't be able to give them these tools with out you and for that we are so grateful! \r\n\r\nWe are going to be able to use these tools for a long time and many groups of students to come will get to enjoy them! Thanks again for helping to add some cool new sensory gear to our home away from home. You're the best!","fullyFundedDate":1768427186658,"projectUrl":"project/i-like-it-move-it-move-it/10009194/","projectTitle":"I Like It Move It, Move It!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bastide","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msbastide"},{"teacherId":1259266,"projectId":9873300,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to our classroom. With your support we were able to purchase Teacher Pay Teacher Gift cards. With those we were able to buy various activities to supplement our learning and make it even more fun and engaging. \r\n\r\nThe cardstock and laminating sheets help keep the materials we make more durable so we can use it again and again. Having these activities printed in color makes it so much more engaging for the kids. We a really cool craft for Valentine's Day, practiced fine motor skills- tearing, cutting and gluing and made some independent work centers for our younger learners. \r\n\r\nWe wouldn't be able to provide all of these materials and be able to share them with out students without people like you. We are so grateful. Thank you again and again!","fullyFundedDate":1768442944364,"projectUrl":"project/helping-my-students-see-learn-and-grow/9873300/","projectTitle":"Helping My Students See, Learn, and Grow!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bastide","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msbastide"},{"teacherId":6745593,"projectId":9692878,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous donation! My students and I appreciate your kindness and were overwhelmed with your generosity. The tennis balls really help to eliminate noise in the classroom. For some students to learn, it is truly a necessity to have quiet. The constant scrapping of chairs can be a distraction for some students. The tennis balks on the chairs really helps to minimize the noise and create a peaceful space for reading and learning. They are a great addition to the classroom and will be used for many years to come! Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1765476012785,"projectUrl":"project/a-quiet-reading-space/9692878/","projectTitle":"A Quiet Reading Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kwasniewski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6745593_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566872493864","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6745593"},{"teacherId":6745593,"projectId":9577464,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous donations and helping my class reach our goal. The resources that we received have gone a long way in helping my students. I have used the Teacher Pay Teacher gift card to create resources for small group time. I was able to create resources that directly target the students needs. The Ziploc bags are so useful with keeping all the materials organized. The students were so excited to try out the calming strips. They love trying new fidgets to help them focus. I truly appreciate your kindness and so does my students! Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1765236671749,"projectUrl":"project/small-group-reading-time/9577464/","projectTitle":"Small Group Reading Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kwasniewski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6745593_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566872493864","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6745593"},{"teacherId":9890832,"projectId":10023763,"letterContent":"This project is already making an immediate impact on my students by helping create a classroom environment where they feel safe, supported, and ready to learn each day. Many of my students come to school carrying worries and challenges from outside the classroom, and having a calm, welcoming space makes a noticeable difference in how they start their day. The rugs, soft lighting, and cozy atmosphere help students feel comfortable and relaxed, which supports better focus, participation, and emotional regulation during lessons.\r\nOrganization is also having an immediate effect on our classroom community. With storage bins to keep materials accessible and tidy, students are able to quickly find what they need and take pride in helping care for our shared learning space. This reduces distractions and allows us to spend more time learning and collaborating.\r\nHaving snacks available addresses a real and present need. Some students arrive hungry or need a boost to get through the day, and providing Cheez-It snacks helps them stay focused and engaged in their work instead of worrying about their empty stomachs.\r\nTeachers Pay Teachers resources are also making a direct difference in instruction right now. They allow me to provide engaging, differentiated lessons that meet students where they are academically and support them in closing learning gaps.\r\nTogether, these materials are supporting my students today by creating a classroom where they feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1768678174321,"projectUrl":"project/warmth-care-and-full-bellies-for-our-c/10023763/","projectTitle":"Warmth, Care, and Full Bellies for Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Joyce","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9890832_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737060008546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9890832"},{"teacherId":7240666,"projectId":9873118,"letterContent":"Thank you for the generous donation to my classroom! Giving gifts to hardworking pre-k students that help them regulate their emotions is a meaningful way to support their growth both in and out of the classroom.\r\nMy students work very hard in my classroom to grow and learn. I like to reward them a few special times out of the school year. These gifts will be perfect for showing my students appreciation for all the hard work they put into listening and learning in school. \r\nI appreciate all the time you put into donating to classrooms like mine!","fullyFundedDate":1765983275328,"projectUrl":"project/gifts-for-pre-k-children/9873118/","projectTitle":"Gifts for Pre-K Children!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thompson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7240666_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y120&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1589983444834","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7240666"},{"teacherId":9780260,"projectId":10053900,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations. With your help, I was able to get shelving to help create a task bins system in my elementary special education classroom. I was also able to add more flexible seating options such as a yoga ball chair and standing desk to my middle school special education classroom. I now have a working laminator to make visuals and activities for all of my students. I now have a large supply of snacks for when my students are hungry. My students are very grateful for these resources and have been using them daily. They have made academic progress because of your help. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1769383819743,"projectUrl":"project/ms-solendays-classrooms/10053900/","projectTitle":"Ms. Solenday’s Classrooms","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Solenday","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9780260"},{"teacherId":10388931,"projectId":10056034,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students are already putting the new resources to great use! The healthy snacks have been a huge hit and are helping fuel our students throughout the day, especially during active learning and movement breaks. Students are excited knowing they have access to nutritious options that keep their energy up and their focus strong.\r\n\r\nThe bean bag chair quickly became a favorite spot in our classroom. Students use it as a flexible seating option during independent reading, reflection time, and small group work. It has helped create a cozy, welcoming environment where students feel comfortable and supported.\r\n\r\nThe ping pong table has truly transformed our space. We are already organizing friendly tournaments that promote sportsmanship, collaboration, and positive competition. Students were beyond excited when they first saw it there were cheers, huge smiles, and immediate sign-up lists forming! It has become a powerful incentive tied to positive behavior and academic effort.\r\n\r\nNext, we are incorporating structured ping pong tournaments into our PBIS incentives and using the snacks to support students during extended project-based learning activities. These resources are helping us build community, reinforce positive behavior, and promote lifelong healthy habits. Your support is not just providing materials it is creating moments, motivation, and memories for our students every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1769379756263,"projectUrl":"project/all-inclusive/10056034/","projectTitle":"All Inclusive","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Paul","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10388931_orig.jpg?crop=792,792,x264,y330&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771216864424","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10388931"},{"teacherId":9890832,"projectId":9793006,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has become a more positive, motivating, and student-centered learning environment. The new resources are being used daily to reinforce positive behavior choices and to help students see the direct connection between their actions and success in the classroom.\r\nWe are using the materials as part of our Positive Behavior Pays Off system, where students earn recognition and rewards for following expectations, demonstrating kindness, and showing perseverance during challenging tasks. The resources allow me to provide immediate, meaningful reinforcement, which has strengthened classroom routines and improved focus during instruction.\r\nOne powerful moment occurred during our literacy block. Students worked in small groups to practice blending and building words. When students stayed on task, encouraged their peers, and used strategies instead of giving up, they earned positive behavior rewards. I watched one student who often becomes frustrated remain engaged and proudly complete a word-building activity. His classmates celebrated his effort, showing how positive reinforcement is strengthening both confidence and classroom community.\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. They were eager to learn how they could earn rewards and quickly began encouraging each other to make good choices. The system has created a sense of teamwork, where students remind one another to follow expectations so everyone can succeed.\r\nNext, students will continue using these supports as we strengthen reading skills and build independence during small-group instruction. We are focusing on applying blending strategies, building words with accuracy, and practicing persistence when tasks become challenging. The positive behavior system will continue to support these goals by reinforcing effort, cooperation, and resilience.\r\nBecause of your support, students are not only improving academically but also developing confidence, responsibility, and pride in their accomplishments. Your generosity is helping create a classroom where positive choices truly pay off.","fullyFundedDate":1766173452377,"projectUrl":"project/positive-behavior-pays-off/9793006/","projectTitle":"Positive Behavior Pays Off!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Joyce","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9890832_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737060008546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9890832"},{"teacherId":7240666,"projectId":9713565,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to my classroom. I have been able to purchase multiple Boom Cards to aide in the learning of my students. \r\nTechnology in pre-K enhances learning when used intentionally to foster interaction, creativity, and skill development, rather than passive consumption. Key applications include interactive apps for literacy/numeracy, digital storytelling, and creative tools (e.g., tablets, interactive whiteboards) that support diverse learning styles, engagement, and collaboration. \r\nMy students have loved interacting with our smart board and learning with technology!","fullyFundedDate":1764608950244,"projectUrl":"project/smart-board-learning-in-prek/9713565/","projectTitle":"Smart Board Learning in PreK!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thompson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7240666_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y120&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1589983444834","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7240666"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_88672","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":547,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":38,"percentWhite":36,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":80.9,"schoolId":88672,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Pittsburgh Carmalt Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Pittsburgh Carmalt Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/pittsburgh-public-schools/pittsburgh-carmalt-elementary-school/88672"}