{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Pittsburgh Phillips Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1471810,"projectId":9928816,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity through DonorsChoose, my students now have individualized data binders that hold their progress monitoring samples, IEP conference sheets, and their personal tracking pages for Xtra Math. We store the binders neatly on our new pizza rack, and students independently retrieve them during our goal-setting time. The clipboards and storage rack have made it easy for us to collect data in real time during lessons instead of waiting until later. What used to feel like paperwork now feels organized, accessible, and meaningful.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, my students were so excited to see binders labeled with their own names. For many of them, this was the first time they had something that clearly showed their growth. One of my fourth graders flipped through his progress samples and said, \"I didn't know I got better at this.\" That moment alone showed me the power of making learning visible. Instead of goals feeling abstract, students can now physically see their improvement in reading, math, behavior, and independence skills.\r\n\r\nOur next step is continuing to build student ownership. We are using the binders during student conferences so learners can explain their goals and reflect on their progress. They track their Xtra Math growth, review new IEP objectives, and set small weekly targets. Because of your support, my students are not just working on goals — they are understanding them. You have helped create a classroom where growth is celebrated, organized, and student-driven. Thank you for investing in their confidence and their future.","fullyFundedDate":1764864104979,"projectUrl":"project/data-on-deck-binders-clipboards-to-tr/9928816/","projectTitle":"Data on Deck: Binders & Clipboards to Track Student Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Salzmann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-salzmann"},{"teacherId":6662367,"projectId":9930331,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations that awarded us all the amazing games! Board games in our classroom have offered a wide range of educational, social, and emotional benefits. These games have reinforced curriculum content. Math games, word games, and trivia have strengthened concepts in a fun way. We received games like Candy Land, Guess Who, Operation, and various balancing games. These games have also promoted critical thinking. Strategy games have helped students plan ahead, make decisions, and solve problems. With so many indoor recess days because of the weather, we have needed these games to keep recess fun and engaging! Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1764714445603,"projectUrl":"project/game-time/9930331/","projectTitle":"Game Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6662367_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724344724972","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6662367"},{"teacherId":3519227,"projectId":9780163,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of reading games to our kindergarten classroom. Your kindness and support are truly appreciated.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students are able to practice important reading skills in a way that is fun, interactive, and engaging. The games have made reading exciting for them, and they are eager to learn and participate. It is wonderful to see their confidence grow as they play, learn, and develop a love for reading.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is making a meaningful difference in our classroom and in the lives of my students. Thank you for helping make reading fun and inspiring young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1764697412289,"projectUrl":"project/reading-readiness-in-kindergarten/9780163/","projectTitle":"Reading Readiness in Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Whittingham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3519227_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1457715715229","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3519227"},{"teacherId":1471810,"projectId":9869765,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now have consistent access to healthy classroom snacks when they need them most. When the SNAP disruption affected several of our families, it created uncertainty and stress that students carried with them into the classroom. Having applesauce pouches and granola bars readily available has made an immediate and meaningful difference. Now, instead of struggling through a lesson distracted by hunger, students quietly grab a snack and return to learning. It has become a simple but powerful routine that protects both their dignity and their ability to focus.\r\n\r\nI will never forget the first day I showed students where the snack bin would live. Their eyes widened, and one student softly asked, \"Is this for us?\" When I said yes—whenever you need it—the relief on their faces said everything. One afternoon during math, a student who often becomes frustrated and shuts down asked for a snack, took a few minutes, and then successfully completed the assignment. That moment reminded me how closely basic needs are tied to academic success and emotional regulation.\r\n\r\nBeyond meeting physical needs, the snacks have strengthened our classroom community. Students understand that our room is a place where they are cared for and supported. This stability allows us to continue focusing on our literacy and math goals with greater stamina and fewer hunger-related disruptions. As we move forward with collaborative problem-solving in math, students are better able to engage fully and persist through challenges because their basic needs are being met first.\r\n\r\nYour support did more than provide food—it provided comfort, dignity, and readiness to learn. Thank you for helping ensure that hunger does not stand in the way of my students' growth and success.","fullyFundedDate":1762526600775,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-for-focus-helping-hungry-learners/9869765/","projectTitle":"Fuel for Focus: Helping Hungry Learners Stay Nourished","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Salzmann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-salzmann"},{"teacherId":1471810,"projectId":9881407,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, Hands on Math Materials to Build Strong Foundations. From the moment the materials arrived, my students were immediately drawn to them. Their faces lit up as they explored the small bead frame, fraction circles, and equation cards—tools that make math feel real, approachable, and exciting. Many of my students learn best by touching, moving, and seeing concepts in action, and these Montessori materials have given them exactly that. One of our favorite new routines has been Flashcard Friday, where students work in small groups reviewing math facts. With the structure and predictability of the flashcards, students are gaining confidence, improving accuracy, and celebrating their progress together.\r\n\r\nThe small bead frame has quickly become a classroom favorite. Students are learning how to build numbers on the frame, carefully sliding beads into place as they strengthen their understanding of place value and prepare to use it as a strategy for multi-digit addition and subtraction. The fraction circles have also sparked meaningful conversations as students compare parts of a whole, visually seeing relationships that worksheets simply cannot capture.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students now have access to math materials that are structured and engaging—especially important for learners with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences. Your support has truly opened doors for my students, helping them build strong, confident foundations in math. Thank you for giving them the tools they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1764819060263,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-math-materials-to-build-strong/9881407/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Math Materials to Build Strong Foundations!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Salzmann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-salzmann"},{"teacherId":3191527,"projectId":9864646,"letterContent":"The DonorsChoose project \"Shop, Soar, and Shine: PBIS Rewards for Our Falcons\" has had a meaningful and positive impact on our school community. Thanks to the generous support of donors, we were able to fully stock our Falcon Store with engaging and motivating items that students are excited to earn. These materials have strengthened our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program by providing tangible rewards that reinforce positive choices and schoolwide expectations.\r\n\r\nStudents earn Falcon Tickets by consistently demonstrating respectful, responsible, and safe behavior throughout the school day. These tickets serve as both recognition and encouragement, helping students see a clear connection between their actions and positive outcomes. At the end of each month, students use their earned tickets to shop at the Falcon Store, which has quickly become a highly anticipated event and a powerful motivator for continued positive behavior.\r\n\r\nOverall, this project has helped create a more positive school climate by celebrating good choices, increasing student engagement, and fostering a sense of pride in being a Falcon. The Falcon Store has not only rewarded individual students but has also reinforced shared values across our school, helping our Falcons truly shop, soar, and shine.","fullyFundedDate":1762797993841,"projectUrl":"project/shop-soar-and-shine-pbis-rewards-for/9864646/","projectTitle":"Shop, Soar, and Shine: PBIS Rewards for Our Falcons","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bichler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3191527_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1477510687179","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3191527"},{"teacherId":1973119,"projectId":9485050,"letterContent":"This project has made an immediate and joyful impact on our classroom. When the materials arrived, students were literally squealing with delight as they saw the new cushion chairs and brand-new wobbly chair. Their excitement quickly turned into purpose as they learned how to use the new seating and desk caddies responsibly. The desk caddies now keep supplies organized and within reach, helping students stay focused and calm during lessons, while the flexible seating options give students choice in how they learn best. These resources have supported independence, reduced distractions, and created a learning space where students feel comfortable and empowered.\r\n\r\nThe postcards have added an exciting, real-world connection to our writing instruction. Students are actively using them during our Social Studies class to practice sentence structure, descriptive language, and clear communication, knowing their words will travel beyond our classroom walls. One particularly meaningful moment was watching students carefully revise their writing before mailing postcards, excitedly asking questions about who might receive them and what life is like in other parts of the country. Receiving postcards in return has sparked rich discussions, comparisons, and genuine curiosity about different places and people across our nation.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, students will continue this postcard exchange as part of our ongoing writing and social studies lessons. Next steps include researching states we connect with, responding with thoughtful follow-up postcards, and using what we learn to build maps, mini-reports, and reflection journals. With an organized, flexible classroom and authentic learning experiences, students are developing confidence, empathy, and a love of learning that extends far beyond our classroom walls.","fullyFundedDate":1761917887600,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-organized-and-connected/9485050/","projectTitle":"Flexible, Organized, and Connected!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Riggle-El Sabbagh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1973119_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1486935036403","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1973119"},{"teacherId":3273051,"projectId":9909804,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has a class set of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun, and it has already made a big difference for our students. These books introduce important skills such as comprehension, making inferences, summarizing, and analyzing characters and plot, all while connecting to the exciting theme of celebrating world communities. Reading in our classroom is now more interactive and engaging—students read independently, discuss ideas in small groups, and share their thoughts during class conversations.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who are normally hesitant readers have especially enjoyed the new books. They are excited to follow Onyeka's adventures, explore the unique powers and challenges of the characters, and discuss the story's themes of friendship, diversity, and community. Because every student has access to their own copy, they can practice skills at their own pace, feel confident contributing to discussions, and develop a genuine love for reading. Your support has made reading more meaningful, engaging, and fun for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1764693192407,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-readers-exploring-culture-wi/9909804/","projectTitle":"Empowering Readers: Exploring Culture with Onyeka","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fisher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3273051_orig.png?crop=367,367,x10,y30&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677522120711","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3273051"},{"teacherId":3273051,"projectId":7208094,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, the new headphones have made a tremendous difference in our classroom. Many students use technology at home for entertainment, but having quality headphones at school helps them focus on learning—whether they are completing reading lessons, listening to audio texts, practicing math skills, or working through individualized programs. The headphones allow students to stay engaged without distractions and help create a calm, productive learning environment.\r\nStudents are most excited about being able to hear their lessons clearly without background noise. They love having their own pair to use, and it has given them a sense of responsibility and independence during their work time. Several students who struggle with attention have especially benefited; with headphones, they are able to concentrate much longer and make noticeable progress in their skills.\r\nYour support has made our classroom more focused, more efficient, and more student-centered. Thank you for giving our learners the tools they need to succeed every day.","fullyFundedDate":1687793978126,"projectUrl":"project/can-you-hear-what-we-can/7208094/","projectTitle":"Can You Hear What We Can?","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fisher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3273051_orig.png?crop=367,367,x10,y30&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677522120711","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3273051"},{"teacherId":9234148,"projectId":9341481,"letterContent":"New chairs can transform a K–5 Pittsburgh public school library into a more inviting and functional learning space. Bright, comfortable seating encourages young students to view the library as a welcoming environment where they can relax, explore books, and engage with stories. By creating a warm atmosphere, the library becomes not only a place for reading but also a hub for curiosity and imagination, supporting early literacy habits that last well beyond elementary school.\r\n\r\nFlexible, kid-friendly chairs also support a variety of learning styles and activities. Younger students often benefit from seating that allows movement, supports shorter attention spans, and enables quick transitions from group lessons to independent reading. With durable, lightweight chairs, librarians and teachers can easily rearrange the space to accommodate whole-class read-alouds, small-group projects, or quiet individual study, making the library more adaptable to daily instructional needs.","fullyFundedDate":1752846687917,"projectUrl":"project/help-complete-the-set/9341481/","projectTitle":"Help Complete the Set!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fertal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9234148_orig.jpg?crop=2808,2808,x100,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701138403988","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9234148"},{"teacherId":6750814,"projectId":9538868,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our classroom. Because of your support, our first graders received brand-new seat sacks, magnetic tiles, and white boards, they could not have been more excited! Their faces lit up as we opened the boxes, and it was truly a special moment for all of us.\r\n\r\nThese supplies have already made a meaningful impact in our daily learning. The seat sacks help students stay organized and independent, the white boards make lessons interactive and engaging, and the magnetic tiles have quickly become a favorite tool for building, problem-solving, and exploring creativity.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and dedication to helping our young learners shine is deeply appreciated. Thank you for investing in our classroom and supporting the success and joy of our students each day.","fullyFundedDate":1755203224363,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-our-classroom-organized-and-enga/9538868/","projectTitle":"Keeping Our Classroom Organized and Engaged","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kesich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6750814_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754391685390","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-kesich"},{"teacherId":1471810,"projectId":9699340,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has a full set of Montessori math materials, and my students are thriving! The moment we unpacked the Golden Beads, Strip Boards, and Snake Games, the students were immediately curious and excited. They couldn't wait to explore the materials, touching, building, and moving the beads as they practiced addition and subtraction. It was amazing to see students who usually struggle with abstract numbers begin to make connections, building tens, and seeing regrouping happen right in their hands. One student, who often becomes frustrated with worksheets, spent over 15 minutes independently solving multi-digit problems with the Stamp Game, smiling each time they successfully completed a row.\r\n\r\nWe have been using the materials daily, both in small groups and during independent work. Students practice addition and subtraction facts with the Strip Boards, play Snake Games to strengthen their understanding of fact families, and use the Golden Bead Bank Game to explore exchanging tens and hundreds. These hands-on tools are helping students develop confidence in their math skills, and I've noticed a significant increase in both accuracy and perseverance. The students are proud to see their own progress, and their excitement is contagious—they even cheer for each other when someone discovers a new strategy or correctly solves a problem.\r\n\r\nNext, we will continue building on this foundation by introducing more complex multi-digit problems and gradually transitioning students from the concrete materials to abstract paper-and-pencil work. We will also use the Bead Chains and Squares to strengthen multiplication readiness and reinforce repeated addition, helping students develop fluency and independence. Your support has not only provided materials but also opened doors for students to truly engage with math in a way that makes sense to them. Thank you for helping our learners succeed and enjoy math!","fullyFundedDate":1757863374405,"projectUrl":"project/building-fact-fluency-with-montessori-ma/9699340/","projectTitle":"Building Fact Fluency with Montessori Math Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Salzmann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-salzmann"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_88705","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":233,"numTeachers":19,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":42,"percentWhite":34,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.2,"schoolId":88705,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Pittsburgh Phillips Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Pittsburgh Phillips Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/pittsburgh-public-schools/pittsburgh-phillips-elementary-school/88705"}