{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"West Hills Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":40.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2173953,"projectId":10329393,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for these new things to refresh our learning space as we enter a new school year. I was able to bring our bean bags back to life. I knew they were sad looking (and feeling!) but it wasn't until they were fluffed back up with new beads added I realized just how pitiful they had been! I am working on repainting some areas of the classroom (bye bye boring cream cinderblocks!) and can't wait to hang the new lights. No matter where, it will create soft, welcoming, and inviting spaces kids will love to be in. Who cares if we are doing math or reading... we are in a super happy place, thanks to you! \r\n\r\nI can't thank you enough for your donations and belief in making our space a better places. Stay tuned for pictures when we can set things back up in August. I appreciate you greatly!","fullyFundedDate":1781712218798,"projectUrl":"project/refresh-for-a-return/10329393/","projectTitle":"Refresh for A Return!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harrison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2173953_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1467329425632","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/blairharrison"},{"teacherId":2173953,"projectId":10266127,"letterContent":"Wow! I cannot wait to get these materials in use as soon as August 3rd comes around! I haven't ever been so excited about clean air! My hope is this will help cut down on dust because WOW was there a lot as I packed up at the end of the year. I hope the diffuser will help eliminate smoke and animal smells while giving off a clean and fresh smell as anyone enters the room. \r\n\r\nStudents thrive on responsibility, and when they feel empowered, and the new vacuum will be just the motivator. I have select classroom jobs they help with (and earn classroom \"pay\" for!) because it is a space we ALL need to keep clean. Our custodians are overworked and overscheduled, so this will be a great way to build responsibility in a rotating students while also keeping our space clean. \r\n\r\nThank you so much! A vacuum and air purifier may not seem exciting to you, but boy do they do me when I think about this upcoming school year. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1780357523393,"projectUrl":"project/cleanliness-for-keeps/10266127/","projectTitle":"Cleanliness for Keeps!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harrison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2173953_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1467329425632","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/blairharrison"},{"teacherId":2173953,"projectId":10054353,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing these bins. This has helped our school in immense ways, already. First, older students are building responsibility and accountability by setting up schedules to empty the bins in the school. Second, it is helping ALL students take part in making our Earth better by going to the recycling bin instead of the trash. This is a project that helps immediately, but the resources are long lasting and will help with both of these lessons for years to come. We couldn't have done this without you. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1776094751945,"projectUrl":"project/read-recycle-repeat/10054353/","projectTitle":"Read, Recycle, Repeat!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harrison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2173953_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1467329425632","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/blairharrison"},{"teacherId":2173953,"projectId":9979897,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for these supplies! Wow! I cannot wait to start the new school year and be able to pull out all this fun. We will celebrate growth but buttons, book club participation with book cover buttons, and more! I hope this will be a way that will help engage and incentivize learning until the skills don't need rewards - because they have them!\r\nProjects like these are special because they have a long lifetime. There are materials that will run out, but not for a long time, and the button machine will live on for years to come. I love being able to find a cool idea and allow it to run for years! Thank you again for your support of myself and my students!","fullyFundedDate":1775770242875,"projectUrl":"project/brags-with-buttons/9979897/","projectTitle":"Brags With Buttons","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harrison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2173953_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1467329425632","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/blairharrison"},{"teacherId":2173953,"projectId":10151214,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your part in completing this project! This was an idea I had at the end of a previous year, got it going last year, and this project helped add so much to it! I wanted to spotlight our reading essential question and topic while still giving students choice in what they want to read. \r\nAs readers, we are building our fluency and comprehension but also working on connections, questions, and things we wonder. I have a rotating library that changes for each reading unit (each 4 weeks). This helps students learn more about topics we are discussing, builds background knowledge, and gives them choice of what they want to reach for. Reading time is a favored time in our classroom and I think it is because they LIKE what they get to read. THANK YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1773835935199,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-background/10151214/","projectTitle":"Books for Background!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harrison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2173953_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1467329425632","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/blairharrison"},{"teacherId":7393538,"projectId":10149508,"letterContent":"Thank you for giving me the ability to give my students excitement in their learning. They are going to use what they learned and know to have a hands on experience with plants. They are able to take ownership and responsibility through caring for them. They also can see energy transfer through food chains by doing this and seeing what plants need for survival. Students love science being hands on and seeing whar they learn come into action. Thank you for helping my class grow and show what they know but enjoy doing so as well.","fullyFundedDate":1775395199179,"projectUrl":"project/grow-what-we-know/10149508/","projectTitle":"Grow What We Know","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fersten","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7393538_orig.jpg?crop=803,803,x70,y96&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693699778346","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/fersten"},{"teacherId":1969298,"projectId":9859694,"letterContent":"My students are thrilled with our new fluency buddies! As the stuffed animals were arriving, students saw the box filling up and kept asking about them. What are they for, Ms. Dempsey? When they found out the animals were going to be their new fluency buddies for Friday reading, they became so excited!\r\n\r\nPresently, my students ask to use the fluency buddies for every independent activity now, not just reading on Fridays. I have been told the fluency buddies not only help them read better, but they also help them with their math. I think students feel comfort with a fluency buddy at their side. They have someone to read to, someone that sits supportively by their side as they try something new, someone that they say is cheering them on!\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity! My kiddos are so enamored with all the different choices they have each time we pull out our Fluency Buddies. They truly delight in reading to their favorite stuffies!","fullyFundedDate":1764789185941,"projectUrl":"project/furry-friends-for-fluency-friday/9859694/","projectTitle":"Furry Friends for Fluency Friday","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dempsey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1969298"},{"teacherId":10077572,"projectId":9654734,"letterContent":"I want to begin by saying thank you. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom, and I truly wish you could see the impact you have had on my students each day. Because of your support, we now have a mobile whiteboard and tennis balls for the bottoms of our classroom chairs—two things that may seem simple, but have completely transformed the way our classroom functions and the way my students learn.\r\n\r\nThe mobile whiteboard has quickly become one of the most valuable tools in our classroom. Before we had it, our learning was centered around a single fixed space at the front of the room. Now, learning can happen anywhere. I can roll the whiteboard right up to students as they are working, gathering small groups around it so we can solve problems together, brainstorm ideas, or work through new concepts step by step. Instead of students having to come to the board, the board comes to them, which makes learning feel more interactive and accessible.\r\n\r\nMy students absolutely love it. The excitement on their faces when they get to write on the board or participate in a group activity is something I wish I could show you in person. It has allowed for more hands-on learning, more collaboration, and more confidence from students who might normally hesitate to participate. When the board rolls over to their table, suddenly they feel like leaders of the lesson. They eagerly volunteer to write, draw, explain their thinking, and help their classmates understand. It has created so many wonderful moments of engagement that simply weren't possible before.\r\n\r\nThe mobility of the board has also allowed me to meet students where they are academically. I can pull small groups together quickly and work through problems at their level, while others continue practicing independently. It has helped create a more flexible and responsive learning environment, and my students are benefiting from that every single day.\r\n\r\nThe tennis balls for the bottoms of our chairs have also made a surprisingly big impact. Something as simple as adding tennis balls has made moving chairs so much easier and quieter. Our classroom is noticeably calmer without the scraping sounds that used to happen whenever students moved their seats. It allows us to transition between activities smoothly without disrupting the flow of learning. Students can slide their chairs in and out easily, which has been especially helpful during group work and collaborative activities.\r\n\r\nBeyond the practical benefits, these small changes help create a classroom environment that feels comfortable and welcoming for my students. When the classroom runs more smoothly, students can focus on what really matters—learning, exploring, and building confidence in themselves.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your generosity has shown my students that there are people out there who care about their education and believe in their potential. That message is incredibly powerful. When I shared with them that donors made these materials possible, they were genuinely amazed and grateful. It was a wonderful opportunity to talk about kindness, generosity, and the importance of supporting one another.\r\n\r\nPlease know that your donation is not just a piece of equipment or a classroom supply—it is an investment in real students, real learning, and real moments of growth. Every time we gather around the whiteboard, every time a student confidently writes out their answer, and every time a group of students collaborates on a problem together, your generosity is part of that moment.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of my students, thank you for believing in our classroom. Your support has made learning more interactive, more engaging, and more joyful for my students, and we are so incredibly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1765725043323,"projectUrl":"project/bring-hands-on-teaching-tools-to-my-spec/9654734/","projectTitle":"Bring Hands-On Teaching Tools to My Special Education Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fritz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10077572_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752436194778","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10077572"},{"teacherId":7393538,"projectId":9924517,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping us keep all our class items organized. This year we received a new curriculum, and we have many activities planned. This helps keep it all together and organized as well as a place to store it for future use. We have very little storage space in our classroom so this gives us a way of keeping it contained in a special spot. It also makes it easier for the kids to learn how to be independent and get their supplies for activities and know where to go. Thank you for making this happen and allowing us to grow.","fullyFundedDate":1766246889944,"projectUrl":"project/organization-for-days/9924517/","projectTitle":"Organization for Days","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fersten","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7393538_orig.jpg?crop=803,803,x70,y96&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693699778346","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/fersten"},{"teacherId":2173953,"projectId":9788059,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for these book sets! I have collected novels for student led novel studies (3-5 books), but this was a bigger endeavor to provide novels a larger number for most of the class. \r\n Our monthly book clubs allow students to read at their own pace, individually or with help, and at their own speed, but then come together and talk about what they liked, what they didn't, if they would recommend it, etc. with their peers. Sometimes students can feel shy or bashful if they don't have the reading skills they wish they had yet. These clubs give all students a level playing field and allows all to participate. These are fun lunches with an accompanying treat to celebrate a job well done. \r\n Thank you so much for your willingness to give and support me, but mostly my students! Buying school supplies, curriculum materials, and things to engage students in learning and experimenting adds up... I am so grateful for the funds you donated to help these books get in the hands of my students. Thank you, thank you, thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1766597667614,"projectUrl":"project/novels-for-knowledge/9788059/","projectTitle":"Novels for Knowledge!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harrison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2173953_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1467329425632","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/blairharrison"},{"teacherId":10106283,"projectId":9524625,"letterContent":"The students are absolutely loving their new flexible seating for their classroom. I teach out of a portable so spacing is a little tight in there, especially for my classes of 20+ students. But these wonderful donations have made it possible for my students and we cannot thank you enough!\r\nOur students have used these seats during project work, experiments, and testing. They love getting to use the pillows and cushions around the classroom to sit on the floor, relax on the ground during free time, or just to make their desk a little more cozy for learning. The stools finally make my kidney bean- shaped table a secure place for learning and small group outreach. These donations have made this classroom and safe and comfy place to learn. Thank you so much for the generosity towards this first year teacher!","fullyFundedDate":1758276354399,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-new-classroom/9524625/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for New Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Trageser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10106283"},{"teacherId":1969298,"projectId":9537703,"letterContent":"Oh my goodness! I cannot express how appreciative we all are for the items in this project! My kiddos were so excited when I shared all the various STEM kits that we got. They are fascinated during indoor recess now, with STEM activities that are really challenging them to think, and they gravitate to these activities every single time we have to stay inside for recess. The pillows are loved and used every time we have partner activities (multiple times a day). My students regularly tell me that the class feels cozy to them because they are comfortable sitting in so many different places. \r\n\r\nBecause I had surgery in the middle of all this, we have not yet gotten to use the pool noodles for desk drumming. I need to cut them down to the appropriate size, and then we will be set to go. I am finally starting to feel like myself and will get the noodles cut over the winter break. The kiddos will be so excited!\r\n\r\nAgain, thank you so very much!","fullyFundedDate":1757423335493,"projectUrl":"project/my-classroom-is-a-safe-space-for-me/9537703/","projectTitle":"My Classroom is a Safe Space for Me!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dempsey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1969298"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_92848","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":721,"numTeachers":50,"percentFrplEligible":68,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":12,"percentWhite":57,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":17,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":8,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":59.3,"schoolId":92848,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about West Hills Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"West Hills Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/tennessee/knox-county-schools/west-hills-elementary-school/92848"}