{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"University School","outOfStateSupporters":17.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1013766,"projectId":10159398,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our school library has been transformed in a way that our students feel every single day. The new books you helped provide have already made a powerful impact, sparking excitement, curiosity, and a renewed love of reading among our students.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the books arrived, students were eager to explore them—flipping through pages, sharing recommendations with friends, and asking when they could check them out. For many of our students, these books represent more than just stories; they are opportunities to see themselves reflected, to learn about new perspectives, and to build confidence as readers.\r\n\r\nOur library is a central part of our school community, and your support has helped ensure that it remains a welcoming, engaging space for all learners. Whether students are diving into a new series, discovering a favorite author, or simply enjoying quiet time with a book, your contribution has made these meaningful moments possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and in the power of literacy. Your generosity is not only providing books—it is opening doors, inspiring imaginations, and helping to create lifelong readers.","fullyFundedDate":1773838032397,"projectUrl":"project/an-epic-page-turning-series-for-our-scho/10159398/","projectTitle":"An EPIC Page-Turning Series for Our School Library Shelves","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lester","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1013766_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658194385811","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrslestersclassrocks"},{"teacherId":1013766,"projectId":10157776,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our school library has been transformed in the most meaningful way. The new books you helped provide have brought fresh energy, excitement, and opportunity into our space. Students' eyes light up as they browse the shelves, eager to discover stories that reflect their interests, experiences, and curiosities.\r\n\r\nThese books are more than just additions to our collection—they are invitations. Invitations for students to explore new worlds, build empathy, strengthen literacy skills, and develop a lifelong love of reading. We've already seen students who were once hesitant readers become more engaged and confident simply because they were able to find books that truly interest them.\r\n\r\nYour support has also allowed us to better meet the diverse needs of our learners. With a wider variety of genres, topics, and reading levels, every student now has greater access to books that feel \"just right\" for them. This sense of ownership and choice is powerful, and it is helping to foster a positive reading culture throughout our school.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of our students, staff, and school community, thank you for believing in the importance of literacy and for investing in our library. Your kindness will have a lasting impact, one book—and one reader—at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1773881732780,"projectUrl":"project/turning-pages-building-futures-books-f/10157776/","projectTitle":"Turning Pages, Building Futures: Books for Our School Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lester","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1013766_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658194385811","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrslestersclassrocks"},{"teacherId":1013766,"projectId":10146903,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our school library has been transformed into a place where stories truly come alive for our students. The addition of high-quality picture books has had an immediate and meaningful impact, creating excitement, curiosity, and a renewed love of reading among our learners. Every day, students eagerly browse the shelves, drawn in by vibrant illustrations and engaging stories that invite them to explore new ideas and experiences.\r\n\r\nPicture books are far more than simple stories—they are powerful tools for building literacy. Research shows that access to books is one of the strongest predictors of reading success, helping students develop vocabulary, comprehension, and a lifelong love of reading . Through these books, our students are strengthening their language skills, learning how stories work, and developing critical thinking as they analyze characters, themes, and illustrations.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, these picture books are helping our students grow socially and emotionally. As they connect with characters and situations, they are learning empathy, kindness, and how to navigate real-life challenges. Picture books provide a safe and meaningful way for children to see themselves reflected in stories while also learning about others' experiences, helping them feel both valued and connected .\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support has helped create a joyful reading culture in our school. Students now see the library as a welcoming space where they can discover books that spark their interests and imagination. For many of our students, this access is essential—ensuring they have the opportunity to build strong reading identities and confidence as learners.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and for helping us put books into their hands and stories into their hearts. Your generosity is making a lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1773853844500,"projectUrl":"project/building-big-readers-with-beautiful-pict/10146903/","projectTitle":"Building Big Readers with Beautiful Picture Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lester","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1013766_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658194385811","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrslestersclassrocks"},{"teacherId":1013766,"projectId":9928874,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students now have access to high-interest, sports-themed books that have truly transformed their reading experience. Your support has done so much more than add books to our shelves—you have helped ignite a genuine love of reading in students who are now excited to pick up a book and dive in.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, especially those who may have struggled to find books that capture their interest, these sports-themed titles have been a game changer. Stories about teamwork, perseverance, and real-life athletes have created powerful connections, making reading feel relevant and exciting. Students who were once hesitant readers are now eagerly asking for more books, sharing recommendations with friends, and even discussing what they've read with enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nWe have seen increased engagement, improved reading stamina, and a boost in confidence as students discover that reading can be both enjoyable and meaningful. These books have also opened doors for important conversations about determination, goal-setting, and overcoming challenges—lessons that extend far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and belief in our students have made a lasting impact. You have helped create a classroom environment where every student can see themselves as a reader and feel empowered to grow.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a difference in our students' lives and for helping us build a community of enthusiastic, confident readers.","fullyFundedDate":1776093113783,"projectUrl":"project/game-on-high-interest-sports-books-to-i/9928874/","projectTitle":"Game On! High-Interest Sports Books to Inspire Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lester","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1013766_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658194385811","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrslestersclassrocks"},{"teacherId":1013766,"projectId":10075959,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students had the opportunity to participate in a truly meaningful community service project—creating care kits for members of our local homeless community. This experience went far beyond assembling supplies; it became a powerful lesson in empathy, compassion, and real-world impact for our 3rd–5th grade students.\r\n\r\nAs students worked together to organize and prepare each kit, they began asking thoughtful questions about the individuals who would receive them. They carefully considered what items would be most helpful and meaningful, showing a level of care and intentionality that was incredible to witness. What may have seemed like simple materials to us became symbols of kindness and dignity in their eyes.\r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful moments came during our reflection time. Students shared that this project helped them realize that people experiencing homelessness are not just a \"group,\" but individuals with unique stories and needs. Many expressed that they had never thought about it in this way before. This shift in perspective is exactly the kind of social-emotional growth we hope to foster in our classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support made it possible for students to experience what it means to help others in a tangible, meaningful way. \r\n\r\nBeyond empathy, students also strengthened important life skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. They worked collaboratively, took ownership of their roles, and felt a deep sense of pride knowing their efforts would directly support others in need.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this project empowered our students to see themselves as capable of making a difference. Several students have already asked when we can do another service project, eager to continue giving back to their community. That lasting desire to serve others is a direct result of your kindness and support.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this experience possible. Your generosity did more than provide materials—you helped shape compassionate, thoughtful, and socially aware young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1775014229882,"projectUrl":"project/warm-hearts-warm-hands-learning-compas/10075959/","projectTitle":"Warm Hearts, Warm Hands: Learning Compassion Through Winter Care Bags","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lester","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1013766_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658194385811","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrslestersclassrocks"},{"teacherId":9506781,"projectId":10090281,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our Animal Farm Community Project. Because of your contribution, our students have had the opportunity to engage deeply with new texts in meaningful and transformative ways.\r\n\r\nWhile many of our donors are passionate readers themselves, what makes this experience truly special is how these books come to life in the classroom. Through Animal Farm and related texts, students are developing critical literacy skills such as analyzing theme, evaluating author's purpose, and examining how allegory and symbolism reflect real-world events. They are also learning to question power structures, identify bias, and support their thinking with strong textual evidence—skills that extend far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is active, collaborative, and student-centered. You might see students annotating passages, engaging in thoughtful discussions, or working together to compare characters and ideas across texts. We emphasize not just understanding what they read, but thinking deeply about why it matters and how it connects to the world around them.\r\n\r\nSeveral students, in particular, have truly come alive through these new books. Some who were previously hesitant readers are now eager to participate in discussions, sharing insights and making connections with confidence. Others are especially drawn to the themes of fairness and leadership, passionately debating the decisions characters make and relating them to their own experiences. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch their engagement and growth.\r\n\r\nYour support has made all of this possible. Thank you for investing in our students, their voices, and their learning. We are so grateful for your partnership in helping us create a classroom where reading is not only valued but experienced in powerful and lasting ways.","fullyFundedDate":1772550594530,"projectUrl":"project/standing-up-to-tyranny-service-through/10090281/","projectTitle":"Standing Up to Tyranny: Service Through Literacy and Community Awareness","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Darnell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9506781_orig.jpg?crop=1153,1153,x0,y103&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1774527615060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9506781"},{"teacherId":1013766,"projectId":9976385,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our Literacy Bags project for our incoming kindergarten students. Because of your generosity, we were able to create meaningful, engaging resources that will help our youngest learners begin their school journey with excitement and confidence.\r\n\r\nThis project became even more special as it grew into a community service opportunity for our middle school students. They took great pride in carefully assembling each literacy bag, making sure every item was thoughtfully included. From books and learning tools to hands-on materials, each bag was created with care and purpose.\r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful parts of this experience was the personal connection our middle schoolers made with the younger students. They designed and wrote heartfelt welcome cards to include in each bag, offering encouragement and warm wishes. This not only made the literacy bags more meaningful for the kindergarteners, but it also allowed our older students to practice empathy, responsibility, and leadership.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our incoming students will begin their school experience feeling welcomed, prepared, and excited to learn. At the same time, our middle school students gained a valuable opportunity to give back and make a difference in their school community.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your generosity and for helping us create connections across grade levels while fostering a love of reading from the very start.","fullyFundedDate":1770395616942,"projectUrl":"project/middle-school-leaders-creating-literacy/9976385/","projectTitle":"Middle School Leaders Creating Literacy Bags for Future Kindergarteners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lester","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1013766_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658194385811","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrslestersclassrocks"},{"teacherId":1013766,"projectId":9976885,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students now have access to something truly special — complete sets of the beloved Warriors books in our school library. Your support has already made a meaningful difference in the reading lives of our students.\r\n\r\nThe moment the books arrived, excitement spread quickly throughout the library. Many students already knew about the series by Erin Hunter, and others were instantly drawn in by the adventurous covers and the promise of epic stories about brave clans of cats surviving in the wild. The books were checked out almost immediately!\r\n\r\nThese book sets are helping students discover the joy of getting hooked on a series. When readers find a story they love, they want to keep reading — and that is exactly what is happening. Students who once struggled to find books that kept their interest are now eagerly returning to the library asking for the next book in the series. Watching students become excited about reading is one of the most rewarding parts of our school library.\r\n\r\nYour donation also ensures that multiple students can read the books at the same time. Instead of waiting months for a turn, friends can read together, discuss the characters, and share theories about what will happen next. These shared reading experiences help build a stronger reading community within our school.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your kindness shows our students that people beyond our school care about their learning and their love of books. That message is powerful and lasting.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of our students, thank you for believing in the importance of reading and for helping our library continue to grow. Your support has opened the door to adventure, imagination, and a lifelong love of books.","fullyFundedDate":1769877322441,"projectUrl":"project/completing-the-clans-warrior-cats-box-s/9976885/","projectTitle":"Completing the Clans: Warrior Cats Box Sets for Our Readers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lester","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1013766_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658194385811","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrslestersclassrocks"},{"teacherId":10017907,"projectId":9445378,"letterContent":"My students were so excited to fill up and refill our snack baskets, and tummies, with healthy and delicious snacking options!! They especially enjoyed the Bob's Snails and popcorn. Thank you for sharing your care and love for others through donations to our class! \r\n\r\nFueling for learning is SUCH and important piece of classroom engagement. Healthy snacks that can provide sustainable energy to get students through the last part of the day, which for us is math block and science/social studies, is essential for kiddos to be able to focus and retain information. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity!!","fullyFundedDate":1758188068350,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-for-learning/9445378/","projectTitle":"Fuel for Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Hughes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10017907_orig.png?crop=583,583,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751584023482","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/happyhughescrew"},{"teacherId":10069619,"projectId":10090516,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project and helping us spread kindness throughout our school community. Your generosity has already made a meaningful impact on my students and others around us.\r\n\r\nUsing the beads and pipe cleaners you provided, my students worked together to create colorful bracelets for our third graders who were preparing to take their TCAP tests. We talked about how testing can sometimes make people feel nervous, and we wanted to do something small to encourage them and help brighten their day. My students carefully designed each bracelet and talked about the importance of cheering others on. Delivering the bracelets to the third graders was a special moment. My students were so proud to share their creations, and the smiles and gratitude from the older students showed just how much that simple act of kindness meant.\r\n\r\nThe excitement didn't stop there. My students were thrilled to see all the materials and immediately started brainstorming other ways we could spread kindness. Next, we will use the candy and our Polaroid pictures to continue sharing joy throughout our school and community after testing is finished. Students will capture moments of kindness with the camera and pair those photos with small treats and encouraging messages to share with staff members and others around our campus.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students are learning that even small acts can make a big difference in someone's day. Thank you for helping us create opportunities for students to practice empathy, encouragement, and community.","fullyFundedDate":1771628253875,"projectUrl":"project/sprinkle-kindness/10090516/","projectTitle":"Sprinkle Kindness","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pierce","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10069619_orig.jpg?crop=216,216,x0,y20&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751506052471","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10069619"},{"teacherId":10069619,"projectId":10093273,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, creativity and hands-on learning are thriving in our first grade classroom. When the art supplies arrived, my 21 students were beyond excited. As I unpacked the boxes of markers, colored pencils, stickers, tape, and popsicle sticks, students gathered around asking, \"Are those for us?\" and \"What are we going to make first?\" Their excitement reminded me just how meaningful simple supplies can be for young learners.\r\n\r\nWe have already started using the materials in so many fun and meaningful ways. One of our favorite activities was a STEM challenge where students worked to build rainbow bridges using popsicle sticks, pipe clearners, tape, and colorful markers. Students designed their bridges, tested them, and then redesigned them to make them stronger. It was incredible to watch them collaborate, problem-solve, and celebrate each other's ideas.\r\n\r\nThese supplies have also made a huge impact during our writing time. In first grade, drawing is an important part of storytelling. My students love using the markers and colored pencils to illustrate their narratives and informational writing pieces. The ability to color and draw their ideas helps bring their writing to life and builds confidence in their storytelling.\r\n\r\nOne of the projects my students are most excited about is creating are Shrinky Dink magnets, at the end of the year to remember their time in first grade. They will design and decorate their own special drawings using the markers and colored pencils, then watch as their artwork magically shrinks into a small keepsake magnet. It will be such a meaningful way for them to celebrate their growth and remember their year together.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, my students have the tools to create, build, imagine, and express themselves every day. These materials may seem simple, but in the hands of six- and seven-year-olds, they become bridges, stories, inventions, and lasting memories.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping make our classroom a place where creativity, learning, and joy go hand in hand.","fullyFundedDate":1771116378411,"projectUrl":"project/crafty-classroom/10093273/","projectTitle":"Crafty Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pierce","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10069619_orig.jpg?crop=216,216,x0,y20&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751506052471","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10069619"},{"teacherId":2485400,"projectId":9806723,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and making our small-group learning space possible. Because of your generosity, my students now have a dedicated table and area where they can learn, collaborate, and grow in a more focused and supportive environment.\r\n\r\nWe use this space every day for small-group instruction, reading interventions, math support, and one-on-one check-ins. One especially meaningful moment was during guided reading time, when students gathered around the new table, eagerly sharing their thinking and supporting one another as they worked through a challenging text. Having a space designed just for small groups has helped students feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and celebrating their progress.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new table and learning area, their excitement was immediate. They kept asking, \"Is this for us?\" and \"When do we get to use it?\" They take great pride in the space and treat it as something special, knowing it was created just for their learning.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our next steps include using this area to support targeted instruction and hands-on learning activities as we continue building strong reading and math skills. This space allows me to meet students exactly where they are and provide the support they need to succeed. Your kindness has truly made a lasting impact on our classroom, and we are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1767193950553,"projectUrl":"project/creating-focused-and-flexible-learning-s/9806723/","projectTitle":"Creating Focused And Flexible Learning Spaces!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Doran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2485400_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523238561844","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/erin-doran"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_93434","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":597,"numTeachers":35,"percentFrplEligible":4,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":81,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"17.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":82.4,"schoolId":93434,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about University School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"University School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/tennessee/washington-county-school-district/university-school/93434"}