{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"University School","outOfStateSupporters":18.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2485400,"projectId":10118509,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our Makerspace project and providing the materials that are helping bring creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning to life in our classroom. Your generosity has created opportunities for students to explore, design, build, and problem-solve in ways that inspire both confidence and curiosity.\r\n\r\nThe new Makerspace materials are introducing students to valuable skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Through building and creating, students are learning critical thinking, engineering design, collaboration, perseverance, and creative problem-solving. They are discovering that mistakes are an important part of the learning process and that revising a design often leads to even better solutions. These experiences help students develop a growth mindset while strengthening their ability to think independently and work effectively with others.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our students have access to experiences that encourage innovation, creativity, and resilience. The excitement these materials have generated is evident every day, and the skills students are developing will serve them well for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping create a classroom where imagination and learning go hand in hand.","fullyFundedDate":1778083157054,"projectUrl":"project/stem-makerspace-refill-and-refresh-our/10118509/","projectTitle":"STEM MakerSpace: Refill and Refresh Our Learning!","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"},{"teacherId":2485400,"projectId":10129941,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom with new writing materials for our community impact project. Your generosity is helping students see writing not just as an academic skill, but as a real way to make a difference in the world around them.\r\n\r\nThrough this project, students are developing a wide range of important writing skills. They are learning how to write for a purpose and an audience, especially through persuasive writing and formal letter writing. Students are practicing how to clearly state a need, support their ideas with evidence, and use tone and word choice that fits real-world contexts. We are also focusing on research skills as students learn about local needs, such as those of animal shelters, food banks, and other community organizations. \r\n\r\nJust as importantly, they are building empathy by considering the experiences of people and animals in our community who benefit from these services.\r\nIn our classroom, writing has become active and meaningful. Students are often seen brainstorming ideas in small groups, drafting letters to community organizations, revising their work to make their message clearer, and sharing feedback with one another. We also spend time discussing how writing can be used to advocate, inform, and inspire action. The energy in the room shifts when students realize their words could actually help support a real cause, it becomes more than an assignment; it becomes a responsibility.\r\n\r\nYour support has given our students the tools to connect learning with action. These writing materials are helping them grow as communicators, problem-solvers, and community members who understand that their words can create impact.\r\nWe are truly grateful for your partnership and belief in our students.","fullyFundedDate":1774022710984,"projectUrl":"project/speak-out-my-writers-want-to-positively/10129941/","projectTitle":"Speak Out: My Writers Want to Positively Impact the Community!","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"},{"teacherId":2485400,"projectId":10118561,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project and helping bring new books into our classroom. Your generosity is already making a real difference in how my students experience reading and learn to think deeply about texts.\r\n\r\nThe new books are helping us build a wide range of important literacy skills. Students are practicing reading comprehension strategies like making inferences, identifying themes, and analyzing character development. We are also working on vocabulary development as students encounter rich, grade-level words in meaningful contexts. In addition, these texts are helping students strengthen their discussion skills, learning how to cite evidence from the text, listen to one another, and build on each other's ideas during conversations. Many of the stories also naturally lead to lessons about empathy, perspective-taking, and connecting literature to real-world experiences.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is active and collaborative. You might see students reading independently with focused attention, annotating texts with sticky notes, or turning and talking with a partner about a powerful moment in a story. We also have small-group discussions where students share interpretations and support their thinking with evidence from the book. At times, we come together as a whole class to unpack big ideas, reread key passages, and reflect on what the text is teaching us about people and the world.\r\n\r\nYour support has not just added books to our shelves, it has added energy, curiosity, and confidence to our classroom community. We are truly grateful for your generosity and for believing in our students as readers and thinkers.","fullyFundedDate":1773885087466,"projectUrl":"project/new-books-for-increased-engagement-and-f/10118561/","projectTitle":"New Books For Increased Engagement and Focus in 2nd Grade!","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"},{"teacherId":1013766,"projectId":10170780,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom library through your generous contributions to our bulletin board and decorative rug project. Your kindness has helped transform our library space into a welcoming, engaging environment where students are excited to read, learn, and explore.\r\n\r\nThe new bulletin boards have allowed us to showcase student work, highlight reading goals, and create interactive displays that encourage curiosity and celebrate achievement. Students love seeing their accomplishments displayed, and the boards help keep our learning space organized, informative, and inspiring.\r\n\r\nThe decorative rug has quickly become a favorite feature of our library area. It provides a comfortable gathering space where students can sit together for read-alouds, independent reading, small-group discussions, and collaborative learning activities. The inviting atmosphere encourages students to spend more time with books and helps create a sense of community within our classroom.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our students now have a learning environment that is both functional and welcoming. The improvements you made possible are helping foster a love of reading and creating positive experiences that will benefit students throughout the school year.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and believing in the power of education. Your support has made a meaningful difference, and we are truly grateful for your partnership in helping our classroom thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1778207746451,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-warm-welcoming-library-space/10170780/","projectTitle":"Creating a Warm, Welcoming Library Space","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":2480656,"projectId":10118026,"letterContent":"We would like to extend our sincere gratitude for donating supplies to support our classroom project for the homeless community. Your generosity has provided essential items to people in need and shown our students the true meaning of compassion and service. Because of your kindness, we are able to make a positive difference in the lives of others while teaching valuable lessons that cannot be learned from a textbook alone.\r\n\r\nThis experience has had a powerful impact on our students. Through organizing, preparing, and delivering the Blessing Bags, they have gained a deeper understanding of empathy, gratitude, and the importance of helping others in their community. Many students shared how meaningful it was to know they were directly contributing to bringing comfort and hope to someone facing hardship. Your support helped turn this project into a hands-on learning opportunity that inspired kindness, teamwork, and social responsibility.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and supporting this effort. Your contributions not only helped those experiencing homelessness, but also encouraged our students to become caring, thoughtful individuals who understand the importance of giving back. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and partnership.","fullyFundedDate":1775498946456,"projectUrl":"project/blessing-bags-for-the-homeless/10118026/","projectTitle":"Blessing Bags for the Homeless","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Holley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2480656_orig.jpg?crop=953,953,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1571679308870","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2480656"},{"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"}],"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","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"K - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"17.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":81.3,"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"}