{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Wanda Meshack Smith Head Start Center","outOfStateSupporters":45.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7325816,"projectId":9941430,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of caps, gloves, and scarves for our students. Your kindness and support mean so much to our classroom and the families we serve.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our kiddos are better prepared to stay warm and comfortable during the colder days. Many of our students face challenges outside of school, and your thoughtful contribution helps remove one more barrier so they can focus on learning and simply being kids.\r\n\r\nIf you'd like, I can personalize it further with your school name, grade level, or a more casual tone.","fullyFundedDate":1764728209992,"projectUrl":"project/warm-hearts-for-warm-kids/9941430/","projectTitle":"Warm Hearts for Warm Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Session","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7325816"},{"teacherId":7325816,"projectId":9901443,"letterContent":"Dear DonorsChoose Supporter,\r\n\r\nI am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of an iPad to our classroom. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nWith this new technology, our students now have greater access to interactive lessons, educational apps, and creative tools that enhance their understanding and engagement. The iPad allows us to bring learning to life in ways that were not previously possible, helping students build important skills for the future.","fullyFundedDate":1769177272685,"projectUrl":"project/tech-for-preschool/9901443/","projectTitle":"Tech for Preschool!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Session","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7325816"},{"teacherId":5050441,"projectId":10027026,"letterContent":"We would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your generous support in providing an all-in-one CD player for our preschool classroom. Your donation is truly appreciated and will have a lasting impact on the learning and development of our young students.\r\n\r\nWith your contribution, we are now able to enhance our literacy program in meaningful and engaging ways. The CD player has become a valuable resource in our classroom, allowing children to listen to recorded stories while following along in books. This experience helps foster a love for reading at an early age, which is essential for long-term academic success. By hearing stories read aloud with proper expression and tone, children are developing important language skills, including vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your thoughtful contribution and for investing in the future of our preschoolers. Your support truly makes a difference, and we are incredibly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1769185242145,"projectUrl":"project/building-early-readers-through-listening/10027026/","projectTitle":"Building Early Readers Through Listening and Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Green","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5050441_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523223230580","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-jjgreen"},{"teacherId":5050441,"projectId":9937134,"letterContent":"We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of headphones to our preschool classroom. Your support has made a meaningful difference in the daily learning experiences of our young students, and we are truly appreciative of your kindness and commitment to early childhood education.\r\n\r\nWith the addition of these headphones, our classroom environment has become more engaging, focused, and inclusive for all learners. At the preschool level, children are developing critical listening and language skills, and having access to individual headphones allows them to fully immerse themselves in educational activities without unnecessary distractions. Whether they are listening to interactive stories, phonics programs, calming music, or instructional videos, the headphones help each child stay attentive and better understand the material being presented.\r\n\r\nYour donation also supports differentiated learning, which is essential in early childhood education. Every child learns at their own pace, and these headphones allow teachers to provide individualized instruction and support. Some children benefit from repeated listening, while others need a quieter space to concentrate. With your contribution, we are able to meet these diverse needs more effectively and ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the headphones help foster independence and responsibility among our students. They are learning how to properly use and care for classroom materials, follow directions, and respect shared resources. These are important life skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nWe have also noticed that the use of headphones contributes positively to classroom management and overall noise levels. By reducing background noise, children are able to stay calm, focused, and engaged in their tasks. This creates a more productive and enjoyable learning environment for everyone.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your generosity shows our students that there are people who care about their education and well-being. Even at a young age, they are beginning to understand the value of kindness and community support. Your donation is not just providing a resource—it is making a lasting impact on their growth, confidence, and love for learning.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your thoughtful contribution. We are truly grateful for your support and for helping us create meaningful, high-quality learning experiences for our preschoolers.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,\r\n[Your Preschool Name]","fullyFundedDate":1769574197671,"projectUrl":"project/helping-students-learn-independently-he/9937134/","projectTitle":"Helping Students Learn Independently: Headphones Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Green","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5050441_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523223230580","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-jjgreen"},{"teacherId":8418925,"projectId":9925677,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity and for supporting our classroom through your donations. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in our students' learning experiences.\r\n\r\nOur children have been especially excited to explore the new hands-on learning materials you helped provide. The Comparing Sizes Activity Box has quickly become a favorite. Students love sorting and matching the pieces while learning important math concepts like bigger, smaller, taller, and shorter. Watching them collaborate, talk through their thinking, and celebrate when they figure it out has been wonderful.\r\n\r\nThe Finding Letters Activity has brought so much energy to our literacy time. The children enjoy searching for letters and identifying them, almost like a treasure hunt. It keeps them engaged while strengthening their letter recognition and early reading skills.\r\n\r\nThe Double-Sided Magnetic Letter Tiles have also been a huge hit. Students love building words on the magnetic surface and experimenting with different letter combinations. The double-sided feature makes it easy for them to explore uppercase and lowercase letters while practicing spelling and phonics.\r\n\r\nAnother classroom favorite is the Magnetic Alphabet Maze. The children are fascinated by guiding the magnetic wand through the maze to match letters. It feels like a game to them, but at the same time they are building letter recognition, focus, and fine motor skills.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our students are learning through play, discovery, and hands-on exploration every day. These materials are helping build a strong foundation in both math and literacy while keeping our young learners excited about school.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their future. Your support truly makes a difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1769179488848,"projectUrl":"project/from-words-to-confidence-language-activ/9925677/","projectTitle":"From Words to Confidence: Language Activities for Early Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8418925"},{"teacherId":5050441,"projectId":9894792,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of a cutting machine for our preschool classroom. This wonderful resource has already made a meaningful impact on our students and teachers.\r\n\r\nThe cutting machine allows us to create high-quality learning materials, visual supports, games, and hands-on activities tailored specifically to our children's needs. From alphabet activities and shape practice to name cards and fine motor centers, the materials we can now prepare help make learning engaging, accessible, and fun for every child.\r\n\r\nFor our preschoolers, hands-on learning is essential. The items created with this machine support fine motor development, creativity, and early academic skills while encouraging curiosity and confidence. Teachers are also able to save valuable preparation time, allowing them to focus more on instruction and meaningful interactions with students.","fullyFundedDate":1764794658858,"projectUrl":"project/cutting-into-creativity-helping-prescho/9894792/","projectTitle":"Cutting Into Creativity: Helping Preschoolers Learn Through STEM and Design","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Green","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5050441_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523223230580","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-jjgreen"},{"teacherId":5050441,"projectId":9802660,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of hats, gloves, and socks for our preschool students. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our children and their families, and we are deeply grateful for your thoughtfulness and support. For young children, staying warm is not just about comfort it directly impacts their ability to learn, play, and fully participate in their school day. \r\n\r\nThe hats, gloves, and socks you provided are used daily, especially during the colder months. Teachers help children practice independence by learning how to put on and take off their own winter clothing, turning these moments into valuable life-skills lessons. Your donation supports not only warmth, but also confidence, responsibility, and self-care as our preschoolers proudly manage their own belongings.\r\n\r\nMany of our families face challenges, and having access to basic necessities like warm clothing can relieve a significant burden. Your generosity ensures that every child feels included and cared for, regardless of their circumstances. When children know they are supported, they are better able to focus, engage with peers, and feel secure in their learning environment.\r\n\r\nWe have also seen the emotional impact of your gift. Children light up when they receive something just for them. Wearing their hats and gloves helps them feel special, valued, and prepared for the day. These small but essential items create a sense of belonging and help build a positive connection between home, school, and the community.\r\n\r\nYour support reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of our youngest learners. It sends a powerful message that our preschool students matter and that their comfort and success are important. Because of you, our classrooms are warmer in more ways than one.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity, compassion, and investment in our children's futures. We truly appreciate your support and are thankful to have caring donors like you as part of our preschool community.","fullyFundedDate":1764801873419,"projectUrl":"project/warm-hearts-warm-hands-caring-for-our/9802660/","projectTitle":"Warm Hearts, Warm Hands: Caring for Our Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Green","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5050441_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523223230580","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-jjgreen"},{"teacherId":8418925,"projectId":9799057,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support and for purchasing math manipulatives for our classroom. Your kindness has already made a meaningful difference in our students' learning experiences.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our children are actively engaged in hands-on learning every day. Students are using the manipulatives to sort colors, strengthening their early classification and critical thinking skills. They are excitedly building letters with the rocket pieces, reinforcing letter recognition and fine motor development in a fun, meaningful way.\r\n\r\nOne of the students' favorite activities has been creating \"number rockets.\" As they build and count, they are developing number sense, sequencing skills, and confidence with numbers. The double-sided number magnets have also been a huge success as my students eagerly use them to identify numbers, match quantities, and explore math concepts independently and with peers.\r\n\r\nThese manipulatives have transformed our math time into an interactive, joyful experience where students are learning by doing. Your generosity has helped create a classroom environment where curiosity, engagement, and confidence thrive.\r\n\r\nThank you once again to the PNC Grow Up Great organization as well as the donors from Texas and New Jersey for believing in our students and supporting their learning journey. We are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1766002360634,"projectUrl":"project/math-builders-growing-skills-one-block/9799057/","projectTitle":"Math Builders: Growing Skills One Block at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8418925"},{"teacherId":8418925,"projectId":9945154,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the generosity you have shown my students through your donations of new beanies, socks, and gloves. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in their daily lives, and I wanted to share the impact your support has had in our classroom and community.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, winter can be a challenging season. Several come to school without adequate warm clothing, which not only affects their comfort but also their ability to focus and fully participate in learning. Thanks to your donations, my students now arrive at school feeling warm, confident, and cared for. The excitement on their faces as they received their new beanies, socks, and gloves was unforgettable; many of them couldn't wait to put them on immediately.\r\n\r\nBeyond the physical warmth, your contribution has provided emotional comfort. Knowing that someone believes in them and is willing to support their well-being has boosted their morale and sense of belonging. These small yet meaningful items have sparked joy, encouraged attendance, and helped students feel prepared for the day ahead.\r\n\r\nYour generosity reaches far beyond the items themselves as it nurtures hope, dignity, and motivation in each child. On behalf of my students, their families, and our entire school community, thank you for making a real and lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1765222500386,"projectUrl":"project/warmth-for-little-learners-hats-and-gl/9945154/","projectTitle":"“Warmth for Little Learners: Hats and Gloves Needed”","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8418925"},{"teacherId":8418925,"projectId":9750297,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for bringing so much joy and imagination into our classroom. Because of your support, our students now have pretend dishes, a veterinary kit, and a doctor kit—materials that have already transformed their play and learning in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThe pretend dishes have become the center of our dramatic-play area. My Pre-K students are practicing cooperation, sharing, and communication as they \"cook,\" set the table, and serve meals to their classmates. It has been wonderful to watch them build social-emotional skills while engaging in creative storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe veterinary kit has sparked endless curiosity. Students love examining the stuffed animals, taking their \"temperatures,\" and caring for them with such seriousness and empathy. It has opened the door to conversations about animal care, responsibility, and science in a way that feels natural and exciting for them.\r\n\r\nThe doctor kit has done the same—helping students explore how our bodies work and what it means to take care of ourselves and others. Many students have taken on the role of \"doctor,\" practicing language skills as they ask questions, give checkups, and explain what they are doing. It has helped reduce fear around real medical experiences and encouraged a sense of confidence and compassion.\r\n\r\nYour donation has given our students opportunities to learn through play—one of the most powerful ways young children grow. Thank you for believing in our classroom and supporting their creativity, confidence, and curiosity.","fullyFundedDate":1761853638059,"projectUrl":"project/play-pretend-and-discover/9750297/","projectTitle":"Play, Pretend, and Discover!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8418925"},{"teacherId":5050441,"projectId":9472298,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of STEM toys and activity materials to our classroom. Your thoughtful contribution has truly transformed our learning environment and sparked an incredible wave of curiosity, collaboration, and creativity among our young learners.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the boxes arrived, the students were filled with excitement and anticipation. Their faces lit up with wonder as they unpacked the new building sets, magnetic tiles, coding games, and science kits. It was as if a whole new world of possibilities had opened up right before them. Several students immediately began brainstorming what they could build and test, while others eagerly partnered with friends to explore how the materials worked. One memorable moment came when a small group of students used the magnetic engineering blocks to design a \"roller coaster bridge\" that could support a toy car. Their teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance were inspiring to watch. When the car successfully made it across the bridge, the entire group erupted in cheers—it was a moment of pure joy and accomplishment.","fullyFundedDate":1761853636923,"projectUrl":"project/getting-into-stem/9472298/","projectTitle":"Getting Into STEM!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Green","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5050441_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523223230580","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-jjgreen"},{"teacherId":5374153,"projectId":9495583,"letterContent":"My students have such a great time building and creating with the Legos. Over the past several weeks, I have watched my students grow in areas that are essential for early childhood development, their Legos play has been a meaningful part of that progress.\r\nFirst, LEGO activities have strengthened their fine motor skills. Manipulating small pieces, connecting bricks, and building structures have helped them develop better hand-eye coordination and finger strength—skills that support writing, cutting, and daily independence.\r\nLEGO play has also supported their social and emotional development. Whether working with a partner or participating in group builds, they have practiced taking turns. \r\nIn addition, LEGO bricks have encouraged important early academic thinking. Through building, they have explored early math concepts such as counting, comparing sizes, sorting, and recognizing patterns. They have also demonstrated creativity and problem-solving by experimenting, making changes, and finding new ways to bring their ideas to life.","fullyFundedDate":1757682340119,"projectUrl":"project/building-fun/9495583/","projectTitle":"Building Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Branch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5374153_orig.jpg?crop=1049,1049,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733372236411","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kimberley-branch"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_113040","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":78,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":77,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":16,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"US Census Data for the surrounding geographic area","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"Census ZCTA","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":55.0,"schoolId":113040,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Wanda Meshack Smith Head Start Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Wanda Meshack Smith Head Start Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/office-of-head-start/wanda-meshack-smith-head-start-center/113040"}