{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Carlin Springs Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8046078,"projectId":9601333,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the Tonies and Tonie Box. The class was so excited when they saw the box. Each time we unbox an individual Tonie there are many cries of excitement. The kids were so excited we started a tradition of passing the Tonie around our classroom circle so each student got a chance to look at it up close. \r\n\r\nWe are started using the Tonie Box as a whole class. Twice a week we chose a Tonie to listen to together. This introduced us to how to use the Tonie Box. Now the class is super excited to try using the Tonie Box more independently. We are transitioning from listening as a whole class to using headphones with a partner.\r\n\r\nWe just introduced it as a station choice during our small group time. It's currently the favorite station! Everyday two students get the chance to work together and try out the listening center. It's wonderful to watch how engage and excited the kids are to listen together. \r\n\r\nEventually we hope to add books for students to read along as they listen as well as student generated retellings of well known stories we will study in our upcoming stories unit. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for giving us this amazing and fun opportunity!","fullyFundedDate":1755713944648,"projectUrl":"project/tonie-box-listening-station/9601333/","projectTitle":"Tonie Box Listening Station","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8046078"},{"teacherId":10166446,"projectId":9569900,"letterContent":"The day the new alphabet materials arrived felt like a \"fun Friday\" with my students. They crowded around the table, guessing what might be inside the boxes. It was beautiful to watch my English learners whisper in Spanish: ¿Esto es para nosotros? Or is this for us? With a big smile on their faces. When I opened them, the students erupted. Tiny hands reached out, eager to touch and play with each item. \r\nThe Alphabet bowling set quickly became a favorite. Students took turns rolling the ball and excitedly named the letters they knocked down. With the alphabet stamps, every time a student pressed a stamp letter onto a paper, they called the letter sound out loud. The alphabet poppets were also an instant hit. Students began pressing each bubble in order, singing the alphabet song together as they went across rows. \r\nAs we continue building our foundational literacy skills, these resources have become part of our daily routine. The tactile letters to see how each letter is formed, and the Teaching tubs, which connect letters to real-life objects and vocabulary. Even the rainbow alphabet garland has added color and pride to our room. Your generosity doesn't just bring tools into our classroom. It brought new ways for my students to experience the joy of reading every day.","fullyFundedDate":1755638245138,"projectUrl":"project/alphabet-letters-that-open-worlds/9569900/","projectTitle":"Alphabet Letters That Open Worlds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hidalgo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10166446_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754790577274","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mshidalgo4"},{"teacherId":8707765,"projectId":9552061,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting this project! We have enjoyed getting to use different math manipulatives to explore lots of math concepts. Opening the boxes were definitely highlights of our days. \r\n\r\nWe have used the addition and subtraction touch and match cards to build fluency during center time. The bug toss has been a hit when we needed to get some wiggles out while still practicing number identification. We have even had increases engagement with some of our most reluctant students to engage in math tasks!\r\n\r\nWe look forward to continue to us these tools to explore more complex math tasks with the regrouping addition and subtraction hands-on kits. Thank you again for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1755638244894,"projectUrl":"project/math-minds/9552061/","projectTitle":"Math Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Warin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8707765"},{"teacherId":8707765,"projectId":9195069,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity! We have been using the new materials throughout our day. We have enjoyed being able to do more hands on activities. \r\n\r\nWe have used the pipe cleaners to make characters from the stories we read. We have used the playdough to shape letters and numbers. \r\n\r\nWe are looking forward to using the modeling clay to explore bead making for our paleolithic and neolithic unit. We have also enjoyed using preferred coloring when writing on our dry erase boards. It really increases our engagement and motivation. \r\n\r\nThank you again for helping support our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1752871946982,"projectUrl":"project/midyear-refresh/9195069/","projectTitle":"MidYear Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Warin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8707765"},{"teacherId":7824176,"projectId":9435614,"letterContent":"The funding of Engineering Curiosity: A STEM Learning Experience has transformed what learning looks like in our classroom. With these new resources, my students now have the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in hands-on, creative ways. Instead of only reading about concepts, they can design, build, test, and improve their own projects—just like real engineers and scientists.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, this is their first time having access to high-quality STEM materials. These experiences are especially meaningful in a Title I school community, where access to such opportunities is often limited. The project encourages collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking, while also giving students the confidence to take risks and see themselves as innovators.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this project sparks joy and curiosity. My students are not only learning core academic skills, but they are also discovering the excitement of asking questions, experimenting, and finding solutions. Thanks to this support, they are developing skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom and help them imagine a future in which they can thrive in STEM fields.","fullyFundedDate":1753121283461,"projectUrl":"project/engineering-curiosity-a-stem-learning-e/9435614/","projectTitle":"Engineering Curiosity: A STEM Learning Experience","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Grant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7824176_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739312549129","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7824176"},{"teacherId":9973018,"projectId":9216383,"letterContent":"When the sensory materials arrived, my students were eager to explore them. The beanbag chairs and comfy floor seats quickly became favorite spots during small group lessons and independent activities. Having comfortable seating not only helped my students stay engaged, but also created an inviting environment where they could begin to discover a love for reading. It has been wonderful to watch students curl up with a book and enjoy stories in a space that feels safe and supportive.\r\n\r\nThe chews and fidgets have been especially powerful. Students now reach for these tools on their own when they begin to feel overwhelmed or anxious. By having access to safe and appropriate supports, they are learning how to regulate their emotions in healthy ways. These tools have given my students a sense of control and independence, as they no longer have to wait for adult prompting to manage their feelings. The bubble lamp has also become a favorite part of our calming corner, providing a soothing place to reset before returning to learning.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students are developing not only stronger focus and emotional regulation but also confidence and joy as learners. Our next steps are to continue weaving these sensory tools into daily routines so students can build independence and carry these skills into every area of their lives. Thank you for helping me create a classroom where every child can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1746785642425,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-and-stimulation/9216383/","projectTitle":"Sensory and Stimulation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Koppelman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9973018_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742866243110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9973018"},{"teacherId":1538752,"projectId":9647723,"letterContent":"First, I would like to say thank you very much for donating to our classroom. The donations are going to make a great impact on learning for my third graders.\r\n\r\nI have already started making reading and math games with the ink and card stock that was donated. After the games have been made I am storing them in the storage unit that we bought.\r\n\r\nThe games that I have made are providing my students extra work in reading workshop and math workshop. They are gaining independence and extra practice on skills that we are learning daily in our classroom again thank you so much for donating to our classroom. We really appreciate your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1756235387171,"projectUrl":"project/organization-to-create-awesome-workshop/9647723/","projectTitle":"Organization to Create Awesome Workshop Games","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reynolds","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1538752_orig.jpg?crop=452,452,x146,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1576358240786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/amyreynolds2012"},{"teacherId":1538752,"projectId":9567293,"letterContent":"I wanted to start by saying thank you very much for donating to our classroom. My students have really been enjoying all of the flexible seating and books that we now have in our classroom. They love independent reading time when they can choose any book that they like and choose any seat anywhere in the classroom and just read.\r\n\r\nI am hoping this will help their fluency in reading scores due to the daily reading that they are now getting. Again, thank you very much for donating to our classroom. You are making a difference in the lives of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1755638245168,"projectUrl":"project/children-choose-reading-space/9567293/","projectTitle":"Children Choose Reading Space!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reynolds","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1538752_orig.jpg?crop=452,452,x146,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1576358240786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/amyreynolds2012"},{"teacherId":9973018,"projectId":9209548,"letterContent":"When the new books arrived, my small groups could not wait to explore them. The Elephant and Piggie series has quickly become a favorite, giving students the chance to practice sight words and fluency in a supportive setting. The Bob Books have been especially powerful for my emerging readers, providing structured decoding practice that has helped them feel successful. It has been incredible to watch students who once hesitated to pick up a book now approach reading with excitement and confidence.\r\n\r\nThe \"There Was an Old Lady\" series has been a highlight during small group time. We used these stories to practice comprehension in a fun and memorable way. For one student with low working memory, I incorporated movement to help her remember key events. Together, we even created our own \"Old Ladies\" and drew items in their bellies, which turned into a playful activity that supported sequencing and storytelling. These moments show my students that reading is not only achievable but also joyful.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students now have access to engaging, high-quality books that support growth and inspire a love of reading. Each day in small groups, they are building decoding skills, comprehension, and the confidence to share their ideas as readers. Thank you for believing in them and helping me provide resources that make learning both meaningful and fun.","fullyFundedDate":1744247534888,"projectUrl":"project/books-galore/9209548/","projectTitle":"Books Galore!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Koppelman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9973018_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742866243110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9973018"},{"teacherId":9973018,"projectId":9193381,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the new materials, their excitement was contagious. One moment that stood out most was with my student who has Achondroplasia dwarfism. The wobble chair provided her with an alternative seating option that allowed her to more easily engage in lessons and participate fully in whole group routines with her non-disabled peers. She loved having a chair that supported her comfort and inclusion, and it has truly helped her shine in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThe other resources have quickly become essential parts of our day. The body sock and chew necklaces give students ways to regulate their energy and emotions so they can focus on learning. The visual supports, such as the First Then schedule, help students transition smoothly and build independence. Our academic tools, from CVC word games to math manipulatives, have turned practice into play, sparking joy and pride when students master new skills. Even simple items like new dry-erase markers keep lessons running smoothly and allow every child to share their thinking.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students are thriving. They are learning to read, write, and problem solve while also developing skills to regulate their emotions, express themselves, and feel included in every part of the day. Our next steps are to continue using these resources to build independence and confidence, while creating personalized social stories and visuals to help students tackle new challenges. Thank you for believing in my students and helping me create a classroom that is inclusive, supportive, and joyful.","fullyFundedDate":1742902716094,"projectUrl":"project/my-first-donors-choose/9193381/","projectTitle":"My First Donors Choose!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Koppelman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9973018_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742866243110","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9973018"},{"teacherId":9696803,"projectId":9200517,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of my DonorsChoose project. Thanks to your kindness, our students now have access to slant board which is an invaluable tool that is already making a meaningful difference in their learning and development.\r\nAs an occupational therapist, I work with students who face challenges with fine motor skills, posture, and visual tracking. Slant boards help position paper at an optimal angle, promoting better wrist alignment, reducing strain, and encouraging proper posture during writing and reading tasks. These seemingly simple tools are empowering students to engage more confidently and comfortably in classroom activities.\r\nSince receiving the slant boards, I've seen students who previously struggled with handwriting begin to show improved legibility and endurance. One student even shared, \"handwriting is easier and is not as sloppy when I use this!\" These moments remind me of the power of thoughtful tools and the impact of your generosity.\r\nYour donation has not only provided physical resources but has also sent a message to our students: that people believe in their potential and care about their success. Thank you for being part of their journey and for helping create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1746571652885,"projectUrl":"project/leveling-the-playing-field-provide-slan/9200517/","projectTitle":"Leveling the Playing Field: Provide Slant Boards for Enhanced Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kavita","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9696803_orig.png?crop=890,890,x0,y97&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726340151060","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9696803"},{"teacherId":9896714,"projectId":9064099,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my project. Thanks to you, our toddlers now have access to a vibrant collection of sensory and cause-and-effect toys that have transformed our therapy sessions into joyful, language-rich experiences. These toys have become powerful tools for eliciting speech, building language, and encouraging social interaction in ways that feel natural and exciting for our young learners.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been immediate, as our students are reaching, requesting, and commenting during play. We've also incorporated the new materials into themed therapy units. Your contribution gave our students more than just toys; you gave them opportunities to connect, express, and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1742582675073,"projectUrl":"project/playing-to-speak-supporting-speechlang/9064099/","projectTitle":"Playing to Speak: Supporting Speech/Language Development Through Play-Based Therapy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Devyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9896714_orig.jpg?crop=3268,3268,x1494,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737041352171","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9896714"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_33503","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":534,"numTeachers":43,"percentFrplEligible":70,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":9,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":73,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":63.1,"schoolId":33503,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Carlin Springs Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Carlin Springs Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/arlington-public-schools/carlin-springs-elementary-school/33503"}
Join the 423 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Carlin Springs Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Arlington, Virginia that is part of Arlington Public Schools.
It serves 534 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.4:1.
Its teachers have had 129 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
91%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Carlin Springs Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Carlin Springs Elementary School
$60,058
raised using DonorsChoose
129
projects
funded
52
teachers
funded
423
donors
9
projects
for
basic supplies
10
projects for
technology
20
projects for
books
8
projects
for
art supplies
Carlin Springs Elementary School has received support from
267 individuals from Virginia and
156 individuals out-of-state.