{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sutherland Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":21.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9717391,"projectId":9357770,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into an organized, student-centered space where learning feels calm, efficient, and welcoming. The new storage bins, drawers, and organizers have given my students clear systems for managing their supplies, books, and work. Instead of scrambling to find materials or feeling overwhelmed by clutter, students now know exactly where to go for what they need—helping them stay focused and confident throughout the day.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new storage systems, they were thrilled. The 12-drawer cabinet has quickly become our central hub for classroom jobs and daily papers, while the file organizers are helping students build portfolios of their writing and projects. This sense of structure has not only reduced distractions, but it has also given students ownership of their learning space.\r\n\r\nWith these resources, I've been able to create smoother transitions between activities, freeing up more time for meaningful instruction. As we begin our upcoming projects in writing and science, the organized environment is empowering students to work more independently, collaborate with their peers, and take pride in keeping our classroom functional. Your support has given them not just tools, but a system that will continue to support their growth all year long.","fullyFundedDate":1750255567573,"projectUrl":"project/organized-for-success/9357770/","projectTitle":"Organized for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pedraza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9717391_orig.jpg?crop=235,235,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728343829962","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9717391"},{"teacherId":9717391,"projectId":9353493,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my classroom has been transformed into a calm, nature-inspired space where students feel welcomed and valued the moment they walk through the door. The greenery, eucalyptus borders, and motivational cutouts have created an environment that is both peaceful and energizing, helping my students stay focused and inspired throughout the day.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new decorations, their faces lit up. Several of them said the classroom felt \"cozy\" and \"happy,\" and one student shared, \"It feels like we're learning outside.\" The calendar board and laminated number cutouts have already become daily tools for our routines, giving students a strong sense of structure while also making the space feel organized and beautiful. \r\n\r\nThese resources are already impacting our learning. The visual structure helps students transition smoothly between activities, while the motivational decor supports their positive self-talk and growth mindset. As we move into our upcoming writing and math projects, the calm and cohesive classroom atmosphere is giving students the confidence to take risks, collaborate, and engage deeply in their learning. Your support has truly given them not just supplies, but a safe, inspiring place to grow.","fullyFundedDate":1750255526851,"projectUrl":"project/grow-with-us/9353493/","projectTitle":"Grow With Us","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pedraza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9717391_orig.jpg?crop=235,235,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728343829962","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9717391"},{"teacherId":7219775,"projectId":9433254,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing our class with oversized volleyballs and beach balls! These new resources have already made a big difference in how my students are learning and practicing new skills, both inside the gym, outside, and ever during recess or at home. \r\n\r\nWe've been using the balls to work on teamwork, hand-eye coordination, and communication skills. For example, during a recent PE lesson, students practiced underhanded striking with the oversized soft volleyballs, which made it easier for everyone to participate without fear of getting hurt, by learning a new game. All of the grades benefited from this activity and my 3rd grade through 5th grade classes have been seen playing the game that they learned at recess—proof that the skills are carrying over beyond the classroom!\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their faces lit up with excitement. Many immediately asked if they could try them out, and the room quickly filled with energy, laughter, and encouragement as they passed the balls back and forth. It was such a joy to see their enthusiasm and confidence grow so quickly.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next step is to apply these new skills to even more structured games and team activities. We're building toward playing small-scale versions of volleyball and cooperative team challenges, which will help students strengthen not only their athletic abilities but also their collaboration and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our classroom and giving my students the tools to learn, play, and grow together. Your generosity has truly expanded what's possible for them both in school and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1753308629142,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-through-sports/9433254/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students Through Sports","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Potts","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7219775"},{"teacherId":9717391,"projectId":8865447,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our \"Chapter by Chapter: Growing Our Classroom Library\" project. Thanks to your contributions, our classroom now has a wonderful selection of books and much-needed bookshelves, which will make a lasting impact on my students' learning experiences.\r\n\r\nWhat I love most about my students is their boundless curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Each day, they bring their own unique perspectives that inspire me as an educator. Your support allows me to foster that love of learning by providing them with the opportunity to explore new worlds and ideas through books. From The Spiderwick Chronicles to The Babysitters Club, these books will not only spark their imaginations but also help them develop critical literacy skills, empathy, and a lifelong passion for reading.\r\n\r\nA well-organized, inviting bookshelf is so important in our classroom. It ensures that the books remain safe and accessible, encouraging students to explore new genres and discover new authors. Your donation has made that possible, and I can't wait to see how these resources will inspire my students.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in their future and for helping to create an environment where they can thrive and grow as readers and learners. Your generosity means the world to us, and I am so excited for the journey ahead!","fullyFundedDate":1735669616922,"projectUrl":"project/chapter-by-chapter-growing-our-classroo/8865447/","projectTitle":"Chapter by Chapter: Growing Our Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pedraza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9717391_orig.jpg?crop=235,235,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728343829962","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9717391"},{"teacherId":9717391,"projectId":8865349,"letterContent":"I am so excited to share the impact your generous contribution has already made in our classroom! With the new resources you funded, my students have been able to create a more structured and organized learning environment that is helping them thrive. For example, the SYKIARIOL Storage Drawer Cart and MidmmVick Cube Storage Bins have empowered students to take responsibility for their materials, allowing them to independently store and access their learning tools. This has not only reduced distractions but also fostered a sense of ownership and pride in their work. When they first saw the new materials, their eyes lit up! They were thrilled to see such a well-organized space and were eager to begin using the drawers and bins.\r\n\r\nWith the Oterri File Organizer and Cardboard File Folder Organizers, I've been able to keep lesson plans, student work, and resources neatly categorized and easy to access. This has streamlined my ability to plan lessons on the fly, saving time and allowing me to focus more on my students' needs. The Teacher Created Resources® Confetti Numbers Stickers have added a fun and engaging element to the classroom, making it easy for my students to quickly identify their materials and stay organized. These small but impactful tools have made a huge difference in minimizing classroom chaos and enhancing focus.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support in helping create such a positive and productive learning environment. Your contribution is already making a lasting difference in my classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1735484319085,"projectUrl":"project/organize-for-success/8865349/","projectTitle":"Organize for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pedraza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9717391_orig.jpg?crop=235,235,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728343829962","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9717391"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_97086","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":548,"numTeachers":34,"percentFrplEligible":91,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":43,"percentWhite":36,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"16.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":78.6,"schoolId":97086,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sutherland Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sutherland Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/dinwiddie-county-school-district/sutherland-elementary-school/97086"}
Join the 84 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Sutherland Elementary School is
a rural public school
in Sutherland, Virginia that is part of Dinwiddie County School District.
It serves 548 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.1:1.
Its teachers have had 28 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for our school's classrooms. Share this page with friends and family who want to make a difference. If you're a teacher, sign up to get started!
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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
53%
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.
Sutherland 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.
Sutherland Elementary School
$11,310
raised using DonorsChoose
28
projects
funded
12
teachers
funded
84
donors
1
project for
technology
3
projects for
books
2
projects
for
art supplies
Sutherland Elementary School has received support from
66 individuals from Virginia and
18 individuals out-of-state.