{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Joseph H Saunders Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":29.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3571551,"projectId":9692315,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our classroom printer and ink have become an essential tool for both learning and creativity. While many people think of a printer as a simple office supply, in our classroom it has opened up countless opportunities for engagement and hands-on learning. We're now able to print individualized reading materials, math practice pages, and colorful visual supports that meet each student's unique needs. Having the ability to quickly print learning resources means our lessons can be more flexible, responsive, and personalized than ever before.\r\n\r\nThe students are especially excited when they get to see their own work printed and displayed. Whether it's a story they wrote, a piece of artwork, or a certificate celebrating their progress, holding something they created in their hands gives them a deep sense of pride. It has made their learning feel more \"real\" and has encouraged even our most reluctant writers and artists to participate enthusiastically.\r\n\r\nOne of the most heartwarming changes has been watching students light up when their printed work goes on our classroom walls or in their take-home folders to share with families. For many, this has become a favorite part of the day. Your donation has truly helped us celebrate learning in a tangible, meaningful way—turning our students' efforts into something they can see, touch, and take pride in every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1757955043105,"projectUrl":"project/printing-possibilities-a-classroom-in-c/9692315/","projectTitle":"Printing Possibilities: A Classroom in Color","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Snow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3571551_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566692782362","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/susansnow"},{"teacherId":10054966,"projectId":9614531,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been filled with so much joy and comfort! The flexible seating cushions have become a huge hit with my first graders. They use them every single day — during buddy reading, small groups (which I now love holding on the carpet for extra space!), math centers, or just when they need a comfy spot to learn. My students are always so excited for their turn to grab a cushion!\r\n\r\nOur calm-down corner has also gotten a cozy little upgrade with our new dusty rose bean bag chair, and it's safe to say the kids are obsessed! It's such a popular spot that I actually had to set time limits because everyone wants a turn to relax in it. This space has truly become a peaceful place where students can take a break, breathe, and reset before jumping back into learning.\r\n\r\nYour support has made such a difference in helping my students feel comfortable, calm, and excited to learn every day. We're so grateful! 💕","fullyFundedDate":1758202691396,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-focused-and-engaged/9614531/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Focused and Engaged Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10054966_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749769287465","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/brionnajohnson757"},{"teacherId":9517439,"projectId":9280759,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generous contributions toward our \"Building Confidence and Emotional Growth Through Journaling\" kits. Your support has made it possible to provide students with the tools they need to explore their thoughts, express their feelings, and develop self-confidence through writing.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, each student will now have their own personalized journaling kit—something tangible that will encourage creativity, self-reflection, and emotional growth. These kits are more than just supplies; they are an investment in our students' well-being and future.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and generosity will make a lasting impact, and I'm truly grateful to have you as a partner in this important work.","fullyFundedDate":1746655529662,"projectUrl":"project/building-confidence-and-emotional-growth/9280759/","projectTitle":"Building Confidence and Emotional Growth Through Journaling.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tammy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9517439_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746655262198","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9517439"},{"teacherId":6603048,"projectId":8639189,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom. Your support directly impacted the learning experience of 50 students, providing them with the tools and environment they needed to thrive. Because of you, we were able to promote biliteracy, bilingualism, and academic achievement in a setting where students felt encouraged, supported, and valued. Your donation helped create a space where students could grow in confidence and develop skills that will serve them for a lifetime. We are truly grateful for your commitment to education and student success.","fullyFundedDate":1726585877233,"projectUrl":"project/learning-and-moving/8639189/","projectTitle":"Learning and Moving","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Scruggs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6603048_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x20,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720298911113","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-scruggs3rdgraders"},{"teacherId":9517439,"projectId":9069021,"letterContent":"The new iPad is making a big difference in my classroom! It's helping with data tracking, making it easier to monitor student progress in real time. Instead of relying on paper or bulky laptops, I can quickly record and review student performance, ensuring that each student gets the support they need.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students the most is the daily check-in and exit ticket process. They love that they can complete these activities on the iPad without having to bring their laptops to small group instruction. This makes transitions smoother and keeps them more engaged in their learning. Thanks to this technology, we can focus more on instruction and less on logistics!","fullyFundedDate":1742905738745,"projectUrl":"project/tech-tools-for-students-with-disabilitie/9069021/","projectTitle":"Tech Tools for Students With Disabilities' Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tammy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9517439_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746655262198","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9517439"},{"teacherId":6826168,"projectId":8661562,"letterContent":"We are thrilled to share with you the profound impact of your generous contributions on our students and their educational experience. Your unwavering support has allowed us to acquire essential resources that have significantly transformed our school environment, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.\r\n\r\nStudent Reactions\r\nWhen the students first encountered the new materials, their faces lit up excitedly. The new clothing gave them a renewed sense of dignity and self-esteem, while the improved food options alleviated their worries about hunger during school hours. This initial reaction underscores the importance of addressing basic needs to foster a more conducive learning environment. Witnessing how your support directly influences their happiness and confidence is heartwarming.\r\n\r\nNext Steps for Our Students\r\nLooking ahead, our students will embark on a meaningful project: creating care packages for those still in need. This lesson will focus on developing empathy, teamwork, and the spirit of giving back to the community. Your financial backing has made this project possible, and we are eager to see how it unfolds. We believe this initiative will empower our students to recognize their ability to make a positive impact in the lives of others, further solidifying the values of compassion and service that we strive to instill.\r\n\r\nThe Importance of Your Support\r\nProviding clean and appropriate clothing is not merely about appearance; it is fundamentally about dignity, self-esteem, and the opportunity to engage fully in school activities without feeling self-conscious. Similarly, having access to nutritious food is crucial for maintaining energy and concentration throughout the school day. Unfortunately, not all our students can access these basic needs at home, which is why your support is so vital.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, we have created a more inclusive and supportive environment where every student can thrive. Your contributions have made a tangible difference in their lives, and we cannot thank you enough for your commitment to our mission. Together, we are ensuring that our students have the resources they need to succeed, both academically and personally.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for considering our project and for your invaluable support. We look forward to continuing this journey together and sharing more success stories that your contributions help create.","fullyFundedDate":1731980215402,"projectUrl":"project/providing-basic-needs/8661562/","projectTitle":"Providing Basic Needs!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Weiss","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6826168_orig.jpg?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723747345369","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6826168"},{"teacherId":9517439,"projectId":8441347,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for supporting our classroom with essential electronics like a printer, laminator, and electric stapler. These tools have truly transformed my daily workflow and brought new opportunities to my students.\r\n\r\nHaving the ability to print directly from my desk has been a game-changer, saving me countless trips to the copy room and giving me more time to focus on teaching. Tasks like stapling and laminating, which used to be time-consuming, are now completed quickly and efficiently, allowing me to prepare materials for my students faster than ever before.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these tools have made a huge difference for my students, especially those who use digital writing accommodations. With the ability to print their work in real-time, these students can see their efforts on paper, just like their classmates. This has boosted their confidence and reinforced the value of their hard work.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, we're not just saving time—we're creating a more inclusive and productive learning environment. Your support has truly impacted our classroom in meaningful ways, and we're so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1727350837227,"projectUrl":"project/life-and-copies-are-better-in-color/8441347/","projectTitle":"Life and Copies Are Better in Color!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tammy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9517439_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746655262198","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9517439"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_34826","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":664,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":51,"percentWhite":14,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":70.4,"schoolId":34826,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Joseph H Saunders Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Joseph H Saunders Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/newport-news-public-schools/joseph-h-saunders-elementary-school/34826"}
Join the 125 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Joseph H Saunders Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Newport News, Virginia that is part of Newport News Public Schools.
It serves 664 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 17.5:1.
Its teachers have had 50 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
76%
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.
Joseph H Saunders 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.
Joseph H Saunders Elementary School
$19,798
raised using DonorsChoose
50
projects
funded
25
teachers
funded
125
donors
8
projects
for
basic supplies
8
projects for
technology
8
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Joseph H Saunders Elementary School has received support from
88 individuals from Virginia and
37 individuals out-of-state.