{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"T Ryland Sanford Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":31.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6720155,"projectId":8850966,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Social and Emotional Learning project. These materials have already made a meaningful difference for my students, especially those who rely on visuals, hands-on tools, and structured emotional supports to navigate their day.\r\n\r\nThe first day, my students were immediately drawn to the fidget tools and the bright, engaging \"A Little Spot of Emotion\" book set. One of my students, who typically has difficulty identifying feelings, pointed to the \"Frustration Spot\" and said, \"That's me sometimes,\" which opened the door to a beautiful conversation we wouldn't have had without these visual supports.\r\n\r\nWe've started integrating the conversation cards and sticky situation cards into our morning meetings and small-group SEL time. These prompts help students practice real-life scenarios such as asking for help, taking turns, and managing conflicts appropriately. It has already improved peer interactions; students are beginning to refer back to the cards during moments of frustration.\r\n\r\nThe breathing pattern mazes have become a classroom favorite during cool-down moments. Students follow the path with their finger while breathing deeply, and several have begun using them independently when they feel overwhelmed. For my students who need structured routines, the photo box has been a perfect way to build personalized task boxes for coping skills, matching activities, and independent SEL practice.\r\n\r\nThe folders are being used to create individualized SEL work systems so each student has a personal space to store checklists, visual cues, and self-regulation activities. This has helped build ownership and consistency, especially for students who thrive on structure.\r\n\r\nNext Steps:\r\nWe will soon be using these materials to support a new unit focused on emotional vocabulary, emotional triggers, and coping strategies. Students will be working in small groups using the cards and books to role-play problem-solving skills, while their individual folders will hold their \"toolkits\" for recognizing emotions and choosing the right strategy to calm their bodies. These resources will continue to grow with them throughout the school year.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has brought calm, connection, and confidence to a group of students who truly need it. We are so grateful for your support and belief in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1728256801174,"projectUrl":"project/social-and-emotional-learning/8850966/","projectTitle":"Social and Emotional Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ivey-McSwine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6720155_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y122&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763231182676","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/heather-ivey"},{"teacherId":5634303,"projectId":8473349,"letterContent":"Our class has never been better since getting our reading corner supplies. My students use it as a calm down corner, independent work station, reading area, etc. It was made such a change for us. \r\nWe love being able to sit in the bean bag chairs on our carpet and have a cozy spot in our classroom! They were so excited to see all of their surprises when everything arrived and were more than happy to help move things into their spots. They take great pride in making sure the area stays tidy and we have added fun pillows and stuffed animals to make our reading spot even more cozy! 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T Ryland Sanford Elementary School

Join the 154 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

T Ryland Sanford Elementary School is an urban public school in Newport News, Virginia that is part of Newport News Public Schools. It serves 499 students in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.1:1. Its teachers have had 57 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades K - 5

499 Students

33 Teachers

480 Colony Rd

Newport News, VA 23602 View local requests

http://sanford.nn.k12.va.us/

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

T Ryland Sanford Elementary School Teachers 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.

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T Ryland Sanford Elementary School Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

61%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

T Ryland Sanford 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.

T Ryland Sanford Elementary School

$31,091

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

154

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

projects for art supplies

T Ryland Sanford Elementary School has received support from 105 individuals from Virginia and 49 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

T Ryland Sanford Elementary School

About this school

Equity Focus School

T Ryland Sanford Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

T Ryland Sanford Elementary School Demographics

T Ryland Sanford Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

T Ryland Sanford Elementary School

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.