{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Frances W. McClenney Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":33.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3217018,"projectId":9552004,"letterContent":"Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in our library. \r\n\r\nStudents are using the clipboards every single week for note-taking during research lessons and small group discussions and thanks to you we have a clipboard for every student. Whether they're analyzing nonfiction texts, recording key details, or drafting responses, the clipboards allow them to move around the room and choose a workspace that helps them focus best. Many students choose to spread out on the floor, lean against a bookshelf, or work in small clusters with their peers. That flexibility has made a noticeable difference in engagement and ownership. One student recently said, \"I like working down here — I can think better.\" Giving them choice has empowered them to understand how they learn best.\r\nThe new storage boxes have also helped students take responsibility for organizing books and shared materials. Instead of relying on me, students now manage supplies independently and make sure everything is returned properly. They can shelve their own books when they return them. That sense of responsibility builds pride in our classroom community and they love helping out. \r\nYour generosity supports a library where students have choice, voice, and ownership. Thank you for believing in them.","fullyFundedDate":1760726721919,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-learning-with-organization-/9552004/","projectTitle":"Empowering Learning with Organization & Tools That Work!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Muzik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3217018_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y123&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693344731084","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-muzik-library"},{"teacherId":3217018,"projectId":9550443,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our book vending machine is no longer just a fun incentive — it's a powerful literacy tool in action. The new titles in our vending machine aren't just exciting — they're strategic. These high-interest, student-favorite books help promote critical literacy skills in students. \r\nWhen students are motivated by books they genuinely want to read, those skills grow faster and more naturally. Choice is powerful.\r\n\r\nIn our library, reading looks joyful and purposeful. You'll see students curled up in comfy corners, buddy-reading with a friend, recommending books to one another, or proudly carrying their very own vending machine book like a treasure. Our book vending machine is part of our PBIS incentives, so students earn tokens through positive behavior, academic growth, and perseverance. When they select a book, it becomes theirs to keep — building their home libraries and their identities as readers.\r\n\r\nReading in our school isn't silent compliance — it's excitement, discussion, curiosity, and pride. Your support didn't just refill a machine. You helped refill motivation, access, and opportunity.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our Gators. Because of you, books aren't just on shelves — they're in students' hands and in their homes.","fullyFundedDate":1760369821561,"projectUrl":"project/refill-our-book-vending-machine-with-stu/9550443/","projectTitle":"Refill Our Book Vending Machine with Student Favorites!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Muzik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3217018_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y123&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693344731084","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-muzik-library"},{"teacherId":9615052,"projectId":9776839,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project, Building Better Readers Through Small Group Book Clubs. Because of you, my students now have access to engaging, high-interest books that are perfectly suited for small group reading. These new texts have allowed us to focus on essential reading skills such as comprehension, vocabulary development, fluency, and making meaningful connections to what we read. Instead of everyone reading the same book at the same pace, students are able to work in book clubs that meet their individual reading needs.\r\nReading in our classroom has become more collaborative and joyful. During small group book clubs, students discuss characters, ask thoughtful questions, and support one another as readers. I have seen students who were once hesitant to speak up now eagerly sharing their ideas and insights. Several students who struggled to stay engaged during whole-class reading have truly blossomed, showing increased confidence and motivation because they feel successful with books that are just right for them.\r\nYour kindness has made a lasting impact on my students' growth as readers and thinkers. You didn't just provide books — you helped create a classroom environment where students feel excited about reading and proud of their progress. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their future.","fullyFundedDate":1763496867926,"projectUrl":"project/building-better-readers-through-small-gr/9776839/","projectTitle":"Building Better Readers Through Small Group Book Clubs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nelson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9615052_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y620&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723058676958","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9615052"},{"teacherId":9906253,"projectId":9838027,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of an art table to our art room. Your support has made a meaningful and lasting impact on my students and the way we are able to create, learn, and grow together through art. Because of you, our classroom now feels more like a true art studio a place where creativity, collaboration, and confidence can flourish. The art table is used daily by students across multiple grade levels. It supports everything from careful drawing and painting to messy, hands-on exploration something young artists absolutely need. Having a sturdy, shared workspace encourages teamwork and communication as students discuss their ideas, problem-solve together, and inspire one another. I've already seen students take more pride in their work simply because they feel valued and supported with quality resources. On behalf of my students and myself, thank you for believing in arts education and for investing in our classroom. Your donation of an art table is not just a piece of furniture; it is a foundation for creativity, collaboration, and joyful learning. We are deeply grateful for your generosity, and your impact will be felt every day as students continue to create and grow as artists.","fullyFundedDate":1765575772644,"projectUrl":"project/a-sturdy-table-for-our-young-artist/9838027/","projectTitle":"A Sturdy Table for Our Young Artist","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hamilton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9906253_orig.jpg?crop=760,760,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737984043617","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9906253"},{"teacherId":9650944,"projectId":9665231,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our students now have access to a wide variety of hands-on math tools—including manipulatives, light boards, and balances—that are transforming the way they understand and engage with math. These resources help bring challenging concepts to life by allowing students to see, touch, and experiment with numbers and relationships. Whether they are exploring patterns on the light boards or comparing quantities on the balances, students are developing stronger, more concrete understanding that builds confidence and curiosity.\r\n\r\nThese new tools have made our math lessons more interactive, inclusive, and exciting. Students collaborate, investigate, and discover new strategies together, turning abstract ideas into meaningful learning experiences. Your donation has created a classroom where every child can access math in a way that works for them—supporting deeper thinking, joyful exploration, and true academic growth. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and the lasting impact it has on our students each day.","fullyFundedDate":1758138478907,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-up-math-hands-on-learning-with/9665231/","projectTitle":"Lighting Up Math: Hands-On Learning With Manipulatives & Light Tables","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Butler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9650944_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754927218171","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msbutlerk"},{"teacherId":9650944,"projectId":9574804,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our classroom now includes sturdy, easy-to-access organizational shelves that have made an immediate difference for our students. Materials that were once scattered or difficult to find now have a clear, designated home. This simple improvement has brought a sense of order and calm to our learning environment, helping students transition smoothly between activities and stay focused on what matters most—learning.\r\n\r\nThe new shelves have also empowered students to take greater responsibility for their classroom. They can now independently locate the supplies they need and return them neatly when finished, reinforcing important habits of organization and teamwork. Your support has not only transformed our physical space but has also strengthened our classroom culture. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and the lasting impact it has on our students each and every day.","fullyFundedDate":1755698453515,"projectUrl":"project/organized-independent-tools-for-stude/9574804/","projectTitle":"Organized & Independent: Tools for Student Self-Sufficiency","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Butler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9650944_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754927218171","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msbutlerk"},{"teacherId":9650944,"projectId":9570332,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has the safe, organized cubby system our students truly needed. For many of our children, having a personal space to store their belongings is more than just convenient—it helps them feel secure, respected, and ready to learn. The new cubbies have created a calm, structured environment where students know exactly where to place their items each morning, reducing stress and setting a positive tone for the day.\r\n\r\nThese cubbies have also encouraged independence and responsibility. Students take pride in caring for their designated space, keeping their materials neat and accessible. This simple addition has transformed our routines, saved valuable learning time, and helped every child feel a stronger sense of ownership within our classroom community. Your contribution made a meaningful difference, and we are deeply grateful for the lasting impact you've had on our students' daily experience.","fullyFundedDate":1755705370009,"projectUrl":"project/safe-organized-cubbies-for-our-studen/9570332/","projectTitle":"Safe & Organized: Cubbies for Our Students’ Belongings","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Butler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9650944_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754927218171","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msbutlerk"},{"teacherId":2303734,"projectId":9283839,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping provide the tools and supplies we need to keep our instruments in top condition. We were able to get all of our ukuleles set up properly to be easier to play and the students have been enjoying our ukulele unit we started earlier this year. it is great to know that we can now take care of almost any maintenance need that may arise with our classroom ukuleles, without having to worry about writing work orders, getting quotes, etc. We can now be more self sufficient in maintaining our fleet of instruments thanks to the generosity of the donorschoose community.\r\n The students don't always get to see the behind the scenes work that takes place with the instruments (or in many of their classes) but they do benefit greatly from understanding some of the maintenance and care that having an instrument requires. While some of the instruments require only small adjustments, those that will require a more thorough assessment or specific work will be great to show the students as the instruments are assessed, and worked on. We can teach students what to look for, where to look for help, and simple steps they can take to care for their own instruments (when they have their own) while they learn on these school instruments.","fullyFundedDate":1747430088041,"projectUrl":"project/uke-keep-us-playing/9283839/","projectTitle":"Uke Keep Us Playing","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Murphy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-murphy-music"},{"teacherId":10243319,"projectId":9686842,"letterContent":"I and, more importantly, my students, are so incredibly grateful for your donation of a rug to our classroom. They were all so excited when the rug was delivered! They couldn't wait for me to open it and spread it out on the floor so they could sit. \r\n We have been able to all join together on the rug each morning for a moment of mindfulness and connection through morning meeting. We are also able to have read alouds (currently reading Percy Jackson each day), flexible seating for independent work, and a comfortable spot for partner reading.","fullyFundedDate":1758138477781,"projectUrl":"project/community-circle-rug/9686842/","projectTitle":"Community Circle Rug","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brooks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10243319_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764201714463","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10243319"},{"teacherId":2303734,"projectId":9065772,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting this project. We are excited to use these tassels as rewards for our recorder unit this school year. We are using them as a \"belt\" system where students earn each color of \"belt\" by demonstrating mastery of certain musical skills and songs. Our students are excited to demonstrate their skills and show off their abilities.\r\n The cart has been helpful in organizing our materials for easy movement around the school. Since I do not have a classroom, or a dedicated place for storing instruments and materials, having these bins and storage cart is extremely helpful in keeping things organized and easy to find.","fullyFundedDate":1741893149243,"projectUrl":"project/mobile-storage-and-recorder-rewards/9065772/","projectTitle":"Mobile Storage and Recorder Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Murphy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-murphy-music"},{"teacherId":9615052,"projectId":9680041,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for supporting our \"Clean, Organized, and Motivated: A Safe Space for Learning\" project. The transformation inside our classroom has been incredible. With the new organizational tools and cleaning supplies, my students now walk into a space that feels calm, structured, and truly theirs. They immediately noticed the changes—several students said, \"It looks like a real learning lab now!\"—and they take pride in helping keep everything neat.\r\n\r\nThese items have helped us reset our classroom flow. Students can now quickly grab materials, transition smoothly, and stay focused because clutter and distractions are no longer in the way. One of my small groups even commented that having a clean and organized table helps them \"think better.\" These little moments show how much the environment impacts their confidence and motivation.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my scholars a learning space that allows them to show up as their best selves every day. Your generosity didn't just provide supplies— it helped create a safe, structured classroom environment that truly supports learning, collaboration, and joy. My students and I are deeply grateful for your kindness and belief in their potential.","fullyFundedDate":1760726722327,"projectUrl":"project/clean-organized-and-motivated-a-safe/9680041/","projectTitle":"Clean, Organized, and Motivated: a Safe Space for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nelson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9615052_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y620&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723058676958","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9615052"},{"teacherId":9615052,"projectId":9517605,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for supporting my classroom and ensuring my students had the strong start they deserved. The new materials immediately made a difference in our daily routines. My students were so excited when they first saw the supplies—especially the organizational tools and learning resources. They kept saying how \"official\" and \"ready\" they felt walking into the room with everything they needed to learn.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the materials, I've been able to create smoother transitions, more independent work times, and more hands-on practice in both math and reading. One moment that really stood out was during our first week using the new resources: my students were rotating through stations, and one scholar said, \"Ms. Nelson, it finally feels like a real classroom!\" Their confidence increased instantly simply because they had access to the tools that help them learn.\r\n\r\nYour generosity lifted a huge weight off our classroom community. You gave my scholars a learning environment where they feel prepared, confident, and capable every single day. Our next steps include continuing to use these materials as part of our structured routines and ensuring every student has what they need to grow academically and socially throughout the year. Thank you for believing in us.","fullyFundedDate":1760465094219,"projectUrl":"project/ready-to-learn-equipping-my-students-fo/9517605/","projectTitle":"Ready to Learn: Equipping My Students for a Successful Start","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nelson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9615052_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y620&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723058676958","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9615052"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_34948","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":302,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":88,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":66.4,"schoolId":34948,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Frances W. McClenney Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Frances W. McClenney Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/richmond-public-school-dist/ginter-park-elementary-school/34948"}
Join the 619 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Frances W. McClenney Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Richmond, Virginia that is part of Richmond Public School Dist.
It serves 302 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 12.6:1.
Its teachers have had 251 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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Frances W. McClenney Elementary School Demographics
95%
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.
Frances W. McClenney Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 22, 2026
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.
Frances W. McClenney Elementary School
$128,172
raised using DonorsChoose
251
projects
funded
52
teachers
funded
619
donors
21
projects
for
basic supplies
23
projects for
technology
33
projects for
books
15
projects
for
art supplies
Frances W. McClenney Elementary School has received support from
411 individuals from Virginia and
208 individuals out-of-state.