{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Westover Hills Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":27.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9256978,"projectId":9982992,"letterContent":"Teaching kindergarten special education, particularly with nonverbal children, presents a unique and deeply rewarding set of challenges. Every single day in our classroom is an exploration of alternative communication, sensory regulation, and foundational developmental growth. Before this project, finding the exact resources required to bridge the gap between complex developmental goals and tangible, accessible learning tools was often a monumental hurdle. Thanks to the extraordinary support we received, our entire classroom environment has experienced a profound shift. This initiative has not only changed the day-to-day dynamic of our room, but it has fundamentally redefined what my young learners are capable of achieving.\r\n\r\nYoung children learn best through play and sensory exploration. The specialized materials allowed my students to interact directly with letters, numbers, and early math concepts using their hands. This hands-on engagement drastically increased their attention spans and turned frustration into joyful discovery.","fullyFundedDate":1772633516590,"projectUrl":"project/letters-laughter-learning/9982992/","projectTitle":"Letters, Laughter, & Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Urias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9256978_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693886262080","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9256978"},{"teacherId":9256978,"projectId":10247934,"letterContent":"When we opened the boxes of our new tactile alphabet and number materials in our kindergarten special education classroom, my nonverbal students immediately reached out to touch them. Even without spoken words, their faces lit up and they eagerly grabbed the textured letters and numbers, pointing to them and showing me what they knew. For five- and six-year-olds who communicate without speech, getting their hands on these physical objects gave them an instant way to show their thinking without the barrier of talking or writing.\r\nWe are using these resources every day during our small-group stations to bridge the gap between what these kids understand and what they are able to express. When I ask them to find a specific number or letter, instead of struggling to answer verbally, they proudly pick up the correct tactile piece and hand it to me or point to it on the mat. This hands-on approach has been a powerful way for them to demonstrate their true comprehension of early math and literacy concepts, reducing frustration and building huge amounts of confidence during our daily lessons.\r\nNext, we are using these tactile pieces to help students spell out simple words and build basic addition equations by pointing to and combining the physical numbers and letters. Thank you for giving my nonverbal students a hands-on voice and the exact tools they need to show the world how much they know.","fullyFundedDate":1779218691267,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-sensory-friendly-inclusive-c/10247934/","projectTitle":"Creating a Sensory-Friendly, Inclusive Classroom for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Urias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9256978_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693886262080","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9256978"},{"teacherId":9812004,"projectId":10259821,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our \"Small Bodies, Big Emotions\" project! Your generosity has brought a sense of peace, safety, and understanding to our kindergarten classroom.\r\n\r\nFive-year-olds experience massive feelings, but they don't always have the words or coping strategies to navigate them. Before your gift, an overwhelming moment could derail a child's entire morning. Now, thanks to the cozy seating, sensory tools, and visual breathing guides in our Calm Down Corner, my students have a dedicated sanctuary to process their feelings safely. They are learning that it is completely okay to feel sad, frustrated, or overwhelmed—and, more importantly, that they have the power to reset.\r\n\r\nBy helping my students manage their emotions, you have directly protected their learning time. Once they find their calm, they return to their desks ready to focus, collaborate, and succeed. Thank you for caring for their minds and their hearts!","fullyFundedDate":1778094239154,"projectUrl":"project/small-bodies-big-emotions/10259821/","projectTitle":"Small Bodies, Big Emotions","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shaver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9812004_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x577,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777913093417","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-shaver28"},{"teacherId":9812004,"projectId":10259178,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing \"From Chaos to Creativity: Our Art and Organization Station\" to life! Your generosity has completely transformed the physical flow and energy of our classroom.\r\n\r\nIn kindergarten, organization isn't just about keeping things neat—it is the foundation for student independence. Before your gift, finding supplies or waiting for paint to dry often created bottlenecks that cut into our learning and creative time. Now, with our new mailboxes, mesh storage bags, and art drying rack, my five-year-olds are taking full ownership of their materials. They proudly file their own work, manage their individual supply bags, and safely transport their masterpiece paintings to the drying rack all on their own.\r\n\r\nYou haven't just gifted us storage tools; you have given my students the confidence that comes with responsibility. Thank you for investing in our room and helping our daily chaos turn into meaningful, independent creativity!","fullyFundedDate":1779363108759,"projectUrl":"project/from-chaos-to-creativity-our-art-and-or/10259178/","projectTitle":"From Chaos to Creativity: Our Art and Organization Station","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shaver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9812004_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x577,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777913093417","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-shaver28"},{"teacherId":9812004,"projectId":10258266,"letterContent":"Words cannot fully express how grateful we are for your support of our \"Wiggle While We Work\" project! The arrival of our new flexible seating was like Christmas morning for my little scholars.\r\n\r\nThese seats have given my students more than just physical comfort—they have given them agency over their own learning environment. Every day, my students are learning self-advocacy by asking themselves, \"Which seat will help me do my best work today?\" Whether they choose a active wobble seat to stay alert or a cozy cushion for independent reading, they are taking ownership of their education in a whole new way.\r\n\r\nOur classroom is more collaborative, peaceful, and productive thanks to your support. Thank you for believing in my students and giving them the tools they need to succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1778094239489,"projectUrl":"project/wiggle-while-we-work/10258266/","projectTitle":"Wiggle While We Work!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shaver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9812004_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x577,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777913093417","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-shaver28"},{"teacherId":8817950,"projectId":10248732,"letterContent":"Classroom dividers have made a meaningful difference in our special education setting by helping create calm, focused spaces for students with diverse learning and sensory needs. They allow us to reduce visual distractions, create defined work areas, and provide students with a quiet space when they need additional support to regulate and refocus. These small changes can make a big difference in helping students feel safe, successful, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you so much to our generous donors for supporting our classroom! Your donations help us create an environment that is flexible, inclusive, and responsive to the individual needs of every student. We are incredibly grateful for your investment in our students and for helping us build a classroom where every little Beaver has the opportunity to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1778094239920,"projectUrl":"project/every-student-needs-their-own-space-to-s/10248732/","projectTitle":"Every Student Needs Their Own Space to Shine!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Conklin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8817950_orig.png?crop=473,473,x0,y114&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784320838725","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8817950"},{"teacherId":8817950,"projectId":10248337,"letterContent":"Flexible seating has transformed our classroom into a more comfortable, welcoming, and student-centered learning environment. These seating options give my kindergarten students the ability to choose a space that helps them feel comfortable, focused, and ready to learn. For students with diverse learning and sensory needs, having options can make a meaningful difference in their ability to participate and engage throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nYour generous donations help create a classroom where every child has a place to learn that works for them. Flexible seating encourages independence, responsibility, and self-awareness while helping students feel valued and supported. Thank you for helping us build a classroom where all of our little beavers can learn, grow, and thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1778614149577,"projectUrl":"project/have-a-seat-weve-got-big-plans/10248337/","projectTitle":"Have a Seat — We've Got Big Plans!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Conklin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8817950_orig.png?crop=473,473,x0,y114&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784320838725","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8817950"},{"teacherId":9714448,"projectId":10209598,"letterContent":"With your donations, I was able to use materials to make memory bracelets for students experiencing grief. I was able to use books as resources for students struggling with impulse control. I was able to upgrade my seating, which was amazing, as my other set was so well-used and worn that screws were coming loose! My room and supplies have come a long way since I first started this past school year, and for that, I am so grateful for all of you! My students have loved spending time in my space, which is calm.","fullyFundedDate":1778094239772,"projectUrl":"project/tools-to-fill-ms-perezs-counseling-off/10209598/","projectTitle":"Tools to Fill Ms. Perez's Counseling Office","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Perez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9714448_orig.jpg?crop=3348,3348,x228,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754504132969","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9714448"},{"teacherId":2981694,"projectId":7520396,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom through DonorsChoose! Your generosity means so much to me and my students. Because of your kindness, my students will have access to resources and opportunities that will make learning more engaging, meaningful, and exciting.\r\n\r\nYour support helps create a classroom where students can learn, grow, and feel inspired to reach their full potential. We are truly grateful for your generosity and for believing in our students.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a difference in our classroom and in the lives of my students!","fullyFundedDate":1690988223680,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-and-rainbow-rugs/7520396/","projectTitle":"Headphones and Rainbow Rugs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Radcliffe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2981694_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448851110537","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2981694"},{"teacherId":2981694,"projectId":5084848,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom through DonorsChoose! Your generosity means so much to me and my students. Because of your kindness, my students will have access to resources and opportunities that will make learning more engaging, meaningful, and exciting.\r\n\r\nYour support helps create a classroom where students can learn, grow, and feel inspired to reach their full potential. We are truly grateful for your generosity and for believing in our students.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a difference in our classroom and in the lives of my students!","fullyFundedDate":1597146616732,"projectUrl":"project/manipulatives-for-magnificent-math-minds/5084848/","projectTitle":"Manipulatives for Magnificent Math Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Radcliffe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2981694_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448851110537","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2981694"},{"teacherId":2981694,"projectId":8523273,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom through DonorsChoose! Your generosity means so much to me and my students. Because of your kindness, my students will have access to resources and opportunities that will make learning more engaging, meaningful, and exciting.\r\n\r\nYour support helps create a classroom where students can learn, grow, and feel inspired to reach their full potential. We are truly grateful for your generosity and for believing in our students.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a difference in our classroom and in the lives of my students!","fullyFundedDate":1723759287144,"projectUrl":"project/off-to-a-fabulous-start-in-first-grade/8523273/","projectTitle":"Off to a Fabulous Start in First Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Radcliffe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2981694_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448851110537","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2981694"},{"teacherId":8817950,"projectId":9151282,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our dramatic play storage project through DonorsChoose! Your generosity has helped us create a more organized, inviting, and engaging learning environment for our students. With new storage furniture, our dramatic play center will be easier for students to access, keep tidy, and use independently.\r\n\r\nAn organized dramatic play area encourages creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving as students learn through imaginative play. Your gift is helping us create a space where children can explore, pretend, and grow while building important social and academic skills. Thank you for investing in our classroom and making a lasting difference for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1746485311081,"projectUrl":"project/storage-solutions-making-room-for-imagi/9151282/","projectTitle":"Storage Solutions: Making Room for Imagination!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Conklin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8817950_orig.png?crop=473,473,x0,y114&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784320838725","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8817950"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_34969","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":374,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":56,"percentWhite":22,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":16,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":72.3,"schoolId":34969,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Westover Hills Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Westover Hills Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/richmond-public-school-dist/westover-hills-elementary-school/34969"}