{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Union Primary School","outOfStateSupporters":42.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1421149,"projectId":10688637,"letterContent":"Thank you for all the lovely books with some of our favorite characters. The kids have loved hearing new tales of storybook friends. We put a basket of good books on each table so that when any student finished their work and had free time they could explore these new books. Access to good books helps our students get excited about learning to read. The children will also be able to take these books home to share with their families. The right book read at the right time can absolutely change a life. Thank you for your generosity in giving to our kindergarten kids.","fullyFundedDate":1790786883084,"projectUrl":"project/all-the-books/10688637/","projectTitle":"All The Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bolling","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1421149_orig.jpg?crop=1702,1702,x814,y36&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1627486603511","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1421149"},{"teacherId":8567362,"projectId":10685284,"letterContent":"Access to books for literacy achievement is one of the most powerful ways to help children succeed in school and beyond. It may sound simple, but access to books at home can help shape a child's future. \r\n\r\nRight now, the need is urgent. In the United States, 25 million children cannot read proficiently. According to the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results, approximately 70% of fourth and eighth graders read below grade level, making school achievement more difficult and increasing the risk of dropping out. For many children, the challenge begins early: 1 in 3 children enter kindergarten without the basic skills they need to learn how to read. \r\n\r\nOne key factor behind these numbers is something we can change: access to books. \r\nWhen children have consistent access to books, they read more often. And when they read more often, their literacy skills grow stronger. \r\n\r\nBooks help children: \r\n\r\nBuild vocabulary \r\nImprove comprehension \r\nStrengthen critical thinking \r\nDevelop imagination and empathy \r\nBut the benefits go even deeper. Reading regularly helps children feel more confident as learners. It turns reading from a school task into something enjoyable and meaningful. \r\n\r\nResearch continues to confirm what educators and families have long understood: access matters. New research builds on decades of findings around the significance of book access to drive reading outcomes for students. This most recent study found that children's access to books alone can improve children's reading achievement. We have long known that children with 100 or more books at home have about a 90% chance of completing ninth grade. For children with no books at home, that number drops to just 30%. \r\n\r\nNow we know that when children are given 34 books to own, the effects are significant. In Dr. Geoffrey Borman and Dr. Hyunwoo Yang's 2026 study, students in high-poverty schools received seven high-quality books each year for five years to build their home libraries. Over time, these students scored higher on state literacy assessments than their peers who did not receive books. Students who had the most consistent access to books saw even greater gains. \r\n\r\nJust as important, the study showed that access alone, independent of income or other factors, can make a meaningful difference. \r\n\r\nAccess to books for literacy isn't just helpful, it's transformative.","fullyFundedDate":1790786957395,"projectUrl":"project/books-books-books/10685284/","projectTitle":"Books! Books! Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coomer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8567362_orig.jpg?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683289962871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c-coomer"},{"teacherId":1535202,"projectId":10596899,"letterContent":"I would like to sincerely thank you for providing me with a laptop that will make such a difference in my classroom and in my ability to support my students. Having a reliable laptop allows me to create meaningful lessons, prepare materials, and continue working from home when needed.\r\n\r\nOur district provided teachers with laptops during COVID, and after several years of use, they have become outdated and no longer work as well as they once did. Unfortunately, our district is not currently replacing them, so your generosity has provided something I truly needed but would not have been able to provide on my own.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and generosity have made me incredibly grateful. As a teacher, so much of what I do happens outside of the classroom, and having the flexibility of a new, reliable laptop will allow me to spend more time creating engaging lessons and preparing the best learning experiences possible for my students.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing not only in me as a teacher, but also in the students who will benefit from your generosity every single day. Your support truly means more than you know!","fullyFundedDate":1789573017549,"projectUrl":"project/a-new-macbook-to-power-learning-in-first/10596899/","projectTitle":"A New MacBook to Power Learning in First Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aistrop","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1535202_orig.png?crop=550,550,x329,y554&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1787922173315","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1535202"},{"teacherId":10482655,"projectId":10551778,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for donating this amazing laptop to my class and me. This is going to be so useful each day. Technology is such a big part of education now, and I truly needed a dependable laptop to create fun and engaging activities for my sweet students.\r\n In the pictures I have attached, I created a tens and ones INTERACTIVE lesson for my students. They LOVED that lesson and it made me so happy. I will continue creating lessons that my students will benefit from each week. I also created a beautiful snow day sheet to send home to my students' parents. We tend to get quite a few snow days here and we usually have virtual days. These consist of me teaching from home (in which I will use this laptop). Some students login on and I will review skills with them and read a book with them LIVE! It is fantastic!\r\n Again, words can not express how grateful I am for your kindness and generosity. I pray the Lord blesses you abundantly!","fullyFundedDate":1789573167491,"projectUrl":"project/a-laptop-to-power-first-grade-learning/10551778/","projectTitle":"A Laptop to Power First-Grade Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ratliff","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10482655_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1788656932867","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10482655"},{"teacherId":9510785,"projectId":10313888,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Pre-K classroom with our STEM gears and magnetic STEM center! These hands-on materials have already given my students exciting opportunities to explore, build, create, and problem-solve while developing important early STEM skills. My students have had so much fun learning through hands-on play, and I am truly grateful for your generosity and for helping make these learning experiences possible! They have used the gears to explore cause and effect, patterns, movement, and engineering concepts. Your generosity means so much to our students this year and years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1787145996467,"projectUrl":"project/big-learning-for-little-students/10313888/","projectTitle":"Big Learning for Little Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Roberts","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9510785_orig.jpg?crop=950,950,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712942827391","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9510785"},{"teacherId":9478332,"projectId":10598854,"letterContent":"Our new classroom resources have helped make our ECSE resource room a more welcoming, comfortable, and organized place for learning. My students were especially excited to see the new rainbow smiley rug, beanbag chairs, and floor cushions. These seating choices give students a comfortable place to sit during small-group lessons, read books, complete activities, or take a short break when they need one. Having a classroom space that feels inviting helps my young students feel comfortable coming into the resource room and ready to participate.\r\n\r\nThe new resources have also helped me keep our classroom organized and ready for learning. The clock helps students begin learning about daily routines, time, and transitions, while the storage shelves give us a place to organize and display materials so students can more easily find what they need. The pencil sharpener and cleaning supplies help us keep our classroom prepared and safe for daily activities. Even the string lights have helped create a calm and inviting learning environment. These may seem like small changes, but together they have made a big difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nAs we continue using these resources, my students will keep building independence, following classroom routines, practicing communication and social skills, and participating in hands-on learning activities. I am so thankful to the DonorsChoose Community for helping create a resource room where my students can learn, explore, and feel comfortable being themselves. Your support has helped make our classroom a place where every student feels welcome and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1789588383572,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-space-to-learn-grow-shine/10598854/","projectTitle":"Creating a Space to Learn, Grow Shine","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morgan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9478332"},{"teacherId":8567362,"projectId":10265976,"letterContent":"The way students interact and learn together has changed dramatically in recent years, yet many classrooms still rely on outdated furniture arrangements that hinder collaborative learning. Traditional rows of desks might have worked for lecture-based teaching, but today's educational approach emphasizes teamwork, discussion, and hands-on problem-solving.\r\n\r\nModern educational research consistently shows that the physical learning environment directly impacts student engagement, participation, and academic outcomes. When students can move freely, face each other during discussions, and reconfigure their workspace quickly, they become more invested in group activities and develop stronger communication skills.\r\nThe transformation from traditional to collaborative classroom layouts represents more than a furniture upgrade. It signals a commitment to student-centered learning approaches that prepare learners for success in increasingly collaborative professional environments. Quality school furniture investments create learning spaces where students develop essential 21st-century skills while experiencing the joy of shared discovery and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nWhen educational institutions prioritize flexible, well-designed classroom furniture, they create environments where collaborative learning flourishes naturally, supporting both immediate educational goals and long-term student development outcomes.","fullyFundedDate":1787143869623,"projectUrl":"project/learning-tables-for-small-groups/10265976/","projectTitle":"Learning Tables for Small Groups","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coomer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8567362_orig.jpg?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683289962871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c-coomer"},{"teacherId":8567362,"projectId":10522128,"letterContent":"As an educator dedicated to driving student engagement and operational excellence, a high-functioning device is not just an administrative luxury—it is the foundational core of my daily instructional delivery and student support system. My work was limited by an obsolete personal device, or relying entirely on a stationary desktop. Upgrading to a dedicated, modern laptop will directly improve our classroom environment in three distinct categories:\r\n1. Modernizing Instructional Delivery & Differentiation\r\n• Dynamic Lessons: A modern laptop will allow me to seamlessly run memory-intensive, engaging multimedia, Google Slides presentations, educational software, and interactive video resources without tech-induced downtime.\r\n• Targeted Differentiation: With a mobile device, I can actively track data and differentiate lesson plans in real-time while moving around the room or working with small, targeted student groups.\r\n2. Administrative Efficiency & Compliance\r\n• Secure and Timely Documentation: A vast portion of my professional duties—including managing grade books, logging attendance, tracking student data, and authoring compliance documents like IEPs or 504 plans—demands efficient, secure processing speeds.\r\n• Seamless Stakeholder Communication: This device will serve as my primary hub for answering parent emails promptly, coordinating with support staff, and participating in virtual professional development webinars.\r\n3. Student-Facing Impact\r\nUltimately, the primary beneficiaries of this technology are my 20 students. When a teacher has a highly functional device, instruction flows smoothly, transitions are faster, and the digital safety and privacy standards of student files are tightly maintained. Removing technology barriers directly translates to saved instructional minutes every single day.\r\nThank you very much for your time, your consideration, and your ongoing commitment to equipping our classrooms with the tools necessary to foster student success.","fullyFundedDate":1787200237647,"projectUrl":"project/new-laptop-needed/10522128/","projectTitle":"New Laptop Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coomer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8567362_orig.jpg?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683289962871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c-coomer"},{"teacherId":8567362,"projectId":10646013,"letterContent":"A structured, dedicated floor covering is one of the most critical elements of an early childhood and elementary learning environment, directly impacting literacy development, classroom management, and student well-being.\r\nLack of dedicated seating space results in unstructured transitions, lost instructional time, and difficulties with student focus during whole-group instruction. Acquiring a dedicated classroom rug has transformed our daily routines by providing:\r\n• Enhanced Literacy and Cognitive Skills: A rug featuring letters and visual discrimination patterns acts as a permanent, passive learning tool. We will use it daily for letter recognition, phonics games, and interactive storytelling.\r\n• Optimized Classroom Management: Providing children with an explicit, physically bounded personal space (such as an individual letter or block) drastically reduces fidgeting and behavioral disruptions. It eliminates confusion during transitions, allowing us to maximize active teaching time.\r\n• Inclusive and Sensory-Friendly Seating: For our neurodivergent students or those with sensory processing needs, having a predictable, designated spot provides stability and minimizes overstimulation.\r\n• Safety and Health Compliance: The specific models under consideration are built with institutional-grade nylon, slip-resistant backings to prevent falls, and Class I fire-safety ratings compliant with local building codes.","fullyFundedDate":1789587476370,"projectUrl":"project/lets-sit-and-learn/10646013/","projectTitle":"Let's Sit and Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coomer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8567362_orig.jpg?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683289962871","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c-coomer"},{"teacherId":1030873,"projectId":10673932,"letterContent":"Oh my goodness! These magnetic tiles are awesome! As soon as the boxes arrived, we had to open them. The students saw Mrs. Bolling's tiles last week and were very anxious to get ours. You would have thought it was Christmas morning. I have never seen these kids so excited!! \r\nAs you can see by the pictures, they went wild with the building! They built a house, a fort and a castle. I think they would have built with these tiles all day if we would have had the time!\r\nThank you so much for the wonderful additions to our classroom. I know these will be a favorite for many years to come. Now I've just got to find a place to store them when they aren't in use! They are huge! \r\nThank you for blessing my students.","fullyFundedDate":1790133462083,"projectUrl":"project/lets-build-in-kindergarten/10673932/","projectTitle":"Let's Build in Kindergarten!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beverly Hurley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1030873_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1678290965361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsbeverlyhurley"},{"teacherId":10617272,"projectId":10554521,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing our rural classroom with magnetic tiles! My students have been so excited to build, create, and explore with this hands-on learning resource. The tiles have given them opportunities to use their creativity while strengthening important skills in problem-solving, spatial reasoning, math, fine-motor development, and teamwork.\r\n\r\nThese magnetic tiles have quickly become a favorite learning tool in our classroom. I have loved watching my students work together, share ideas, and proudly show what they have created. Your generosity has brought meaningful, engaging learning experiences to our students and has helped make our classroom a place where they can learn through creativity, exploration, and play. We are truly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1788477132510,"projectUrl":"project/little-builders-big-ideas/10554521/","projectTitle":"Little Builders, Big Ideas!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mabe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10617272"},{"teacherId":1030873,"projectId":10491660,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your wonderful donation! I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of so many supplies. Without you, I would have been purchasing most of these items myself!\r\nThese supplies are valuable resources that will help me create engaging lessons, prepare lots of materials and centers for my students and provide meaningful learning experiences for my kids.\r\nYour kindness and support always makes me so happy. I don't know what we would do without you blessing our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1787143685915,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-supplies-needed/10491660/","projectTitle":"Classroom Supplies Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beverly Hurley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1030873_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1678290965361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsbeverlyhurley"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_34616","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":835,"numTeachers":46,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":89,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"18.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":57.3,"schoolId":34616,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Union Primary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Union Primary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/wise-county-school-district/powell-valley-primary-school/34616"}
Join the 150 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Union Primary School is
a town public school
in Big Stone Gap, Virginia that is part of Wise County School District.
It serves 835 students
in grades Pre-K - 4 with a student/teacher ratio of 18.2:1.
Its teachers have had 289 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 4
835 Students
46 Teachers
2945 2nd Ave EContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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
4%
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.
Union Primary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Oct 14, 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.
Union Primary School
$171,365
raised using DonorsChoose
289
projects
funded
45
teachers
funded
150
donors
17
projects
for
basic supplies
34
projects for
technology
64
projects for
books
7
projects
for
art supplies
Union Primary School has received support from
86 individuals from Virginia and
64 individuals out-of-state.