{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Whitman Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6728835,"projectId":10073108,"letterContent":"These headphones have made a significant difference in our classroom. Students have been able to focus on their work during independent time. Those with speech-to-text accommodations have been able to utilize this function without issue. Their confidence in completing work has grown greatly due to these headphones!\r\nThe headphones are sturdy, provide clear sound, and are easy for students to use. They were very excited to receive new headphones, something they haven't had since 1st grade, and have been treating them with care. They wanted me to share a huge THANK YOU to all!","fullyFundedDate":1771016877880,"projectUrl":"project/clear-sturdy-reliable-sound-for-all/10073108/","projectTitle":"Clear, Sturdy, Reliable Sound for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bowman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6728835_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1642607201148","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msbowmanteacher"},{"teacherId":10112089,"projectId":10065152,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project and helping provide these amazing resources for our students. Because of your generosity, our classroom now has weighted vests, Play-Doh, kinetic sand, chewy necklaces, laminating sheets, a pop-up book, and safety locks that are already making a positive impact each day. We have been using these materials to support learning, focus, and sensory needs. The weighted vests and chewy necklaces have helped students stay calm and engaged during lessons, while the Play-Doh and kinetic sand have been wonderful for fine motor centers where students practice forming letters, numbers, and shapes. One special moment was seeing a student who often has difficulty participating during group time remain focused and actively engaged while using a weighted vest.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, they were thrilled. Smiles spread across the room as they explored each item with excitement and curiosity. The Play-Doh and kinetic sand were instant favorites, and students eagerly began creating and experimenting. The pop-up book also captured everyone's attention, and students gathered together to watch each page come to life. Their enthusiasm made it clear how meaningful these new resources are for our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for our students include continuing to use these tools to strengthen academic, sensory, and social-emotional skills. We plan to incorporate the Play-Doh and kinetic sand into literacy and math centers to build letters, numbers, and patterns. The laminating sheets will help us create durable visual schedules, communication supports, and task cards that students can use daily. The weighted vests, chewy necklaces, and safety locks will continue to help us maintain a safe, supportive learning environment where every student can grow and succeed. Thank you again for making this possible for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1771026975990,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-calm-focus-and-classroom-suc/10065152/","projectTitle":"Tools for Calm, Focus, and Classroom Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gordon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10112089"},{"teacherId":8122548,"projectId":9979222,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contributions to my project! My students were so overjoyed when the shipment came of new activities! They have enjoyed learning each game or activity and play with them during our center time each day. These activities continue to grow their minds and reading and writing skills each day through play and engagement. \r\nWhile they are growing their foundational reading and writing skills, they are also learning valuable social skills like taking turns, showing good sportsmanship, and patience; all very important skills that they will need as they get older. Thank you again for contributing to these students and to future ones as well!","fullyFundedDate":1768411437934,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-educational-activities-for-1st/9979222/","projectTitle":"Engaging Educational Activities for 1st Graders!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coates","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8122548_orig.jpg?crop=1653,1653,x2378,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1653116714059","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8122548"},{"teacherId":9827333,"projectId":9868701,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations to my project. My students have loved the farm with farm animals the most, and it has encouraged so many great language opportunities. It has also provided my students with the opportunity to practice playing together, taking turns, and taking the perspectives of others. We have also loved reading the Pete the Cat Book, and the tissues have gotten a lot of use as well! Thank you for helping to keep my office clean and germ free, we really appreciate you. \r\n\r\nYour donations really do make a difference, and I'm grateful to be part of a community that is so supportive.","fullyFundedDate":1767232082004,"projectUrl":"project/speech-therapy-supplies/9868701/","projectTitle":"Speech Therapy Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dean","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9827333_orig.jpg?crop=1203,1204,x0,y84&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730842507977","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9827333"},{"teacherId":9239508,"projectId":9755658,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing my students with noise-canceling headphones, fidget pop-its, wiggle chairs, and chair bands. These resources have made an immediate and meaningful difference in our classroom. Students are now able to better manage sensory input and stay focused during learning time. For example, during small-group instruction, students independently choose a tool that helps them regulate their bodies—whether that's wearing headphones during noisy transitions or using a wiggle chair to remain seated and engaged.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were excited and eager to try them. Many shared that the headphones helped them feel calmer, and others noticed they could focus longer while using the chair bands or fidgets. These tools have helped reduce distractions, increase time on task, and support positive behavior, especially for students who experience sensory overload or need movement to learn effectively.\r\n\r\nNext, we will continue teaching students how to independently choose and use the tools that best support their learning needs. We are working on building self-regulation skills so students can advocate for themselves and use these supports across different activities and settings. Your generosity has helped create a more inclusive, calm, and supportive learning environment, and it truly shows in our students' confidence and success. Thank you for making such a powerful impact on our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1759330552295,"projectUrl":"project/calm-minds-focused-learning/9755658/","projectTitle":"Calm Minds, Focused Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Olivarrias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9239508_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758942760755","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9239508"},{"teacherId":10112089,"projectId":9662069,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project! Our new cube chairs have already made a huge difference for my Success K–2 class. Many of my students learn best when they have clear personal space, sturdy seating, and materials that help them stay regulated. These cube chairs give them exactly that.\r\n\r\nThe moment they arrived, my students were excited to have their own special seat. The chairs help them sit securely during small-group lessons, centers, and independent work, which means they're able to stay focused for longer periods of time. The lightweight design makes it easy for them to move their chairs independently, giving them a sense of ownership and responsibility. For students who struggle with transitions or sensory needs, the structure and consistency of having the same chair each time has been especially calming.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students now have a learning environment that better matches their needs—one that supports engagement, confidence, and success. Thank you for believing in them and helping create a classroom where every child can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1757530482077,"projectUrl":"project/a-seat-for-success-cube-chairs-for-my-s/9662069/","projectTitle":"A Seat for Success: Cube Chairs for My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gordon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10112089"},{"teacherId":10112089,"projectId":9537043,"letterContent":"When the materials first arrived, the students were so excited! Their eyes lit up at the bright colors of the kinetic sand and playdough, and they immediately began exploring and sharing with each other. The chewy necklaces have been especially helpful for my students who need oral sensory support — providing a safe and calming alternative when they feel anxious or need to focus. The sight word cards have also been a fun and interactive way for students to practice reading and build confidence in literacy.\r\n\r\nSince this project, we have also been fortunate to have our adaptable seating funded! This has truly transformed our classroom during whole group lessons — students are more engaged, comfortable, and focused. Our next goal is to continue building on these tools by incorporating more hands-on sensory learning opportunities and fine-motor activities that keep our students motivated and growing every day. I'm so grateful for your generosity in making our classroom a place where every student can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1755711046214,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-hearts-open-sensory-tools-for/9537043/","projectTitle":"Hands-On, Hearts Open: Sensory Tools for Special Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gordon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10112089"},{"teacherId":1991384,"projectId":8911391,"letterContent":"It was so wonderful to use the resources to create engaging and reusable ways to work on a variety of academic based tasks with students. As a team we utilized the materials to identify letters, numbers, shapes, and colors. As well as using the materials to work on bilateral coordination and visual motor skills. \r\n\r\nThe students were highly interested in the new learning experiences and worked hard to learn how to utilize the new tools, take turns, and watch demonstrations for how to successfully engage. \r\n\r\nThese resources were able to be reintroduced in the Fall and the students who were familiar with them became excellent resources for our new students.","fullyFundedDate":1743111084307,"projectUrl":"project/busy-learners/8911391/","projectTitle":"Busy Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Draper","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missdraper"},{"teacherId":2124927,"projectId":9368648,"letterContent":"Well folks, you did something amazing and over 400 students are so very grateful! Our supplies cupboards for students are full now and any time a student needs something, because their family might not be able to provide it, we have it on hand to share.\r\nOne teacher, for example, needed composition books for 14 of her students for writing classes, and was able to go to the supply cupboard and found the composition books. She was so thankful!!!\r\nWhen students would receive the colored pencils or smelly markers, they were so excited. We have since found students are taking them home to have art time at home...oh my goodness...we had to ask them to bring the art supplies back. They love having their own name on their supplies.\r\nThis project was a little special in the fact that it was so big and so impactful. Our plan is to use the resources you so generously shared with us to complete the year with each child feeling a sense of prideful dignity and happiness when asked to take out their supplies for every lesson. We cannot thank you enough!","fullyFundedDate":1750786945216,"projectUrl":"project/school-supplies-needed/9368648/","projectTitle":"School Supplies Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Driscoll","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2124927_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628800122408","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/driscoll4th"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_36383","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":365,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":21,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":30,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":81.2,"schoolId":36383,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Whitman Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Whitman Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/tacoma-public-schools/whitman-elementary-school/36383"}
Join the 154 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Whitman Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Tacoma, Washington that is part of Tacoma Public Schools.
It serves 365 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.6:1.
Its teachers have had 59 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 - 5
365 Students
25 Teachers
1120 S 39th StContact 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
54%
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.
Whitman Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated May 19, 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.
Whitman Elementary School
$38,815
raised using DonorsChoose
59
projects
funded
19
teachers
funded
154
donors
7
projects
for
basic supplies
9
projects for
technology
8
projects for
books
7
projects
for
art supplies
Whitman Elementary School has received support from
125 individuals from Washington and
29 individuals out-of-state.