{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Amber Terrace Discovery and Design Early Childhood Academy","outOfStateSupporters":36.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9338496,"projectId":10196626,"letterContent":"Our Outdoor Fun & Learning materials have brought so much excitement, movement, and meaningful play to our Pre-K scholars! The colorful parachute, exercise dice, horseshoe toss, balls, and other outdoor equipment have given our students new ways to be active while developing important skills.\r\n\r\nThrough these activities, our scholars are strengthening their gross-motor skills, balance, coordination, hand-eye coordination, and physical endurance. The exercise dice make movement fun and unpredictable, while tossing and ball activities help students practice aiming, throwing, catching, and taking turns. Our parachute has been especially exciting because it requires students to listen, work together, follow directions, and cooperate as a team.\r\n\r\nThe impact goes beyond physical development. Outdoor play gives our young learners an opportunity to release energy, build friendships, practice good sportsmanship, communicate with their peers, and develop confidence while having FUN!\r\n\r\nThank you to our generous donors for helping us show our scholars that learning doesn't only happen inside the classroom. Sometimes the best learning happens while we're moving, playing, laughing, and exploring together!","fullyFundedDate":1777477313339,"projectUrl":"project/outdoor-fun-for-growing-learners/10196626/","projectTitle":"Outdoor Fun for Growing Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Polk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338496_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708993657902","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338496"},{"teacherId":9338496,"projectId":10222010,"letterContent":"Having snacks such as Oreos, fruit snacks, healthy bars, and Pop-Tarts available has made a meaningful difference in our Pre-K classroom. Young children need plenty of energy throughout their busy school day, and hunger can make it difficult for them to concentrate, participate, and stay engaged in learning.\r\n\r\nThis project has helped us provide snacks for students who may need additional nourishment during the day, ensuring that no child has to sit through learning activities distracted by an empty stomach. Having a classroom supply available also allows us to meet an immediate need without placing an additional burden on families.\r\n\r\nWhen our scholars have something to eat, they are better able to focus on instruction, participate in classroom activities, and enjoy their learning experiences. These snacks provide more than a quick bite—they provide comfort, energy, and one less barrier between our students and their education.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful to our donors for helping us create a classroom where our youngest learners can feel cared for, supported, and ready to learn each day.","fullyFundedDate":1780847547290,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-to-fuel-growing-minds/10222010/","projectTitle":"Snacks to Fuel Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Polk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338496_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708993657902","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338496"},{"teacherId":9338496,"projectId":10126814,"letterContent":"These calming and sensory materials have made a wonderful impact in our Pre-K classroom. The floor liquid tiles, sensory beads, sequins, Emoti Blocks, and jellyfish lamp provide students with calming visual and tactile experiences that help them slow down, regulate their emotions, and refocus when they are feeling overwhelmed or simply need a sensory break. The Emoti Blocks have been especially helpful for encouraging conversations about feelings and helping students learn to recognize and express different emotions.\r\n\r\nThe magnetic building tiles and sensory trays also give students a positive, hands-on outlet while strengthening creativity, problem-solving, fine-motor skills, and concentration. Instead of our calming space simply being a place to take a break, these resources have helped us create an inviting area where students can practice self-regulation and learn what tools work best for their individual needs.\r\n\r\nFor young children, learning how to manage big feelings is an important part of being successful in the classroom. These materials are helping our scholars return to learning feeling calmer, more focused, and ready to participate. We are incredibly grateful to our donors for giving our students a safe and supportive way to care for their emotional and sensory needs.","fullyFundedDate":1774963733560,"projectUrl":"project/calm-minds-happy-learners/10126814/","projectTitle":"Calm Minds, Happy Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Polk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338496_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708993657902","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338496"},{"teacherId":9338496,"projectId":10228039,"letterContent":"Our students have been loving their new sensory materials! We have incorporated the spinning chairs, sensory mats, fidgets, and other tools into our daily routines to help students regulate their bodies, stay focused, and feel ready to learn. One special moment was seeing a student who was having difficulty settling down use a spinning chair for a sensory break and then return to the group calmer and ready to participate. The finger puppets have also become a fun way to encourage communication, storytelling, and social-emotional learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were incredibly excited! They wanted to explore everything, especially the spinning chairs and different fidgets. We used their excitement as an opportunity to teach them that these are not simply toys, but special tools they can use when their bodies need movement, sensory input, or help calming down.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue teaching our students how to recognize their own sensory and emotional needs and independently choose a tool that can help them. We will also use these resources during centers, small groups, transitions, and social-emotional lessons as we practice identifying feelings, communicating needs, taking turns, and interacting positively with peers. These skills will help our Pre-K scholars become more independent, confident, and prepared for kindergarten.","fullyFundedDate":1779213812815,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-sensory-success-tools-for-ou/10228039/","projectTitle":"Supporting Sensory Success: Tools for Our Autism-Friendly Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Polk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338496_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708993657902","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338496"},{"teacherId":9338496,"projectId":10125418,"letterContent":"These materials have made such a positive impact on our Pre-K classroom! The write-and-wipe pockets, dry-erase markers and erasers have become some of our most-used learning tools. Our scholars are able to practice tracing, letter and number formation, name writing, shapes, and other skills over and over again. Being able to erase and try again gives them the freedom to make mistakes while building confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nThe Play-Doh, pencils, and glue sticks have helped strengthen the little hand muscles and fine-motor skills our students need for writing, cutting, and other kindergarten-readiness skills. We have also been able to laminate activities so they can be reused throughout the year, allowing students to get repeated practice with important concepts.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting additions has been our spinning wheel! It has helped turn review and practice into a game. We can use it for letters, sounds, numbers, colors, vocabulary, and so much more. The students are excited to participate because they never know what the wheel will land on next!\r\n\r\nThese may seem like simple classroom supplies, but in the hands of our young learners, they have become tools for practicing, creating, playing, and learning. Thank you for giving our scholars the resources they need to strengthen their skills, build confidence, and have FUN while preparing for kindergarten!","fullyFundedDate":1774963688840,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-foundations-in-pre-k/10125418/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Foundations in Pre-K","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Polk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338496_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708993657902","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338496"},{"teacherId":9338496,"projectId":9669814,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! Because of your generosity, my students now have access to snacks that help keep their bodies fueled and their minds ready to learn throughout the day.\r\n\r\nWe use our snacks during our daily routine when students take a short break to recharge before continuing with lessons and activities. One special moment happened during our small group learning time. After snack, my students were much more focused and excited to participate in our activities. Having a snack available helps prevent those mid-morning hunger distractions and allows them to stay engaged in learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the snacks first arrived, my students were so excited! They loved seeing the different options and were very thankful. Many of them immediately said \"thank you\" and couldn't wait to enjoy snack time together. It also created a great opportunity to talk about sharing, gratitude, and taking care of our classroom community.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the school year, we will keep using snack time as a moment to refuel and connect before moving into our lessons. Right now, we are working on social-emotional skills and character development in our classroom. Having snacks available helps create a calm and supportive environment where students feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour kindness truly makes a difference in our classroom each and every day. Thank you for helping support my students and giving them what they need to succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1763651535147,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-young-minds-with-snacks/9669814/","projectTitle":"Fueling Young Minds with Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Polk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338496_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708993657902","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338496"},{"teacherId":9793834,"projectId":9427810,"letterContent":"Our Crafty DonorsChoose project has had an immediate and meaningful impact on my pre-K classroom by expanding how my students learn, express themselves, and build essential early skills.\r\n\r\nThe new craft materials have allowed students to engage in hands-on, creative learning that supports fine motor development, hand–eye coordination, and early writing readiness.\r\n\r\nBeyond skill development, the project has increased student engagement and confidence. Children are more eager to participate, take risks, and share their ideas when they can create something tangible.\r\n\r\nThe materials have also supported social-emotional growth. Students learn patience, persistence, and pride in completing a project. \r\n\r\nBecause of this project, our classroom has become a more joyful learning environment, where creativity supports academic foundations and every child has the opportunity to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1758202868207,"projectUrl":"project/crafty-view-learning/9427810/","projectTitle":"Crafty View Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Z Reed","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9793834"},{"teacherId":9338496,"projectId":9669686,"letterContent":"Thanks you for your generosity, the books gifted to our Pre-K classroom have become a meaningful part of our daily learning routine. These books are used during whole-group read-alouds, small-group instruction, and independent reading time. Through shared reading, students are learning important early literacy skills such as how to properly handle a book, recognize letters and words, build vocabulary, listen with purpose, and make predictions about stories. Many of the books also support social-emotional learning, helping students talk about feelings, friendships, and making positive choices.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive and engaging. Students gather together on the rug to listen, ask questions, repeat familiar phrases, and share their thoughts about the stories. During literacy centers, children independently choose books, retell stories using pictures, and \"read\" aloud to their classmates. These experiences help strengthen comprehension, sequencing, speaking skills, and confidence while making reading enjoyable and meaningful for young learners.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have shown noticeable growth and excitement since receiving these books. Children who were once hesitant to participate are now eager to raise their hands, talk about characters, and revisit their favorite stories during free-choice time. Some students especially enjoy returning to the same books again and again, showing increased familiarity and confidence with storytelling. Because of your support, my students are developing a strong foundation in literacy and a genuine love for reading that will support their learning for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1758202812393,"projectUrl":"project/growing-readers-one-book-at-a-time/9669686/","projectTitle":"Growing Readers, One Book at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Polk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338496_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708993657902","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338496"},{"teacherId":9010421,"projectId":9402322,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donations to our classroom!\r\nWords can NOT express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for your kindness and generosity! \r\n\r\nMy students absolutely LOVE the sand! (So do I!} It arrived right on time for our lesson on our five senses. The kids were so intrigued as they played in the sand and discussed how it looked and felt. When I use the sand in our sensory center, they get so excited! We also use it for pre writing skills. So many ways to use it!\r\n(If I had known that the quality of the sand was the equivalent of the sandy white beaches I love, I would have requested another box. )\r\n\r\nThe shape sorting activity was perfect for our unit on sorting! Students were able to only sort and see real world examples of each shape. \r\n\r\nThe name tag holders work well. The adhesive is super strong and is helping with keeping our desks and classroom clean. \r\n\r\nThank you again!!!","fullyFundedDate":1750772196703,"projectUrl":"project/clean-desks-clear-minds/9402322/","projectTitle":"Clean Desks, Clear Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moline","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9010421_orig.jpg?crop=460,460,x0,y76&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690579735796","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9010421"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_11978","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":410,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":73,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - Pre-K","studentTeacherRatio":"15.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.2,"schoolId":11978,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Amber Terrace Discovery and Design Early Childhood Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Amber Terrace Discovery and Design Early Childhood Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/desoto-independent-school-district/amber-terrace-intermediate-school/11978"}