{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Appoquinimink Pre-School Center","outOfStateSupporters":26.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6610010,"projectId":9821420,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my preschool students are actively using these new literacy resources every week during our Pre-K physical education lessons. We incorporate letter stepping stones and alphabet balls into movement games where students jump, throw, and move while identifying letters and matching sounds. One favorite activity has been a letter obstacle course where students hop from letter to letter, then toss a sticky ball to a matching alphabet cling target. The Spanish color beanbags and matching buckets have also become a hit, allowing students to practice color recognition while being introduced to bilingual vocabulary in a playful, meaningful way.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were beyond excited. Their faces lit up as they explored the bright colors, letters, and textures, and many immediately began naming letters and colors aloud. Learning through movement helped even hesitant learners jump right in. Students who may struggle with traditional seated literacy activities showed increased confidence and engagement when letters were paired with movement, repetition, and play.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue building on these skills by creating more complex movement-based literacy games, reinforcing letter-sound connections, and expanding our bilingual vocabulary activities. These resources are helping my students strengthen fine and gross motor skills while laying a strong foundation for early reading success. Thank you for giving my students the opportunity to learn in a way that is joyful, active, and meaningful — your support has made a lasting impact on our students.","fullyFundedDate":1760371344383,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-meets-movement/9821420/","projectTitle":"Literacy Meets Movement!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Craig","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6610010_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565717137179","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6610010"},{"teacherId":6610010,"projectId":9520122,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our Pre-K physical education program now has six balance bikes that have completely transformed how my students learn through movement. We use the bikes during structured PE lessons to practice balance, coordination, spatial awareness, and safe riding skills. One of our favorite activities is heading outside to our paved circle (when the weather allows), where students take turns gliding in the balance bikes, riding on scooters and cheering on their classmates. Watching them encourage one another has been just as meaningful as watching their physical growth.\r\n\r\nWhen the bikes first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Big smiles, wide eyes, and lots of \"Is that for us?!\" filled the gym. Many of my students had never ridden a balance bike before, and some were hesitant at first. With encouragement and practice, even the most cautious riders quickly gained confidence. Seeing a child go from carefully walking the bike to confidently gliding across the pavement has been incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nBecause of these bikes, our next steps include building longer riding courses, introducing simple challenges like weaving and stopping zones, and reinforcing teamwork and perseverance. The bikes are also helping students develop foundational motor skills that support overall physical development and readiness for future sports and activities.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students this opportunity to grow, move, and build confidence in such a joyful way. Your support truly made a lasting impact on our students","fullyFundedDate":1755175567327,"projectUrl":"project/bikes-for-preschoolers/9520122/","projectTitle":"Bikes for Preschoolers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Craig","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6610010_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565717137179","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6610010"},{"teacherId":4698495,"projectId":9832679,"letterContent":"The fine motor activities provided through the DonorsChoose project played a key role in strengthening students' letter and number literacy by giving them hands-on, engaging ways to practice foundational skills. As students used tools such as manipulatives, tracing materials, building pieces, and hands-on games, they were able to connect physical movement with visual recognition of letters and numbers. These activities supported muscle development in the hands and fingers, which is essential for writing, while also reinforcing correct letter formation, number sequencing, and symbol recognition in a meaningful, play-based way.\r\nThrough fine motor play, students were more motivated and confident as they explored literacy concepts in a low-pressure environment. Activities like forming letters with manipulatives, pinching and placing number pieces, or tracing shapes helped students build coordination and control while deepening their understanding of literacy concepts. This multi-sensory approach allowed students to learn through movement and play, leading to increased engagement, improved focus, and noticeable growth in both letter and number recognition. Overall, the DonorsChoose resources supported developmentally appropriate learning that strengthened fine motor skills and literacy simultaneously.","fullyFundedDate":1760729767979,"projectUrl":"project/fine-motor-in-early-literacy/9832679/","projectTitle":"Fine Motor in Early Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ulmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4698495"},{"teacherId":10311829,"projectId":9828166,"letterContent":"Our students have been fully engaged with all of the new resources, especially the Toniebox. It has given them a wonderful sense of independence as they choose stories to listen to, participate in songs and movement activities, and explore science facts on their own. The new manipulatives have also been a huge hit, providing more variety during hands-on learning time and encouraging students to explore, problem-solve, and work together. These materials have helped strengthen team-building skills while keeping students excited and actively involved in their learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their excitement was immediate—and that enthusiasm has continued even weeks later. They were eager to explore everything and are still asking to use the new resources daily. This project has given us valuable insight into what truly captures our students' interests, and we are using that information to guide our next steps. By building on what they are most engaged with, we can continue to create meaningful, motivating learning experiences as we plan what comes next for our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1760654961808,"projectUrl":"project/little-literacy-leaders/9828166/","projectTitle":"Little Literacy Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elentrio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10311829"},{"teacherId":2466857,"projectId":9838259,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classrooms now have science of reading aligned, play based literacy materials that are being used in multiple classrooms. Teachers are using these resources to build phonemic awareness, letter knowledge, and early language skills through hands on playful learning. \r\n\r\nStudents were so excited for these new materials and could not wait to explore them. I loved watching them engaged with these new materials that worked on such a wide range of skills. The focus on literacy this year has drastically increased their abilities and these materials and games made it so much better.\r\n\r\nThese materials are now being shared across classrooms, allowing for more small group opportunities and practice in early literacy instruction. Moving forward, students will continue to use these tools as part of their daily routines to strengthen early reading skills and build confidence as learners. Thank you for helping make literacy learning playful and effective for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1760826254676,"projectUrl":"project/preschool-literacy/9838259/","projectTitle":"Preschool Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clem","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2466857_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504057683406","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-stokes"},{"teacherId":10318544,"projectId":9842640,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding my project! It was so exciting to receive these new items for my classroom. \r\n\r\nWe are using the new resources during both center time and small-group instruction. The Kaplan wooden toddler dress-up unit has become part of our dramatic play area, where students explore different roles and cultures, including using the Indian dress to encourage conversations about traditions and clothing from around the world. The Tonies audio player is used during quiet time and transitions, allowing students to listen to stories, music, and educational content independently with the classroom headphones and splitter. One memorable moment was during a number center, when students worked together with the Unlock It! Number Match game—helping one another problem-solve and celebrate when they unlocked each correct match. These materials have supported social interaction, fine-motor development, and early math skills.\r\n\r\nThe students were immediately excited and curious. They gravitated toward the dress-up unit right away, eagerly trying on the clothing and role-playing together. When the Tonies player was introduced, students were fascinated by how the figures controlled the stories and music, and they were especially engaged listening to familiar characters like Pete the Cat and Laurie Berkner. Overall, the materials created a lot of enthusiasm, increased student engagement, and encouraged cooperative play and learning from the very first day.","fullyFundedDate":1760895060665,"projectUrl":"project/pre-school-literacy-essentials/9842640/","projectTitle":"Pre-school Literacy Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tacchi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10318544"},{"teacherId":4866398,"projectId":9831313,"letterContent":"Thank you for fully funding Helping Little Lions Learn through Play. With your generous support, we were able to purchase new materials for our school. We have incorporated flexible seating options and defined small instructional areas to promote a calm clutter free environment for increased focus. The teaching teams have noted that our students' have shown lengthier attention spans and interest in learning when in the specialty designed spaces and when using the new materials. \r\nOur littlest learners are happy, focused, and inquisitive! It has been so impactful for students who struggle to communicate and play, request to play with some of the newly purchased toys through a picture exchange communication system. The grant you generously supported has certainly promoted play and learning with preschoolers in our school. Teachers have noted an increase in the length of time students spend exploring the toys. They have also noted that the students have an interest in a variety of toys /materials expanding on their abilities to manipulate diverse toys. Expanding play in functional school environments is vital for our youngest students. These skills lay a solid foundation to build upon further learning. \r\nThank you for helping us lay a strong foundation for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1760687360651,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-our-lions-learning-through-p/9831313/","projectTitle":"Supporting our Lions- Learning through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Shellenberger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4866398"},{"teacherId":1888688,"projectId":9823423,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your support in funding our classroom project. The two types of chairs that we received are being used every day in a variety of activities. These adapted seating options have opened up more learning opportunities for the students in my classroom that have a more difficult time remaining seated in traditional preschool seating options. \r\n\r\nThe felt story board and multiple sets of felt characters are a great addition to our classroom. Some of the students can use it independently. Other times, I am able to use the felt board during our read aloud to provide more simple visuals for the students. All the items are greatly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1760715073694,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-materials-for-autistic-preschoo/9823423/","projectTitle":"Literacy Materials for Autistic Preschoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Colleen (Barba)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1888688_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755370064627","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1888688"},{"teacherId":5597750,"projectId":9823333,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to our preschool classroom. Your support directly enhances the way our young learners experience literacy every day.\r\nHands-on materials are essential to literacy development in preschool, where children learn best through play, exploration, and sensory experiences. Because of your contribution, our students have access to tactile tools such as letter tiles, sandpaper letters, and building blocks. These materials help children connect abstract concepts—like letters, sounds, and story structure—to real-world experiences they can see, touch, and manipulate.\r\nThese resources support fine motor development, strengthen memory, and make learning more joyful and engaging. By actively manipulating materials, our preschoolers are gaining a deeper understanding of letter formation, phonics, and vocabulary—laying a strong, developmentally appropriate foundation for future reading and writing success.\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your investment in our students. Your generosity is helping to create a rich, engaging learning environment where children can grow with confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1760385585143,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-an-adventure-that-never-ends/9823333/","projectTitle":"Literacy: An Adventure that Never Ends","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cole","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5597750_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533560059124","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5597750"},{"teacherId":6605790,"projectId":9831830,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of you, our students now have access to engaging, high-quality literacy materials that are already making a meaningful impact in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThese resources have helped create a more interactive and inclusive learning environment, where students are excited to participate, explore language, and build foundational reading skills. The materials allow us to differentiate instruction, support diverse learning needs, and provide hands-on opportunities that strengthen early literacy development.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your generosity has helped foster a love of reading and learning in our students. Seeing their excitement, confidence, and growth reminds us daily how powerful community support can be. We are incredibly grateful for your investment in our classroom and in our students' success.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our learners and for helping make literacy come alive!","fullyFundedDate":1760711065160,"projectUrl":"project/playing-with-literacy/9831830/","projectTitle":"Playing With Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Amy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6605790_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760492006696","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6605790"},{"teacherId":10310982,"projectId":9825399,"letterContent":"I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the donations. The light table and all of the materials that came with it has given my classroom a whole new life. \r\nOur science center is now full of excitement, kids always going in and out of the area, using the different textile letters, shape blocks, buttons and translucent shape blocks to create with on the light table. The kids love using the new materials and the light table has truly given us the opportunity to add so many new science, math and social emotional lessons into my classroom. My kids love to play together but the materials are so fun sometimes they have trouble sharing, classic pre k skill that always needs work. This is the perfect way to practice this, so thank you! \r\nThank you for helping my diverse learners, thank you for supporting this generation and for helping to build our future up, we may have little scientists in our future because of you.","fullyFundedDate":1760405401081,"projectUrl":"project/multi-sensory-literacy-learners/9825399/","projectTitle":"Multi-Sensory Literacy Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hahn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10310982"},{"teacherId":2074421,"projectId":9842915,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in funding our play-based literacy project. Your investment is already making a meaningful difference for our youngest learners, and I am truly grateful for your belief in the power of early childhood education.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding parts of my role is that I not only get to work closely with some of the coolest kids around, but I also have the opportunity to push into multiple preschool classrooms. This allows the materials you funded to reach a wide range of students and supports learning across different settings throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nThe resources provided through your donation are being used in various preschool classrooms to support early literacy, expressive and receptive language, fine motor development, and social skills. Through storytelling and the use of puppets, we bring language and stories to life in a way that is engaging and accessible for young children. Puppets spark curiosity, encourage participation, and give children a playful way to explore characters, settings, and emotions. After listening to stories, students use the puppets to retell them in their own words, strengthening comprehension and vocabulary while also building confidence and creativity.\r\n\r\nMany of the other materials allow children to explore letters, early literacy concepts, and prewriting skills through play and self-guided discovery. These hands-on experiences create natural opportunities for conversation, collaboration, and meaningful learning.\r\n\r\nChildren learn best through play, and when they are given novel, engaging, and preferred materials, the impact on their learning is exponential. Because of your generosity, our students are experiencing literacy in ways that are joyful, motivating, and developmentally appropriate.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our students and for helping create rich, playful learning experiences that will have a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1760910883522,"projectUrl":"project/fostering-language-and-literacy-in-our-l/9842915/","projectTitle":"Fostering Language and Literacy in Our Littlest Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Taylor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2074421_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534024072489","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2074421"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_69282","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":131,"numTeachers":1,"percentFrplEligible":13,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":32,"percentWhite":45,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":9,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - Pre-K","studentTeacherRatio":"131.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":74.0,"schoolId":69282,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Appoquinimink Pre-School Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Appoquinimink Pre-School Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/delaware/appoquinimink-school-district/appoquinimink-early-childhood-ctr/69282"}