{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ashland Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":72.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10259025,"projectId":9711312,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my 5th and 6th grade math classrooms. Because of you, my students now have sturdy, organized storage boxes that are being used daily to support hands-on learning at our math centers.\r\n\r\nThese boxes are being used to store task cards and problem sets for our math centers, which focus on skills such as problem solving, computation, reasoning, and test readiness. Having the questions neatly organized and easily accessible allows students to work independently and collaboratively, rotate smoothly between centers, and stay focused on the math rather than searching for materials.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made a direct impact on classroom organization and instruction. The boxes help create a structured learning environment where students can take ownership of their work, practice skills at their level, and engage more deeply with math content. They have also saved valuable instructional time, allowing me to spend more time working with small groups and providing targeted support.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these materials help make math feel more manageable and less overwhelming for my students. They are excited to move through centers, challenge themselves, and build confidence in their abilities.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping create an engaging, organized, and student-centered math classroom. Your generosity truly makes a difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1758165258038,"projectUrl":"project/preserving-our-stem-work-organized-re/9711312/","projectTitle":"Preserving Our STEM Work: Organized & Ready to Showcase","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Owens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10259025_orig.jpg?crop=1179,1179,x0,y172&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757706116222","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10259025"},{"teacherId":7643853,"projectId":9693175,"letterContent":"My Pre-K students are natural innovators who love to build, experiment, and ask \"what if?\" At just four and five years old, they are eager to explore how the world works. Many of my students are experiencing school for the very first time, making this a critical moment to nurture their curiosity, confidence, and love of learning. What makes them especially remarkable is their enthusiasm for hands-on discovery—they approach every challenge with imagination, resilience, and a willingness to try, learn, and try again.\r\n\r\nThis project will give my students the tools to think like real engineers and scientists. Using the PicassoTiles Magnetic Marble Run, students will design and test tracks, experiment with angles and speed, and engage in the engineering design process by planning, building, revising, and celebrating success. The Magnetic Wand & Chips Set will allow students to explore magnetism through direct experimentation, helping them understand how magnetic force works while making meaningful connections to real-world applications. These experiences introduce early career awareness, such as doctors using MRI machines, engineers designing maglev trains, and scientists studying physics, all through age-appropriate play.\r\n\r\nMy goal is to transform our classroom into a hub of exploration where innovation, collaboration, and hands-on discovery happen every day. These materials will strengthen problem-solving skills, teamwork, and persistence while introducing complex STEM concepts in ways that are developmentally appropriate and uncommon in early childhood classrooms. This project will help my students see themselves as future innovators by building curiosity and confidence at a young age—laying the foundation for success in school and in tomorrow's STEM careers.","fullyFundedDate":1764792106565,"projectUrl":"project/future-innovators-exploring-engineering/9693175/","projectTitle":"Future Innovators: Exploring Engineering and Magnet Power in Pre-K","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wommack","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7643853_orig.jpg?crop=910,910,x0,y18&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747949461909","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7643853"},{"teacherId":8725818,"projectId":9548598,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous donation of graphic novels to our sixth-grade classroom. Your kindness has made an immediate and meaningful impact on my students.\r\n\r\nMany of my students struggle to see themselves as readers, and graphic novels have been a powerful bridge. The visuals, engaging stories, and accessible format have sparked excitement and curiosity—especially among reluctant readers. Students who once avoided picking up a book are now eagerly reading, sharing stories with classmates, and asking for recommendations.\r\n\r\nThese graphic novels have helped build confidence, strengthen comprehension skills, and foster a genuine love of reading. They have also created a sense of ownership and pride in our classroom library, making reading feel welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support and belief in our students. Your donation has opened the door to imagination, literacy, and connection in ways that will last well beyond this school year. Thank you for helping make reading an experience our students look forward to every day.\r\n\r\nChatGPT can make mistakes. Check","fullyFundedDate":1758853074719,"projectUrl":"project/graphic-novels-to-grow-a-love-for-readin/9548598/","projectTitle":"Graphic Novels to Grow a Love for Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Luther","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8725818_orig.png?crop=389,389,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716758508407","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8725818"},{"teacherId":8725818,"projectId":9373252,"letterContent":"The donation of new social studies books has had a profound and lasting impact on my sixth-grade classroom, transforming not only how my students learn but how they see themselves as learners. Many of my students come from a low-income community where access to updated, engaging books is limited. For some, these were the first brand-new books they have ever owned or used regularly in a classroom setting. That alone created an immediate sense of excitement, pride, and motivation.\r\nBefore receiving these books, our social studies instruction relied heavily on outdated materials, photocopies, and limited shared resources. This made it difficult to foster deep engagement or independent exploration. Since the arrival of the donated books, my classroom environment has shifted dramatically. Students now have consistent access to clear, visually engaging texts that bring history, geography, and civics to life. The images, maps, timelines, and age-appropriate language help students grasp complex concepts that previously felt abstract or confusing.\r\nThe most noticeable change has been in student engagement. Students who were once reluctant readers now willingly open their books, participate in discussions, and ask thoughtful questions. They reference the texts during class conversations and use evidence to support their ideas—skills that are critical not only in social studies but across all subject areas. Having a personal copy of the book has given students ownership over their learning, allowing them to annotate, revisit sections, and build confidence in their academic abilities.\r\nThese books have also helped create equity in the classroom. All students now have the same high-quality resources, leveling the playing field regardless of their background. This has been especially impactful for English learners and students with learning gaps, who benefit from structured content and visual supports. The books allow me to differentiate instruction more effectively and provide meaningful support without singling students out.\r\nBeyond academics, the books have sparked curiosity about the world. Students are making connections between historical events and current issues, discussing different cultures with greater respect and understanding, and developing a stronger sense of civic responsibility. Social studies is no longer just a subject—it has become a space where students learn to think critically, empathize with others, and understand their role in society.\r\nI am incredibly grateful for this donation and the belief it represents in my students and their potential. These books have enriched our curriculum, strengthened student confidence, and fostered a love of learning that will extend far beyond sixth grade. The impact of this generosity will be felt for years to come, and my students now have tools that empower them to succeed academically and personally. Thank you for helping make this transformation possible.","fullyFundedDate":1754496434737,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-social-studies/9373252/","projectTitle":"Books for Social Studies","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Luther","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8725818_orig.png?crop=389,389,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716758508407","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8725818"},{"teacherId":7643853,"projectId":9547857,"letterContent":"My Pre-K students are naturally curious about the world around them, and the Arthropod Collection immediately captured their attention. When the materials arrived, students gathered eagerly, pointing, asking questions, and sharing what they already knew about insects they had seen in our school garden. Their excitement was genuine and contagious as they carefully examined the specimens, noticing details they had never observed before. For many of my students, this was their first opportunity to explore insects up close in a safe, hands-on way.\r\n\r\nWe are using the Arthropod Collection during science centers and small-group lessons to support observation, classification, and early inquiry skills. Students sort and classify insects such as bees, beetles, and butterflies, discussing how each one helps plants grow through pollination and soil health. These activities naturally connect to early math skills as students count, compare, and describe the insects using size, color, and features. The collection has also strengthened our garden lessons, helping students make meaningful connections between insects and the food we grow, reinforcing ideas of sustainability and care for living things.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue using the Arthropod Collection as part of our ongoing garden and life science studies. They will create simple observation drawings, compare insects found outdoors to those in the collection, and discuss how people can protect helpful insects in our environment. Through these experiences, my students are developing curiosity, responsibility, and respect for nature—foundational skills that will support their learning in science and beyond. Thank you for giving my students this engaging opportunity to explore the tiny creatures that make a big difference in our world.","fullyFundedDate":1764792107006,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-nature-connecting-the-garden/9547857/","projectTitle":"Exploring Nature: Connecting the Garden, Insects, and Responsibility","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wommack","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7643853_orig.jpg?crop=910,910,x0,y18&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747949461909","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7643853"},{"teacherId":7643853,"projectId":9718025,"letterContent":"When the fidget-based STEM games arrived, my Pre-K students could hardly wait to dive in. Their excitement was contagious—tiny hands reached for pop boards, bingo cards, and colorful game pieces with wide-eyed curiosity. The moment we began playing, it was clear these materials were more than just games—they were learning tools that sparked collaboration, laughter, and critical thinking all at once.\r\n\r\nNow, our classroom hums with focused play during STEM centers. Students work together to \"pop\" sight words, match letters in ABC Bingo, and solve creative challenges in Unicorns vs. Dragons and SquishyLand. What looks like play is actually deep learning in action—students are recognizing patterns, testing predictions, and using trial and error to solve problems. These moments help them practice persistence and celebrate small successes, just like real scientists and engineers.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments came when two students disagreed on how to complete a SquishyLand challenge. Instead of giving up, they tested both ideas, compared results, and proudly announced, \"We're scientists!\" It was the perfect example of how hands-on play fosters curiosity, reasoning, and resilience.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to extend these STEM games into cross-curricular learning—connecting them to early math, literacy, and even social-emotional lessons about teamwork and perseverance. Thanks to your generosity, my students now approach challenges with enthusiasm and confidence. You've helped them see that learning can be active, joyful, and full of discovery.\r\n\r\nYour support turned our classroom into a place where every child can explore, experiment, and imagine themselves as future innovators.","fullyFundedDate":1764792106790,"projectUrl":"project/stem-starts-with-play-fidget-powered-le/9718025/","projectTitle":"STEM Starts with Play: Fidget-powered Learning for Little Engineers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wommack","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7643853_orig.jpg?crop=910,910,x0,y18&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747949461909","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7643853"},{"teacherId":7643853,"projectId":9695382,"letterContent":"When our Tonies for Teachers Audio Player Starter Kit arrived, the excitement in my classroom was immediate. My students gathered eagerly around the box, curious about the little figures that would soon bring their favorite characters to life. The first time they placed a Tonie on the player and heard Pete the Cat start to sing, the room filled with laughter, movement, and pure joy.\r\n\r\nSince then, the Toniebox has become a beloved part of our daily routine. During small-group rotations, students listen to stories while following along with books or acting them out through pretend play. For my students with disabilities, the tactile, screen-free design has made storytelling more accessible—no buttons to navigate, just a simple tap or swap of a Tonie character. This independence has built both confidence and engagement.\r\n\r\nEach story sparks new conversations and learning connections. The National Geographic Dinosaur Tonie has inspired classroom \"dig sites\" in our sensory bins, while Laurie Berkner's songs have turned into morning dance sessions that build coordination and listening skills. The Healthy Habits Tonie has helped us introduce lessons on self-care and kindness, reinforcing social-emotional learning in an enjoyable, age-appropriate way.\r\n\r\nThe next step for our class is to pair these audio stories with hands-on activities—creating art inspired by what we hear, sequencing story events, and writing our own \"Tonie Tales.\" Thanks to your generosity, my students are developing a love for storytelling, improving their listening and language skills, and discovering that learning can be both joyful and inclusive.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped every learner in our classroom feel seen, heard, and inspired.","fullyFundedDate":1764792102954,"projectUrl":"project/screen-free-storytelling-for-every-learn/9695382/","projectTitle":"Screen-Free Storytelling for Every Learner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wommack","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7643853_orig.jpg?crop=910,910,x0,y18&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747949461909","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7643853"},{"teacherId":7643853,"projectId":9716832,"letterContent":"When the materials from From Pretend Play to STEM: Building Skills Through Hands-On Learning arrived, my Pre-K students could hardly contain their excitement. Their faces lit up as we unpacked the play food sets, letter tracing pads, and STEM building pieces. Almost immediately, they began exploring—cutting, sorting, tracing, and building—turning our classroom into a busy hub of creativity and discovery.\r\n\r\nThese new resources have quickly become essential parts of our daily learning centers. During pretend play, students use the play food sets to practice sorting by color, counting, and engaging in cooperative play that builds language and social skills. At the writing center, the letter tracing pads have made handwriting practice fun and tactile, helping even our most hesitant learners gain confidence with letter formation. The STEM building kits have inspired endless innovation—students collaborate to construct bridges, towers, and \"machines,\" learning problem-solving and engineering concepts through play.\r\n\r\nOne of the most memorable moments came when a group of students used the play food and building sets together to \"open\" a pretend restaurant. They designed the space, built tables, wrote menus, and served \"meals\" to their classmates—combining literacy, math, and engineering skills in one joyful activity.\r\n\r\nThese materials continue to encourage independence, teamwork, and curiosity every day. Our next steps include expanding these play-based STEM experiences into our seasonal themes and literacy units so students can connect real-world exploration with storybooks and science lessons.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students are learning that play is powerful, creativity leads to problem-solving, and every idea is worth building upon. You have helped lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning, curiosity, and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1764792106321,"projectUrl":"project/from-pretend-play-to-stem-building-skil/9716832/","projectTitle":"From Pretend Play to Stem: Building Skills Through Hands-On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wommack","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7643853_orig.jpg?crop=910,910,x0,y18&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747949461909","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7643853"},{"teacherId":7643853,"projectId":9758992,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, I'm preparing to take the Brainspring Pre-Kindergarten Reading Readiness workshop this December. This professional development will give me a deeper understanding of how young children develop early literacy skills and how to nurture those skills through structured, engaging instruction.\r\n\r\nI'm especially excited to learn new Orton-Gillingham strategies that make phonological awareness and early reading activities more hands-on and purposeful. These tools will help me strengthen my lessons so that every child, no matter their learning style, builds a strong foundation for reading success.\r\n\r\nAlready, I've started incorporating more intentional literacy routines into our classroom. One of my favorite moments so far was watching my students use letter cards to build their names and proudly recognize the sounds in each one. Their excitement reminded me how powerful early literacy experiences can be when instruction is explicit and joyful.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, I'm eager to continue growing in my ability to differentiate reading instruction and support each child's individual path toward literacy. Your support is helping me become a stronger, more confident teacher, and helping my students fall in love with reading from the very beginning.","fullyFundedDate":1760733505164,"projectUrl":"project/strengthening-my-skills-to-build-strong/9758992/","projectTitle":"Strengthening My Skills to Build Strong Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wommack","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7643853_orig.jpg?crop=910,910,x0,y18&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747949461909","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7643853"},{"teacherId":8174010,"projectId":9637172,"letterContent":"I am deeply grateful for your generous support in funding my Privacy Boards project for my students. Your kindness has made a real difference in our classroom!\r\n\r\nThanks to you, my students now have their own personal space to focus and complete their work with confidence. The privacy boards have transformed our learning environment by reducing distractions and helping each student stay engaged during lessons, tests, and independent activities. My students are proud to have a workspace that allows them to concentrate and feel more independent — and it truly shows in their improved focus and productivity.\r\n\r\nThese simple but powerful tools have brought a sense of calm and organization to our classroom. I've seen students who used to get easily distracted now staying on task, and those who felt shy about their work now showing greater confidence.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and for investing in our students' success. Your generosity continues to make an incredible impact every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1757423445618,"projectUrl":"project/focus-and-confidence-with-privacy-boards/9637172/","projectTitle":"Focus and Confidence with Privacy Boards","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mason","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8174010_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x631,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756825457824","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8174010"},{"teacherId":7643853,"projectId":9734724,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our little scientists, engineers, and mathematicians in the making. Your generosity helps turn everyday curiosity into powerful learning experiences.\r\n\r\nWith a steady supply of toner, I can print the STEM sorting mats, counting games, design blueprints, and observation sheets that make our classroom come alive. Your support transforms block play into engineering challenges, coloring time into early math practice, and nature walks into real science investigations.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students will have the hands-on tools they need to explore, wonder, and learn every single day. Thank you for helping build a strong foundation for their future success.","fullyFundedDate":1759286059506,"projectUrl":"project/building-brains-with-prints-and-play/9734724/","projectTitle":"Building Brains with Prints and Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wommack","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7643853_orig.jpg?crop=910,910,x0,y18&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747949461909","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7643853"},{"teacherId":10239441,"projectId":9677432,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the new rug for our calm-down corner, their faces lit up! They immediately gravitated toward it—some sat cross-legged and started chatting quietly, while others stretched out and took a deep breath, saying, \"This feels so nice!\" It's become a favorite spot in our classroom—a place where students know they can go to take a break, breathe, and reset before jumping back into learning.\r\n\r\nWe've already been using the calm-down corner to practice self-regulation strategies, like deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive affirmations. During one lesson, a student who was feeling frustrated asked to go to the corner, spent a few minutes using our calm tools, and came back ready to try again. That moment showed just how powerful this space can be.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students now have a warm, inviting place to manage their big feelings and build lifelong skills in emotional awareness and problem-solving. Next, we're working on incorporating reflection journals and calming activities to help students recognize their emotions and make positive choices.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn every day!","fullyFundedDate":1758202679368,"projectUrl":"project/helping-students-find-calm-in-the-classr/9677432/","projectTitle":"Helping Students Find Calm in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10239441"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_18574","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":256,"numTeachers":18,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":66,"percentWhite":20,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"14.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":27.5,"schoolId":18574,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ashland Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ashland Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/mississippi/benton-county-school-district/ashland-elementary-school/18574"}