{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ballenger Creek Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":698562,"projectId":10135283,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our \"Sparking Creativity & Celebration in Math and History\" project has made a meaningful difference in our classroom. My students now have the tools they need to fully engage in their learning, and the impact has been immediate.\r\n\r\nWith new pencils readily available, students are able to focus on solving problems and showing their thinking in math without interruption. The scented markers have brought excitement and creativity into our history projects, allowing students to design colorful timelines, maps, and presentations that help deepen their understanding.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful impacts has come from the use of smelly stickers. These small rewards have become a big motivator—encouraging effort, celebrating growth, and helping students take pride in their work. I've seen increased confidence, especially in students who may have previously felt unsure about their abilities.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the laminating pouches have allowed us to create durable, reusable learning tools such as math reference sheets, vocabulary cards, and activity materials that we will use all year long.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom is more organized, more engaging, and filled with positive energy. My students feel supported, motivated, and excited to learn each day.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible and for investing in the success of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1775337476301,"projectUrl":"project/sparking-creativity-and-celebration-in-m/10135283/","projectTitle":"Sparking Creativity and Celebration in Math and History!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Llewellyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp698562_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x907,y967&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778110055551","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-llewellyn"},{"teacherId":698562,"projectId":10189604,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our math classroom has been transformed into an engaging, organized, and student-centered learning environment. Your support provided essential supplies that allow students to actively participate in their learning and truly see their growth over time.\r\n\r\nWith the new materials, students are using their data folders daily to track goals, monitor progress, and reflect on their learning. This has helped them take ownership of their work and build confidence in their abilities as mathematicians. The folders and organizational tools have made it easy for students to keep their work structured and meaningful throughout the year.\r\n\r\nThe dry erase markers and erasers have made math more interactive, allowing students to practice skills, collaborate with peers, and receive immediate feedback during lessons. Meanwhile, colored pencils and markers have given students the opportunity to visually represent their thinking, highlight strategies, and make connections in their learning.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom runs more smoothly, and students are more engaged, confident, and excited about math. Your kindness has made a lasting impact not only on their academic growth but also on their mindset as learners.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping them build the skills and confidence they need for success!","fullyFundedDate":1776880461824,"projectUrl":"project/building-math-minds-with-data-color-an/10189604/","projectTitle":"Building Math Minds with Data, Color, and Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Llewellyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp698562_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x907,y967&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778110055551","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-llewellyn"},{"teacherId":698562,"projectId":10135292,"letterContent":"The headphones provided through this project have made a meaningful difference in our classroom by giving students the ability to fully engage in their i-Ready lessons and digital history activities without distraction. Many of our students rely on audio support for reading comprehension, directions, and interactive learning, and these headphones ensure they can hear clearly and focus on their individual progress.\r\n\r\nWith access to their own set of headphones, students are more independent, confident, and motivated. They can work at their own pace, revisit instructions as needed, and stay immersed in learning without disrupting others. During history lessons, the headphones also allow students to experience videos, primary sources, and storytelling in a more personal and impactful way.\r\n\r\nThis resource has helped create a more focused, equitable, and engaging learning environment where every student can succeed. Your support has directly enhanced both academic growth and student confidence in our classroom—thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1775334986848,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-focused-learning-in-math/10135292/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Focused Learning in Math and History","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Llewellyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp698562_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x907,y967&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778110055551","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-llewellyn"},{"teacherId":3006124,"projectId":9976940,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to share that the headphones from our project, \"Tune in to Success: Headphones for Focus & Accessibility,\" have officially arrived and are already making a massive impact!\r\n\r\nThese couldn't have come at a better time. We put them to work immediately during state testing, where they provided the quiet, focused environment our students needed to do their very best. Beyond the serious work, they've also been a hit during \"fin\" breaks and independent time, allowing students to recharge and engage with their favorite learning programs.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has provided more than just a piece of technology; you've given my students the tools to handle both the pressure of testing and the importance of a well-earned break with ease. Seeing them so focused and empowered is a direct result of your support.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and for helping our fifth graders \"tune in\" to their full potential!","fullyFundedDate":1767332893242,"projectUrl":"project/tune-in-to-success-headphones-for-focus/9976940/","projectTitle":"Tune in to Success: Headphones for Focus & Accessibility","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schlossberg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3006124_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x205,y544&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762198085479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3006124"},{"teacherId":10043602,"projectId":9854947,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to thank you for creating such a thoughtful and flexible seating environment in our classroom. It may seem like a small change, but it has honestly made a big difference in how we learn and feel each day.\r\n\r\nHaving the option to choose where and how we sit has helped many of us become more comfortable and focused. Everyone learns differently, and the flexible seating gave us the chance to figure out what works best for us. Whether it's sitting at a table, using a different type of chair, or moving around when needed, it helped us stay engaged and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nBecause of this, I feel like our class has been able to branch out more in our learning. We've become more independent, more responsible, and more willing to try new things. The environment you created made it easier to participate, collaborate with classmates, and really concentrate on our work. It also made the classroom feel more welcoming and less stressful, which helped us do better overall.\r\n\r\nThank you for putting so much thought into making our classroom a place where we can succeed. Your effort has not gone unnoticed, and it truly made a positive impact on all of us.","fullyFundedDate":1766788450803,"projectUrl":"project/grow-our-minds/9854947/","projectTitle":"Grow our Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ferguson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10043602_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748179482152","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10043602"},{"teacherId":3006124,"projectId":9981667,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for \"pulling up a chair\" to support our classroom! My fifth graders were beyond excited when the new resources arrived. There was a collective cheer in the room, and they couldn't wait to test out their new designated spots for small-group learning. Since these arrived, it has quickly become the students' absolute favorite spot to sit whenever we have flexible seating open. Seeing them so eager to settle into this space to read or work has been such a joy.\r\nWe are currently putting these new resources to great use during our literacy blocks as we work through our poetry unit. Having a comfortable, structured space for small groups has allowed me to sit closely with my students to facilitate deeper discussions about perseverance and innovation. It has made our peer-editing sessions and research collaboration much more effective, as students now have a professional-feeling \"meeting space\" to share their ideas and refine their inventor profiles.\r\nLooking ahead, these resources will be a staple in our classroom as we prepare for our \"Voices of Fifth Grade\" writing showcase. This dedicated small-group area will serve as our primary \"editing station,\" where students will gather to finalize their creative projects and prepare to share their learning with their families and the community. Your generosity has not only provided physical materials but has also fostered a sense of value and pride in my students' academic journey. Thank you for making our classroom a better place!","fullyFundedDate":1768851149522,"projectUrl":"project/small-group-success-pulling-up-a-chair/9981667/","projectTitle":"Small Group Success: Pulling Up a Chair to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schlossberg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3006124_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x205,y544&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762198085479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3006124"},{"teacherId":3029531,"projectId":9986878,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to the Movement Matters project. My students and I are incredibly grateful. They were overjoyed to receive the new fidgets, kick bands, and wobble stools.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the items, students have continuously used these tools to help regulate their bodies and emotions while learning. Every day, a student is using a fidget, a wobble stool, or a kick band to keep their hands or body busy and their minds engaged. Adding these tools to the classroom has led to fewer distractions on the rug during group time and fewer interruptions during independent work.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generous support.","fullyFundedDate":1768851149805,"projectUrl":"project/motion-matters/9986878/","projectTitle":"Motion Matters","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3029531"},{"teacherId":3006124,"projectId":9910140,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the incredible impact your generosity has had on our school community. Thanks to your support of \"You're a Star! Celebrating Student Success,\" our quarterly \"Bobcat Best\" celebrations have been transformed into a highlight of the school year.\r\n\r\nThe Vision: Celebrating the Whole Child\r\nEvery quarter, our teaching team has the difficult but rewarding task of selecting six students who have gone above and beyond in their character, effort, and leadership. These \"Bobcat Best\" recipients are students who show up, work hard, and treat others with kindness.\r\n\r\nYour donation provided the materials for high-quality prize bags that serve as a tangible \"thank you\" for their dedication. By the end of this school year, 100 different students will have walked away with one of these bags, feeling the pride of being recognized by their teachers and peers.\r\n\r\nWhy These Prize Bags Matter\r\nFor many of our students, these celebrations are a powerful motivator. I've seen firsthand how:\r\n\r\nConsistency is Rewarded: Students who may not always get the highest test scores, but who show up and give 100% every day, finally feel \"seen.\"\r\n\r\nA School-Wide Culture: When other students see their peers carrying these prize bags, it sparks positive conversations about what it means to be a \"Bobcat Best\" student.\r\n\r\nThe \"End-of-Year\" Goal: Knowing that we have enough resources to celebrate 100 students ensures that the momentum stays high from fall all the way through June.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, there is nothing better than seeing a student's face light up when their name is called. These bags aren't just filled with \"items\"—they are filled with the message that hard work and character matter. Thank you for being a partner in our mission to celebrate every student's potential. Your investment is making a difference in the lives of 100 Bobcats this year!","fullyFundedDate":1767238676014,"projectUrl":"project/youre-a-star-celebrating-student-succe/9910140/","projectTitle":"You’re a Star! Celebrating Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schlossberg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3006124_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x205,y544&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762198085479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3006124"},{"teacherId":10063718,"projectId":9805339,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well. I am writing with a full heart to thank you for your generosity and support of our classroom. Because of you, my students now have access to materials that are already making a meaningful difference in their learning experience.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the new resources, we have been using them every day across our reading and writing lessons. One moment that truly stood out was during a recent writing activity. Students used the spaceman tools to help with spacing and red pens to edit their work. For many of them, this was the first time they were able to clearly see and correct their own writing. Watching their confidence grow as they proudly shared their improved sentences with classmates was incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were absolutely thrilled. Their excitement was contagious—they couldn't wait to explore everything. The lap desks quickly became a favorite, especially during our small group reading time on the carpet. Students were so excited to have a comfortable and supportive workspace, and it has made a noticeable difference in their focus and stamina.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the organizational tools have helped our classroom run more smoothly. Students are taking ownership of their supplies, and transitions between activities are quicker and more efficient. Even our classroom cleanup has become a shared responsibility, with students eagerly helping to use the handheld vacuum and sweeper after breakfast each morning.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are continuing to build on these skills as we work on a class writing project where students will plan, draft, edit, and publish their own small books. With the tools you've provided, they are more prepared than ever to take on this challenge with confidence and pride.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in my students and believing in their potential. Your support has created a more comfortable, organized, and inspiring learning environment where every child can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1767238501468,"projectUrl":"project/all-the-right-tools-for-minds-messes-a/9805339/","projectTitle":"All the Right Tools: For Minds, Messes and More!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shanz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10063718_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760808527777","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10063718"},{"teacherId":3006124,"projectId":9907289,"letterContent":"I wanted to reach out and share the incredible transformation your generosity has sparked in our learning environment. Because of your support, my students are no longer just completing assignments—they are becoming curated authors.\r\n\r\n When the new portfolio materials first arrived, the excitement in the room was palpable. One student, who often struggles with the stamina required for lengthy writing pieces ran their hand over the cover of their new portfolio and said, \"This makes my stories look like a real book you'd find in the library.\" That shift from seeing writing as \"work\" to seeing it as a \"craft\" is exactly the breakthrough I was hoping for.\r\n\r\n We are currently using these resources to bridge the gap between our digital drafting and physical pride. While we use tabs in Google Docs for our weekly drafts, these portfolios serve as the permanent home for our polished pieces.\r\n\r\n Most recently, students have been using them to house their personal narratives. Instead of these deep-dive stories getting lost in a folder, students are physically assembling their thoughts, focusing on rich vocabulary and compelling hooks. Having a professional space to house their thoughts has encouraged even my most reluctant writers to put more care into their final products.\r\n\r\n Our next big milestone is a \"Gallery Walk\" celebration. Students will use the comfortable new stools at my teacher table to conduct peer-editing sessions, acting as lead editors for one another. These portfolios will be the centerpiece of their end-of-year showcase, providing a tangible record of how much they have grown as thinkers and creators.\r\n\r\n Thank you for showing my students that their voices, their stories, and their hard work are worth cherishing. You have helped us build a culture of literacy that will stay with these students long after they leave the 5th grade.","fullyFundedDate":1766787802704,"projectUrl":"project/published-proud-writing-portfolios-to/9907289/","projectTitle":"Published & Proud: Writing Portfolios to Cherish","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schlossberg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3006124_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x205,y544&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762198085479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3006124"},{"teacherId":9784681,"projectId":10023975,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in providing our classroom with a new rug. This addition has completely transformed our shared space, turning a once-uninviting floor into the heart of our daily community. It serves as our dedicated \"home base\" where we gather for morning meetings, collaborative projects, and shared stories. By providing a defined and comfortable area for everyone to sit together, you have fostered a stronger sense of belonging and unity among the students. The impact of having a high-quality, designated space for group interaction is visible every single day in the way the children engage with one another.\r\n\r\nBeyond its functional use, the rug plays a vital role in our classroom's social-emotional climate. Its aesthetic beauty and soft texture contribute to a soothing, calming atmosphere that helps students regulate their emotions and focus on their learning. In a busy school day, having a serene environment is essential for student well-being; the cool tones and organized patterns of our new decor provide a much-needed sense of order and tranquility. We are deeply grateful for your support in creating a classroom that is not only functional but also a beautiful, peaceful sanctuary for growth.","fullyFundedDate":1768851153838,"projectUrl":"project/cheerful-calm-and-cozy/10023975/","projectTitle":"Cheerful, Calm, and Cozy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wisner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9784681_orig.jpg?crop=240,240,x0,y16&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737760364485","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9784681"},{"teacherId":698562,"projectId":9908222,"letterContent":"Thank You for Supporting Our Young Scholars!\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom is better equipped to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence every single day. Your support of our project ensures that our students have the essential tools they need to fully engage in hands-on math and science learning.\r\n\r\nWith high-quality pencils, fun and motivating erasers, colorful pens, reliable sharpeners, and an organized system for journals and packets, our students are prepared to do their very best work. These materials are more than just supplies — they are tools that help build responsibility, independence, and pride.\r\n\r\nYour donation also keeps our classroom store, Tiny Target, thriving. Through it, students practice real-world financial literacy skills like saving, budgeting, and goal-setting. They learn that positive choices, teamwork, and hard work lead to meaningful rewards. The excitement they feel when choosing a special pencil or pen they've earned is priceless — and it reinforces the habits we work so hard to build.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, you are helping create a classroom where every child feels prepared, supported, and excited to learn. Because of you, our young scholars can focus on exploring, problem-solving, and growing into confident learners.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping them shine brighter every day!","fullyFundedDate":1765981812807,"projectUrl":"project/sharpening-minds-building-community-in/9908222/","projectTitle":"Sharpening Minds & Building Community in Our Tiny Target Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Llewellyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp698562_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x907,y967&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778110055551","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-llewellyn"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_56112","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":715,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":50,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":23,"percentWhite":23,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":32,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":10,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":76.7,"schoolId":56112,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ballenger Creek Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ballenger Creek Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maryland/frederick-county-public-school-district/ballenger-creek-elementary-school/56112"}