{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ballenger Creek Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3006124,"projectId":9871599,"letterContent":"During reading time one afternoon, a student rolled a stool up to our small-group table, opened a book about children who lived in the Wild West, and said, \"I didn't know kids my age had to help run the family farm.\" That moment captures exactly why these new books matter.\r\nThe informational books about the Wild West and natural disasters are helping my fifth graders move beyond simply reading words to truly understanding history and science. Students are learning how to find the main idea, use photographs and captions to gather information, and make sense of new vocabulary by using context clues. They're discovering that nonfiction texts tell powerful stories about real people and real events.\r\nReading in our classroom now looks active and collaborative. Students gather in small groups, pull up their stools, and lean into conversations about pioneer life, westward expansion, earthquakes, and volcanoes. They reread sections to answer questions, compare life in the past to their own lives, and share surprising facts with their classmates.\r\nSeveral students who used to avoid informational text are now choosing these books on their own. Learning about children who lived long ago helps them see themselves in history, making reading feel more personal and meaningful. Other students are excited to share what they've learned, recommend books to friends, and ask thoughtful questions that lead to deeper discussions.\r\nBecause of you, reading in our classroom feels less intimidating and much more engaging. Thank you for helping create a learning environment where curiosity grows and every student feels included and supported.","fullyFundedDate":1763568840789,"projectUrl":"project/informational-books-that-spark-curiosity/9871599/","projectTitle":"Informational Books That Spark Curiosity","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":10359993,"projectId":9918809,"letterContent":"This project has truly changed the feel of our classroom in the best way. The stretchy kickbands, sequin sensory pillow, and wobble seat cushions have become everyday tools that help my students stay focused, calm, and ready to learn.\r\nHow we're using the new resources\r\nThese supports are used all throughout the day, especially during reading, writing, and independent work time. One moment that really stood out happened during a reading lesson. A student who often struggles to sit still and stay engaged was using a wobble cushion and gently pushing against a kickband while we read a nonfiction article. Instead of getting up repeatedly or distracting others, he stayed in his seat, followed along in the text, and even raised his hand to answer questions. The sensory input helped him regulate his body so his brain could focus on learning.\r\nThe sequin pillow has been especially helpful in our calm-down corner. When students feel overwhelmed or frustrated, they can take a short break, flip the sequins, and reset. I've seen students return to their work more quickly and with a better attitude after using it.\r\nStudent reactions\r\nWhen the materials were first introduced, the excitement was immediate. Students were curious and eager to try everything. We spent time learning how to use each item responsibly and talking about how these tools help our brains and bodies. What's been amazing is how quickly students understood that these are learning tools, not toys. They take ownership of using them appropriately, and some even remind each other of the expectations.\r\nWhat's next in our classroom\r\nRight now, we are working on strengthening reading comprehension and written responses to text. These flexible seating and sensory supports are helping students build stamina during longer reading and writing tasks. As we move into our next unit, students will be completing small research projects and writing informational pieces. The ability to stay regulated and focused for longer periods will be key, and these resources are already making a difference in helping them do just that.\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students have more access to the tools they need to succeed—not just academically, but socially and emotionally too. Our classroom is calmer, more focused, and more supportive of every learner. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1764688420282,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-calm-for-our-neurodiverse-lear/9918809/","projectTitle":"Comfort & Calm for Our Neurodiverse Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jansen van Vuuren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10359993"},{"teacherId":698562,"projectId":9811654,"letterContent":"Thank You for Supporting Our Bead Bar Project!\r\n\r\nWe are so incredibly grateful for your generous support of our Bead Bar project! Thanks to you, our classroom will now have a hands-on, creative space where students can strengthen their fine motor skills, practice patterns, and express their creativity through beadwork.\r\n\r\nYour donation is helping make learning more engaging and joyful. The students are already so excited to get started and can't wait to see their designs come to life. Projects like this remind us how powerful it is when a community comes together to support education — your kindness truly makes a difference every day.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our classroom and for investing in our students' growth and imagination!","fullyFundedDate":1760636708991,"projectUrl":"project/beads-keychains-and-stickers-for-our-i/9811654/","projectTitle":"Beads, Keychains, and Stickers for Our i-Ready Incentive!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Llewellyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp698562_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1502126948278","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-llewellyn"},{"teacherId":10222487,"projectId":9706469,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is more organized, cheerful, and efficient than ever! The file organizers, zipper pouches, birthday pencils, hanging file folders, and laminating sheets have made a huge difference in how our day runs. Students are using the pouches and folders to keep their materials neat, which has helped them stay focused and independent during lessons. The laminated activities allow them to revisit their work, self-assess their progress, and see how much they've grown over time. It's been wonderful to watch them take more responsibility for their learning!\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw all the new supplies, they were thrilled! They especially loved the birthday pencils—something small but meaningful that makes each child feel celebrated and special. It was heartwarming to see how something so simple brought so many smiles to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758997198280,"projectUrl":"project/growth-ignites-greatness/9706469/","projectTitle":"Growth Ignites Greatness","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10222487_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758834832829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10222487"},{"teacherId":10222487,"projectId":9706545,"letterContent":"My students are using the new stress toys, sensory tools, and hug balls as part of our calming corner and throughout the day when they need a break or a moment to reset. These materials have helped create a peaceful, focused learning environment and have made a big difference in managing emotions and maintaining a calm classroom.\r\nThey were so excited! Many students immediately gravitated toward the new items, exploring the textures and finding their favorites. You could see the joy and curiosity on their faces—it was such a special moment to watch them realize these tools were meant just for them.\r\nWe're continuing to build emotional regulation skills by practicing how to use the calming tools appropriately during our daily routines. Students are learning to recognize their feelings and independently choose a sensory item when they need help calming down, which supports both their emotional growth and focus during lessons.","fullyFundedDate":1760733424514,"projectUrl":"project/the-zen-zone-a-calm-corner-for-growing/9706545/","projectTitle":"The Zen Zone: A Calm Corner for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10222487_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758834832829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10222487"},{"teacherId":10063718,"projectId":9432789,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generosity and support in helping bring our \"Take a Break\" SEL area to life. Because of your kindness, my students now have a safe, calming space where they can pause, reset, and refocus, something that has already made a noticeable impact in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThe day we unboxed and set up the materials, you could see the excitement on my students' faces. They were curious and genuinely intrigued by the tools and sensory items now available to them. One student softly said, \"This feels like a little home in the classroom,\" while another asked if they could take turns visiting the space just to \"feel calm.\"\r\n\r\nSince then, our Take a Break area has become an essential part of our daily routine. We've introduced mindfulness activities, breathing exercises, and journaling prompts. One specific moment that stood out was during a particularly energetic morning: a student who was feeling overwhelmed asked if they could use the area. After a few minutes with a sensory tool and a breathing card, they rejoined the class with a smile, ready to learn. That one moment validated how powerful this space can be.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our classroom is not just a place of academic learning, but a space where students can grow emotionally and thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1755708609605,"projectUrl":"project/take-a-break-station/9432789/","projectTitle":"Take a Break Station","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":10222487,"projectId":9648524,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our classroom! My students and I are already putting the new materials—Legos, books, laminating sheets, dry erase markers, cardstock, and magnetic tiles—to great use. The Legos and magnetic tiles have been especially helpful during STEM centers, where students collaborate to design creative structures and explore engineering concepts. The new books have also become instant favorites during our independent reading time!\r\nOur next steps include using the laminated learning materials and cardstock for hands-on literacy and math activities. The dry erase markers are helping us make the most of small-group lessons, where students can easily practice skills and get immediate feedback. These tools are helping create a more engaging, organized, and interactive classroom environment every single day.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting my students and helping make our classroom a place filled with creativity, learning, and joy!","fullyFundedDate":1758804002313,"projectUrl":"project/providing-equity-and-scaffolding-to-all/9648524/","projectTitle":"Providing Equity and Scaffolding to All Students to Reach Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10222487_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758834832829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10222487"},{"teacherId":698562,"projectId":9458877,"letterContent":"I want to extend a huge thank-you for stocking our Tiny Target in the classroom! It has quickly become one of my students' favorite activities, and they are thrilled every time they get to explore and choose from the items you generously provided.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our Tiny Target now includes:\r\n\r\nRaymond Geddes Gummy Bear Scented Mechanical Pencils (24-pack)\r\n\r\nRaymond Geddes Totally Adorkable 3D Mechanical Pencils (24-pack)\r\n\r\nRaymond Geddes Snack Attack Scented Erasers (36-pack)\r\n\r\nParty Favors Kawaii Squishies Mochi Toys (80 pcs)\r\n\r\nXLNBXL Random Cute Cartoon Shoe Charms (various packs)\r\n\r\nmcmioeat Shoe Charms (44 pcs)\r\n\r\nGinyrerd Mixed Color Croc Bracelet Charms (10 pcs)\r\n\r\nRaymond Geddes Snack Attack 3D Scented Food Erasers (36-pack)\r\n\r\nMini Fidget Spinners Soccer Ball Toys (32 pcs)\r\n\r\nRaymond Geddes Balloon Eraser Animals (24-pack)\r\n\r\nURSKYTOUS Animal Erasers Desk Pets (35 pcs)\r\n\r\nJOYIN Slap Bracelets (60 pcs)\r\n\r\nThese fun, engaging items have not only motivated students but also encouraged creativity, collaboration, and positive behavior. They love earning and using these rewards, and it's incredible to see how much joy it brings to their learning experience.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly made a difference in our classroom, and we are so grateful for your support. Thank you for helping make learning fun and rewarding for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1755983959370,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-store-restock-for-the-new-year/9458877/","projectTitle":"Classroom Store Restock for the New Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Llewellyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp698562_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1502126948278","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-llewellyn"},{"teacherId":698562,"projectId":9458813,"letterContent":"Our students are using the new supplies daily to support learning across subjects. For example, they are writing and reflecting in their new 3-subject notebooks, using pencils and glue sticks for hands-on projects, and organizing their work with tabs, labels, and sheet protectors. A recent favorite moment was during a collaborative writing project where students used colored paper, markers, and stickers to create visually engaging reports. They were able to display their work using sheet protectors and present it to the class, which helped build pride and confidence in their learning.\r\n\r\nThe students were thrilled! They were especially excited about the colorful paper, fun stickers, and new markers, which immediately sparked creativity. Having high-quality supplies like the notebooks, pencils, and erasers made students feel valued and motivated to engage fully in their lessons.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue using these materials to deepen their learning. For instance, they will be creating science journals and project portfolios using the notebooks, sheet protectors, and labels. They will also use the markers, colored paper, and stickers to present information visually and share their understanding with peers. These materials allow for more creativity, organization, and student ownership of their work.","fullyFundedDate":1755983958851,"projectUrl":"project/math-supplies-for-a-successful-year/9458813/","projectTitle":"Math Supplies for a Successful Year","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Llewellyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp698562_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1502126948278","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-llewellyn"},{"teacherId":698562,"projectId":9176208,"letterContent":"The iPad has become one of the most used tools in our classroom. Each day, we use it to cast lessons and activities directly to our TV, allowing students to see examples and interact in real time. Students love coming up to the iPad to share their thinking, solve problems, and demonstrate their learning for the class.\r\n\r\nIt's also helped me move freely around the room while teaching—no longer tied to a single spot! With just a few taps, she can quickly access apps, videos, and tools that support deeper understanding and keep students engaged.\r\n\r\nThis technology has truly transformed the way we learn, share, and collaborate every day. Thank you for helping make this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1751120720636,"projectUrl":"project/ipad-for-classroom-instruction/9176208/","projectTitle":"iPad for Classroom Instruction","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Llewellyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp698562_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1502126948278","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-llewellyn"},{"teacherId":9745191,"projectId":9466979,"letterContent":"The materials you have helped provide to the classroom have been loved deeply by every student in the room. The whiteboards help students to solve their math problems without having to go through endless sheets of paper. The clipboards allow the students to use free seating around the room and still have a place to completing their assignments. It has made class time so organized and seamless. I cannot stress how grateful I am for the contribution you made to the classroom. The students and I appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1753896758205,"projectUrl":"project/updated-classroom-materials/9466979/","projectTitle":"Updated Classroom Materials.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lucas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9745191"},{"teacherId":9745191,"projectId":9144115,"letterContent":"These resources have been so beneficial in the classroom this year. The bookshelves hold all the books in our class library and make it so easy and convenient for students to browse the books and chose a book to read. The drawers are stationed at every table group in the classroom. They hold student supplies like clipboards, white boards and textbooks. The students love that they always know where to access all their needed materials for class and it makes clean up and transition time seamless. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your contribution to the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746785785395,"projectUrl":"project/updated-storage-for-the-classroom/9144115/","projectTitle":"Updated Storage for the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lucas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9745191"}],"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","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":76.6,"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"}