{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ballenger Creek Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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/272x272/tp698562_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1502126948278","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-llewellyn"},{"teacherId":9745191,"projectId":9943059,"letterContent":"This contribution to my classroom has been amazing for my students and myself. \r\n\r\nThe students deffinetely missed the yoga mats being in the room. The look on their faces when they came in and saw we had gotten new ones so they could have a comfy place to move around the room, they were all very excited. \r\n\r\nThe tennis balls on the bottom of the chairs has kept our floors so clean from not be scuffed by the constant moving of seats, as well as cut down noise in general from the chairs moving. The students and I have greatly appriciated the new additions to the room.","fullyFundedDate":1767232998105,"projectUrl":"project/replacing-thrown-out-items/9943059/","projectTitle":"Replacing Thrown Out Items","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lucas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9745191"},{"teacherId":698562,"projectId":10087951,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom is filled with excitement, confidence, and opportunity. Your support of our Tiny Target classroom store project is making a meaningful difference in the daily lives of my students.\r\n\r\nMy students are curious, creative problem-solvers who thrive on hands-on math and science learning. In our classroom, we focus not only on academic growth, but also on building confidence, responsibility, and independence. Thanks to you, we are able to continue strengthening all of these skills in engaging and practical ways.\r\n\r\nWith the new Ticonderoga pencils, pastel packs, fun erasers, and colorful pens, students are fully equipped for math problem-solving, science journals, lab reflections, and model sketching. Having reliable, high-quality supplies means less time worrying about broken pencils and more time focused on learning.\r\n\r\nThe electric pencil sharpeners and portable stapler are already helping our classroom run more smoothly. Students can quickly prepare their materials and stay organized, which keeps our lessons flowing and maximizes instructional time.\r\n\r\nMost exciting of all, our Tiny Target classroom store is thriving! Students earn classroom \"money\" by demonstrating positive choices, teamwork, and academic effort. They practice real-world financial literacy skills like saving and budgeting as they choose rewards such as colorful pens, special erasers, and other fun supplies. Your donation keeps our store stocked and gives students meaningful incentives to work toward their goals.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is doing more than providing supplies — it is building confidence, encouraging responsibility, and empowering students to take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our young scholars and helping them shine brighter every day.","fullyFundedDate":1771018655046,"projectUrl":"project/making-math-visible-hands-on-tools-for/10087951/","projectTitle":"Making Math Visible: Hands-On Tools for Thinking, Solving, and Explaining","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":10359993,"projectId":9918758,"letterContent":"I want to personally thank you for your generous donation of headphones, an electric pencil sharpener, and drawing tablets to our classroom. What may seem like simple tools have made a powerful difference in both teaching and learning.\r\n\r\nThe headphones have transformed how students engage with lessons. They allow for focused, individualized learning without distractions. Students can listen to audiobooks, instructional videos, and digital lessons at their own pace. For some of my learners—especially those who need extra support with reading or language development—this has been a game changer. The classroom is now calmer, more productive, and more inclusive because each student can fully concentrate.The electric pencil sharpener may sound small, but it has saved valuable instructional time every single day. No more long lines or broken handheld sharpeners. Transitions are smoother, and we can focus on learning instead of interruptions. It has helped create a more efficient and less stressful environment for everyone.\r\nThe drawing tablets have opened up an entirely new world of creativity and engagement. Students are excited to complete assignments digitally, illustrate their ideas, and explore interactive learning tools. I am able to provide more dynamic instruction, incorporate visual learning strategies, and give real-time feedback. The tablets have increased participation, motivation, and confidence—especially for students who express themselves best through art and design.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students have access to tools that support diverse learning styles and help me teach more effectively. You have directly impacted their daily experience in the classroom, and for that, we are deeply grateful.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students' growth.","fullyFundedDate":1764708663815,"projectUrl":"project/quiet-focus-organized-spaces-learnin/9918758/","projectTitle":"Quiet Focus + Organized Spaces = Learning Magic!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jansen van Vuuren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10359993"}],"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":76.3,"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"}