{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ballenger Creek Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":698562,"projectId":10362380,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping bring our Tiny Target Classroom Economy to life! Because of your generosity, our classroom store is stocked with fun, high-interest rewards that our students are incredibly excited to earn.\r\n\r\nOur Tiny Target is so much more than a prize box. Students earn classroom currency through their hard work, responsibility, positive choices, and contributions to our classroom community. When it is time to shop, they have to decide whether they want to spend their money right away or save for something they really want. The variety of erasers, squishies, bookmarks, pens, highlighters, pencil sharpeners, and other fun rewards has made those decisions even more meaningful!\r\n\r\nThrough something as simple and exciting as shopping at Tiny Target, our fifth graders are practicing budgeting, saving, decision-making, delayed gratification, and financial responsibility. They are learning that their choices matter and that working toward a goal can be incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, Tiny Target has added another layer of excitement and ownership to our classroom community. Students love earning their Creek Cash, checking their savings, planning future purchases, and finally getting to shop for something they have worked toward.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping us turn financial literacy into a hands-on experience they can enjoy and understand. Your support has made Tiny Target a special part of our classroom, and we are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1785289926758,"projectUrl":"project/a-student-run-classroom-store-for-financ/10362380/","projectTitle":"A Student-Run Classroom Store for Financial Literacy & Leadership","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":10272464,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping us replace our broken classroom chair with a new, comfortable upholstered armchair! Your generosity has helped us continue creating the warm, welcoming, home-like classroom environment that we want our students to experience each day.\r\n\r\nOur students spend so much of their day at school, and I believe their classroom should be a place where they feel comfortable, safe, and excited to learn. The new chair has given students a cozy alternative to traditional classroom seating and has quickly become a favorite place to read, complete independent work, or simply settle in and focus.\r\n\r\nFlexible seating gives students opportunities to make choices about where they learn best. Having a comfortable armchair available may seem like a small thing, but it adds so much to the feeling of our classroom. Students love having a space that feels less like a traditional classroom and a little more like home.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, we were able to replace a chair that was broken and could no longer safely be used. Thanks to your support, our students once again have a comfortable and inviting place to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and helping us create a space where students feel like they belong. We are incredibly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1778110937161,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-corner-for-learning-replacing-ou/10272464/","projectTitle":"A Cozy Corner for Learning: Replacing Our Classroom Chair","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":10214711,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping bring our Tiny Target Classroom Store to life! Your generosity has made it possible for my students to experience a classroom economy that is fun, engaging, and full of real-world learning opportunities.\r\n\r\nOur new Creek Cash has quickly become an exciting part of our classroom. Students earn money throughout the week and are learning to make decisions about whether they want to spend their earnings or save for something they really want. The cardstock you provided allows us to create durable Creek Cash that we can collect, organize, and reuse throughout the year.\r\n\r\nThe cash box has also helped turn Tiny Target into a true student-run experience. Students are able to take on jobs as bankers and cashiers, giving them opportunities to count money, make change, organize the bank, communicate with their classmates, and take responsibility for an important classroom job. They are practicing math and financial literacy skills without even realizing how much learning is happening!\r\n\r\nOf course, the new Tiny Target merchandise has been a huge hit! The fun erasers, pencils, bookmarks, fidgets, squishies, and other prizes give students something exciting to work toward while also encouraging them to think carefully about how they use their Creek Cash.\r\n\r\nWhat I love most about this project is that it goes far beyond rewards. Students are practicing saving, spending, budgeting, responsibility, leadership, and decision-making in an authentic way. They are proud to earn their money, excited to run the store, and learning that sometimes saving for something you really want is worth the wait.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping me create experiences that make learning meaningful and memorable. Your support has made Tiny Target an exciting part of our classroom community, and we are incredibly grateful!\r\n\r\nWith appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1778103266468,"projectUrl":"project/mini-store-major-skills-the-tiny-targe/10214711/","projectTitle":"Mini Store, Major Skills: The Tiny Target Economy Project","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":1560891,"projectId":10241975,"letterContent":"The stools and yoga mats have improved the flexibility in our classroom. Their impact is evident each day—in how students move, focus, and engage with their learning.\r\n\r\nThe stools have created new opportunities for collaborative seating, allowing students to gather quickly for small‑group discussions, peer editing, or shared reading. They make transitions smoother and give students a sense of ownership over how they participate. \r\nThe yoga mats have added an extension to that flexibility. Students use them for independent reading, partner reading, and other tasks where sitting on the floor is compfortable for them. \r\nTogether, these donations have helped build a classroom environment that is more flexible, collaborative, and student‑centered. They have made our space feel like a place where students can choose how they learn best—whether that means gathering with peers or finding a quiet corner to think. Your generosity has had a real and lasting impact on our daily learning community.","fullyFundedDate":1778002569213,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seats-for-flexible-minds/10241975/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seats for Flexible Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Murray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1560891_orig.jpg?crop=2711,2711,x60,y211&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731445172686","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hmurray"},{"teacherId":9784681,"projectId":10156278,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in bringing a wonderful new collection of chapter books into our first-grade classroom! Moving from picture books to early chapter books is a huge milestone for young readers, and these books have brought so much excitement to our daily routine. Transitioning to chapter books allows us to teach important foundational reading skills: tracking character development over longer plot arcs, using context clues to decode multi-syllable words, and building reading stamina. My students are learning how to make predictions across chapter breaks and infer characters' motives—skills that lay the groundwork for a lifelong love of reading.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is an energetic, joyful, and focused time. Every day during independent and partner reading, you can find students spread out across our room—curled up on the rug, tucked into cozy corners, or reading side-by-side with a classmate. Holding a \"big kid\" chapter book gives them a tremendous sense of pride. They love using sticky notes to mark their favorite parts or write quick reactions to share during our wrap-up sharing time.\r\n\r\nThese new books have had an immediate impact, especially on my developing readers who were ready for a new challenge. Several students who previously struggled to stay engaged during independent reading now eagerly reach for these books the moment reading time starts. One student, who used to feel intimidated by longer text, recently came up to me with wide eyes after finishing their very first chapter book to ask, \"Can I read the next one in the series tomorrow?\" Seeing that spark of confidence and pride in six- and seven-year-olds is entirely thanks to your support.","fullyFundedDate":1773848539842,"projectUrl":"project/chapter-books/10156278/","projectTitle":"Chapter Books!","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":10359993,"projectId":10163829,"letterContent":"The DonorsChoose seat sacks have had a tremendous impact on my third-grade classroom by helping students stay organized, independent, and prepared for learning during small-group instruction. Each student has quick and easy access to the materials they need, allowing valuable instructional time to be spent learning rather than searching for supplies.\r\n\r\nThe seat sacks conveniently store students' math, reading, and writing materials, including notebooks, workbooks, pencils, and other classroom resources. Because everything is organized and within reach, students transition smoothly between subjects and small-group rotations with greater confidence and responsibility.\r\n\r\nThe seat sacks have been especially beneficial for two of my students with special needs. Having a designated place for their individualized routine materials, instructional strategies, visual supports, and sensory tools provides consistency and predictability throughout the school day. They know exactly where to find the resources they need to stay focused, self-regulate, and successfully participate in classroom activities. This structured system reduces anxiety during transitions, promotes independence, and helps them remain engaged in learning.\r\n\r\nOverall, the seat sacks have created a more organized, inclusive, and efficient classroom environment. By reducing clutter and ensuring every student has immediate access to their learning materials, these donations have strengthened classroom routines, increased student independence, and allowed all learners—including those with unique learning needs—to thrive academically and socially.","fullyFundedDate":1778269071484,"projectUrl":"project/seat-sacks-a-simple-solution-for-classr/10163829/","projectTitle":"Seat Sacks: A Simple Solution for Classroom Management","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":10359993,"projectId":10154500,"letterContent":"The donated animal research books and dictionaries had a meaningful impact on our third-grade classroom by giving students the resources they needed to become more independent readers, writers, and researchers.\r\n\r\nStudents used the donated animal research books to investigate an animal of their choice and learn how it survives in a harsh habitat. They gathered facts about the animal's adaptations, environment, food sources, and behaviors, then used this information to complete a research project and write informative pieces. Having access to a variety of engaging nonfiction texts increased student interest and encouraged deeper learning through inquiry.\r\n\r\nThe donated dictionaries also became an essential classroom resource. Students used them daily during our reading module to determine the meanings of unfamiliar vocabulary, strengthen their comprehension of complex texts, and expand their academic language. While researching and writing, students independently looked up the spelling, definitions, and correct usage of words, helping them build stronger vocabulary skills and improve the quality of their writing.\r\n\r\nThese donated materials supported literacy, research, and critical thinking while fostering student independence and confidence. By providing access to high-quality reference materials, the donations enriched classroom instruction and helped students develop skills that will benefit them across all subject areas.","fullyFundedDate":1775238300790,"projectUrl":"project/dictionaries-and-research-for-curious-th/10154500/","projectTitle":"Dictionaries and Research for Curious Third-Grade Minds","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":10222487,"projectId":10008144,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when our new classroom materials arrived! The birthday pencils, bracelets, and special birthday chair covers have already become a favorite in our classroom. Celebrating birthdays is such an important way to help students feel valued, and their faces light up when they get to enjoy these special birthday surprises.\r\n\r\nThe storage bins and bookshelf have helped us create a more organized and inviting learning environment. Students are able to easily access materials and books independently, which helps our classroom run more smoothly and encourages responsibility.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting additions was our large double-sided whiteboard. Students were eager to use it right away during math and literacy activities. They love having the opportunity to share their thinking, solve problems, and work together in a larger space. It has made our lessons more interactive and engaging.\r\n\r\nThe construction paper has already been put to great use in classroom projects, allowing students to be creative while demonstrating their learning. Seeing their excitement as they create and share their work has been wonderful.\r\n\r\nAs we finish the school year and prepare for future learning, these resources will continue to support hands-on activities, classroom organization, student celebrations, and collaborative learning opportunities. Thank you for helping create a classroom where students feel supported, engaged, and excited to learn each day. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in the lives of my second graders!","fullyFundedDate":1778109709492,"projectUrl":"project/everything-has-a-home-initiative/10008144/","projectTitle":"\"Everything Has a Home\" Initiative","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":3006124,"projectId":9981535,"letterContent":"The impact of 'Hear Our Voices' has been nothing short of magical. In 5th grade, students often begin to feel self-conscious, but this professional stage setup has created a safe, celebratory space for everyone. I have watched some of my quietest, most reserved students completely blossom when they step onto the \"stage\". It has leveled the playing field, ensuring that every student—regardless of their starting confidence level—has a platform to shine. Thank you for investing in their self-esteem and future.","fullyFundedDate":1770786955900,"projectUrl":"project/hear-our-voices-a-professional-stage-fo/9981535/","projectTitle":"Hear Our Voices: A Professional Stage for 5th Graders","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":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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_56112","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":731,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":57,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":26,"percentWhite":22,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":13,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.8:1","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"}