{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ballenger Creek Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":10359993,"projectId":9948500,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our 3rd grade classroom has been transformed in ways that go far beyond simply adding new technology. The Apple tablets you helped provide have become powerful tools for independence, collaboration, and deeper learning every single day.\r\n\r\nIndividually, students are now able to take ownership of their learning in ways that were not previously possible. During reading time, students access digital books at their personalized levels, use built-in tools such as highlighting and audio support, and complete comprehension activities independently. In math, they practice targeted skills through adaptive programs that adjust to their pace, giving immediate feedback and allowing them to correct mistakes on their own. This has built confidence, especially for students who may hesitate to ask for help. They can now try, revise, and succeed independently.\r\n\r\nThe tablets have also strengthened whole-group instruction. During lessons, students actively participate by responding to questions, completing quick checks for understanding, and collaborating on shared documents. We can analyze class responses in real time, allowing me to reteach or extend learning immediately. Engagement has increased dramatically—students are excited to contribute, and every voice is heard.\r\n\r\nIn writing, students draft, revise, and publish their work digitally. They use tools to check spelling and grammar, add illustrations, and share their writing with peers for feedback. This process has made them more invested in producing quality work. In science and social studies, students research topics, watch educational videos, and create presentations that demonstrate their understanding in creative ways.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the tablets have helped students build critical 21st-century skills such as responsibility, digital citizenship, collaboration, and problem-solving. They are learning how to use technology thoughtfully and productively—skills that will benefit them for years to come.\r\n\r\nYour support has empowered my students to become more independent learners while also strengthening our classroom community. The impact of your generosity is visible every day in their confidence, engagement, and academic growth.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their future.","fullyFundedDate":1766788564177,"projectUrl":"project/touch-explore-learn-making-our-classr/9948500/","projectTitle":"Touch, Explore, Learn: Making Our Classroom Interactive","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":9845020,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom! The Pokémon cards and stickers have been a wonderful addition to our prize bin and have been a great motivator for students who follow classroom rules. They have truly helped reduce behavior outbursts and allowed us to spend more time learning. \r\nWe are also so thankful for the ten-drawer cart. It has made a huge difference in helping us organize our supplies and keep everything easily accessible for students.\r\n\r\nThank you as well for the broom. It has been a great tool for keeping our classroom clean and for teaching students responsibility by cleaning up after their own messes.\r\n\r\nAnd thank you for everything else you donated—everything has been amazing and has truly helped transform my classroom into a space my students and I both love.","fullyFundedDate":1763567579639,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-positive-and-organized-classr/9845020/","projectTitle":"Building a Positive and Organized Classroom","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":1560891,"projectId":9398102,"letterContent":"On behalf of my fifth-grade students, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donation to our classroom. Your support has provided us with more than just supplies; you've given my students a professional-grade toolkit to explore their creativity, master new technology, and see their stories come to life.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, our classroom is now equipped with:\r\n\r\n*A Digital Camera: Allowing students to capture high-quality frames and learn the basics of photography and stop motion animation.\r\n*Animation Essentials: The clay, sculpting materials, and a comprehensive instructional manual that will turn our desks into a functioning animation studio.\r\n*Classroom Magazines and Books: Providing multiple copies of relevant text for all students allows us to have engaging materials in hand to provide variety and complexity at this level. \r\n\r\nFifth grade is a pivotal year for building confidence. By combining traditional art (clay sculpting) with modern technology (digital photography and stop-motion animation), my students are developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. They aren't just \"playing\" with clay—they are becoming directors, editors, and digital storytellers.\r\n\r\nYour kindness ensures that every student, regardless of their background, has access to the same high-quality resources and the opportunity to feel the pride of a finished \"big screen\" production.\r\n\r\nWe are genuinely excited to get started!\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and for believing in the potential of these young creators. You are making a tangible difference in their education by providing unique learning experiences that will last beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1764011486115,"projectUrl":"project/comprehension-through-claymation/9398102/","projectTitle":"Comprehension through Claymation","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":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"}],"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":76.8,"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"}