{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ballington Academy - Arts & Science","outOfStateSupporters":37.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":9915682,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosi\r\nty, our classroom is more organized, efficient, and student-friendly than ever. The pencil sharpener has reduced downtime and kept students focused on learning instead of waiting for supplies. The anchor chart holder has made it easier to display important learning visuals, giving students constant access to key strategies and concepts. The punch holders have helped us keep materials organized and ready to use, saving valuable instructional time.\r\n\r\nThese simple but powerful tools have improved our daily routines, supported student independence, and created a smoother, more productive learning environment. Your support truly makes a difference in our students' success—thank you for investing in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1769178345888,"projectUrl":"project/helping-little-learners-stay-organized-/9915682/","projectTitle":"Helping Little Learners Stay Organized & Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"},{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":9656770,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Yakker Tracker project! Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom environment and our students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nSince implementing the Yakker Trackers, students have become more aware of their voice levels and more responsible for maintaining a calm, focused learning space. The visual feedback helps them self-monitor their behavior, which has led to fewer disruptions, smoother transitions, and more productive class time.\r\n\r\nThese tools have also supported students in building important social-emotional skills such as self-regulation, teamwork, and respect for others. Students now take pride in keeping our classroom at an appropriate noise level and often remind one another to stay on task in a positive and collaborative way.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our classroom feels more structured, peaceful, and conducive to learning. Most importantly, students are able to focus more deeply, engage more meaningfully, and feel proud of the positive learning environment they help create every day.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping create a classroom where everyone can learn, grow, and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1758835293991,"projectUrl":"project/green-means-go-red-means-whoa-learning/9656770/","projectTitle":"Green Means Go, Red Means Whoa! Learning About Noise Levels","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"},{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":9106630,"letterContent":"This project will give students hands-on access to real-world tools that build problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills. With tools like drills and hammers, students will be able to design, build, and test their own projects, turning ideas into tangible creations.\r\n\r\nUsing authentic tools helps students develop practical life skills, confidence, and responsibility while reinforcing academic concepts in STEM, engineering, and teamwork. These experiences make learning more meaningful by showing students how classroom concepts connect to real-life applications.\r\n\r\nThis project will also promote collaboration, perseverance, and a growth mindset as students plan, build, troubleshoot, and improve their work. By providing safe, age-appropriate tools, I can create engaging, hands-on learning opportunities that inspire curiosity, innovation, and a love for learning.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these resources will expand opportunities for students who may not otherwise have access to hands-on building experiences, helping ensure equitable, enriching learning for all.","fullyFundedDate":1746785345514,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-tools/9106630/","projectTitle":"Hands-on Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"},{"teacherId":9903711,"projectId":9469321,"letterContent":"Early this year I set a goal for myself to improve on how my students would aquire phonetic knowledge in my lessons as well as create a way for my students to independently access the resources we use to build phonics. The idea was to aid in their development as independent readers and writers, so I asked for help with the presentation of the resources I have. Through your generous donation I was able to transform a generic wall resources into an interactive phonics display area.\r\n\r\nMy students now have the ability to walk up to our sound pattern wall and help themselves to explore the sounds that build the words they are attempting to write. It brings me such joy to see my students reach for a star wand (pointer stick) and point out sounds to assist their peers in finding the sound patterns they are looking for. Again, I humbly thank you for your very generous donation and your time for reading about my class and our development as early learners.","fullyFundedDate":1755571948566,"projectUrl":"project/frame-works-putting-learning-in-the-spo/9469321/","projectTitle":"Frame Works: Putting Learning in the Spotlight","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Perez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9903711_orig.jpg?crop=674,674,x368,y256&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740626630433","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cperezrm15"},{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":9109124,"letterContent":"I want to extend my sincerest thanks for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of you, our classroom received much-needed organizers—and the difference they've made has been incredible.\r\n\r\nWith these new organizers, our classroom has transformed into a more structured, efficient, and welcoming space. Students now know exactly where to find materials and supplies, which has helped maximize our learning time and minimize distractions. The improved organization has also helped students develop responsibility and independence, as they now take pride in keeping our space tidy and functional.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, having a clean and organized environment makes it easier to focus and feel calm throughout the day. It's amazing how something as simple as proper storage can have such a big impact on both learning and behavior.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and helping to create a space where students can thrive. Your kindness and support have made a lasting difference, and we are so grateful","fullyFundedDate":1746504611799,"projectUrl":"project/practice-makes-perfect/9109124/","projectTitle":"Practice Makes Perfect","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"},{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":9183531,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kind support of our classroom through DonorsChoose. Because of your generosity, we were able to welcome a very special tool into our learning space—the TattleTale phone—and it has made a huge difference in how my students express themselves and manage their emotions.\r\n\r\nThe TattleTale phone has become a favorite in our classroom! It gives students a safe and private outlet to share their thoughts, frustrations, or stories that may not need a teacher's immediate attention but still feel important to them. It has helped reduce unnecessary interruptions during instruction while still honoring students' need to be heard.\r\n\r\nWhat's been most amazing is seeing how this simple tool encourages emotional regulation, builds social-emotional skills, and gives students a sense of independence. Instead of feeling like their voices don't matter, they now know there's always a way to express themselves—even if it's just \"calling\" the TattleTale phone to get something off their chest.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible. Your support has helped create a calmer, more focused, and more respectful classroom environment where every child feels seen and valued. We are truly grateful for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1746785619534,"projectUrl":"project/tattle-tell-no-more/9183531/","projectTitle":"Tattle Tell No More","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"},{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":9100617,"letterContent":"I want to extend my sincerest thanks for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of you, our classroom received much-needed organizers—and the difference they've made has been incredible.\r\n\r\nWith these new organizers, our classroom has transformed into a more structured, efficient, and welcoming space. Students now know exactly where to find materials and supplies, which has helped maximize our learning time and minimize distractions. The improved organization has also helped students develop responsibility and independence, as they now take pride in keeping our space tidy and functional.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, having a clean and organized environment makes it easier to focus and feel calm throughout the day. It's amazing how something as simple as proper storage can have such a big impact on both learning and behavior.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and helping to create a space where students can thrive. Your kindness and support have made a lasting difference, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746785630569,"projectUrl":"project/organized-first-grade-class/9100617/","projectTitle":"Organized First Grade Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"},{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":9056390,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support of my DonorsChoose project. Because of your kindness and generosity, our classroom received a Cricut machine—and the impact has been nothing short of amazing.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the Cricut, my students have been able to bring their creativity to life in ways we never imagined possible. From designing personalized bookmarks and classroom decor to creating educational tools and collaborative art projects, the Cricut has opened a whole new world of hands-on learning and self-expression.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding moments was watching my students beam with pride as they used the Cricut to create custom projects tied to our lessons. It has helped boost their confidence, encourage collaboration, and foster a sense of ownership in our classroom environment. Even students who were hesitant to participate before are now excited to contribute and explore their creative sides.\r\n\r\nYour donation has done more than provide a machine—it has empowered young minds and made learning exciting and meaningful. Thank you for believing in our classroom and helping us grow in such an impactful way.","fullyFundedDate":1746785978235,"projectUrl":"project/get-1st-graders-excited-to-learn-get-us/9056390/","projectTitle":"Get 1st Graders Excited to Learn: Get Us a Cricut","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"},{"teacherId":9903711,"projectId":9115448,"letterContent":"I am pleased to announce that my vision for a safe and welcoming learning enviornment has come to fruition! Many years ago, I set out to explore how the concept of flexible seating can influence my learners to comfortably take ownership of their learning experience. I learned that students like to work in unconventional areas of the classroom and I needed to provide more optoins for them. I had some surf desks, but nowhere to safely store them. Now, through your contribution, I not only have a surf desk for each of my students, I also have somewhere to put them. The storage cart is durable and will serve its purpose for many years to come.\r\n Included in my order was a set of foam arrows to place on the floor to assist students to understand safe movement within our classroom as students may be occupying free space for learning thoughout my classroom. Your donation is helping me to teach my young first graders the importance of respecting the personal space of others as well as teaching them how to participate in a shared learning community. I could not have met this goal without you!","fullyFundedDate":1747134531645,"projectUrl":"project/safety-first-first-grade-safe-storage-p/9115448/","projectTitle":"Safety First! First Grade Safe Storage Plan","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Perez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9903711_orig.jpg?crop=674,674,x368,y256&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740626630433","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cperezrm15"},{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":9114340,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose. Thanks to your donation, we received brand-new surf desks and storage solutions—and the impact has been nothing short of transformative for my students.\r\n\r\nThe surf desks have quickly become a student favorite! They offer the flexibility for students to work comfortably in various areas around the classroom, whether they prefer sitting on the floor, spreading out during group work, or finding a quiet corner to focus independently. This new flexible seating option has helped increase student engagement, improve focus, and give students more ownership over their learning space.\r\n\r\nThe added storage has made a huge difference in keeping our learning environment organized and functional. Now, students can easily access and put away their surf desks, helping to maintain a calm and clutter-free space. It's taught them responsibility and has made transitions much smoother during our day.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided more than just classroom furniture—you've given my students the opportunity to learn in a way that supports their needs, learning styles, and independence. Thank you for making this possible and for believing in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1746785572055,"projectUrl":"project/surf-desk-and-storage/9114340/","projectTitle":"Surf Desk and Storage","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"},{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":9292658,"letterContent":"Thank you for taking the time to look over our project. We are so touched that you decided to fund our project. With this project you will be impacting two first grade classes a total of 40 students. \r\n\r\nOur students have been studying about astronomy for a few weeks now. This will be the culminating event of our astronomy study. Students will have a fun day filled with many activities. Students have been working on their own constellation and on this day they will present to their classmates and peers their constellations.","fullyFundedDate":1746495988529,"projectUrl":"project/space-camp/9292658/","projectTitle":"Space Camp","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"},{"teacherId":9903711,"projectId":9103372,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous donation of surf desks and a wobble chair to our classroom. These flexible seating tools have had a transformative impact on my student's ability to focus and engage in lessons. \r\n\r\nSince incorporating these resources, I've seen noticeable improvements in student participation, attention, and overall classroom morale. Students are more eager to contribute during discussions and can sustain focus for longer periods. Your thoughtful support has not only enhanced our learning environment, but it has also made my students feel seen and valued. Thank you again for investing in their success- you've made a lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1739558915361,"projectUrl":"project/sit-stand-or-surf/9103372/","projectTitle":"Sit, Stand, or Surf!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Perez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9903711_orig.jpg?crop=674,674,x368,y256&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740626630433","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cperezrm15"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_100468","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":251,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":92,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":62.1,"schoolId":100468,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ballington Academy - Arts & Science on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ballington Academy - Arts & Science","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/el-centro-elementary-school-district/ballington-academy-arts-sci/100468"}