{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Calusa Park Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":37.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":549041,"projectId":9728653,"letterContent":"Students are in love with the books and for many different reasons! \r\n\r\nStudents reading The Wednesday Wars\r\nThese students are thrilled to see Holling again after studying Okay for Now earlier in the year. They were delighted to meet Doug in a new context and loved discovering the crossover between the two novels. They're deeply attached to these characters.\r\n\r\nStudents reading Once Upon a Marigold\r\nThis group is captivated by the book's magical world. The fantasy elements, quirky humor, and fairy‑tale twists have them eager to keep turning pages.\r\n\r\nStudents preparing for Fish in a Tree\r\nWe're saving this novel for our end‑of‑year study as the class prepares for middle school. Students know it has themes about believing in yourself and embracing differences, and they're genuinely excited for it.\r\n\r\nStudents reading Granny Torrelli Makes Soup\r\nThese readers have already enjoyed Walk Two Moons, so they love recognizing Creech's writing style and comparing the relationships, tone, and themes across the novels.\r\n\r\nStudents reading The Watsons Go to Birmingham\r\nThis is a Florida state novel study, and I'm personally looking forward to teaching it with fresh, less‑worn copies. Students are already curious about the history behind the story and eager to dive in.\r\n\r\nAnd Hoot is flying off the shelf as students are reading this book without even an assignment. \r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is engaging, lively, and student-driven. It is often the quietest, most focused part of the day—not because students are told to be silent, but because they are genuinely absorbed in what they're reading.\r\n\r\nIn fact, I often have to ask students to put their books away so we can move on to other subjects! They beg for \"just one more chapter,\" which is a wonderful problem to have.\r\n\r\nStudents read with purpose: annotating, discussing, predicting, and making connections. Small‑group conversations are thoughtful and often animated as students debate character choices or share theories.\r\n\r\nWe have a community of readers who love books, and it shows. Overall, these books help students become thoughtful, independent readers and we cannot thank you enough.","fullyFundedDate":1769056103158,"projectUrl":"project/lit-circles-where-stories-shape-scholar/9728653/","projectTitle":"Lit Circles: Where Stories Shape Scholars","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McLaughlin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp549041_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752931052896","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/549041"},{"teacherId":10176559,"projectId":9631380,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our Black Bear Book Buddies Book Nook. Your kindness has provided the students with a cozy and welcoming space that truly invites them to read, learn, and grow.\r\nThe new rug, floor cushions, and bookshelf have completely transformed our classroom. Students love gathering on the rug for read-alouds, choosing a comfy cushion while they explore new books, and independently selecting stories from our organized bookshelf. This space has quickly become a favorite spot where literacy, imagination, and a love of reading come to life every day.\r\nYour support has gone beyond just providing materials; you have helped provide an inviting space where students of varied abilities can come together and interact in a positive and welcoming environment. Thank you again for your generous support!","fullyFundedDate":1760739767481,"projectUrl":"project/black-bear-buddies-book-nook/9631380/","projectTitle":"Black Bear Buddies Book Nook","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Adam","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10176559"},{"teacherId":10108135,"projectId":9527721,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my project. With these materials my math block has truly come alive! \r\n\r\nThe chart pads have allowed my students to not only collaborate with one another but have also strengthen math talk, increased student coaching, and improved scores. Students recently worked together to solve a division problem. They took turns solving the problem (each using a different colored marker) on the pad. While doing so they guided each other through the work. This helped reinforce understanding and cleared misconceptions. \r\n\r\nThe desk pads and stools has given my class an atmosphere where students are comfortable taking risks, enjoy working on math, and are more engaged. The freedom of choosing their seats is met with smiles and increased attention.","fullyFundedDate":1758207602998,"projectUrl":"project/from-rows-to-flow-making-math-visible/9527721/","projectTitle":"From Rows to Flow: Making Math Visible","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10108135_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754142611575","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10108135"},{"teacherId":9702535,"projectId":9484530,"letterContent":"Thank you for providing inspirational, fun, and educational books for my classroom. I am able to put books in the hands of students that represent real people and situations. Sometimes students feel as if their backgrounds do not allow them to dream. They are learning that everyone has a story or can have tough situations to overcome. \r\n\r\nTeaching in a Title 1 school does mean that some students have very little at home. The appreciation on the faces with all of the new books was just so sweet to witness. I unpacked the boxes with them. We also had a \"book tasting\" in which the students where able to look at all of the books to decide which books they wanted to read next. The students were so very excited!\r\n\r\nMy students are about to go on to their next exciting chapter in their lives...MIDDLE SCHOOL! As we end their elementary years together, they will continue to work collaboratively on author projects and studies. I love that they have a huge variety of quality books and literature to choose from. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your thoughtful and generous contributions to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1755698221098,"projectUrl":"project/enhanced-and-inspirational-classroom-lib/9484530/","projectTitle":"Enhanced and Inspirational Classroom Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Waxman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9702535_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726672891345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9702535"},{"teacherId":9702535,"projectId":9471886,"letterContent":"Some students are genuinely hungry because they do not have enough food at home. We do provide healthy meals at school, but as you know, children have bottomless stomachs. They also enjoy trying things that they do not have access to at home, such as popcorn, pretzels, and other healthy treats. Teaching in a Title 1 school does mean that some students have very little at home. There is definitely a way to get to the hearts of students...and that is through their stomachs! \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous donations to my classroom. I am just completely in awe with gratitude that you would sponsor our classroom. My students and I thank truly thank you from the bottom of our hearts!\r\n\r\n\r\nThank you again for your thoughtful and generous contributions to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1753106909854,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-for-learning/9471886/","projectTitle":"Fuel For Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Waxman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9702535_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726672891345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9702535"},{"teacherId":9702535,"projectId":9491941,"letterContent":"As an educator, with specialization in reading and learning disabilities, I love to provide my students with a huge selection of quality books to read. I have the range of readers between struggling, newly learning English, and readers that read at a high level. I need many choices to cover the individual learning needs of my students. Many of my students do not have books at home. Most of my students do not have access to the public library. We do have a wonderful school library, but since the entire student population uses those books, there is a limit on how many books can be checked out. \r\n\r\nI especially love these books that you helped provide because of the non-fiction nature of the books. Many students only like to read fiction, or stories. But, these new books are providing quality books that teach them about real places, people, or historical locations. \r\n\r\nIn addition, my students do a huge research project in which they will use one of the non-fiction books to complete a project board, PowerPoint, or other creative outlet to showcase their learning. \r\n\r\nWhether it was a personal donation, corporation, or foundation that provided these books and resources, thank you for your generosity and outpouring of gifts. Every gift is truly appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1758835163424,"projectUrl":"project/real-people-places-and-traditions-ign/9491941/","projectTitle":"Real People, Places, and Traditions: Igniting Enthusiasm For Non-Fiction Books","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Waxman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9702535_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726672891345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9702535"},{"teacherId":9702535,"projectId":9456673,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in purchasing graphic novels for my classroom. Whether it was you personally, your corporation, or your foundation, we truly appreciate every gift. Thank you for helping me instill a lifelong love of reading in my precious students. \r\n\r\nSome of my students do not have any books at home, due to financial constraints. \r\n\r\nThey are very excited to have such a plethora of books to choose from, right inside the classroom. \r\n\r\nMany of my students are learning English and really enjoy having the ability to read books at their level. In addition, my students with a higher reading level also enjoy the variety.","fullyFundedDate":1752710554635,"projectUrl":"project/graphic-novels-read-all-about-it/9456673/","projectTitle":"Graphic Novels: Read All About It!!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Waxman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9702535_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726672891345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9702535"},{"teacherId":9702535,"projectId":9484491,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in purchasing quality literature for my classroom. Whether it was you personally, your corporation, or your foundation, we truly appreciate every gift. Thank you for helping me instill a lifelong love of reading in my precious students. \r\n\r\nSome of my students do not have any books at home, due to financial constraints. They are very excited to have such a plethora of books to choose from, right inside the classroom. \r\n\r\nMany of my students are learning English and really enjoy having the ability to read books at their level. In addition, my students with a higher reading level also enjoy the variety.","fullyFundedDate":1754069049925,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-library-refresh/9484491/","projectTitle":"Classroom Library Refresh!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Waxman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9702535_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726672891345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9702535"},{"teacherId":1696365,"projectId":9640931,"letterContent":"Your support has made a remarkable difference in my classroom. With the generous contributions I received, I was able to purchase a wide range of engaging, high-quality books for independent reading. These new titles have transformed our classroom library into a place where students are excited to explore stories, discover new interests, and build confidence as readers. The variety of books ensures that every student, regardless of reading level or personal preference can find something that sparks their curiosity and keeps them motivated to read.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, independent reading time has become one of the most meaningful parts of our day. Students now have access to books that challenge them, inspire them, and reflect their diverse backgrounds and experiences. I've watched reluctant readers become eager participants, and strong readers push themselves with new genres and authors. The impact is clear: having the right books within reach helps students grow not only as readers, but as thinkers and learners. None of this would have been possible without your kindness and generosity. Thank you so much for donating to my classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1756772486103,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-library/9640931/","projectTitle":"Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1696365"},{"teacherId":10176559,"projectId":9594384,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of the Black Bear Zen Den! We are truly grateful for your donation, which has enabled us to purchase sensory tools such as breathing pal lamps, sensory widget boards, and tactile fidgets. The calming glow of the lamps has created a warm and peaceful environment that helps reduce anxiety and encourages children to work in a relaxing manner when they feel overwhelmed.\r\nStudents have begun to collaborate on projects in the room. The sensory sand and light table has become a favorite in the classroom. It has been a joy to witness the spontaneous language development among students who have limited expressive language skills. This tool has also allowed students to practice their academic skills using strategies taught in class for sorting, classifying, and adding! The cooperation and teamwork that we have seen develop is truly inspiring.\r\nThe sensory supports and calming space have helped students feel more comfortable, confident, and excited about learning. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on these students, and we are truly thankful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1755357597185,"projectUrl":"project/black-bear-zen-den/9594384/","projectTitle":"Black Bear Zen Den","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Adam","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10176559"},{"teacherId":9697223,"projectId":9577833,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contribution to our classroom. We are beyond grateful for the books and the seat sacks. When our materials arrived, my students were so excited! They couldn't wait to explore all the new books and start checking them out from our classroom library. The Captain Underpants and Who Was...? series have been especially popular—students are always eager to grab the next one. Now, at any free moment, you can find them reading with enthusiasm.\r\nThe new seat sacks have also completely transformed our classroom routine. With their materials neatly organized and within arm's reach, students no longer have to search through desks or run across the room for supplies. Our days feel calmer, more organized, and more focused on learning.\r\nI am incredibly grateful for these donations. They've not only brought excitement and organization to our classroom, but they've also helped foster a true love of reading. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in my students' daily learning experience!","fullyFundedDate":1756835964431,"projectUrl":"project/take-a-seat-for-learning/9577833/","projectTitle":"Take a Seat for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reisch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9697223_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y136&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724289345846","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9697223"},{"teacherId":10108262,"projectId":9527883,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of seat sacks to our classroom! These seat sacks have quickly become an essential part of our daily routine, especially during language arts instruction. Each student now has a personal space to store their reading books, writing journals, and other materials, which has helped us stay organized and maximize our learning time. The excitement on their faces when they first saw the seat sacks was priceless—they were thrilled to have their own storage space and immediately began arranging their supplies.\r\n\r\nWith the seat sacks in place, transitions between activities have become smoother and more efficient. Students are able to access their materials quickly, which allows us to dive deeper into our reading and writing projects without delay. Currently, we are working on a narrative writing unit, and the seat sacks have helped students keep track of their drafts, graphic organizers, and mentor texts. Our next steps include peer editing and publishing, and thanks to your support, our classroom is better equipped to support these learning goals. We are so grateful for your contribution!","fullyFundedDate":1754501276945,"projectUrl":"project/seat-sacks-sort-our-stuff/9527883/","projectTitle":"Seat Sacks Sort Our Stuff!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Turnbull","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10108262"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_71450","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":670,"numTeachers":50,"percentFrplEligible":94,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":22,"percentWhite":17,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":54,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.4,"schoolId":71450,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Calusa Park Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Calusa Park Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/collier-county-public-schools/calusa-park-elm-school/71450"}