{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Cass Lake - Bena Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":44.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9027023,"projectId":10151572,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Big Learning in Small Books: Picture Books for 4th Graders. Because of your generosity, our classroom now has access to engaging picture books that are making a meaningful difference in how our students learn.\r\n\r\nThese books have been especially impactful for our struggling readers. The combination of rich illustrations and accessible text helps build confidence, improve comprehension, and make reading feel less overwhelming. At the same time, the stories still offer deep themes and important lessons that challenge all learners to think critically.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these picture books have made learning more engaging and enjoyable. Students are excited to read, participate more in discussions, and connect with stories in new ways. What may seem like \"small books\" are truly creating big learning moments every day.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your support and for helping us create a classroom where every student can feel successful, included, and inspired to read. Thank you for making such a positive impact!","fullyFundedDate":1773862325909,"projectUrl":"project/big-learning-in-small-books-picture-boo/10151572/","projectTitle":"Big Learning in Small Books: Picture Books for 4th Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McGhghy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9027023_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759492320313","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mcghghy"},{"teacherId":9027023,"projectId":10160944,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Falling Up Into Reading: Building Joy with Poetry. Because of your generosity, our classroom is now filled with a wonderful assortment of poetry books that are already inspiring curiosity, creativity, and a love of reading.\r\n\r\nPoetry has opened the door for students to explore language in new and exciting ways. With these new options, they are discovering poems that make them laugh, think deeply, and see the world from different perspectives. Many of my students are even feeling inspired to write and share their own poems, building both confidence and a sense of voice.\r\n\r\nYour support is helping create meaningful reading experiences that go beyond traditional texts and truly spark joy in learning. We are so grateful for your kindness and for helping us grow as readers, writers, and thinkers.\r\n\r\nThank you for making such a lasting impact in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1773881356817,"projectUrl":"project/falling-up-into-reading-building-joy-wi/10160944/","projectTitle":"Falling Up Into Reading: Building Joy with Poetry","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McGhghy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9027023_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759492320313","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mcghghy"},{"teacherId":9027023,"projectId":10164261,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Honoring Stories, Building Readers: Culturally Relevant Books for Our Classroom. Because of your generosity, our students now have access to books that reflect their identities, experiences, and the diverse world around them.\r\n\r\nThese books are more than just stories, they are mirrors that help students see themselves and windows that allow them to understand others. With these new additions to our classroom library, students are already more engaged, excited to read, and eager to share their thoughts and connections.\r\n\r\nYour support is helping build confident readers while also fostering empathy, respect, and a deeper appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. This impact will reach far beyond our classroom and stay with students for years to come.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your kindness and belief in our students. Thank you for helping us create a more inclusive, meaningful, and inspiring learning environment!","fullyFundedDate":1774398148794,"projectUrl":"project/honoring-stories-building-readers-cult/10164261/","projectTitle":"Honoring Stories, Building Readers: Culturally Relevant Books for Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McGhghy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9027023_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759492320313","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mcghghy"},{"teacherId":9751232,"projectId":10175117,"letterContent":"Your generosity will help transform our classroom through the Less Mess: More Success project. Because of your support, next year's students will have an organized, structured learning environment where supplies and materials are easily accessible and ready to use. What may seem like simple organizational tools will make a powerful difference in our daily routines.\r\n\r\nThe clear drawers, hanging storage bags, cable labels, and labeling system will help create a calm and efficient classroom space. Students will be able to quickly find materials, return items independently, and transition smoothly between activities with less disruption. We will spend less time searching for supplies or untangling cords and more time focused on meaningful learning.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these resources will help students build independence, responsibility, and confidence. A well-organized classroom will allow students to feel successful and ready to learn each day. Thank you for supporting my future students and helping create a space where they will truly thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1776816990758,"projectUrl":"project/less-mess-more-success/10175117/","projectTitle":"Less Mess, More Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zuehlke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9751232_orig.png?crop=137,137,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773234967787","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9751232"},{"teacherId":9751232,"projectId":10083690,"letterContent":"Your generosity has helped turn curiosity into discovery for my students through our project, From Dirt to Drops: Exploring Our Awesome Earth. Because of your support, my classroom now has engaging science books and colorful posters that bring important earth and life science concepts to life. Topics like ecosystems, natural resources, the water cycle, the rock cycle, and Earth's physical properties are now more meaningful, accessible, and exciting for students to explore.\r\n\r\nThese resources are already making a difference each day. Students use the books during independent reading, small-group learning, and research activities, while the posters serve as visual reminders that strengthen vocabulary and understanding during lessons and discussions. Concepts that once felt abstract are now easier to see, understand, and connect to the real world around them.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your kindness is helping nurture curiosity, thoughtful questions, and a deeper appreciation for science and environmental responsibility. Thank you for investing in my students and helping them grow into informed, inquisitive learners.","fullyFundedDate":1776116450923,"projectUrl":"project/from-dirt-to-drops-exploring-our-awesom/10083690/","projectTitle":"From Dirt to Drops: Exploring Our Awesome Earth","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zuehlke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9751232_orig.png?crop=137,137,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773234967787","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9751232"},{"teacherId":6171900,"projectId":10132044,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for partnering with me to provide an engineering experience to my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders. Building with K'NEX is going to put my students on a path towards a fundamental understanding of STEAM/STEM engineering processes.\r\n\r\nBuilding with K'NEX supports key areas of a child's developmental growth. As they click the different parts together and discover how the building system works, they're strengthening hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, spatial awareness and exercising their imagination!\r\n\r\nThese materials will be used by hundreds of students in the years to come. Your generosity is so appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1776116451436,"projectUrl":"project/power-and-play-with-knex/10132044/","projectTitle":"Power and Play With K'nex","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Raddatz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6171900_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595049588152","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6171900"},{"teacherId":3691373,"projectId":9822059,"letterContent":"Thank you for the generous donation of hats and mittens. The students were so excited to see that they had choices for both hats, mittens, and gloves. The colored hats were a big hit since the students were able to show their individuality in their styling choices. As we started to use them on a regular basis, the students found comfort in the warmth they were given when we were tasked to being outdoors during the colder climate. The wind was especially difficult for some to deal with, but because of the hats, mittens, and gloves it made it more tolerable. We can't thank you enough for the impact these materials have had on my class feeling cared for.","fullyFundedDate":1769450782692,"projectUrl":"project/hats-and-mittens/9822059/","projectTitle":"Hats and Mittens","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stalboerger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3691373_orig.jpg?crop=2432,2432,x0,y689&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666331207098","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bridget"},{"teacherId":8213011,"projectId":9997969,"letterContent":"While you may be enjoying the California sunshine, your generosity has brought a much-needed heatwave to our classroom at Cass Lake-Bena Elementary! Up here in Northern Minnesota, the sub-zero temperatures are no joke, but thanks to you, my second graders are now ready to brave the frost!\r\n\r\nWhen the box arrived, the room erupted! There were cheers, \"ooohs,\" and \"aaahhs\" as I pulled out the hats, gloves, mittens, and lip balms. One student squealed in disbelief, \"You mean we get to pick out our own?!\"\r\n\r\nThe excitement was palpable. One little boy sat with his fingers tightly crossed, whispering to himself, \"Please don't take mine, please don't take mine,\" as he watched his classmates choose, hoping his favorite hat would still be there when his turn came. Another spent a good minute or two in deep thought, carefully \"calculating the risk\" of which lip balm flavor was the most popular and which one he should grab first to ensure he got his top choice. \r\n\r\nBeyond the excitement, these items provide a critical foundation for our school day. Research has shown that when students are physically warm and comfortable, they can focus better on their lessons and participate more fully in classroom activities. By ensuring every child has their own high-quality gear, you've removed a major distraction and helped my students feel confident and prepared.\r\n\r\nEvery time my students head out to recess, put on their hats and gloves, they will be protected from the harsh Minnesota winter because of your kindness from California. You have made our classroom a warmer, happier place to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1769458120060,"projectUrl":"project/warm-winter-weather-wear-for-mn-recess/9997969/","projectTitle":"Warm Winter Weather Wear for MN Recess","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Johnsrud","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8213011_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638333065884","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/erica-johnsrud"},{"teacherId":7129187,"projectId":10151285,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping to update our brain-based play choices for days when we have free choice and/or indoor recess! The 2nd graders have been having fun playing UNO and learning new card games with their friends. The magnetic tiles have been a huge hit and sparking their imaginations as their original ideas evolve into something new before their eyes! Games such as these help young kids problem-solve, communicate, and build lasting friendships. Thanks again for this wonderful opportunity- we feel very fortunate to have people like you supporting our classrooms.","fullyFundedDate":1776116452104,"projectUrl":"project/brain-based-play-building-friendships/10151285/","projectTitle":"Brain-Based Play; Building Friendships","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Alger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7129187_orig.jpg?crop=2308,2308,x0,y177&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758421643876","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7129187"},{"teacherId":9751232,"projectId":10145129,"letterContent":"Because of your generous support of our project, Where the Sidewalk Ends... Poetry Begins! Poetry has truly come alive in our classroom. The impact on my students has been incredible.\r\n\r\nWith these new poetry collections, students are building essential literacy skills in an engaging and meaningful way. They are learning to recognize rhythm and rhyme, understand figurative language, and think more deeply about an author's word choices. These texts also help strengthen reading fluency as students practice reading with expression, pacing, and confidence.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is active, joyful, and collaborative. Students read poems aloud, perform for their classmates, and discuss what makes each poem unique, whether it's humor, surprise, or an interesting use of language. We explore poetry together as a whole class, in small groups, and independently, creating a space where students feel comfortable revisiting favorites and sharing their thoughts.\r\n\r\nThese books have made a noticeable difference for many students. Some of my more reluctant readers are now eager to participate because the poems feel approachable and fun. Students who enjoy performing have embraced opportunities to read aloud with enthusiasm, while quieter students are finding their voice through both reading and writing poetry. It has been especially exciting to see students take creative risks and proudly share their own poems inspired by what they've read.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only strengthened their reading and writing skills but has also helped them see poetry as something joyful, creative, and accessible. Thank you for bringing laughter, confidence, and a love of learning into our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1773842103303,"projectUrl":"project/where-the-sidewalk-endspoetry-begins/10145129/","projectTitle":"Where the Sidewalk Ends…Poetry Begins!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zuehlke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9751232_orig.png?crop=137,137,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773234967787","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9751232"},{"teacherId":6171900,"projectId":10156531,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting literacy in my STEM classroom. The books you purchase for my students will allow me to do many creative and engaging lessons. I will be using the fairy tale books as spring boards for engineering activities found on the Carly and Adam Elementary STEM web site. I will be doing a series of lessons on insects that will be paired with my insect book. The books written by Kobi Yamada will be used across grade levels to encourage creativity, to teach grit, and to help build stamina. Your gift will be shared with hundreds of students this year and in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1773841552474,"projectUrl":"project/books-and-blocks/10156531/","projectTitle":"Books and Blocks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Raddatz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6171900_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595049588152","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6171900"},{"teacherId":8489579,"projectId":9825002,"letterContent":"What a wonderful gift we have been given. The puppets have been a wonderful addition to our classroom. \r\n The students have spent time using the puppets to build their own confidence. They have done some acting with them. We will soon have the puppets singing which while enhance their musical confidence. \r\n We are excited to use our puppet theater with our puppets. What a fun addition to our classroom. \r\n We are so very thankful for generous donors who make our classroom a fun place to be. We are able to explore and create in a hands on setting. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1767240595141,"projectUrl":"project/music-and-drama-fun/9825002/","projectTitle":"Music and Drama fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Durant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8489579"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_74404","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":450,"numTeachers":44,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":98,"percentLatinx":0,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"10.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":55.1,"schoolId":74404,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Cass Lake - Bena Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Cass Lake - Bena Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/cass-lake-bena-public-schools/cass-lake-bena-elementary-school/74404"}