{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Chaires Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":24.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10340528,"projectId":10260069,"letterContent":"My students have been so excited to use our new classroom resources! The writing journals have quickly become one of their favorite materials because they give students a special place to see their writing grow. We have been using them during our writing lessons to practice putting our ideas on paper, stretching out words, and adding details to our pictures and sentences. The Expo markers have also been a huge hit! My students use them daily for hands-on practice, and I love that they allow us to practice skills without the pressure of making every attempt permanent. The snacks have been especially helpful in keeping little learners focused and ready to learn throughout our busy school day.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, they were immediately curious and excited. They were especially eager to look through their new journals and start writing in them. One of my favorite moments was watching students proudly show me their pages and tell me about what they had written or drawn. It was a great reminder that having materials that feel like they are truly \"theirs\" can make students more excited to participate and take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nRight now, we are continuing to build our writing stamina and confidence. Our next steps are to move from simple pictures and labels toward writing complete sentences with details. Students will continue using their journals to record their ideas, practice new writing skills, and reflect on their learning. With these new resources, we are creating a classroom where students can practice, make mistakes, try again, and celebrate their progress along the way.","fullyFundedDate":1780320697909,"projectUrl":"project/end-of-year-refresh/10260069/","projectTitle":"End of Year Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Knox","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10340528_orig.jpg?crop=2480,2480,x2060,y720&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763569332482","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10340528"},{"teacherId":10340528,"projectId":10054487,"letterContent":"My students have been especially excited to use the new manipulatives during math. They love that they get to use something that feels like a toy, while I love that the materials give them a concrete way to see and understand what they are learning. One of my favorite moments is watching a student who is struggling with a math concept begin to understand it after using the manipulatives to model the problem. It is so rewarding to see that \"aha!\" moment happen.\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, they were immediately excited to explore them. The vibrant seat pouches have also been a wonderful addition to our classroom. My students love the bright colors, and I love that they make it easy for them to quickly identify their seats. It is a small thing, but it has made our classroom feel more organized while still being fun and inviting.\r\nAs we continue through the year, I am looking forward to using these resources to support our math lessons and give students more opportunities to learn through hands-on experiences. I want to continue helping them build their understanding of math in ways that feel meaningful and engaging. The next step is to keep finding ways to make learning feel like something they get to do, rather than something they simply have to do.","fullyFundedDate":1776098939533,"projectUrl":"project/magic-manipulatives/10054487/","projectTitle":"Magic Manipulatives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Knox","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10340528_orig.jpg?crop=2480,2480,x2060,y720&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763569332482","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10340528"},{"teacherId":4593240,"projectId":2667971,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the white board tables. The students looked at me in shock when I told them they could write on the table. It is so much easier to run small group interventions when the kids have one less material ( a personal whiteboard) to bring to the table. \r\nThe students can write words and phonics skills on the table and erase whenever needed as they figure it out. \r\nWe have worked out math problems and I can see everyone's work easily. I have become a pro and writing and reading upside down, ha! \r\nThank you again for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1501753883681,"projectUrl":"project/write-and-wipe-engagement/2667971/","projectTitle":"Write and Wipe Engagement!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wheeler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4593240_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1501475671412","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4593240"},{"teacherId":4293282,"projectId":10220094,"letterContent":"We are so fortunate to have generous donors willing to help our classroom.\r\nWrite on-wipe off sleeves and laminating sheets provide repeated practice my little learners need. We use them to practice writing letters, numbers and our name since many require practice for legible writing. These items need lots of erasing and cleaning so the extra erasers and wipes come in handy. The sleeves and laminating sheets also help reduce the number of copies I must make which I especially like.\r\nOne would think the students are eating or hiding pencils, dry erase markers and glue sticks as many as we use! I am forever looking to restock these items we use daily. Of course, pencils are used on all reading and math worksheets and workbooks daily. We also conduct daily UFLI lessons to learn phonics-letters and their sounds. For those, we use our whiteboards, markers and erasers daily to write the letter sound we hear. This is a big part of our daily reading lessons all year and makes these supplies an important component of learning.\r\nWe wipe supplies, desks and chairs weekly so Lysol and whiteboard wipes are another constantly replenished item. The whiteboard wipes keep our whiteboards ready for practice any time we use the boards and practically brand new. Lysol wipes ensure we have a cleaner, healthier classroom.\r\nWithout help from donors like you, I wouldn't be able to provide the healthy and engaged environment I strive for. THANK YOU for your generous donation towards our classroom needs. I am so grateful for your generosity, support, and investment in our young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1777411254938,"projectUrl":"project/caring-for-kinders/10220094/","projectTitle":"Caring for Kinders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Overstreet","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4293282_orig.jpg?crop=1136,1136,x39,y43&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659808971651","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4293282"},{"teacherId":6499289,"projectId":10292721,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students have had the opportunity to engage with new books that have brought excitement and curiosity into our classroom. These texts have helped us build important literacy skills such as making predictions, identifying story elements, expanding vocabulary, and making meaningful connections between what we read and our own experiences. They have also encouraged thoughtful discussions, helping students practice listening to different perspectives and expressing their own ideas with confidence.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is an active, collaborative experience. We read together as a class, work in small groups, and spend time reading independently so students can apply the strategies we practice. It's been wonderful to see students eagerly reach for these new books during reading time. Several of my more reluctant readers have become noticeably more engaged, asking to continue reading beyond our scheduled literacy block and enthusiastically sharing their favorite characters and moments with classmates. Your support has not only added new books to our shelves—it has helped foster a genuine love of reading and learning that continues to grow each day.","fullyFundedDate":1779049524540,"projectUrl":"project/building-student-libraries-through-class/10292721/","projectTitle":"Building Student Libraries Through Class Novel Studies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beauregard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6499289_orig.jpg?crop=420,420,x668,y317&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778863994661","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6499289"},{"teacherId":6499289,"projectId":9255531,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation and for believing in my classroom. Your kindness and support have already made such a meaningful difference for my students this year. The tools and resources you helped provide have been used every day to help students regulate their emotions, return to a calm baseline, and be ready to learn again.\r\n\r\nMy students especially love the flexible seating and fidgets. These supports have created a classroom environment where students feel comfortable, supported, and able to focus on their learning. It has been amazing to see how much growth and progress students have made because they have the tools they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping create a positive and welcoming space where all students can thrive. Thank you again for investing in my students and their future. Your support truly means so much to all of us.","fullyFundedDate":1744919684603,"projectUrl":"project/alright-stop-regulate-then-listen/9255531/","projectTitle":"Alright, Stop- Regulate Then Listen","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beauregard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6499289_orig.jpg?crop=420,420,x668,y317&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778863994661","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6499289"},{"teacherId":9809921,"projectId":9606219,"letterContent":"This project exceeded my own expectations. Let me begin by explaining how this idea came about. As with most schools, students often participate in some sort of quarterly reading challenge. My classroom was no different. Each week my students would leave the library with their book selections. However, it was difficult to get the children interested in nonfiction selections. That's why I thought the newsletter type format would be more enticing. \r\n\r\nFast forward to the middle of this year, and students could be seen selecting a Weekly Reader and finding a cozy spot to enjoy the content. Other times, I would pass them out and we would read them together circling important details and highlighting vocabulary words. My students especially loved creating infographic posters after reading the articles. Many would state just how much they enjoyed seeing the new newsletter go on display at the back of the room and couldn't wait to dive in. The fact that these didn't need to be returned to the media center meant students could enjoy all the content at their own pace. They could also mark up their issue as they read and the quiz on the back provided an accountability piece. \r\n\r\nIn all, the project was more than successful at encouraging students to read nonfiction and learn about the world around them. I'm so grateful to Donors Choose for sponsoring my classroom needs.","fullyFundedDate":1758213365652,"projectUrl":"project/navigating-nonfiction/9606219/","projectTitle":"Navigating Nonfiction","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Volok","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9809921"},{"teacherId":10340528,"projectId":10051237,"letterContent":"skills just as much as they grow academically. At this age, cutting, gluing, coloring, and creating are not \"extra\" activities, they are essential to development. Crafts help build hand strength, coordination, creativity, and confidence. I had so many engaging craft ideas planned to connect to our reading, math, science, and seasonal themes, but I simply didn't have the materials to bring them to life. This project completely changed that.\r\n\r\nBecause of these donations, I now have an abundance of colored paper, including a variety of skin tones to ensure all students can see themselves represented in their work, along with organized storage to keep everything accessible. We have googly eyes, scissors, feathers, pom-poms, glue, and so many other supplies that spark imagination. I can now set up a dedicated craft table during centers and give students the freedom to create, explore, and express themselves.\r\n\r\nThese materials have transformed our classroom environment. Students are more engaged, proud of their creations, and excited to participate. Craft time has become a space where they practice following directions, develop perseverance, and strengthen the small muscles they need for writing—all while having fun. That balance of joy and skill-building is the most important part of this stage of development.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible and for supporting the creativity and growth of my young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1770229555091,"projectUrl":"project/crafts-for-a-colorful-classroom/10051237/","projectTitle":"Crafts for a Colorful Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Knox","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10340528_orig.jpg?crop=2480,2480,x2060,y720&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763569332482","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10340528"},{"teacherId":10340528,"projectId":9872364,"letterContent":"I hated feeling stuck at the board in the front of my classroom. It made it difficult to monitor students, check for understanding, and stay connected to what was happening around the room. I wanted the freedom to move, interact, and keep students actively engaged in the lesson instead of turning my back to write or click through slides. This product has completely changed that for me.\r\n\r\nWith the iPad, I can take my screen with me anywhere in the classroom and use \"cast\" to project exactly what I need onto the board. Whether I'm modeling a math problem, highlighting text during a read-aloud, or writing phonics words, I can do it all while standing next to students instead of being confined to the front of the room. It has made classroom management smoother because I can circulate, redirect gently, and support students in real time without interrupting instruction.\r\n\r\nI also love being able to use the camera as a mobile document camera. I can instantly display student work, demonstrate how to solve a problem up close, or showcase a strong example for the class to learn from. Students are so proud when their work is projected, and it gives us authentic opportunities to discuss strategies and celebrate effort. It has also made modeling hands-on activities much easier because I can zoom in and show details clearly.\r\n\r\nThe students absolutely love it. They truly think it's magic when I write on my screen and it appears on the board for everyone to see. That excitement increases engagement and makes lessons feel interactive and dynamic. It is one of my favorite tools because it creates memorable learning experiences while also strengthening instruction and classroom connection.","fullyFundedDate":1769018315915,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-innovation-a-teachers/9872364/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Innovation: A Teacher’s Tech Journey","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Knox","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10340528_orig.jpg?crop=2480,2480,x2060,y720&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763569332482","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10340528"},{"teacherId":10340528,"projectId":10054438,"letterContent":"I am so incredibly grateful for the donations toward this project. Over Christmas, I purchased and received many new items for my classroom, excited to bring in fresh resources and opportunities for my students. However, when I returned to school, I quickly realized I had no proper way to store everything. My storage closet became overwhelmingly cluttered, and it was abundantly clear that I needed organizational materials as soon as possible.\r\n\r\nThe bins and containers from this project completely transformed my storage space. What once felt like a chaotic \"war zone\" is now an organized, functional area where everything has a place. I can quickly locate materials, restock centers efficiently, and grab what students need without frustration or wasted time. Instead of dreading opening the closet door, I now feel calm and prepared.\r\n\r\nThis organization has also positively impacted my students. Because materials are easily accessible, transitions are smoother, lessons run more efficiently, and I can spend more time teaching rather than searching for supplies. An organized classroom behind the scenes truly supports a structured and successful learning environment in front of the scenes.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generosity and for helping me create a more functional, peaceful, and effective classroom space. Your support makes a difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1770304557304,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-new-organization/10054438/","projectTitle":"New Year, New Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Knox","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10340528_orig.jpg?crop=2480,2480,x2060,y720&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763569332482","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10340528"},{"teacherId":10340528,"projectId":9941729,"letterContent":"For this project, I set out to create a classroom with more flexible seating options for my students. Because they are so young, traditional chairs were not meeting the needs of many of them. I noticed constant standing, rocking, tipping, and wiggling, behaviors that weren't meant to be disruptive, but were simply signs that their little bodies needed movement. I knew I needed to find a more structured, productive way to allow that movement while still maintaining a focused learning environment.\r\n\r\nAlthough the original seats I had hoped for were unfortunately out of stock, I truly love the items we received. The bouncy ball seats have been incredible. My students can gently bounce and move while staying safely seated and completing their work. Instead of fighting their natural need to wiggle, they can channel that energy in a way that supports learning. I've seen students who previously struggled to sit through a lesson now remain engaged and attentive for much longer periods of time.\r\n\r\nThe chair bands have also been a huge success. I allow students with especially \"squirmy\" feet to use them, and it gives their bodies the sensory input they crave without distracting others. They can push, stretch, and move their feet while their hands and minds stay focused on the task at hand. It's amazing how something so simple can make such a significant difference.\r\n\r\nThese flexible seating options have truly been a game changer in my classroom. Students are more comfortable, more regulated, and more on task throughout the day. Instead of correcting behavior that stems from a need for movement, I am able to proactively support it in a positive way. Thank you for being a part of making this happen and for helping create a classroom environment that supports all learners.","fullyFundedDate":1769018315883,"projectUrl":"project/wave-seats-for-wiggly-learners/9941729/","projectTitle":"Wave Seats for Wiggly Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Knox","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10340528_orig.jpg?crop=2480,2480,x2060,y720&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763569332482","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10340528"},{"teacherId":10340528,"projectId":9941701,"letterContent":"This was a much-needed product for my classroom. When I first began teaching, I purchased a smaller rug, thinking it would be sufficient for my students. However, my class quickly outgrew it much faster than I anticipated. The limited space led to constant bickering, accidental touching, and even minor injuries simply because students were sitting too close together. In kindergarten, personal space is a big deal, and when that space is compromised, it can easily distract from learning.\r\n\r\nThis new rug has made a tremendous difference. With more room to spread out, students are more comfortable, calmer, and far more engaged during whole-group instruction. Instead of worrying about whose knee is touching their back or arguing over space, they can focus on listening, participating, and learning. At such a young age, whole-group learning on the carpet is a foundational part of our day—whether we are reading stories, building phonics skills, practicing math, or having class discussions. It is essential that students are able to focus during this time, and this larger rug truly supports that.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the extra space has allowed for more flexible learning opportunities. Students can now comfortably work on the rug during partner activities, small group rotations, or independent tasks without feeling crowded. It has transformed our carpet area into a more functional, peaceful, and productive learning space. Thank you so much for your generous donation and for helping create a classroom environment where my students can learn comfortably and successfully.","fullyFundedDate":1769018315837,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-happy-rug-for-our-class-communit/9941701/","projectTitle":"A Cozy, Happy Rug for Our Class Community!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Knox","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10340528_orig.jpg?crop=2480,2480,x2060,y720&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763569332482","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10340528"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_46496","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":420,"numTeachers":37,"percentFrplEligible":80,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":33,"percentWhite":51,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":7,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":75.4,"schoolId":46496,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Chaires Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Chaires Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/leon-county-schools/chaires-elementary-school/46496"}