{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Chaires Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":25.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":10340528,"projectId":9872407,"letterContent":"My school is located in a lower economic area, so it is incredibly important to me that my students are fed and ready to learn each day. While our school does provide breakfast and lunch, lunch is served very early, around 10:00 a.m., and students still have nearly five hours of learning time afterward. For young children, that is a long stretch without food. Having snacks available is not just a convenience; it is truly a necessity to help them stay focused, energized, and emotionally regulated throughout the afternoon.\r\n\r\nIt was also very important to me to have a wide variety of snack options. I have a student with a severe allergy, and there are times when an allergy-friendly snack is not sent from home. Being able to provide safe options for that child brings me so much peace of mind. No student should have to sit out during snack time or feel different because of a dietary need. Having inclusive, safe choices available ensures that every child feels cared for and included.\r\n\r\nWhen my students are fed, they are ready to learn, and that is what matters most. A simple snack can prevent headaches, tears, and distractions, and instead create space for engagement, participation, and success. Meeting their basic needs allows me to focus on teaching and allows them to focus on growing. I am so grateful to be able to support my students in this way.","fullyFundedDate":1769018315762,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-for-little-learners/9872407/","projectTitle":"Fuel for Little 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":9872422,"letterContent":"I absolutely love giving my young students the opportunity to be hands-on and use their brains to play and learn. In kindergarten especially, learning happens best when students can touch, build, create, and explore, and these products have truly allowed me to provide more of those meaningful experiences.\r\n\r\nEach morning and afternoon, my students have \"STEM bin\" time, and these items have quickly become some of their absolute favorites. They are excited the moment they walk in and see the bins out. There is something so powerful about watching children collaborate, problem-solve, and create together during what looks like simple play, but is actually rich, purposeful learning.\r\n\r\nMy students are always begging to use Play-Doh and often negotiating (and sometimes arguing!) over the Magnatiles, so I was incredibly grateful when these products arrived and I could give them more access to the materials they love most. Having enough for everyone reduces frustration and increases engagement, which makes a huge difference in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite things about these products is their flexibility. While they \"live\" in our STEM bins for open-ended exploration, they easily transition into other parts of our day. For example, we recently used the Play-Doh to create and practice building 3D shapes. Students rolled, molded, and constructed cubes, spheres, cones, and cylinders, and they absolutely loved it. What felt like play to them was actually reinforcing math vocabulary, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills all at once.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, these materials also strengthen teamwork, communication, creativity, and perseverance. I regularly hear students saying things like, \"Let's try it this way,\" or \"That didn't work, let's fix it!\" Those moments are priceless.\r\n\r\nI am sincerely grateful for your donation and the opportunity it has given me to expand hands-on learning in my classroom. Your generosity has helped create a space where students feel excited, engaged, and empowered to learn. Thank you for helping me provide these meaningful experiences for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1764712405228,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds/9872422/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds","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":9904109,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous donation toward this product for my classroom. Your support truly makes a meaningful difference in the daily learning experiences of my students.\r\n\r\nMany of my students are still developing their reading skills, and I have been on a mission to find tools that allow them to access stories and content more independently. That's when I discovered the Toniebox. What immediately stood out to me was its ability to make storytelling accessible to all learners. I can provide students with story Tonies so they can listen to engaging books and songs on their own, and I can even record my own stories, lessons, or directions to meet their specific needs.\r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful features has been the ability to record directions. My students can listen to instructions independently, replay them as needed, and complete tasks with greater confidence, even if they are not yet strong readers. This has helped build their independence, listening comprehension, and self-confidence in such a positive way.\r\n\r\nThe students absolutely love it. It is easy for them to use, engaging, and filled with characters they already know and enjoy. The Tonies sing songs, tell stories, and even help us stay active, I have an \"exercise\" Tonie that we use on days when it's too cold or rainy to go outside. It has become such a fun and versatile part of our daily routine.\r\n\r\nOverall, this product has brought an entirely new learning experience into our classroom. It supports literacy, independence, creativity, and movement all in one simple device. My students and I both love it, and we are so thankful for your generosity in making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1764601169012,"projectUrl":"project/escape-into-the-world-of-story-time-magi/9904109/","projectTitle":"Escape into the World of Story Time Magic","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":3448620,"projectId":9356105,"letterContent":"Again, I can't thank you all enough for your donations to this project. My students were in shock when I presented it and told them about how many people contributed to this project for our class. \r\n\r\nSo far, one group of TAG students have used it to print vocabulary posters that they created using vocabulary words from our novel study. They will be hung around the classroom for all my classes to see! Being able to print in color makes such a difference and they got so excited to see their creation come to life. I can't wait to have my other classes create projects and print them out as well!","fullyFundedDate":1750942403104,"projectUrl":"project/pop-goes-the-printer/9356105/","projectTitle":"*POP* Goes the Printer!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hayman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3448620_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1455321509714","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3448620"},{"teacherId":6533814,"projectId":8780791,"letterContent":"I am so thankful for the comfy seating you donated to my 4th grade classroom this year! I've never used flexible seating in my classroom before and wanted to give it a try. I am so glad I did! \r\n\r\nThe lap desks came in handy when the kids wanted to move around the classroom but still needed to get some work done. They really enjoyed these! The floor cushions were my favorite! They could take them anywhere! They would use them on the floor or even in their desks to make it more comfortable for them. The balance ball chair was definitely one I had to referee from time to time because the kids loved this one! They enjoyed the bouncing (without sound) while they worked and just being able to move. \r\n\r\nThank you again for donating these items to my classroom and allowing my kiddos to move and learn in ways that didn't just involve a desk. I did a survey at the end of the year to see what the kids liked and didn't like. Most kids had something positive to say about the flexible seating!","fullyFundedDate":1731527026983,"projectUrl":"project/comfy-and-flexible-4/8780791/","projectTitle":"Comfy and Flexible 4!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Greene","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6533814_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726324303303","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6533814"},{"teacherId":6533814,"projectId":8780601,"letterContent":"I am so thankful for the comfy seating you donated to my 4th grade classroom this year! I've never used flexible seating in my classroom before and wanted to give it a try. I am so glad I did! \r\n\r\nThe wobble cushions were a huge hit! Kids loved grabbing one to sit on while at their desk learning while others enjoyed using them on the floor while working on their computer! The floor pillows were so comfy and they loved these! The kiddos loved using them at their seats to make their desks more comfortable, on the floor while working on their iready, or even making them into a comfy bed on our relaxing days!\r\n\r\nThank you again for donating these items to my classroom and allowing my kiddos to move and learn in ways that didn't just involve a desk. I did a survey at the end of the year to see what the kids liked and didn't like. Most kids had something positive to say about the flexible seating!","fullyFundedDate":1731527027213,"projectUrl":"project/comfy-and-flexible-seating/8780601/","projectTitle":"Comfy and Flexible Seating!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Greene","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6533814_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726324303303","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6533814"},{"teacherId":9809921,"projectId":8892089,"letterContent":"I can't tell you what a pleasant surprise receiving our boxes of books was to my students. They were elated to dig through the selections and begin choosing a book. \r\nI've never done anything like this before, so the whole process has been a learning experience including finding that there are still generous people in the world. \r\n\r\nHow have we utilized your donation of popular books? I would say the impact of these books is twofold. First, I believe reading quietly helps children with self regulation. I begin teaching reading stamina from day one. 10 minutes builds to 15 and finally 20. By this time of year, My students can DROP and READ for 20 minutes, remaining quiet and engaged. The books you helped purchase represented a number of favourites for these children and has helped them remain engaged and interested in reading. Having books they enjoy gave them a reason to read and helped them calm their nerves and quiet their minds. So many struggle with challenges at home and I have found Drop and Read time to be like \" Reading therapy\". \r\n\r\nA second way your donation was impactful is allowing me to teach them how to create digital book reports and text analysis. Each student has a reading goal and if reached, they may attend our quarterly Reading Goal party. With these fresh selections of books at hand, I could teach them to analyze characters , describe the conflict , determine main idea, and confidently place a book into a genre category. \r\n\r\nI am most happy to report that my two reading blocks ( 33 students ) have shown demonstrable growth in reading, many finally showing proficiency. Your generosity means you can celebrate with us.","fullyFundedDate":1737149145238,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-relaxing/8892089/","projectTitle":"Reading is Relaxing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Volok","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9809921"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_46496","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":466,"numTeachers":37,"percentFrplEligible":80,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":29,"percentWhite":55,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":75.0,"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"}