{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Chinook Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":13.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6895491,"projectId":9229136,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation towards our SEL Literacy project. As a school counselor, I am able to provide teachers books they can use during their SEL instructional time. Students also get to come to my office and read when they want to. Many of my kinder and 1st grade students love to be read to as a coping strategy. The books are easy to read and the students love looking at the different topics. This would not be possible if it weren't for your kind donation. Now more than ever, students struggle with self regulation and conflict resolution, so this helps us teach those skills in story form.","fullyFundedDate":1746462961285,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-to-support-sel-in-our-school/9229136/","projectTitle":"Literacy to Support SEL in our School","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Terlaje","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6895491"},{"teacherId":9496825,"projectId":9259755,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom is now better equipped to meet the sensory and emotional needs of all learners. The sensory items you provided have played a key role in helping students regulate their bodies, manage transitions, and stay engaged throughout the day.\r\n\r\nSensory regulation is foundational to learning. When students have access to tools that help them calm, focus, or re-energize, they're better able to participate in academic tasks, social interactions, and classroom routines. These materials have allowed us to create a more responsive environment—one that acknowledges individual needs and offers practical strategies for self-management.\r\n\r\nSince introducing these supports, we've seen noticeable improvements in student stamina, attention, and emotional control. Students are more likely to stay on task, recover from frustration, and rejoin group activities after breaks. The availability of sensory tools has reduced disruptions and helped us maintain a consistent, productive flow throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThese items have also supported inclusion. Students with sensory processing differences now have equitable access to learning, with tools that help them feel safe and supported. The classroom feels more balanced, with fewer barriers to participation and more opportunities for success. Students are learning to advocate for themselves, recognize their needs, and choose strategies that work for them.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made a lasting difference. It has allowed us to create a classroom that is not only academically rigorous, but also emotionally responsive. It has helped us teach students how to manage their bodies and minds in ways that support long-term growth and independence.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students' well-being. Your support has helped us build a space where all learners feel seen, supported, and capable. We're deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1755904000736,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-items/9259755/","projectTitle":"Sensory Items","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rippy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9496825_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744773495351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hrippy"},{"teacherId":9496825,"projectId":9543201,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has become a more intentional space for social-emotional development. The addition of a designated sharing chair and a set of talking cards has helped us build a community where students feel safe expressing themselves, listening to others, and practicing respectful communication.\r\n\r\nThe sharing chair has become a simple but powerful tool for elevating student voice. It provides a clear structure for turn-taking and signals that each speaker has the group's attention. Students now approach sharing time with greater confidence and clarity, knowing they have a space where their words are valued. This physical cue has helped reinforce the importance of listening, patience, and mutual respect.\r\n\r\nThe talking cards have added depth and consistency to our community carpet time. Each prompt encourages students to reflect, share, and connect—whether they're describing a personal experience, naming a feeling, or responding to a classroom theme. These cards support all learners, especially those who benefit from visual cues or structured language. They've helped reduce anxiety around speaking and increased participation across the board.\r\n\r\nTogether, these tools have strengthened our classroom culture. Students are learning to take turns, listen actively, and respond with empathy. They're practicing emotional regulation and learning to respect different perspectives. The routines we've built around the chair and cards have created a predictable, inclusive environment that supports both academic and social growth.\r\n\r\nWe've also seen improvements in peer-to-peer interactions. Students are more likely to use kind language, offer encouragement, and show curiosity about one another's ideas. They're learning how to navigate group dynamics and how to contribute to a shared space with care and intention. These are foundational skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nThe materials you provided didn't just enhance our physical space—they helped us build a framework for connection. They've made it easier for students to engage in meaningful dialogue, reflect on their experiences, and build trust with their peers. In a time when social-emotional learning is more important than ever, your support has made a lasting difference.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students' development. Your donation has helped us create a space where every voice matters, and where students are learning how to be thoughtful, caring members of a community. We're deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1755710801718,"projectUrl":"project/social-learning/9543201/","projectTitle":"Social Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rippy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9496825_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744773495351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hrippy"},{"teacherId":9496825,"projectId":9382224,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our classroom has been transformed with the addition of a beautiful new rug! It's become the heart of our learning space—where we gather for morning meetings, story time, and social-emotional lessons. The rug has helped create a cozy, welcoming environment that encourages students to engage, share, and connect with one another. It's amazing how one item can bring so much unity and comfort to our daily routine.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the rug, their faces lit up with excitement. They immediately ran to sit on it, pointing out the colors and patterns, and asking if we could start our day there. It was clear that they felt a sense of ownership and pride in their new space. One student even said, \"It feels like home!\" That moment reminded me how important it is to create a classroom that feels safe and special and your support made that possible.\r\n\r\nNow that we have this new gathering space, we're diving deeper into our social skills curriculum. We're practicing turn-taking, active listening, and respectful conversation all while seated together on the rug. It's the perfect setting for building community and reinforcing the values we want to carry throughout the year. Thank you for giving us a foundation literally and figuratively for connection, growth, and joy.","fullyFundedDate":1751647240263,"projectUrl":"project/a-new-rug/9382224/","projectTitle":"A New Rug!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rippy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9496825_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744773495351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hrippy"},{"teacherId":6501962,"projectId":7664122,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your thoughtful donation. Your kindness is very much appreciated. Thank you to your donation, our class has been able to have the ultimate play experiences! We have been able to set up a store to help our class with sorting, counting, and addition skills. During Christmas time, we were even able to redecorate the store as a Christmas bakery where the students were able to sell Christmas cookies, pastries, tea, coffee, and more. This spring, we are planning to change the store into a flower shop. \r\n\r\nAll this fun and learning is thanks to you. You are amazing. Thank you! Wishing you all the best.","fullyFundedDate":1692165755517,"projectUrl":"project/please-help-a-new-tk-teacher-provide-lea/7664122/","projectTitle":"Please Help A New TK Teacher Provide Learning Through Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Majors","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6501962_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1560998941446","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6501962"},{"teacherId":9496825,"projectId":8780988,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our students had the opportunity to engage with STEM in a way that was hands-on, meaningful, and developmentally rich. The toys you provided weren't just fun—they were tools that helped us build foundational skills in engineering, problem-solving, and collaboration.\r\n\r\nFrom day one, the materials sparked curiosity. Students who typically struggle with focus or confidence found themselves immersed in building challenges, coding tasks, and design experiments. These toys offered a low-pressure entry point into complex thinking. I watched students test ideas, revise their plans, and celebrate small wins—skills that are essential not just in STEM, but across all areas of learning.\r\n\r\nThe impact was especially clear during our open-ended exploration blocks. Students gravitated toward the STEM toys, often choosing them over more traditional activities. They worked in pairs and small groups, naturally developing communication and teamwork skills. I saw quiet students take on leadership roles, and hesitant learners become persistent problem solvers. \r\n\r\nBeyond academic growth, these toys supported emotional regulation and classroom culture. Students used them during transition times and brain breaks, helping them reset and refocus. The tactile, open-ended nature of the materials made them accessible to all learners, including those with sensory needs or attention challenges.\r\n\r\nYour donation made this possible. It gave us the flexibility to integrate STEM into our daily routines without needing a full lab setup or expensive curriculum. It allowed students to explore, take risks, and build confidence in their abilities. And it reminded them that learning can be active, creative, and collaborative.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom. Your support helped us create a space where students feel empowered to think critically, work together, and see themselves as capable learners. We're grateful for your generosity—and for the lasting impact it's had on our students.","fullyFundedDate":1729617700840,"projectUrl":"project/stem-toys/8780988/","projectTitle":"Stem Toys","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rippy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9496825_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744773495351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hrippy"},{"teacherId":6895491,"projectId":9064246,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation towards our Eagle Snack Shack. Because of you, teachers had snacks readily available for students who needed them. As an educator, I firmly believe that students can't learn if their basic needs are not met first. Due to budget cuts, we have not been able to keep our snack shack as stocked as we would like to, but because of your support, we were able to fill our snack shack on days our shelves would have been empty. \r\n\r\nThank you for your continued commitment to our students and being partners with us to ensure all students needs are being met.","fullyFundedDate":1738899504532,"projectUrl":"project/eagle-snack-shack/9064246/","projectTitle":"Eagle Snack Shack","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Terlaje","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6895491"},{"teacherId":6895491,"projectId":9059538,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous contribution towards our Eagle Snack Shack. As an educator, I firmly believe that students are not capable of learning if their basic needs are not met. Thanks to you, our teachers are able to provide snacks to our students when they are hungry to help fuel their body so they can remain focus on their learning. We do our best to provide what we can outside of academics for our students, but unfortunately, sometimes our budget prevents us from truly supporting the whole child. Thank you for continuing to be partners in our students educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1736960258677,"projectUrl":"project/eagle-snack-shack/9059538/","projectTitle":"Eagle Snack Shack","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Terlaje","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6895491"},{"teacherId":6895491,"projectId":8972107,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous contribution towards our calm down kits. We are now able to provide classrooms and individual students toolboxes to help with regulation. Our toolboxes can be customized to fit each class and student's needs. As educators, we focus a tremendous amount of our time on academic learning. Post COVID, we are noticing that many of our students lack the skills to regulate themselves appropriately. Thanks to you, we have the tools we need to help teach regulation skills and provide the tools students might need.","fullyFundedDate":1732756286645,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-calm-down-kits/8972107/","projectTitle":"Classroom Calm Down Kits","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Terlaje","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6895491"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_35740","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":700,"numTeachers":32,"percentFrplEligible":80,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":15,"percentIndigenous":7,"percentLatinx":48,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"21.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":87.0,"schoolId":35740,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Chinook Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Chinook Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/auburn-school-district-408/chinook-elementary-school/35740"}