{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"College Park Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":12.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9530940,"projectId":9584101,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students are now developing stronger reading and language skills through engaging, hands-on phonics activities. The materials funded by the \"Hands-On Phonics for Bright Beginnings\" project have transformed our literacy lessons into interactive learning experiences where every child can participate, explore, and grow in confidence.\r\n\r\nStudents who once struggled to connect letters and sounds are now eagerly building words, blending phonemes, and recognizing sight words with excitement. The tactile and visual learning tools have helped make phonics come alive — turning what was once a challenge into a joyful daily routine.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my classroom is filled with smiles, laughter, and the proud voices of young readers taking their first independent steps toward literacy. Your donation didn't just provide resources; it opened the door to a lifelong love of reading. Thank you for investing in my students' bright beginnings!","fullyFundedDate":1755290508370,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-phonics-for-bright-beginnings/9584101/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Phonics for Bright Beginnings","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ping Yang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9530940"},{"teacherId":9530940,"projectId":9255671,"letterContent":"I'm so grateful for your support of our \"Vowel Power\" phonics project! Although the materials arrived toward the end of the semester, my students were thrilled the moment they saw them. Their eyes lit up with excitement as we unpacked the colorful games, charts, and activities—all tools that immediately sparked curiosity and joy in our classroom.\r\n\r\nOne unforgettable moment was when a student who had been struggling to decode words used the new vowel puzzle to sound out the word \"cake.\" He looked up proudly and said, \"I did it!\" These materials are already making a difference—building confidence and igniting a love for reading.\r\n\r\nWe've started using the resources in small reading groups and literacy centers. The hands-on games especially keep our learners engaged and motivated. Even in just a short time, I've seen students begin to internalize long and short vowel sounds with more clarity.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're planning to integrate these resources into a full phonics unit next semester. Students will continue exploring vowel teams and applying their knowledge in writing projects and interactive read-alouds.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping my young readers find their voices—one vowel at a time. Your generosity truly makes learning come alive in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1746681237173,"projectUrl":"project/vowel-power-helping-young-readers-find/9255671/","projectTitle":"Vowel Power: Helping Young Readers Find Their Voice","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ping Yang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9530940"},{"teacherId":9530940,"projectId":9035835,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous support of my project, \"Spark Curiosity and Creativity: STEM-Based 3D-Printed Tools for Hands-On Learning.\" Your contribution made it possible for me to create a variety of 3D-printed manipulatives that have transformed my classroom. These hands-on tools have introduced a new level of engagement, making learning far more interactive, meaningful, and fun.\r\n\r\nBefore incorporating these 3D materials, my students primarily relied on traditional paper-and-pencil methods, which often felt limiting and uninspiring. Now, they have access to tangible, hands-on resources that help them explore concepts in a more dynamic way. The 3D models are organized in classroom drawers, allowing students to independently select and interact with the materials. For example, they eagerly match the 3D objects with corresponding labels, practicing categorization, vocabulary, and spatial reasoning. This self-directed, tactile learning has encouraged greater independence and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nThe impact on student growth has been remarkable. Several students who were previously three grade levels behind have made extraordinary progress. In just one trimester, they advanced by three reading levels, demonstrating how these tools help close learning gaps. The multi-sensory, hands-on approach has proven especially effective for students who struggle with traditional, text-heavy learning. By physically handling the 3D models, they grasp abstract concepts more effectively, building both confidence and competence.\r\n\r\nBeyond academic gains, the 3D tools have also sparked renewed motivation and creativity. Students who were once hesitant or disengaged now actively participate, eager to use the new materials. The playful, exploratory nature of the manipulatives makes learning feel more like discovery rather than routine practice. This shift has fostered curiosity, autonomy, and a genuine love for learning.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only enriched my current students' experiences but will continue to benefit future classes. These durable, reusable materials will remain valuable classroom assets for years to come. Thanks to your support, my students are building stronger critical thinking skills and developing a lasting interest in STEM-based learning.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of myself and my students, I want to extend my deepest appreciation for your kindness and support. Your contribution has made a tangible difference, creating opportunities for engaging, student-driven learning. It is because of donors like you that I am able to bring creativity, innovation, and growth into my classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of hands-on education and for helping me inspire curiosity, confidence, and success in my students.","fullyFundedDate":1741549693121,"projectUrl":"project/spark-curiosity-and-creativity-stem-bas/9035835/","projectTitle":"Spark Curiosity and Creativity: STEM-Based 3D-Printed Tools for Hands-On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ping Yang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9530940"},{"teacherId":9530940,"projectId":8814197,"letterContent":"I would like to take this time to sincerely thank you for your generous support of our project, Hands-On Mandarin Learning: Montessori \"Skyscraper Drawers\" With Word Study. Your contributions have allowed me to create valuable materials for my class, enriching our students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nWith these resources, I have been able to help students develop sorting skills, organize their ideas, and expand their Mandarin vocabulary. They have learned how to look up words in a Mandarin-English dictionary, categorize opposites, and sort items into groups such as kitchen supplies, garage tools, ocean animals, and land animals. This process not only strengthens their language skills but also fosters independence, as children take the initiative to choose their own work.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, this project has encouraged teamwork and self-directed learning. At the beginning of the year, many students relied on me for guidance, but now they confidently find materials on their own and make independent choices about their work. It has been incredible to witness their growth into independent learners.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your generosity and support in making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1734531197204,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-mandarin-learning-montessori-/8814197/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Mandarin Learning: Montessori \"Skyscrapers Drawers\" With Word Study","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ping Yang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9530940"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4622","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":407,"numTeachers":19,"percentFrplEligible":10,"percentAsian":70,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"21.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":87.3,"schoolId":4622,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about College Park Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"College Park Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/san-mateo-foster-city-sch-dist/college-park-elementary-school/4622"}