{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Columbia Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":14.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9585609,"projectId":9735097,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity and belief in our students, our classroom has been funded and is ready to be transformed in ways that will touch every child who walks through our door. This funding means more than new materials or updated resources. It means a safer, more inviting space where curious minds can explore with confidence. The supplies and the curriculum upgrades you helped provide will directly support our students as they learn through play, hands-on activities, and targeted supports designed to meet each child where they are.\r\n\r\nFor many of our learners, that means more opportunities to practice essential early literacy and number skills, develop language and social communication, and build the self-confidence needed to participate fully in the classroom community.The impact of your gift has been felt daily. The refreshed environment will reduce distractions and make space for hands-on exploration, sensory activities, and small-group instruction that addresses diverse learning needs. With the new curriculum materials, I will be able to tailor lessons to my students' individual strengths and challenges, weaving in supports that help them stay engaged, regulate their emotions, and persist through challenging tasks. I am excited to see students laugh together during cooperative play, practice taking turns, and celebrate those \"aha\" moments when a concept finally clicks.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for investing in their futures. Your kindness will resonate far beyond the walls of our classroom, helping to build a foundation of joy, safety, and possibility for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1758860558621,"projectUrl":"project/art-heart-tools-to-inspire-creativity/9735097/","projectTitle":"Art & Heart: Tools to Inspire Creativity and Emotional Wellness","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Amber","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9585609_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721253060059","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9585609"},{"teacherId":9585609,"projectId":9654705,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity and belief in our students, our classroom has been funded and is ready to be transformed in ways that will touch every child who walks through our door. This funding means more than new materials or updated resources. It means a safer, more inviting space where curious minds can explore with confidence. The supplies and the curriculum upgrades you helped provide will directly support our students as they learn through play, hands-on activities, and targeted supports designed to meet each child where they are. \r\n\r\nFor many of our learners, that means more opportunities to practice essential early literacy and number skills, develop language and social communication, and build the self-confidence needed to participate fully in the classroom community.The impact of your gift has been felt daily. The refreshed environment will reduce distractions and make space for hands-on exploration, sensory activities, and small-group instruction that addresses diverse learning needs. With the new curriculum materials, I will be able to tailor lessons to my students' individual strengths and challenges, weaving in supports that help them stay engaged, regulate their emotions, and persist through challenging tasks. I am excited to see students laugh together during cooperative play, practice taking turns, and celebrate those \"aha\" moments when a concept finally clicks.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for investing in their futures. Your kindness will resonate far beyond the walls of our classroom, helping to build a foundation of joy, safety, and possibility for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1757961709135,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-safer-smoother-drop-off-zone/9654705/","projectTitle":"Creating a Safer, Smoother Drop-Off Zone with New Cubbies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Amber","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9585609_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721253060059","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9585609"},{"teacherId":9585609,"projectId":9537569,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to share the joyful impact of your generosity on our preschool outdoor play space. Thanks to you, our class now has a sturdy, weatherproof outdoor storage cart that has transformed how we learn, explore, and care for our materials.\r\n\r\nBefore your gift, our outdoor toys and tools lived outside, weathering rain, sun, and wind. We watched how weathered gear become brittle or unsafe, and how time spent searching for the right toy interrupted the flow of our adventures. Now, everything has a safe, accessible home. The cart rolls smoothly across our yard, and the toys can be wheeled in and out with ease, protecting them from the elements and extending their life.\r\n\r\nWith this storage solution, cleanup has become faster and more enjoyable. Children gather their materials, place them in the cart, and roll it to the designated spot, turning cleanup into a cooperative, joyful routine. This smoother flow means more time for genuine exploration whether we are building castles in the sandbox, planting sunflower seeds, or searching for friendly bugs on a nature walk. I have seen children take more ownership of our shared materials; they remind one another to return items to the cart and care for our outdoor tools as a community.\r\n\r\nThe impact goes beyond organization. The weatherproof storage helps us preserve resources and stretch our classroom budget so we can continue to offer rich, hands-on experiences. More time outdoors means more opportunities for sensory play, early science investigations, social interaction, and gross-motor development. Our days are filled with curiosity and confidence as children learn through play, cooperation, and discovery in a safe, welcoming environment.\r\n\r\nOn a personal note, I am deeply grateful for the kindness and generosity of everyone who contributed. Your support sent a clear message to our students: their ideas, their play, and their outdoor learning matter. The simple act of rolling that cart into place has become a symbol of care and possibility in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us turn outdoor learning into lasting memories. Because of you, our preschoolers will continue to explore, imagine, and grow now with a dependable home for all our outdoor toys.","fullyFundedDate":1755716470376,"projectUrl":"project/weatherproof-our-fun/9537569/","projectTitle":"Weatherproof Our Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Amber","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9585609_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721253060059","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9585609"},{"teacherId":9585609,"projectId":9431837,"letterContent":"I'm writing from Columbia Elementary School where recess time is a little louder and a lot brighter. Since receiving our balance bikes, tricycles and outdoor traffic signs for our playground, I'm already seeing a huge improvement in outdoor playtime. \r\n\r\nThe balance bikes are a huge hit. Seriously, the kids love them in a way that's simple and wonderful. There is a little guy that typically keeps to himself and sits and watches kids play. Since receiving the bikes he has become a new kid. He loves to ride the bikes and join in with the other kids now. It's like a watching a whole new kid. His smile and interactions say it all. \r\n\r\nThen there's a little girl who typically spends most of outdoor time swinging. She was in love with the tricycles. It's like the trikes opened a door to a new kind of play for her. She navigated a little circuit around the playground with focus and joy, and her laughter rang out as she practiced her trike riding skills. It's simple joy, but it lights up the whole playground. \r\n\r\nWe also have kids who love to pretend the balance bikes are motorcycles. They line up on the balance bikes, rev their imaginary engines, and zoom around in little groups of pure joy. It's a delightful, creative kind of learning risk-taking and imagination all rolled into one. The bikes didn't just give us more movement; they gave us a shared language for play. We're seeing kids cheer each other on, take turns, and find pride in small improvements. It's the kind of teamwork you can't force, it grows from genuine curiosity and a lot of encouragement from friends.\r\n\r\nAnd the outdoor traffic signs? They've transformed our playground into a tiny, kid-sized city. The signs spark conversations about safety, rules, and why we pause before we cross. It's not just follow the rules it's look around, think about others, make safe choices. The kids ask questions, make predictions, and practice real-life skills that matter beyond the playground. \r\n\r\nBeyond the thrill and the smiles, what you've given us is a way to connect learning with movement, big ideas with small actions, and confidence with play. We're also seeing more language. The kids describe what they're doing, what they notice, what they feel. We're seeing more collaboration, the kids ask for help, cheer for each other, and take turns without a fuss. \r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our classroom and for gifting our kids a new, playful way to learn and grow. Your generosity is showing up every day.","fullyFundedDate":1754326098223,"projectUrl":"project/riding-into-fun-help-us-get-bikes-for-o/9431837/","projectTitle":"Riding into Fun: Help Us Get Bikes for Our Preschoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Amber","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9585609_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721253060059","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9585609"},{"teacherId":9585609,"projectId":9414828,"letterContent":"I'm excited to share how our DonorsChoose project has been making a real difference in our classroom. We got a Polaroid camera and film, supplies to help with our new curriculum, castle blocks, bristle blocks, and chart paper with markers. Here's how we have been using these items. \r\n\r\nPolaroid camera and film: A star in our room, especially with a little girl who's obsessed with it. She uses the camera to snap photos of everything. She always loved playing with pretend cameras was always disappointed when real photos didn't happen. Now she is thrilled that she gets to see real pictures instantly.\r\n\r\nChart paper and markers: These items are doing all the heavy letting. We've pulled them into math, literacy, science, and planning. It helps us brainstorm, visualize steps, track progress, and keep ideas visible for everyone. We even used them to make Venn Diagrams! \r\n\r\nCastle blocks and bristle blocks: The kids are obsessed in the best way. They're building, collaborating, and solving problems together. It's amazing to see them negotiate roles, iterate designs, and celebrate when things click. \r\n\r\nMoments that stood out\r\nA student who was shy at the start started grabbing the Polaroid to document her own learning. She used one photo in a class talk and proudly explained her observation to the group. \r\n\r\nChart paper has become a go-to tool for guided discovery, fun learning opportunities, and whole group projects. It's helping us keep thinking visible and owned by the students.\r\n\r\nThe castle and bristle blocks have turned into little engineering studios during centers. Kids test ideas, tweak designs, and cheer each other on. You can feel the energy and teamwork in the room.\r\n\r\nThanks for making this possible. Your support isn't just about the materials; it's about giving our students chances to explore, create, and grow in a way that feels personal and right for them. We're grateful for your generosity and the impact it's having on their confidence and curiosity.\r\n\r\nThank you again for being part of this. You've helped us spark a love of learning that goes beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1750866578897,"projectUrl":"project/capturing-creativity-bringing-fun-and-l/9414828/","projectTitle":"Capturing Creativity: Bringing Fun and Learning to Our Preschool Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Amber","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9585609_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721253060059","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9585609"},{"teacherId":308374,"projectId":9164530,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! The arrival of the iPad Mini and Sphero Bolt+ robot has truly transformed the way my fifth-grade students engage with learning. These tools have opened up a world of possibilities, allowing students to explore coding and artistic expression in ways that were previously out of reach. For many of my students, this was their first time interacting with programmable technology, and their excitement was immediate and contagious.\r\n\r\nThe iPad Mini has become a gateway to creativity and problem-solving. Students are using coding apps to design animations, control the Sphero robot, and even create interactive art pieces. The Sphero Bolt+ adds a dynamic layer to their learning—watching their code come to life through movement and lights has sparked curiosity and joy in the classroom. One particular student kept asking if we could use the sphero to bring our lessons to life, which in turn prompted me to up my game and think about new ways to use it. \r\n\r\nThis project has not only introduced my students to new technology but also empowered them to think like creators and collaborators. They're learning that their ideas matter and that they can bring those ideas to life through teamwork and innovation. Your support has made a lasting impact, and I'm deeply grateful for the opportunities you've helped provide.","fullyFundedDate":1743091111781,"projectUrl":"project/tech-driven-art-ipad-and-sphero-bolt-f/9164530/","projectTitle":"Tech-Driven Art: iPad and Sphero Bolt+ for STEAM Integration","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Dillard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp308374_orig.jpg?crop=1043,1043,x1290,y18&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693441731662","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dillard"},{"teacherId":9797947,"projectId":8866251,"letterContent":"Your generosity had a huge, positive impact our my students. They love having a clean dry rug to sit on while we are learning up by the view board and when reading either with a partner or independently. The twistable colored pencils and pencil sharpeners were a hit! The kids enjoy being able to color and complete assignments without the need to sharpen their pencils and sharpen traditional colored pencils I keep in the room when they are working are projects that need a finer line. All of this enhances our school work and growth as an Integrated Arts school. Thank you again for your generosity. Without it, we would either have to go without or I would have had to incur the large expense of purchasing the items myself.","fullyFundedDate":1731624879354,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-rocks/8866251/","projectTitle":"Creativity Rocks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michener","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9797947"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_41754","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":265,"numTeachers":18,"percentFrplEligible":64,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":9,"percentWhite":46,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":33,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":85.5,"schoolId":41754,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Columbia Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Columbia Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/colorado-springs-school-district-11/columbia-elementary-school/41754"}