{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Concord Magnet Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":694817,"projectId":9712524,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the new seating. The students were so excited to have more choices. The new wobbly stools are so well made and sturdy, it is a big improvement from my old ones. It is very helpful for fidgety kids. The foam block cubes are great too. They are so colorful and the handles make them easy to move around. The students are in my class for 2 hours at a time so it is great for them to be able to choose the best seating option for them. It always makes them feel special to get new things, it helps them feel cared for. Thank you again so much for your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1758806016906,"projectUrl":"project/have-a-seat-please/9712524/","projectTitle":"Have a Seat Please!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dolan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp694817_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690462210304","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/694817"},{"teacherId":1847366,"projectId":9266040,"letterContent":"This new technology has been a game-changer for my students. While many of you use technology daily, it's a completely different experience in the classroom. Instead of being passive consumers of technology, our students are now active creators. The robots are helping them develop critical skills like problem-solving, coding, and teamwork in a hands-on, engaging way.\r\n\r\nFor example, a student might be asked to program a robot to navigate a maze. They have to think logically, write and debug code, and collaborate with their classmates to find the most efficient solution. This isn't just a technical exercise; it's a lesson in persistence, collaboration, and logical thinking that they'll use in every aspect of their lives.\r\nThe most exciting part for the students is the immediate feedback and creative freedom the OZOBOTS provide. They can write a simple line of code, upload it, and instantly see the robot move. This makes learning to code feel less abstract and much more tangible. It's like bringing their ideas to life.\r\n\r\nThey're not just following instructions; they're experimenting, creating, and even making their robots \"dance\" or \"sing\" with light and sound. The robots have become a canvas for their imagination, and the students are constantly pushing the boundaries of what they can do.\r\n\r\nWe've seen some incredible transformations, especially in students who were initially hesitant about technology. One student, who often struggled with traditional classroom work, has truly found their voice through this project. Their ability to troubleshoot and solve complex coding problems is exceptional. They've become a natural leader, helping their classmates and showcasing a level of confidence we hadn't seen before.\r\n\r\nAnother student, who is usually very quiet, has found a new way to express their creativity. They spend extra time meticulously designing and decorating the robots, personalizing them in a way that reflects their unique personality. This technology has given them a new medium to shine.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only provided us with new tools but has also opened up new avenues for learning and personal growth for our students. Thank you for believing in our project and helping us bring these incredible opportunities to the classroom.\r\n\r\nWe're so grateful for your continued support!","fullyFundedDate":1746487178039,"projectUrl":"project/we-want-these-robotsneed-them-please/9266040/","projectTitle":"We Want These Robots...Need Them Please...","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1847366_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319455484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thegentlegiant"},{"teacherId":1847366,"projectId":9231077,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our library books project. Your contribution has truly transformed our classroom, providing our students with a vibrant, ever-expanding world of new stories and knowledge. These books aren't just for reading; they are catalysts for curiosity and empathy, helping our students develop critical thinking and communication skills they will use for a lifetime.\r\n​With these new texts, reading in our classroom has become a lively, collaborative experience. Students are no longer just passive readers; they are active participants in book clubs, passionately debating character choices and literary themes. They are discovering the power of diverse perspectives and learning to connect with characters who may seem different from them. This shared reading experience has fostered a stronger sense of community and has made our classroom a more dynamic place to learn.\r\n​I've been especially moved by a group of students who have really embraced the non-fiction books. They've discovered that reading for information can be just as exciting as reading for pleasure. One student, who previously struggled with reading engagement, found a book about space exploration that sparked an amazing project on the solar system. It's moments like these that show the profound impact of your gift. Thank you again for helping our students grow as both readers and individuals.We would like to give a special thank you to General Motors for their invaluable support. As a company that drives innovation and engineering, your contribution has directly helped us inspire the next generation of problem-solvers. The new books are fueling our students' imaginations, encouraging them to think creatively and dream big about the future—a future they will one day help to build","fullyFundedDate":1746543551401,"projectUrl":"project/building-our-way-with-books/9231077/","projectTitle":"Building Our Way With Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1847366_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319455484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thegentlegiant"},{"teacherId":1847366,"projectId":9272175,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students and faculty, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for your generous donation of 3D printer filament. Your contribution has had a tremendous impact on our program, helping us bring our creative projects to life.\r\n​With the filament you provided, our students were able to design and print prototypes for their science and engineering projects, transforming theoretical concepts into tangible models. This has not only enhanced their learning but also sparked a new level of enthusiasm for their work.\r\n​Beyond the classroom, your donation played a crucial role in our recent school musical. We were able to print custom props and set pieces that added a professional and innovative touch to the production, captivating our audience. Your support made it possible for our students to create a truly memorable performance.\r\n​The impact of your donation extends far beyond these specific examples. It has empowered our students to experiment, innovate, and solve problems in new ways. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for helping us foster a community of makers and creators.","fullyFundedDate":1756146994010,"projectUrl":"project/fullfilamentedwe-could-be/9272175/","projectTitle":"Full‐Filamented...We Could Be!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1847366_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319455484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thegentlegiant"},{"teacherId":1847366,"projectId":9215067,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my project, \"An A-MAZING Imagination.\" Because of your kindness, my students now have the opportunity to unleash their creativity and problem-solving skills in a way I never could have imagined. When I first revealed the boxes filled with building materials, the students' eyes lit up with excitement. The sheer joy on their faces was priceless as they immediately started sketching designs and discussing their plans. It's been an absolute thrill to see them so engaged.\r\n​Your contribution has had a profound impact on my classroom. We immediately began using the materials to construct our marble mazes, focusing on teamwork and design thinking. The project culminated in a grand challenge: creating intricate robot mazes for our various robots. Watching a group of students collaborate to build a winding path for their robot and then troubleshoot why it was getting stuck—only to cheer in triumph when it finally made it through—was a moment I will never forget. This project taught them more than just engineering; it taught them perseverance and collaboration.\r\n​The resources you provided are the foundation for our next steps. Building on the skills they've acquired, my students are now moving on to a more advanced challenge: programming their robots to navigate an even more complex, multi-level maze. They'll need to apply logic and coding principles to conquer this new challenge, all thanks to the strong start you gave them. I am so grateful for your support and for giving my students the chance to learn and grow in such a hands-on way.","fullyFundedDate":1746543551513,"projectUrl":"project/an-a-mazing-imagination/9215067/","projectTitle":"An A-MAZING Imagination","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1847366_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319455484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thegentlegiant"},{"teacherId":1847366,"projectId":9224118,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to our \"An Ogre of a Show\" project. Your contributions made a huge difference, allowing us to acquire the essential costumes and supplies we needed to bring our musical to life. The impact has been incredible, and I wanted to share with you what your kindness has done for our students.\r\n​Bringing Our Musical to Life\r\n​Your donations provided the materials for our students to create a truly spectacular performance. We were able to get everything from fabrics and fake fur for our ogre and princess costumes to makeup for creating fantastic character looks. We used these resources during our after-school drama club meetings, where students worked together on a variety of tasks. Some students were cutting and sewing, while others were painting props and practicing their lines. The new supplies made the process so much more engaging and professional. For example, the high-quality fabric you provided for the ogre's tunic made a huge difference in how the costume looked and felt, which in turn helped the lead actor fully embody the role.\r\n​The Moment of Unboxing\r\n​The day the materials arrived was filled with pure joy and excitement. The students gathered around as we opened the boxes, their faces lighting up with each new item we pulled out. They reacted with gasps and cheers, especially when they saw the bolts of green fabric and the colorful makeup palettes. It was a tangible moment for them, seeing that people they didn't even know believed in their project and wanted to help. This wasn't just about getting supplies; it was about feeling supported and valued. That moment of seeing the materials for the first time helped them realize the scale of the production and the community that was behind them.\r\n​The Journey Continues\r\n​Now that our show is a success, the students are already looking ahead to their next project. We've started a new unit on improvisation and playwriting. We are using the leftover fabrics and supplies to build a \"costume closet\" for future skits and exercises. This allows the students to continue their creative work and build upon the skills they learned during the musical. They are learning to brainstorm ideas for scenes, develop characters, and work collaboratively to tell a story. This wouldn't have been possible without your initial contribution, as it sparked their excitement and showed them what they could achieve with the right resources.\r\n​Your support has not only helped us put on a great show but has also laid the foundation for future creative endeavors. We are so grateful for your generosity and for making a real difference in the lives of these young performers. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! ❤️","fullyFundedDate":1745337977671,"projectUrl":"project/an-ogre-of-a-show/9224118/","projectTitle":"An Ogre of a Show","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1847366_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319455484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thegentlegiant"},{"teacherId":3520037,"projectId":8715451,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my students once again with your kindness and generosity.\r\nYou always go above and beyond the Donor's choose call and i cant thank you enough. \r\nMy student love being able to have colorful and supportive resources to make their learning activities come to life. \r\nThey really like using highlighters and folders that help them learn organizational life skills as they grow. I can't wait to share the extra left over resources with my next group of students to make this project even more effective.","fullyFundedDate":1733855069036,"projectUrl":"project/academic-assistanceresource-class-needs/8715451/","projectTitle":"Academic Assistance/Resource Class Needs for Interactive Colorful Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3520037_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568771435585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/spedteachmgiandurco"},{"teacherId":1847366,"projectId":9140315,"letterContent":"Here's a thank-you note draft for your donors, focusing on the impact of the FILA-Mentally My Good Watson project. You can mix and match sections or use it as a starting point.\r\nThank You, Donors!\r\nDear wonderful donors,\r\nOn behalf of my students, I want to extend a huge thank you for your generous support of the FILA-Mentally My Good Watson project. Your donations allowed us to purchase a new 3D printer and the necessary filament, bringing a new dimension of learning into our classroom. While many of you use technology daily, it can be hard to visualize how it's used in a school setting. This new printer has transformed abstract ideas into tangible objects, allowing my students to go beyond textbook diagrams and truly grasp concepts in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). They aren't just reading about a topic; they are designing, creating, and holding their own creations in their hands.\r\nThe most exciting part for the students is watching their designs materialize right before their eyes. When they see a small digital file slowly transform into a three-dimensional object, it's like a magic trick. This process teaches them not only about technology but also about persistence and problem-solving. They've learned that design is an iterative process—they might have to adjust a file or reprint a part to get it just right. It's a powerful lesson in taking a project from an idea to a finished product.\r\nI've been especially moved by how this project has engaged some of my more hands-on learners. For example, a few of my students who sometimes struggle with traditional paper-and-pencil tasks have completely blossomed. They are the first to volunteer to help with a print, and they offer creative suggestions for how we can use the printer next. Seeing their confidence grow as they master the software and the printing process has been one of the greatest joys of this experience. Thanks to your support, we're not just learning about technology; we're building skills, sparking curiosity, and empowering every student to become a creator.","fullyFundedDate":1742924667443,"projectUrl":"project/fila-mentally-my-good-watson/9140315/","projectTitle":"FILA-Mentally My Good Watson","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1847366_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319455484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thegentlegiant"},{"teacherId":1847366,"projectId":9101341,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the new puzzles and Breakout EDU challenges, their eyes lit up with excitement. They immediately wanted to start solving them, and the room buzzed with curiosity as they gathered in groups to unlock the first challenge. It was incredible to watch them work together, sharing ideas, testing solutions, and cheering each other on when they figured out the answers. Their reactions showed just how much joy and motivation these resources bring to their learning.\r\n\r\n We have already used the puzzles in a classroom project where students had to solve a series of critical thinking tasks to \"break out\" of a themed challenge. They collaborated, practiced perseverance, and developed problem-solving skills while having so much fun that they didn't even realize how hard they were working. The Breakout EDU games pushed them to think differently and encouraged every student, no matter their skill level, to contribute.\r\n\r\n Our next step is to create student-led puzzles and breakout challenges for their classmates to solve. This will give them the chance not only to be problem-solvers but also designers, applying creativity, logic, and teamwork in new ways. Thanks to your generosity, our students now have resources that keep them engaged, challenged, and inspired. You've given them opportunities to learn in a way that feels like play, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1742924806903,"projectUrl":"project/a-puzzling-situation/9101341/","projectTitle":"A Puzzling Situation","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1847366_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319455484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thegentlegiant"},{"teacherId":1847366,"projectId":9215030,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire school community, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our Shrek Jr. musical project. Thanks to your kindness, our students had all the materials they needed to create the most imaginative and colorful sets we've ever had. Your contributions transformed our stage into a vibrant world of fairy-tale creatures and fantastical landscapes, and the impact on our students was truly magical.\r\n\r\nThe new resources have completely revolutionized our set design process. We used to rely on whatever recycled materials we could scrounge up, but now, our students have access to a wide variety of paints, fabrics, and specialized tools. This year, we decided to create a truly immersive experience for our audience. One of the most challenging but rewarding aspects was building the dragon's lair. We used the new, large canvases you helped us purchase to paint a massive backdrop of a cavern filled with glittering gold and jewels. We then used the new paintbrushes and metallic paints to add a three-dimensional effect, making it look as if the treasure was truly glowing. Watching our students meticulously paint each coin and jewel with such focus and pride was incredible. They were so invested in making every detail perfect, and the final result was a breathtaking masterpiece that truly brought the dragon's scene to life.\r\n\r\nWhen the new materials first arrived, the students were absolutely thrilled. Their eyes lit up as we unpacked the boxes filled with vibrant paints and rolls of fabric. There was an audible gasp when they saw the variety of colors and textures. It was like Christmas morning! One student, who had always been a bit hesitant to participate in set design, immediately grabbed a paintbrush and started experimenting with the new colors. Her excitement was contagious, and soon, the whole class was buzzing with creative energy. It was a powerful reminder of how having the right tools can empower students to take creative risks and discover new passions.\r\nLooking ahead, we're not stopping at just one magical kingdom. Our students are already buzzing with ideas for our next production. The skills they developed with your support will be put to use in our upcoming theater projects. The students are now working on a new set of backdrops for our school's production of \"The Lion King Jr.\" The students are excited to use the new materials to create the Pride Lands and the vibrant animal characters. They're learning about color theory and how to blend different shades to create depth and emotion, and they're also learning how to work together as a team, sharing ideas and collaborating on a shared vision.\r\nYour generosity has done more than just provide materials; it has given our students a chance to express themselves, to collaborate, and to see their creative visions become a reality. Thank you for believing in our students and for investing in their artistic journey.","fullyFundedDate":1746486917309,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-shrekjr-that-is/9215030/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, SHREK...JR. That Is","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1847366_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319455484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thegentlegiant"},{"teacherId":1847366,"projectId":9097002,"letterContent":"We are excited to share the significant impact your generous contributions have had on our students through the integration of innovative technology. While many of you utilize technology in your daily lives, its application within education offers unique avenues for growth. In our classrooms, technology acts as a powerful tool for personalized learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace and engage with materials in ways that cater to their individual learning styles. Interactive software provides immediate feedback and adapts to student needs, while digital resources bring abstract concepts to life through engaging multimedia. This not only deepens understanding but also fosters a greater enthusiasm for learning by making it more relevant and interactive for today's digital natives.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting aspects of this project for our students has been the introduction of robots for learning to code. These aren't just toys; they are dynamic tools that allow students to learn coding concepts in a tangible and visual way. They are learning to code in various ways, from block-based programming for beginners, where they drag and drop commands, to more advanced text-based coding as their skills develop. The immediate feedback of seeing their code translate into the robot's actions – whether it's moving, turning, or interacting with its environment – makes the learning process incredibly engaging and reinforces their understanding of computational thinking. This hands-on approach demystifies coding and empowers students to become creators, not just consumers, of technology.\r\n\r\nWe've seen several students particularly thrive with this new technology. For instance, one student who previously struggled with abstract reasoning has found a natural aptitude for coding the robots, as the visual and interactive nature makes logical sequences more intuitive. Another student, who is typically reserved, has blossomed as a leader by helping their peers troubleshoot their robot programs, showcasing newfound confidence and problem-solving skills. The robots have provided a platform for collaborative learning and have ignited a passion for STEM fields in students who might not have otherwise discovered it. Your support is not just providing technology; it's unlocking hidden potential and shaping the innovators of tomorrow.","fullyFundedDate":1739571854579,"projectUrl":"project/robot-creations/9097002/","projectTitle":"Robot Creations","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1847366_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319455484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thegentlegiant"},{"teacherId":1847366,"projectId":9096486,"letterContent":"We are thrilled to share the transformative impact of your generous support on our students through the integration of cutting-edge technology. This initiative goes beyond simply providing new gadgets; it's fundamentally reshaping how our students learn. Technology empowers personalized learning journeys, catering to individual needs and paces through interactive software. It also fosters enhanced engagement and motivation, naturally capturing students' attention and making learning more dynamic. \r\n\r\nCrucially, it cultivates essential 21st-century skills like digital literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, preparing them for future success in an increasingly digital world.\r\nThe introduction of 3D printers has ignited unparalleled excitement among our students, transforming them from consumers to creators. The ability to materialize digital designs has sparked their imaginations and fostered a tangible connection to the learning process. This enthusiasm was vividly displayed during our recent school musical, \"Shrek Jr.,\" where students enthusiastically embraced the challenge of using the 3D printers to produce props and even some of the event's \"swag.\" This hands-on experience involved learning the intricacies of 3D printing, mastering digital design software, and even exploring basic coding for automation.\r\n\r\nThrough the \"Shrek Jr.\" project, students gained invaluable practical knowledge, including estimating filament usage and understanding print times. This real-world application of technology fostered planning, resource management, and patience. We've also witnessed individual breakthroughs, with students who previously struggled finding new passions through coding and digital art. Your belief in our students and your investment in this technology are fostering innovation, igniting passions, and equipping them with crucial skills for the future. Thank you for being such vital partners in their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1738758733514,"projectUrl":"project/3d-print-shrek/9096486/","projectTitle":"3D Print Shrek","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1847366_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319455484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thegentlegiant"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43515","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":388,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":14,"percentWhite":38,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":34,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":81.3,"schoolId":43515,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Concord Magnet Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Concord Magnet Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/norwalk-public-schools/columbus-magnet-elementary-school/43515"}