{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Concord Magnet Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":694817,"projectId":9979650,"letterContent":"My students have enjoyed using the board games you have contributed to purchasing for my class. If the have indoor recess we do not allow them to use electronic devices to pull them away from their screens and have them engage with their fellow students to have some fun. The love the Connect Four and often have their own tournaments. They also enjoy the chess board and Othello. Even the all popular UNO creates lively competition.\r\nYour support is much appreciated by all. It is nice to offer them ways to interact with each other and brings together students who may not otherwise hang out together. Socialization is so important in this age of so much screen time. Thank you again for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1768421033285,"projectUrl":"project/no-screen-time-for-fun/9979650/","projectTitle":"No Screen Time for Fun!","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":9808902,"letterContent":"Because of your support for \"Marty... It's About Your Future,\" my students now have access to technology that is transforming the way they learn, create, and share their ideas.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, the technology is not just something we use—it's something we build with. Students are using it to explore new concepts, create digital projects, and communicate their thinking in ways that go far beyond pencil and paper. It helps them revise their work in real time, collaborate more effectively, and see their ideas come to life in a way that feels meaningful and real to them.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is the ability to create something they can actually see, hear, and share. Whether they are working on storytelling, media projects, or presentations about their learning, they light up when they realize their ideas can be turned into something polished and professional-looking.\r\n\r\nThis project has especially supported students who may not always feel confident in traditional assignments. Some of my quietest learners have become some of the most engaged when working with this technology. It gives them another way to express what they know—often revealing strengths that might otherwise stay hidden.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, students are not just learning content—they are learning how to use technology as a tool for their future.","fullyFundedDate":1768066053080,"projectUrl":"project/marty-its-about-your-future/9808902/","projectTitle":"\"Marty... It's About Your Future\"","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":9685868,"letterContent":"Because of your support, our classroom has been transformed into a true launchpad for exploration and problem-solving. My students are now using our new robotics materials during hands-on STEM challenges that feel more like missions than lessons.\r\n\r\nOne of our first activities was a \"mission through unknown terrain\" challenge. Students worked in small teams to program their robots to navigate obstacle courses they designed themselves using classroom materials. The excitement was immediate—the moment the robots started moving exactly where they had planned, you could hear the room erupt with cheers. Even students who are usually hesitant to participate were leaning in, trying, adjusting, and celebrating every small success.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the reaction was pure awe. Students gathered around, asking, \"Are these really ours?\" and \"Can we use them today?\" There was a real sense that something special had just entered our classroom—something that belonged to them and would help them think, create, and problem-solve in new ways.\r\n\r\nRight now, we are building toward more complex \"robotic explorer\" missions where students must collaborate to solve multi-step challenges. They are learning how to debug their code when things don't go as planned, and more importantly, how to persevere and try again. These moments are helping them see that mistakes are part of the learning process.\r\n\r\nNext, students will begin designing their own original exploration challenges for their classmates. They will act as both engineers and instructors—planning routes, creating rules, and testing each other's solutions. This is where their creativity and critical thinking will really shine, as they take full ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just provide materials—it opened the door for curiosity, collaboration, and confidence to grow in ways that will last far beyond this project.","fullyFundedDate":1757372290659,"projectUrl":"project/robotic-explorers-why-go-to-mars-when-w/9685868/","projectTitle":"Robotic Explorers: Why Go To Mars When We Can Go...Anywhere","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":10016398,"letterContent":"Your support has meaningfully changed how our students create, share, and take pride in their learning. With the addition of a MacBook and Apple TV, technology in our classroom is no longer just a tool for completing work—it has become a platform for student voice and creativity.\r\n\r\nThe MacBook has allowed students to move into real-world media creation. They are planning, recording, and editing podcasts where they share their ideas, tell stories, and reflect on their learning. What once might have been a simple written response is now an engaging audio project that requires collaboration, organization, and communication skills. Students are learning how to script conversations, adjust audio levels, and revise their work—just like real content creators.\r\n\r\nThe Apple TV has been just as powerful in transforming how students share their work. Instead of projects staying on paper or in individual folders, students can now present their podcasts and media projects to the entire class in a polished, professional way. It has created a true \"publishing moment\" where students see their work displayed and celebrated on the big screen. That sense of audience has raised both their effort and their pride.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is the feeling that their work matters beyond the classroom. When their podcast plays through the speakers and appears on the screen, the room goes quiet—followed by excitement, applause, and meaningful feedback from peers. It turns learning into something public, purposeful, and memorable.\r\n\r\nWe've especially seen students who are often quieter in traditional discussions come alive during podcasting. Some who hesitate to speak up in front of the class are now confident behind the microphone, carefully planning what they want to say and taking ownership of their voice. Others who love storytelling or technology have stepped into leadership roles, helping peers record, edit, and present their work.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a classroom where student voices are not only heard but celebrated—where technology empowers every learner to create, share, and be proud of what they can do.","fullyFundedDate":1776443139747,"projectUrl":"project/lights-camera-anywhere-unleashing-stu/10016398/","projectTitle":"Lights, Camera, Anywhere! Unleashing Student Creators","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":9702053,"letterContent":"Our students have been using these puzzle-based resources and Breakout EDU challenges in such fun and meaningful ways! During one recent activity, students worked in teams to solve clues and \"break out\" of a locked box. At first, they weren't sure where to start, but soon they were talking, sharing ideas, and trying different strategies together. When one group finally unlocked the box, the whole room filled with cheers and excitement! It was amazing to see students encouraging each other and not giving up, even when something felt tricky.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials were first introduced, the reaction was priceless—wide eyes, huge smiles, and lots of curiosity. Students were so excited to see the locks, boxes, and mystery clues. They couldn't wait to get started! Even students who are usually quiet jumped right in, eager to help their team and solve the puzzles.\r\n\r\nNow, students are taking their learning even further by creating their own puzzles and mini Breakout challenges. They are thinking about how to write clues, how to make problems just the right level of tricky, and how to help others have fun while solving them. Next, they will share their challenges with classmates, test them out, and make improvements based on what they learn.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our classroom is full of teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. Our students are learning to think in new ways, work together, and feel proud of what they can accomplish. We are so thankful for your support in making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1768421034005,"projectUrl":"project/oops-we-did-it-againwrapped-up-in-our/9702053/","projectTitle":"Oops We Did It Again...Wrapped Up in Our Puzzles","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":1830269,"projectId":9696450,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Flexible Seating\" project. Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a warm, welcoming, and cozy environment where students truly want to spend time.\r\nThe flexible seating and classroom supplies you provided have created a space where our sixth graders can gather comfortably to read together, discuss stories, and build a love of literature. We now have a community space where students can relax with a book, collaborate with peers, and feel at home while learning.\r\nBeyond reading time, this flexible space has also become an important safe haven for many of our middle school students. Middle school can be a challenging time, and having a comfortable place to sit, breathe, and simply be together has helped students decompress and reconnect during the school day. It has become a space where students feel safe, supported, and part of a community.\r\nYour kindness has made a real difference in our students' daily experience at school. Thank you for helping create a classroom that nurtures both learning and well-being. Our students are grateful, and so am I.","fullyFundedDate":1765394238955,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-in-middle-school-for-el/9696450/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating in Middle School for ELA & SS","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kerschner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1830269"},{"teacherId":3520037,"projectId":9701053,"letterContent":"Thank you for generously sharing some extra support to our STEM and STEAM learning. Exceptional learning students and MLLs really benefit from extra organizational resources. They need support to complete tasks and you gave this to them. \r\nMy students were and still are really excited to see the new posters and bulletin boards you helped bring to our classroom to brighten it up and inspire them for career and college readiness. Thank you for helping to update my classroom for the 2025/26 school year and beyond. \r\nI couldn't do my job without out your kindness's and support !","fullyFundedDate":1765384084345,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-organization-supplemental-st/9701053/","projectTitle":"Classroom Organization & Supplemental STEM/ STEAM Learning Matters","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":3520037,"projectId":9963195,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping me have resources to extend learning with art. My student were so excited to see the new art supplies to help us have creative learning Fridays. They are really looking forward to being able to create pretty projects and bulletin boards as well as just getting some time for themed arts and crafts. \r\nWe are really looking forward to brightening up our classroom this spring thanks you your kindness and generosity. We already used some resources to make February a little pinker and brighter. 💕\r\nMy kids are really looking forward to our next project in March 🍀. Thanks again.","fullyFundedDate":1767121707233,"projectUrl":"project/art-matters-in-a-resource-room-too-/9963195/","projectTitle":"Art Matters in a Resource Room Too !","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":3520037,"projectId":9500114,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for helping my resource class and co taught class have access to extra materials to help strengthen their learning for organization and executive function. My kids really liked being able to know that they are learning new skills for their future.\r\nThanks to you, we get to make a major impact on student who don't always have access to resources like their peers. My students really enjoy having a place to get extra materials when they need them.it gives them a sense of security and well-being. They know they can always get an extra snack, folder or pencil or box of tissues if and when they need it - it lets them focus on new learning.","fullyFundedDate":1757378643970,"projectUrl":"project/essential-support-resources-for-exceptio/9500114/","projectTitle":"Essential Support Resources For Exceptional Learners In 25-26","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":9685808,"letterContent":"Our students have truly come alive with the resources from \"Wired for Tomorrow: The Future City Challenge.\" From the moment the materials arrived, there was an immediate buzz of excitement—students couldn't wait to explore, build, and imagine. One of our favorite moments was watching small groups collaborate to design their own \"future cities,\" complete with sustainable energy sources, transportation systems, and creative solutions to real-world problems. They eagerly sketched ideas, tested designs, and proudly shared their thinking with classmates.\r\n\r\nThese resources have helped students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a hands-on, meaningful way. Even students who are typically quieter have found their voice through designing and building.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue refining their city models and begin presenting their ideas, explaining how their innovations could make the world a better place. Your generosity has sparked curiosity and creativity that will continue to grow—thank you for helping our students dream big and build boldly!","fullyFundedDate":1757372290451,"projectUrl":"project/wired-for-tomorrow-the-future-city-chal/9685808/","projectTitle":"Wired for Tomorrow: the Future City Challenge","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":9651114,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to share the incredible impact your generosity has had on our classroom through the \"Lights, DJI Camera, Action!\" project. The arrival of our new DJI camera and lighting equipment has completely transformed our learning environment, turning our standard classroom into a vibrant, professional-grade media studio. While many of you use similar technology for personal photos or travel, in our school, these tools serve as a bridge between creative expression and technical mastery. This equipment allows my students to move beyond being passive consumers of media to becoming skilled creators who understand the \"why\" behind every shot.\r\n​The Spark of Excitement\r\n​The most exciting aspect of this new gear for the students has been the professionalism and stability it provides. Before this, students were often frustrated by shaky handheld footage or poor lighting that didn't capture their vision. Now, seeing the smooth, cinematic quality of the DJI gimbal and the crisp clarity provided by the new lights has given them a massive boost in confidence. They aren't just \"making a school video\" anymore; they feel like they are producing high-quality content that rivals what they see online. This shift in quality has encouraged them to take their storytelling more seriously and push the boundaries of their creativity.\r\n​Real-World Skills and Positive Student Impact\r\n​Beyond the fun of filming, the positive impact on student growth has been profound. This technology is teaching them critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy. When students set up a lighting rig, they are practicing physics and spatial awareness; when they use the DJI software, they are honing technical troubleshooting skills. We've seen a remarkable transformation in students who previously struggled to engage with traditional written assignments.\r\n​One student in particular, who often felt overwhelmed by public speaking, has found a new sense of belonging behind the camera. By taking on the role of Director of Photography, they have flourished, showing a natural talent for visual composition and leadership. For this student and many others, this equipment isn't just a gadget—it is a tool for empowerment that has increased their school attendance and sparked a genuine passion for a potential career in digital media.","fullyFundedDate":1757372290112,"projectUrl":"project/lights-dji-camera-action/9651114/","projectTitle":"Lights, DJI Camera, Action...","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":9571014,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in providing protective cases for our classroom iPads! While technology is a common part of our daily lives, using it in a bustling classroom of energetic students presents a unique challenge. These cases have transformed our devices from fragile \"display pieces\" into durable, rugged learning tools. Because the students no longer have to worry about accidental drops, they are exploring educational apps and digital research with a newfound sense of confidence and freedom.\r\n​The most exciting part for the students has been the added functionality of these cases—specifically the built-in stands. They have been thrilled to set their iPads up like mini-workstations for coding projects or to prop them up while filming stop-motion videos. This \"hands-free\" aspect has turned a solo tablet experience into a collaborative one, where groups of students can gather around a screen to problem-solve together without anyone needing to hold the device steady.\r\n​I've been especially moved by how this has impacted a few of my more tactile, hands-on learners. One student in particular, who often struggles with fine motor skills and was previously very anxious about touching the \"expensive glass,\" is now the first to grab an iPad during math centers. Knowing the device is \"armored\" has removed the barrier of fear, allowing them to focus entirely on the lesson rather than the equipment. Your gift didn't just buy plastic and silicone; it bought us peace of mind and a more inclusive learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1757372290881,"projectUrl":"project/just-in-caseget-it/9571014/","projectTitle":"Just in CASE...Get It","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","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":6,"gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":81.6,"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"}