{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Cook Literacy Model School","outOfStateSupporters":27.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7882969,"projectId":9878177,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now walk into our classroom each day knowing that their basic needs will be met and that security has changed everything. I created this project because one of my scholars was heartbroken when we ran out of snacks. Many of my students face poverty, and for some, the snack they receive at school is one of the only reliable food moments in their day. When the new snacks arrived like granola bars, chips, cookies, and more, their faces lit up with excitement and relief. Students rushed to help restock the cabinet, proudly organizing each shelf. Your kindness turned a moment of worry into a moment of joy and comfort.\r\n\r\nThe Hugimals weighted balls have also been such a powerful addition to our classroom calm down corner. We use them daily in our calming corner as part of our social-emotional routines. One of my students who struggles with anxiety immediately hugged a weighted ball to his chest and whispered, \"This makes me feel safe.\" During lessons, students take turns using them on their laps to help stay grounded and focused, and the positive impact has been clear with calmer transitions, more regulated emotions, and a classroom that feels supported and cared for.\r\n\r\nNow that our snack cabinet is full again, students can focus on learning instead of hunger, which has made a noticeable difference in their energy and engagement during the day. Our next steps are to continue integrating the weighted Hugimals into small-group work and mindfulness activities so students can develop healthy coping strategies. Because of you, my scholars feel valued, supported, and ready to learn. Thank you for meeting such an important need and for bringing comfort and stability to a classroom that truly needs it.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1764000606758,"projectUrl":"project/feeding-hearts-and-minds-in-first-and-se/9878177/","projectTitle":"Feeding Hearts and Minds in First and Second Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Owusu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7882969_orig.png?crop=148,148,x9,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727383101913","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7882969"},{"teacherId":7882969,"projectId":9714181,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom is filled with excitement, motivation, and meaningful learning experiences every single day. Your support has had an immediate impact on my scholars both academically and emotionally. I want to share just how much these materials have transformed our space.\r\n\r\nThe Elkonin Box Floor Mats have paired beautifully with our phonics lessons. Scholars use them to segment and blend sounds, and having such a large, hands-on visual has strengthened their confidence as early readers. These mats make our phonics routines more interactive, joyful, and accessible to all learning styles.\r\n\r\nThe classroom headphones have also made a tremendous difference. Students now use them during independent work on our online programs, allowing them to focus without distractions and complete personalized lessons at their own pace. Having enough reliable headphones for everyone has brought calm, consistency, and independence to our learning stations.\r\n\r\nI cannot forget the prize box items and incentives. The Sour Patch Kids, assorted candy, mini fidget toys, glitter putty, and sensory prizes. These rewards have become a powerful motivator for positive behavior and academic effort. My scholars work so hard to earn coupons for the prize box, and their smiles when they \"shop\" for a reward say everything. The incentive system you helped create has boosted motivation, effort, and classroom community in a truly joyful way.\r\n\r\nEven the AAA batteries you funded have been essential. They help our scholars time each other with timers for fluency.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has brought structure, motivation, and fun to our classroom. You didn't just provide supplies but you gave my scholars the tools to learn, focus, grow, and celebrate their progress. Thank you for believing in them and for investing in the small things that make a big difference.","fullyFundedDate":1760725125254,"projectUrl":"project/joyful-learning-for-my-1st2nd-grade-com/9714181/","projectTitle":"Joyful Learning for My 1st/2nd Grade Combo Class!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Owusu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7882969_orig.png?crop=148,148,x9,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727383101913","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7882969"},{"teacherId":7882969,"projectId":9490186,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a vibrant, joyful, and engaging place to learn math. The materials you funded have already made an incredible difference in the way my students approach each lesson.\r\n\r\nThe Math Matters storybooks and the additional math-themed read-alouds have become one of our favorite parts of the day. Students look forward to the stories before each math lesson, and these books have sparked curiosity, conversations, and excitement. The storytelling element keeps them engaged while also helping them build fluency, vocabulary, and confidence. Even my most hesitant learners lean in when they hear, \"Today's math story is...\"\r\n\r\nThe ten-frames class set has been a game changer for hands-on understanding. My students use the ten-frames across so many standards from composing and decomposing numbers to building early algebraic thinking. They manipulate, count, compare, and explain their reasoning with far more clarity now that they have real tools in their hands. I've seen students who started the year unsure of numbers proudly explaining patterns, solving problems on their own, and helping their classmates.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, math in our classroom is no longer just numbers on a page it's stories, discovery, and meaningful conversations. You have helped create experiences that will support these young learners far beyond this school year.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and for believing in the power of early math literacy. Your gift is making a real difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1758202835440,"projectUrl":"project/building-math-fluency-through-stories/9490186/","projectTitle":"Building Math Fluency Through Stories","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Owusu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7882969_orig.png?crop=148,148,x9,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727383101913","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7882969"},{"teacherId":7882969,"projectId":9435114,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our classroom. Every item you donated has made a meaningful and immediate impact on our scholars' learning, confidence, and daily routines.\r\n\r\nThe trampoline has become a beloved flexible-seating option for the scholar of the week. Everyone eagerly waits to see who will earn \"Student of the Week\" and get their turn to sit on it. The inflatable seating cushions, noise-canceling headphones, and magnetic tiles have also supported students who need sensory-friendly options and hands-on learning moments throughout the day.\r\n\r\nYour donations of math tools including the Counting & Place Value Folder Game Library, the Giant Magnetic Number of the Day Chart, number-line boards, and the math speed-drill books have completely transformed our math block. Scholars stay engaged, participate more confidently, and are showing real growth in foundational math skills because these materials allow them to practice in fun, consistent, and interactive ways.\r\n\r\nReading and language arts have also become more joyful. The sight-word coloring books, LCD writing tablets, puzzles, floor alphabet puzzle, word ladders, and reusable reward charts have strengthened literacy skills while keeping students excited to learn. These resources help all learners especially those who need visual or hands-on support stay engaged and successful.\r\n\r\nThe classroom organization items, including the caddies, paper organizer, magnetic reward jars, stickers, and the talking buttons, have made our classroom run more smoothly and positively. Students know where materials belong, transitions are quicker, and my desk stays organized and functional thanks to your thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\nEvery single item you provided has added comfort, structure, joy, and academic support to our learning environment. Our scholars feel important, our classroom feels enriched, and I feel deeply supported as their teacher.\r\n\r\nThank you for choosing to invest in our classroom.\r\nYour kindness is making a daily impact on every scholar who walks through our door.","fullyFundedDate":1754411472563,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-that-support-fueling-focus-and/9435114/","projectTitle":"Supplies That Support: Fueling Focus and Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Owusu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7882969_orig.png?crop=148,148,x9,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727383101913","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7882969"},{"teacherId":8402382,"projectId":9434260,"letterContent":"The classroom organization tools such as individual student mailboxes and clear table markers have had a significant impact on both student responsibility and overall classroom efficiency. The mailboxes, in particular, have created a consistent and predictable routine for managing take-home folders, family communication, and completed class assignments. Each student has a designated space where their folder belongs, and this structure helps them develop accountability for their materials. Instead of relying on constant reminders, students learn to independently place their folders in their mailbox each morning and retrieve them before dismissal. This daily routine not only reduces misplaced papers but also builds responsibility as students understand the importance of keeping track of their work. Families benefit as well, since important notices and student work consistently make it home without being stuffed loosely into backpacks or forgotten on desks.\r\n\r\nClear table markers have also strengthened our classroom routines, especially during morning work, center rotations, and fast-finisher tasks. These markers allow me to display individualized or group-specific letter practice, sight-word cards, or quick review prompts in a visually clear and accessible way. Because the materials slide into the markers, they remain clean, visible, and reusable. Students immediately know what to work on when they sit down, which creates a smooth, calm start to the school day. Instead of using stacks of paper, students grab their personal dry-erase boards and markers to practice writing, blending, or reading the displayed words. This not only saves a tremendous amount of paper but also supports repeated, meaningful skill practice without the stress of making permanent mistakes.\r\n\r\nDisplaying the boards is easy and effective. I place the clear markers in the center of each table group or directly at students' seats, depending on whether they need individualized tasks or group practice. The visibility and durability of the markers keep the classroom looking organized and prevent papers from getting torn, lost, or crumpled. Students also enjoy the hands-on nature of dry-erase work, which keeps them motivated and engaged.\r\n\r\nThe same materials have greatly improved the efficiency of our center rotations. Because students already know how to use the dry-erase boards and markers, they can quickly transition from one task to the next without needing lengthy explanations or materials passed out each time. The simplicity of writing, erasing, and trying again allows for fast-paced literacy practice, which is especially helpful in early reading and writing instruction. Centers feel more structured and productive because students stay busy with quality tasks that reinforce previously taught skills.\r\n\r\nThese tools have also become essential for fast-finishers. Students who complete an assignment early can immediately pull out their board and begin working on the displayed words or letters at their table. This eliminates downtime and prevents disruptions because students have a meaningful, enjoyable activity ready to go. Many students actually get excited to use the dry-erase boards, which turns extra practice into a motivating experience rather than a chore.\r\n\r\nOverall, the combination of student mailboxes, clear table markers, and dry-erase practice materials has created a more organized, efficient, and student-centered learning environment. These tools support independence, reduce classroom clutter, save paper, and encourage students to take responsibility for their work while staying engaged in purposeful literacy practice.","fullyFundedDate":1755567992208,"projectUrl":"project/little-tools-big-impact/9434260/","projectTitle":"Little Tools, Big Impact","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Helton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8402382_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689791162891","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8402382"},{"teacherId":8402382,"projectId":9411479,"letterContent":"When our new classroom rug first arrived, it was meant to be used as our whole-group meeting space. However, plans changed, and the rug found a new home in an even more meaningful area of our classroom — our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) center. What began as a simple classroom addition has quickly transformed into one of the most exciting and beloved areas for our students, creating opportunities for learning, movement, connection, and calm in ways we didn't expect.\r\n\r\nThe day the rug was unrolled will always be remembered. As soon as the children saw its bright colors and inviting patterns, the room filled with joyful yelling and laughter. Many students immediately began hopping, jumping, and dancing from circle to circle, their excitement overflowing. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and sense of wonder — for some of them, this was the first time they had seen something brand-new and so vibrant in their classroom. That moment alone spoke volumes about how much our environment influences student joy and engagement.\r\n\r\nAs the days went on, the rug began to take on a life of its own. What was once simply a new piece of classroom furniture soon became affectionately known as \"the hopping rug.\" Students naturally gravitated toward it during free play, SEL lessons, and even moments when they needed a break. The rug provided a space where they could express themselves, move their bodies, and practice emotional regulation in a positive and playful way.\r\n\r\nDuring SEL activities, the rug helps foster social interaction and teamwork. Children gather there to practice sharing, taking turns, and problem-solving through play. Its colorful circles inspire imaginative games and role-playing scenarios that encourage cooperation and communication. In calmer moments, students use the rug as a peaceful retreat — a place where they can take a few deep breaths, regain focus, or simply enjoy the comfort of sitting somewhere soft and welcoming.\r\n\r\nBeyond its practical uses, the rug has also become a symbol of care and renewal in our classroom. Our previous rugs were old, stained, and worn down from years of use. This new addition brought a fresh burst of color and energy into the room, creating a more cheerful and nurturing atmosphere. For many students, the excitement of seeing something \"new\" and special just for them was a meaningful experience in itself. It showed them that their classroom is a place where they are valued and where their environment is designed to support their growth and happiness.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly thankful for this new rug and the unexpected ways it has enriched our classroom community. It has turned our SEL area into a space full of laughter, comfort, and meaningful interactions. More than just a piece of décor, it has become a cornerstone of connection — a place where students learn, play, and discover the joy of being together.","fullyFundedDate":1754411472181,"projectUrl":"project/sit-share-shine-for-success/9411479/","projectTitle":"Sit, Share, Shine, for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Helton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8402382_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689791162891","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8402382"},{"teacherId":5695870,"projectId":6623990,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to my project!\r\n\r\nWe got a play couch from this project as well as many wonderful books! \r\n\r\nI love reading to my students and they really enjoyed each of the books that were purchased. It brings me great joy to share a book with students each day and discuss what we might learn from the book. All books can teach us SOMETHING. Students also really enjoy rereading the books that we read as a class. I keep them on a special shelf for a little while after reading them so students can enjoy reading them on their own. Students love to be able to do that on the play couch!","fullyFundedDate":1659678121783,"projectUrl":"project/make-learning-fun/6623990/","projectTitle":"Make Learning Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. O'Neill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5695870_orig.png?crop=1985,1985,x443,y1229&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658348933996","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mspackers3rdgrade"},{"teacherId":5695870,"projectId":6607405,"letterContent":"These materials made a huge difference in my classroom and many are still used today! Students were very excited and felt very special that people were thinking of them!\r\n\r\nThe mailboxes were a lifesaver for passing out papers and making sure that students got their important papers. \r\n\r\nHaving headphones for every student was also a lifesaver when they were using their devices. With every student having their own device it is more important than ever to have headphones so each student can focus on their individual task. \r\n\r\nThe tissues are of course so needed during the cold/flu season as well as allergy season!\r\n\r\nLastly, thank you for the things to decorate our space and make it feel like a home. It makes our classroom feel better each day.","fullyFundedDate":1659393867274,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-supplies-oh-my/6607405/","projectTitle":"Supplies, Supplies, Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. O'Neill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5695870_orig.png?crop=1985,1985,x443,y1229&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658348933996","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mspackers3rdgrade"},{"teacherId":8402382,"projectId":9294557,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our first grade classroom! The clear paper bins have already made a big difference in how we organize our writing group work by month—everything now has a place, and the students are taking pride in keeping their materials neat and easy to access.\r\n\r\nThe colorful sentence strips have brought our writing lessons to life! They make it so easy for students to build sentences, explore new vocabulary, and visually understand the structure of writing. It's amazing to see their confidence grow as they interact with the materials in such a hands-on way.\r\n\r\nAnd of course, the smelly pencils have been an absolute hit! They've become the most popular prize choice and have sparked even more excitement for writing time. It's incredible how something so simple can boost motivation and engagement.\r\n\r\nYour support is making a meaningful impact on our young learners, helping them build strong literacy skills in a fun and organized environment. We are so grateful for your kindness and belief in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1745932067224,"projectUrl":"project/organizing-for-cultural-discovery-in-our/9294557/","projectTitle":"Organizing for Cultural Discovery in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Helton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8402382_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689791162891","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8402382"},{"teacherId":7882969,"projectId":9107248,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Your kindness provided my first grade students with the tools they needed to finish the school year strong and the difference has been incredible.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the materials arrived, the excitement was contagious. The writing journals have helped my students grow into more confident writers, giving them a space to express their thoughts and creativity. The math manipulatives turned abstract concepts into something they could touch and understand, making learning more fun and helping them better grasp key ideas.\r\n\r\nThe candy has been a simple but powerful motivator, encouraging students to stay focused and do their best each day. With the Teachers Pay Teachers gift card, I was able to find just the right resources to meet each child where they are, helping every student grow at their own pace. The games and materials purchased have reinforced our lessons and brought joy and energy to our learning time.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, my students have stayed engaged, motivated, and eager to learn even in the face of challenges. They are curious, determined, and full of potential. You've helped us create a classroom where they feel supported and ready to succeed.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your generosity. Thank you for believing in our students and helping us end this school year on a high note.","fullyFundedDate":1746472194605,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-minds-learning-tools-f/9107248/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Minds: Learning Tools for a Strong Finish","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Owusu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7882969_orig.png?crop=148,148,x9,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727383101913","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7882969"},{"teacherId":7882969,"projectId":9133294,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in funding our classroom project! Because of your kindness, our students now have access to engaging tools that make learning both fun and meaningful. Students were so grateful to see all the new items we received for our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe educational games have brought excitement into our lessons, helping students strengthen their phonics and math fluency in a way that feels more like play than work. The candy and sticker rewards have been incredible motivators. The small treats that go a long way in keeping spirits high and participation strong.\r\n\r\nOur new planet-themed reading tent has become a safe haven for many of our students. It's a cozy space where they can calm down, reflect, and read peacefully. The tent, combined with our new books, has supported their emotional growth in ways we didn't fully expect. Students are learning to manage their feelings by reading about how other children their age deal with emotions like anger or frustration. They're not just learning to read, they're learning empathy and self-awareness.\r\n\r\nThe new notebooks have also made a big impact. Students are excited to express themselves through writing and drawing, and their enthusiasm shows in the quality and creativity of their work.\r\n\r\nThis project has truly transformed our classroom. It's more than just materials, it's a whole new atmosphere of learning, emotional growth, and joy. We are so grateful for your generosity and belief in our students. Thank you for believing and supporting us!","fullyFundedDate":1746785872187,"projectUrl":"project/transforming-learning-with-play-fueling/9133294/","projectTitle":"Transforming Learning with Play: Fueling Minds and Hearts for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Owusu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7882969_orig.png?crop=148,148,x9,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727383101913","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7882969"},{"teacherId":7693191,"projectId":8911058,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose! Because of your generosity, we now have a dedicated communication station that's already making a difference. This mailbox system helps bridge the gap between home and school—giving students a place to exchange notes, share celebrations, and bring families into the learning process.\r\n\r\nFor some of my students, especially those who need extra support with communication, having this tool gives them a safe and structured way to express themselves and stay connected. It's more than just paper and slots—it's helping build community, confidence, and stronger partnerships with families.\r\n\r\nYour support means the world to us. Thank you for believing in the power of small things to create big connections.","fullyFundedDate":1733251608144,"projectUrl":"project/communication-station/8911058/","projectTitle":"Communication Station","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pappas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7693191_orig.png?crop=644,644,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716832813297","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7693191"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1480","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":214,"numTeachers":18,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":75,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":21,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":72.8,"schoolId":1480,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Cook Literacy Model School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Cook Literacy Model School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/winston-salem-forsyth-county-schools/cook-elementary-school/1480"}