{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"West Willow Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":24.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3283181,"projectId":9519552,"letterContent":"The Cutebots, AI Smart Lens, and Arcade Consoles will significantly expand the ways my students will engage with computational thinking and problem-solving. These tools will allow students to move beyond screen-based learning and interact with physical computing, logic, and design in meaningful ways. Students will be learning core concepts such as sequencing, conditionals, debugging, and systems thinking while also strengthening collaboration, perseverance, and creativity. \r\n\r\nWe received these items right before winter break and I look forward to sharing these items with my students when we return in January. Due to a discount from the company we ordered these items from, we were also able to purchase 2 Turing Tumble kits, plastic storage containers and as a BONUS -- they included 10 MicroBits for our students to use. I will have a full class set (35) of MicroBits that I can take into classrooms. \r\n\r\nThe Cutebots bring Micro:Bits to life, allowing students to design and test programs that control movement and sensors. The AI Smart Lens will spark curiosity around artificial intelligence and real-world applications. The Arcade Consoles will motivate students as they design and play their own games. The Turing Tumble kits offer a unique, screen-free challenge that feels like a puzzle, strengthening their logic and reasoning.","fullyFundedDate":1763572192965,"projectUrl":"project/cutebots-ai-smart-lens-and-arcade-conso/9519552/","projectTitle":"Cutebots, AI Smart Lens and Arcade Consoles for our Micro:Bits","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sara Yedlik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3283181_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448586434328","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3283181"},{"teacherId":3283181,"projectId":9527243,"letterContent":"The use of the Sphero robots has had a meaningful impact on gifted learners at West Willow. These tools provide my 2nd through 5th grade students with hands-on, inquiry-based learning opportunities that align well with the needs of gifted students, who often thrive when challenged to think critically, problem-solve, and explore concepts in depth. Through coding, experimentation, and collaboration, students are applying mathematical reasoning, spatial thinking, and computational skills in authentic ways. The technology encourages students to test hypotheses, revise their thinking, and persist through challenges—key habits for our advanced learners.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about the Spheros is the immediate connection between their code and real-world action. Students are eager to experiment with variables such as speed, angles, and sequencing. This sense of ownership and creativity transforms learning into an engaging experience rather than a task to complete. I wish I would have videotaped the first day my students experimented with the spheros. The students squealed and laughed as their \"mice\" ran around our classroom. It was pure joy. We would love to have you stop by our school to see the magic. \r\n\r\nMy students have enjoyed these open-ended challenges and have embraced the opportunity to tinker, fail, and refine their code. I also teach at Hiawatha Elementary, I have been able to share these computer science tools with them also. Spheros have helped to create an inclusive environment where gifted students can explore their strengths and experience success through innovation and problem-solving.","fullyFundedDate":1763566655643,"projectUrl":"project/spheros-and-coding/9527243/","projectTitle":"Spheros and Coding","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sara Yedlik","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3283181_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448586434328","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3283181"},{"teacherId":2908578,"projectId":9683970,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Gingerbread Man project! My kindergarten students are absolutely obsessed with gingerbread stories and love comparing all the different versions including The Gingerbread Girl, Gingerbread Cowboy, Gingerbread Ninja, The Gingerbread Bear, The Bread Baby, and of course the classic The Gingerbread Man. Retelling these stories has become a favorite part of our day, and my students are now expert storytellers who confidently sequence events and use rich vocabulary.\r\n\r\nThe hands on experiences brought so many giggles and joyful moments as students \"baked\" gingerbread characters together, shared laughs with classmates, and even welcomed a life sized Gingerbread Man who surprised us in the classroom. Sending students home with a cookie cutter, scented or sparkle Play Doh, and their own copy of The Gingerbread Man extended learning into family reading time and helped create meaningful connections. These activities strengthened early literacy skills and created lifelong memories my students will never forget. Thank you for helping make learning so magical.","fullyFundedDate":1760913070054,"projectUrl":"project/run-run-as-fast-as-you-can-into-readi/9683970/","projectTitle":"Run, Run, As Fast As You Can… Into Reading Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bierman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2908578_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1531606055020","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bierman"},{"teacherId":2908578,"projectId":9506776,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. My kindergarten students have truly enjoyed using these hands-on materials to explore all five of their senses. They loved using scented stickers to guess different smells, touching a variety of textured materials to compare how each one felt, using their sense of sight to search for Waldo in picture books, and using their sense of hearing to identify sounds hidden inside our mystery capsules.\r\n\r\nThese activities helped students make real-life connections to our lessons and strengthened their understanding of how each sense helps us learn about the world. Your support has made our five senses unit more engaging, interactive, and meaningful for every child. Thank you for helping create a classroom where learning truly comes to life.","fullyFundedDate":1757877239242,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-exploring-the-five-se/9506776/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning: Exploring the Five Senses","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bierman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2908578_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1531606055020","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bierman"},{"teacherId":2908578,"projectId":9438823,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for fully funding our project! I started the year prepared, organized, and full of excitement. Having essential supplies ready for each student on the very first day created a welcoming, stress-free start to kindergarten.\r\n\r\nMy students loved our first game day with the new Perfection game! It was such a fun way to build coordination, problem-solving, and teamwork. Their smiles and laughter said it all, and this game will continue to bring joy and hands-on learning throughout the year.\r\n\r\nOur new data binders will allow each child to track and celebrate their growth, turning goals and progress into something they can see and feel proud of. The addition of our classroom globe opens up the world for my kindergarteners as we explore where stories, folk tales, and themes in our lessons come from.\r\n\r\nThank you again for giving my students the tools, joy, and opportunities they deserve. Your support makes a lasting impact!","fullyFundedDate":1756926710606,"projectUrl":"project/jump-starting-kindergarten-with-supplies/9438823/","projectTitle":"Jump Starting Kindergarten with Supplies, Play, and a Globe!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bierman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2908578_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1531606055020","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bierman"},{"teacherId":9927817,"projectId":9339146,"letterContent":"I have always had a love for making sure my students have an area that they can go to when they are feeling overwhelmed or just feeling low. Every year, I try to make the area as kid friendly and calming as possible so that every student can feel at peace. This year I asked for a hanging tent, sitting bookshelf, and pillows for the corner. The tent provides a small amount of room to 'hide' in, the bookshelf holds some of my books that I have as well as calming tools, and the pillows provide comfort. I have a student in mind as I am writing this letter that uses this corner multiple times a day, multiple times a week, in order to calm him body and be prepared for the day. \r\nMy students love this corner and aren't afraid to use it how they see fit in order to be in control of their body and their emotions.","fullyFundedDate":1754266328094,"projectUrl":"project/a-calming-environment-organization-and/9339146/","projectTitle":"A Calming Environment: Organization and Peace","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Szurkowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9927817_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749355662618","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9927817"},{"teacherId":2908578,"projectId":9451545,"letterContent":"My kindergarten students had the BEST time reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and their faces lit up when they got to take their very own copy home! Now they can read it again and again with their families, building a love of books that will last all year long. \r\n\r\nOur rainbow drawers are also a huge hit, they keep all our learning materials neat and tidy, which means more time for reading, counting, and having fun together.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our classroom feels organized, exciting, and full of book-loving kindergartners who can't wait to learn each day. We're oh-so-grateful for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1759258723556,"projectUrl":"project/chicka-chicka-boom-boom/9451545/","projectTitle":"Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bierman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2908578_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1531606055020","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bierman"},{"teacherId":2908578,"projectId":9406232,"letterContent":"Thanks to your kindness, my kindergarteners walked into a classroom that felt bright, welcoming, and full of joy from the very first day! The \"Oh-Fishally in Kindergarten\" Goldfish bags brought the biggest smiles at open house, while colorful name tags, Play-Doh, and pencil boxes made each child feel special and ready to learn. Paper trays, cubby envelopes, and carpet dots may sound simple, but they've already created structure, ownership, and excitement for learning. Because of your support, my students began their school adventure feeling prepared, valued, and oh-so-excited to be part of kindergarten. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1755357288228,"projectUrl":"project/welcome-to-kindergarten/9406232/","projectTitle":"Welcome to Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bierman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2908578_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1531606055020","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bierman"},{"teacherId":5608152,"projectId":8696890,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, this project had a meaningful and lasting impact on my 5th-grade classroom. The books Nerdy Birdy, The Very Last Leaf, and Gratitude is My Superpower have become powerful tools in helping students explore and build essential social-emotional skills such as acceptance, self-esteem, and gratitude.\r\n\r\nThrough read-alouds and reflective discussions, students connected deeply with the characters and themes in these books. These stories opened up opportunities for meaningful conversations that encouraged empathy, personal growth, and self-awareness—things that are often just as important as academic skills.\r\n\r\nThe chart paper and post-its helped bring these lessons to life, allowing us to brainstorm, reflect, and chart our thoughts during our social-emotional learning time. The privacy shield created a much-needed safe space for students who experience anxiety during assessments. It gave them a sense of calm and security, which in turn helped them focus and do their best.\r\n\r\nThis project supported both the emotional well-being and academic success of my students. Thank you for helping create a classroom environment where every child feels seen, supported, and safe to grow—not just as learners, but as individuals.","fullyFundedDate":1724949996006,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-social-emotional-learning/8696890/","projectTitle":"Books for Social Emotional Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Krystofiak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5608152"},{"teacherId":9938062,"projectId":9310150,"letterContent":"We have been reading the books for reviewing our social skills. We also used the social puzzle of matching the face with the feeling in a small group. I used the painters tape to hang up their name tags and hang up their art work. They love painting. We have used it to make hand prints the first day of school. They also use it in the art center. We were out of a lot of the colors. So these different colors of paint will offer them a variety of different colors to choose from. They are going to paint apples in September using green, yellow and red. They are also going to stamp apple prints. They love all that you donated.","fullyFundedDate":1750871733675,"projectUrl":"project/preschool-social-skills-and-art-supplies/9310150/","projectTitle":"Preschool social skills and art supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dawn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9938062"},{"teacherId":5608152,"projectId":9517412,"letterContent":"As the first day of school approaches, I want to thank you for your generous donation to my project! \r\n\r\n The materials will allow students to be fully engaged in the content and will take away deeper learning and understanding. The masks will be so much fun to decorate and connect their understanding, and the costumes will help them reenact medieval times!\r\n\r\n Thank you again for assisting me in delivering instruction with materials that will put a smile on their face and excitement in their learning!","fullyFundedDate":1754136835421,"projectUrl":"project/masks-helmets-and-history-a-creative/9517412/","projectTitle":"Masks, Helmets, and History: A Creative Journey Through the Past","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Krystofiak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5608152"},{"teacherId":2908578,"projectId":9243731,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding the Nursery Rhymes and Fables and Presidents and American Symbols books to support our new reading series. My kindergarten students loved learning about our past presidents, and these multicultural books truly sparked their enthusiasm. They helped my students see that leadership can begin at a young age—even in our very own classroom! I'm especially grateful to already have the Nursery Rhymes and Fables books ready to start this school year strong. Thank you for helping make my classroom a joyful place to learn and grow!","fullyFundedDate":1747228494868,"projectUrl":"project/ckla-amplify-trade-books-nursery-rhymes/9243731/","projectTitle":"CKLA Amplify Trade Books: Nursery Rhymes and Presidents","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bierman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2908578_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1531606055020","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bierman"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_51633","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":555,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":43,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":21,"percentWhite":57,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"21.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":75.4,"schoolId":51633,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about West Willow Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"West Willow Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/iowa/cedar-rapids-community-school-district/coolidge-elementary-school/51633"}