{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Cottonwood Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":14.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8118077,"projectId":5888353,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation! Building a classroom library from scratch in my 3rd-grade rural classroom has completely changed the game for my students. Out here, our kids don't always have a public library right down the street, and buying books isn't always an option for every family. By filling these shelves with colorful, exciting titles, I'm creating a literary oasis. For many of my students, this cozy corner is their primary access point to the world outside our small town. It is where they get to discover new ideas and big dreams.\r\n\r\nAt eight and nine years old, kids are at a massive turning point where they transition from learning to read to reading to learn. I quickly realized that to get them hooked, they needed to see themselves in the pages, while also glimpsing perspectives totally different from their own. Having a diverse, well-stocked library right in our room means I can instantly hand a struggling reader a graphic novel that sparks their interest, or give an advanced reader a chapter book that challenges them. It makes reading a natural, daily habit rather than a chore.\r\n\r\nWatching my students cluster around the book bins on Monday mornings and chat about their favorite characters is honestly the best part of my day. This little library does so much more than teach reading mechanics; it builds a tight-knit community. We are fostering a shared culture of curiosity and empathy, all within our own four walls. It proves to my kids every single day that their stories matter and that the whole world is within their reach.","fullyFundedDate":1634600161559,"projectUrl":"project/building-our-classroom-library/5888353/","projectTitle":"Building Our Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Swindlehurst","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8118077_orig.jpg?crop=1115,1115,x0,y282&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700544029386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8118077"},{"teacherId":8118077,"projectId":8061124,"letterContent":"Honestly, bringing Primary Phonics books into my classroom has been an absolute game-changer for my struggling readers. I used to see so much frustration during independent reading time, but these little books completely changed the vibe because they give kids a structured, predictable path to success. Instead of guessing at words based on pictures, my students are actually decoding. I love watching that lightbulb moment happen when they realize they can read an entire book from cover to cover all on their own—their confidence just skyrockets.\r\n\r\nIn my daily routine, I use these readers in a few different ways to maximize their impact. During small-group intervention, I will hand out a targeted book and have students do a \"whisper read\" while I listen in, tracking their blending and jumping in with quick corrections on specific letter-sound gaps. I also love using them for partner reading; I pair up students to take turns reading alternating pages to each other, which builds their fluency and keeps them highly engaged.\r\n\r\nTo really lock in the learning, I always pair the reading with a quick, hands-on word-building activity. For instance, before we open a book focused on short \"a\" cvc words, we will use magnetic letters on whiteboards to build and manipulate words like cat, hat, and mat. Then, once they master those sounds in isolation, I have them hunt for those exact words inside the Primary Phonics story, creating a direct bridge between isolated phonics practice and real-world reading comprehension.","fullyFundedDate":1700852176281,"projectUrl":"project/phonics-fun/8061124/","projectTitle":"Phonics Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Swindlehurst","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8118077_orig.jpg?crop=1115,1115,x0,y282&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700544029386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8118077"},{"teacherId":9786452,"projectId":10032606,"letterContent":"You have made a meaningful difference in my classroom by helping provide resources that my students wouldn't otherwise have access to. Through generous donations, my students have been able to engage with new materials and hands-on learning experiences that support their growth and curiosity. It has truly created more opportunities for my students to succeed and feel excited about learning.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful for the kindness and generosity of who has supported my classroom. Your willingness to invest in my students' education does not go unnoticed, and it has a lasting impact on their daily experiences. Thank you for helping create a positive, engaging environment where my students can thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1769127699156,"projectUrl":"project/ms-stevensons-3rd-grade-class/10032606/","projectTitle":"Ms. Stevenson’s 3rd Grade Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ingram","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9786452"},{"teacherId":8111954,"projectId":10018453,"letterContent":"I truly appreciate all of the items that you provided for my classroom. Most of the items we received are being used during our social play time. This is a 40 minute part of our day where they just get to play and learn how to work together, use their imaginations, and be kids. \r\n\r\nAs soon as they saw our new activities they were so excited and wanted to open them all. They love the kinetic sand and magnetic tiles. \r\n\r\nNot all items are available as a choice every day. This allows the students to have real world experiences. They really think about what choice they want to be at and then have also started to problem solve when an option they wanted is not available.\r\n\r\nIt's fun to watch them work together and learn in other ways than just academic. Thanks for giving my students these opportunities.","fullyFundedDate":1768559631956,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-smart-with-games-and-art/10018453/","projectTitle":"Let's get Smart with Games and Art","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8111954_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634104131261","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/krystleturner"},{"teacherId":8133380,"projectId":10024241,"letterContent":"My preschool students are joyful, curious, and eager to connect with the world around them. What makes them so special is their excitement for learning, even when they don't quite have the words to express it yet. Many of my little learners have a limited vocabulary and are just beginning to find their voices, but they never let that stop them from trying to communicate! They are an energetic, sweet group of kids who learn best when they can touch, see, and interact with fun materials.\r\n\r\nThe items in this project will give my students the perfect tools to practice speaking and thinking. We will use the mystery box during our morning circle time to guess what is inside, which is a magical and exciting way to learn new words and practice talking together. The cause-and-effect toys will teach them how the world works while building their confidence, and the new books will make our classroom library a cozy place to fall in love with reading. By supporting this project, you are helping my preschoolers build the vocabulary and brainpower they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1768705949483,"projectUrl":"project/listening-sharing-and-learning-through/10024241/","projectTitle":"Listening, Sharing and Learning Through Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Glazier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8133380"},{"teacherId":10399147,"projectId":10012472,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students are already putting these new resources to great use each and every day. We've been using the lined whiteboards during our writing block, and it has made such a difference in helping students practice proper letter formation and spacing. One of my favorite moments was watching a student who usually struggles with handwriting light up with excitement when they realized how much neater their writing looked and they couldn't wait to show me and their classmates. These small wins are building confidence and making learning feel more achievable for all of my students.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were beyond excited. They were eager to explore everything and immediately started asking if they could use the new supplies. It made them feel proud of their classroom and even more motivated to learn. Looking ahead, we will continue using these resources to strengthen our writing skills and build independence during our daily activities. As we move forward in our current lessons, my goal is for students to take more ownership of their learning by using these tools to practice, improve, and grow with confidence. Your support has truly helped create an environment where my students feel excited, capable, and ready to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1768579235069,"projectUrl":"project/ms-bixbys-bright-minds/10012472/","projectTitle":"Ms. Bixby's Bright Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bixby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10399147_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y655&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1789227460959","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10399147"},{"teacherId":9350656,"projectId":9997599,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose. Because of you, our students received a Toniebox with many figurines to add to our classroom library, and it has already made such a meaningful impact on our daily learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the box arrived and I showed my students what we had received, their excitement filled the room. Their eyes lit up as they saw the Toniebox and I showed them what it can do. They immediately began guessing which stories and songs they would get to hear. They could hardly wait for their turn to try it. The joy on their faces in that moment is something I will never forget. Your kindness created that moment of pure excitement in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWhat I love most is seeing students share the experience together. They sit side by side, listening closely, talking about their favorite parts, and asking to hear certain stories again. The Toniebox has quickly become one of the most popular spots in our classroom. It encourages collaboration, imagination, and a genuine enthusiasm for reading and music. Thanks to you, our classroom is filled with even more opportunities for creativity, independence, and joyful learning. Your support means more than just providing materials. It shows my students that there are people who believe in them and care about their education. That message is powerful and lasting.","fullyFundedDate":1768166893675,"projectUrl":"project/prek-toniebox/9997599/","projectTitle":"Prek Toniebox!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. De Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9350656"},{"teacherId":2857551,"projectId":10024066,"letterContent":"The students have taken great delight in the materials they have received. The doodle pad has brought them a lot of joy and facilitated endless amounts of creativity through developmental play. They have practiced writing their names, numbers, pictures, and doodles (early writing skills). They have laughed and talked about their drawing, which builds early language development. Without your support, they would not have these inspirational and exciting activities to engage in.\r\n\r\nThe magic of early learning is exploration and learning through play, which helps a child build their early foundational skill whic are needed for success in the elementary years of learning. These materials have allowed the students to engage in productive play with an emphasis on early literacy and math skills. We are grateful for the opportunity to receive these materials through Donors Choose.","fullyFundedDate":1768687951507,"projectUrl":"project/pre-k-pizazz/10024066/","projectTitle":"Pre-K Pizazz","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Blackorby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2857551"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_55108","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":566,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":55,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":53,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":36,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"14.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":85.2,"schoolId":55108,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Cottonwood Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Cottonwood Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/lyon-county-school-district/cottonwood-elementary-school/55108"}