{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Crossroads Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":41.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2333117,"projectId":9789120,"letterContent":"Our new Coding Critters have quickly become a favorite tool in our STEM lab! Students are using them to learn the basics of sequencing, problem-solving, and early coding in a playful, hands-on way. One of our first projects was a \"Critter Adventure Challenge,\" where students designed obstacle courses and wrote step-by-step code to help their critter reach a goal. Watching them test, revise, and celebrate successful routes has been such a joyful and authentic introduction to computational thinking.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the Coding Critters, their excitement filled the room—several gasped, and many immediately started imagining what their critter could do. These materials have sparked curiosity and confidence, especially for students who are new to coding. Our next steps include expanding their understanding of algorithms by having them create story-based missions for the critters and collaborate on more complex routes. Thanks to your generosity, my students are growing as creators, thinkers, and problem-solvers every day.","fullyFundedDate":1763594875739,"projectUrl":"project/coding-critters/9789120/","projectTitle":"Coding Critters","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clemens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2333117_orig.jpg?crop=1351,1352,x0,y446&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724089087836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2333117"},{"teacherId":10189061,"projectId":9623427,"letterContent":"I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for the incredible gift you have given to my students and our classroom. When our project was funded, I knew it would make a difference—but I truly underestimated just how deeply it would impact our daily routines, our classroom culture, and the joy my students experience at school. These materials arrived at the perfect time, during a stretch of cold, wet, rainy days when indoor recess felt like an unavoidable recipe for restlessness. Instead, because of your generosity, it became something my students actually looked forward to with excitement and anticipation.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the familiar board games, many of them instantly lit up. You could see recognition and nostalgia wash over their faces as they shouted things like, \"I play this with my family!\" or \"I used to play this with my cousin!\" It created an immediate sense of comfort and connection—something that means so much in an elementary classroom, especially during times when the weather keeps us indoors more than usual. For students who sometimes struggle socially or academically, having something familiar and accessible to participate in helped them feel included and confident.\r\n\r\nThen came the STEM building kits—truly the stars of the show. The moment students opened the boxes, their curiosity took over. They were eager to explore, build, test, adjust, and try again. Even students who are typically hesitant to take risks or who become easily frustrated remained focused and engaged, showing remarkable perseverance as they experimented with gears, connectors, motion, and structures. These kits turned rainy days into opportunities for discovery, creativity, and pride. I watched students who rarely interact suddenly become teammates, communicating and collaborating in ways I haven't seen before.\r\n\r\nWhat has stood out the most to me is how these materials have changed the choices my students make. Before, indoor recess often meant students immediately reaching for electronic devices or asking for screen time. Now, they rush to grab puzzles, games, and STEM pieces. They sit together, laugh together, cheer each other on, and even work through disagreements with a new sense of patience and respect. I've seen friendships begin to form between students who hardly spoke to one another earlier in the year. I've seen shy students come out of their shells, and I've seen students who sometimes struggle behaviorally redirect their energy into healthy competition and collaborative play.\r\n\r\nThe laughter and pure joy filling our classroom these past few weeks have been indescribable. There is something genuinely heartwarming about walking around the room and seeing every student engaged, smiling, and interacting positively with their peers. Your donation hasn't just provided materials—it has created experiences, memories, and moments of connection that my students desperately needed. It has helped us build a classroom environment where students feel supported, excited, and empowered to choose activities that strengthen their minds and relationships.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your generosity has given my students more than just board games and STEM kits—you've given them a chance to grow socially, emotionally, and academically. You've given them opportunities to collaborate, problem-solve, communicate, and develop resilience. You've filled our classroom with joy, hope, creativity, and connection. And for that, we are endlessly grateful.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom, our students, and in the power of play and hands-on learning. You have truly made a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1759166915730,"projectUrl":"project/brains-in-play-building-creativity-beyo/9623427/","projectTitle":"Brains in Play: Building Creativity Beyond Screens","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Maurmeier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10189061"},{"teacherId":2333117,"projectId":9687295,"letterContent":"Our STEM lab has been buzzing with excitement since receiving our new LEGO Spike Prime set! My students are using the resources to explore robotics, coding, and engineering design through hands-on challenges. One of our favorite classroom projects so far has been designing and programming a robot that can navigate a simple maze using sensors. Students collaborated in small groups to build, test, and troubleshoot their designs, learning the importance of perseverance and teamwork along the way. Watching them celebrate when their robots successfully completed the course was an incredible moment that showed how powerful hands-on STEM learning can be.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the LEGO Spike Prime set, their eyes lit up with curiosity and joy. They couldn't wait to dive into the colorful pieces and start building! Many students immediately began brainstorming creative robot ideas, and the classroom quickly turned into a hub of innovation and problem-solving. Our next steps will be to deepen their coding skills by introducing more complex programming challenges, such as having the robots perform specific tasks or compete in friendly design competitions. These experiences are helping students strengthen critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills that will serve them well in all areas of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1762731519541,"projectUrl":"project/building-minds-one-brick-at-a-time/9687295/","projectTitle":"Building Minds, One Brick At A Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clemens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2333117_orig.jpg?crop=1351,1352,x0,y446&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724089087836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2333117"},{"teacherId":2333117,"projectId":9789156,"letterContent":"My students and I have been using the new kinetic sand sensory center as both a creative learning tool and a calming space in our classroom. The sand has become a hands-on way for students to explore STEM concepts such as building, shaping, and experimenting with structures. During one project, students worked together to design and build miniature sand cities, using different tools to create roads, buildings, and even tunnels. This not only encouraged teamwork and problem-solving but also gave students the opportunity to engage their senses while learning through play. The tactile nature of the sand has also made it a great addition to our calm-down area, helping students manage emotions and refocus throughout the day.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were thrilled—they couldn't wait to dive in and start molding, scooping, and creating! Their excitement filled the room, and it was amazing to see their imaginations come alive right away. Moving forward, we plan to integrate the kinetic sand center into more STEM challenges, such as creating models of landscapes, habitats, and erosion experiments. The next step for my students is to use the sensory center to connect science and engineering concepts with creativity, giving them a space to explore, relax, and learn in new ways.","fullyFundedDate":1762267569850,"projectUrl":"project/kinetic-sand-sensory-center/9789156/","projectTitle":"Kinetic Sand Sensory Center","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clemens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2333117_orig.jpg?crop=1351,1352,x0,y446&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724089087836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2333117"},{"teacherId":2333117,"projectId":9789179,"letterContent":"Our new Calm Down Corner has quickly become an important and meaningful part of our classroom community. Students are using the fidgets, textures, floor mats, and sensory items as tools to help them manage their emotions and refocus during the school day. When a student feels overwhelmed or frustrated, they can take a short break in the Calm Down Corner to breathe, relax, and reset before returning to their learning. It's been amazing to see how this space has encouraged students to recognize their emotions and take positive steps to self-regulate.\r\n\r\nOne special moment was when a student who often struggles with transitions independently chose to visit the Calm Down Corner after a difficult activity. After a few minutes using a textured fidget and sitting quietly on the soft floor mat, the student was ready to rejoin the group with a smile. Moments like this show just how powerful these resources are in helping students develop emotional awareness and coping skills. The excitement when the students first saw the new materials was heartwarming — their eyes lit up as they explored the different textures and calming tools, and many expressed gratitude for having a special space that helps them feel safe and supported.\r\n\r\nNext, we plan to integrate the Calm Down Corner into our social-emotional learning lessons by teaching students strategies for identifying emotions, using sensory tools appropriately, and reflecting on what helps them calm down. Our goal is for students to carry these strategies beyond the classroom — building resilience, empathy, and self-awareness that will support them throughout the year. Thanks to this generous donation, we now have a space that not only supports academic success but also nurtures emotional growth and well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1761330098486,"projectUrl":"project/calm-down-corner/9789179/","projectTitle":"Calm Down Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clemens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2333117_orig.jpg?crop=1351,1352,x0,y446&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724089087836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2333117"},{"teacherId":2333117,"projectId":9789235,"letterContent":"Our STEM lab has been buzzing with creativity thanks to the new materials! My students are using the pony beads and supplies to transform their digital pixel art designs into real-life 3D creations. After designing their pixel art on the computer, they carefully match each digital \"pixel\" with a corresponding bead, building colorful mosaics that bring their digital artwork to life in a hands-on way.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite classroom moments was seeing the excitement on their faces when they first saw all the materials laid out. Students immediately began planning what they wanted to make—some chose characters from their favorite games, while others designed original art pieces. The room was filled with chatter, color choices, and problem-solving as they worked to transfer their ideas from screen to 3D form.\r\n\r\nNext, my students will be using what they learned about pixel art and 3D design to explore patterns, symmetry, and engineering structures. They'll also be challenged to create collaborative class murals made entirely from beads—combining art, math, and technology in one vibrant STEM project.","fullyFundedDate":1760723598358,"projectUrl":"project/pixels-to-beads-digital-art-comes-to-li/9789235/","projectTitle":"Pixels to Beads: Digital Art Comes to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clemens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2333117_orig.jpg?crop=1351,1352,x0,y446&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724089087836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2333117"},{"teacherId":2333117,"projectId":9601271,"letterContent":"When our Kinazium Construction Set arrived through DonorsChoose, my students could hardly contain their excitement! As soon as they opened the box and saw the bright panels, connectors, and ramps, they immediately started brainstorming all the possibilities. We kicked things off with a robotics challenge where students had to design a maze for our classroom robots to navigate. They worked in teams to build pathways, obstacles, and tunnels, then programmed the robots to travel from start to finish. One group even added a \"bridge\" element, cheering loudly when their robot made it across without tipping over. It was incredible to see their creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration come alive in such a hands-on way.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, the Kinazium set will continue to be a centerpiece in our STEM projects. In our upcoming unit, students will design obstacle courses that connect to lessons on forces and motion, testing how different angles and slopes affect speed. We'll also incorporate figurines and rolling toys to give students even more opportunities to explore real-world physics concepts. The best part is that the set is completely flexible, so each project feels fresh and new. Thanks to our donors, my students now have a dynamic tool that turns abstract science and engineering ideas into exciting, tangible learning experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1759094687067,"projectUrl":"project/mazing-our-way-into-coding/9601271/","projectTitle":"Mazing Our Way into Coding","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clemens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2333117_orig.jpg?crop=1351,1352,x0,y446&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724089087836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2333117"},{"teacherId":2333117,"projectId":9596962,"letterContent":"When our class received the generous donation of Magna-Tiles from DonorsChoose, the excitement was instant! The students' eyes lit up as soon as they saw the colorful pieces, and they could hardly wait to start building. During our first activity, we tied the tiles into a STEM challenge where students worked in small groups to design a \"dream playground.\" They had to collaborate, problem-solve, and use creativity to bring their visions to life. One group even added ramps and tunnels, explaining how they imagined kids could slide or crawl through them. The Magna-Tiles quickly became more than just building blocks—they became tools for teamwork, imagination, and applied engineering concepts.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, these Magna-Tiles will be a key resource in our hands-on STEM lessons. For example, students will use them in an upcoming unit on geometry, where they'll explore shapes, symmetry, and stability by creating both 2D and 3D models. We also plan to integrate them into science lessons by challenging students to design structures that can withstand \"earthquake shakes\" or hold small weights. The tiles give my students an accessible, fun way to apply big ideas, and their reactions remind me how powerful these kinds of resources can be. Thanks to our donors, my students have new opportunities to imagine, test, and learn in ways that build both confidence and curiosity.","fullyFundedDate":1759030084928,"projectUrl":"project/little-magnetic-engineers/9596962/","projectTitle":"Little Magnetic Engineers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clemens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2333117_orig.jpg?crop=1351,1352,x0,y446&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724089087836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2333117"},{"teacherId":2333117,"projectId":9390899,"letterContent":"My students and I are using the new Minecraft magnetic building blocks to bring engineering and creativity to life in the classroom. They've been working together to design and construct structures inspired by Minecraft, from simple houses to complex castles. One of our favorite projects so far has been building a \"mini village,\" where small groups each created different parts of a community—like homes, towers, and even a farm—and then connected them together. This activity not only encouraged teamwork but also gave students a chance to practice problem-solving as they figured out how to make their structures stable and visually appealing.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement was contagious. They immediately started brainstorming what they could create, and some even sketched out plans before building. Students who are usually quiet during lessons jumped right in, sharing ideas and taking leadership roles in their groups. It was inspiring to watch how quickly the blocks sparked imagination and collaboration.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for my students are to use the magnetic blocks as a foundation for larger STEM challenges. For example, they will soon be tasked with recreating real-world landmarks or designing structures that solve specific problems, such as building a bridge strong enough to hold weight. These hands-on lessons will prepare them for future projects in digital design platforms, where they can take their physical creations and translate them into 3D digital builds. Your donation is helping us bridge play, creativity, and STEM learning in meaningful ways.","fullyFundedDate":1758672914770,"projectUrl":"project/minecraft-building-blocks/9390899/","projectTitle":"Minecraft Building Blocks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clemens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2333117_orig.jpg?crop=1351,1352,x0,y446&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724089087836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2333117"},{"teacherId":2333117,"projectId":9575159,"letterContent":"Our STEM lab was thrilled to receive a donation of five Etch A Sketches, and they have quickly become a fun and creative tool for exploring design and problem-solving. Students are using them to practice spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and patience as they work to create shapes, letters, and even simple mazes. One specific project we are working on involves students designing \"STEM Lab Logos\" using the Etch A Sketch, then comparing how their digital sketches differ from drawings they create with markers or tablets. This has sparked conversations about how different tools affect the design process and how engineers choose the best tools for their work.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the Etch A Sketches, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. Some had never used one before, while others were eager to show off tricks they learned at home. The room quickly filled with laughter, cheers, and a few groans as they discovered how challenging it can be to control both knobs at the same time. That challenge, however, has been a wonderful way to foster persistence and creative problem-solving—students are encouraging one another, sharing strategies, and celebrating even small successes.\r\n\r\nAs a next step, students will be using the Etch A Sketches in a lesson that ties into engineering and coding. They will plan out \"movement sequences\" on paper, much like a coding algorithm, then test their instructions by trying to replicate the design on the Etch A Sketch. This connection between playful creativity and structured thinking will help them see how engineers and programmers often work through trial and error to refine their designs. Thanks to this donation, our classroom now has a new hands-on way to link play, persistence, and problem-solving with STEM learning.","fullyFundedDate":1758636473713,"projectUrl":"project/etch-a-sketch-stem-center/9575159/","projectTitle":"Etch a Sketch STEM Center","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clemens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2333117_orig.jpg?crop=1351,1352,x0,y446&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724089087836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2333117"},{"teacherId":2333117,"projectId":9259330,"letterContent":"Students were thrilled and full of excitement when they received their Puzzle Racer gifts for the STEM lab! Their eyes lit up as they unwrapped the colorful kits, eager to dive into the hands-on challenge. The room buzzed with energy as they began exploring the pieces, sharing ideas, and imagining the different ways they could race and compete. It was clear that this surprise gift sparked not only joy, but also curiosity and collaboration among classmates.\r\n\r\nThese Puzzle Racers weren't just fun—they were a perfect addition to our STEM lab tools. Students can use them to design and test different racecar builds, experiment with force and motion, and engage in friendly competitions that require creative thinking. More importantly, Puzzle Racers help strengthen critical problem-solving skills. As students work through building challenges, adjust their designs, and troubleshoot issues, they're practicing perseverance, logical thinking, and teamwork—skills that are essential not just in STEM, but in everyday life.","fullyFundedDate":1746561135602,"projectUrl":"project/puzzle-racer/9259330/","projectTitle":"Puzzle Racer","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clemens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2333117_orig.jpg?crop=1351,1352,x0,y446&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724089087836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2333117"},{"teacherId":2333117,"projectId":9246321,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of magnetic Minecraft building blocks to our STEM lab! Our students are absolutely thrilled and couldn't wait to start using them. These blocks will be a fantastic addition to our hands-on learning activities, helping students explore concepts like geometry, engineering, magnetism, spatial awareness, and creative problem-solving. \r\n\r\nWe plan to use them for designing 3D structures, modeling simple machines, building prototypes for STEM challenges, and even recreating historical architecture or real-world engineering projects. They'll also play a key role in group projects that encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and design planning. \r\n\r\nThe familiar Minecraft theme makes the experience even more exciting and engaging for our students, sparking both creativity and enthusiasm for learning. Your support has made a meaningful impact, and we're truly grateful for the opportunity to bring more interactive, student-centered experiences to our STEM program. Thank you for helping us build a stronger, more imaginative future!","fullyFundedDate":1745843025957,"projectUrl":"project/magnetic-minecraft-building-blocks/9246321/","projectTitle":"Magnetic Minecraft Building Blocks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clemens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2333117_orig.jpg?crop=1351,1352,x0,y446&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724089087836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2333117"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_99638","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":435,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":85,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":58.8,"schoolId":99638,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Crossroads Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Crossroads Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/kentucky/bullitt-county-public-school-district/crossroads-elementary-school/99638"}