{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Dennis Ortwein Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2107474,"projectId":7979397,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for helping fund this project for our school library. We work so hard every day to make our library a place for kids. Our goal is always to help each reader find a book that they will enjoy and teach lessons that show our students how wonderful books and reading can be. Having all of these materials will allow us to continue working toward our library goal of creating life long readers. Thank you does not even begin to show our gratitude and appreciation for you. You are much appreciated!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMrs. Aldrich","fullyFundedDate":1699115293993,"projectUrl":"project/a-library-community-full-of-books-and-tr/7979397/","projectTitle":"A Library Community Full of Books and Treasures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aldrich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2107474_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1497565990675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ortweinlibrary"},{"teacherId":7520749,"projectId":9990901,"letterContent":"On behalf of myself and all of the scholars who spend time in my classroom each day — thank you for your support of our DonorsChoose project. Your kindness has made a real, lasting difference in our day-to-day learning.\r\n\r\nThe beautiful books that we received have helped my students to develop strong reading and listening comprehension skills. Through them, students are learning to ask and answer questions about key details in a story, retell what they've read, and compare characters, events, and ideas across different texts. When we read informational texts, they're learning to find the main topic, identify important details, and even evaluate how an author uses reasons to support their points. Their listening and discussion skills have grown so much. These books have also served as mentor texts as my students have learned to write opinion, informational, and narrative pieces this year. \r\n\r\nDuring phonics lessons, the dry erase paddles have been a fun way to engage all students in responding at once which gives me a quick snapshot of where everyone is. \r\n\r\nThe laminating sheets have allowed me to create my own custom resources tailored specifically to my students' needs, so the learning materials are always the right fit.\r\n\r\nIn math, our write and wipe number lines have given students a hands-on tool to count, add, and subtract with confidence. Being able to write, erase, and try again takes the pressure off and lets them explore numbers 0–30 without fear of making mistakes.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and in what we're building together.","fullyFundedDate":1768401272295,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-academic-and-social-emotional/9990901/","projectTitle":"Tools for Academic and Social-Emotional Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Klein","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7520749_orig.jpg?crop=410,410,x309,y91&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1600628209563","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7520749"},{"teacherId":4695342,"projectId":9989816,"letterContent":"Your generosity help supplied my students with a cozy area to help regulate their nervous systems. From the moment the boxes arrived, the students were curious to see what was inside. They were even more excited as we opened the boxes to reveal a brand-new modular tent, a new swivel chair, and two new lights to enjoy in the room.\r\n\r\nThese materials helped create a peaceful space that is warm and inviting in our school wide calm room. Students love to sit in and relax in this space, play with sensory tools, color, and build. They also use this space as a reward for their hard work. The goal for this project is to continue to provide all of our students the opportunity to enjoy and use this calming room in a way the supports each of their needs.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your donation and support for our students. This would not have been possible without you.","fullyFundedDate":1768691359836,"projectUrl":"project/a-place-of-calm/9989816/","projectTitle":"A Place of Calm","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4695342_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699465842782","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4695342"},{"teacherId":8109151,"projectId":10007196,"letterContent":"Thank your for your generosity. Several students are especially excited about these new books because they connect directly to their interests and experiences. Some of my reluctant readers have become more engaged simply because the books feature soccer, teamwork, perseverance, and athletes they recognize or admire. I've already seen students recommending books to classmates, choosing reading during free time, and participating more confidently in classroom conversations. These books are helping students see reading not just as schoolwork, but as something enjoyable and meaningful.","fullyFundedDate":1768415988108,"projectUrl":"project/gooooool-learning-spanish-through-socc/10007196/","projectTitle":"¡Gooooool! Learning Spanish Through Soccer and the World Cup","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Agatone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8109151_orig.jpg?crop=478,478,x59,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1633058710912","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-agatone"},{"teacherId":5357315,"projectId":5191913,"letterContent":"Bringing books into a Pre-K classroom creates an immediate \"literacy boom\" by transforming abstract sounds into meaningful stories. At this pivotal developmental stage, exposure to physical books builds print awareness—the understanding that words carry meaning and that stories follow a specific path from left to right. When a child holds a book, flips its pages, and engages with vibrant illustrations, they aren't just \"playing\"; they are developing the pre-reading skills that serve as the foundation for all future academic success. This early immersion helps expand their vocabulary at an exponential rate, as books introduce them to \"rare words\" that aren't typically found in everyday conversation.\r\n\r\nBeyond the academic gains, bringing books to Pre-K students has a profound social-emotional impact. Shared reading time creates a \"safe harbor\" in the classroom where students learn empathy by stepping into a character's shoes and navigating their challenges. It fosters a sense of community and belonging as the class experiences the same narrative journey together. Furthermore, providing books for students to explore independently builds a sense of agency and ownership over their learning. By giving a child access to a diverse library, you are telling them that their curiosity is valued and that the world is theirs to discover, one page at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1600619630383,"projectUrl":"project/lets-read-all-about-it-/5191913/","projectTitle":"Let's Read All About It !","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5357315_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y139&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634612719089","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/e-brill2018"},{"teacherId":5357315,"projectId":5206544,"letterContent":"For primary students on the autism spectrum, independent centers are a vital component of a structured learning environment, providing the predictability and routine these learners need to thrive. These centers serve as a dedicated space where students can practice mastered skills without the overwhelming pressure of constant social interaction or direct teacher instruction. By using clear visual boundaries and \"First/Then\" schedules within these stations, we reduce the cognitive load and anxiety often associated with the school day. This structured independence allows students to focus entirely on the task at hand—whether it is a sorting activity, a fine-motor puzzle, or a literacy game—building a sense of security and competence in their own abilities.\r\n\r\nThe long-term impact of these centers is the development of functional autonomy and self-regulation. In a special education setting, one of the greatest goals is to move a student away from \"prompt dependency,\" where they wait for an adult to tell them every next step. Independent centers empower students to navigate a sequence of tasks on their own, fostering a sense of agency and pride. As they successfully complete their \"work\" and transition to a \"choice\" or \"reinforcement\" activity independently, they are practicing essential life skills. Ultimately, these centers transform the classroom from a place where things are done for the student to a place where the student discovers they can do things for themselves.","fullyFundedDate":1608749244469,"projectUrl":"project/working-toward-independence/5206544/","projectTitle":"Working Toward Independence","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5357315_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y139&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634612719089","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/e-brill2018"},{"teacherId":5357315,"projectId":5182466,"letterContent":"The portable document camera became a vital lifeline for student learning, serving as the bridge between the physical and digital classroom. For many students, especially those in early childhood or special education, seeing a teacher's face on a screen wasn't enough to grasp complex concepts. The document camera allowed for the \"magic of demonstration\" to return. Teachers could project live handwriting, the fine motor movements of a science experiment, or the tactile turning of pages in a picture book. This visual clarity was essential for maintaining high-quality instruction, as it allowed students to follow along with \"I do, we do, you do\" modeling in real-time, effectively reducing the cognitive load and confusion often associated with virtual learning.","fullyFundedDate":1600289909091,"projectUrl":"project/can-you-see-it-/5182466/","projectTitle":"Can You See It ?","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5357315_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y139&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634612719089","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/e-brill2018"},{"teacherId":5357315,"projectId":5181234,"letterContent":"\"The true impact of this project is the shift from 'teacher-led' to 'student-led' learning. The true impact of Boom Cards during distance learning is the replacement of 'passive screen time' with 'active mastery.' By removing the physical and logistical barriers of traditional assignments, we are giving special needs students the independence to fail safely, learn quickly, and celebrate their own progress in real-time.\"\r\nOne of the most significant hurdles for special needs students during distance learning is the \"feedback delay.\" In a physical classroom, a teacher can gently correct a student immediately; at home, a student might complete an entire worksheet incorrectly before anyone notices.\r\n\r\nBoom Cards provide immediate \"Whoops!\" or \"Ding!\" feedback. This self-correcting feature prevents the \"practice makes permanent\" error—where a student reinforces a wrong answer—and reduces the emotional meltdowns often caused by confusion. Because the cards are interactive (drag-and-drop, clickable, or typing), they maintain a high level of engagement that feels like play rather than a chore, which is vital for students with attention challenges or ADHD.","fullyFundedDate":1600055316837,"projectUrl":"project/its-all-about-that-boom/5181234/","projectTitle":"It's All About That Boom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5357315_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y139&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634612719089","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/e-brill2018"},{"teacherId":9031029,"projectId":10007482,"letterContent":"My students have been using coding drones in a really hands-on way that has made a noticeable difference in how they engage with both coding and math. Through grant funding, I was able to bring two drones into our classroom, and even with a small number of devices, the impact has been meaningful. These drones have given my students access to technology that they would not typically have, and it has completely shifted how they experience learning.\r\n\r\nWe've been working with Python, which is a coding language that connects to many others and is used across a variety of industries. Introducing them to Python at this level has helped them start building a strong foundation, while also showing them that coding is not just a school skill, it's something that exists in real-world careers.\r\n\r\nThe drones have also helped strengthen their understanding of math in a very natural way. In order to successfully maneuver through obstacles or complete challenges, students have to think about distance, angles, timing, and direction. They begin to see how math directly impacts the outcome, which makes those concepts more meaningful and easier to understand.\r\n\r\nEven with just two drones, students have learned to collaborate, take turns, and support each other. They often work in small groups, talking through their code and helping troubleshoot when something goes wrong. This has created a really positive learning environment where they are learning from each other just as much as they are from the lesson itself.\r\n\r\nHaving access to these drones has also allowed me to begin introducing the idea of drone coding competitions. Students are starting to see that these skills can extend beyond the classroom into something bigger, which has been exciting for them. It gives them a goal and helps build confidence in what they are capable of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1768187454109,"projectUrl":"project/from-code-to-flight-k-5-innovators-lear/10007482/","projectTitle":"From Code to Flight: K-5 Innovators Learn Python With Drones","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9031029_orig.jpg?crop=609,608,x0,y115&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683590633044","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mx-vazquez"},{"teacherId":6932423,"projectId":8016942,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now have access to a classroom library filled with books they are excited to read, and I want to sincerely thank you for making this possible.\r\n\r\nYour support has done far more than place books on shelves—it has opened doors for my students. Many of them now have opportunities to explore new topics, discover favorite authors, and develop a love of reading in a way that was not possible before. The excitement on their faces as they browse the library, choose books that interest them, and share what they have read has been incredible to witness.\r\n\r\nThese books have already begun to make a meaningful impact in our classroom. Students are reading more often, engaging more deeply in discussions, and growing in confidence as readers. For some, having access to books they can truly connect with has been transformative. Your donation has helped create an environment where literacy can flourish and where every child feels empowered to learn.\r\n\r\nPlease know that your kindness and belief in education are making a lasting difference in the lives of my students. The classroom library you helped build will continue to inspire curiosity, imagination, and academic growth throughout the year.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and for helping us create a richer, more engaging learning environment. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1699744520358,"projectUrl":"project/become-a-star-reader/8016942/","projectTitle":"Become a Star Reader","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vance","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6932423"},{"teacherId":6932423,"projectId":9994410,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and our entire classroom community, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of science materials through Donors Choose.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our students now have access to hands-on tools that bring science to life in ways that textbooks alone never could. The donated equipment has transformed our classroom into an exciting environment where students can explore, experiment, and discover. Whether conducting investigations, observing scientific phenomena, or working collaboratively on experiments, students are now engaging with science in meaningful and memorable ways.\r\n\r\nYour support is doing more than providing materials—it is inspiring curiosity, building confidence, and helping students develop critical thinking skills that will serve them for years to come. Many of our students have never had the opportunity to use real scientific equipment before, and the excitement on their faces as they learn through direct experience has been incredible to witness.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our classroom is better equipped to nurture the next generation of scientists, problem-solvers, and innovators. Your investment in education is making a lasting difference, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to helping students succeed.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and for making science come alive in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1768113898740,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-science-tools-for-curious-mind/9994410/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Science: Tools for Curious Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vance","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6932423"},{"teacherId":5357315,"projectId":5180950,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for supporting our \"Ready, Set, Print\" project. The introduction of this technology into our classroom has been a total game-changer. While many students see technology as a tool for entertainment at home, they are now seeing it as a powerful engine for creation and learning. By having these printing capabilities directly in our room, we've bridged the gap between digital ideas and physical results, allowing students to see their hard work come to life instantly.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for the students has been the independence it grants them. They no longer have to wait for \"later\" to see their projects finished; they can iterate and improve in real-time. I've noticed a few students who previously struggled with engagement really warm up to this technology—it has given them a tangible way to express their knowledge that traditional paper and pencil just didn't provide. Your generosity has truly transformed our daily learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1600053859871,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-print/5180950/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Print","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5357315_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y139&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634612719089","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/e-brill2018"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_122077","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":828,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":14,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":24,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":30,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":3,"percentMultiracialImputed":15,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.9,"schoolId":122077,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Dennis Ortwein Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Dennis Ortwein Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/clark-county-school-district/dennis-ortwein-elementary-opening-fall-2018-/122077"}