{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"DeSoto Grade School","outOfStateSupporters":30.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8176861,"projectId":9876299,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in helping make our classroom garden a reality! Because of your support, my students now have the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom walls in a hands-on, meaningful way.\r\nWith your donation, students were able to prepare soil, and care for their very own garden. They are learning firsthand about plant life cycles, responsibility, teamwork, and the importance of caring for our environment. Each day, they eagerly check on their plants, make observations. These real-life experiences have made our lessons come alive in ways that books alone never could.\r\nMost importantly, this garden has given my students a sense of pride and ownership. Many of them have never had the chance to grow their own plants before, and now they are excited to share what they are learning .\r\nYour kindness has planted more than just seeds—it has planted curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in each of my students. We are deeply grateful for your support and for believing in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1763582164246,"projectUrl":"project/green-thumbs-bright-minds/9876299/","projectTitle":"Green Thumbs Bright Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tif","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8176861"},{"teacherId":10178591,"projectId":9598730,"letterContent":"The impact that my first ever Donors Choose project has made on my classroom is unmeasurable! My students and I are so grateful for the things that were donated to us! Each time we use something like the hot glue gun for nametags, the snacks for Friday afternoons or random good behavior, and even the candle warmer that turned on daily in our classroom we discuss that these things would not have been available without the generosity of the donors that believe in the Donors Choose program. \r\nI am able to reward good behavior and hard work with the snacks that were a part of my project. I have also had students come to me before lunch and express how hungry they are, these snacks are amazing to already have in the classroom and be able to use for instances like that. I even packed some with me on one of our field trips and saved a few students' days by having them on hand! We have a much better time learning from each other when I am using my standing desk and laptop stand! With the age of most of my students being between 9 and 10 years old, they are not quite old enough to use a hot glue gun but they know that when their name tag comes off their desk I will be able to get it put back quickly with the cordless hot glue gun that was a part of the Donors Choose project. The way that everyone who enters our classroom loves the fragrances from the candle warmer and wallflower plug-ins makes our 4th grade room one of the favorites in the building! My tiered reading groups have different reading levels. The way these students are able to bond over the chapter books that were a part of the 4th Grade Starter Kit is amazing! This is the first time that most of these students have been able to tackle a bigger challenge in reading and their confidence is incredible! The jellyfish lamp is one of my students' favorite things that was a part of the 4th Grade Starter Kit Project. The students love taking turns turning it on daily and it sets a great mood in the classroom. The test practice workbook has given me ideas for ways to form questions for our tests so that when these students take standardized tests they are not shocked by how things are worded. They have been able to gain new skills and sharpen old ones by doing this. The paragraph writing and social studies booklet has led to great gains in the students' first times writing 5 paragraph essays and we are able to relate the social studies booklet to our own social studies textbooks! \r\n I cannot wait to put together another project on Donor Choose! This was easy to share with my friends and family who were eager to donate to anything for my classroom. Then, GM donated enough for the entire project so we are anxious to use what was excess in donations for another project in the future! Thank you for such a generous donation and for making a difference in my first classroom ever! This is an awesome program and I have shared it with many of my new found teacher friends.","fullyFundedDate":1755722272266,"projectUrl":"project/4th-grade-starter-kit/9598730/","projectTitle":"4th Grade Starter Kit","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McWhorter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10178591_orig.jpg?crop=250,250,x0,y143&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755222571550","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10178591"},{"teacherId":8176861,"projectId":9872881,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our Building Blocks project has come to life in the most exciting way. The materials you helped fund have transformed our classroom into a space filled with creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning.\r\nThey dove right into exploring the new building materials, and it was amazing to watch their imaginations take over. \r\nStudents pushed themselves to think critically and revise their ideas when structures didn't go as planned. The classroom has become a place where mistakes are part of the magic and persistence is the norm.\r\nYour support didn't just provide materials—it provided opportunities. You helped create a learning environment where students can experiment, take risks, and discover what they're capable of. We are truly grateful for your kindness and the impact it will continue to have throughout the year.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping us build something wonderful—one block at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1762726398661,"projectUrl":"project/building-blocks/9872881/","projectTitle":"Building Blocks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tif","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8176861"},{"teacherId":1585280,"projectId":9700511,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating books to my classroom. The students are learning to read successfully and independently, by finding books of interest in their personal reading levels and not have to worry about what same age peers may say or think of their reading ability.\r\nStudents are in small groups for reading and phonic lessons, then they are allowed to chose a book of their choice in their current reading levels to read independently at their desks and to teachers in the classroom.\r\nStudents who are in upper elementary grades, face the most challenges in the regular classroom with peers who are reading on grade level. Being in the resource room where books offered at their reading levels are a relief and give them the opportunity to meet reading goals set by the general education teacher. Students can then meet the same goals as their peers","fullyFundedDate":1758401805505,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-power/9700511/","projectTitle":"Reading Is Power","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fisher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1585280_orig.jpg?crop=959,959,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1579233441943","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1585280"},{"teacherId":8176861,"projectId":9801683,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students and myself I would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your generous donation to the project Math is Sweet. Your support has made a significant impact and helped us achieve a new perspective on math . In addition it was fun to eat our math lesson.\r\nBecause of your contribution, we were able to better comprehend data analysis. We made our own graphs ( many types) and then were able to compare our graphs to our classmates and other groups. We also predicted the outcome ( graphs) of a mystery student.\r\nThe numbers and sliding number lines helped the younger students to write the numbers and calculate the sum of the project.\r\nYour helps makes the world of difference to our schools. Thank you donors and Young Sheldon.","fullyFundedDate":1760630972179,"projectUrl":"project/math-is-sweet/9801683/","projectTitle":"Math Is Sweet","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tif","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8176861"},{"teacherId":8176861,"projectId":9497258,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support for this project.The students were very eager to carry and open all the games. There was lots of chatter from them when they found out the games were mainly for 6-8 grade PE. They were ready to play and learn the rules. Many students wanted to be able to teach the younger grades the basics of the games. \r\nThe first game the students are introduced to is Corn hole. Most had made up \"rules \" and \r\n \"scoring\", so were very attentive when learning the actual game scoring and rules.\r\nThe students and I are very grateful to our donors Mission Tiger and the Donors Choose program for making this a reality. Your support provides for our success. Thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1753948393938,"projectUrl":"project/leaner-ringer-score/9497258/","projectTitle":"Leaner, Ringer, Score!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tif","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8176861"},{"teacherId":8176861,"projectId":9412130,"letterContent":"Thank you for your thoughtful gift. The math games and manipulative have been a blessing. The students enjoy making the animal math symbols come to life while demonstrating their skills. The dry erase grid boards have been used for writing numbers and letters the correct size, and graphings.\r\nThe students were excited to be introduced to the new items and are working hard to play with the math games ( we do this on Friday). I have also been able to share the resources you helped purchase with our district elementary special education teacher and students.\r\nThank you so much for your support. You make the job of teaching easier, plus rewarding.","fullyFundedDate":1750521071871,"projectUrl":"project/112-fun/9412130/","projectTitle":"1+1=2 Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tif","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8176861"},{"teacherId":8176861,"projectId":9428206,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations.The students were very excited to see the new games.There was lots of chatter on how to play some of them If a student was familiar they quickly took the lead explaining and teaching their peers.Once they left the classroom, they told students in the other grades. This games are a great asset to the classroom. The students can play with them when it's to hot or cold too go outside. In addition they may use when the finish a lesson early.\r\nThank you again for your generosity . Help from donors and Donors Choose make the job of teaching much easier.Thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1750865714827,"projectUrl":"project/games-are-for-school/9428206/","projectTitle":"Games Are For School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tif","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8176861"},{"teacherId":8176861,"projectId":9300174,"letterContent":"Thank you for you generous donation that has made this project a reality.\r\nThe first week of school is ice breakers and getting to know each other. The students were very talkative when they saw the games and realized they could explore / use them.\r\nSome games were new to some, and familiar to others. The students with familiarity willing started explaining how the game is played and giving demonstrations.\r\nThe games that were purchased will be used at unit completion as a reward for a job well done. They will also be available when assignments are completed before end of class time.\r\nThank you again. Support from you helps make teaching easier, and fun.","fullyFundedDate":1748444985917,"projectUrl":"project/123-game-on/9300174/","projectTitle":"1,2,3 Game On","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tif","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8176861"},{"teacherId":8176861,"projectId":9267119,"letterContent":"On behalf of myself, the students and recess staff thank you. You have helped make a wish a reality. The students were very excited to open the boxes and start using the items. They kicked, hit , threw, ran, jump, twisted and bounced across the playground.\r\n Their first recess of the school year was full of excitement getting out of class, but being able to be the first group to use the new equipment put them over the moon. They were very eager to tell the next group of students going to recess about all the new items.\r\n Thank you for your support and generosity. You make doing our job easier.","fullyFundedDate":1748031592863,"projectUrl":"project/jump-bounce-twist-and-shout/9267119/","projectTitle":"Jump Bounce Twist and Shout","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tif","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8176861"},{"teacherId":9990619,"projectId":9379885,"letterContent":"Your recent, remarkable generosity has fundamentally transformed the learning environment in our classroom, and the positive outcomes are already clear and deeply felt by every student and myself. I am writing to express my profound gratitude for your support, which has genuinely elevated the quality of learning and the spirit of excitement in our room. The immediate impact is particularly visible in two key areas: the complete revitalization of our reading corner and the introduction of high-quality, essential classroom supplies.\r\nThe installation of our new front-facing shelving in the reading corner has not just organized books; it has revolutionized the way students interact with literature. Previously, books were tucked away, often requiring adult help to find and select. Now, the vibrant covers of the books are displayed at eye-level, acting as irresistible invitations to read. This new setup has immediately fostered greater student independence. Instead of asking for help, students confidently browse the selections, able to choose a book based on its visual appeal and their current interests. This autonomy has fueled a visible increase in excitement; watching a student's face light up as they select their own book—a choice entirely their own—is a daily reminder of the power of accessible design. The students' love for all the new books is palpable; they are excited about reading, and this excitement is the engine of literacy development. The reading corner is now the heart of our room, a place of quiet discovery and shared joy, directly thanks to your support.\r\nFurthermore, the introduction of high-quality supplies has been essential for ensuring a focused and successful learning experience for our students. In the past, we often struggled with materials that were constantly breaking, dull, or simply ineffective. These \"battles\" with broken crayons, dried-out markers, or flimsy paper were a constant source of frustration, diverting precious learning time and energy away from creative tasks. Your gift has provided us with supplies that are reliable, durable, and a joy to use. When students know their tools will work as expected, they can dive fully into their projects, whether it's a complex mathematical drawing or an imaginative art piece. The difference in their work is evident: their drawings are more detailed, their written work is neater, and their frustration levels have plummeted. This small, yet critical, change has allowed our students to focus entirely on creativity, critical thinking, and the learning process itself, rather than battling inadequate materials.\r\nBeyond the physical changes, your support has instilled a deeper sense of value and pride in our classroom community. The students recognize that these wonderful new resources are a gift, and they treat them with respect and appreciation. Knowing that we are supported by such a generous individual or organization is also a tremendous boost to my own morale and teaching efficacy. It validates the hard work we do and provides the necessary resources to implement a truly engaging and high-quality curriculum.\r\nIn summary, the front-facing shelving has catalyzed a wave of reading independence, turning book selection into an exciting, student-led adventure. The high-quality supplies have removed barriers to creativity, allowing students to concentrate fully on learning and self-expression. Every day, I witness students happily and confidently choosing books, and working diligently with materials that don't fail them. Your support has genuinely elevated the quality of learning in our room, creating a more vibrant, functional, and joyful space for discovery. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the entire class, for your unparalleled commitment to our students' success and happiness. This impact will last far beyond this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1749165973123,"projectUrl":"project/fun-library/9379885/","projectTitle":"Fun Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hobbs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9990619"},{"teacherId":8176861,"projectId":9214884,"letterContent":"The students were curious to see what the new items were being unpacked. Once the items were introduced to students of different grades. The students who have learned the basics on use or items have eagerly sought out friends to teach them. The children are teaching older and younger students how to play. They have also created their own \"rules\" for students .\r\nGroups of mixed age students have asked for more of the same game pieces. Some have asked if they can take the items home to practice. The excitement has carried to other times outside, with students asking permission to go get materials out of the locker.","fullyFundedDate":1744727328134,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-physical/9214884/","projectTitle":"Let’s Get Physical","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tif","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8176861"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_26074","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":188,"numTeachers":16,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":79,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.1,"schoolId":26074,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about DeSoto Grade School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"DeSoto Grade School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/desoto-grade-school-dist-86/desoto-grade-school/26074"}