{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Dillard Drive Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":22.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":494227,"projectId":9842009,"letterContent":"When our new LEGO sets arrived, my students could hardly contain their excitement. I introduced them as our new \"building tools\" for problem solving, storytelling, and teamwork. We started with a STEM challenge: \"Build a bridge that can hold at least 10 cubes.\" Students worked in small groups to plan, test, and revise their designs. One group realized their bridge kept collapsing, so they started adding \"support beams\" underneath—exactly like we've talked about in science when we study how buildings stay strong. Watching them use real vocabulary and work through frustration to success was incredible.\r\n\r\nThe first time they saw the materials, the room filled with gasps and happy whispers. Several students actually cheered and started hugging each other. One student said, \"This is like a LEGO lab!\" Another quietly said, \"I've never had this many Legos before,\" and immediately asked if they could build a house to \"keep people safe.\" It was a powerful reminder of how special and rare these materials are for many of them.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be using the LEGOs to connect to our reading and writing lessons. Students will build scenes from stories we've read and then write about their creations—who the characters are, what problem they face, and how they solve it. We'll also use them in math to model patterns, addition, and subtraction. Your generosity didn't just give us toys; you gave us a hands-on way to think, create, and talk like engineers, authors, and mathematicians every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1762466604280,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-stem-with-legos-in-kindergarten/9842009/","projectTitle":"Hands-On STEM with LEGOs in Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp494227_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756681560630","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marissatcampbell"},{"teacherId":9079827,"projectId":9598795,"letterContent":"Because of your support, when we sit together on the carpet for lessons, our new air purifier runs quietly in the background. Since our students sit in close proximity during instruction, having cleaner air has been incredibly valuable. I've already noticed fewer sniffles, less coughing, and more sustained engagement — all helping us meet the goal of fewer sick days and more learning days.\r\n\r\nThe purifier has also sparked meaningful conversations in our classroom. When one student asked what the machine was, we paused for a class discussion about clean air, germs, and how staying healthy helps us learn. It became a great opportunity to connect the purifier to real-world concepts about health and well-being.\r\n\r\nBeyond improving the air, this project has helped create a more comfortable and connected learning environment. Clean air isn't just about staying healthy — it supports a calm, cozy space where students can focus, share ideas, and learn together.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us build a safer, healthier, and more engaging classroom community. Your generosity is felt every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1757609197101,"projectUrl":"project/fewer-sick-days-more-learning-days/9598795/","projectTitle":"Fewer Sick Days, More Learning Days","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ariza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9079827_orig.png?crop=435,435,x63,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692278373972","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-arizak"},{"teacherId":9079827,"projectId":9419110,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of my DonorsChoose project, Strengthening Little Hands for Big Learning. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to lacing activities, building kits, fine-motor manipulatives, scissors, and more — tools that are already making a real difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nSince receiving these materials, I've watched my students' confidence grow. What's most exciting is how much more they are learning through hands-on play. For example:\r\n\r\nWhen children use the lacing letters and threading toys, they are not just practicing hand-eye coordination — they're building persistence and patience. The small building manipulatives help them learn spatial reasoning and problem-solving as they construct different shapes and structures. The dough tools and grip toys are strengthening the tiny muscles in their fingers and hands, which is critical for pre-writing skills.\r\n\r\nOne of my students struggled at first to grip the lacing string. But within a week, this student was leading the activity, asking, \"Can I do more?\" Another student who was tentative about connecting items now confidently can put things together. These moments remind me why this project mattered so much: not only are they developing important physical skills, but they're also discovering the joy of creating.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom can provide an space for exploration, play, and growth. The strong foundation these children are building now will support their future writing, academic tasks, and their ability to work independently.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in their potential and giving them tools that make learning fun, meaningful, and accessible. Your donation isn't just a gift — it's a belief in each child's ability to grow, learn, and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1758561134164,"projectUrl":"project/strengthening-little-hands-for-big-learn/9419110/","projectTitle":"Strengthening Little Hands for Big Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ariza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9079827_orig.png?crop=435,435,x63,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692278373972","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-arizak"},{"teacherId":9079827,"projectId":9598626,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making our \"Dressing for Discovery\" project possible! Because of your generosity, we now have a sturdy clothing rack in our classroom — a seemingly simple addition, but one that is already making a big difference.\r\n\r\nWhen the rack arrived, I showed it to my students during circle time. Their eyes lit up! They immediately saw how it would help them hang up and organize their costumes. Many of these costumes reflect different cultures around the world — traditional dresses, garments, and fabrics that represent the rich diversity of our classroom community and beyond. Some students even pointed out dresses from countries they or their families are connected to, and we started conversations about where the items come from, what they mean, and how they are used in real-life cultural celebrations.\r\n\r\nHaving a place to hang these costumes does more than just organize fabric: it shows students that their cultures and traditions are honored and visible every day. It gives them a sense of pride. It also makes it easy for everyone to access the costumes when we do global learning activities — like storytelling, role-play, or lessons about different countries. \r\n\r\nBeyond the educational value, the clothing rack is practical. It stays tidy, helps preserve the costumes (so they last longer), and frees up floor space. Before, costumes were piled on a shelf or kept in bins; now, they're displayed like treasures. You can see the pride the students take in choosing which item to wear next, and they treat each garment with care. Some even start imagining stories or plays as they look through the rack.\r\n\r\nYour support has also had an emotional impact. Many of my students come from diverse backgrounds, and when they lay eyes on a dress or outfit that connects to their own heritage, I can see a quiet happiness. Others see something completely new and ask to learn more — which helps build empathy, curiosity, and cross-cultural understanding.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in this vision of learning through dress and discovery. Your donation has not only added a functional piece of classroom furniture but has also strengthened our commitment to honoring global cultures, fostering inclusion, and helping our students see each other's stories in a tangible way.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful. Because of you, our classroom feels more respectful, organized, and inspired.","fullyFundedDate":1757444504700,"projectUrl":"project/dressing-for-discovery-supporting-globa/9598626/","projectTitle":"Dressing for Discovery: Supporting Global Learning and Community Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ariza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9079827_orig.png?crop=435,435,x63,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692278373972","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-arizak"},{"teacherId":494227,"projectId":9791394,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and providing chair pockets for my kindergarten students. From the moment we opened the box, the excitement was unreal — little hands were reaching, and happy chatter filled the room as students eagerly slid their new pockets onto their chairs. For many of them, this was their first time having their own personal learning space, and they were so proud to organize their books, folders, and supplies all by themselves.\r\n\r\nThese chair pockets have already made a noticeable difference in our daily routine. With materials easily accessible, students transition more smoothly between activities, stay more focused during lessons, and take greater responsibility for keeping their learning tools organized. Instead of spending time searching for crayons or folders, we're spending more time reading, writing, and learning together. Our classroom feels calmer, more independent, and so much more efficient thanks to this simple but meaningful resource.\r\n\r\nYour generosity gave my young learners a sense of ownership and pride that is hard to put into words. Thank you for believing in our classroom and helping create an environment where students feel capable, confident, and excited to learn. We are incredibly grateful for your support and the difference you've made in our school family.","fullyFundedDate":1761844923620,"projectUrl":"project/pockets-of-organization-for-busy-kinderg/9791394/","projectTitle":"Pockets of Organization for Busy Kindergarteners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp494227_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756681560630","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marissatcampbell"},{"teacherId":494227,"projectId":9689357,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my kindergarteners now have Bouncy Bands on their chairs—and the difference has been incredible! These flexible foot bands have given my students a quiet and appropriate way to move while learning, helping them release energy without disrupting instruction.\r\n\r\nI've already seen improved focus, increased engagement during lessons, and fewer behavior interruptions. Students who previously struggled to sit still are now better able to participate, listen, and stay on task. Something as simple as a stretchy band has created a calmer and more inclusive classroom environment where every child can learn comfortably.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just fund a product—it provided my students with the tools they need to feel successful. Thank you for believing in them and supporting their growth!","fullyFundedDate":1757950138178,"projectUrl":"project/movement-for-minds-bouncy-bands-in-the/9689357/","projectTitle":"Movement for Minds: Bouncy Bands in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp494227_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756681560630","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marissatcampbell"},{"teacherId":10003021,"projectId":9263107,"letterContent":"When the new organizational materials arrived, my students were so excited! They couldn't wait to see how our classroom would look and feel, and it didn't take long for them to notice the difference. Everything now has a place, and they can get what they need quickly and independently. It's been amazing to see them step up and take ownership of our space.\r\n\r\nSince we set everything up, my students have become even more resourceful and ready to participate in lessons. Transitions are smoother, and everyone knows where to go and what to do. I often get compliments from visitors about how efficient and welcoming our classroom feels, and my students beam with pride knowing they helped make it that way.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, these materials will keep helping my students focus on learning and working together. With our classroom organized and accessible, they can jump right into activities, problem-solve, and fully participate every day. Thank you for helping us create a space where students feel capable, confident, and ready to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1746461947275,"projectUrl":"project/bright-minds-neat-spaces-a-classroom/9263107/","projectTitle":"\"Bright Minds, Neat Spaces: a Classroom Transformation!\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10003021_orig.png?crop=170,170,x6,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745200032131","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10003021"},{"teacherId":494227,"projectId":9665586,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been filled with excitement, learning, and joy! The candy and chocolate you funded have already brought math lessons to life—students loved graphing, sorting, and counting with sweet, hands-on activities that made abstract concepts fun and memorable.\r\n\r\nYour support will also shine at our very first Trunk or Treat event, where this project will help us build community, celebrate together, and create lasting memories for our students and families. Beyond that, the treats have become a key part of our classroom prize bucket, motivating and rewarding students for their hard work and positive behavior.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, we're able to blend learning with celebration and incentive in ways that truly impact my students every day. Thank you for believing in our kids and investing in their joy and success!","fullyFundedDate":1758838193591,"projectUrl":"project/smarties-need-sweeties-too/9665586/","projectTitle":"Smarties Need Sweeties Too","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp494227_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756681560630","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marissatcampbell"},{"teacherId":9696671,"projectId":9248217,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your kind donations. With the money you donated for this project we have been able to facilitate lots of learning activities and play based learning. We have used the water/tough tray for learning inside and outside of our classroom. We have used it for math, fine motor activities for strengthening pre-writers fingers, sorting activities and science.\r\n\r\nThe planter and gardening tools have helped the children understand and experiment with gardening and the plant life cycle. We have also used the cornhole set a lot in play. It has helped develop turn taking, gross motor skills, playing as part of a team and it has also offered some social and emotional breaks for children that need to move their bodies and have brain breaks from learning. \r\n\r\nThe opportunities this equipment has offered is endless and will continue to provide children with fun learning for years going forward.","fullyFundedDate":1746633419901,"projectUrl":"project/outdoor-learning-for-kindergarten-kids/9248217/","projectTitle":"Outdoor Learning for Kindergarten Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Welham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9696671_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755217773453","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9696671"},{"teacherId":9992967,"projectId":9240292,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your support as we introduced classroom mailboxes this year. The students have embraced this system with enthusiasm, and it has been wonderful to watch them take pride in receiving their mail and sharing it successfully with their families. Each student now has their own space to organize themselves, and it has become an important part of our daily routine. \r\n\r\n Students eagerly check their mailboxes, practice responsibility by delivering letters home, and celebrate their successes with the notes they take home. \r\n\r\nThank you for supporting this project and for recognizing the value of communication. This project would not have been as successful without your continued support.","fullyFundedDate":1746992004580,"projectUrl":"project/family-communication-success/9240292/","projectTitle":"Family Communication Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lane","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9992967_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746480898974","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9992967"},{"teacherId":494227,"projectId":9431464,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing our classroom with an air purifier. From the moment we set it up, my students noticed the difference—it has quickly become part of our daily routine. The purifier runs quietly in the background, creating a fresher and cleaner environment where students can focus more easily. \r\nWhen the purifier first arrived, my students were curious and excited. We talked about how it works, and many of them made connections to science lessons about air, health, and the environment. It gave us a wonderful opportunity to combine a practical classroom need with hands-on learning.\r\nYour generosity has made our classroom healthier and more inviting. With fewer distractions from allergies and dust, my students will be able to stay on task and participate fully in lessons. We are so grateful for your support in making our learning space a cleaner and safer place for every child.","fullyFundedDate":1755736251831,"projectUrl":"project/clean-air-healthy-learners/9431464/","projectTitle":"Clean Air, Healthy Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp494227_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756681560630","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marissatcampbell"},{"teacherId":494227,"projectId":9432468,"letterContent":"The Calm Corner project has made a noticeable difference in my classroom. The new chair cushions give students a comfortable place to reset when they need a break from the busyness of the day. The fidget storage keeps tools organized and accessible, which helps students regulate their emotions in a structured way instead of feeling overwhelmed. The plug-ins add a calming scent to the space, creating a welcoming and soothing environment for everyone.\r\n\r\nTogether, these items have transformed the Calm Corner into a reliable spot where students can practice self-regulation and return to learning more quickly. I've already seen students using the space independently, taking responsibility for calming themselves down, and then re-joining the group focused and ready to learn. It's helping my classroom feel more supportive, peaceful, and student-centered.","fullyFundedDate":1755738847356,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-calm-corner-where-feelings/9432468/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Calm Corner: Where Feelings Are Welcome","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp494227_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756681560630","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marissatcampbell"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1821","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":622,"numTeachers":47,"percentFrplEligible":54,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":28,"percentWhite":36,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":23,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.3,"schoolId":1821,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Dillard Drive Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Dillard Drive Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/wake-county-public-school-system/dillard-drive-elementary-school/1821"}