{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Dwight Bellizzi School","outOfStateSupporters":43.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8655821,"projectId":9874779,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest thanks for bringing \"Graphic Novels Help Students Love Reading!\" to life in our classroom. These books have completely transformed what reading looks like for my students. Before these arrived, many of my developing readers felt overwhelmed by dense pages of text and would often drift away during independent reading time. Now, the room is filled with a focused, excited energy. Graphic novels provide essential visual scaffolding that helps students master complex skills like inferencing, understanding character motivation, and following multi-layered plot structures without feeling intimidated.\r\n\r\nThe impact on specific students has been particularly moving. I have several \"reluctant\" readers who now race to the library nook as soon as they enter the room to grab the latest installment of their favorite series. By blending high-interest storytelling with sophisticated vocabulary and art, these books have given my students the confidence to call themselves \"readers.\" You haven't just provided books; you have provided the spark that is turning my students into lifelong lovers of literature.","fullyFundedDate":1764713408421,"projectUrl":"project/graphic-novels-help-students-love-readin/9874779/","projectTitle":"Graphic Novels Help Students Love Reading!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bardeguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8655821_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721852865672","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/xbardeguez"},{"teacherId":8655821,"projectId":9874951,"letterContent":"It is wonderful that your project, \"Creating Readers, One Book at a Time With Graphic Novels!\", was funded! Here is a draft you can use for your impact letter, tailored to the prompts on your DonorsChoose page.\r\n\r\nImpact Letter Draft\r\nDear donors,\r\n\r\nI cannot thank you enough for bringing these graphic novels into our classroom. For many of my students, opening one of these books was the first time they truly felt like \"readers.\" These texts do so much more than just provide entertainment; they bridge the gap between visual literacy and complex storytelling. In our classroom, reading now looks like a room full of focused, smiling faces, with students eagerly pointing out character expressions and subtle plot points hidden in the artwork. These books have introduced essential skills like inferencing and understanding dialogue through context, making high-level literary concepts accessible to everyone.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been most visible with my reluctant readers and English Language Learners. Students who previously felt overwhelmed by dense pages of text are now the first ones to head to the bookshelf during independent reading time. They are gaining the confidence to tackle longer narratives and are participating in class discussions with newfound enthusiasm. You haven't just provided books; you've provided a \"win\" for students who needed to see that reading can be both challenging and incredibly fun.","fullyFundedDate":1764702306685,"projectUrl":"project/creating-readers-one-book-at-a-time-wit/9874951/","projectTitle":"Creating Readers, One Book at a Time With Graphic Novels!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bardeguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8655821_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721852865672","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/xbardeguez"},{"teacherId":8655821,"projectId":9781322,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity in supporting our project, \"Help Us Keep Our Recess Toys and Equipment Organized.\" When the new storage bins and additional recess equipment arrived, the excitement in the classroom was electric! My students were thrilled to see shiny new balls, jump ropes, and hula hoops, but they were equally intrigued by the sturdy new \"homes\" we now have for all our gear. \r\n\r\nWe have been using these resources daily to transform our transition to and from the playground. Before, our equipment was often scattered or difficult to carry, leading to lost items and a frantic cleanup. Now, we have a specific student \"Equipment Manager\" role each week. The students take great pride in ensuring every ball is nested in its bin and every rope is coiled correctly.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly streamlined our school day and brought a new level of joy to our outdoor time.","fullyFundedDate":1762266243761,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-keep-our-recess-toys-and-equipme/9781322/","projectTitle":"Help Us Keep Our Recess Toys and Equipment Organized","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bardeguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8655821_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721852865672","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/xbardeguez"},{"teacherId":8655821,"projectId":9551628,"letterContent":"The arrival of \"Exploring Reading While Journeying Around The Globe\" has transformed our classroom into a gateway to the world. These new texts have introduced my students to diverse cultures and perspectives that were previously out of reach. In our daily reading blocks, I see students who used to struggle with engagement now eagerly diving into stories about different lands.\r\n\r\nThese books have allowed us to practice critical reading skills—like comparing themes and analyzing character journeys—through a global lens. Specifically, my more hesitant readers have found a new spark, often sharing facts they've learned about other countries with their peers. Thank you for opening these doors for my students and fostering a true love for global literacy.","fullyFundedDate":1762266256122,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-reading-while-journeying-aroun/9551628/","projectTitle":"Exploring Reading While Journeying Around The Globe","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bardeguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8655821_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721852865672","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/xbardeguez"},{"teacherId":7529554,"projectId":9634391,"letterContent":"On behalf of our kindergarten students, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of writing tools. Your kindness and support are already making a positive difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our young learners now have the materials they need to practice their letters, express their creativity, and build confidence in their early writing skills. These simple tools open the door to imagination, storytelling, and foundational learning that will support them for years to come.\r\n\r\nYour generosity not only supplies materials but also inspires excitement and a love of learning in our students. We are truly grateful for your commitment to supporting early education and helping our children grow.\r\nThank you again for making such a meaningful impact.","fullyFundedDate":1763134709840,"projectUrl":"project/essential-materials-to-use-imagination-t/9634391/","projectTitle":"Essential Materials to Use Imagination to Draw and Write","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rosell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7529554_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746642518950","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7529554"},{"teacherId":8771670,"projectId":9325364,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project. Your generosity is already having a big impact on our classroom and our students' learning.\r\n\r\nWith the new headphones, every student can access technology-rich lessons, multimedia resources, and focused independent work without distraction. The extra pencils mean no one has to wait to practice skills, take notes, or complete quick writes — small supplies that keep learning moving. The mounting tape is making our bulletin boards sturdy and reliable so we can proudly display student work and create a classroom that celebrates learning all year long. And the fidget chair desk bands give students a simple, flexible way to stay comfortable and engaged during lessons — a small change that helps many learners focus and participate more fully.\r\n\r\nThese materials help us create a more accessible, organized, and student-centered classroom. Thank you for investing in our students' success and for helping us provide a classroom where every child can learn and thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1746785432495,"projectUrl":"project/ready-to-learn/9325364/","projectTitle":"Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8771670_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771516287085","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8771670"},{"teacherId":8771670,"projectId":8264564,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project. Your generosity is already making a real difference for our 6th grade students in Hartford. Because of your gift, our classroom now has new headsets, a comb binding machine, and fresh dry erase markers — items that will be used every day across subjects to boost engagement, collaboration, and learning.\r\n\r\nWith the headsets, students can complete focused research and create multimedia projects in ELA without distraction. The comb binding machine lets us produce polished student publications and portfolios that celebrate writing and research. And the dry erase markers keep our collaborative math work on dry erase desks smooth and accessible, helping students solve problems together and learn from one another. These tools help us create more dynamic lessons and meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.\r\n\r\nWe are excited to watch students grow in confidence and skills as they use these materials. Your support helps us soar into our curriculum this year, giving every student the tools they need to succeed across all subjects.","fullyFundedDate":1710366498451,"projectUrl":"project/6th-grade-soars-into-learning/8264564/","projectTitle":"6th Grade Soars Into Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Anderson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8771670_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771516287085","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8771670"},{"teacherId":6109381,"projectId":6854929,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire volleyball program, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support. Your contributions have directly enhanced our daily training environment, providing our athletes with the specialized tools they need to grow both individually and as a cohesive unit. It is inspiring to see our community come together to invest in our students' athletic development and personal growth.\r\n\r\nWith the new equipment now in use, the team has been able to significantly elevate their technical skills. Specifically, the addition of the training gloves and the hook system has revolutionized our practice sessions. Our players are using the gloves to refine their finger positioning and hand discipline during bumping and setting drills, while the hook has become an essential tool for perfecting the mechanics of spiking and serving. These resources allow for the kind of high-repetition, targeted practice that builds the muscle memory necessary for competitive play.","fullyFundedDate":1668829410700,"projectUrl":"project/bump-set-spike/6854929/","projectTitle":"Bump, Set, Spike!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. LaForest","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6109381_orig.jpg?crop=353,353,x29,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1616687158333","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6109381"},{"teacherId":8629356,"projectId":9451993,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, Dog Man Wants to Speak Spanish: Comic Books to Engage. These comic books motivated students to read in Spanish with enthusiasm and confidence. The humor, visuals, and familiar characters helped students strengthen comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency while enjoying the reading process. Because of these materials, I was able to engage reluctant readers, support bilingual development, and create meaningful discussions around texts. Your generosity fostered creativity, joy, and a deeper love for reading in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1763569607820,"projectUrl":"project/dog-man-wants-to-speak-spanish-comic-bo/9451993/","projectTitle":"Dog Man Wants to Speak Spanish: Comic Books to Engage","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marrero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8629356_orig.jpg?crop=2378,2379,x0,y261&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717210444043","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8629356"},{"teacherId":8629356,"projectId":9432787,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, On Wheels, Closer to You, More Interaction, for Better Learning. The rolling table has allowed me to move freely around the classroom and work closely with students during small-group instruction and individual support. Being physically closer has increased interaction, engagement, and immediate feedback, helping students feel supported and confident in their learning. This flexible tool has improved collaboration, focus, and meaningful teacher-student connections. Your generosity has had a direct and positive impact on daily instruction and student growth.","fullyFundedDate":1759426238799,"projectUrl":"project/on-wheels-closer-to-you-more-interacti/9432787/","projectTitle":"On Wheels, Closer to You, More Interaction, for Better Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marrero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8629356_orig.jpg?crop=2378,2379,x0,y261&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717210444043","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8629356"},{"teacherId":8629356,"projectId":9444587,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, Headphones for Focused Learning in Our Dual Language Classroom. These headphones significantly improved students' ability to focus, reduce distractions, and engage in meaningful reading and listening activities in Spanish. With these materials, I was able to implement independent work, literacy centers, and differentiated small-group instruction more effectively. Students demonstrated increased confidence, stronger attention skills, and greater independence during learning tasks. The headphones also helped create a calmer, more supportive environment where students could fully concentrate and feel successful every day.","fullyFundedDate":1759426236896,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-focused-learning-in-our-d/9444587/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Focused Learning in Our Dual Language Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marrero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8629356_orig.jpg?crop=2378,2379,x0,y261&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717210444043","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8629356"},{"teacherId":8629356,"projectId":9438402,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our Spanish Super Cat Comic Club: Reading and Creativity project. Because of your contribution, my students will have the opportunity to strengthen their Spanish reading skills while exploring creativity through comics. This project encourages imagination, engagement, and a love for reading, especially for students developing bilingual literacy. Your kindness helps create a joyful and meaningful learning experience that will inspire our students far beyond the classroom. We are truly grateful for your support and belief in our learners.","fullyFundedDate":1755877950545,"projectUrl":"project/spanish-super-cat-comic-club-reading-an/9438402/","projectTitle":"Spanish Super Cat Comic Club: Reading and Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marrero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8629356_orig.jpg?crop=2378,2379,x0,y261&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717210444043","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8629356"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43692","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":651,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":12,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":79,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":56.7,"schoolId":43692,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Dwight Bellizzi School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Dwight Bellizzi School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/hartford-public-school-district/dwight-elementary-school/43692"}