{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Emily Brittain Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":11.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10087520,"projectId":9488498,"letterContent":"My students are using the new ball chairs as both classroom incentives and as a sensory support during independent, teacher-led, and group work times. Within the TEACCH method, students complete independent work bins for half of our academic periods, and the ball chairs have become an important part of that structure. The movement and flexibility the chairs allow help students stay engaged and focused while working through their tasks. They also serve as a reward for meeting classroom expectations, which motivates students to maintain positive behaviors and complete their work efficiently. The combination of structure from the TEACCH approach and the sensory regulation from the ball chairs has noticeably improved student independence and participation.\r\n\r\nWhen the ball chairs first arrived, my students were overjoyed. They literally jumped up and down with excitement at the sight of them. For many of my students, sensory tools like these are highly motivating, so their immediate enthusiasm was wonderful to see. They were eager to take turns and test them out, and it was clear right away that the chairs would be a valuable addition to our learning environment. Their positive reaction reinforced the importance of incorporating sensory-friendly options into our classroom routines.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, I plan to implement a more formal rotation system to ensure all students have equal access to the ball chairs. This structure will help balance the use of the chairs fairly, while still allowing them to function as both a tool for sensory regulation and an incentive for positive behavior. By setting clear expectations for when and how the chairs are used, I can help students understand that they are part of our classroom community's shared resources, not just individual rewards. This next step will support consistency and fairness while maintaining the enthusiasm and engagement the ball chairs have brought to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1754096800667,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-awesome-autistic-learners/9488498/","projectTitle":"Supporting Awesome Autistic Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Banks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10087520"},{"teacherId":8701834,"projectId":9120858,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, matching magic! The students were so excited when the materials arrived especially for the 3D objects included in each kit. We have built these materials into our classroom routine sessions and they are so excited to make a match! This has filled in gaps in their developmental tracking charts and really enhanced listening, learning, and even social skills. We will continue using these materials leveling up the questions and activities that go with them. Thanks to you we are able to do that! You truly have made a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1742935050085,"projectUrl":"project/matching-magic/9120858/","projectTitle":"Matching Magic!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Arienzo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8701834_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743124663548","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8701834"},{"teacherId":9929834,"projectId":9187139,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of dry erase activity tables! My first graders were overjoyed the moment they saw them in our classroom. Their excitement was contagious—they couldn't wait to grab a marker and start writing right on the table. One of our first activities was practicing number writing, and the students were thrilled to see their math work appear so clearly and then be able to quickly erase and try again.\r\n\r\nWe have been using these tables daily during our math lessons. Recently, the students worked together to collect data and then used the tables to draw tally marks, picture graphs, and even bar graphs. They also practiced writing number sentences and compared quantities using the symbols >, <, and =. The hands-on experience of writing, erasing, and rewriting made the lesson both engaging and accessible for every learner.\r\n\r\nThe next steps in our math unit will have students continuing to build on their understanding of data by asking and answering questions about the graphs they create. These tables will be a central part of our learning, as students can work in pairs or small groups to brainstorm, solve problems, and show their thinking in real time. Your gift has truly transformed how my students collaborate and practice their math skills, and I am so grateful for your support in making our classroom a place of joy and learning.","fullyFundedDate":1746786039120,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-active-learning/9187139/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Active Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Simmons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9929834"},{"teacherId":9277553,"projectId":8997047,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has 10 Sphero robots—and they've completely transformed the way my students engage with STEAM learning. For many of my students, especially those on the autism spectrum or those who struggle with traditional learning formats, the robots have opened up a whole new world of hands-on discovery. With Sphero, they're not just learning how to code—they're learning how to think critically, problem-solve, collaborate, and persevere when things don't go as planned.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting things for students is seeing the immediate, real-world result of their code in action. When they write a simple command and then watch the Sphero robot follow it, their faces light up with excitement and pride. It's this instant feedback that really helps them understand abstract concepts like sequencing, loops, and cause-and-effect. The robots also promote teamwork in a natural, structured way—students love working in pairs or small groups to complete challenges and \"debug\" their code together.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular, who is on the autism spectrum and usually hesitant to join group activities, has truly thrived since we introduced the Spheros. He has become one of our classroom's \"go-to\" experts, helping peers troubleshoot and coming up with creative programming ideas. The confidence and social connection he's developed through this project are exactly what I hoped for—and more. These robots are not just teaching my students to code; they're helping them believe in themselves as capable learners and collaborators.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1743021957573,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-into-the-future-with-spheros/8997047/","projectTitle":"Rolling into the Future with Spheros","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Glosner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9277553_orig.jpg?crop=815,815,x0,y255&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733772983715","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9277553"},{"teacherId":9563274,"projectId":8987382,"letterContent":"My students have loved getting to learn in the flexible seating options. A majority of my students have been diagnosed with Autism, ADD, ADHD, a unique medical condition, or even a combination. At the end of the day, this means that they all seek or receive sensory input in specific manners.\r\n\r\n\r\nWhile we work on daily skills necessary for success in the classroom, like writing or cutting, my top priority is letting my students learn in a way that best suits them. Whether we are sitting or laying across a peanut ball, kneeling on a cube to lean on the table, using a cube as a tabletop while cozy on a beanbag, or maybe even using the tools in an obstacle course, my kiddos are loving the tools you helped to provide! I am so lucky that my project struck a chord in your heart, and so are my students.","fullyFundedDate":1739123625619,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating/8987382/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alexa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9563274"},{"teacherId":6127121,"projectId":8419083,"letterContent":"Since receiving the dry erase table, my students and I have been using it in a variety of exciting and engaging ways to foster collaboration and enhance learning. One of the first projects we used the table for was a math problem-solving session where students worked in small groups to tackle challenging word problems. The dry erase surface allowed them to freely write, draw diagrams, and solve equations together in real time. As they worked, I was able to model problem-solving strategies directly on the table, showing step-by-step how to approach different types of problems. The table became a central hub for brainstorming, as students wrote down their ideas, revised their work, and supported each other in real-time. This collaborative space has become a key tool in fostering teamwork and encouraging students to share their thinking process openly, something that was harder to do with traditional desks or stationary materials. It has truly transformed our approach to collaborative learning, allowing students to engage deeply and interact with each other in a dynamic and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the dry erase table, their reactions were full of excitement and wonder. They were immediately drawn to the idea of having a large, interactive surface where they could all work together. Many students excitedly gathered around the table, eager to begin writing and solving problems. It was clear that they saw this as an opportunity to collaborate in a new way, and they couldn't wait to get started. Some even joked about how much fun it would be to write all over the table, and I encouraged them to take full advantage of this new tool. Their excitement wasn't just about having a new toy in the classroom; it was about the sense of freedom and creativity that came with it. The table became a symbol of an interactive, hands-on learning experience where they could actively participate in their education. This initial enthusiasm quickly turned into a productive and energetic learning session, where students were eager to engage and contribute their ideas.\r\n\r\nLooking forward, the next steps for my students involve deepening their collaborative skills and problem-solving abilities through ongoing projects using the dry erase table. We are currently working on a science project where students will design experiments and document their observations together at the table. The table will serve as a shared space for brainstorming, sketching out hypotheses, and recording data as a group. Students will be encouraged to take turns writing, revising, and discussing their findings, which will not only reinforce their scientific understanding but also build their ability to work as a team. As we move through this project, I will continue to model how to work collaboratively, share ideas effectively, and approach problem-solving from multiple perspectives. The dry erase table will play a central role in this process, allowing students to engage with the material in a hands-on way while also learning essential skills for teamwork and communication. With each project, the students will become more confident in their ability to collaborate, think critically, and express their ideas clearly, all while continuing to enjoy the interactive nature of the dry erase table. The opportunities for learning and growth are limitless, and I'm excited to see how it continues to transform our classroom dynamics.","fullyFundedDate":1726972161405,"projectUrl":"project/collaboration-station/8419083/","projectTitle":"Collaboration Station","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Bandura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp6127121_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1544073650900","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/bandura"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_89135","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":255,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":80,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":88.7,"schoolId":89135,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Emily Brittain Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Emily Brittain Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/butler-area-school-district/emily-brittain-elementary-school/89135"}