{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Freeburg Primary Center","outOfStateSupporters":18.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9994510,"letterContent":"Our students have been using the weather stampers, seasonal stampers, double-sided sponge stampers, and decorative edge scissors during a variety of art and learning activities that support creativity, fine motor development, and early academic concepts. One special classroom moment occurred during a weather-themed art project, where children used weather stampers to create pictures representing sunny, rainy, and snowy days. They then talked about the weather shown in their artwork, connecting their creations to real-life observations and classroom discussions.\r\n\r\nWhen the students were first introduced to the materials, they were excited and eager to explore. Many were immediately drawn to the different shapes and textures of the stampers, while others were fascinated by the decorative edge scissors. The children showed pride in their work, carefully stamping patterns, choosing colors, and experimenting with cutting techniques. The materials encouraged creativity while also strengthening hand muscles, coordination, and control.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, students will continue using these materials in upcoming lessons focused on seasons, patterns, and storytelling through art. Next steps include incorporating the stampers into literacy activities, such as illustrating stories, and using the decorative scissors during guided small-group projects to build independence and confidence. Your generosity has made it possible for our students to engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that support both creativity and skill development.","fullyFundedDate":1768437237378,"projectUrl":"project/stamp-snip-fun/9994510/","projectTitle":"Stamp & Snip Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9958723,"letterContent":"Our students have been actively using the coffee filters, paper plates, and cotton balls in a variety of open-ended art experiences that support creativity, fine motor development, and self-expression. One favorite classroom moment was when the children used coffee filters and droppers to explore color mixing with watercolor paints. They were excited to watch the colors spread and blend, sparking conversations about colors, patterns, and cause-and-effect. Cotton balls and paper plates have also been used to create textured art projects, allowing children to experiment with different materials while strengthening hand-eye coordination.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, they were immediately curious and eager to explore. Many recognized the items from everyday life, which helped them feel confident and excited to use them in new ways. The simplicity of the materials encouraged imagination, with children quickly sharing ideas and proudly explaining their creations to teachers and classmates.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, students will continue to build on these experiences by using the materials in upcoming art and literacy-based projects. Next steps include incorporating these supplies into seasonal crafts, sensory art activities, and small-group projects that encourage following directions, creativity, and collaboration. Your generosity has provided meaningful learning opportunities and helped create engaging, hands-on experiences that support the growth and development of every child in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1768397808970,"projectUrl":"project/creative-classroom-art-supplies/9958723/","projectTitle":"Creative Classroom Art Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9961135,"letterContent":"We are using the new musical instruments during whole-group music and movement time, small groups, and choice time. One favorite classroom moment was when the entire class used the egg shakers to follow along to the song \"I Know a Chicken\" by Laurie Berkner. Students practiced keeping the beat, listening for musical cues, and coordinating their movements with the rhythm of the song, which supported both motor development and attention skills. We have also used the wooden frog instruments, Korean traditional hand drum, cymbals with handles, ocean drum, and a variety of wooden percussion instruments to explore concepts such as loud/soft, fast/slow, and different rhythms.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were immediately excited and curious. Many carefully examined the instruments, asked questions about how they worked, and eagerly waited for their turn to play. The variety of sounds and textures captured their interest and encouraged cooperation, turn-taking, and shared enjoyment as they created music together.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue developing rhythm and listening skills by matching instruments to songs, responding to musical cues, and working collaboratively to create simple patterns and classroom sound stories. We will also connect music to social-emotional learning by incorporating instruments into calming routines and transitions. These resources are supporting self-expression, confidence, and joyful, meaningful learning experiences in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1768412268603,"projectUrl":"project/little-learners-big-beats/9961135/","projectTitle":"Little Learners, Big Beats","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9963202,"letterContent":"We are using the new storage shelf and bins to organize our housekeeping center, making materials easy for students to see, choose, and put away independently. This has made the center more inviting and has helped students stay engaged in dramatic play for longer periods of time.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the organized space, they were excited to explore. They quickly began pretending to cook, set tables, and take on family roles, proudly returning items to the correct bins.\r\n\r\nThe playdough character pieces are being used at our playdough center, where students create characters and stories using their imaginations. These pieces support fine motor development, creativity, and language skills.\r\n\r\nNext, we plan to expand dramatic play themes in the housekeeping center and use the playdough characters to support storytelling and emotional expression as part of our classroom learning.","fullyFundedDate":1766196950736,"projectUrl":"project/helping-little-learners-stay-organized/9963202/","projectTitle":"Helping Little Learners Stay Organized","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9963200,"letterContent":"We are using the new storage shelf and bins to organize our housekeeping center, making materials easy for students to see, choose, and put away independently. This has made the center more inviting and has helped students stay engaged in dramatic play for longer periods of time.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the organized space, they were excited to explore. They quickly began pretending to cook, set tables, and take on family roles, proudly returning items to the correct bins.\r\n\r\nThe playdough character pieces are being used at our playdough center, where students create characters and stories using their imaginations. These pieces support fine motor development, creativity, and language skills.\r\n\r\nNext, we plan to expand dramatic play themes in the housekeeping center and use the playdough characters to support storytelling and emotional expression as part of our classroom learning.","fullyFundedDate":1766197265763,"projectUrl":"project/play-pretend-and-learn-life-skills-in/9963200/","projectTitle":"Play, Pretend, and Learn: Life Skills in the Home Center","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9918383,"letterContent":"We are using the new resources across multiple learning centers to support hands-on, play-based learning. The Three Bear Family Sort, Pattern & Play and Rhyme and Sort Rockets are being used during small-group instruction to build early math, patterning, sorting, and phonological awareness skills. The washable ink pads and dry-erase markers are incorporated into literacy and fine-motor centers, allowing students to practice name writing, letter formation, and drawing while strengthening hand control.\r\n\r\nThe Farm Animals Sand Kit with sensory sand and the instant fake snow have enhanced our sensory table, encouraging imaginative play, descriptive language, and cooperative interactions. When students first saw the new materials, they were excited, curious, and eager to explore. Many immediately began asking questions and sharing ideas, showing high engagement and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nNext steps include expanding patterning and rhyming challenges, using the sensory materials to support vocabulary and storytelling, and integrating writing tools into guided practice and independent work. These resources will continue to support differentiated instruction and meaningful learning experiences for all students.","fullyFundedDate":1764713772812,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-through-play/9918383/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9672908,"letterContent":"We are using these new Christmas-themed games and decorations to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that support both social-emotional development and physical skills. The Inflatable Reindeer Antler Ring Toss, Snowman Toss Game, Pin the Nose on the Reindeer, and the Large Santa Claus Dart Board are being incorporated into our holiday learning centers to encourage turn-taking, cooperation, hand–eye coordination, and gross motor development. The Elf on the Shelf and festive decorations help set a joyful classroom atmosphere and spark imaginative play, storytelling, and meaningful conversations during circle time.\r\n\r\nThe students were absolutely delighted when they first saw the new materials. Their excitement was evident through smiles, laughter, and eager participation as they explored each game. Many students immediately began cheering for one another, practicing patience while waiting for their turn, and celebrating each other's successes. These materials have been especially effective in engaging a wide range of learners, allowing all students to participate at their own level while building confidence and positive peer interactions.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include intentionally connecting these activities to current classroom learning goals. We will use the games to reinforce skills such as counting, color recognition, following directions, and language development by adding prompts, challenges, and reflective discussions. As we continue our holiday-themed lessons, these resources will also support movement-based learning, sensory regulation, and collaborative play, helping students strengthen foundational skills while enjoying a meaningful and festive learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1762267706205,"projectUrl":"project/holiday-fun-crafts/9672908/","projectTitle":"Holiday Fun & Crafts","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9723113,"letterContent":"When our new Lakeshore building materials arrived Creature Builder, Nuts & Bolts Builders, Slot-A-Shape Builders, Waffle Builders, Design Builders, and Clip & Create Builders my students were immediately excited. Their faces lit up as soon as they saw all the colorful pieces and unique textures. Many of them gasped, pointed, and started sharing ideas with each other about what they wanted to build. Several students went straight into imaginative play, creating animals, vehicles, and pretend machines within minutes. \r\nWe have been using these resources during small-group time, centers, and free exploration. The variety of materials has allowed children to practice fine motor skills, problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and early engineering concepts in a hands-on, developmentally appropriate way. Students are experimenting with how pieces connect, exploring balance and structure, and collaborating with peers to bring their ideas to life. \r\nA next step for our class is to incorporate these materials into a larger STEM-based project. We are beginning a unit on \"Building and Construction,\" where students will plan and design simple structures, test their stability, and revise their ideas based on what they learn. These new resources will support that process by giving children multiple ways to design, test, and create. We'll also begin documenting their building plans, creations, and reflections to show growth in creativity, communication, and critical-thinking skills. \r\nOverall, the materials have already made a huge impact—they've sparked curiosity, encouraged teamwork, and provided rich opportunities for exploration and learning.","fullyFundedDate":1763554273832,"projectUrl":"project/invent-build-discover-stem-in-action/9723113/","projectTitle":"Invent, Build, Discover: STEM in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":10033993,"projectId":9712099,"letterContent":"On behalf of our classroom, I want to extend our sincere gratitude for your generous donation of healthy snacks. Your kindness has made a meaningful impact on our students' daily learning experience.\r\n\r\nHaving consistent access to nutritious snacks has helped our students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the day. Many children are better able to participate in activities, stay engaged during lessons, and regulate their emotions because their basic needs are being met. We've noticed improved attention, more positive interactions, and an overall increase in students' readiness to take on new challenges.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only filled our snack baskets—it has supported our students' well-being, confidence, and ability to learn. We are truly grateful for the difference you've made in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for investing in our students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1761826883456,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-our-learning-with-healthy-snacks/9712099/","projectTitle":"Fuel Our Learning with Healthy Snacks!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Donald","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10033993_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x2,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747097099794","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10033993"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9557147,"letterContent":"When our Pipe Builders, Stack-and-Create toys, Stretch-and-Connect toys, Gear Builders, Nuts About Patterning, and Nuts About Sorting first arrived, my students' excitement was immediate and contagious. They were eager to dive in, exploring the colors, shapes, and textures of the materials. One memorable moment was when a group of children worked together to build a large structure using several of the new toys at once, combining pipes, gears, and connectors into one creation. Their collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills were shining through the entire process.\r\n\r\nWe are now using these materials daily to strengthen early STEM skills, fine motor development, and cooperative play. My students are beginning to extend their learning by creating more complex structures, sorting and patterning with increasing independence, and even explaining their designs to one another. The next steps will simply be continuing to explore and use these items in the classroom, giving students ongoing opportunities for discovery, creativity, and hands-on learning.","fullyFundedDate":1757504918270,"projectUrl":"project/little-learners-big-discoveries-stem-i/9557147/","projectTitle":"Little Learners, Big Discoveries: STEM in Preschool","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9407923,"letterContent":"When our new resources arrived, the students were immediately curious and excited to explore them! The mix and match magnetic families and Miniland Family Diversity Blocks quickly became favorites. During center time, the children eagerly built families that reflected their own lives as well as families that looked different from theirs. It opened the door for conversations about similarities, differences, and the many ways people make a family. One child proudly pointed to a block figure and said, \"That looks like my grandma!\" These authentic moments showed how powerful these materials are in helping students see themselves and others represented in the classroom. The loop scissors and left-handed scissors have also been a big success. Many students have never used scissors. This has helped them get used to cutting and holding the scissors. I have a couple Left-handed children, and the left-handed scissors have helped them feel more comfortable holding the scissors. who previously found cutting activities frustrating now feel more confident and capable. Our next steps will be to continue weaving these resources into our social-emotional lessons, especially as we talk about community, empathy, and respecting differences. The scissors will also be used in upcoming art and STEM projects, allowing every student no matter their dominant hand or motor needs to participate successfully. Your generosity has given us tools that support inclusion, representation, and skill-building in such meaningful ways. Thank you for helping our classroom grow!","fullyFundedDate":1750371506471,"projectUrl":"project/colors-of-kindness-celebrating-every-fr/9407923/","projectTitle":"Colors of Kindness: Celebrating Every Friend","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"},{"teacherId":8850367,"projectId":9257204,"letterContent":"My preschool students were thrilled to receive our new supplies of Elmer's School Glue, colored masking tape, rainbow duct tape, and hot glue sticks. When they first saw the brightly colored materials, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. We are already using the glue and tapes daily in art and building activities, which has encouraged collaboration, fine motor skill growth, and creativity. These resources will also allow us to explore more 3D projects, such as making collages that pop off the page, creating sculptures with cardboard and recycled materials, and building simple group creations like houses, rockets, and animals.","fullyFundedDate":1746490390652,"projectUrl":"project/sticky-creations/9257204/","projectTitle":"Sticky Creations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ammie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8850367_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673474685430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8850367"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_93852","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":260,"numTeachers":16,"percentFrplEligible":31,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":91,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 2","studentTeacherRatio":"16.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":81.3,"schoolId":93852,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Freeburg Primary Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Freeburg Primary Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/freeburg-community-consolidated-school-district-70/freeburg-primary-center/93852"}