{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Gallberry Farm Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":51.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3304916,"projectId":9972356,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, learning about Lunar New Year moved far beyond stick-figure drawings on the whiteboard and questions about extra days off school. Through engaging picture books, students developed a clear understanding of the history, symbolism, and traditions behind Lunar New Year celebrations across multiple cultures. As we read and discussed stories like Chloe's Lunar New Year and How to Catch a Dragon, students strengthened reading comprehension, sequencing, and vocabulary while learning how stories and traditions reflect cultural values.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom became interactive and joyful. Students eagerly asked questions, made connections, and shared discoveries about lucky colors, lanterns, lion dances, and food symbolism. The books sparked meaningful conversations about similarities and differences between Chinese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and Korean celebrations, helping students build cultural awareness and respect. Even students who were hesitant readers were drawn in by the illustrations, storytelling, and hands-on extensions.\r\n\r\nThe plush buddies and celebration kits brought the learning to life. Students used them to retell stories, explore artifacts, and build paper dragons as part of integrated literacy and craft activities. These experiences helped students connect reading with creativity and curiosity, making the celebration memorable and meaningful. Thanks to your support, Lunar New Year became an engaging, inclusive learning experience that students will remember long after the decorations came down.","fullyFundedDate":1766775231082,"projectUrl":"project/dumplings-dragons-and-discoveries-not/9972356/","projectTitle":"Dumplings, Dragons, and Discoveries: Not Launching Fireworks—Promise","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3304916_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1455330270716","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-s-williams03"},{"teacherId":3304916,"projectId":10012473,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, Chinese New Year became a meaningful learning experience rather than just a date on the calendar. Through authentic picture books and hands-on cultural materials, students built literacy skills while developing a deeper understanding of global traditions. As we read and discussed stories like The Runaway Wok, Playing with Lanterns, and Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas, students practiced sequencing events, building vocabulary, and comparing folktales across cultures. These shared reading experiences helped students connect story elements to real-world traditions in a way that felt engaging and memorable.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom during this unit was interactive and collaborative. Students eagerly participated in discussions, retold stories using visual props, and made connections between the texts and the cultural symbols they saw around the room. The books sparked thoughtful conversations about family, gratitude, luck, and togetherness, helping students see how celebrations reflect shared human values across cultures.\r\n\r\nThe decorations and artifacts brought the learning to life. Students used lanterns, dragon garlands, and lucky coins during literacy centers and math activities—counting, sorting, retelling stories, and exploring symbolism. These hands-on experiences allowed students to learn through movement, visuals, and discussion, making the celebration accessible to all learners. Thanks to your support, our classroom became a space where cultural curiosity was encouraged, learning was joyful, and students gained respect for traditions beyond their own.","fullyFundedDate":1768502528136,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-chinese-new-year-through-sto/10012473/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Chinese New Year Through Stories, Symbols, and Hands-On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3304916_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1455330270716","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-s-williams03"},{"teacherId":10365141,"projectId":9974842,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, our library has become a place where students' curiosity about weather and Earth science can truly grow. The new nonfiction books give students access to clear, engaging explanations of complex topics like the water cycle, storms, climate, and natural disasters. As students explore these texts, they are building important skills such as asking research questions, identifying key ideas, using text features, and explaining scientific concepts with evidence from diagrams, maps, and photographs.\r\n\r\nReading in the library now looks like real investigation. Students browse with purpose, compare information across books, and pause to study visuals that help them make sense of what they're learning. During library visits and science units, students use these books to take notes, gather facts, and deepen their understanding before creating weather reports, models, and inquiry projects. The variety of reading levels and formats means that both emerging readers and advanced learners can find books that meet them where they are.\r\n\r\nThese resources have been especially exciting for students who are fascinated by extreme weather and natural disasters. Many students return to the same titles again and again, eager to share new facts they've discovered with classmates and teachers. Thanks to your support, our library now offers reliable, high-interest nonfiction that will serve hundreds of students for years to come—turning big questions about our planet into meaningful learning and lasting curiosity.","fullyFundedDate":1769540562205,"projectUrl":"project/wild-weather-rising-readers-a-science/9974842/","projectTitle":"Wild Weather, Rising Readers: A Science Library for Curious Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sibley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10365141"},{"teacherId":8947927,"projectId":9925437,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, learning in our classroom no longer stops when the printer runs out of ink. With reliable access to printed materials, my 3rd graders are able to fully participate in reading, writing, math, and small-group instruction every day. Students can print writing drafts, practice phonics and math skills, and receive materials that meet their individual learning needs. Having their work on paper helps students slow down, reflect, and take pride in what they've created.\r\n\r\nReading and learning in our classroom looks active and hands-on. Students work with printed passages, highlight important details, solve problems, and collaborate with classmates during partner and group activities. Being able to quickly print extra copies means lessons continue smoothly—even when papers get lost, spilled on, or need revising. Instead of waiting or sharing limited resources, students stay engaged and focused on learning.\r\n\r\nThis project has especially helped students who benefit from clear structure and consistent materials. Having access to printed supports allows them to feel confident, prepared, and successful throughout the school day. What may seem like a simple supply makes a big difference in keeping our classroom organized, flexible, and running efficiently. Thank you for supporting our students and helping ensure that learning keeps moving forward—one printed page at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1766374963932,"projectUrl":"project/our-printer-is-on-its-last-drop-literal/9925437/","projectTitle":"Our Printer Is On Its Last Drop… Literally","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mills","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8947927"},{"teacherId":8482658,"projectId":9974816,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, Lunar New Year became a celebration every student in our classroom could truly access and enjoy. The Little People sets allowed us to create a calm, small-world version of the holiday where students could explore traditions through play. Students practiced turn-taking, role-playing simple routines, and requesting pieces using devices, gestures, or verbal language. Acting out familiar scenes in a predictable setting helped students build understanding and confidence without the stress of loud noises or crowded activities.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom during this celebration was sensory-friendly and interactive. The tactile board books and Sesame Street story supported visual and hands-on learners by using simple language, familiar characters, and textures students could touch and explore. Students engaged with ideas like lanterns, red envelopes, food, and wishes for good luck in ways that felt comforting and manageable. Many students returned to these books multiple times, independently turning pages, pointing to pictures, or requesting favorite parts.\r\n\r\nThese materials created a space where students felt safe, included, and successful. For learners who need structure and predictability, this approach allowed them to participate fully in a cultural celebration at their own pace. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, students were calm, curious, and joyful. Thank you for helping us celebrate Lunar New Year in a way that honors every learner and sends a powerful message: everyone belongs.","fullyFundedDate":1767105060725,"projectUrl":"project/little-people-big-lunar-new-year-touch/9974816/","projectTitle":"Little People, Big Lunar New Year: Touch, See, Celebrate","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wike","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8482658"},{"teacherId":8482658,"projectId":9972607,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, our classroom now has a space that feels safe, predictable, and joyful—while also supporting real learning every single day. The playhouse and kitchen materials give students meaningful opportunities to practice essential life skills through structured play. Students are learning how to enter and exit a space appropriately, request items they need, follow simple routines, and complete guided tasks. These activities build communication, independence, and confidence in ways that worksheets simply cannot.\r\n\r\nCommunication is a major focus during play in this space. Students use gestures, picture supports, or verbal attempts to request items like \"pot,\" \"spoon,\" \"open,\" or \"help.\" Even small moments—handing a utensil to a peer or responding to a modeled request—are powerful steps forward. Fine motor skills are also strengthened as students grasp, stack, stir, and organize items in the playhouse kitchen. What looks like pretend play is actually purposeful instruction tailored to each student's needs.\r\n\r\nThe playhouse has quickly become a favorite part of our day. When we were assembling it, we pretended to be construction workers, and students were eager to help—holding pieces, handing tools, and proudly watching it come together. For our students, including those who are nonverbal, this space provides comfort, structure, and opportunities for social interaction at their own pace. It also serves as a calming environment for emotional regulation. Thank you for helping create a space where our students feel successful, included, and excited to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1766969069405,"projectUrl":"project/a-home-for-learning-building-life-skill/9972607/","projectTitle":"A Home for Learning: Building Life Skills Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wike","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8482658"},{"teacherId":1025629,"projectId":10034901,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, my students are no longer learning about Earth's spheres as isolated definitions—they are learning how our planet works as one connected system. These books have helped students build key science literacy skills such as understanding cause-and-effect relationships, using academic vocabulary correctly, and explaining scientific ideas with evidence from text features, diagrams, and visuals. Students can now clearly explain how the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere interact during events like erosion, storms, and changes in ecosystems.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom looks active, visual, and full of conversation. Students regularly pause to study diagrams, analyze photographs, and point out details they notice—especially animals and ecosystems. During read-alouds and small groups, students eagerly make connections between what they're reading and what they've learned in class, often saying things like, \"That shows how the water cycle affects animals!\" or \"This is part of the biosphere.\" The mix of informational text, storytelling, and hands-on activities helps all learners stay engaged and confident.\r\n\r\nThese books have been especially meaningful for students who are visual learners and those who don't have access to strong science texts at home. Many students are drawn to the detailed animal photographs and ecosystem visuals, which spark curiosity and lead to deeper questions and discussions. Students often return to these books independently, rereading sections and sharing new discoveries with classmates. Thanks to your support, learning about Earth and ecosystems feels exciting, accessible, and unforgettable for every student in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1768754137464,"projectUrl":"project/planet-puzzle-putting-earths-systems-t/10034901/","projectTitle":"Planet Puzzle: Putting Earth’s Systems Together","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McCoy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1025629_orig.jpg?crop=614,614,x1632,y1330&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768247480587","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1025629"},{"teacherId":5211635,"projectId":9939019,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, learning in our classroom feels joyful, hands-on, and full of curiosity. The Weird But True! National Geographic books have transformed how students interact with nonfiction text. As students read, they practice important skills like identifying main ideas, using text features, building vocabulary, and asking thoughtful questions about what they've learned. These books naturally invite discussion, research, and deeper thinking—students often stop reading just to share a surprising fact with a friend or ask, \"Did you know this?!\"\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom now looks active and social. Students choose books that match their interests, read independently or with a partner, and talk about what they discover. Reluctant readers who once avoided nonfiction are now eagerly flipping pages, laughing at strange facts, and checking out multiple books at a time. These texts have especially supported students who learn best through short bursts of information and visual supports, helping them build stamina and confidence as readers.\r\n\r\nThe puzzles have become an instant favorite and are used throughout the day. Students work together during STEM centers, indoor recess, and even free moments to problem-solve, persist, and collaborate. We've also set up puzzles in the media center, where students love adding pieces as they browse for books—turning the space into a shared, interactive experience. At recess, the puzzles are a huge hit, giving students a calm, engaging option that still builds critical thinking skills. Together, these materials have created a learning environment where students feel excited to explore, challenge themselves, and grow every day.","fullyFundedDate":1767653631202,"projectUrl":"project/weird-wonderful-and-ready-to-read-th/9939019/","projectTitle":"Weird, Wonderful, and Ready to Read & Think!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5211635_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1537770787437","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5211635"},{"teacherId":10365423,"projectId":9938368,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, something as simple as printing no longer stops learning in our classroom. With our printer up and running again, students are able to access printed materials that support learning across every subject—reading responses, math practice, science journals, and classroom activities. Being able to print student work allows me to give timely feedback and helps students reflect on their learning in meaningful ways. For many students, seeing their work on paper makes their thinking feel more \"real\" and worth sharing.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting outcomes has been how quickly students began collaborating again. I was able to print student awards, partner activities, and small-group tasks that encouraged discussion and teamwork. Students worked together, compared ideas, and supported one another during activities that simply wouldn't have been possible without printed materials. What may seem like basic technology at home plays a critical role at school by keeping lessons flowing and helping students stay engaged and organized.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who thrive with visual supports especially benefited from having printed materials back. They showed more confidence, took greater pride in their work, and were eager to share what they had accomplished. This ink restored a key tool in our classroom, and its impact is felt every single day. Thank you for helping keep learning moving and for supporting our students in such a practical, powerful way.","fullyFundedDate":1765298320677,"projectUrl":"project/our-printer-is-out-of-black-ink-and-pati/9938368/","projectTitle":"Our Printer Is Out of Black Ink and Patience","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Doud","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10365423"},{"teacherId":8919551,"projectId":9988637,"letterContent":"The Diary of a Pug series has made a meaningful difference for our early and developing readers by helping them build confidence and stamina while still genuinely enjoying reading. These books introduce important literacy skills such as understanding story structure, following a sequence of events, making predictions, and using illustrations to support comprehension. The diary-style format also exposes students to point of view and expressive language in a way that feels natural and approachable for young readers.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom and media center, reading with these books looks joyful and engaging. Students are choosing them independently, rereading favorite sections, and eagerly discussing what happened in the story. Because the text is accessible and supported by illustrations, students are able to read for longer periods without frustration, which helps strengthen fluency and encourages persistence.\r\n\r\nThese books have been especially impactful for reluctant readers and students who are transitioning from picture books to chapter books. Many of these students are excited to finish an entire book on their own for the first time and are asking for the next title in the series. The humor and relatable characters keep them motivated, turning reading into something they look forward to rather than avoid. Thanks to this project, more students see themselves as readers—and that confidence carries into every part of their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1768587246508,"projectUrl":"project/laugh-and-read-with-diary-of-a-pug/9988637/","projectTitle":"Laugh and Read With Diary of a Pug","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Keels","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8919551_orig.jpg?crop=952,953,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739986658993","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8919551"},{"teacherId":10385954,"projectId":9961885,"letterContent":"Thank you for giving my first-grade students the tools they need to learn by touching, building, reading, and exploring. When the materials arrived, my students' excitement was immediate—they couldn't wait to open the boxes and see what new learning adventures were inside. The decodable readers quickly became favorites during small-group reading, where students proudly read aloud and noticed how much easier decoding felt. Seeing their confidence grow as they successfully read books matched to their skills has been incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nWe are using these resources every day across our classroom. During reading groups, students use phonics word work materials to practice vowel patterns, blends, and spelling in hands-on ways that make learning stick. In math, the base-ten blocks and place value tools have helped students visualize numbers and explain their thinking instead of guessing or memorizing. During STEM centers, students collaborate with building materials like LEGO® bricks, gears, and magnetic blocks—testing ideas, solving problems, and learning from each other through trial and error.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue using these materials to deepen their understanding across subjects. We're beginning new science units using the nonfiction books to build background knowledge, and students are already referencing what they've read during discussions and projects. Because of you, learning in our classroom feels active, engaging, and joyful—and my students are growing not just academically, but as confident, curious learners. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1765986871276,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-humans-big-learning/9961885/","projectTitle":"Tiny Humans. Big Learning.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10385954_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1766440183019","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10385954"},{"teacherId":5393206,"projectId":10013139,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, my students are learning how to read science in ways that truly build understanding. These books introduce important skills like identifying key details, using diagrams and captions, building academic vocabulary, and explaining how things work using evidence from the text. Through real-world examples and clear visuals, students are making sense of concepts like levers, pulleys, forces, and motion instead of just memorizing definitions.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom now looks active and hands-on. Students use these books during science lessons, read-alouds, small groups, and independent reading, often stopping to test an idea, discuss an experiment, or connect what they read to everyday objects they recognize. The experiment books, in particular, have helped students see that reading and doing go together—books become tools for inquiry, not just something to finish.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who usually struggle with nonfiction are especially excited about these new titles. The picture book science texts and hands-on experiments help them visualize abstract ideas and feel confident explaining their thinking. Because many of my students don't have access to science books outside of school, these resources give every child the opportunity to explore, question, and discover. With your help, science feels accessible, exciting, and in motion all around us.","fullyFundedDate":1768710621149,"projectUrl":"project/simple-machines-big-thinking-science-t/10013139/","projectTitle":"Simple Machines, Big Thinking: Science That Moves!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McMillan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5393206"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1380","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":854,"numTeachers":62,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":26,"percentWhite":42,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":15,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":48.8,"schoolId":1380,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Gallberry Farm Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Gallberry Farm Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/cumberland-county-schools/gallberry-farms-elementary-school/1380"}