{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ghent School","outOfStateSupporters":52.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6815851,"projectId":7766923,"letterContent":"more engaged and motivated when reading high quality literature compared to traditional textbooks or worksheets. They are excited to participate in lessons, eager to share ideas, and more willing to take risks as readers and thinkers.\r\n\r\nThrough novel studies, students have strengthened their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. They are learning to make predictions, ask thoughtful questions, identify themes, and support their thinking with evidence from the text. These skills directly support third grade reading standards while also helping students become more confident readers.","fullyFundedDate":1701174889471,"projectUrl":"project/encouraging-deeper-thinking-with-novel-s/7766923/","projectTitle":"Encouraging Deeper Thinking With Novel Studies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6815851_orig.jpg?crop=1920,1920,x0,y102&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693082799711","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missbrown-rocks"},{"teacherId":6815851,"projectId":7736584,"letterContent":"Providing flexible seating options and high interest reading materials has had a powerful impact on my third graders. Students now have the opportunity to choose seating that helps them feel comfortable, safe, and ready to learn. Whether they choose to stand, sit on the floor, use a floor desk, or gently bounce while working, students are better able to focus and stay engaged throughout the day.\r\n\r\nSince implementing these options, I have seen an increase in student concentration, productivity, and confidence. Students who previously struggled with sitting still for long periods of time are now able to channel their energy in a positive way. This has reduced stress and improved classroom behavior while allowing students to take ownership of their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1701174887540,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-comfy-while-diving-into-a-grea/7736584/","projectTitle":"Let’s Get Comfy While Diving Into a Great Book!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6815851_orig.jpg?crop=1920,1920,x0,y102&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693082799711","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missbrown-rocks"},{"teacherId":4156174,"projectId":9640068,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to fidgets, swivel seats, stress balls, breathing stickers, and discussion cards. These tools are already making a meaningful difference in our daily learning environment.\r\n\r\nThese resources are helping students stay focused, manage their emotions, and engage more confidently in classroom discussions. The flexible seating options, like swivel seats, allow students to move in ways that support their learning, while fidgets and stress balls provide healthy outlets for energy and stress. The breathing stickers are a wonderful visual reminder for students to pause and regulate, and the discussion cards are encouraging thoughtful conversations and stronger connections among classmates.\r\n\r\nYour support is not just providing materials, it's helping create a classroom where students feel comfortable, supported, and ready to learn. We are incredibly grateful for your investment in our success.","fullyFundedDate":1765421167271,"projectUrl":"project/calm-minds-kind-hearts-building-sel-th/9640068/","projectTitle":"Calm Minds, Kind Hearts: Building SEL Through Fidgets & Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Huffman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4156174_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1482164801443","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4156174"},{"teacherId":5994955,"projectId":9929692,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our \"Snacks for the New Year\" project. Because of your kindness, our students have access to snacks that helped them stay focused, energized, and ready to learn each day and after school. Our scholars really enjoyed having the option to choose the snacks that they receive.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your generosity and for helping us start the new year on a positive and successful note. Your support truly made an impact on our students' daily experience at school.","fullyFundedDate":1765861091662,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-the-new-year/9929692/","projectTitle":"Snacks for the New Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5994955_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1540263836694","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lsmith-math"},{"teacherId":5994955,"projectId":9759298,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our \"Sweet Success\" project. Because of your kindness, our students were able to celebrate their hard work and achievements in a fun and meaningful way. The treats and rewards helped motivate them to stay focused, try their best, and feel proud of their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nYour donation made a positive impact in our classroom by boosting confidence, encouraging effort, and creating a joyful learning environment. The students were so excited and truly appreciated the recognition of their success.\r\n\r\nWe were so grateful for your support and for believing in our students. Thank you for helping make our classroom a place where hard work was celebrated and success was sweet!","fullyFundedDate":1764076059660,"projectUrl":"project/sweet-success/9759298/","projectTitle":"Sweet Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5994955_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1540263836694","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lsmith-math"},{"teacherId":6482016,"projectId":9316934,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, I am now able to use technology in a way that truly enhances my students' learning both inside and outside the classroom. With the Wacom writing stylus and pad, I am creating clear, engaging instructional videos that students can access at home to reinforce key English Language Arts concepts. This tool allows me to model thinking and writing on slides, drawing and labeling graphic organizers, and color-coding important information so students can better understand how ideas connect. For many of my students, especially English Language Learners, being able to pause, rewind, and revisit lessons has made a significant difference in their confidence and comprehension.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting aspects of this technology is how engaged my students have become. They love seeing familiar classroom strategies, such as graphic organizers and writing models that are presented in a way they can interact with beyond the school day. I have noticed that students who typically need extra support are especially benefiting; they are coming to class more prepared, asking deeper questions, and participating more actively because they've had additional time to process the material. It has been incredibly rewarding to see students take ownership of their learning by using these videos as a resource.\r\n\r\nThis project has transformed the way I deliver instruction and support my students. Moving forward, I am excited to continue expanding my use of technology to create even more interactive and differentiated learning experiences. Because of your support, my students now have access to tools that make learning clearer, more accessible, and more engaging. Thank you for helping bring our lessons to life and extending learning beyond the classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1746698828784,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-technology/9316934/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. LAWRENCE","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6482016_orig.jpg?crop=419,419,x21,y10&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701789456203","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6482016"},{"teacherId":6482016,"projectId":9308682,"letterContent":"One of the greatest strengths of my district is the diversity of its students, and I feel incredibly fortunate to teach in a classroom filled with rich culture and varied experiences. Thanks to your generous support, I am using the Rosetta Stone program to begin learning Spanish so I can better communicate with my students and their families. This resource is helping me grow professionally by strengthening my ability to connect across language barriers, making my instruction more inclusive and responsive. As I build my language skills, I am already becoming more intentional in how I present content, clarify misunderstandings, and support my English Language Learners in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite classroom moments was when I was able to greet my students in Spanish and use simple phrases to support their understanding during a lesson. The smiles on their faces and their willingness to engage showed me how powerful it is when students feel seen, heard, and valued. That small effort helped build trust and created a more welcoming classroom environment. I am also beginning to use my developing language skills to communicate more effectively with families during conferences and conversations, strengthening the home-school connection that is so important for student success.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, I am excited to continue growing my bilingual skills and to incorporate more culturally responsive teaching practices into my classroom. I look forward to expanding my ability to support language development while building strong relationships with both students and their families. Because of your investment, I am becoming a more effective, empathetic educator, and my students are benefiting from a more inclusive, supportive, and connected learning environment. Thank you for helping bridge the gap between language and learning in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746842170421,"projectUrl":"project/hablas-espanol-not-yet/9308682/","projectTitle":"Hablas Espanol? Not Yet!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. LAWRENCE","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6482016_orig.jpg?crop=419,419,x21,y10&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701789456203","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6482016"},{"teacherId":6482016,"projectId":9307592,"letterContent":"As an educator, I believe professional growth is a lifelong journey that directly impacts both my teaching practice and my students' success. Thanks to your generous support, I have been able to engage in over 60 hours of online, self-paced professional development focused on morphology, grammar, and writing instruction for K–5 students. These courses have strengthened my ability to break down complex language concepts into meaningful, accessible lessons. I am now more intentional in teaching students how words work by helping them understand prefixes, suffixes, and root words—while also guiding them to apply these skills in their writing. This has allowed me to better differentiate instruction and support students who struggle with reading and language development.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite professional learning moments was implementing a morphology strategy where students analyzed word parts and then used those words in their own writing. I watched as students who once felt unsure began to confidently decode unfamiliar words and incorporate them into sentences and short paragraphs. \r\n\r\nLooking ahead, I am excited to continue growing in my ability to teach writing in a way that is both structured and engaging for all learners. I look forward to diving deeper into strategies that support grammar development and help students become stronger, more independent writers. Because of your investment in my professional development, I am able to create a more inclusive, dynamic, and effective learning environment where my students are building the skills they need to succeed. Thank you for making a lasting impact on both my teaching and my students' learning.","fullyFundedDate":1746563019309,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-educators-to-unlock-professio/9307592/","projectTitle":"Empowering Educators to Unlock Professional Development with Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. LAWRENCE","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6482016_orig.jpg?crop=419,419,x21,y10&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701789456203","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6482016"},{"teacherId":6482016,"projectId":9307264,"letterContent":"Because of your generous support, this project has truly elevated my teaching and transformed my students' learning experiences. With access to a diverse and engaging collection of ESL books, I am now able to provide my students with meaningful academic experiences that support their English language development while also honoring their cultural identities. Additionally, the professional ESL books have deepened my understanding of how to design lessons that are both developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive, allowing me to better meet the unique needs of my English Language Learners. One of my favorite moments was watching my students engage in a hands-on activity where they used new vocabulary from our readings to create visual word maps and act out meanings with their peers. Students who were once hesitant to participate became excited and confident as they connected language to movement and real-life experiences. Seeing them collaborate, laugh, and take ownership of their learning reminded me how powerful engaging, interactive instruction can be. These moments are helping build not only language skills, but also confidence and a sense of belonging in the classroom.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, I am excited to continue growing in my ability to integrate culturally inclusive literature and hands-on learning strategies into my instruction. I look forward to expanding opportunities for students to engage in meaningful discussions, storytelling, and collaborative learning experiences. Because of your support, I am better equipped to create a classroom environment where all students feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. Thank you for investing in both my professional growth and the bright futures of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1746699604925,"projectUrl":"project/building-language-bridges-esl-books-to/9307264/","projectTitle":"Building Language Bridges: ESL Books to Empower English Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. LAWRENCE","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6482016_orig.jpg?crop=419,419,x21,y10&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701789456203","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6482016"},{"teacherId":6482016,"projectId":9306929,"letterContent":"As an educator, professional growth is a lifelong journey that directly shapes both my teaching practice and my students' success. Thanks to your generous support, I have been able to engage more deeply in meaningful professional development and immediately apply new strategies in my classroom. One of the most impactful areas has been my focus on teaching morphology by helping students understand prefixes, suffixes, and root words to unlock the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary. Using my new resources, I've been able to design more interactive, student-centered lessons that build confidence and improve reading comprehension, especially for my English learners. Additionally, having access to a reliable laptop has been essential in continuing my professional development and strengthening my instructional practice. It allows me to participate in virtual learning opportunities through platforms like Zoom, collaborate with other educators, and stay current with best practices. I am truly grateful for your investment in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746493984269,"projectUrl":"project/always-learning/9306929/","projectTitle":"Always Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. LAWRENCE","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6482016_orig.jpg?crop=419,419,x21,y10&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701789456203","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6482016"},{"teacherId":5994955,"projectId":9839010,"letterContent":"Thank you!!! Because of your incredible generosity, our project Building Strategic Thinkers Through Games is fully funded, and my students are beyond excited!\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our club is filled with engaging board and card games that build strategic thinking, teamwork, math skills, problem-solving, and good sportsmanship. What might look like \"just playing a game\" is actually powerful learning in action.\r\n\r\nI see students laughing, high-fiving, concentrating deeply, and celebrating those proud \"I figured it out!\" moments. The games are being used in centers, small groups, and brain breaks, giving students meaningful opportunities to practice critical thinking while having so much fun.\r\n\r\nYour kindness doesn't just provide materials — it creates opportunities, builds confidence, and brings so much joy into our students. We are so incredibly grateful for you!","fullyFundedDate":1761513504902,"projectUrl":"project/building-strategic-thinkers-through-game/9839010/","projectTitle":"Building Strategic Thinkers Through Games","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5994955_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1540263836694","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lsmith-math"},{"teacherId":2390053,"projectId":9838196,"letterContent":"Your contributions have significantly enhanced the engagement and excitement in our teleproduction class. The students were thrilled to see and use the new setup, and we're having a great time decorating the space for special events, ensuring our viewers enjoy every moment. The enthusiasm for producing morning announcements has skyrocketed, and the students particularly love the new seating arrangements.\r\n\r\nThe teleprompter chair, with its unique low back design, is a favorite among the students. Our morning announcements, both viewed and recorded every day, are reaching new levels of professionalism and excitement. With this setup, we are successfully bringing vibrant news and energy to our school community. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1765409479977,"projectUrl":"project/news-crew-set-makeover-support-our-stud/9838196/","projectTitle":"News Crew Set Makeover: Support Our Student Storytellers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tajan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2390053_orig.jpg?crop=1584,1584,x5,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1608234767985","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2390053"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44936","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":501,"numTeachers":37,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":42,"percentWhite":42,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":47.3,"schoolId":44936,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ghent School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ghent School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/norfolk-public-schools/ghent-elementary-school/44936"}