{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Girard Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9101159,"projectId":10356786,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful to Panda Express for supporting my classroom through DonorsChoose and providing us with weaving supplies for our art program. This donation has made such a meaningful impact—not only on my students, but also on me as their art teacher.\r\n\r\nHaving access to quality yarn, weaving materials, looms, and cotton loops has allowed me to introduce my students to art techniques and hands-on experiences that I may not otherwise have been able to provide. We have had so much fun exploring texture, color, patterns, creativity, and craftsmanship.\r\n\r\nOne of our favorite projects has been creating God's Eyes using yarn and wooden sticks. My students have loved choosing their colors, learning how to weave the yarn, and watching their designs take shape. It has been wonderful to see students become completely engaged and proud of what they created.\r\n\r\nWe also explored the element of texture through a unique project using toilet paper rolls and yarn. Students transformed simple recycled materials into colorful, textured works of art. They experimented with wrapping, layering, and combining materials while learning that art can be created from everyday objects.\r\n\r\nThe looms and cotton loops for making potholders have been an absolute hit! Students have been so excited about the opportunity to learn how to use a loom and create something functional with their own hands. What has made me smile the most is that every grade is dying to have their turn. Students see others working on their potholders and immediately want to know when they will get to make their own. It has created a wonderful sense of excitement and anticipation throughout our art room.\r\n\r\nThese materials have done more than provide supplies—they have opened the door to new experiences. I have watched my students become more confident, patient, creative, and willing to try something unfamiliar. They are learning that art isn't just about drawing or painting; it can involve weaving, building, creating patterns, exploring texture, and even making something they can use.\r\n\r\nAs an art teacher, having the materials to provide these experiences means so much to me. Seeing my students excited to walk into the art room, eager to try a new project, and proud of what they have created is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.\r\n\r\nThank you, Panda Express and DonorsChoose, for investing in my students and making these experiences possible. Your generosity has helped fill our art room with creativity, color, laughter, learning, and so much fun. Most importantly, you have given my students opportunities to create, explore, and discover new things about themselves through art. I am truly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1782693488579,"projectUrl":"project/weave-really-wanted-this/10356786/","projectTitle":"Weave Really Wanted This!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rach","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9101159_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752970439525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9101159"},{"teacherId":10419488,"projectId":10062584,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of your kindness, my student now have access to resources that make learning mor engaging, hands-on , and meaningful. We've been using these materials during small group instruction and independent practice, allowing students to build confidence and strengthen their skills in a way that feels exciting rather than overwhelming. One memorable moment was seeing students eagerly collaborate and problem-solve together-they were not only learning, but truly enjoying the process.\r\n\r\nWhen materials first arrived, the excitement in the room was immediate. Students were curious, motivated, and couldn't wait to get started. For many of them, having new accessible tools made them feel valued and capable. I've already seen growth in their participation, focus, and willingness to take academic risks.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we are able to continue building on these successes. Our next steps include using these resources to deepen understanding, increase independence, and support students as they apply their skills to more complex tasks. You have made a lasting impact on our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful for your investment in our students' learning and future.","fullyFundedDate":1769620493295,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-focus-comfort-and-social-emo/10062584/","projectTitle":"Tools for Focus, Comfort, And Social Emotional Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Heather","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10419488"},{"teacherId":10043018,"projectId":9979346,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom at Girard Elementary has truly transformed into a space where my students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. The hand2mind Advancing Phonics Word Work Small Group Set and our two-sided dry erase boards are now part of our daily small-group instruction. Just this week, one of my struggling readers used the phonics tiles to build CVC words independently for the first time. He beamed when he realized he could read the word he built without my help. Across the room, students were curled up on their new floor cushions with fuzzy blankets during our read-aloud of Pete the Cat, holding the plush doll and fully engaged in the story. What once felt like \"pull-out intervention\" now feels like a cozy, welcoming literacy lab.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived, my students' reactions were priceless. The flexible seating cushions brought cheers, and several students immediately asked, \"Can we read on those today?\" The Play-Doh, magnetic building sticks, interlocking gears, and feelings dough mats quickly became tools for both learning and regulation. During a social-emotional lesson using the I'm In Control of Myself book set and Making Good Choices Match-Ups, students practiced identifying emotions and then used calming maze boards to regulate before returning to work. The Good Behavior Buckets have created a positive buzz in the room—students are proudly tracking their choices and celebrating growth. Even the storage bins have made a difference; materials are organized and accessible, which allows for smoother transitions and more instructional time. And of course, the snacks have supported focus and stamina—something my students truly need to be successful.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, we are not just learning skills—we are building independence, confidence, and self-control. Our next steps include expanding phonics instruction into multisyllabic word work, incorporating more student-led small groups with the dry erase boards, and deepening social-emotional lessons by connecting literature to role-play and real-life problem solving. We are also integrating STEM challenges with the magnetic blocks and gears to strengthen collaboration and critical thinking. Your support didn't just provide supplies—it created opportunities for meaningful growth every single day. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in my students and investing in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1769403778048,"projectUrl":"project/learning-tools-that-meet-every-need/9979346/","projectTitle":"Learning Tools That Meet Every Need","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brannon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10043018_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748043262994","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10043018"},{"teacherId":10043018,"projectId":9667633,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students are using these new materials every single day to learn, connect, and grow—academically and emotionally. Our classroom has transformed into a space where literacy, creativity, and social-emotional learning come together naturally. One of our favorite moments was our first read-aloud with Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too!—students were laughing, pointing out letters, and eagerly sharing how the characters felt. During small groups, students used the A Little SPOT of Emotion plush toys to identify their own feelings and practice calming strategies, helping them communicate emotions that are often difficult to put into words.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, my students were beyond excited. Their eyes lit up as they explored the Eric Carle book set, animal figures, LEGO bricks, and magnetic tiles. Many immediately began building scenes to match the stories we had read, creating animals, vehicles, and structures while narrating their ideas aloud. These hands-on resources have been especially powerful for my students with learning and attention challenges—engagement increased instantly, and even reluctant learners were eager to participate. The snacks provided have also made a huge difference, allowing students to stay focused and energized during long instructional blocks.\r\n\r\nNext, we are using these materials to deepen comprehension and problem-solving skills. Students will continue pairing books like The Magical Yet with building activities to model perseverance and growth, recreate story settings, and retell events in their own words. We are also expanding our social-emotional lessons by role-playing real-life scenarios with the emotion plushies and books. Because of you, my students have access to meaningful tools that support the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. Thank you for giving my students experiences that will impact them far beyond our classroom walls.","fullyFundedDate":1767128873965,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-stories-and-smiles/9667633/","projectTitle":"Snacks, Stories, and Smiles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brannon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10043018_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748043262994","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10043018"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_14798","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":374,"numTeachers":15,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":76,"percentWhite":12,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"24.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":61.3,"schoolId":14798,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Girard Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Girard Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/alabama/dothan-city-school-district/girard-elementary-school/14798"}