{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Gorenflo Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":73.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9887982,"projectId":9574831,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Brain Food project. Your generous gift has made a real difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nEach day, students have access to snacks that aid in their focus and motivation to learn and thrive in class. They are available to any student who needs them for extra fuel throughout the day, a token for their hard work and concentration, or even to give to a friend for a good deed. \r\n\r\nWhen the snack area was set up, the students were thrilled and immediately appreciative. As you know, children at this age are rapidly growing, and so are their appetites. Several students have approached me unsatisfied with the amount of food they've had for breakfast and were unable to wait for lunch, so this helps fill them until they can eat again. \r\n\r\nBecause of your support, students experienced a more comfortable learning environment where basic needs are met, and attention can be directed toward learning. You helped make our classroom a place where students feel cared for and ready to participate.\r\n\r\nThank you again — your contribution supports learning, well‑being, and a classroom culture of care.","fullyFundedDate":1758202977549,"projectUrl":"project/brain-food/9574831/","projectTitle":"Brain Food","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mitchell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9887982"},{"teacherId":9769376,"projectId":9292046,"letterContent":"When our new SEL resources arrived, my students and I immediately began incorporating them into our daily lessons. For many of my learners, starting the day with calm routines and positive guidance makes a big difference. We use the materials during our morning meetings to practice self-awareness, reflection, and setting intentions for the day. With the help of these tools, students are able to pause, breathe, and share how they are feeling before we dive into academics. This has created a safe and welcoming space where every child knows their voice matters. They are beginning to understand that expressing emotions is not a weakness, but a strength that helps them build trust, compassion, and stronger connections with others in the classroom.\r\n\r\nOne of our first projects with the new resources was a \"Feelings Journal\" activity. Students were given time to reflect and draw or write about different emotions they had experienced throughout the week. With the help of the SEL materials, they were able to identify feelings like joy, frustration, nervousness, or excitement with greater confidence. Many even illustrated how those emotions looked on their faces or felt in their bodies. Afterward, students shared their journals with classmates, which opened the door to meaningful conversations. They listened to one another with empathy, asked thoughtful questions, and showed kindness when a peer expressed a difficult feeling. It was inspiring to see them connect their personal experiences to the lessons we are learning together, and even more powerful to witness them realize that they are not alone in their emotions.\r\n\r\nThe SEL resources have also allowed me to introduce group activities that encourage teamwork and problem-solving. For example, we recently used the materials during a cooperative challenge where students had to practice patience, communication, and compromise. Instead of arguing or giving up, they reminded one another to stay calm and keep trying. Several students said things like, \"Let's work together\" or \"We can figure this out.\" Those small but meaningful moments showed me that they are not just learning about social-emotional skills—they are applying them in real-life situations. The activities have turned into opportunities for growth, where students are learning to value one another's perspectives and celebrate small successes together.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials were first introduced, my students' reactions were priceless. Their faces lit up with excitement as they eagerly explored each resource. Several students asked, \"This is just for us?\" while others clapped their hands in joy. A few hugged the journals to their chests as if they had received a special gift. The joy on their faces and the gratitude in their voices confirmed just how valuable these resources are. For many of them, this was the first time they had materials dedicated to helping them understand themselves and their emotions. It was a beautiful moment of appreciation, and it reminded me why SEL is such an important part of education.\r\n\r\nThese new tools are more than classroom materials—they are bridges to connection, confidence, and community. With them, my students are learning to see themselves more clearly, to value one another more deeply, and to build habits that will carry them far beyond the classroom walls. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, and I know my students will continue to grow stronger, kinder, and more resilient with each new activity we complete together.","fullyFundedDate":1746463587271,"projectUrl":"project/building-emotional-bridges-for-inclusion/9292046/","projectTitle":"Building Emotional Bridges for Inclusion: SEL for All Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alicea Hernández","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9769376_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746484711748","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9769376"},{"teacherId":9769376,"projectId":9574992,"letterContent":"When the *Hungry Tummy* project became a reality in our classroom, my students and I immediately began using the resources in ways that brought new energy and motivation to our learning environment. For many of my students, hunger is a daily challenge that affects their ability to concentrate, participate, and stay positive throughout the school day. Thanks to your generosity, we now have access to snacks that not only fill their tummies but also inspire them to put forth their best effort in class. The food has become a source of incentive and encouragement, reminding them that they are cared for and supported. Having this resource available has transformed our daily routines, as students are now more eager to engage in academic activities knowing that their basic needs are being met in a consistent and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nOne of the most memorable projects we used the *Hungry Tummy* resources for was during a math lesson that focused on problem-solving and teamwork. I introduced small snacks as part of a reward system to keep students motivated and focused. Instead of rushing through the assignments or losing interest, my students leaned into the challenge with excitement. They worked carefully, collaborated with peers, and encouraged one another to succeed. What was truly beautiful was seeing how the snacks did not just serve as rewards but became tools that fostered collaboration and community spirit. Students began saying things like, \"We can do this together,\" or \"Let's help each other so everyone can earn a treat.\" The activity quickly turned into a joyful experience where learning was blended with encouragement, kindness, and a sense of belonging. This moment showed me that something as simple as food can break down barriers to learning and give students the confidence to keep trying even when tasks are difficult.\r\n\r\nThe first day my students saw the new resources was unforgettable. Their faces lit up with joy as they realized that snacks were going to be available in our classroom. Many of them immediately asked if the food was really for them and if they could enjoy it whenever they worked hard. One student said, \"This makes me feel happy because now I don't have to wait until I get home to eat.\" Another student whispered, \"Thank you, teacher, this makes me feel special.\" These heartfelt reactions reminded me how important this project is, not only for their academic success but also for their emotional well-being. The snacks have become symbols of care and stability, creating an environment where students feel valued and supported. Instead of being distracted by hunger, they can now focus on learning, developing social-emotional skills, and building positive habits that will help them succeed in school and beyond.\r\n\r\nYour generous support of the *Hungry Tummy* project has truly made a difference in our classroom. What may seem like a small resource has become a powerful motivator and a daily reminder to my students that they matter. Thank you for giving them the chance to grow, learn, and thrive with full hearts and full tummies.","fullyFundedDate":1758572603752,"projectUrl":"project/hungry-tummy/9574992/","projectTitle":"Hungry Tummy!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alicea Hernández","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9769376_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746484711748","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9769376"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_16732","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":331,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":50,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":30,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"1 - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"14.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":26.7,"schoolId":16732,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Gorenflo Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Gorenflo Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/mississippi/biloxi-public-school-district/gorenflo-elementary-school/16732"}