{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Grace Miller Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":24.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7314700,"projectId":9184132,"letterContent":"Thank you so so much for supporting our kindergarten class. Our students used the trays to set their artwork out in the hallway which our custodial staff greatly appreciated! The trays have allowed the students to gain independence by putting their own artwork in the hallway without help or making a mess accidently! They had a blast! Our families loved seeing their final creations on back to school night. We started centers in the classroom recently and our dish pans are coming in quite handy for keeping us organized. Center rotations flow smoothly thanks to being able to split up their activities by color team and giving them a clear location to turn in their completed work. \r\n\r\nYour support of our new kindergarteners is greatly appreciated! Thank you for understanding the importance of supporting public education. Our students will benefit over and over again due to you and your generosity! Our school year started off with fun activities, nice and organized because of you!","fullyFundedDate":1742961507067,"projectUrl":"project/setting-up-for-success/9184132/","projectTitle":"Setting up for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Molina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7314700_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682625002556","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7314700"},{"teacherId":3293349,"projectId":9211090,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting the students at my school by purchasing the coding mice and supplemental materials I use with lessons. I love to start all of my STEM lessons with a book to help engage the students and provide them with a connection during our lesson. I call my lessons \"brain builders\" because we use something that happened in the story and try to solve a problem. With all the different books you have provided to my class we will have lots of \"brain building\" activities to tackle all year! \r\nAs I work with students in all grade levels in my lab I am starting the year with the \"Old Lady Who Swallowed a Frog\" book. This book allows me to talk about sequence and use lots of pictures to support are early readers and students who speak another language. We are using the coding mice to direct our mice from one picture to the next on my large mats. \r\nI help students to understand the basics of coding using the mice and equate the code to that of a recipe and directions to follow. We use the direction cards that come with the kits to make a plan before we test and see if our \"recipe\" got us to the correct location. Using these tools allows students to learn the importance of making a plan and learning to identify mistakes and fix at that specific spot, rather than always starting all over. Using the cards all stresses the importance of showing your work to check for understanding. The students love using the coding mice and this is great buy in to future coding lessons where we will connect to content. For now though, they think it is so fun to code to the different items the old lady ate.\r\nWe look forward to all the other coding activities we will get to do this year thanks to your generous donation!","fullyFundedDate":1746487868427,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-minds-with-coding-mice/9211090/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Minds with Coding Mice","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Salmeto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3293349_orig.jpg?crop=1955,1955,x0,y91&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743006415170","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3293349"},{"teacherId":9605572,"projectId":9021722,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support and for helping provide much-needed supplies for my classroom. Your contribution has made a real difference in the learning environment and has brought excitement, creativity, and comfort to my students.\r\n\r\nMy students often need a place to calm down and with your help, I was able to create this quiet, comfy corner in my room along with being able to use different types of notebooks and clipboards, my students stay organized. \r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness and support, my classroom is now better equipped, and my students feel more empowered to learn and succeed. Your donation shows them that there are people who believe in their potential, and that means the world to us.\r\n\r\nI am truly grateful for your dedication to education and the positive impact you make in classrooms like ours every day.","fullyFundedDate":1735579703382,"projectUrl":"project/mrs-ms-magnificent-students/9021722/","projectTitle":"Mrs. M's Magnificent Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Meyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9605572"},{"teacherId":7314700,"projectId":9061660,"letterContent":"My kindergarteners were so excited when we got more crafting supplies because that meant more opportunities to create awesome things! Just this past week, we used some of our materials to create various butterfly-themed crafts :) We learned that butterfly wings are symmetrical, so for one of our projects we recreated that idea using some of our new paint colors. Each kid got to pick a couple colors to design their butterfly wings then mushed them together to get the pattern across the paper. We completed their projects by adding the thorax and head using black construction paper! They had SO much fun mixing their paint and creating their own uniquely colored butterfly! We have a very artistic class this year and they've loved being able to make something to decorate our classroom or show off in the hallway. Next up on the chopping block are our Mother's Day crafts! These crafts are always treasured by our families and kept as they grow up. Thanks to the magnets and paint colors, we're able to make them for the fridge this year! \r\n\r\nYour kindness and support of my kindergarteners is greatly appreciated! Thank you for understanding the importance of supporting public education. We love working with our hands and using our imaginations to create beautiful artwork for lessons, to give to friends and families, and for us to give as gifts! I can't wait to see what they create for this holiday season :)","fullyFundedDate":1738964666089,"projectUrl":"project/crafting-restock/9061660/","projectTitle":"Crafting Restock!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Molina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7314700_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682625002556","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7314700"},{"teacherId":4088946,"projectId":5650822,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, my kindergarten classroom is now filled with beautiful, engaging read-aloud books that have already begun making a huge impact on my students. Books are at the heart of early learning, and having a collection of high-quality, engaging stories allows my students to develop a love for reading that will last a lifetime. Your support has provided them with access to stories that spark their imagination, build their vocabulary, and help them make meaningful connections to the world around them. \r\n\r\nOne of the most magical moments since receiving these books was seeing my students' excitement when I introduced the new stories to our classroom library. The moment they saw the colorful covers and familiar characters, their faces lit up with joy. Some of them eagerly picked up books and flipped through the pages, while others excitedly asked when we would read them together. For many of my students, these books offer new adventures they had never experienced before, and it has been incredible to watch their enthusiasm for reading grow with each story we share. \r\n\r\nRead-aloud time has quickly become one of the most cherished parts of our day. Every morning, my students eagerly gather on the carpet, ready to dive into a new story. Whether it's a classic tale, a silly adventure, or an inspiring story about kindness and perseverance, these books have captivated their imaginations and sparked meaningful discussions. It's amazing to see them engaged—laughing at funny moments, gasping in surprise at plot twists, and making predictions about what will happen next. Many of my students have even started acting out their favorite stories during playtime, bringing the characters and themes to life in their own creative ways. \r\n\r\nThese books have also played a crucial role in building literacy skills. With engaging illustrations and rich vocabulary, my students are developing their listening comprehension, language development, and early reading skills. Some of them are even starting to recognize sight words and repeat phrases from their favorite stories. The books you provided have been especially helpful for my students who are learning English as a second language, as they offer a fun and interactive way to build their vocabulary and language confidence. \r\n\r\nBeyond academics, these stories have also helped foster a sense of community and empathy in our classroom. Many of the books explore themes of friendship, kindness, and problem-solving, allowing my students to learn important life lessons through storytelling. After reading a book about sharing, I watched as my students worked together to make sure everyone had a turn with our classroom toys. Another story about perseverance led to a wonderful discussion about trying our best, even when things feel challenging. These moments remind me just how powerful books can be in shaping young minds. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly made a lasting impact on my classroom. Because of you, my students have access to stories that will inspire them, teach them, and ignite a lifelong love of reading. I cannot thank you enough for supporting our learning and helping to create a classroom where books are cherished and enjoyed every day. Your kindness has brought so much joy to my students, and we are forever grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1628647440202,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-favorites/5650822/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Favorites!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Keller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4088946_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y816&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655939266927","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-kellers-koalas"},{"teacherId":4088946,"projectId":5650706,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, my kindergarten classroom now has a brand-new kidney table that has completely transformed our learning space! This addition has provided my students with a comfortable, collaborative space where they can engage in small group instruction, hands-on activities, and meaningful interactions with their peers. Your support has made a lasting difference in our classroom, and we are beyond grateful for this incredible resource. \r\n\r\nOne of the most memorable moments after receiving the kidney table was seeing my students' reactions when they first walked into the classroom. Their eyes lit up with excitement as they ran their hands along the smooth surface, eagerly asking when they could start using it. The kidney shape allows me to sit in the center, providing focused instruction to small groups while ensuring every child has a clear view and feels included. It has quickly become the heart of our classroom, where students gather to learn, share ideas, and build essential skills. \r\n\r\nThis table has been especially beneficial for literacy and math centers. During reading time, small groups sit together, practicing sight words, letter recognition, and early writing skills in an engaging and supportive setting. In math, students use the table for hands-on activities such as counting with manipulatives, sorting objects by color and shape, and working on number sense. The table's design encourages collaboration, making it easier for students to support and learn from one another. \r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the kidney table has also fostered a sense of community in our classroom. It's where we hold morning meetings, celebrate achievements, and engage in meaningful discussions. It has provided a safe and welcoming space for students who need extra one-on-one support, ensuring that every child receives the attention they deserve. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly enhanced our classroom environment, making learning more interactive, personalized, and engaging. Thank you for believing in my students and for giving them a space where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Your kindness has made a lasting impact, and we are forever grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1627163750149,"projectUrl":"project/small-group-learning-in-kindergarten/5650706/","projectTitle":"Small Group Learning In Kindergarten!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Keller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4088946_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y816&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655939266927","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-kellers-koalas"},{"teacherId":4088946,"projectId":6521058,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, my kindergarten classroom now has a beautiful, large flagship rug that has transformed our learning space into a warm, inviting, and functional area for my students. This rug has quickly become the heart of our classroom, where we gather for morning meetings, read-alouds, group discussions, and hands-on learning activities. It provides my students with a comfortable place to sit, spread out, and fully engage in their learning experiences. More than just a rug, this space has become a hub for collaboration, creativity, and community-building. \r\n\r\nThe moment my students walked into the classroom and saw the new rug for the first time, their reactions were priceless. Some gasped in excitement, while others ran straight to their favorite colors and patterns on the rug, eager to claim their new spots. They couldn't stop touching the soft material and immediately started asking when we could have our first lesson there. It was a joy to see their enthusiasm, and it confirmed just how much of an impact this addition would have on our classroom environment. \r\n\r\nSince receiving the rug, we have used it every single day. One of my favorite moments was during our first storytime on the new rug. The students sat comfortably, completely engaged as we read a new book together. Unlike before, when some students would fidget in their chairs or struggle to find a good spot on the floor, every child now had their own space where they could relax and focus. The rug has also been a wonderful tool for classroom management, as it provides designated spots for each child, helping with transitions and minimizing distractions. \r\n\r\nBeyond storytime, the rug has been a game-changer for group activities. We recently used it for a math lesson where students practiced number recognition and counting by hopping from one section of the rug to another. They were so engaged in the hands-on movement activity that they didn't even realize how much they were learning! The rug has also become the perfect spot for small-group discussions, partner reading, and morning meetings where we practice social-emotional skills like sharing, taking turns, and expressing our feelings. \r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we have exciting new projects and lessons planned that will make even more use of this wonderful rug. One upcoming activity involves using the rug for phonics games, where students will jump to different letters and sounds as we practice early reading skills. Another upcoming lesson will use the rug for storytelling circles, where students will take turns sharing their own stories while their classmates listen and respond. These interactive, engaging activities are made possible because of this rug, which provides a comfortable and structured learning space for all. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly transformed our classroom environment. This rug has provided a sense of belonging, comfort, and excitement for my students, making learning more engaging and enjoyable every day. I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and support in creating a space where my students feel safe, focused, and eager to learn. Your gift will continue to have a lasting impact on their education, and we are forever grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1656678526304,"projectUrl":"project/what-did-the-rug-say-to-the-floor/6521058/","projectTitle":"What Did the Rug Say to the Floor?","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Keller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4088946_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y816&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655939266927","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-kellers-koalas"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_33848","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":528,"numTeachers":33,"percentFrplEligible":50,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":39,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":34,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"16.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":75.1,"schoolId":33848,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Grace Miller Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Grace Miller Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/fauquier-county-public-schools/grace-miller-elementary-school/33848"}