{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Grand Avenue Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":11.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10025738,"projectId":10243030,"letterContent":"When the giant package containing our new carpet arrived, students across every grade level were buzzing with excitement. As classes from kindergarten through 5th grade rotated through the lab, their eyes lit up the moment they saw it unrolled in the center of the room. The younger students cheered, asking if they could sit on it right away, while the older elementary students immediately noticed how much warmer and more inviting the lab felt. Having this dedicated, comfortable spot has completely transformed our room, making the science lab a welcoming hub for every single child who walks through the door each day.\r\n\r\nBecause I see such a wide variety of ages throughout the day, this carpet has become our essential, versatile gathering space. We are so excited to use it daily across all grade levels for interactive read-alouds, step by step think-alouds to break down complex science concepts, and community-building discussions. Whether it is kindergartners sitting together to listen to a story about life cycles or 5th graders gathering to talk through a scientific hypothesis, the carpet gives every group a comfortable place to sit eye to eye, share ideas, and build a strong classroom community.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our immediate next step is using our new carpeted space as the main launching pad for every lab lesson across all grade levels. Students will start each class gathered on the rug to hear read-aloud introductions, observe model demonstrations, and brainstorm with their peers before heading to their lab tables for hands-on activities. Thank you so much for your generosity, your support has given hundreds of K-5 students a cozy, collaborative place to learn together!","fullyFundedDate":1781805912655,"projectUrl":"project/science-carpet-learning-space-for-collab/10243030/","projectTitle":"Science Carpet Learning Space for Collaboration, Inquiry, and Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gross","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10025738"},{"teacherId":10274049,"projectId":9746364,"letterContent":"Dear Generous Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you for your thoughtful contribution to our classroom. Because of your support, my students have been able to engage in hands-on science experiences that bring learning to life in meaningful ways. Recently, we used the new materials to conduct an investigation on how trout swim upstream and how they are able to jump over obstacles, like dams. Watching them measure, observe, and record their findings with genuine curiosity was a powerful moment. When the materials first arrived, the students were filled with excitement—there were wide eyes, eager questions, and an immediate sense that something special was about to happen. They felt like real scientists, and that sense of ownership over their learning has made all the difference.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will build on this experience by designing their own simple experiments, applying what they've learned about observation, prediction, and analysis. They are beginning a unit on ecosystems, where they will use these resources to simulate environmental changes and study their effects. Your generosity has opened the door to deeper exploration, critical thinking, and collaboration in our classroom. Thank you for giving my students not just materials, but opportunities to discover, and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1767802796776,"projectUrl":"project/little-steam-engines-that-can-do-mo/9746364/","projectTitle":"Little S.T.E.A.M. Engines that Can do More!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Weiss","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10274049"},{"teacherId":1065555,"projectId":9274830,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for your generosity and support in helping us purchase new and exciting games for our students to enjoy on Fun Day and throughout the entire school year! Your donations made it possible for us to add engaging activities like the horseshoe set, plastic hoops, and the animal ring toss game, which have brought so much laughter and joy to our playground. These games have not only encouraged teamwork and friendly competition but have also helped students build important social and physical skills while having fun together.\r\n\r\nThe parachute and tug-of-war rope quickly became instant favorites among all grade levels! It has been wonderful to see students of all ages working together, cheering for one another, and celebrating every moment of play. Your generosity has created lasting memories and helped foster a stronger sense of community within our school. Thank you for making such a positive difference in our students' days—you have truly brought more fun, energy, and smiles to our school!","fullyFundedDate":1758290690340,"projectUrl":"project/parachutes-and-hula-hoops-and-tic-tac-to/9274830/","projectTitle":"Parachutes and Hula Hoops and Tic-tac-toe, Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bergen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1065555_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534939513729","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1065555"},{"teacherId":1065555,"projectId":7736830,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, we were able to create a warm and welcoming space within our classroom where students can calm down, refocus, and feel at ease throughout the school day. The addition of a soft, colorful carpet and a cozy rocking chair has transformed the area into a favorite spot for many students. During DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) time, the rocking chair is often the first choice—students love curling up with a good book, gently rocking as they read. The carpeted area also provides a comfortable place for small group activities, mindfulness breaks, or quiet reflection, making it a truly inviting corner that supports both learning and emotional regulation.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the cozy furnishings, the monkey string has quickly become a beloved and versatile tool in our classroom. Students enjoy using it for hands-on learning activities, fine motor practice, and creative play. It encourages focus and collaboration while giving students a fun, tactile outlet for their energy. These simple yet impactful additions have made the classroom more engaging, comfortable, and responsive to students' needs. Your support made all of this possible, and we are so thankful for the lasting impact it has had on our students' comfort, focus, and joy in learning.","fullyFundedDate":1693768885046,"projectUrl":"project/comfy-cool-down-and-refocus/7736830/","projectTitle":"Comfy, Cool-Down, and Refocus!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bergen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1065555_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534939513729","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1065555"},{"teacherId":1065555,"projectId":9145111,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your generous donations toward the creation of our new sensory room. Your kindness and commitment have made an incredible difference in the lives of our students. Because of your support, we were able to design a calm, engaging, and inclusive environment where students can regulate their emotions, focus more effectively, and build confidence throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nAlready, we have seen remarkable improvements in our students' well-being and learning experiences. Teachers have noticed increased engagement, smoother transitions, and greater emotional resilience among students who use the sensory space. This would not have been possible without your generosity and belief in our mission. Thank you for helping us create a place where every child can feel supported, understood, and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1742955979000,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-room-must-haves/9145111/","projectTitle":"Sensory Room Must Haves!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bergen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1065555_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534939513729","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1065555"},{"teacherId":10243501,"projectId":9687333,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generous donation of hydroponic gardens, seeds, plant food and pods! My students were thrilled to learn that we were able to start hydroponic gardening right in our classroom! They eagerly got to work- cooperatively assembling the gardens, planting the seeds in their pods and filling up the water tanks. Each week the students use their iPads to take pictures of the gardens so they can track their growth and create a digital timeline. Many of the plants have sprouted and some are already fully grown! This week we are harvesting the lettuce we grew and my students will get to enjoy the fruits of their labor! They are so excited to taste the different types of lettuces.\r\n\r\nAs we continue to plant in the gardens and track the growth of the additional plants, the students are learning about eating a healthy diet and the impact food has on our bodies as well as the impact that a plant based diet has on the Earth. They are also researching the different micronutrients we get from fruits and vegetables and how proper nutrition can support our bodies and the environment. Hydroponic gardening has been such a wonderful, engaging experience for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1759163677872,"projectUrl":"project/collaborative-classroom-garden/9687333/","projectTitle":"Collaborative Classroom Garden!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pustelniak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10243501_orig.jpg?crop=1159,1159,x322,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757086623912","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10243501"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_21663","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":286,"numTeachers":28,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":43,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":51,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":88.4,"schoolId":21663,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Grand Avenue Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Grand Avenue Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-york/uniondale-union-free-school-district/grand-avenue-elementary-school/21663"}