{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Griffith Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10385402,"projectId":9960978,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to new resources that have made learning more engaging, interactive, and meaningful. We have been using these materials daily during our reading and writing lessons. One special moment that stood out was when my students used the resources to identify the main idea and key details in a text. As they worked together, I saw more confidence, excitement, and teamwork than ever before.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their faces lit up with joy and curiosity. They were eager to explore, ask questions, and start learning right away. Many of them said it felt like \"real school tools,\" which made them feel proud and motivated. Even students who usually need extra support were more engaged and willing to participate. It truly created a positive and encouraging classroom environment.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue to use these resources to strengthen our reading comprehension, writing skills, and critical thinking. Our next step is to apply what we've learned by working on small group projects where students will create their own short informational texts and share them with the class. Your support has not only provided materials, but also inspired my students to love learning and believe in themselves. Thank you for making a lasting impact in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1767233716507,"projectUrl":"project/building-confidence-through-learning/9960978/","projectTitle":"Building Confidence Through Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mary Grace Canto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10385402"},{"teacherId":8286948,"projectId":9951952,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has become a more calm, supportive, and empowering space where every student can thrive. When the materials arrived, my students were immediately drawn in—there was so much excitement as they explored each new tool. The fidget tubes, weighted Hugimals, and squishies quickly became favorites, helping students feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWe now use these resources throughout the day to support focus and independence. One powerful moment was during independent work time, when a student who typically struggles to stay engaged was able to complete a task while using a Bouncyband and wrist weights. The combination helped them stay seated, focused, and proud of their accomplishment. The Jumbo Time Timer has also been a game-changer, giving students a clear visual of expectations and helping ease transitions.\r\n\r\nThe chair pockets have been especially helpful in supporting student independence. Having their own organized space for materials allows students to access what they need without relying on constant adult support, building confidence and responsibility during work time.\r\n\r\nStudents also benefit from the social-emotional tools like the \"Making Good Choices\" match-ups, which spark meaningful conversations and help them practice real-life skills. The hands-on manipulatives strengthen fine motor skills while encouraging problem-solving and persistence.\r\n\r\nNext, we are continuing to build structured routines using these tools, while also incorporating more peer collaboration and choice-based learning. Our goal is to help students not only stay regulated and engaged, but also grow as confident, independent learners.\r\n\r\nThank you for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1769449907845,"projectUrl":"project/calming-engaging-tools-for-our-special/9951952/","projectTitle":"Calming & Engaging Tools for Our Special Education Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8286948_orig.jpg?crop=1431,1431,x947,y604&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646964532615","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8286948"},{"teacherId":8286948,"projectId":9581564,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a vibrant, hands-on learning environment where students can explore, create, and grow through play. From the moment the materials were introduced, students were filled with excitement—cheers, wide eyes, and eager hands ready to dive in. Many immediately gravitated toward the water and sand tables, experimenting with pouring, scooping, and mixing while naturally engaging in conversations with their peers.\r\n\r\nWe are using these resources daily during our outdoor learning block. One memorable moment was watching a group of students work together to create a \"river system\" in the sand table. They used funnels and cups to test how water flows, making predictions and adjusting their designs when something didn't work. This simple activity turned into a rich STEM lesson filled with problem-solving, teamwork, and discovery.\r\n\r\nThe sensory materials have also had a powerful impact on student regulation and focus. Students who often need additional support are now more calm, engaged, and ready to transition back into the classroom after outdoor play. The play tunnel and balancing stones have been especially beneficial in building coordination and confidence, while also giving students a fun and active outlet.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are excited to build on this momentum by integrating these materials into more structured lessons. We plan to incorporate measurement activities, vocabulary development for our English language learners, and collaborative challenges that encourage communication and critical thinking. These resources are not just tools—they are opening doors for meaningful, inclusive learning experiences for every child.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1764867870220,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-explorers-outdoor-play-for-all/9581564/","projectTitle":"Sensory Explorers: Outdoor Play for All Abilities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8286948_orig.jpg?crop=1431,1431,x947,y604&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646964532615","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8286948"},{"teacherId":7247485,"projectId":10043422,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Simple Tools, Big Impact in Fifth Grade. Because of your generosity, my students now have access to classroom tools that make our daily learning smoother, more organized, and more engaging. Sometimes the \"simple\" materials really do make the biggest difference. Having the right supplies ready to go means we can spend more time focusing on learning and less time trying to make do without the basics.\r\n\r\nMy fifth graders were genuinely excited when the materials arrived. They immediately started using them during our math and classroom routines, and it made a noticeable difference in how prepared and focused they felt. Tools that help students stay organized, participate, and stay engaged might seem small, but in a busy fifth grade classroom they create structure and confidence for students who need it most.\r\n\r\nYour support truly matters to my students and to our classroom community. Many of my students attend a Title I school, and donations like yours help ensure they have the same opportunities and materials to succeed as any other classroom. Thank you for believing in them and for helping create a learning environment where they can stay organized, participate fully, and feel proud of their work.","fullyFundedDate":1769449651372,"projectUrl":"project/simple-tools-big-impact-in-fifth-grade/10043422/","projectTitle":"Simple Tools, Big Impact in Fifth Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7247485_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736058227253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emily-burger"},{"teacherId":9911495,"projectId":9913466,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project and helping bring Nintendo Sports, extra remotes, and video game books into our classroom. Your generosity has made a meaningful impact on our students in ways that go far beyond entertainment.\r\nNintendo Sports, brain academy, and the additional remotes have created opportunities for students to move, collaborate, and build teamwork skills. During game time, students practice communication, sportsmanship, and problem-solving while cheering each other on. It has become a fun way for them to connect with one another and build a positive classroom community.\r\nThe video game books have also been incredibly valuable. Many of our students are highly interested in gaming, and these books tap into that passion to encourage reading. Students who may not normally pick up a book are excited to explore guides, stories, and information related to games they love. This has helped increase engagement with reading and sparked conversations about strategy, storytelling, and creativity.\r\nBecause of your support, our classroom now has new ways to motivate students, encourage teamwork, and inspire a love of reading. Thank you for believing in our students and for making learning more engaging and accessible for them.","fullyFundedDate":1764867870359,"projectUrl":"project/testing-incentive/9913466/","projectTitle":"Testing Incentive","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sydney Hebert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9911495_orig.jpg?crop=508,508,x451,y300&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738176622103","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9911495"},{"teacherId":10163755,"projectId":9563027,"letterContent":"We have been so happy about your generous support. From previous experience I know that the Gravi Trax system is highly engaging and fun. I simply did not want to have my students miss out on it.\r\n\r\nWe have already learned about the engineering and design process and will apply our knowledge when we finally will start working with the Gravi Trax system. My students are highly engaged when it comes to funding solutions for problems and making it most efficient.\r\n\r\nEven though we haven't had a chance to get started using it, state testing and test preparation are priority at the moment, we will start our Gravi Trax projects right after.\r\nO ceckire would we like to express our gratitude and say a big THANK YOU again.","fullyFundedDate":1764867869903,"projectUrl":"project/gifted-program/9563027/","projectTitle":"Gifted Program","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. H","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10163755"},{"teacherId":1101486,"projectId":9871253,"letterContent":"Sensory and arts-and-crafts materials have made a truly meaningful impact in our special education classroom. These resources go far beyond being \"extra supplies\" — they are essential tools that help our students feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn. Sensory items support emotional regulation, focus, and self-confidence, allowing students to engage in learning in ways that meet their individual needs. When students have access to hands-on materials, they are better able to manage big feelings, transition between activities, and participate more fully in their day.\r\n\r\nArts and crafts materials have also created powerful opportunities for creativity, communication, and connection. Many of our students express themselves more confidently through art than through words, and these materials give them a voice. Whether it's building fine motor skills, following multi-step directions, or simply experiencing the joy of creating something they're proud of, these activities foster growth in both academic and social-emotional areas.\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom has become a more engaging, inclusive, and supportive environment where students can thrive. \r\n\r\nYour support directly impacts our students every single day, and we are deeply grateful for your investment in their learning, growth, and happiness. Thank you for helping make such a lasting difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1764867870472,"projectUrl":"project/creative-calm-art-and-sensory-tools-for/9871253/","projectTitle":"Creative Calm: Art and Sensory Tools for Growing Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Victoria Carlson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1101486_orig.jpg?crop=1449,1449,x269,y249&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674244116371","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1101486"},{"teacherId":7247485,"projectId":9852155,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project and helping bring new technology into our classroom. While many of our donors may be familiar with technology at home, using it in a school setting can look a little different. The lighting technology provided through this project has helped create a calmer, more focused learning environment for students. By reducing harsh fluorescent lighting and adding softer, adjustable options, students are able to concentrate longer, stay engaged during lessons, and feel more comfortable throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nWhat excited students most was how quickly they noticed the difference in how the classroom felt. Several students shared that the room felt easier on their eyes and less overwhelming, especially during independent work and longer lessons. The change helped set a positive tone for learning and made our classroom feel like a space designed with students in mind, not just instruction.\r\n\r\nSome students, particularly those who struggle with focus or sensory distractions, benefited the most from this technology. I noticed increased stamina, fewer off-task behaviors, and more student engagement during small group and independent work time. Because of the materials provided, I was able to spend more time teaching and supporting students rather than managing the environment. I am incredibly grateful for your support and for the impact this project has had on my students' learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1764867869985,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-the-way-for-focused-learners/9852155/","projectTitle":"Lighting the Way for Focused Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7247485_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736058227253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emily-burger"},{"teacherId":7247485,"projectId":9420734,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through the Math-Ready and Organized project. Because of your generosity, my students now have consistent systems in place that help them stay organized and focused during learning. Each student uses their chair pocket to store materials, notes, and practice work, which has made a huge difference in how smoothly our lessons run. Instead of stopping instruction to search for papers or supplies, students are able to transition quickly and stay engaged.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, my students were so excited to see that everything had a \"home\" just for them. Several students immediately commented on how much easier it felt to find their work and keep track of their materials. For many of my students, especially those learning English or managing responsibilities outside of school, having an organized space has reduced stress and built confidence. Students are taking more ownership of their learning and feel proud of their ability to stay prepared.\r\n\r\nThis year, I now teach science as well, and these organization tools have been a complete game changer. Science requires storing additional materials, notebooks, and hands-on resources, and having systems already in place has made it possible to manage more supplies without overwhelming students. As we continue our current lessons, students are able to focus on experimenting, recording observations, and explaining their thinking rather than worrying about misplaced materials. Your support has had a lasting impact on our classroom, and I am truly grateful for the difference you have made.","fullyFundedDate":1755704430238,"projectUrl":"project/math-ready-and-organized-setting-up-stu/9420734/","projectTitle":"Math-Ready and Organized: Setting Up Students for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7247485_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736058227253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emily-burger"},{"teacherId":9911495,"projectId":9766149,"letterContent":"The hummingbird feeder and bird life cycle books have already made a big difference in our fourth-grade classroom. Since putting the feeder in our garden, students check it every morning to see if a hummingbird has come by. They get excited when they spot one and love talking about what it is doing. This has led to great class discussions about how hummingbirds eat, where they live, and why they visit certain flowers. Seeing real birds outside our window has made our science lessons feel real and fun.\r\n\r\nThe two hummingbird books, along with our other bird books, have helped students understand life cycles in a clear way. They are making connections between what they read and what they see in the garden. Students are using words like 'nectar,' 'habitat,' and 'migration' during discussions. Many students who do not always get excited about reading are more interested because the books match what they are observing outside.\r\n\r\nThis project has also helped students learn responsibility. They take turns checking on the feeder and reminding each other how to care for it. Some students have started writing and drawing about the hummingbirds in their journals. The feeder and books have brought our class together and made learning about nature something they truly enjoy. \r\nThank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1762266396065,"projectUrl":"project/little-wings/9766149/","projectTitle":"Little Wings","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sydney Hebert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9911495_orig.jpg?crop=508,508,x451,y300&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738176622103","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9911495"},{"teacherId":9911495,"projectId":9148525,"letterContent":"This project made a meaningful and immediate difference in our fourth grade classroom. The animal print borders brought vibrant energy and excitement to our learning space, helping transform our room into a fun, welcoming environment where students are eager to learn each day. The fourth grade themed books have been especially impactful students now have access to engaging, age appropriate literature that sparks their curiosity and supports their growing reading skills.\r\n\r\nBecause of this donation, students are more motivated to read independently, participate in discussions, and take pride in their classroom. The new materials help create a positive atmosphere that encourages creativity, focus, and a love for learning. We are truly grateful for the support, which has enriched our classroom and inspired our students in meaningful ways.","fullyFundedDate":1746785459325,"projectUrl":"project/ready-for-fourth-grade/9148525/","projectTitle":"Ready for Fourth Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sydney Hebert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9911495_orig.jpg?crop=508,508,x451,y300&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738176622103","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9911495"},{"teacherId":10163755,"projectId":9580821,"letterContent":"Our students are so engaged and independently develop our flashing LED project into a disco/police light. Thank you all again!\r\nWe started introducing our kiddos into o circuits, open and closed, serial and parallel, resistors, and values. \r\n\r\nNow we started building a simple circuit using the Arduino Uno microcontroller, LED, resistors and a breadboard.\r\nAfter, we started programming the Arduino and we are now able to manipulate the parameters of the code to make our LED flash in different intervals.","fullyFundedDate":1755757981302,"projectUrl":"project/electronics-and-coding/9580821/","projectTitle":"Electronics and Coding","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. H","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10163755"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_58275","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":445,"numTeachers":32,"percentFrplEligible":94,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":12,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":7,"percentLatinx":69,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.5,"schoolId":58275,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Griffith Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Griffith Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/balsz-elementary-school-district-31/griffith-elementary-school/58275"}