{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hickory Grove Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":44.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9703567,"projectId":9852498,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generous gifts! The dry erase markers and the erasers help students learn more efficiently in their small groups. They use them to practice their spelling and writing on their whiteboards. This year, my students have used up all of the dry erase markers in my room, so I am very grateful to have markers designated for small group time only.\r\n\r\nThe stools have been most enthusiastically received. My students were over-the-moon excited when the stools first arrived. These have been so helpful for avoiding the chaos of students bringing their chairs to the table and back while others are trying to stay focused on their work. Plus, my students love to pick their favorite color when sitting down. Students are much more comfortable during small groups now.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generosity! My students love using the materials you provided!","fullyFundedDate":1763588220765,"projectUrl":"project/small-group-to-the-rescue/9852498/","projectTitle":"Small Group to the Rescue!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ceccarelli","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9703567_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x389,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724461926870","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9703567"},{"teacherId":7512308,"projectId":9728137,"letterContent":"My students take great pride in seeing their work displayed in vibrant color. All student work is printed using this color printer, which has also allowed us to create a rich, visual word wall with images for every high-frequency word. This word wall has become an essential support, helping students build sentences using visual cues and inspiring them to produce impressive writing pieces.\r\n\r\nHaving a color printer in our classroom has significantly elevated our learning environment. It allows me to quickly print materials without losing instructional or planning time traveling across campus or dealing with printer issues. Most importantly, it has increased the time I can spend teaching and supporting students. The students absolutely love having a color printer in the classroom, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity in providing this resource.","fullyFundedDate":1758843752494,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-print-vibrant-ideas-with-a-class/9728137/","projectTitle":"Help Us Print Vibrant Ideas With a Classroom Printer!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cody","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7512308_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599407512742","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7512308"},{"teacherId":9694778,"projectId":9540320,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my DonorsChoose project! Your contribution means more than I can express. Because of you, my students will now have access to a variety of sensory bin materials and theme-based activities that will spark their curiosity, support their communication skills, and help them grow in ways that truly matter. \r\nAs a Speech-Language Pathologist, I see firsthand how the right tools can open doors for students—helping them express themselves, build confidence, and connect with the world around them. Your kindness directly impacts their daily learning and gives them opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have. We are currently learning about winter themes - arctic animals, snowmen and warm winter clothes. \r\nMy students and I are incredibly grateful for your belief in our classroom and in their potential. Thank you for choosing to make a difference. Your generosity will be felt throughout the school year as we explore a variety of themes for learning and language development.","fullyFundedDate":1761045874696,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-touch-sensory-bins-to/9540320/","projectTitle":"Learning through Touch: Sensory Bins to Facilitate Language and Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bridget","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9694778_orig.png?crop=296,296,x0,y108&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724243316676","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9694778"},{"teacherId":1087957,"projectId":9709383,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support for our classroom. The materials you helped to purchase are being used and loved by my students. Our classroom is more organized because of some of the items. Our lessons are more engaging because of the percussion instruments. Songs and stories are coming to life with some of the items in our project. \r\n\r\nOne particular percussion instrument has been loved by all grades and added such joy to our lessons. It's a percussion instrument that has a very unique sound and the students find it so funny every time I play it. It was delivered just in time for the introductory lesson and they loved it so much, they all wanted a chance to play it the first week it was delivered. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting music education and making my classroom a safe, engaging and fun place for our future generations!","fullyFundedDate":1760693790248,"projectUrl":"project/were-just-getting-started/9709383/","projectTitle":"We're Just Getting Started","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Peralta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1087957"},{"teacherId":9692234,"projectId":9546673,"letterContent":"Using visual supports in speech therapy had a big impact on how children learned and communicated. Tools like picture cards, charts, and visual schedules made language easier to understand because they showed students what words and ideas looked like. This helped children remember new vocabulary and follow directions more easily. For many students, seeing the words and pictures together made learning less stressful and more enjoyable.\r\n\r\nVisual supports also helped children feel more confident and independent. When they had pictures or charts to look at, they could ask for what they needed, join in classroom activities, and communicate without feeling frustrated. These tools were used by teachers and speech therapists in different settings, so students had the same support everywhere. Overall, visual supports made learning smoother and helped children reach their speech and language goals faster.","fullyFundedDate":1758220746044,"projectUrl":"project/picture-this-speech-success/9546673/","projectTitle":"Picture This: Speech Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bartley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9692234_orig.jpg?crop=2384,2384,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746461731794","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9692234"},{"teacherId":10171909,"projectId":9674378,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for your continued support of our Exceptional Children Preschool program. Your commitment has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.\r\n In our classrooms, sensory materials have become an essential part of daily learning. These tools—ranging from textured toys and feelings tubes to fidget objects and sensory bins—are helping our young learners explore their environment in ways that are both engaging and developmentally appropriate. Through sensory play, students are building foundational skills in communication, motor development, emotional regulation, and social interaction.\r\n The students were absolutely delighted to explore the new items, and their reactions were filled with curiosity and joy. Many of them immediately engaged with the materials, showing increased focus, calmness, and enthusiasm during activities. It was truly heartwarming to see how these resources positively impacted their learning environment.\r\n Thank you again for your support and dedication to our program. We look forward to continuing this important work together.","fullyFundedDate":1758220647781,"projectUrl":"project/calm-minds-busy-hands-sensory-tools-fo/9674378/","projectTitle":"Calm Minds, Busy Hands: Sensory Tools for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171909"},{"teacherId":7512308,"projectId":9503362,"letterContent":"Your generosity has truly transformed my classroom and the learning experience for my kindergarten and first-grade multilingual learners! When my students first saw the realia toys you provided, their faces lit up with excitement! These materials have allowed us to have meaningful, hands on learning that connects language to real life objects. Before they were able to play with them, I told them that we would be using all of these wonderful items to learn words and create writing masterpieces.\r\nOne of our first activities was writing about our favorite things. Students brought items from home that represented their culture and life outside of school, and for those who couldn't, they chose one of the many items of interest. We described the items that the students chose, and talked about its characteristics. For instance, we talked about some of the their favorite foods. Many of my students chose the realistic, colorful donut toys. We used words to describe why they loved the donuts and they were encouraged to use words such as sweet, delicious, or soft, or other words to describe why they liked it. They also described how the donut looked, describing the color or if it had sprinkles. After we verbally discussed why they liked donuts, or other items, their next activity was to complete a writing activity to write about all of their favorite things. Some students wrote things like, I like donuts because they are sweet and delicious! Many of them also chose favorite animals. They wrote about cheetahs, elephants, butterflies, and so much more! Students wrote words describing why they loved their animal, whether they loved the colors or because it was fast or cute. \r\n\r\nThis activity helped my students learn valuable vocabulary to describe things they see, or learn about everyday. It led to wonderful writing pieces where students expressed themselves in English with confidence. Your donation made this possible. It gave my learners the tools to connect words to their world and build essential language skills.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and supporting their journey. Your kindness has not only provided materials but has also created joyful, engaging learning moments that will stay with them for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1755743575265,"projectUrl":"project/play-with-purpose-real-life-toys-for-re/9503362/","projectTitle":"Play with Purpose: Real Life Toys for Real Language Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cody","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7512308_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599407512742","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7512308"},{"teacherId":9340729,"projectId":9417716,"letterContent":"Dear Friends and Supporters,\r\nI want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your generous donations that made it possible for our class to receive a beautiful colored square rug. This addition to our classroom has created a vibrant and welcoming space where students can gather, learn, and grow together.\r\nYour kindness has truly made a difference in our learning environment. The rug is already being used for group activities, story time, and collaborative learning, and the children absolutely love it!\r\nThank you for believing in our students and supporting their educational journey. Your contribution has brought joy and comfort to our classroom, and we are deeply appreciative.\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nTiffany N. Marche\r\nK-6 Teacher","fullyFundedDate":1755731342924,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-colored-square-rug-to-match-th/9417716/","projectTitle":"Classroom Colored Square Rug to Match the Colored Tables!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marche","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9340729_orig.jpg?crop=915,915,x0,y45&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698178887330","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9340729"},{"teacherId":9491428,"projectId":9752838,"letterContent":"Thank You for Supporting Our Diverse Learners!\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, we serve a vibrant group of students with a wide range of learning needs, including gifted learners, English language learners, and students working below grade level. Each student has personalized academic goals, and we are committed to helping them achieve success through research-based educational technology.\r\n\r\nChromebooks serve as powerful learning amplifiers in our classroom. With access to adaptive programs, each student receives lessons tailored to their individual needs. Headphones play a critical role in this process, allowing students to engage with these tools discreetly and independently, whether they're practicing reading fluency, receiving language support, or working through enrichment activities.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generous donation, our students now have consistent access to these engaging and effective resources. Your support has made a meaningful difference in their learning experience, and we are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1759243640558,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-diverse-learners/9752838/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Diverse Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pullian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9491428_orig.jpg?crop=1220,1220,x59,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710535342400","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9491428"},{"teacherId":6822053,"projectId":9228771,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our students at Hickory Grove Elementary now have a unique and exciting way to learn—through caring for chickens in our brand-new coop! This project has transformed our outdoor learning space into a living classroom where science, responsibility, and compassion come together.\r\nHow We're Using the Chicken Coop:\r\nStudents are actively involved in daily care routines—feeding, watering, cleaning, and observing the chickens. They've learned about animal behavior, life cycles, and sustainable food practices. One special moment was when our fourth graders collected their first eggs and proudly shared them with the cafeteria staff. It was a powerful lesson in farm-to-table awareness.\r\nStudent Reactions:\r\nThe excitement was off the charts when the chickens arrived! Students rushed to name them, observe their personalities, and ask questions about their care. One student said, \"This is the coolest thing we've ever done at school!\" The coop has sparked curiosity and joy, especially among students who thrive with hands-on learning.\r\nNext Steps:\r\nWe're planning a \"Chicken Journal\" project where students will document their observations and learn about egg production, nutrition, and animal care. We also hope to expand the coop area and introduce composting with chicken waste to teach about environmental responsibility.\r\nYour support has helped us create a space where students learn by doing, connect with nature, and build lifelong skills. Thank you for helping us bring this incredible experience to life!","fullyFundedDate":1746562030479,"projectUrl":"project/hatching-learning-a-chicken-coop-for-hg/9228771/","projectTitle":"Hatching Learning: a Chicken Coop for HG","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Byrd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6822053_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y78&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705948127931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6822053"},{"teacherId":6822053,"projectId":9190028,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our students at Hickory Grove Elementary now have access to a fully functioning greenhouse—a space where learning comes alive through nature, science, and hands-on exploration.\r\nHow We're Using the Greenhouse:\r\nOur greenhouse has become a vibrant extension of the classroom. Students are learning about plant life cycles, ecosystems, and sustainability by growing herbs, vegetables, and flowers. One standout moment was when our fifth graders successfully germinated tomato seeds and tracked their growth using digital journals. The greenhouse has also sparked cross-curricular learning, blending science with math, writing, and even art.\r\nStudent Reactions:\r\nWhen students first stepped into the greenhouse, their faces lit up with wonder. Many had never seen a greenhouse before, and they were amazed by the warmth, the smell of soil, and the sight of growing plants. One student said, \"It feels like we're in a science lab, but outside!\" The space has inspired curiosity and pride in their work.\r\nNext Steps:\r\nWe're now preparing for a fall harvest celebration, where students will share what they've grown with their families and the school community. They'll also begin experimenting with composting and learning about sustainable gardening practices. Our goal is to make the greenhouse a year-round learning hub.\r\nYour support has helped us cultivate not just plants, but a deeper love for learning. Thank you for helping our students grow—in every sense of the word.","fullyFundedDate":1745847004524,"projectUrl":"project/growing-minds-a-greenhouse-for-outdoor/9190028/","projectTitle":"Growing Minds: A Greenhouse for Outdoor Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Byrd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6822053_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y78&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705948127931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6822053"},{"teacherId":6822053,"projectId":9172586,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our students at Hickory Grove Elementary have been able to dive hands-first into learning—literally! The garden gloves you helped provide have become an essential part of our outdoor learning experience.\r\nHow We're Using the Gloves:\r\nWe launched a hands-on science and sustainability project where students are cultivating a small vegetable and flower garden on campus. With their new gloves, students are confidently digging, planting, and weeding without hesitation. One memorable moment was when a group of third graders planted marigolds and carrots together, proudly showing off their gloves and teamwork.\r\nStudent Reactions:\r\nWhen the gloves arrived, the excitement was contagious! Students eagerly picked out their pairs, comparing colors and sizes, and couldn't wait to get outside. One student exclaimed, \"Now I feel like a real gardener!\" The gloves gave them a sense of ownership and professionalism in their work.\r\nNext Steps:\r\nOur next goal is to track plant growth and introduce journaling into the project. Students will observe changes, record data, and reflect on their gardening experiences. We're also planning a \"Garden Day\" where families can visit and see the progress firsthand.\r\nYour contribution didn't just provide gloves—it planted seeds of curiosity, responsibility, and pride. Thank you for being part of our journey!","fullyFundedDate":1745019251665,"projectUrl":"project/hands-in-the-dirt-minds-in-the-growth/9172586/","projectTitle":"Hands in the Dirt , Minds in the Growth!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Byrd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6822053_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y78&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705948127931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6822053"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1610","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":534,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":37,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":48,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":55.5,"schoolId":1610,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hickory Grove Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hickory Grove Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/charlotte-mecklenburg-school-district/hickory-grove-elementary-school/1610"}