{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Highland Park Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":25.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2428351,"projectId":8439988,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of my classroom library project, \"New Year, New Reading Opportunities to Unlock!\" Because of your generosity, my students now have access to a wonderful collection of early chapter books like Elephant and Piggie, King and Kayla, and The Magic Tree House, as well as engaging graphic novels such as Amulet and Cleopatra in Space. These books are perfect for my third graders as they make the important transition from learning to read to reading to learn. The addition of Choose Your Own Adventure books has been especially exciting, offering students a fun and interactive reading experience that keeps them eager to turn the page.\r\n\r\nI have already seen an incredible impact in my classroom. Students are more motivated to read and are eagerly exploring new genres and series. The graphic novels have helped reluctant readers build confidence, while the early chapter books are giving students the stamina and skills they need to tackle longer texts. The Choose Your Own Adventure books have quickly become a class favorite, sparking lively conversations as students compare the different story paths they've discovered.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping my students grow not only as readers but as curious, independent learners. You have given them access to books that inspire imagination, build confidence, and create a genuine love of reading. I am deeply grateful for your support and for the difference you are making in my classroom every day.","fullyFundedDate":1728312597584,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-new-reading-opportunities-to-u/8439988/","projectTitle":"New Year, New Reading Opportunities to Unlock!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2428351_orig.png?crop=462,462,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1592240039574","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-leeteachingadventures"},{"teacherId":5418090,"projectId":9900068,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of your kindness, our students now have lap desks they can use while working on the carpet in small groups.\r\n\r\nThese lap desks have already made a big difference. They allow students to spread out comfortably, stay focused, and collaborate more effectively during small‑group learning. The flexibility to work on the carpet helps create a supportive, inclusive learning environment where students can engage with one another while still having a sturdy space for their work.\r\n\r\nYour donation has provided our students with tools that support both learning and connection, and we are truly grateful for your investment in our classroom. Thank you for helping make our learning space more functional, welcoming, and student‑centered.","fullyFundedDate":1770647769765,"projectUrl":"project/desks-for-all/9900068/","projectTitle":"Desks for All","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Blat","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5418090_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x142,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1675121700870","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5418090"},{"teacherId":2428351,"projectId":8327954,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our classroom project, \"A Well Organized Library is a Well Used Library!\" Because of your kindness, I am now able to create a welcoming, organized, and engaging library space for my students. The new bookcases give us a proper home for our growing collection of books, the cozy rug provides a comfortable spot for reading and discussion, and the book bins make it easy for students to find and care for their favorite stories. Your support has truly transformed our classroom.\r\n\r\nThese resources are already making a meaningful difference in my students' daily learning. With a well-organized library and inviting reading area, students are more excited to explore books, spend time reading independently, and share stories with one another. You have helped foster a love of reading and created an environment where curiosity and imagination can thrive.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful for your generosity and your investment in my students' success. Thank you for believing in my classroom and helping me build a space where every child feels inspired to learn and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1715125255757,"projectUrl":"project/a-well-organized-library-is-a-well-used/8327954/","projectTitle":"A Well Organized Library is a Well Used Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2428351_orig.png?crop=462,462,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1592240039574","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-leeteachingadventures"},{"teacherId":2742488,"projectId":9900350,"letterContent":"This idea has been one of my best! Walking through the halls, I hear the teachers tell my cart workers how amazingly kind they are, how much they appreciate them and how they cannot wait to have them in class when they get older. It is so great to see a student who often struggles either behaviorally or academically, have adults get so excited to see them coming around with the cart!\r\n\r\nI would love to do this more often and am trying to figure out how we can branch out and involve older kids as supervisors so they will be able to graduate to working the cart without me. You know me, I will keep coming up with new ideas and I am so grateful that you are supporters of those ideas!","fullyFundedDate":1769619993825,"projectUrl":"project/spreading-kindness-one-cup-at-a-time/9900350/","projectTitle":"Spreading Kindness One Cup at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2742488_orig.jpg?crop=419,419,x578,y246&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1598978267193","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2742488"},{"teacherId":844592,"projectId":7066569,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much! The students are using and enjoying all of the materials you helped provide. When I showed them the new items we received, they were excited - cheering, clapping, and jumping up and down.\r\n\r\nThey enjoy working with the Living Things Magnetic Activity Tins, testing each other with each tin. The Science Viewers are a hit as well, each student gets excited to share their viewer with the next person. Having materials such as the Tempra Paint, Treehouse Imagination Builders, Kwik Stix Tempra Painters, and Pencil Grip Tongs have not only been instrumental in helping my students learn, but they've made our learning more fun.\r\n\r\nAll of my students have loved working with these materials, and I know students in future classes will as well. What a great investment in our future! Thank you again, so much!","fullyFundedDate":1670600893836,"projectUrl":"project/steam-materials-for-prek/7066569/","projectTitle":"STEAM Materials for PreK","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Teresa Vogelgesang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp844592_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669052512258","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/844592"},{"teacherId":844592,"projectId":7057587,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for donating to my project! When I opened the boxes they cheered and wanted to use everything right away. They are now using and loving all of the materials you helped provide. \r\n\r\nI teach the students every year about being healthy, as well as looking for those in our community who help us. The Nurse and Doctor costumes, Doctor Kits, and stethoscope you helped to provide encourage creative play. The Yoga Mats, Hand Weights, Foam Dumbbells, Activity Scarves, and Yoga book help the students make healthy choices. \r\n\r\nAll of my students have loved working with these materials, and I know students in future classes will as well. What a great investment in our future! Thank you again, so much!","fullyFundedDate":1670245659106,"projectUrl":"project/science-health-and-helping-others/7057587/","projectTitle":"Science, Health and Helping Others","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Teresa Vogelgesang","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp844592_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669052512258","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/844592"},{"teacherId":9773182,"projectId":9654949,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our outdoor recess materials! Because of you, our playground has been transformed into a hub of movement and creativity.\r\n\r\nThe students are already putting your gifts to great use:\r\n\r\nBalls: Our games of basketball and catch, are more energized than ever.\r\nChalk: The sidewalk has become a giant canvas for vibrant murals and hopscotch grids.\r\nRibbon Sticks: These have been a huge hit for creative movement and \"rhythmic gymnastics\" during our recess.\r\n\r\nThese materials do more than just provide fun; they help my students build social skills, coordination, and a much-needed mental reset during the school day. We are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1764628361683,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-the-fun-outdoor-toys-needed/9654949/","projectTitle":"Fuel the Fun: Outdoor Toys Needed!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Joanie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9773182_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727899003027","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9773182"},{"teacherId":5086293,"projectId":9641631,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations of dust pans, brooms, whiteboard spray and cloths, and a mop for our science room. These supplies have already made a big difference in keeping our learning space clean, safe, and ready for hands-on exploration every day.\r\n\r\nOur young scientists love to experiment, build, and explore—but those activities can get messy quickly! Having the right tools to clean up allows students to take responsibility for their workspace and keeps materials organized for the next class. The whiteboard supplies help us maintain clear, visible boards for sharing ideas, data, and observations, while the new mop ensures quick cleanups after water-based investigations and plant science projects.\r\n\r\nYour support helps create a learning environment where curiosity thrives and students can focus on discovery, not the mess. We truly appreciate your kindness and investment in our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1762793109364,"projectUrl":"project/wiping-away-mess-making-room-for-scienc/9641631/","projectTitle":"Wiping Away Mess, Making Room for Science Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rao","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5086293_orig.jpg?crop=528,528,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565737039899","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5086293"},{"teacherId":5086293,"projectId":9639074,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous support in funding headphones and stylus pens for our students. These tools have made a remarkable difference in our science classroom, especially in how students engage with their digital science journals.\r\n\r\nWith the headphones, students can now focus more deeply during lessons that include instructional videos, interactive simulations, and read-aloud supports. This has been especially impactful for our English language learners and students who benefit from audio reinforcement, allowing them to learn independently and at their own pace.\r\n\r\nThe stylus pens have transformed the way students record their scientific observations. Whether drawing detailed diagrams of plant structures, labeling parts of a circuit, or writing reflection notes, the styluses help students express their thinking clearly and precisely. Many students have shared that using a stylus feels more natural and creative than typing, helping them take greater pride in their science journals.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has strengthened our ability to make science learning more hands-on, inclusive, and engaging. Thank you for investing in our students and their ability to explore, document, and share their curiosity about the world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1762793232775,"projectUrl":"project/stem-ready-headphones-and-styluses-for/9639074/","projectTitle":"STEM Ready: Headphones and Styluses for Young Scientists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rao","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5086293_orig.jpg?crop=528,528,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565737039899","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5086293"},{"teacherId":2742488,"projectId":9660691,"letterContent":"There is nothing better than when students walk past my room and I here them say, \"Wow, who's class it that?\" or \"That is the best classroom ever!\" Every year I add to my space in order to make it warmer, cozier, more welcoming and your donations really helped me add to my office. I tell adults that I use all the cool stuff in my space so that kids get excited to meet with me and before they know it, they are telling me what is going on in their lives and how I can help. Thank you so much for donating to my office and investing in mental health support. Now, more than ever, kids need to have a place that they can go to and feel safe. I am beyond grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1761946036873,"projectUrl":"project/home-away-from-home/9660691/","projectTitle":"Home Away From Home","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2742488_orig.jpg?crop=419,419,x578,y246&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1598978267193","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2742488"},{"teacherId":5418090,"projectId":9897161,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of the chomp saws! My students were absolutely thrilled when they first saw the new tools—eyes widened, hands shot up, and they immediately began imagining what they could build. \r\n\r\nWe've already put the saws to great use in our classroom makerspace, where students have been cutting cardboard to create shapes, models, and imaginative objects. One especially memorable moment was watching a small group collaborate to design and items for role playing games, problem‑solving together as they measured, cut, and assembled their structures. \r\n\r\nThese tools have opened up new conversations about jobs that involve building, engineering, and using real tools, helping students see themselves in roles they hadn't considered before. As we continue our current STEM project, students will be using the saws to prototype more complex designs, deepening both their creativity and their confidence. Your support has truly made this hands‑on learning possible—thank you for giving my students the chance to create, explore, and dream bigger.","fullyFundedDate":1763676351000,"projectUrl":"project/cardboard-reuse/9897161/","projectTitle":"Cardboard Reuse","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Blat","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5418090_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x142,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1675121700870","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5418090"},{"teacherId":5086293,"projectId":9642579,"letterContent":"Your generous contributions to \"Science Talk: Growing Our Vocabulary, Growing Our Minds\" truly transformed our science learning environment. With the funding provided through DonorsChoose, I was able to purchase science vocabulary cards, lamination pouches, and colorful chart pockets that now brighten and organize our classroom by grade level—purple for fifth grade, blue for fourth, green for third, yellow for second, orange for first, and red for kindergarten. These tools made science language come alive for our young learners and gave every grade a visual, hands-on way to deepen their understanding of key concepts.\r\n\r\nIn second grade, for example, students used the vocabulary cards to describe and explain reversible and irreversible changes when heating and cooling materials like wax crayons, eggs, ice, and spaghetti noodles. Having the words right at their fingertips—literally—helped them move from describing what they saw to explaining why it happened using precise science terms. In fourth grade, the organized vocabulary charts became a go-to reference during our stream table investigations. Students eagerly used the cards to clarify their thoughts and communicate observations more accurately when predicting, testing, and analyzing how water shapes the land.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our science lessons are now filled with more confident conversations, richer explanations, and a stronger connection between language and learning. You've helped our students not just grow their vocabularies, but also their ability to think, talk, and wonder like scientists.","fullyFundedDate":1762623550496,"projectUrl":"project/science-talk-growing-our-vocabulary-gr/9642579/","projectTitle":"Science Talk: Growing Our Vocabulary, Growing Our Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rao","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5086293_orig.jpg?crop=528,528,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565737039899","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5086293"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_76106","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":406,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":53,"percentWhite":21,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":9,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":9,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":74.7,"schoolId":76106,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Highland Park Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Highland Park Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/saint-paul-public-schools/highland-park-elementary-school/76106"}