{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Howard C Reiche Community School","outOfStateSupporters":40.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1090489,"projectId":9657941,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your wonderful generosity! We are having fun using the timers for so many activities! Sometimes it is for games. Sometimes to see how quickly they can finish a task. It is awe inspiring and fun for the class to set goals and reach them. Thank you so much!\r\nThe laminating pouches are helpful for our entire first grade team! We are able to make many things for our new curriculum to have for future use. We are so appreciative for the supplies to use for our lessons, games, and anchor charts. Thank you so much!!","fullyFundedDate":1756851086443,"projectUrl":"project/times-up/9657941/","projectTitle":"Time's Up!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feenstra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kfeenstra"},{"teacherId":155075,"projectId":9549350,"letterContent":"Your generosity in funding my \"Outdoor Discovery Kits\" is so appreciated.\r\nThe materials have arrived and my students have been using them every since!\r\nWe have used the binoculars during our morning sensory walks around our schoolyard to discover seasonal changes. The magnifying glasses have been used as we look for the smallest living beings in the soil. The shovels and garden gloves helped us plant tulip and garlic bulbs in the garden. The indoor tools and toys have been a tremendous hit now that the weather is keeping us inside the classroom more. \r\nEach item from this project allows my students to continuously think of outdoor learning and all that is magical about out schoolyard - even when we are inside! Giving my students outdoor experiential learning is a critical piece in our learning. I truly appreciate your support for this project.","fullyFundedDate":1758367433691,"projectUrl":"project/outdoor-discovery-kits/9549350/","projectTitle":"Outdoor Discovery Kits","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/155075"},{"teacherId":9347355,"projectId":9702481,"letterContent":"We are delighted to share the incredible success of our project! Your generous support has not only organized our classroom but has created the calm, predictable environment our first graders need to thrive.\r\n\r\nThe impact of these simple tools extends far beyond tidiness—they are actively teaching our students valuable life skills and helping them take ownership of their learning. Here are some of the sweet moments we've seen in action:\r\n\r\nFostering Independence and Ownership\r\n\r\nThe single biggest change has been the introduction of personal storage. Giving each student two dedicated pouches—one for their \"bag of books\" and one for their magnetic letter boards—has been a game-changer. These pouches are more than just containers; they are a student's first step toward self-management. By having their own space to care for, they are learning responsibility and pride in their materials. It's a joy to watch them independently access and put away their tools without waiting for adult help, freeing up more time for teaching!\r\n\r\nMaximizing Learning Time in Math\r\n\r\nOur math centers are running smoother than ever! The file organizer keeps our math games in one central, visible spot. Students can easily find the game they need, complete the activity, and, most importantly, put it back correctly. This simple system has drastically reduced transition time and frustration, meaning more minutes are spent learning and playing collaboratively. Similarly, the containers keep our math manipulatives—from counters to base ten blocks—accessible and orderly, ensuring that hands-on learning is always ready to go.\r\n\r\nSustainability and Longevity\r\n\r\nWe are also deeply grateful for the supplies that protect our investment. The laminator pouches are truly the unsung heroes of this project! By preserving our high-quality math games, you've ensured they will last for many years to come. Plus, laminated games allow students to use dry-erase markers for practice, making them instantly reusable and a fun, sustainable way to learn.\r\n\r\nYour support has transformed our first-grade classroom into a space where calm reigns, materials are respected, and students are building the responsibility and care they'll carry far beyond first grade. Thank you for being a hero to our enthusiastic learners!\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1758845680237,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-sorted-students-supported/9702481/","projectTitle":"Supplies Sorted, Students Supported","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gleeson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9347355_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755790331408","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9347355"},{"teacherId":9347355,"projectId":9644632,"letterContent":"We are overjoyed to share wonderful update on how your support has transformed our first-grade learning environment!\r\n\r\nThanks to your generous contribution to our project, we have completely reimagined the most central part of our day: our community gathering spot on the carpet. These new tools have made our lessons incredibly interactive, and we are seeing students stay focused, feel supported, and truly own their learning like never before. We wanted to share a few of our favorite \"Hands-On, Eyes-On\" moments with you.\r\n\r\nComfort and Clarity for Every Learner\r\n\r\nOne of the biggest transformations has been the introduction of lap desks. Before, students struggled to write or solve problems while balancing materials on their laps. Now, every child has a stable, comfortable surface right in front of them, even when sitting on the floor. This simple change means that when we gather for a lesson, every hand is busy, and every student is an active participant, not just a passive listener. This has been especially impactful in promoting focus and confidence during group problem-solving in math.\r\n\r\nBuilding Knowledge Together, Visibly\r\n\r\nThe way we share information has also been completely revolutionized by the dry-erase easel and the document camera.\r\n\r\nThe easel allows us to create our strategy charts and capture our thinking right at the students' eye level. Instead of working at a high chalkboard, I can face the children while we build a strategy together, making the lesson feel immediate and personal. It's no longer my anchor chart—it's our shared thinking, making those concepts stick much faster.\r\n\r\nThe document camera ensures that every student gets a front-row seat. We can project large, clear images of a small book, a challenging math manipulative, and even a piece of student work that shows great effort. This immediate, high-visibility sharing ensures that every child can clearly see the details, participate in discussions, and celebrate their classmates' amazing work.\r\n\r\nWith your help, our classroom carpet has become a dynamic, collaborative engine for learning where ideas shine, hands stay busy, and every single learner feels fully engaged and supported. Thank you for making these essential moments of community learning comfortable, clear, and collaborative for our first graders.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1757008164066,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-eyes-on-enhancing-learning-on/9644632/","projectTitle":"Hands-On, Eyes-On: Enhancing Learning on the Carpet With Flexible Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gleeson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9347355_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755790331408","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9347355"},{"teacherId":9347355,"projectId":9637702,"letterContent":"We are absolutely thrilled to share the incredible impact your generosity has had on our first-grade classroom! Because of you, our project has come alive, and we have successfully transformed the challenge of learning to read into a joyful, hands-on adventure.\r\n\r\nThe tools you provided have made a measurable difference in student proficiency, but more importantly, they've brought so much confidence and delight to our daily lessons. We wanted to give you a peek into the magic you funded.\r\n\r\nThe Sweet Moments of Learning\r\n\r\nThe foundation of our success lies in giving students a tactile way to connect sounds to letters. Our magnetic letter boards have been revolutionary for the kids. Instead of just looking at the print, they are physically cracking the code of reading by moving the letters with their own hands. We are seeing impressive growth in how quickly they recognize sounds and build words—it's like they've found the secret key to reading!\r\n\r\nSimilarly, the lined whiteboards have turned practice into a low-stress game. They are practicing their handwriting and letter shapes over and over, and the best part is the freedom to wipe away a mistake instantly. This tells them that it's okay to try, erase, and try again, making them more fearless and confident writers.\r\n\r\nBuilding Engagement, One Whisper at a Time\r\n\r\nBeyond the boards, the interactive tools are nurturing our students' emotional growth:\r\n\r\nThe Mini Hedgehogs: Shy students can whisper sounds and new words into their spiky reading buddies, building their reading confidence in a private, gentle way.\r\n\r\nThe Turtle Puppet: Our beloved \"Tapping Turtle\" is a gentle, fun reminder for students to slow down and really stretch out the sounds when blending words. This friend makes the crucial skill of proper pacing memorable and fun.\r\n\r\nThe Menu Covers: These simple covers have been fantastic! They turn our workbook pages into reusable, smooth surfaces, ensuring that every student gets all the repetition they need without the pressure of ruining a sheet of paper.\r\n\r\nWe are certain that the introduction of these resources has not only accelerated academic growth but has truly cultivated a deep, genuine love of reading in our classroom. Thank you for giving our students the tools to whisper, write, and play their way into becoming stronger, more joyful readers.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1756813279676,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-phonics-letter-boards-puppets/9637702/","projectTitle":"Engaging Phonics: Letter Boards, Puppets, and Whiteboards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gleeson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9347355_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755790331408","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9347355"},{"teacherId":9724419,"projectId":9349942,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating towards my project. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and has made such a positive impact in my classroom. \r\n\r\nWhile technology is a beautiful tool that allows for differentiated instruction, it can also be frustrating as a teacher when it is unreliable. Having headphones that I can count on makes a big difference in helping the classroom run smoothly. \r\n\r\nIn our classroom, headphones are used daily towards activities that directly impact student learning. For example, my students spend 20-30 minutes each day on a platform called Lexia. Lexia is used to help students grow in their reading based on their specific, diverse needs. In turn, having reliable headphones helps students become better readers! \r\n\r\nThank you again for making a positive impact in the growth of my fifth grade learners!","fullyFundedDate":1753283702333,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-reading-growth/9349942/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Reading Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bistayi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9724419"},{"teacherId":1090489,"projectId":9657893,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping to fund this fabulous project!! Our class now has a phonics based intervention program ready to teach, on the go!!\r\nAny classroom volunteer is able to bring all of the materials necessary to learn from beginning to above grade level skills. We love having it all organized in one spot. As a bonus it is easy to \"travel\" with, too! Everything needed fits on the magnetic boards and the convenient tray underneath!\r\nOur students are growing and learning in a fun and effective way. Other teachers now want to do the same!","fullyFundedDate":1756816233266,"projectUrl":"project/were-eas-el-ing-our-way-to-learning/9657893/","projectTitle":"We're Eas-el-ing Our Way to Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feenstra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kfeenstra"},{"teacherId":291144,"projectId":9658652,"letterContent":"Thanks so much for supporting my classroom, your generosity is much appreciated. There is nothing better than new books! These are beautiful books that support our new social emotional learning curriculum, which is based on character traits like kindness, respect and responsibility. \r\n\r\nThese books are a wonderful addition to the curriculum, they cap off the lessons of each week. Even though my students are in fifth grade, the \"big kids\" in our school, they love to be read to. These books reinforce the learning in our curriculum and are fun to read.","fullyFundedDate":1758796769743,"projectUrl":"project/strong-character-strong-students/9658652/","projectTitle":"Strong Character, Strong Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Murray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp291144_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x37,y182&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674174923352","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/joan-murray"},{"teacherId":291144,"projectId":9704390,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom, your kindness and generosity are truly appreciated. In math we have to print out cards for various lessons. These need to be printed and cut into student sets. My old paper cutter was old and not sharp anymore, it took forever to cut them up. This new one makes cutting the cards a breeze, and having the bags to store the cards in is fantastic, no more random papers floating around the classroom.\r\n\r\nI know it doesn't sound like a big deal, but with all of the other tasks I have to do every day, being able to cut these quickly and efficiently makes a huge difference in my day.","fullyFundedDate":1758564759499,"projectUrl":"project/cut-it-up-and-put-it-in-a-bag/9704390/","projectTitle":"Cut It Up and Put It In a Bag","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Murray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp291144_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x37,y182&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674174923352","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/joan-murray"},{"teacherId":291144,"projectId":9580263,"letterContent":"My students love these books, it's so nice to be able to go to the closet and have multiple copies of books for reading groups. The favorite book so far is Stories for Boys Who Dare, all of the students love this one.\r\n\r\nI have students in my class at many different reading levels, these books are at different levels, so everyone has a fun book for book group. The students love to read together, it makes them feel a part of things, books at their level make them feel seen. \r\n\r\nThese books are all companion books to Esperanza Rising, which is the book we're using for our reading program. The characters in these books face similar problems to Esperanza, and the students can relate to that.","fullyFundedDate":1755986752934,"projectUrl":"project/guided-reading-books/9580263/","projectTitle":"Guided Reading Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Murray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp291144_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x37,y182&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674174923352","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/joan-murray"},{"teacherId":1090489,"projectId":9584350,"letterContent":"Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have a hungry class once again this year! My students arrive hungry and are ready to eat throughout the day! Thank you for your amazing generosity toward keeping our snack cupboard fully stocked. Many of our students have food insecurity and need to know that there is plenty of food for them while they are at school. You have taken a huge worry off of the backs of my students and I am truly grateful. Thank you for you decision to support my children and keep smiles on their face!!","fullyFundedDate":1755626895863,"projectUrl":"project/snack-time/9584350/","projectTitle":"Snack Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feenstra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kfeenstra"},{"teacherId":1090489,"projectId":9182935,"letterContent":"We love all of our bird items! They have been so inspiring for our students' learning! The poster is beautiful. We have been able identify birds that have come to our wonderful bird feeders! The books and guides have added depth to our studies and kept the fun in learning active and visual.\r\nThe students are already completely invested in our window bird feeder. I am excited to once again teach the bird unit in the spring and bring forth all of the fabulous birding materials thanks to your wonderful generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1746490043339,"projectUrl":"project/the-bird-is-the-word/9182935/","projectTitle":"The Bird is the Word!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feenstra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kfeenstra"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_65272","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":463,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":41,"percentWhite":30,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":21,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":59.8,"schoolId":65272,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Howard C Reiche Community School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Howard C Reiche Community School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maine/portland-public-schools/howard-c-reiche-community-school/65272"}