{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Howard Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":32.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9071985,"projectId":9322512,"letterContent":"When the new classroom materials arrived, my students' faces lit up! The bright bulletin board decor instantly transformed our room into a more welcoming, inspiring space. They were so excited to see their work displayed proudly on the new boards — it gave them a real sense of pride and ownership in our classroom. The hanging pocket chart for headphones has also made a big difference in keeping our space organized and easy to navigate. Students now know exactly where to find and return their supplies, which helps our transitions run much more smoothly.\r\n\r\nThe new swivel stapler and automatic pencil sharpener have become classroom favorites! Students love using them independently, and I've noticed how much smoother our day flows when simple classroom routines are quick and efficient. These small but powerful tools have saved valuable learning time and reduced classroom clutter, allowing me to focus more on teaching and less on managing materials.\r\n\r\nThanks to this project, our classroom feels brighter, more functional, and more student-centered. The combination of organization and cheerful decor has created a calm, inviting environment where students are motivated to do their best work. We're so grateful to our donors for helping make our classroom a space that truly supports both learning and joy!","fullyFundedDate":1746716531852,"projectUrl":"project/from-dull-to-dazzling-classroom-tools-t/9322512/","projectTitle":"From Dull to Dazzling: Classroom Tools That Work","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9071985_orig.jpg?crop=802,802,x230,y251&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688169529891","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9071985"},{"teacherId":9071985,"projectId":9322245,"letterContent":"When our new classroom rug arrived, my students' excitement was instant and contagious! They gathered around, admiring the bright colors and soft texture, and couldn't wait to find their own special spot. The rug has quickly become the heart of our classroom — a place where we start and end each day together, share ideas during lessons, and build our sense of community.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was the very first morning meeting on the new rug. The students sat in a perfect circle, smiling and whispering about how \"cozy\" it felt. That day, every child participated in our discussion, even some who are usually a bit shy. Having a shared, comfortable space has made it easier for students to focus, listen, and connect with one another during lessons and read-alouds.\r\n\r\nNow that we have this welcoming gathering space, our next steps are to use it for more collaborative learning activities. We'll be launching small-group discussions, peer reading circles, and hands-on projects that encourage teamwork and communication. This rug isn't just a classroom item — it's a daily reminder of the generosity that helps our students feel seen, supported, and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1746786106630,"projectUrl":"project/one-spot-many-voices-a-rug-for-unity/9322245/","projectTitle":"One Spot, Many Voices: a Rug for Unity and Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9071985_orig.jpg?crop=802,802,x230,y251&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688169529891","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9071985"},{"teacherId":9929554,"projectId":9126420,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of phonics materials to our first grade classroom. Your support has made a meaningful difference in the lives of my students, and I'm excited to share the positive impact these resources have had on our learning community.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the materials arrived, they were met with enthusiasm and excitement. Phonics is a foundational part of early literacy, and these tools have provided the structure, variety, and engagement we needed to support all learners—regardless of where they started the year.\r\n\r\nFor students who began the school year below grade level, the phonics materials offered the targeted, consistent practice they needed to catch up. Many of these children struggled with letter sounds, decoding, and blending at the start of the year. The hands-on, interactive nature of the resources allowed them to engage with these essential skills in a way that felt more like play than work. As a result, I saw marked improvements in their reading confidence and fluency. One student in particular, who initially struggled to connect letter sounds into blended words, is now able to do so independently—a huge milestone. The growth in this child's ability to sound out and read simple words has been incredible to watch, and it's a direct reflection of the extra support these materials provided.\r\n\r\nEqually important, the phonics materials also offered rich extension opportunities for students working above grade level. These learners were able to explore more complex phonics patterns, build multisyllabic words, and engage in word building and sorting games that challenged their thinking. This ensured that all students were appropriately supported and pushed, no matter their starting point. It was incredibly rewarding to see how these materials helped keep even our most advanced readers engaged and excited about learning.\r\n\r\nBeyond their instructional value, the phonics activities quickly became a favorite part of our daily routine. Students loved the colorful visuals, the interactive elements, and the sense of independence they gained while using them. Whether working in small groups, with partners, or independently, the materials turned skill practice into a fun, rewarding experience. I often heard students say, \"Can we do that again tomorrow?\" or \"That was so fun!\"—a sure sign that they were not only learning, but enjoying the process.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, it is incredibly meaningful to have resources that meet the diverse needs of my classroom. Your donation has allowed me to differentiate instruction more effectively and provide all students with the support or challenge they need. More importantly, it has fostered a love of reading and learning that will continue to grow long after this school year ends.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity. Your support has made a lasting difference in the lives of my students, and we are truly grateful. I will be able to use these materials for years to come and impact the life of countless more children.","fullyFundedDate":1740355296701,"projectUrl":"project/phonics-materials/9126420/","projectTitle":"Phonics Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aldaco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9929554"},{"teacherId":9071985,"projectId":9048472,"letterContent":"The most exciting part for my students is how these materials turn grammar lessons into fun, interactive experiences. Instead of worksheets that feel repetitive, they're building colorful notebooks filled with examples, visuals, and personal connections to what they're learning. The sense of ownership and pride they feel in their notebooks motivates them to participate, collaborate, and ask deeper questions about how language works.\r\n\r\nSome of my quieter students—who once hesitated to share in class—have especially warmed to these activities. Because the materials allow for creativity and self-paced exploration, these students are finding their voices and gaining confidence in their writing and communication skills. It's been incredible to see them light up when they realize they've mastered a tricky concept like verb tenses or sentence structure.\r\n\r\nThis project is making a powerful difference in our classroom. It's not just helping students understand grammar—it's helping them enjoy learning, build confidence, and see themselves as capable, successful learners. Thanks to this support, my students are gaining skills that will benefit them far beyond our classroom walls.","fullyFundedDate":1739375267669,"projectUrl":"project/grammatical-greatness/9048472/","projectTitle":"Grammatical Greatness!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9071985_orig.jpg?crop=802,802,x230,y251&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688169529891","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9071985"},{"teacherId":9930351,"projectId":9128183,"letterContent":"Test prep for the ELPA test was so much more fun for students this year with all of the extra materials I was able to buy from Teachers Pay Teachers. We were able to practice reading, writing, listening and speaking for the test in multiple ways over multiple weeks without it getting too repetitive. Students really appreciated having new prompts to use and there were enough different types that I was able to give students choice, which always increases the engagement level. Additionally, I was able to print practice test packets to send home with students who requested them and they were able to extend their learning beyond the classroom.\r\nThank you for providing these test prep resources!","fullyFundedDate":1740490921422,"projectUrl":"project/make-test-prep-engaging/9128183/","projectTitle":"Make Test Prep Engaging","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carroll","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9930351"},{"teacherId":9071985,"projectId":9010715,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible generosity in providing books for our classroom library! Your support has made an immeasurable impact on my students, opening up a world of stories, knowledge, and imagination right at their fingertips.\r\n\r\nThe books you provided have transformed our classroom into a true community of readers. Every day, my students eagerly browse our new selections, choosing books that excite and challenge them. We use these books for independent reading, small group discussions, and even as mentor texts for writing lessons. Having access to engaging, high-quality books has sparked a renewed enthusiasm for reading, and I've already seen students grow more confident in their abilities.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new books, their excitement was overwhelming! They gasped, cheered, and immediately started flipping through pages, eager to dive in. Some even made \"dibs\" lists for the books they couldn't wait to read next. Thanks to you, they now have stories that inspire them, characters they connect with, and books they truly love.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only filled our shelves but has also filled our classroom with a love for reading that will last a lifetime. Thank you for believing in my students and helping to create lifelong readers!","fullyFundedDate":1734539186580,"projectUrl":"project/sparking-a-love-for-reading/9010715/","projectTitle":"Sparking a Love for Reading!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9071985_orig.jpg?crop=802,802,x230,y251&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688169529891","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9071985"},{"teacherId":9071985,"projectId":9010831,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible support in providing snacks for my students! Your generosity has made a huge difference in our classroom, ensuring that every child has the nourishment they need to stay focused and engaged throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThe snacks you provided have become an essential part of our daily routine. Whether it's a quick bite during morning work, a brain break in the afternoon, or a boost before a big test, these snacks help my students stay energized and ready to learn. For many of them, having access to these snacks means they can concentrate better on their lessons instead of worrying about hunger.\r\n\r\nThe excitement on my students' faces when they saw the snacks was priceless! They were so grateful and amazed that people who had never even met them cared enough to support their needs. Some students immediately asked if they could take an extra snack home for later, while others simply smiled and said, \"Thank you!\" Your kindness not only filled their bellies but also their hearts, reminding them that they are supported and valued.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making such a meaningful impact in our classroom. Your generosity is helping my students focus, learn, and thrive every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1734549376329,"projectUrl":"project/supreme-snacking/9010831/","projectTitle":"Supreme Snacking!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9071985_orig.jpg?crop=802,802,x230,y251&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688169529891","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9071985"},{"teacherId":9071985,"projectId":8652656,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project! The personal hygiene supplies have already made a noticeable impact on my students' lives.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies first arrived, my students' faces lit up with gratitude and relief. Many were surprised and appreciative to see products they needed so readily available to them. It created an immediate sense of dignity and care, as they realized someone was looking out for their well-being.\r\n\r\nWe are now using the hygiene supplies to help students feel comfortable, confident, and prepared to learn. These essential items, such as deodorant, toothbrushes, and other hygiene products, are available when needed, ensuring that basic needs do not become a barrier to their success. Students can focus on their education without worrying about access to these necessities.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has not only provided important resources but has also reminded my students that they are valued and supported. Thank you for helping to create a positive and caring environment where my students can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1728093065256,"projectUrl":"project/hygiene-hype/8652656/","projectTitle":"Hygiene Hype!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9071985_orig.jpg?crop=802,802,x230,y251&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688169529891","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9071985"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_87841","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":275,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":52,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":40,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":68.0,"schoolId":87841,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Howard Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Howard Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oregon/medford-school-district-549c/howard-elementary-school/87841"}