{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Independence Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":29.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7181532,"projectId":9600451,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, my students have been able to engage more meaningfully in their daily speech-language therapy sessions using materials that directly support their communication and academic skills. We use the new resources during individual and small-group therapy to target vocabulary development, comprehension, expressive language, and social communication. One particularly impactful moment was seeing students independently use the materials to answer questions, describe ideas, and clarify their thoughts with increased confidence and less adult prompting.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were excited and eager to explore them. Many students immediately wanted to use the new items during therapy and were more motivated to participate than usual. Having engaging, high-quality materials made therapy feel more accessible and enjoyable, and students took pride in using tools that supported their learning. These resources have had a positive impact on student engagement, confidence, and overall progress in communication skills.","fullyFundedDate":1764711862994,"projectUrl":"project/helping-little-voices-grow-strong/9600451/","projectTitle":"Helping Little Voices Grow Strong","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Castañuela","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7181532_orig.jpg?crop=1537,1537,x0,y476&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1585356524004","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7181532"},{"teacherId":10115825,"projectId":9546009,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding this project and helping me upgrade my therapy space. When thinking about providing mental health therapy to elementary-aged children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, it is incredibly powerful to see my clients feel excited to enter the therapy room, notice the new supplies, and experience a comfortable, welcoming environment that feels safe and engaging.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, I was able to purchase therapy books, fidgets, flexible seating, and essential office supplies. These materials are already making a meaningful difference by helping students regulate their emotions, stay engaged during sessions, and express themselves in developmentally appropriate ways. The flexible seating and sensory tools, in particular, allow students to feel more at ease, which supports deeper therapeutic work and stronger connections.\r\n\r\nYour support has directly enhanced the quality of care I am able to provide, and it has made a lasting impact on the students I serve. Thank you for investing in their mental health, growth, and well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1761231911778,"projectUrl":"project/mental-health-why-emotional-safety-is-c/9546009/","projectTitle":"Mental Health: Why Emotional Safety Is Critical for School Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rachel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10115825"},{"teacherId":1494491,"projectId":9228147,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project, \"Help me end my current school year with some new supplies and start the next year with things we need!\" Your generosity truly makes a difference for my students and our classroom!\r\n\r\nWith your help, we now have new materials that keep learning fresh and exciting—like individual whiteboards for hands-on practice and new lights to make our classroom warm, inviting, and full of energy. These updates make our learning environment feel extra special, and my students can't wait to use everything!\r\n\r\nI always say that my physical classroom is also a teacher—its environment inspires curiosity, creativity, and joy every day. Thanks to your kindness, our space will continue to encourage my amazing second graders to learn, grow, and shine!\r\n\r\nYour support helps make my classroom the best place it can be. Thank you for believing in teachers and for investing in my students' success!","fullyFundedDate":1750875847769,"projectUrl":"project/end-the-year-with-a-bang/9228147/","projectTitle":"End the Year with a Bang!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kersten","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1494491_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449092531500","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dnakashima"},{"teacherId":9633702,"projectId":9601536,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in funding this literacy project, Books in the Hands of Kids 2025 - a Novel Idea. Your support allowed us to purchase 19 brand new books for our after school literacy club for 4th and 5th graders, Battle of the Books (BoB). We now have enough copies of the BoB books for children to checkout their first choice book. Having 3 copies of each book makes a huge impact on the students in the club. In the past, students had to wait weeks for books because we only had 1-2 copies of each. Watching the students' faces light up when they saw the huge selection of books for the first time was inspiring. Also, seeing copies of the BoB books in the hands of club members when I walk into 4th and 5th grade classes is so meaningful. In fact, other students, not in Battle of the Books, have started asking me about some of the titles because they see classmates reading brand new, highly engaging books during independent reading. That is definitely a new experience, and I hope more students will consider joining our book club in the future. Thank you again for creating this literacy opportunity for these students.","fullyFundedDate":1755392125340,"projectUrl":"project/books-in-the-hands-of-kids-2025-a-novel/9601536/","projectTitle":"Books in the Hands of Kids 2025: A Novel Idea","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. McQueen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9633702"},{"teacherId":1494491,"projectId":9360314,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of your kindness, we now have a fully stocked prize box, fun raffle tickets, and headphones for our students.\r\n\r\nThe prize box and raffle tickets have brought so much excitement into our room. They've helped motivate students to stay focused, make positive choices, and take pride in their work. The headphones have been a game changer during independent reading and online learning time, allowing students to concentrate and learn at their own pace without distractions.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only provided supplies but has also created joy, motivation, and stronger learning opportunities for every student. We are so grateful for the impact you've made in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1747845180368,"projectUrl":"project/rewards-and-more/9360314/","projectTitle":"Rewards and More!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kersten","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1494491_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449092531500","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dnakashima"},{"teacherId":8443235,"projectId":9485065,"letterContent":"Our new classroom rug has truly transformed our learning space! My students now gather together each day for read-alouds, morning meetings, and small group lessons. The rug has given us a central spot that makes our classroom feel warm, welcoming, and organized. One of my favorite moments so far has been watching my students eagerly find their \"special spot\" on the rug as we dive into stories or work through challenging math problems together.\r\n\r\nWhen the rug first arrived, my students were so excited—they gasped, clapped, and immediately asked if we could sit on it. Their joy showed me how much something simple can create a sense of community and belonging in our classroom. The rug has quickly become the heart of our learning environment, and students treat it with pride and care.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our journey this school year, we will use the rug daily to build stronger collaboration, listen to each other's ideas, and grow as learners. Thank you for helping us create a space that encourages curiosity, connection, and comfort. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on my students' learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1753443444093,"projectUrl":"project/help-make-our-classroom-community-thrive/9485065/","projectTitle":"Help Make Our Classroom Community Thrive!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8443235_orig.png?crop=584,584,x5,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651601018562","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8443235"},{"teacherId":3643277,"projectId":9146945,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of a new classroom carpet for our 3rd grade room. The moment it was unrolled, it transformed our space into a warm, inviting, and comfortable place for learning. Whether we're gathered for morning meetings, partner reading, or quiet reflection, the carpet has become the heart of our classroom—where students feel connected, focused, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour gift has created more than just a cozy space; it has fostered a sense of community and belonging. The students love having a special place to sit, share ideas, and grow together. We are truly grateful for your support and the lasting impact you've made on our classroom environment. Thank you for helping us build a space where learning feels like home.","fullyFundedDate":1745940253727,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-on-up/9146945/","projectTitle":"Cozy On Up","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dillard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3643277_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1466120160981","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dana-dillard"},{"teacherId":3643277,"projectId":8560901,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous donation of school supplies for our 3rd grade classroom. Your kindness has made an immediate and meaningful difference in the lives of our students. From sharpened pencils and colorful folders to notebooks, markers, and glue sticks—each item has helped create a well-equipped, welcoming, and organized learning environment.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our students can focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and enjoying school. Your generosity has not only relieved a burden for many families, but it has also shown our students the power of community and compassion. On behalf of our entire classroom, thank you for investing in their education and giving them the tools to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1723084124547,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school/8560901/","projectTitle":"Back to School","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dillard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3643277_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1466120160981","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dana-dillard"},{"teacherId":3643277,"projectId":7815621,"letterContent":"The arrival of new STEM materials in our 3rd grade classrooms has sparked a wave of excitement, creativity, and hands-on learning. Students have eagerly explored science, technology, engineering, and math concepts in ways that are both meaningful and engaging. With access to materials like building kits, coding tools, and interactive science supplies, our students have become problem-solvers and critical thinkers, collaborating with classmates to design, build, and test their ideas.\r\n\r\nThese resources have made an especially powerful impact by helping students see themselves as young engineers, scientists, and innovators. Lessons that were once abstract have come to life, allowing children to experiment, make discoveries, and build confidence in their abilities. The STEM materials have not only enriched our curriculum, but they have also inspired curiosity and a lifelong love of learning—one project, prototype, and breakthrough at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1703112049172,"projectUrl":"project/stem-us-up-in-3rd-grade/7815621/","projectTitle":"STEM Us Up in 3rd Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dillard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3643277_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1466120160981","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dana-dillard"},{"teacherId":1494491,"projectId":9110494,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation to our classroom! The kids were so excited to get new markers in both skinny and big-especially the smelly ones! \r\n\r\nI really appreciated the wipes as I am always trying to keep the room clean and germ free! \r\n\r\nMany of the essentials the kids don't use but it benefits them! The staplers, glue gun, and staple removers! These things just help my classroom run smoothly! \r\n\r\nThank you again for your kind and generous donation to our classroom! Many of the materials will be used for quite awhile and many kids will benefit from them!","fullyFundedDate":1740339222608,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-restock-some-of-our-classroom-ne/9110494/","projectTitle":"Help us Restock Some of Our Classroom Needs!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kersten","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1494491_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449092531500","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dnakashima"},{"teacherId":9202404,"projectId":8924732,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding my project to purchase materials and toys that have enhanced my ability to provide quality, effective and motivating speech language therapy sessions to my students with a variety of communication disorders. My students have already begun enjoying the use of these materials and toys! They love using the smelly markers to engage in following directions activities to improve their comprehension of language and learn new vocabulary. They love playing with the Hot Wheels car racing toy while expanding their expressive language skills and social skills, especially turn-taking. My students are also in love with the imaginative play with the Gabby's Dollhouse toys. They learn new vocabulary and expand their sentence formulation skills while playing with these new toys. I am grateful for your donation and happy that there are generous people out there like you to support Independence Elementary students!","fullyFundedDate":1738246588193,"projectUrl":"project/smelly-markers-and-toys-to-motivate-spee/8924732/","projectTitle":"Smelly Markers and Toys to Motivate Speech/Language Therapy Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mahoney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9202404_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731802598697","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9202404"},{"teacherId":9892753,"projectId":9116615,"letterContent":"Your true kindness and donations definitely make our Integrated Learning Centers students eyes LIGHT UP!\r\nEach time we received a package the kids helped open them. This made the excitement even more grand. \r\nOne particular student is a scientist in the making. We have already gone through the 75 Experiment kit and well into the 250 kit.\r\nThe Toyz Glow tracks are a big kit. It was so much fun having the students combine the two sets and making many different designs.\r\nEvery item me received has been used daily and I am positive we will be using them for many years to come. \r\nOur program only receives a few hundred dollars per year for classroom items. \r\nWords can not even begin to tell you how you have helped are students minds grow and let them see how amazing kindness is.","fullyFundedDate":1741273737306,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-eyes-light-up/9116615/","projectTitle":"Help My Students Eyes Light Up!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Charisse","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9892753"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_42255","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":439,"numTeachers":35,"percentFrplEligible":64,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":12,"percentWhite":36,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":33,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":70.1,"schoolId":42255,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Independence Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Independence Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/cherry-creek-school-district-5/independence-elementary-school/42255"}