{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Inspiration Mountain School","outOfStateSupporters":13.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9794146,"projectId":10390688,"letterContent":"Our five new rolling carts have made a tremendous difference in how we organize and use our mallet instruments in the music classroom! With instruments like xylophones and metallophones, having a safe and accessible way to store and transport them is incredibly important. The carts allow us to keep our instruments organized, protected, and ready for students to use during lessons. Instead of spending valuable class time moving and setting up individual instruments, we can now transition much more efficiently into hands-on music-making activities.\r\n\r\nThese carts have also made it easier to incorporate mallet instruments into a wider variety of lessons. I can organize instruments by class or activity, move them into different areas of the room, and create more flexible setups for small-group work and ensemble performances. This means students spend less time waiting for materials and more time actually playing, practicing, and creating music. Having designated storage also helps students learn to take responsibility for classroom instruments and understand the importance of caring for shared musical resources.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, I look forward to using the carts to make larger ensemble activities and instrument rotations more manageable. They will help us maintain an organized classroom while making our mallet instruments more accessible throughout the school year. These may not be instruments themselves, but they make a huge difference in helping our students get the most out of the instruments we have!","fullyFundedDate":1786541766008,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-out-more-opportunities-for-music/10390688/","projectTitle":"Rolling Out More Opportunities for Music","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lysyczyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9794146_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x73,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728074625903","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lysyczyn"},{"teacherId":9794146,"projectId":10390675,"letterContent":"Our new percussion instruments have brought so many exciting possibilities to our music classroom! With guiros, bongos, claves, cabasas, and triangles, students now have the opportunity to explore a much wider variety of sounds and discover how different instruments can contribute to making music. Each instrument produces a unique sound, giving students the chance to experiment with different playing techniques, compare timbres, and learn how musicians use different sounds to create interesting musical arrangements.\r\n\r\nThese instruments are especially exciting for group activities because students can each take on a different musical role. We can divide into small percussion ensembles where students practice individual rhythmic patterns and learn how to keep their parts together as a group. Students are developing their sense of steady beat, rhythm, coordination, and listening skills while also learning the importance of playing together and paying attention to one another. They get to experience firsthand how even simple rhythmic patterns can come together to create a fun and engaging performance!\r\n\r\nI am looking forward to using these instruments for creative rhythm challenges, student-led compositions, and ensemble performances. Students will have opportunities to make their own musical choices, experiment with layering different sounds, and take ownership of their performances. Having a greater variety of percussion instruments allows me to offer more diverse musical experiences and helps students discover new ways to express their creativity through music.","fullyFundedDate":1786541743804,"projectUrl":"project/a-world-of-rhythm-in-every-hand/10390675/","projectTitle":"A World of Rhythm in Every Hand","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lysyczyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9794146_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x73,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728074625903","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lysyczyn"},{"teacherId":9794146,"projectId":10390664,"letterContent":"Our three new metallophones have added an exciting new dimension to our music classroom! Students now have the opportunity to explore a different family of pitched percussion instruments and discover how the materials an instrument is made from can change the sounds it produces. The bright, resonant tones of the metallophones give students a new way to experiment with musical expression, explore melodies, and develop their understanding of sound and timbre.\r\n\r\nThese instruments are especially valuable because they allow students to learn through exploration and discovery. Students can compare the sounds of different instruments, experiment with playing techniques, identify melodic patterns, and practice listening carefully to how notes sound together. With three additional sets of mallets, students have the supplies they need to participate more independently and spend more time actively making music. Having multiple instruments also creates opportunities for small-group activities where students can work together, share musical ideas, and build confidence as performers.\r\n\r\nI look forward to incorporating the metallophones into more creative composition projects and ensemble activities. Students will be able to experiment with combining different pitches and sounds, create their own musical ideas, and learn how individual parts contribute to a group performance. These new instruments give my students another way to express themselves creatively while building a deeper appreciation for the many sounds and possibilities of music!","fullyFundedDate":1786541768378,"projectUrl":"project/beautiful-sounds-brighter-futures/10390664/","projectTitle":"Beautiful Sounds, Brighter Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lysyczyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9794146_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x73,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728074625903","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lysyczyn"},{"teacherId":9794146,"projectId":10390659,"letterContent":"Our new xylophones and additional sets of mallets have brought even more opportunities for hands-on music-making to our classroom! My students love being able to explore pitched percussion instruments, and having three additional xylophones means more students can participate in playing melodies rather than simply observing or waiting for a turn. Students are learning how different notes work together to create melodies, exploring high and low pitches, and practicing musical patterns on their own instruments.\r\n\r\nThe extra mallets have been especially helpful because students can participate more comfortably and independently without having to share playing materials as frequently. This allows lessons to run more smoothly and gives students more time to focus on developing their musical skills. We use the xylophones to practice pitch recognition, melodic patterns, rhythm, and playing together as an ensemble. Students also have opportunities to experiment with different combinations of notes and discover how changing a few pitches can create an entirely different musical idea.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, I am excited to use these instruments for more small-group performances, melodic composition activities, and opportunities for students to play familiar classroom songs. These resources help bring music concepts to life and give students a chance to experience the excitement of creating music themselves. It is wonderful to see their confidence grow as they become more comfortable exploring instruments and sharing their musical ideas!","fullyFundedDate":1786541759959,"projectUrl":"project/every-key-unlocks-a-dream/10390659/","projectTitle":"Every Key Unlocks a Dream","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lysyczyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9794146_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x73,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728074625903","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lysyczyn"},{"teacherId":9794146,"projectId":10390651,"letterContent":"Having two additional tubano drums in our music classroom has given students even more ways to explore music through movement, sound, and creativity. Students love the opportunity to get their hands on an instrument and make music themselves, and these drums allow us to turn rhythm lessons into active, collaborative experiences. Rather than just clapping or listening to examples, students can practice rhythms directly on the drums and hear how individual parts come together to create a larger musical experience.\r\n\r\nWe use the tubanos to practice keeping a steady beat, recognizing and performing rhythmic patterns, and exploring different sounds and dynamics. Students also enjoy taking turns leading rhythms for their classmates to echo, which gives them opportunities to develop leadership skills and build confidence performing in front of others. Working together on percussion activities encourages students to listen carefully, stay focused, and support one another as part of an ensemble.\r\n\r\nAs we continue using these instruments, I look forward to introducing more student-led rhythm games, group performances, and creative percussion activities. Having additional drums means more students can participate meaningfully, and it helps make music accessible, exciting, and engaging for everyone in the classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1786541768900,"projectUrl":"project/rhythms-that-bring-us-together/10390651/","projectTitle":"Rhythms That Bring Us Together","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lysyczyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9794146_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x73,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728074625903","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lysyczyn"},{"teacherId":9794146,"projectId":10390649,"letterContent":"The addition of two more tubano drums has made a big difference in the way my students are able to participate in our music classroom. Percussion is one of the most exciting ways for students to experience music, and having more drums available allows us to get more students actively involved at the same time. Instead of taking turns as often, students have more opportunities to play, practice, and learn alongside their classmates.\r\n\r\nWe use the tubanos to explore steady beat, rhythmic patterns, dynamics, and improvisation. Students get to experiment with creating their own rhythms, responding to patterns played by their classmates, and working together to keep a group performance organized. These activities help students develop not only their musical understanding but also important listening, coordination, and collaboration skills.\r\n\r\nI am excited to continue building on these experiences by introducing more group percussion activities and opportunities for students to create their own rhythmic compositions. Having a larger collection of drums makes it easier to bring the entire class together as an ensemble and gives more students the chance to experience the excitement of making music together!","fullyFundedDate":1786541752907,"projectUrl":"project/feel-the-beat-share-the-joy/10390649/","projectTitle":"Feel the Beat, Share the Joy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lysyczyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9794146_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x73,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728074625903","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lysyczyn"},{"teacherId":9794146,"projectId":10390637,"letterContent":"My students have been so excited to have two new xylophones in our music classroom! These instruments have opened up even more opportunities for students to experience music hands-on and develop their skills as young musicians. Students are using the xylophones to explore melodies, practice identifying pitches, follow musical patterns, and connect what they learn about music theory to actually playing an instrument. Being able to see and hear the notes they are playing makes concepts like high and low pitches, melodic direction, and note patterns much more meaningful.\r\n\r\nHaving two additional xylophones also means more students can participate at once, giving them more time playing and less time waiting for a turn. Students can practice playing together, take turns creating melodies, and develop their listening and teamwork skills as they learn to coordinate with their classmates. It has been especially rewarding to see students become excited about experimenting with different notes and discovering that they can create their own music!\r\n\r\nMoving forward, I plan to incorporate the xylophones into more classroom activities involving melody, improvisation, and ensemble playing. Students will continue building their understanding of musical concepts while gaining confidence performing on pitched percussion instruments. These new resources have helped make our music classroom an even more engaging place to explore, create, and share music!","fullyFundedDate":1786541745144,"projectUrl":"project/two-xylophones-endless-possibilities/10390637/","projectTitle":"Two Xylophones, Endless Possibilities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lysyczyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9794146_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x73,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728074625903","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lysyczyn"},{"teacherId":9794146,"projectId":10390618,"letterContent":"My students have been so excited to have two new tubanos in our music classroom! We are using the drums during rhythm activities, ensemble playing, and opportunities for students to create and perform their own rhythmic patterns. Having additional instruments means more students can participate hands-on instead of waiting for a turn or watching their classmates. Students are learning to keep a steady beat, listen to one another, and work together to create music. As we continue exploring percussion, I look forward to giving students more opportunities to experiment with rhythms and build their confidence as young musicians.","fullyFundedDate":1786541768777,"projectUrl":"project/big-beats-bright-futures/10390618/","projectTitle":"Big Beats, Bright Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lysyczyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9794146_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x73,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728074625903","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lysyczyn"},{"teacherId":7549880,"projectId":10196441,"letterContent":"I am so excited to share that the incredible donations to fund my small group make-over project has exceeded my expectations. My students that are struggling with basic blending are reaping the benefits of the hands-on magnetic letters and blending cards. The set also came with color coded trays which helps keep materials mobile with fewer opportunities to lose pieces. These sets also benefit my grade level and advanced students because the blending opportunities range from basic CVC words to words with digraphs, blends , vowel teams, and all syllable types. As a teacher I can switch between different groups quickly and efficiently . I am so grateful for this gift. \r\nThe CD and cassette player has replaced the one that broke last year so now I am able to use all my books with cassettes and CD's at my listening station during small group work time. \r\nThank you so much for helping me upgrade and maintain my small group learning station time. \r\nMy students are so excited to use these materials everyday and I love how it is enhancing their learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1777958002127,"projectUrl":"project/small-group-make-over/10196441/","projectTitle":"Small Group Make-Over","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McCall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7549880"},{"teacherId":3363305,"projectId":9964575,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to helping fund this grant. We have received all of the books and the students love being able to read about events that happened in the past while still covering the ELA standards. Students are able to work in small groups to discuss the books as they are reading to better understand the content that they are reading. Students are also able to write about the events from their reading so show they knowledge of the content being read. \r\n\r\nStudents have already finished their first book and discussion. They are excited to be able to pick another book in the \"I Survived\" series to learn more about events from the past. These books have started getting students to enjoy reading more because they are reading the same books as others in their class and are able to discuss their learning with their groups. \r\n\r\nWithout your support of this project, we would not have the opportunity to expand our learning through these books and instead be using the textbook stories. It is always great to see students grow their love of learning through books that interest them.","fullyFundedDate":1766090045183,"projectUrl":"project/we-survived-another-great-book/9964575/","projectTitle":"We Survived ... Another Great Book!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Helmick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3363305_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647704075312","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3363305"},{"teacherId":10378859,"projectId":9951018,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose projects, Turning Strong Readers Into Exceptional Thinkers. \r\n\r\nThese resources are helping my students to move beyond simply \"getting through\" a text and instead allowing them to dig deeper. They are asking better questions, making stronger connections, and feeling confident tackling challenging material. I have already seen students become more engaged and enthusiastic about reading. They are collaborating more and approaching these challenging texts with curiosity rather than hesitation. \r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful that you chose to invest in my students. Your generosity is creating opportunities that will impact them far beyond this one project. Thank you for believing in their potential and helping us build something lasting.","fullyFundedDate":1767229889750,"projectUrl":"project/turning-strong-readers-into-exceptional/9951018/","projectTitle":"Turning Strong Readers into Exceptional Thinkers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kujan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10378859"},{"teacherId":8370669,"projectId":9911011,"letterContent":"Because of your support, my students have access to Honest History, a children's magazine that brings social studies to life in meaningful and engaging ways. This magazine has helped my class explore history through real stories, diverse perspectives, and age-appropriate discussions that encourage curiosity and critical thinking. Students are excited to read each issue, ask thoughtful questions, and connect past events to the world they see today.\r\n\r\nHonest History has become a valuable classroom resource during our social studies lessons, sparking rich conversations and helping students better understand complex topics like fairness, community, and change over time. Your generosity has made it possible for my students to learn history in a way that is inclusive, honest, and empowering. Thank you for investing in resources that help young learners grow into informed, compassionate citizens.","fullyFundedDate":1764679902918,"projectUrl":"project/history-they-can-hold-in-their-hands/9911011/","projectTitle":"History They Can Hold in Their Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tash","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8370669_orig.png?crop=350,350,x0,y36&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763672277857","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8370669"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_130380","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":784,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":12,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":71,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":14,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":7,"gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":86.5,"schoolId":130380,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Inspiration Mountain School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Inspiration Mountain School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/deer-valley-unified-school-district/inspiration-mountain-school/130380"}