{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Crec Academy of International Studies","outOfStateSupporters":38.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9456543,"projectId":10185838,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of preschool art supplies! We truly appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness in providing our students with materials that encourage creativity, imagination, and self-expression. Your donation has made a wonderful difference in our classroom and has given our little learners so many exciting opportunities to explore, create, and learn through art.\r\n\r\nWe have been having so much fun finding creative ways to use the supplies in our daily activities. The colorful pom-poms have been especially exciting for our preschoolers! We have used them as pretend apples while playing and making imaginative apple pies. The children love scooping, sorting, and adding the pom-pom \"apples\" to their pretend recipes. We have also incorporated them into our sensory bins, where the children can explore different colors, practice fine motor skills, and use their imaginations during hands-on play. It is amazing to see how something as simple as a pom-pom can inspire so much creativity and joyful learning!\r\n\r\nThe paintbrushes have also been put to wonderful use in our classroom. During our self-portrait activity, the children used multicultural paint colors to paint pictures of themselves. This activity gave each student an opportunity to explore their own unique features and express themselves through art. As they painted, we talked about how everyone is special and beautiful in their own way. The children enjoyed choosing colors and creating portraits that represented who they are. These experiences help us celebrate diversity, encourage self-confidence, and build a sense of belonging in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nWe have also loved using the paint sticks during our \"Who We Are\" unit. The children used them to draw their faces and create self-portraits that reflect what makes each of them unique. They carefully explored their own features, including their hair, eyes, and skin tones, as they worked to make their drawings look like themselves. It was wonderful to watch their excitement as they created artwork that represented their individual identities. Activities like these help our preschoolers develop fine motor skills, practice making choices, and learn to appreciate both their similarities and their differences.\r\n\r\nThank you again for thinking of our classroom and supporting our young learners. We are so grateful for your generosity and for helping us create an environment where children can explore, imagine, and express themselves freely. Your donation brings smiles, excitement, and countless opportunities for creativity into our classroom everyday.","fullyFundedDate":1780935251198,"projectUrl":"project/paint-perfection/10185838/","projectTitle":"Paint Perfection","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tischofer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9456543_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x81,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707016189095","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9456543"},{"teacherId":8926678,"projectId":10219049,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project \"Library Center Restock\" The materials received through this project will allow students to have access to much needed materials for several projects throughout the year. I am so excited to have a new stock of pipe cleaners, card stock, and glue sticks! I am even more excited for the variety of origami paper that will allow us to learn new skills together as we research and then make some of our own origami projects. We also received a new Lego creation book which I have added in to circulation allowing students to bring this resource home and continue innovating. Thank you so much for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1786542162829,"projectUrl":"project/library-center-restock/10219049/","projectTitle":"Library Center Restock","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aborn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8926678"},{"teacherId":675658,"projectId":10333558,"letterContent":"Our students have been so excited to explore and use the new resources in our classroom! The stampers with different facial expressions have been especially meaningful as we continue helping our preschoolers identify, express, and talk about their feelings. The new scissors, glue sticks, colorful paints, glitter cutters, colorful stamp pads, and—of course—their favorite paint pens have given our students so many opportunities to create, experiment, and express themselves through art.\r\n\r\nRight now, we are using many of these materials to create a fun and slightly spooky, ghostly-themed project. The students were immediately excited when they saw all of the new materials and couldn't wait to get started. Their creativity has really come to life as they make choices about colors, textures, designs, and the different tools they want to use. It has been wonderful to watch them work independently while also sharing materials, helping one another, and proudly talking about their creations.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue adding details to our ghostly project and give each child the opportunity to share their finished work with their classmates. These new materials have made our classroom art experiences even more engaging and hands-on. We are so grateful to our donors for helping provide our preschoolers with materials that encourage creativity, fine-motor development, self-expression, and joyful learning!","fullyFundedDate":1781303139049,"projectUrl":"project/art-adventures-for-preschool-learners/10333558/","projectTitle":"Art Adventures for Preschool Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. SIMKO","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrssimko"},{"teacherId":4666976,"projectId":10153496,"letterContent":"My students have been absolutely loving our new classroom materials! The felt flannel board has opened up so many opportunities for storytelling, building language skills, using their imaginations, and bringing our favorite stories to life. The magnetic boards have also been a wonderful addition to our classroom, giving children hands-on opportunities to explore letters, numbers, and other learning concepts in a fun and interactive way.\r\n\r\nOur little artists are especially excited about the watercolor paints and new paintbrushes! These materials allow them to explore their creativity, experiment with colors, express themselves through art, and build fine motor skills as they create their own masterpieces. It has been wonderful to see their excitement, curiosity, and engagement as they explore these new resources.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for helping make these meaningful learning experiences possible for our students. Your generosity has helped us create a classroom filled with opportunities for creativity, exploration, and joyful learning. We are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1773751481109,"projectUrl":"project/inspiring-curious-minds-through-play-and/10153496/","projectTitle":"Inspiring Curious Minds Through Play and Inquiry","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Suarez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4666976_orig.jpg?crop=1216,1216,x0,y4&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759684467002","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4666976"},{"teacherId":4666976,"projectId":10289524,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for fully funding our project! The markers and glue were essential tools that helped my students complete meaningful art projects both at school and at home with their families. Watching them create together brought so much joy and connection to our classroom community.\r\n\r\nMy students especially loved the kinetic sand and the play dough cookie cutters. They used the cutters to create different animals, which inspired an exciting learning experience. Together, we researched the animals and then created Rousseau-inspired art projects with our families. Your generosity helped make learning creative, hands-on, and memorable for my preschoolers. Thank you for supporting our classroom and giving my students opportunities to learn through art, play, and family involvement!","fullyFundedDate":1778973052466,"projectUrl":"project/art-and-sensory-exploration-for-preschoo/10289524/","projectTitle":"Art and Sensory Exploration for Preschool Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Suarez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4666976_orig.jpg?crop=1216,1216,x0,y4&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759684467002","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4666976"},{"teacherId":8926678,"projectId":10059384,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for sponsoring out \"Beads & Bracelets\" project. We have had so much fun over the past few weeks using and creating with these materials.\r\nI introduced this as a community project for my 3-5th grade students. We worked over the course of two weeks creating bracelets that we would then share with community members at our spring book fair. Students drew from many of our I.B. learner profile traits, such as thinker, risk-taker, and caring, to create meaningful messages for the recipients. Other students drew inspiration from our school for their design using the school name, our mascot, or even our school logo.\r\nWhen our book fair arrived, students were excited to see their bracelets shared with members of our community and many community members were also impressed with the students' thoughtfulness and creativity.\r\nWe still have many beads left from this project and I am looking forward to using them in other inventive ways to build and share within our school and community. \r\nThank you to the Allstate Foundation for their support!","fullyFundedDate":1769783248399,"projectUrl":"project/beads-bracelets/10059384/","projectTitle":"Beads & Bracelets","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aborn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8926678"},{"teacherId":8926678,"projectId":10101714,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of our \"Library Refresh\" project. The students that come to the library have been asking for Goosebumps books. We have one tattered book available at the moment. I have covered the books from this project with sturdy plastic Kapco covers and they are ready to join our circulating collection. \r\nWe are also just after the mid-year mark and our marker collection is dwindling. We have MANY yellow markers left, but few other colors. The class pack of markers will refresh our stock and let us close out the year in full color!\r\nThank you, too, for the Clorox wipes that will not only help use keep our tables clean from our new markers, but also help us do our part to keep the germs at bay!\r\nThank you!","fullyFundedDate":1771603489565,"projectUrl":"project/library-refresh/10101714/","projectTitle":"Library Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aborn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8926678"},{"teacherId":10160672,"projectId":9608949,"letterContent":"I can't tell you how much I appreciate your donation. A snack may seem like a small thing, but for growing kids, it's everything! Every day, we have snack after recess, and because everyone has snack at the same time, it's a social thing as well as a need for their growing bodies and minds. Because of your generous donation, I was able to provide weeks of snacks to my students. \r\n\r\nIn addition, we try to clean more often this time of year, since we are frequently trapped inside for indoor recess through the winter. In addition to the snacks, the Clorox wipes have helped to clean up any messes that happen throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nMy students are always excited to hand out snack; it has become one of our earned privileges and they love to wipe down surfaces and compete to see who has the dirtiest wipe at the end of the day.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for generous donation to my classroom. You have helped to make my classroom a safe and clean place where my students are always well-fed!","fullyFundedDate":1764725833719,"projectUrl":"project/snack-time/9608949/","projectTitle":"Snack Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lukas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10160672_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763821006951","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10160672"},{"teacherId":5202170,"projectId":9285643,"letterContent":"My students and I were so excited to unpack all these supplies! Each morning, we spend the start of our day playing. One of their favorite things to do is use the Magna Tiles! We were all so happy to be able to add another set to our collection. They have also enjoyed using the tiny star building blocks that I got as a replacement item when the photo cases were unavailable. In addition to building, I have many kids who love arts and crafts. The construction paper, markers, etc. are all a big help with these types of projects. One of my favorite new additions is our new laminator. I am able to create hands on learning experiences that will last for things like literacy and math centers. The kids also love all the stickers. They know that when I have checked their work, they can go grab one on their own! Thank you again for your generosity. We appreciate it!","fullyFundedDate":1756175074301,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-refresh/9285643/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ruder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5202170_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525026253207","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5202170"},{"teacherId":9080127,"projectId":9648882,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a place of creativity, collaboration, and wonder — inspired by the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The collection of figures, books, wall art, and plush characters has not only brightened our space but has also ignited a wave of excitement for learning and storytelling among my students.\r\n\r\nEach week, the Avatar materials help us explore themes of balance, friendship, and courage in both playful and meaningful ways. The action figures of Aang, Zuko, and other beloved characters have become powerful tools for social–emotional learning. Students use them to act out challenges, resolve conflicts, and practice empathy by imagining how different characters would respond to obstacles.\r\n\r\nThe wall decals and posters bring the classroom to life, creating an immersive environment that sparks curiosity and comfort. Many students have told me that stepping into the room feels like \"entering another world\" — one where learning and imagination are deeply connected.\r\n\r\nThe books, from Heart of a Hero to the Little Golden Book stories, have become favorites during reading time. They offer accessible lessons about perseverance, redemption, and kindness — messages that deeply resonate with our elementary students. Even reluctant readers are excited to pick up a story when it features a character they recognize and love.\r\n\r\nOur Momo and Appa toys have become beloved companions during Fun Fridays and our after-school club. They often serve as \"classroom mascots,\" encouraging teamwork during storytelling games and cooperative play. The sticker sets have become a simple but joyful way to celebrate effort, progress, and creativity — students proudly decorate journals, folders, and even game cards with their favorite characters.\r\n\r\nThese materials have turned our classroom into a true community space — one that celebrates imagination, emotional growth, and kindness. Every day, I see my students embody the lessons of Avatar: learning to find balance, to see strength in compassion, and to work together toward harmony.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping make that possible. Your generosity didn't just fill a classroom with supplies — it filled it with inspiration.","fullyFundedDate":1757683112024,"projectUrl":"project/airbending-and-education/9648882/","projectTitle":"Airbending and Education","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Beck","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9080127_orig.jpg?crop=1788,1788,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687369666970","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9080127"},{"teacherId":9080127,"projectId":9289618,"letterContent":"It is with great gratitude and appreciation that I submit this impact letter to you for your kindness and willingness to give, toward our in school and after school gaming. \r\nHaving access to RPGs and materials has empowered my students to have positive attitudes towards diversity and tolerance, and that it is okay for others to be different from what they are used to . Role playing games exemplify this, an example is that none of my students are playing the same race, and none are playing a human at all. Role playing games also promote collaboration, for at their heart, they are a collective storytelling session. The students, besides learning teamwork and collaboration, are unwittingly improving their literacy and math skills as well.\r\nAgain, thank you for your donation. My student's faces lit up when the supplies arrived! Your donations will not only touch my current students but hopefully many more in the years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1750039756548,"projectUrl":"project/dungeons-and-dragons-in-the-classroom/9289618/","projectTitle":"Dungeons and Dragons in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Beck","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9080127_orig.jpg?crop=1788,1788,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687369666970","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9080127"},{"teacherId":9080127,"projectId":9091078,"letterContent":"It is with great gratitude and appreciation that I submit this impact letter to you for your kindness and willingness to give, toward our in school and after school gaming. \r\nHaving access to RPGs and materials has empowered my students to have positive attitudes towards diversity and tolerance, and that it is okay for others to be different from what they are used to . Role playing games exemplify this, an example is that none of my students are playing the same race, and none are playing a human at all. Role playing games also promote collaboration, for at their heart, they are a collective storytelling session. The students, besides learning teamwork and collaboration, are unwittingly improving their literacy and math skills as well.\r\nAgain, thank you for your donation. My student's faces lit up when the supplies arrived! Your donations will not only touch my current students but hopefully many more in the years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1748608451972,"projectUrl":"project/role-playing-games-in-the-classroom/9091078/","projectTitle":"Role-Playing Games in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Beck","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9080127_orig.jpg?crop=1788,1788,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687369666970","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9080127"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_97073","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":491,"numTeachers":33,"percentFrplEligible":61,"percentAsian":10,"percentBlack":36,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":40,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":6,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.4,"schoolId":97073,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Crec Academy of International Studies on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Crec Academy of International Studies","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/-county-run-/int-l-school-global-citizenship/97073"}