{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Jefferson Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":57.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9494055,"projectId":9270417,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of shirts and iron-on material for our classroom project. Your kindness made it possible for my students and I to not only design our very own class shirts, but to come together in a special way throughout the process.\r\nCreating these shirts became more than just an art project—it was a powerful learning experience. As we worked together on the design, my students learned valuable lessons in collaboration, compromise, and creativity. Some wanted to proudly display our school mascot, the jaguar, while others hoped for something that would make our class stand out. After lots of discussion, they decided on a unique and meaningful phrase for the front: \"I am the future of the world.\" On the back, they included a jaguar face—honoring both their individuality and school spirit. The compromise made them all proud.\r\nThis project also tied beautifully into our social studies lessons on citizenship and community. I often remind my students that they are the future leaders of our world—that they have the power to make a difference. These shirts now represent that belief.\r\nEven in math, we were able to incorporate this experience by thinking critically about size constraints, material limitations, and making smart design choices. It became a well-rounded, cross-curricular project that my students will remember for a long time.\r\nWe are all so excited to wear our shirts on our very first field trip and show off not just what we made—but what we stand for.\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you Ripple for supporting our classroom and helping bring this idea to life.","fullyFundedDate":1746786277437,"projectUrl":"project/threads-of-pride-customizing-school-spi/9270417/","projectTitle":"Threads of Pride: Customizing School Spirit!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coffin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9494055_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724465811269","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9494055"},{"teacherId":9804311,"projectId":8992781,"letterContent":"The students have had a lot of fun with these STEM toys! They are using a creative outlet and it's great to see the happiness in their own creations! The magnet balls and sticks have been a favorite. One student made a sphere, letters of the alphabet, and tried to line them up to make a perimeter around the room, but didn't have enough. \r\nThe magnetiles have been popular in designing castles, homes and cubes! \r\nI have yet to get a photo for the engineering wheels, but it is a great challenge for some! I love how they have to manipulate the items to make it work correctly.\r\nOf course they loved the fruit snacks at the same time!! \r\nWe truly appreciate your support and generosity! \r\n\r\nMrs. Rosas 2nd grade class","fullyFundedDate":1735427450326,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-and-stem/8992781/","projectTitle":"Snacks and STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rosas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9804311_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735777648869","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9804311"},{"teacherId":9494055,"projectId":8807041,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your incredible generosity in providing our classroom with farm toys, building blocks, dolls, and STEM toys. Your contribution has made a tremendous impact on my students, and I wanted to share just how much your kindness has meant to us.\r\n\r\nThese resources have sparked endless joy and creativity in our classroom. The farm toys have been a wonderful tool for imaginative play and storytelling, while the building blocks have turned every day into an adventure of problem-solving and construction. The dolls have encouraged empathy and collaboration, and the STEM toys have ignited a genuine excitement for learning and exploring the world of science, technology, engineering, and math.\r\n\r\nI've seen students light up with smiles as they build, create, and imagine new possibilities. These moments of discovery and happiness wouldn't have been possible without your support. You've truly helped create an environment where curiosity and creativity can thrive.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your kindness and thoughtfulness. You have made a lasting difference in the lives of my students, and for that, I am deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1731506549242,"projectUrl":"project/building-big-minds-how-toys-and-stem-sp/8807041/","projectTitle":"Building Big Minds: How Toys and STEM Spark First-Grade Brilliance","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coffin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9494055_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724465811269","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9494055"},{"teacherId":9708834,"projectId":8707362,"letterContent":"Using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) materials to engage first-grade students in play-based learning provides numerous benefits for their development. These materials encourage hands-on exploration, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. By manipulating objects, building structures, and experimenting with simple tools, students develop problem-solving skills and learn to approach challenges creatively. For instance, constructing with blocks or designing simple machines helps children grasp foundational math concepts like shapes, measurement, and spatial awareness.\r\n\r\nSTEM play also nurtures early scientific thinking. When children explore cause-and-effect relationships, like testing how materials balance or react, they develop inquiry skills and begin to observe, predict, and analyze outcomes. This active engagement strengthens cognitive abilities while promoting perseverance and resilience as they try, fail, and improve their creations.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, working together during STEM activities is crucial. Collaboration helps children learn to share ideas, listen to others, and communicate effectively. Through teamwork, they develop patience, cooperation, and conflict resolution skills, which are essential for social and emotional growth. Group problem-solving fosters a sense of accomplishment and teaches students the value of collective effort.\r\n\r\nSTEM activities also enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through assembling, sorting, or manipulating small objects. By combining teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking, STEM play builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful to the donors who make this type of learning possible. Your support provides the tools and opportunities for my students to explore, create, and grow, laying the foundation for their future success. Thank you for investing in their education and inspiring a love of learning through STEM.","fullyFundedDate":1726670987141,"projectUrl":"project/stem-is-play/8707362/","projectTitle":"STEM Is Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Winters","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9708834_orig.jpg?crop=1280,1280,x294,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724780280049","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9708834"},{"teacherId":9651850,"projectId":8942018,"letterContent":"Thank you to all the generous donors who made these new resources possible! Your contributions have had a big impact on our classroom, and we're excited to share how we're using them.\r\n\r\nHow We're Using the New Resources:\r\nThe wiggle chairs, flexible seating, and classroom organizers have transformed the way we learn. During our \"Hands-On Learning Stations\" project, students rotate between subjects like math, reading, and science. The wiggle chairs allow students who need to move to stay focused while working, and the flexible seating lets them choose where they're most comfortable—whether that's at a desk, on a cushion, or at a standing desk. This freedom helps students stay engaged and feel more in control of their learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe classroom organizers have been essential for keeping everything tidy and accessible. With many different stations and activities, it's easy to lose track of materials, but the organizers for games and mailboxes help us stay on top of things. Students can quickly grab what they need and return assignments or notes, reducing distractions.\r\n\r\nThe everyday materials—like glue, dry erase markers, and paper—are also in constant use. For example, when students worked on a group project designing new products, they used glue and markers for prototypes, and dry erase markers helped them collaborate on ideas at the whiteboard.\r\n\r\nStudent Reactions:\r\nWhen students first saw the new materials, they were thrilled! The wiggle chairs and flexible seating were the biggest hits. Students who often struggle with sitting still were excited to move while learning. The games added an element of fun, and many students were eager to incorporate them into lessons. The mailboxes also became a daily part of our routine, with students excited to receive feedback or notes from peers.\r\n\r\nThe organizers and everyday materials like dry erase markers and glue were equally appreciated, as they helped the students stay organized and make the most of their time in the classroom.\r\n\r\nNext Steps for Current Projects:\r\nLooking ahead, we're planning a **classroom pet**—likely a guinea pig! This project will tie into science lessons about biology and animal care. Students are already researching guinea pig needs and how to create a safe, comfortable habitat for them. The new resources will play a big role in this project:\r\n\r\n1. Designing a habitat: Students will use materials from our classroom to create a space for the guinea pig, learning about animal needs along the way.\r\n2. Creating informational posters: We'll use the dry erase markers to brainstorm ideas and then create posters about guinea pigs, exploring their diet, behavior, and habitat.\r\n3. Assigning responsibilities: Students will take turns caring for the guinea pig, learning teamwork and accountability.\r\n\r\nStudents can earn \"pet care privileges\" or extra time with the guinea pig by staying on top of their responsibilities and contributing to the project.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, these resources have already made a huge difference in our classroom, and we're excited to see how they'll continue to enhance our learning. Thank you again for your generosity—it's helping to create an engaging and organized environment where students are motivated to learn, collaborate, and take ownership of their projects. We can't wait to continue this journey with the guinea pig project once that is funded!","fullyFundedDate":1732719000436,"projectUrl":"project/a-classroom-of-comfortability-and-creati/8942018/","projectTitle":"A Classroom of Comfortability and Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lamb","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9651850_orig.jpg?crop=2102,2102,x0,y161&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731607593171","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9651850"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_79069","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":463,"numTeachers":33,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":16,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":72,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"14.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":42.9,"schoolId":79069,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Jefferson Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Jefferson Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nebraska/omaha-public-schools/jefferson-elementary-school/79069"}