{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"John C Vanderburg Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":9.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4132998,"projectId":9705919,"letterContent":"We're all \"GOOD, GOOD, GOOD, VIBRATIONS\" in the music classroom! The students are loving to play our new instruments! We were able to talk about the size and source about the instruments and relate the sound we hear with the size of the drums. Getting to see the visual, hear the drum, and then get to hold the drum and play it for themselves really is helping to hit all 3 types of learning modes (aural, visual and kinesthetic). This hands-on way of learning science and in particular studying vibration and sound is very motivating for our young students! \r\n\r\nThe students were in awe when they saw our new buffalo drums! They loved that it looked different than any of the other drums that they have played. These drums had more detail and student could hold it by the ropes and hit it with a mallet. They were so excited when they got to play them! We added it into our rotation so that everyone had a chance to play them all. \r\n\r\nThe students will continue to play them from 1st grade into 5th grade years. The older students can still review the concept of size and source of sound, but they will also appreciate the resonate sound that these buffalo drums add to their music. These are very nice drums and will sound nice in a lot of our instrument arrangements. The younger students will continue to play these drums in several percussion songs to help them focus on their musicality and keeping the beat. These drums will be used by the whole school throughout the year and will be very motivating! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP AND DONATIONS. Your generosity has enriched our student's learning!","fullyFundedDate":1758320143107,"projectUrl":"project/good-good-good-vibrations/9705919/","projectTitle":"Good, Good, Good Vibrations!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rivera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4132998"},{"teacherId":1442251,"projectId":9504967,"letterContent":"Every year the kids who participate in the Battle of the Books competition are happy to have copies to borrow. The competition is fierce and sometimes some families just can't get a hold of a copy. Our school uses the copies to prepare for the competition, during the competition, and years after the competition. \r\nAfter the competition, the kids who did not participate are still able to read the exciting stories from some amazing authors. The buzz from the students who participated spreads like wildfire about their favorites.","fullyFundedDate":1755692581462,"projectUrl":"project/readers-ready-for-battleof-the-books/9504967/","projectTitle":"Readers: Ready for Battle...of the Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vernaci","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1442251_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y423&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1600554466210","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-vernaci"},{"teacherId":1442251,"projectId":9510351,"letterContent":"The students are THRILLED with the new selection of books from this project. There was a little something for each of the grade levels from picture books to big kid chapter books. Students were introduced to some new authors while others were able to read more books from their favorite series. \r\nBeing able to bring a new selection into the library is one of my greatest joys. Having students smile and excited to check out new books is another! These books will go a long way for many years to come. I truly thank you for helping me to create lifelong readers.","fullyFundedDate":1755706132407,"projectUrl":"project/today-a-reader-tomorrow-a-leader/9510351/","projectTitle":"Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vernaci","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1442251_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y423&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1600554466210","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-vernaci"},{"teacherId":2666701,"projectId":9747930,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my Donors Choose project. These materials will go directly to students to award them for their effort, participation and competition in our class's Battle of the Books. At the end of the year, students will compete in this reading battle by reading 5 novels and going head to head in a Jeopardy style game.\r\n\r\nAll students will be awarded these awesome Reading certificates and amazing medals to commemorate their participation and success. I am so excited for the end of the year to pass them out, and I could not have done it without your help! Thank you!!","fullyFundedDate":1758812422658,"projectUrl":"project/battle-of-the-books-awards/9747930/","projectTitle":"Battle of the Books Awards!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tschan 3rdGrade@Vanderburg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2666701_orig.jpg?crop=1948,1948,x956,y606&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666557350791","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/vanderburg3rdgrade"},{"teacherId":2666701,"projectId":9624626,"letterContent":"Our students are so excited to be reading the books you provided for them on this Donors Choose project. They have already completed the first book, Odder. This adorable prose style novel is a story about a curious little otter and her adventures in the wide open ocean. They are now engaged in the second book, A Rover's Story. All five novels will be read this year and will provide my students with engaging and challenging reading experiences to help them grow and develop as readers. \r\n\r\nThe main goal in mind with these books is for the students to gear up for the \"battle\" of Battle of the Books by reading all the books on our list to ultimately compete against one another in a Jeopardy style competition at the end of the year. They are reading for enjoyment, while also reading with a purpose of asking and answering detailed questions about each one of the 5 books. My students are loving their experience with reading these amazing novels. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1755704624094,"projectUrl":"project/let-the-battle-begin/9624626/","projectTitle":"Let the Battle Begin!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tschan 3rdGrade@Vanderburg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2666701_orig.jpg?crop=1948,1948,x956,y606&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666557350791","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/vanderburg3rdgrade"},{"teacherId":3090978,"projectId":8989062,"letterContent":"The technology is significantly enhancing how our students learn by offering them a hands-on, interactive experience that deepens their understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through programming robots, students apply computational thinking to solve problems, test algorithms, and experiment with real-world technology. This approach encourages them to think critically and develop practical skills that go beyond traditional textbook learning. Instead of simply memorizing concepts, students are engaging with technology in a way that allows them to experiment, make mistakes, and experience the satisfaction of solving complex problems. The most exciting part for students is the ability to directly control and program the robots. Watching their code come to life and solve tasks gives them a tangible sense of accomplishment, and working collaboratively in teams further enhances the experience. For many students, the idea of making a robot perform specific tasks brings the abstract world of coding to life, sparking creativity and innovation.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, some students who may have struggled with traditional learning methods are thriving with this technology. The hands-on nature of the project appeals to those who learn best through active engagement, and it's especially beneficial for students with strong problem-solving skills or those who enjoy creative challenges. Students who might not have previously considered themselves \"tech-savvy\" are gaining confidence as they see their ideas come to fruition. The project also highlights leadership potential in students, as many take on leadership roles within their teams, organizing tasks and guiding peers through the programming process. Overall, this project is not just building technical skills; it's helping all students, especially those who thrive in collaborative, interactive environments, to build confidence, improve problem-solving abilities, and ignite a passion for technology and innovation.","fullyFundedDate":1741035674210,"projectUrl":"project/lead-code-robotics-for-future-innovat/8989062/","projectTitle":"Lead & Code: Robotics for Future Innovators","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moncrief","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/moncrief"},{"teacherId":9995961,"projectId":9250466,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting our classroom project! As a new special education teacher serving students in grades 3–5 with specific learning disabilities, I can't express how much your generosity means—not just to me, but especially to my students.\r\n\r\nWhen I told them that people they've never met believed in them enough to invest in our classroom, their reaction was priceless. Many of my students are not used to others going the extra mile for them, and this experience truly made them feel seen, valued, and important. One student said, \"They don't even know us, and they still wanted to help?\" It was a moment of genuine awe and gratitude that will stick with me for a long time.\r\n\r\nAlthough the materials were just recently delivered and we're still getting them set up, the impact is already being felt. Thanks to your support, we're on our way to having a more organized, welcoming, and safe learning environment—a space where students can feel calm, focused, and ready to learn. There may not be a fancy project or lesson just yet, but your contribution has laid the foundation for something far more important: a classroom where every student feels like they matter.","fullyFundedDate":1746785991126,"projectUrl":"project/new-special-education-teacher/9250466/","projectTitle":"New Special Education Teacher","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pellegrini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9995961_orig.png?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744233776411","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9995961"},{"teacherId":3090978,"projectId":8989478,"letterContent":"Investing in new Garmin handheld GPS navigators for your GATE students will greatly enhance their geocaching experience by providing increased accuracy, reliability, and hands-on learning opportunities. These devices offer precise location tracking, which helps students navigate efficiently and reduces the frustration that can come with less reliable smartphone apps. Through geocaching, students can deepen their understanding of geography, mathematics, and technology by working with real-world tools used in fields such as environmental science and navigation. The advanced features of Garmin devices, such as waypoint marking and route planning, encourage critical thinking and spatial reasoning, making geocaching an engaging way to reinforce STEM concepts.\r\n\r\n Beyond academics, Garmin GPS units can increase student motivation and collaboration by making geocaching feel more like an adventure. The durability and long battery life of these devices make them ideal for outdoor exploration, ensuring uninterrupted learning in various environments. Students will develop valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and leadership while enjoying the benefits of outdoor activity and experiential learning. Additionally, features like offline maps and data tracking allow students to analyze their performance and improve their navigation strategies over time, fostering both reflection and growth.","fullyFundedDate":1736984984490,"projectUrl":"project/geocaching-part-2/8989478/","projectTitle":"Geocaching part 2","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moncrief","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/moncrief"},{"teacherId":3090978,"projectId":8944701,"letterContent":"Investing in new Garmin handheld GPS navigators for your GATE students will greatly enhance their geocaching experience by providing increased accuracy, reliability, and hands-on learning opportunities. These devices offer precise location tracking, which helps students navigate efficiently and reduces the frustration that can come with less reliable smartphone apps. Through geocaching, students can deepen their understanding of geography, mathematics, and technology by working with real-world tools used in fields such as environmental science and navigation. The advanced features of Garmin devices, such as waypoint marking and route planning, encourage critical thinking and spatial reasoning, making geocaching an engaging way to reinforce STEM concepts.\r\n\r\n Beyond academics, Garmin GPS units can increase student motivation and collaboration by making geocaching feel more like an adventure. The durability and long battery life of these devices make them ideal for outdoor exploration, ensuring uninterrupted learning in various environments. Students will develop valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and leadership while enjoying the benefits of outdoor activity and experiential learning. Additionally, features like offline maps and data tracking allow students to analyze their performance and improve their navigation strategies over time, fostering both reflection and growth.","fullyFundedDate":1733248415030,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-geocaching/8944701/","projectTitle":"Let's Get Geocaching","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moncrief","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/moncrief"},{"teacherId":3090978,"projectId":8927170,"letterContent":"My students and I will be using the new CoDrone EDU drones to explore coding, engineering, and problem-solving in an exciting and interactive way. One of the upcoming projects will involve a drone obstacle course challenge, where students will program their drones to navigate through a series of waypoints, hoops, and landing zones. They will apply their coding skills using block-based and Python programming to control the drones' flight paths, adjust speed, and perform aerial maneuvers. This project will allow students to see immediate results from their coding efforts, reinforcing key STEM concepts such as algorithms, sequencing, and debugging in a hands-on, engaging manner. The thrill of watching their drones successfully complete the course will be a testament to their hard work and growing confidence in programming.\r\n\r\n When my students first saw the CoDrone EDU kits, their reactions were filled with excitement and curiosity. They are eager to start learning how to code and maneuver the drones. \r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps will include incorporating the drones into a cross-curricular project that blends physics and mathematics with programming. Students will be challenged to write code that accounts for variables such as altitude, speed, and distance to complete specific missions, such as delivering a payload or simulating search-and-rescue operations. Additionally, we will host a drone showcase event where students can demonstrate their coding skills and creativity to parents and peers. Thanks to our generous donors, these drones will open up new pathways for students to develop critical 21st-century skills and ignite a passion for STEM learning.","fullyFundedDate":1731512141980,"projectUrl":"project/stem-using-drones/8927170/","projectTitle":"Stem Using Drones","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moncrief","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/moncrief"},{"teacherId":1442251,"projectId":8773160,"letterContent":"Our students, teachers, and staff are grateful and excited for these new books. Our collection is always evolving as are our ever-growing readers. These books are supporting our youngest kindergarten readers all the way up to our more experienced readers in the 5th grade. New books, new authors, real people, and the fictional characters that are in these books, are just what we needed. The smiles on their faces when I told them that they are the first person to check out this new book, is priceless. \r\nI am so appreciative of your ongoing support with helping to update our collection with new books. There is nothing more rewarding than helping students find their next favorite book. Thank you for being our biggest cheerleaders and models for valuing books and reading.","fullyFundedDate":1727882295178,"projectUrl":"project/40-books-you-didnt-know-we-needed/8773160/","projectTitle":"40 Books You Didn't Know We Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vernaci","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1442251_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y423&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1600554466210","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-vernaci"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_63821","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":542,"numTeachers":50,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":46,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":90.8,"schoolId":63821,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about John C Vanderburg Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"John C Vanderburg Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/clark-county-school-district/john-c-vanderburg-elementary-school/63821"}