{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"John W Thimmig Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9222504,"projectId":9560521,"letterContent":"We wanted to just take the time to thank you for your kind donations! You helped bring calming tools for my students who sometimes need a break and need something that helps them be calm. \r\n\r\nWithout this donation, we wouldn't have all the tools they use with calming strategies. \r\n\r\nThe Schoen Foundation not only helped the students that I work with, but also students from the general education classrooms when they may have needed a break and needed some kind of fidget or calming tool. \r\n\r\nWe greatly appreciate you and your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1754848471361,"projectUrl":"project/calming-tools/9560521/","projectTitle":"Calming Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Solano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9222504"},{"teacherId":7064558,"projectId":9645258,"letterContent":"Thank you for your help! My students have really enjoyed these sensory materials. I have a few students who have really benefitted from the oral motor chew. This gives them some good oral sensory input that I like to use strategically when either they are really seeking that or we are doing an activity involving materials that aren't suitable for chewing.\r\nThe balance board is really enjoyed by almost everyone (even adults in my classroom like to stand on it sometimes). I was able to use the light board for a variety of activities including making patterns. It's a great way to get some of my students to focus their attention on an activity that I want them to do and I love that it is really transportable. Thanks again for helping my class!","fullyFundedDate":1756285389321,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-materials/9645258/","projectTitle":"Sensory Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dempsey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7064558_orig.jpg?crop=1282,1282,x0,y158&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693924803519","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7064558"},{"teacherId":7512983,"projectId":9574988,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity! They love it when we have indoor recess and can be creative with the Legos and Play-doh. They are generally curious and when I received the materials they couldn't wait until they could use them. The erasers sit on their desks and they named them as well. \r\n\r\nCreative time is far and few in elementary schools, but with the materials I received they can be learning while being creative! Their mind maps (which details their learning) are much more appealing when they use a variety of colors! \r\n\r\nThank you so much.","fullyFundedDate":1755011797168,"projectUrl":"project/make-school-interesting-again/9574988/","projectTitle":"Make School Interesting Again!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rakowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7512983_orig.jpg?crop=676,676,x0,y2&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754936833943","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7512983"},{"teacherId":9280140,"projectId":9538397,"letterContent":"In our classroom, the students have used some of the materials donated to us everyday! We have small groups using our stools for ELA and for math and it is so nice for students to have a seat when being pulled. They also usually bring their whiteboards they have to do tasks and use their erasers that have been donated. We have been practicing writing the main idea and three key details about a text specifically using some of the materials. Another thing we have done is used the dry erase pockets for math by dividing up fractions using an \"egg carton.\" \r\n\tStudents reacted so thankful upon receiving the materials. They thought it was so cool to have their own mini erasers to carry to small groups and keep. They also enjoy having a stool separate from their regular chairs to sit at during small groups. We have also used our vocab chart to review and keep math terms up depending on the Unit we are in. This pocket chart is also close to our small group table. Our pocket charts stay at our table as well but sometimes we use them for whole group lessons too, especially in math! \r\n\tMy next steps are to use the dry erase pocket charts for much more fluency and vocabulary practice with some struggling learners. I also want to add visuals to the vocabulary chart with some ELA terms that are important to upcoming assessments for CLD learners. I would love to keep evolving and finding other ways to use the resources we have graciously received.","fullyFundedDate":1754572716084,"projectUrl":"project/small-group-success/9538397/","projectTitle":"Small Group Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9280140"},{"teacherId":4761659,"projectId":9580293,"letterContent":"My students and I are extremely grateful for your generous donation. It has made our time spent in the classroom more enjoyable and less disruptive. \r\n\r\nWith your donation of a wireless connection to my projector from my laptop, I am now able to move around the classroom with my computer, which enables me to give valuable, real-time feedback to students who are working on writing projects, slide presentations, and answering comprehension questions for our reading passage that day. Students are also enjoying the prizes I chose, which we use for a daily drawing based on a raffle ticket system. \r\n\r\nAgain, a sincere thank you for your attention to our project. It has helped shape a welcoming and productive classroom environment this year.","fullyFundedDate":1755173594218,"projectUrl":"project/a-bright-year-ahead/9580293/","projectTitle":"A Bright Year Ahead","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Loftis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4761659_orig.jpg?crop=1612,1612,x940,y927&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693523581814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4761659"},{"teacherId":7547251,"projectId":9596189,"letterContent":"When our new supplies arrived (data binders, crayons, and glue sticks) my students' faces lit up with excitement! They couldn't wait to open the boxes and start organizing their new materials. It was such a special moment to see how something as simple as fresh supplies could bring so much joy, pride, and energy into our classroom.\r\n\r\nNow that each student has their own data binder, we use them daily to set goals and track progress in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The crayons and glue sticks have been perfect for our heritage projects, where students create posters and visual displays to celebrate their cultures, languages, and family stories. These hands-on activities help students connect their learning to their identities while strengthening their English skills.\r\n\r\nThe next step for us is to continue building on these projects and adding reflections and artifacts to our data binders, completing creative heritage displays, and sharing presentations with classmates and families. Thanks to your generosity, my English Language Learners are not only more organized and engaged, but they're also celebrating who they are and where they come from every day.","fullyFundedDate":1755378000385,"projectUrl":"project/many-cultures-one-classroom-tools-for/9596189/","projectTitle":"Many Cultures, One Classroom: Tools for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hamilton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7547251"},{"teacherId":3955429,"projectId":9575816,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your generous donations. My learners have been able to use the items provided to improve their communication skills through small group work, vertical learning, and individual assignments. \r\n\r\nAlong with communication with others, they have also been able to use the materials to help themselves address their social emotional needs and reason through real-life scenarios to develop their confidence and ability to voice their feelings in a productive manner.\r\n\r\nI truly appreciate your contributions.","fullyFundedDate":1755635922695,"projectUrl":"project/communicate-and-show-your-thinking/9575816/","projectTitle":"Communicate and Show Your Thinking","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brueggemann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3955429"},{"teacherId":7064558,"projectId":8926311,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose! Because of you, our calm corner project is now a peaceful, welcoming space where my students can self-regulate and feel safe. The addition of the Lyrcia swing, bean bag chair, and calm down sensory kit—with its weighted lap bear and colorful, engaging posters—has transformed our room in ways that words can hardly express.\r\n\r\nMy students, who are in a significant support needs (SSN) program, have truly thrived with these new tools. The swing is a favorite among many of them—it provides a soothing, rhythmic movement that helps reduce anxiety and improve focus. The bean bag offers a cozy, comforting place for them to relax when emotions run high. The weighted lap bear has become a trusted friend for a few students who rely on that deep pressure input to stay calm and centered during challenging moments.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting developments since adding these materials is watching my students begin to advocate for themselves. Several of them are now working on requesting sensory breaks independently, using visuals and verbal communication to express their needs. This is a huge step forward in their ability to manage emotions and navigate the school day more successfully.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and support are making a real difference every single day. You've helped create a space where my students feel seen, heard, and supported—and that's a gift that goes far beyond the items themselves. Thank you for believing in the power of inclusive, student-centered classrooms.","fullyFundedDate":1737858008860,"projectUrl":"project/special-education-calm-corner/8926311/","projectTitle":"Special Education Calm Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dempsey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7064558_orig.jpg?crop=1282,1282,x0,y158&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693924803519","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7064558"},{"teacherId":9222504,"projectId":8573506,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations. You have given these kids a safe place to calm down when they are having a rough day. Sometimes we use the soft blocks to just build and take time to work together and build cooperatively. \r\n\r\nThe kids really love the calming chair and use the bubble timers to help them calm down and come back to group in a timely manner. We really appreciate you and everything you've done for us! \r\n\r\nThe books have also given us some strategies that help us calm down faster. Some of the kids just like looking at the pictures while sitting in the comfy chair. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1733231746621,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-calming-corner/8573506/","projectTitle":"Cozy Calming Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Solano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9222504"},{"teacherId":7064558,"projectId":8816457,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to this project! My class got some materials that we've needed since the beginning of the school year. These tools are now helping students access learning like participating in crafts, calculating equations in math groups, and typing independently. \r\nThe tools I featured in pictures were the keyboard and scissors. This keyboard is really fun and several students like it. It was as easy to start using and plugging into the USB port. The colors, large keys are large font are really engaging. I've had one student in particular who was able to use it to begin typing.com for the first time. They were so proud of themselves and had fun doing it. The scissors make it easy for students to use as they hold themselves open and are just the right size for little hands. ALL of my students use these and because they can be more independent they are proud of the work they do. \r\nMy classroom wouldn't function as well without help from donors like you. I appreciate you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1728412162565,"projectUrl":"project/fine-motor-adapted-tools/8816457/","projectTitle":"Fine Motor Adapted Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dempsey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7064558_orig.jpg?crop=1282,1282,x0,y158&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693924803519","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7064558"},{"teacherId":9631835,"projectId":8572292,"letterContent":"I want to start by saying my biggest thank you and express my utmost gratitude. As a first-year teacher, I know these tools have greatly contributed to creating a welcoming and open classroom environment. Most of the supplies from this project are used in my calm-down corner. The calm down corner within my classroom is space for children to use in whatever capacity helps them. Whether they are emotionally unstable, they are missing members of their family, or they need a quick reset. I set up the corner to allow all tools to be easily accessible. I notice that when my students use the calm down corner they come back reset and ready to learn. My frequent users have also improved their emotional regulation by reading the books I provide in the corner. With the bigger items like playdough or blocks, we use those in my room for free play. Free play has been amazing at helping my students learn to work together. My students struggled to work in groups at the beginning of the year. As well as understanding the idea that not everyone thinks like them. So improving their social skills through play has been great. \r\nI like to switch out the tools in my calm-down corner often to make sure it is engaging and proactive. Although I do not advertise when new sensory toys or books are in the calm-down corner, my students are always excited to see them. They love to explore these tools and find which one works best for them. They have also been great with helping my high-energy kids focus their brains in order to learn curriculum content. Items like the \"How do you feel\" poster from Spot It have been great in helping my students identify their emotions in an accessible manner. I remember when I put up those posters students were very interested in looking at the poster and not only identifying how they felt but also stating what emotion they liked the best. \r\nAs far as the next steps, I want to use the books from this project and integrate them into my school's social-emotional curriculum more. While the calm-down corner is amazing for individual social-emotional learning. I want to integrate the tools into more whole-group activities. That way my students can continue their learning together and grow as a community.","fullyFundedDate":1727462903633,"projectUrl":"project/calm-down-corner/8572292/","projectTitle":"Calm Down Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9631835"},{"teacherId":6494814,"projectId":8566646,"letterContent":"I want to thank you for helping supply my classroom with the technology to support student learning. However, based on school technology codes, I was unable to use the iPads that were purchased. But never fear, the support team at Donors Choose was able to help me choose other tools that successfully supported my students all year long. \r\n\r\nWith your support, we were able to purchase 20 sets of headphones, eight wiggle seats, and several fidget tools. These items were able to help students stay focused on learning while engaged in intensive learning activities each day.","fullyFundedDate":1723156529805,"projectUrl":"project/strengthening-learning-through-technolog/8566646/","projectTitle":"Strengthening Learning Through Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Conner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6494814_orig.jpg?crop=2138,2138,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693450634895","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6494814"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_72027","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":531,"numTeachers":35,"percentFrplEligible":54,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":34,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":57,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":81.1,"schoolId":72027,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about John W Thimmig Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"John W Thimmig Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/27j-schools/john-w-thimmig-k-6-school/72027"}