{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Laurel Dell Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":16.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6622390,"projectId":9985950,"letterContent":"I want to extend a massive thank you for supporting \"Binders and Mailboxes for 5th Graders Getting Ready for 6th!\" In the world of a 10- or 11-year-old, \"organization\" can often feel like a chore assigned by adults. But thanks to you, my students now see it as a superpower that is going to help them conquer the challenges of middle school next year.\r\n\r\nThe Big Reveal: \"It Feels Like an Office!\"\r\nWhen the boxes arrived and we finally assembled the new mailbox system, the reaction was immediate. One student walked over, touched his assigned slot, and said, \"It feels like a real office in here now!\" There is something about having a dedicated physical space for their work that makes students feel respected and \"grown-up.\"\r\n\r\nThe binders were an even bigger hit. Instead of the usual mismatched folders that end up crumpled at the bottom of backpacks, each student now has a sturdy, professional-looking binder. When I handed them out, the room was uncharacteristically quiet as they carefully slid their cover pages into the plastic sleeves. You could see the pride on their faces; they weren't just getting school supplies, they were getting the tools of a \"big kid.\"\r\n\r\nPutting the System to Work\r\nWe wasted no time putting these resources to use. We spent an entire afternoon during our \"Success Skills\" block setting up the internal tabs. We labeled sections for Math, ELA, Science, and Social Studies.\r\n\r\nThe specific \"aha!\" moment happened two days later. I asked the class to pull out a writing prompt from the previous week. Usually, this results in five minutes of desk-shuffling, frantic searching, and at least one \"I think I lost it\" excuse. This time? It took thirty seconds. One student looked at me, completely surprised, and said, \"I actually found it on the first try because it was behind the green tab!\" That small moment of efficiency builds so much confidence. It removes the anxiety of \"being messy\" and lets them focus on the actual learning.\r\n\r\nThe Next Steps: Simulated Middle School\r\nOur next big project is our \"Middle School Transition Simulation.\" Now that we have the mailbox system to handle the flow of handouts and the binders to store our multi-subject work, we are going to start practicing \"switching gears.\"\r\n\r\nIn the coming weeks, I'll be giving them assignments that require them to move between different sections of their binders quickly, mimicking a 6th-grade schedule where they won't have the luxury of a single desk to store everything. We'll also be using the mailboxes to practice \"end-of-day\" routines—checking their slots for important notices and homework, just like they will have to check lockers or digital portals next year.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, these students aren't just going to arrive at middle school; they are going to arrive prepared. You've given them the gift of a head start, and for a 5th grader staring down the hallway of a big new school, that confidence is everything.\r\n\r\nThank you for being part of our classroom community!","fullyFundedDate":1768004956124,"projectUrl":"project/binders-and-mailboxes-for-5th-graders-ge/9985950/","projectTitle":"Binders and Mailboxes for 5th Graders Getting Ready for 6th!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Theriault","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6622390"},{"teacherId":6622390,"projectId":9938391,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of every student in our virtual classroom, thank you. Your generosity turned a goal into a reality, and the impact of \"Social Emotional Learning with Mr. Nettell\" has been nothing short of transformative. In a digital learning environment, it can sometimes feel like there is a \"screen\" between a student's academic life and their emotional well-being. Your support tore that screen down.\r\n\r\nThe Inside Scoop: How It Went\r\nWhen the day finally arrived for Mr. Nettell to join our virtual session, there was an electricity in the air that you could feel even through the pixels. Mr. Nettell has this incredible ability to radiate warmth and energy through a webcam, and within the first five minutes, he had every student leaning into their screens, eyes wide and ready to engage.\r\n\r\nThe program didn't feel like a standard \"lecture\" on kindness; it was an active, high-energy laboratory for the human spirit. He began with what he calls \"Small Cooperative Challenges.\" These were quick, hands-on activities that required students to use items from around their homes to solve puzzles together in breakout rooms. Watching them navigate the logistics of a shared digital whiteboard while simultaneously trying to \"hand off\" ideas was like watching a mini-corporation find its footing. There was laughter, there was trial and error, and most importantly, there was a visible shift from \"me\" to \"we.\"\r\n\r\nThe Highlight of the Event\r\nIf I had to pinpoint one specific highlight, it was the \"Virtual Bridge\" challenge. Students were tasked with solving a complex problem that required one student to describe a visual pattern while others had to replicate it without seeing the original.\r\n\r\nIn the beginning, there was a bit of chaos—everyone was talking at once, and some students were getting frustrated. But then, I saw the magic happen. One of my students, who usually remains quiet and keeps her camera off, unmuted herself and said, \"Wait, let's try listening to one person at a time so we don't get confused.\" The group went silent, they listened, and they succeeded. The cheer that erupted when they finally saw they had completed the task correctly was a sound I won't soon forget. It wasn't just about the puzzle; it was the moment they realized that effective communication is a superpower.\r\n\r\nThe Lasting Impact: Beyond the \"One and Done\"\r\nWe often worry in education that special guests are \"one and done\" experiences—fun for an hour, but forgotten by lunch. I can confidently tell you that is not the case here. Mr. Nettell didn't just give them an event; he gave them a vocabulary.\r\n\r\nIn the weeks following the program, I have heard students using the specific strategies he taught. When a group project hits a snag, instead of shutting down, I hear them say, \"Let's use our problem-solving steps like Mr. Nettell showed us.\" They are practicing \"positive decision-making\" when they disagree, and I have seen a marked increase in the way they encourage one another in the chat box.\r\n\r\nThe lasting impact is most visible in their empathy. They are more aware of their peers' feelings and are quicker to offer a kind word. You haven't just funded a virtual visit; you have invested in the emotional infrastructure of these children's lives. They leave our sessions knowing they are capable, they are cared for, and they have the tools to build a better community, whether that community is online or in person.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of social-emotional learning. You have helped these students grow in confidence and kindness, and that is a gift that will stay with them long after they leave my classroom.\r\n\r\nWith deep gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1766130256809,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-growth-through-virtual/9938391/","projectTitle":"Social Emotional Growth Through Virtual Challenges","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Theriault","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6622390"},{"teacherId":6622390,"projectId":9938367,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of every student in our virtual classroom, thank you. Your generosity turned a goal into a reality, and the impact of \"Social Emotional Learning with Mr. Nettell\" has been nothing short of transformative. In a digital learning environment, it can sometimes feel like there is a \"screen\" between a student's academic life and their emotional well-being. Your support tore that screen down.\r\n\r\nThe Inside Scoop: How It Went\r\nWhen the day finally arrived for Mr. Nettell to join our virtual session, there was an electricity in the air that you could feel even through the pixels. Mr. Nettell has this incredible ability to radiate warmth and energy through a webcam, and within the first five minutes, he had every student leaning into their screens, eyes wide and ready to engage.\r\n\r\nThe program didn't feel like a standard \"lecture\" on kindness; it was an active, high-energy laboratory for the human spirit. He began with what he calls \"Small Cooperative Challenges.\" These were quick, hands-on activities that required students to use items from around their homes to solve puzzles together in breakout rooms. Watching them navigate the logistics of a shared digital whiteboard while simultaneously trying to \"hand off\" ideas was like watching a mini-corporation find its footing. There was laughter, there was trial and error, and most importantly, there was a visible shift from \"me\" to \"we.\"\r\n\r\nThe Highlight of the Event\r\nIf I had to pinpoint one specific highlight, it was the \"Virtual Bridge\" challenge. Students were tasked with solving a complex problem that required one student to describe a visual pattern while others had to replicate it without seeing the original.\r\n\r\nIn the beginning, there was a bit of chaos—everyone was talking at once, and some students were getting frustrated. But then, I saw the magic happen. One of my students, who usually remains quiet and keeps her camera off, unmuted herself and said, \"Wait, let's try listening to one person at a time so we don't get confused.\" The group went silent, they listened, and they succeeded. The cheer that erupted when they finally saw they had completed the task correctly was a sound I won't soon forget. It wasn't just about the puzzle; it was the moment they realized that effective communication is a superpower.\r\n\r\nThe Lasting Impact: Beyond the \"One and Done\"\r\nWe often worry in education that special guests are \"one and done\" experiences—fun for an hour, but forgotten by lunch. I can confidently tell you that is not the case here. Mr. Nettell didn't just give them an event; he gave them a vocabulary.\r\n\r\nIn the weeks following the program, I have heard students using the specific strategies he taught. When a group project hits a snag, instead of shutting down, I hear them say, \"Let's use our problem-solving steps like Mr. Nettell showed us.\" They are practicing \"positive decision-making\" when they disagree, and I have seen a marked increase in the way they encourage one another in the chat box.\r\n\r\nThe lasting impact is most visible in their empathy. They are more aware of their peers' feelings and are quicker to offer a kind word. You haven't just funded a virtual visit; you have invested in the emotional infrastructure of these children's lives. They leave our sessions knowing they are capable, they are cared for, and they have the tools to build a better community, whether that community is online or in person.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of social-emotional learning. You have helped these students grow in confidence and kindness, and that is a gift that will stay with them long after they leave my classroom.\r\n\r\nWith deep gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1764688461920,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-learning-with-mr-nette/9938367/","projectTitle":"Social Emotional Learning with Mr. Nettell","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Theriault","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6622390"},{"teacherId":5528660,"projectId":8949876,"letterContent":"The Reading Reward Store was a fun way for students to celebrate their effort. They helped brainstorm the items they wanted to see in the store, like bookmarks and stickers, and they used the points they earned from reading to choose small rewards. Opening the store once each trimester created a lot of excitement and gave students something to look forward to as they worked toward their reading goals.\r\n\r\nOverall, the project helped make reading feel more exciting and rewarding for everyone in the class. It motivated students who sometimes struggled to stick with a book, while also giving my enthusiastic readers another reason to keep reading. The store helped create a positive reading culture and kept students engaged in building their English literacy skills. 📚","fullyFundedDate":1732135143009,"projectUrl":"project/reading-rewards/8949876/","projectTitle":"Reading Rewards!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5528660_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1531518809345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5528660"},{"teacherId":5528660,"projectId":8976991,"letterContent":"The donated books have made a real difference in our classroom. The books help create a classroom culture where reading feels exciting rather than intimidating. Students enjoy choosing books that interest them, sharing stories with classmates, and feeling proud of their progress as readers. For many of our students, these books provide valuable exposure to English outside of structured lessons.\r\n\r\nOverall, the donation has helped turn our classroom library into a space where students can practice language skills while developing curiosity and a love of reading. It's a simple resource that makes a meaningful impact on their confidence and growth as English learners. 📚✨","fullyFundedDate":1733239686118,"projectUrl":"project/never-enough-books/8976991/","projectTitle":"Never Enough Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5528660_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1531518809345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5528660"},{"teacherId":660135,"projectId":10052358,"letterContent":"In second grade, engagement is everything. These materials haven't just taught my students about biology and geology; they've taught them to be curious observers of the world. For many of my students, this is their first time seeing a metamorphosis up close or owning a \"treasure\" like a quartz crystal. You haven't just provided supplies; you've provided a spark for lifelong learning.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart—and from 25 very excited seven and eight-year-olds—thank you for investing in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1770273704236,"projectUrl":"project/cracking-open-science-geodes-gardens/10052358/","projectTitle":"Cracking Open Science: Geodes, Gardens, and Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Green","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp660135_orig.png?crop=358,358,x140,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1598834241028","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mgreen"},{"teacherId":6622390,"projectId":9938427,"letterContent":"Thank You for Fueling Our Love of Reading!\r\n\r\nI cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity in providing our classroom with a fresh library of books! Because of you, titles like The Baby-Sitters Club, My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish, Lola Levine, and Geronimo Stilton are now in the hands of eager 5th graders. These books aren't just entertainment; they are vital tools for building literacy. For example, the Geronimo Stilton series uses unique typography and visual cues to help students navigate complex vocabulary, while Lola Levine and The Baby-Sitters Club provide rich opportunities for students to analyze character development, empathy, and social-emotional problem-solving.\r\n\r\nReading time in our classroom has been completely transformed. Before this project, many of my students struggled to find a book that \"clicked.\" Now, there is a visible buzz during our independent reading block. You'll see students huddled on our classroom rug, trade-marking their favorite pages, or excitedly recommending a hilarious scene from Zombie Goldfish to a friend. These books have turned our library into the most popular destination in the room, creating an environment where reading is a social, celebrated activity rather than a chore.\r\n\r\nThe impact is most visible in my reluctant readers. I have several students who previously felt intimidated by long chapters, but the fast-paced humor and engaging illustrations in these new series have given them the confidence to finish their first chapter books of the year. Seeing a student who used to avoid the bookshelf now asking if the next Lola Levine book has arrived yet is a direct result of your support. You haven't just given us books; you've given my students the gift of seeing themselves as capable, enthusiastic readers.","fullyFundedDate":1766620389557,"projectUrl":"project/leveled-books-to-engage-all-of-our-reade/9938427/","projectTitle":"Leveled Books to Engage ALL of Our Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Theriault","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6622390"},{"teacherId":6622390,"projectId":10002579,"letterContent":"Thank You for Fueling Our Love of Reading!\r\n\r\n\r\nI cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity in providing our classroom with a fresh library of books! Because of you, titles like The Baby-Sitters Club, My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish, Lola Levine, and Geronimo Stilton are now in the hands of eager 5th graders. These books aren't just entertainment; they are vital tools for building literacy. For example, the Geronimo Stilton series uses unique typography and visual cues to help students navigate complex vocabulary, while Lola Levine and The Baby-Sitters Club provide rich opportunities for students to analyze character development, empathy, and social-emotional problem-solving.\r\n\r\nReading time in our classroom has been completely transformed. Before this project, many of my students struggled to find a book that \"clicked.\" Now, there is a visible buzz during our independent reading block. You'll see students huddled on our classroom rug, trade-marking their favorite pages, or excitedly recommending a hilarious scene from Zombie Goldfish to a friend. These books have turned our library into the most popular destination in the room, creating an environment where reading is a social, celebrated activity rather than a chore.\r\n\r\nThe impact is most visible in my reluctant readers. I have several students who previously felt intimidated by long chapters, but the fast-paced humor and engaging illustrations in these new series have given them the confidence to finish their first chapter books of the year. Seeing a student who used to avoid the bookshelf now asking if the next Lola Levine book has arrived yet is a direct result of your support. You haven't just given us books; you've given my students the gift of seeing themselves as capable, enthusiastic readers.","fullyFundedDate":1768171223718,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-book-series-for-5th-graders/10002579/","projectTitle":"Engaging Book Series for 5th Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Theriault","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6622390"},{"teacherId":6622390,"projectId":9939038,"letterContent":"Thank You for Fueling Our Love of Reading!\r\n\r\n\r\nI cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity in providing our classroom with a fresh library of books! Because of you, titles like The Baby-Sitters Club, My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish, Lola Levine, and Geronimo Stilton are now in the hands of eager 5th graders. These books aren't just entertainment; they are vital tools for building literacy. For example, the Geronimo Stilton series uses unique typography and visual cues to help students navigate complex vocabulary, while Lola Levine and The Baby-Sitters Club provide rich opportunities for students to analyze character development, empathy, and social-emotional problem-solving.\r\n\r\nReading time in our classroom has been completely transformed. Before this project, many of my students struggled to find a book that \"clicked.\" Now, there is a visible buzz during our independent reading block. You'll see students huddled on our classroom rug, trade-marking their favorite pages, or excitedly recommending a hilarious scene from Zombie Goldfish to a friend. These books have turned our library into the most popular destination in the room, creating an environment where reading is a social, celebrated activity rather than a chore.\r\n\r\nThe impact is most visible in my reluctant readers. I have several students who previously felt intimidated by long chapters, but the fast-paced humor and engaging illustrations in these new series have given them the confidence to finish their first chapter books of the year. Seeing a student who used to avoid the bookshelf now asking if the next Lola Levine book has arrived yet is a direct result of your support. You haven't just given us books; you've given my students the gift of seeing themselves as capable, enthusiastic readers.","fullyFundedDate":1764735802586,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-books-for-every-level-reader/9939038/","projectTitle":"Engaging Books for Every Level Reader","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Theriault","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6622390"},{"teacherId":9522186,"projectId":9876615,"letterContent":"When the headphones arrived in our classroom, the excitement was immediate. While many of our students are familiar with using devices at home, the way we use technology at school is very different. In our classroom, it is a tool for learning, practicing skills, and building confidence.\r\n\r\nThe headphones paired with their school chromebooks allows students to work at their individual levels. In third grade, students come in with a wide range of abilities. Some are ready for more advanced challenges, while others are still strengthening foundational reading and math skills. The programs adjust to each student's needs and provide immediate feedback, which helps them understand mistakes and keep improving.\r\n\r\nWhat has been especially exciting for students is being able to track their own progress. They love seeing their growth and celebrating when they complete lessons or move up a level. It has made practice feel motivating rather than repetitive.\r\n\r\nI have noticed that some of my quieter students are more willing to take risks when working on the computer. They can try, make mistakes, and try again without feeling self-conscious. Students who sometimes struggle with focus are more engaged during technology time because of the interactive format. For my English learners, the visuals and audio supports make a big difference in helping them access the content.\r\n\r\nThis technology supports the work we are already doing in the classroom. It allows me to meet with small groups while other students stay engaged in meaningful practice. It also gives me helpful information about where students are growing and where they still need support.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible for our students. Your support is helping them build skills and confidence every day.","fullyFundedDate":1764686549481,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-learning-and-testing/9876615/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Learning and Testing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9522186"},{"teacherId":662437,"projectId":9345499,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom organization project. Your donation has made a meaningful difference in how our students learn and manage their work each day.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, each student now has a set of color-coded folders for every academic subject. These folders have helped students stay organized all year, quickly find their papers, and take greater ownership of their learning. Having a clear system in place has reduced lost work and allowed students to focus more on learning and less on managing materials.\r\n\r\nThe sheet protectors you provided have also been a powerful learning tool. We use them daily for interactive writing and math activities, allowing students to write, erase, and reuse materials as they practice new skills. This has made learning more engaging while also helping us be resourceful.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has supported independence, organization, and confidence in our classroom. We are truly grateful for your investment in our students and their success.","fullyFundedDate":1748251253332,"projectUrl":"project/organized-and-ready-to-learn/9345499/","projectTitle":"Organized and Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nunez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp662437_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565014954264","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nunez"},{"teacherId":662437,"projectId":9180145,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of school supplies to our first grade classroom. Now that we are well into the school year, we wanted to share how meaningful your support has been.\r\n\r\nSince the start of first grade, our students have been busy learning, growing, and building confidence every day. Supplies like whiteboard markers, pencils, scissors, and other essential materials have helped ensure that every child is ready to learn and fully participate in class activities. Because of your generosity, students are able to focus on learning rather than worrying about whether they have the tools they need.\r\n\r\nYour support also made it possible for us to send home a set of school supplies with each student. This has allowed students to continue practicing reading, writing, and math skills at home with their families, strengthening the connection between school and home learning.\r\n\r\nOverall, your donation has helped create an equitable and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. We are incredibly grateful for your kindness and investment in our students.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping our first graders continue their learning journey with confidence and excitement.","fullyFundedDate":1746712408713,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-first-grade/9180145/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, First Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nunez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp662437_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565014954264","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nunez"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4321","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":283,"numTeachers":8,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":90,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"35.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":84.0,"schoolId":4321,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Laurel Dell Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Laurel Dell Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/san-rafael-city-elementary-school-district/laurel-dell-elementary-school/4321"}