{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Liberty Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":22.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2364940,"projectId":9961829,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of Boogie Boards to our classroom. This technology is helping students learn by giving them a simple, reusable space to write, draw, and think through their ideas. Students use Boogie Boards to practice math problems, plan designs, sketch diagrams, and test out solutions without worrying about making mistakes, which encourages risk-taking and perseverance.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting feature for students is the erase button. With just one press, their work disappears and they can start fresh right away. This makes learning feel fun, fast, and stress-free while keeping students engaged throughout lessons.\r\n\r\nStudents who are hesitant writers, perfectionists, and hands-on learners have especially warmed to this technology. These students feel more confident sharing their thinking, participating in discussions, and trying new strategies, making the Boogie Boards a valuable tool for all learners.","fullyFundedDate":1767150757880,"projectUrl":"project/boogie-boards-for-stem/9961829/","projectTitle":"Boogie Boards for STEM!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2364940_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753815324013","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/amoore1329"},{"teacherId":2364940,"projectId":9961801,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of portable microscopes to our classroom. This technology is helping students learn by allowing them to explore scientific concepts through direct observation and inquiry. Instead of only reading about structures, patterns, and life processes, students can closely examine real specimens, ask questions, and make discoveries on their own, which deepens understanding and builds critical thinking skills.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for students is being able to see details that are invisible to the naked eye. They are amazed when everyday objects suddenly look completely different under magnification, which sparks curiosity and meaningful scientific conversations.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who learn best through hands-on experiences have especially connected with this new technology. Visual learners and students who may struggle with traditional instruction are highly engaged, confident, and eager to share their observations, making science more accessible and exciting for everyone.","fullyFundedDate":1767150757859,"projectUrl":"project/microscopes-for-young-scientists/9961801/","projectTitle":"Microscopes for Young Scientists!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2364940_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753815324013","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/amoore1329"},{"teacherId":2364940,"projectId":9709210,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our coding library. These new books introduce students to essential skills such as computational thinking, problem-solving, sequencing, pattern recognition, and perseverance. Many of the texts also emphasize growth mindset and learning from mistakes, which are key lessons in both coding and life.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is interactive and purposeful. Students read independently, with partners, and in small groups, often connecting what they read to hands-on coding activities and discussions. The books help students make sense of abstract coding concepts in an engaging, age-appropriate way.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were hesitant readers are especially enjoying these books. Visual learners and hands-on thinkers are excited to see coding ideas presented through stories, diagrams, and real-world examples, boosting both their confidence and enthusiasm for reading and learning.","fullyFundedDate":1765747341240,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-library-for-future-coders/9709210/","projectTitle":"Building a Library for Future Coders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2364940_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753815324013","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/amoore1329"},{"teacherId":10095989,"projectId":9504552,"letterContent":"The much appreciated donation from The Loft arrived in our classroom in a large, rectangular, heavy box. Students were very curious to know what was in the box. Their voices filled the room with excitement and chatter of endless guessing. It became fun to entertain student speculations and encourage them to provide evidence based on what they knew about size, shape, & weight (keep in mind these are 1st graders...lol). The excitement inspired an opportunity to create a writing activity based on the unknown contents of the box. The only hint they were given was that it was something fun & we can use it to learn. Next, students wrote about \"What's in the Box?\" with guesses ranging from Lala-boo-boo dolls, class pet, skateboards, cotton candy, to winter coats for everyone. Students really enjoyed this authentic writing experience. \r\n\r\n Then came the day of opening the box from The Loft and all the students gathered around the table brewing with anticipation. Of course, I was sure to add plenty of dramatization, peeking, opening and closing several times, pretending to have a range of emotions as I peeked. Finally the box opened, three students attempted to read the label as others were still unsure what it was. One student yells\" kinetic sand!!!\" The whole class was screaming and yelling, jumping up and down. Another student yelled \"thank you! thank you!\"Once the excitement settled, we decided to get acquainted with the materials through \"free play\", but we had a problem to solve first...\r\n\r\n How can we be sure that each student gets about the same amount? Our class discussion included suggestions such as counting each piece of sand, putting the same amount in a cup, using a ruler, measuring it with the balance, & putting it on a scale. We decided on putting it in a cup, but instead used both ½ and 1 cup measuring tools. This concrete authentic experience provided a fundamental layer of understanding, which we will build upon as we learn about volume and fractions later in the year. After each student measured their own sand on a tray, they enjoyed free play time with cookie cutters, cars, & pretend play. We love the addition of this multi sensory material to our classroom! Our class greatly appreciates your donated support to keep learning interesting.","fullyFundedDate":1757683120313,"projectUrl":"project/squish-the-back-to-school-blues-with-kin/9504552/","projectTitle":"Squish the Back to School Blues with Kinetic Sand","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10095989"},{"teacherId":9560037,"projectId":9059773,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my sensory classroom. Your donation has made such an impact on my classroom. The resources I use daily with my students. I use the bins since I co-teach in the gen Ed classroom, so it's nice to keep my materials organized within a different setting and I can keep everything together for each of my lessons. The fidgets are always nice because students really function well with having something in their hands. \r\n\r\nThis year looks different for me and I am always working with my students in the gen Ed classroom, but I use what has been donated to me, the snacks, the fidgets, the expo markers, wobbly cushions, etc within those others settings as well. \r\n\r\nI truly appreciate the donation and what you have given me and my students!","fullyFundedDate":1746699660675,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-items-for-resource-classroom/9059773/","projectTitle":"Sensory Items for Resource Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9560037_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717192514669","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9560037"},{"teacherId":9565454,"projectId":9326554,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting our classroom project. In my K–5 small group social skills lessons, we've been using the new SEL tools every day to help students recognize emotions, regulate behavior, and strengthen peer connections. The A Little SPOT books and plush toys have quickly become favorites, giving students a fun and engaging way to act out scenarios and practice talking about feelings. The calming tools, like the breathing pals and light covers, have transformed our learning space into a soothing environment where students feel safe and supported. During one lesson, students used the weighted animals while practicing conflict-resolution role-plays, and many shared that having something comforting to hold helped them stay calm and focused on their words.\r\n\r\nThe students' reactions when the materials first arrived were priceless. Younger students rushed to the Spot My Feelings plush toys and began naming emotions, while older students couldn't wait to start writing in their journals. The fidgets and sensory tools sparked big smiles, with several students saying, \"This helps me think,\" or \"I feel calmer already.\" The weighted animals, in particular, brought instant comfort—students hugged them tightly and didn't want to let go.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue weaving these resources into structured SEL lessons on teamwork, respect, and problem-solving. Students will use their journals to reflect on group activities, role-play social situations using the A Little SPOT materials, and practice coping strategies with calming tools like stress balls, fidgets, and the Calm Ball game. We will also use interactive games like Happy or Not to reinforce turn-taking and communication. These resources are already giving students the strategies they need to succeed, not just in our small group setting but also in their general classrooms and beyond.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has transformed our classroom into a safe, supportive place where students feel empowered to grow socially and emotionally. On behalf of my students and myself, thank you for making such a meaningful difference.","fullyFundedDate":1746786365992,"projectUrl":"project/social-and-emotional-learning-tools/9326554/","projectTitle":"Social and Emotional Learning Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aberli","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9565454_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717816129427","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9565454"},{"teacherId":9565454,"projectId":8726596,"letterContent":"These sensory items and tools have been an incredible asset to my classroom. The kids love knowing they have a safe place to calm down and regulate. They are using the tools to learn how to self-regulate and calm themselves. \r\n\r\nWhen they saw the boxes start rolling in, there were lots of questions and begs and pleads to help open them. When we started opening them, they were so excited! \r\n\r\nI explained to them that some very kind people helped get all of these tools for us. Tools, not toys. Then we discussed how we should thank them and created the thank you cards for all of the donations.","fullyFundedDate":1734099009654,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-items-for-my-exceptional-learner/8726596/","projectTitle":"Sensory Items for my Exceptional Learners Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aberli","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9565454_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717816129427","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9565454"},{"teacherId":9560037,"projectId":8432863,"letterContent":"My students are so appreciative of all that you have done to help fund our classroom. I am also very grateful. As a first year teacher, I was overwhelmed with all I wanted to have in my classroom and give to my students. I knew I wanted to create a classroom where students were safe and could come to cool down for a break. Not only was that my goal, it came true. My students loved all the new markers, erasers, dry erase boards, the fidgets, and the storage containers. All the items helped me organize my classroom and keep my tidy as well as my students enjoying such things as the fidgets and the floor desks. \r\n\r\nFor my next project, I am trying to get more sensory items. Now that it has been a few months since the start of my first year, students really enjoy sensory items that help calm them down when worked up and keep them on task. In this next project, I am letting them have liberty of asking what would help them in the classroom and that's what my list consists of.","fullyFundedDate":1724141513044,"projectUrl":"project/decorate-my-first-year-classroom/8432863/","projectTitle":"Decorate My First Year Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9560037_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717192514669","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9560037"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_20719","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":446,"numTeachers":27,"percentFrplEligible":73,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":17,"percentWhite":58,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"16.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":77.4,"schoolId":20719,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Liberty Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Liberty Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/indiana/school-city-of-mishawaka/liberty-elementary-school/20719"}