{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Longfellow Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5382666,"projectId":9243162,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our project, \"STEAM Library for Little Learners!\" Your support has brought a vibrant new collection of STEAM-focused books to our elementary-level tech lab, and the immediate impact has been wonderful to witness.\r\n\r\nThese new texts do so much more than just entertain; they introduce crucial early engineering, critical thinking, and literacy skills. For instance, books on simple machines help students practice text-to-world connections as they identify levers and wheels in their daily lives. The biographies of female scientists and engineers encourage inferring character traits and understanding the scientific process through storytelling. Our books on coding and robotics introduce fundamental concepts like sequencing, problem-solving, and algorithmic thinking in a highly accessible, visual way.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is a dynamic, hands-on experience. It's no longer limited to individual silent reading. Now, we use the books as \"starter kits\" for exploration. Students often read in small, collaborative groups, then immediately pivot to an activity based on what they read—like using a book about circuits to guide their work with Snap Circuits, or using a coding story to program a Mouse robot. This new collection makes reading directly applicable, showing them that books are tools for doing things.\r\n\r\nWe've seen particular excitement among students who previously found traditional reading challenging. For example, one quiet student, who often struggled with fictional comprehension, is now the class expert on the book about space exploration, confidently leading discussions and pointing out new facts to his peers. A group of our female students have also been especially drawn to the biographies of women in STEM, sparking conversations about what they want to invent when they grow up. The tangible, real-world relevance of these books is building both their technical skills and their literacy confidence. Thank you for making this amazing transformation possible!","fullyFundedDate":1754422746669,"projectUrl":"project/steam-library-for-little-learners/9243162/","projectTitle":"STEAM Library for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smejkal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5382666_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525803923238","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5382666"},{"teacherId":9787413,"projectId":9542490,"letterContent":"The \"Little Hands, Big Minds\" project has fundamentally transformed our daily learning environment, offering a vibrant and tangible start to every school day. We are now using the donated hands-on STEM toys and manipulatives daily as our \"soft start\" activity. This means that from the moment they enter the classroom, students have immediate access to engaging materials like brain flakes, magnet cubes, number locks, the giant stencil set, clip connect building blocks, and magnetic building sticks. This intentional shift allows them to naturally transition into the school day, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative skills before formal instruction even begins. The impact is visible in their increased focus, problem-solving prowess, and genuine love for coming to school.\r\n\r\nThe students' initial reaction to the materials was, and continues to be, one of pure joy and intense excitement; they literally rush to begin their day with these activities. Your contributions have not just filled our shelves; they have fueled our students' imaginations, turning the beginning of every day into an opportunity for discovery and innovation.","fullyFundedDate":1754754425919,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-minds/9542490/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9787413_orig.jpg?crop=2313,2313,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754750724227","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9787413"},{"teacherId":5382666,"projectId":8935456,"letterContent":"Our School would like to express our heartfelt thanks for your wonderful donation of magnets and circuit materials! Your generosity has made our study of forces and energy so much more engaging and hands-on.\r\n\r\nHow We're Using the Materials\r\n- Students are conducting exciting experiments with magnets to learn about magnetic fields and forces\r\n- We're building simple circuits to understand electrical energy\r\n- The hands-on materials help make abstract concepts come alive\r\n- Students are developing their problem-solving skills through exploration\r\n\r\nImpact on Learning\r\nThe materials you provided allow our students to:\r\n- Test scientific theories themselves\r\n- Work collaboratively on STEAM projects \r\n- Build their confidence in science\r\n- Experience real-world applications\r\n\r\nOur class is thrilled to have these tools that make learning about forces and energy fun and interactive. Your support of science education means so much to us. We will continue putting these materials to great use throughout the school year and years to come.\r\n\r\n\r\nP.S. The excited looks on students' faces when they successfully complete a circuit or discover magnetic properties are priceless! Thank you for making these moments possible.","fullyFundedDate":1732293214169,"projectUrl":"project/circuits-and-magnet-for-curious-minds/8935456/","projectTitle":"Circuits and Magnet For Curious Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smejkal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5382666_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525803923238","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5382666"},{"teacherId":506084,"projectId":9061708,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the beautiful rug! It has made such a difference in our classroom community. We especially like that each person has their dot to sit on. This helps us protect our own space, as well as, the space of others. Gathering together for our whole group lessons is easier with defined spaces. We are learning the word perimeter to make large rectangles for group games and to see each others' work. The kids' favorite brain break is \"the floor is lava\" and now we have safe spots to escape the \"lava\". Thank you again for providing the resources that allow us a comfortable, well-defined community space in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1737389259686,"projectUrl":"project/a-spot-for-everyone-at-the-carpet/9061708/","projectTitle":"A Spot For Everyone at the Carpet","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wachter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp506084_orig.jpg?crop=931,931,x451,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727978686825","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-wachter"},{"teacherId":9638655,"projectId":8601886,"letterContent":"As we near the end of our 2 month long fractions units, my 4th grade students are showing proficiency and conceptual understanding like I have never seen in my 14 years as an educator. \r\n\r\nMonths ago, we started our first fractions unit: comparing fractions and fraction equivalence. Typically this is the hardest concept for students across all other fractions related skills. Students must grasp the size of the units, and conceptually understand that numbers (denominators) are related to the size of the whole - or units to make 1, as we say. We spent days looking at fractions that are more than one-half and less than one-half using the tools you provided. We made equivalent fractions, and the students could actually SEE where the changes happen when applying a math formula. This foundation of understanding has been tremendous.\r\n\r\nThe Fractions Units that came next: adding fractions and subtracting fractions, adding and subtracting mixed numbers, and finally, multiplying fractions with whole numbers, students had to focus more on \"what to do with the fractions\" rather than focus on the fraction's size and meaning. The kids were so well versed in using the tools you provided, and had such a deep understanding of fractional units, that our class average of test scores were 95, 89, and and 93 percent respectively. I'm blown away!\r\n\r\nThank you again for so generous gift to our class. The excitement has been high in math class this year, and that's due to your help in growing their confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1723657513263,"projectUrl":"project/fraction-tiles-for-future-mathematicians/8601886/","projectTitle":"Fraction Tiles for Future Mathematicians","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Leonhard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9638655_orig.jpg?crop=1158,1158,x0,y274&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723151938962","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9638655"},{"teacherId":9276043,"projectId":8624680,"letterContent":"I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for your generous support. The new reader pens you assisted us in purchasing are invaluable tools for my students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. These pens enable them to access the same materials as their peers in the classroom.\r\nFor students who face challenges with reading, their learning experiences can be significantly affected. The reader pens are designed to assist students in reading text, allowing them to navigate textbooks and participate fully in classroom activities. The support fosters an inclusive learning environment where all students thrive. My students are doing a wonderful job using these tools!","fullyFundedDate":1732292722311,"projectUrl":"project/reader-pens-for-students-with-reading-di/8624680/","projectTitle":"Reader Pens for Students With Reading Disabilities/Dyslexia","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Badger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9276043"},{"teacherId":9787413,"projectId":8849333,"letterContent":"Our student headphones are a big hit in the classroom! We use them everyday during literacy and math centers. These headphones allow my students to clearly hear their individual tablet during their learning path activities.\r\n\r\nThe first time my students saw the headphones, their faces lit up with excitement. They loved the bright colors of the headphones, how easy they are to plug into their iPads, and the squishy, comfy ear pads! One of my students squealed, \"I love my new headphones!\" As their teacher, I do too! My kindergarten students can use them independently, with confidence, and are able to hear activity directions clearly. It allows them to be fully engaged during this portion of their learning centers rotations. \r\n\r\nThese student headphones are durable enough that I believe they will serve my current and future students for many years to come. They are essential to the integration of technology into our literacy and math curricula. I, as well as my students, appreciate all that you have done to make this part of our learning easier, more effective and comfortable!","fullyFundedDate":1732291799610,"projectUrl":"project/student-headphones/8849333/","projectTitle":"Student Headphones","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9787413_orig.jpg?crop=2313,2313,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754750724227","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9787413"},{"teacherId":7271782,"projectId":8562101,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your contribution towards my Creative Construction and Social-Emotional Support project. \r\n\r\nThe creative construction toys were a big hit with the students! They were excited to build and show their creativity to their classmates and teacher. We so appreciate being able to have quality toys such as Lincoln Logs, Magna Tiles, and Tinker Toys to add to our tools for creative outlet. \r\n\r\nThe students were also very happy to have a clearly defined area for a calming corner. It helps students get the self-regulation help that they need in order to be able to return to their regular space to work. \r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support in making this project a success. \r\n\r\nSincerely, Mrs. Chambers 1st grade class","fullyFundedDate":1723166400608,"projectUrl":"project/creative-construction-and-social-emotion/8562101/","projectTitle":"Creative Construction and Social-Emotional Support","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chambers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7271782"},{"teacherId":506084,"projectId":8964527,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the amazing gifts for our classroom. We have had so much fun playing new math games and exploring our other new resources. The game \"Pig\" and \"Dots and Squares\" have quickly become favorites. As a teacher, I love that the games support our understanding of math while building our collaboration skills and strategic thinking. \r\n\r\nWhen the kids first saw the gravity blocks they were amazed! \"How do they work?\" was that first question. They have spent a lot of time investigating all the different ways to balance the different pieces to make incredible structures. I love that through your generosity we are able to continually explore, imagine, and create.\r\n\r\nThank you again for all that you do to support fun and learning in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1733238726465,"projectUrl":"project/building-our-math-skills-through-challen/8964527/","projectTitle":"Building Our Math Skills Through Challenging Tasks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wachter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp506084_orig.jpg?crop=931,931,x451,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727978686825","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-wachter"},{"teacherId":8693113,"projectId":8844968,"letterContent":"Wow, thank you! This has made a huge difference in my classroom. My students now have the books, tools and resources to help them be successful. Adding new books that are at their level to my classroom library has made such a difference to my students engagement and excitement around reading. I truly can't thank you enough. I also have the books for small groups at teacher time that are new, engaging and backed by the science of reading. The whole package of everything you provided has made such a difference in my classroom as whole. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1732292568859,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-resources-and-engaging-tools-fo/8844968/","projectTitle":"Literacy Resources and Engaging Tools for the Whole Child","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Payne","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8693113_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723167148599","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8693113"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_41458","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":450,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":36,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":82,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":15,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":63.9,"schoolId":41458,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Longfellow Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Longfellow Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/salida-school-district-r-32-j/longfellow-elementary-school/41458"}