{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Lorton Station Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":39.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9422074,"projectId":9307767,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students will finally have the tools they need to truly see and feel math in action. Each child will have their own math kit to explore numbers, patterns, and problem-solving at their own pace. These materials will make math hands-on and fun, helping my young learners build confidence instead of frustration. Many of my students don't have access to educational resources at home, so your support gives them something they can call their own in our classroom and that sense of ownership and pride means everything. Thank you for helping my students believe that they can be mathematicians.","fullyFundedDate":1746785466376,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-number-sense-with-math-t/9307767/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Number Sense with Math Tool Kits!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Daw","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9422074_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704582893038","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9422074"},{"teacherId":9251820,"projectId":9348029,"letterContent":"When the Pixel Art kits arrived, my students could barely stay in their seats! They gathered around cheering, and one student said, \"This looks so cool, can we start now?\" Their excitement filled the room as they opened the boxes and began exploring the colorful pieces.\r\n\r\nNow, my 3rd–6th graders use the Pixel Art kits to design, code, and problem-solve through hands-on challenges. They work together, test ideas, and help one another fix patterns, showing amazing teamwork and creativity.\r\n\r\nThese kits have brought joy, confidence, and discovery to over 400 students. Every class feels like an adventure in learning. Thank you for inspiring my students to dream big and see that coding and math can be fun, creative, and for everyone!","fullyFundedDate":1757542508078,"projectUrl":"project/steam-sparks-pixel-art-coding-for-creat/9348029/","projectTitle":"STEAM Sparks: Pixel Art Coding for Creative Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atari","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9251820_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729943633850","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9251820"},{"teacherId":9090490,"projectId":8276494,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity toward my students and our classroom. Your support improved the student's calming corner and their workspaces. Sturdy book bins helped them keep their work organized and accessible. \r\n\r\nStudies show that students who feel comfortable and safe in school are much more likely to attend school regularly which improves the likelihood of their future success.\r\n\r\nWe appreciate you and encourage you to continue supporting students, teachers, classrooms, and communities in the future through Donors Choose!","fullyFundedDate":1711274188109,"projectUrl":"project/title-i-classroom-refresh/8276494/","projectTitle":"Title I Classroom Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Podguski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9090490_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710957307350","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-podguski"},{"teacherId":9251820,"projectId":9380237,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom is alive with color, creativity, and discovery! We have been using the new resources with our Pixel Art activity, and it has been amazing to see how students connect art with coding, math, and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first opened the colorful materials, their excitement was contagious; one group immediately started designing their initials, while another created a rainbow pattern that turned into a math lesson on symmetry and coordinates. They quickly noticed how pixel art is just like coding: each square is like a line of code that builds into a bigger picture.\r\n\r\nThese materials are also helping us expand into even more STEAM learning. Our Ozobots, which use colors as code, will be paired with the markers so students can design creative paths and practice programming in a hands-on way. We will also be using the supplies for drawing, building prototypes, and even designing toys that connect with Micro:bit. And this is just the beginning—you opened up countless opportunities for innovation and discovery.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the chance to design, draw, and discover STEAM in full color. Your support is helping them see themselves as artists, engineers, and problem-solvers all at once.","fullyFundedDate":1754366789794,"projectUrl":"project/design-draw-discover-steam-in-full-co/9380237/","projectTitle":"Design, Draw, Discover: STEAM in Full Color","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atari","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9251820_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729943633850","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9251820"},{"teacherId":9251820,"projectId":9261017,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my 3rd–6th grade students now have the chance to dive into \"Strategic Minds: A Chess Set for STEAM Learning and Play.\" The excitement was instant, after I explained the rules, students were eager to set up the boards, learn the moves, and challenge one another. For many of them, this was their very first chess match, and the room was filled with energy and curiosity.\r\nWe are using the chess sets not just for play, but to grow STEAM skills. Students are practicing critical thinking, planning ahead, and recognizing patterns—skills that connect beautifully with coding, math, and engineering design. One 4th grader shared, \"I never played chess before, but now I feel like I can really think ahead!\" Another student explained, \"It feels like solving a puzzle, and I like figuring out what will happen next.\" And a 6th grader added, \"I didn't know chess was part of STEAM, but now I see how it's like coding.\" These reflections show just how powerful the learning has been.\r\n\r\nNext, we will be connecting chess strategies to coding algorithms, helping students see how logical thinking on the board translates into real-world problem-solving. Because of your support, my students are not only learning a timeless game but also building the habits of mind that make them innovators.\r\n\r\nWe could not have done this without you. Thank you for helping us make STEAM learning come alive in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1751557980466,"projectUrl":"project/strategic-minds-a-chess-set-for-steam-l/9261017/","projectTitle":"Strategic Minds: A Chess Set for STEAM Learning and Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atari","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9251820_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729943633850","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9251820"},{"teacherId":9251820,"projectId":9257132,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our Magnetic STEAM Builders! From the very first week of school, my students were filled with excitement, one proudly rolled a car across the table, another exclaimed, \"I built a hexagon!\" and together they formed all the numbers up to 10. These builders are sparking joy, creativity, and teamwork every single day. \r\nMy students are exploring STEAM, solving problems, sharing ideas, and growing in confidence. From the students: \"We love our new builders, thank you so much!\"","fullyFundedDate":1747842772716,"projectUrl":"project/magnetic-steam-builders-engineering-in/9257132/","projectTitle":"Magnetic STEAM Builders: Engineering in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atari","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9251820_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729943633850","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9251820"},{"teacherId":9079830,"projectId":8695555,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our DonorsChoose project. Your support means the world to our classroom and is already making a difference. Because of you, my students now have access to better materials, which is helping them learn, grow, and explore in exciting new ways.\r\n\r\nIt's heartwarming to know there are people like you who believe in the power of education and are willing to invest in our future. Your kindness and generosity will have a lasting impact on my students' lives.","fullyFundedDate":1734938804849,"projectUrl":"project/organized-chaos/8695555/","projectTitle":"Organized Chaos","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9079830_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687277084198","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9079830"},{"teacherId":9251820,"projectId":9023591,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring our \"Listen, Learn, and Engage\" project to life! Because of your generosity, all the 3rd–6th grade students now have awesome, colorful headphones that we use almost every day in the STEAM class. The kids absolutely love them—the bright colors make them feel special, and they take great care of them. I can honestly say these headphones have become a key part of our learning space.\r\n\r\nThey've made a huge difference during lessons, especially when we're coding music with Makey Makey or following video instructions for our robots. Each student can focus and work at their own pace, which is amazing in a class of 24 students at a time! It's been such a relief not having to talk over a room full of sound. Instead, students are in their own \"learning zones,\" and I get to spend more time supporting them one-on-one.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this gift even more special is that it's going to last for years. My students are incredibly responsible, and because of that, your donation will impact far more than just this school year. These headphones will help students explore, create, and grow in STEAM. Thank you for being such an important part of our classroom—you've made a lasting difference, and we are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1745423086352,"projectUrl":"project/listen-learn-and-engage-headphones-fo/9023591/","projectTitle":"Listen, Learn, and Engage: Headphones for Focused Learning STEAM class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atari","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9251820_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729943633850","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9251820"},{"teacherId":9251820,"projectId":9029965,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing my classroom with the Mini Glitter Putty Slime. The moment my students heard that each of them would receive their own putty, their excitement went through the roof! Teaching roughly 350 energetic 3rd–6th graders, I knew it would be impossible to supply individual slime for everyone—until you made it happen.\r\n\r\nI couldn't wait to write to you after seeing the immediate impact in class. When I handed out sets to the first group, the joy was contagious! Students eagerly chose their favorite color and immediately began testing elasticity and viscosity, even challenging one another to see whose slime would stretch the farthest. They could hardly believe that every single student would have one! It didn't feel like \"just having fun\" — they were deeply engaged in the scientific concepts behind it, learning how to estimate length and measurements, and even figuring out how they might increase the stretch and elasticity of their slime. With each container labeled by name, the slime has become a treasured keepsake—used for hands-on experiments, calming \"sensory breaks,\" and discovering key STEAM concepts in a way that felt natural and exciting. Watching them collaborate, share tips, and cheer each other on has been a highlight of our STEAM learning this year.\r\n\r\nI can't wait to see the smiles and creativity when all my students get theirs. I know this experience will stick with them and inspire future learning moments. Your generosity has not only enriched our curriculum but also ensured that every child could fully participate and feel valued. Thank you for sparking creativity, focus, and countless smiles in our STEAM lab. Your contribution has made a lasting difference, and I am so grateful for the impact you've had.\r\n\r\nWith joy and deep appreciation for the spark you helped ignite,","fullyFundedDate":1744032838881,"projectUrl":"project/spark-creativity-with-glitter-putty-han/9029965/","projectTitle":"Spark Creativity with Glitter Putty: Hands-On Fun for STEAM Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atari","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9251820_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729943633850","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9251820"},{"teacherId":9251820,"projectId":9225406,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of our \"Rush Hour Challenge: Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving in STEAM\" project.\r\n\r\nI honestly could not wait to write to you later — I had to share the excitement right away! This past week was the first week my students played Rush Hour, and you would be amazed at the pure joy they experienced. Over the course of the week, at least 350 students — across 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades — had the chance to dive into the game for an hour of play and learning. From the moment I explained the rules, there wasn't a single student who didn't love it. The laughter, the excitement, and the sound of students shouting \"I did it, Ms. Atari!\" filled our STEAM lab everyday. Their pride in their success was beyond anything I could have imagined.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, we were able to order 8 sets of Rush Hour. We specifically chose the version designed for ages 8 to adult, which was the perfect fit for my students' ages and skill levels. With an average class size of 24, students worked together in groups of three, naturally building not just critical thinking skills, but also social-emotional learning (SEL) skills. They patiently waited their turn, cheered on each other's successes, helped classmates when needed, and showed incredible perseverance through challenges. One student even ran to me after solving their last puzzle, overjoyed, as if they had hit a home run!\r\n\r\nThe impact of this gift goes even beyond the walls of our classroom. Many students asked where they could purchase Rush Hour so they could share it with their parents, cousins, and friends. Some even started taking notes about which challenge they reached, so they could pick up exactly where they left off next time. Because of you, this experience has sparked a love of problem-solving that is already spreading into their homes and communities.\r\n\r\nSaying \"thank you\" hardly seems enough. You have made a real and lasting difference. Because of you, Rush Hour will now be a beloved and powerful part of our STEAM program for years to come. It only takes someone who truly believes in the power of education to create this kind of lasting impact — and you did just that.\r\n\r\nWith joy and deep appreciation for the spark you helped ignite,\r\nMs. Atari","fullyFundedDate":1744412008326,"projectUrl":"project/rush-hour-challenge-critical-thinking-/9225406/","projectTitle":"Rush Hour Challenge: Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving in STEAM","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atari","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9251820_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729943633850","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9251820"},{"teacherId":9422074,"projectId":8790639,"letterContent":"I hope this letter finds you well. On behalf of myself and my kindergarten class, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of notebooks, dry-erase markers, and folders. Your kindness and support mean the world to us!\r\n\r\nThe notebooks will be treasured tool for my young learners as they practice develop their writing skills and express their thoughts through words and drawings. The dry-erase markers have made our whole-group word study sessions more interactive and engaging, helping my students build confidence in their literacy skills. And the folders have provided them with a wonderful way to keep their writing organized, allowing them to look back and see how much they've grown.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, having the necessary materials to create an enriching learning environment makes all the difference. Your generosity has not only supplied essential classroom tools but has also shown my students that there are people who care about their education and believe in their potential.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a lasting impact on our classroom. We truly appreciate your support!","fullyFundedDate":1733354341094,"projectUrl":"project/helping-young-writers-succeed/8790639/","projectTitle":"Helping Young Writers Succeed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Daw","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9422074_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704582893038","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9422074"},{"teacherId":9251820,"projectId":8973517,"letterContent":"When I received the news over the winter break that this project was funded, I was beyond happy and excited! I couldn't wait to bring the Bee-Bots into my classroom and see the impact they would have on my students. From the very first moment they saw the Bee-Bots, the students were completely engaged—so much so that time seemed to fly by during our lessons.\r\n\r\nWhat has been truly amazing is how coding suddenly started to have meaning for them. They realized that programming is a fun, interactive way to learn and explore. Even though they have only learned how to use the forward button so far, they already feel accomplished and excited to do more. The joy and confidence they've gained from these small wins are incredible. Some students even started coming to the STEAM classroom outside of their scheduled time, just to check on the Bee-Bots and interact with them!\r\n\r\nThis project has opened up a whole new world of learning for my students. The Bee-Bots have made coding accessible, exciting, and rewarding in a way that truly meets their needs. Thank you for your generosity—because of you, the students are developing a love for learning that will stay with them for years toy s come.","fullyFundedDate":1735515048642,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-steam-learning-for-students/8973517/","projectTitle":"“Empowering STEAM Learning for Students with Autism”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atari","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9251820_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729943633850","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9251820"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_73852","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":745,"numTeachers":62,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":15,"percentBlack":32,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":27,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"12.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.6,"schoolId":73852,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Lorton Station Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Lorton Station Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/fairfax-county-public-schools/lorton-station-elementary-school/73852"}