{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Margaret C. Ells School","outOfStateSupporters":26.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9780883,"projectId":9708088,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my amazing preschoolers! Your generosity has helped us bring creativity, confidence, and joy into our classroom. With the Cricut Joy and materials, my students ages 3 to 5 and on the autism spectrum are able to participate in hands-on projects that strengthen their fine motor skills and independence.\r\n We've used the Cricut to make classroom crafts, visual supports, and even personalized shirts for our field trips and gift bags for graduation celebration. Watching my students proudly wear their creations and these personalized gift bags for their graduation has been such a heartwarming reminder of how much your support means. You've helped make learning fun, meaningful, and full of smiles.\r\n Thank you for believing in our youngest learners and helping them build confidence one small creation at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1771448347843,"projectUrl":"project/cut-craft-and-creating-memories/9708088/","projectTitle":"Cut, Craft and Creating Memories!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. B","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9780883_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y25&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728934845642","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9780883"},{"teacherId":1810443,"projectId":9884682,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. Your generosity means the world to my students and to me.\r\n\r\nThis year I transitioned to teaching three-year-olds, and their needs are very different from the older students I previously worked with. My young learners are curious, energetic, and eager to explore their world through hands-on experiences. Because of your support, we will now have developmentally appropriate materials that truly meet their needs.\r\n\r\nThe light sensory tray and sensory materials will give my students a calming and engaging place to explore textures, colors, and early learning concepts. The tweezers and hand scoopers will help them strengthen their fine motor skills as they practice grasping, sorting, and scooping. These are important foundational skills that support early writing and independence.\r\n\r\nThe sensory bean bags and soft classroom light will also help create a peaceful and welcoming classroom environment. For many of my students, especially those with sensory needs, having calming spaces and materials makes a big difference in helping them feel comfortable, focused, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is helping create a classroom where children can explore, grow, and feel safe. Thank you for believing in my students and for helping provide the tools they need to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1769128374311,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-up-learning-for-little-hands/9884682/","projectTitle":"Lighting Up Learning for Little Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Knowlton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1810443_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701139834451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1810443"},{"teacherId":10171345,"projectId":9882543,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your incredible generosity! I wanted to share just how much my students are loving the new materials you provided.\r\n\r\nThe matching eggs have quickly become a classroom favorite. The students are excited to snap them together, match colors and shapes, and challenge themselves during center time. They work together to match all of the colors and the shapes! It has been wonderful to see them building their fine motor skills while having so much fun.\r\n\r\nThey also absolutely love to paint, and the aprons have made such a difference. Now they can fully enjoy creating without worrying about getting paint on their uniforms. It has allowed them to explore art more freely and confidently.\r\n\r\nAll of the toys have sparked curiosity and excitement. The students are constantly exploring, building, and discovering new ways to use the materials. Your generosity has truly enriched our classroom and created joyful, hands-on learning experiences every day.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting my students and helping our classroom grow!","fullyFundedDate":1763592682466,"projectUrl":"project/from-letters-to-paint-learning-through/9882543/","projectTitle":"From Letters to Paint: Learning Through Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feliciano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10171345_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y378&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755626010577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171345"},{"teacherId":9097574,"projectId":9450210,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project. Because of you, my Pre-K students now have access to high-quality, hands-on learning materials that support imaginative play, early problem-solving, and social-emotional development. We are using the Melissa & Doug baby care center, playhouse cleaning set, wooden vehicles, shape sorters, and stacking toys during our dramatic play, block, and fine-motor centers. One special moment was watching students work together in the baby care center—taking turns caring for dolls, using gentle language, and practicing responsibility as they pretended to feed, bathe, and put the babies to sleep. These moments may look like \"play,\" but they are powerful learning experiences that build empathy, communication, and independence.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate and joyful. Their eyes lit up as they explored the new toys, and many students eagerly asked questions or began narrating their play. Some students who are usually quiet became more engaged, using new words and gestures to express themselves. Others practiced sharing and cooperation as they worked together to build, sort, and pretend. These resources have helped create a warm, inclusive classroom environment where every child feels encouraged to participate, explore, and learn at their own pace.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our next steps include expanding learning through themed dramatic play (such as family, community helpers, and transportation), strengthening fine-motor skills through sorting and stacking activities, and supporting early math and language development during guided small-group instruction. Your donation has made a lasting impact on my students' daily learning experiences, helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We are truly grateful for your support and for believing in our classroom and our students.","fullyFundedDate":1764738075608,"projectUrl":"project/building-minds-with-pretend-play/9450210/","projectTitle":"Building Minds With Pretend Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Toro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9097574_orig.jpg?crop=1692,1692,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765025349489","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9097574"},{"teacherId":10171345,"projectId":9787229,"letterContent":"The students absolutely love when the sensory table is open. It has quickly become one of the most popular areas in the classroom, and students are always excited to explore and play while learning.\r\n\r\nThe scoopers for the sand table have been a huge hit. Students enjoy digging, scooping, and pouring, which has helped strengthen fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and focus. It has also encouraged cooperation as they take turns and share materials.\r\n\r\nThe water droppers have been especially engaging during our water activities. Students are eager to use them to squeeze, transfer, and experiment with water, building hand strength and early science skills while having fun.\r\n\r\nHaving the sand available has been incredibly helpful and allowed us to fully use our sand table. Because of your generosity, the sensory table is now a meaningful learning space where students can explore, create, and grow every day. Thank you for supporting our classroom and our students' learning through hands-on sensory play!","fullyFundedDate":1762266318972,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-play-adventures-with-sand-and-wa/9787229/","projectTitle":"Sensory Play Adventures With Sand and Water!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feliciano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10171345_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y378&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755626010577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171345"},{"teacherId":10171345,"projectId":9646963,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our *Bright Beginnings: Building Skills Through Creativity* project! Your generosity has had an immediate and positive impact on my students' learning and engagement.\r\n\r\nThe students absolutely loved the Find the Letter activity! It was exciting to see how motivated they were to search, identify letters, and practice early literacy skills in a fun, hands-on way. Many students asked to repeat the activity during center time, which helped strengthen letter recognition and confidence.\r\n\r\nThe magnetic tape has been incredibly helpful in improving our classroom routines. I was able to create a clearer and more effective choice board, allowing students to independently choose which center they want to participate in. This has supported student independence, decision-making, and smoother transitions throughout the day.\r\n\r\n Although the EZ Tracer was replaced with a pencil pouch, it has been a great addition to our classroom. The pouches help keep materials organized and easily accessible, for our weekly letter of the week activity.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom is more engaging, organized, and supportive of our students' growth. Thank you for investing in our learners and helping make their school experience more joyful and meaningful!","fullyFundedDate":1762128993701,"projectUrl":"project/bright-beginnings-building-skills-throu/9646963/","projectTitle":"Bright Beginnings: Building Skills Through Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feliciano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10171345_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y378&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755626010577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171345"},{"teacherId":10171345,"projectId":9802778,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my project. The supplies you provided have helped me create meaningful, engaging anchor charts for my students, and they have truly made a difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nMy students love working together on our shared writing experiences, letters of the week, and the various anchor charts we create both together and independently. These visual supports have become an essential tool in helping them understand new concepts, stay engaged, and take pride in their learning. As a first-year teacher, having these resources has made a tremendous impact on my ability to provide the rich, hands-on learning environment I envisioned.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has not only supported me but has inspired my students. They are excited to participate, eager to contribute, and proud to see their ideas displayed in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our classroom and for helping us grow.","fullyFundedDate":1760741643767,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-lessons-to-lifeone-poster-at-a/9802778/","projectTitle":"Bringing Lessons to Life—One Poster at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feliciano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10171345_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y378&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755626010577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171345"},{"teacherId":1810443,"projectId":9370687,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kindness and support of our classroom project. My students are energetic, curious learners who do their best when they feel comfortable, calm, and engaged. Thanks to your generosity, we are one step closer to creating that environment for them.\r\n\r\nThe classroom fan you provided makes a big difference on warm days, helping students stay cool, comfortable, and focused. The stand-up lights soften the harsh glare from our ceiling lights, creating a peaceful, calming space where children can learn and explore without distraction.\r\n\r\nWe are especially excited about the movable sand table and sensory materials. Many of my students thrive with hands-on experiences, and these tools allow them to scoop, pour, build, and discover in meaningful ways. Sensory play supports language, social skills, and fine motor development, giving students daily opportunities to grow in all of these areas.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is transforming our classroom into a warm, welcoming, sensory-friendly space where every child can learn and grow with confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1760737112429,"projectUrl":"project/cool-calm-and-learning-on/9370687/","projectTitle":"Cool, Calm, and Learning On","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Knowlton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1810443_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701139834451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1810443"},{"teacherId":9780883,"projectId":9414944,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of my project, \"Purpose of Sensory Equipment in Supporting Autistic Children.\" Your contribution has made a tremendous difference in my classroom and in the lives of my students.\r\nThe sensory equipment you helped fund has had an incredible impact. The trampoline and peanut balls have become essential tools for helping my students strengthen their core muscles while providing them with the sensory input they need. These items also serve as perfect breaks during Discrete Trial Training (DTT), allowing students to relax, self-regulate, and return to their work calm, focused, and ready to learn.\r\nThe carpets I ordered have transformed our classroom space. The leaf-patterned carpet is especially loved, it adds both color and a soothing atmosphere to the room while keeping our students safe on the tile floor. It's amazing how such a simple change can make our environment feel more welcoming and comfortable for everyone.\r\nSome items from my original request were no longer available, but I was able to select other engaging materials that my students truly enjoy. Because many of my learners are younger, I focused on items that support fine motor development. The toys have been a great addition, encouraging hands-on exploration and skill-building through play.\r\nI was also thrilled to finally find the fabric books I had been searching for. These books are durable, easy to clean, and perfect for young hands. My students absolutely love them! They enjoy the textures, bright colors, and interactive pages. Seeing their smiles as they explore these books and sensory materials reminds me daily of the positive impact your generosity has made.\r\nThank you again for helping create a space where my students feel supported, engaged, and capable of success. Your kindness continues to inspire both me and my students every day.","fullyFundedDate":1760737109568,"projectUrl":"project/purpose-of-sensory-equipment-in-supporti/9414944/","projectTitle":"Purpose of Sensory Equipment in Supporting Autistic Children","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. B","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9780883_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y25&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728934845642","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9780883"},{"teacherId":10171345,"projectId":9650445,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my project, \"Rolling Into Learning With a Whiteboard!\" The whiteboard has made such a wonderful difference in our classroom. It has quickly become an essential part of our daily routine and learning environment!\r\n\r\nWe use it every day during circle time to write our morning message, practice the letter and word of the week, and work on writing letters and numbers together during whole group lessons. The students especially love coming up to the board to find the letters of the week hidden in our morning message—it has become one of their favorite parts of the day!\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made it possible for my students to learn in a more interactive and meaningful way. I am so grateful for your kindness and for helping create a classroom where learning is hands-on, fun, and full of growth.","fullyFundedDate":1756856067126,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-into-learning-with-a-whiteboard/9650445/","projectTitle":"Rolling Into Learning With a Whiteboard!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feliciano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10171345_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y378&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755626010577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171345"},{"teacherId":10171345,"projectId":9625505,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our Pre-K classroom has been transformed in the most meaningful way! The new Calming Corner items and decor, along with the Prize Box treasures, have made a tremendous impact—helping our little learners manage big feelings and celebrate positive choices every day.\r\n\r\n The Calming Corner has quickly become a safe, comforting space where students can go when they feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or simply need a quiet moment. The soft, textured toys you provided are a favorite—children love exploring the different materials and discovering which ones help them feel most at ease. It's now one of the most beloved spots in our classroom, and I've noticed how much joy and peace it brings to our students.\r\n \r\n The Prize Box is another classroom hit! We use it to recognize kindness, effort, and thoughtful behavior. Whether a student helps a friend, uses their words, or tries something new, they earn a small reward—and the pride on their faces says it all. They love choosing a prize to take home and share with their families, and it's helping build confidence and encourage positive choices.\r\n\r\n🧠 We're continuing to build on these tools by teaching calming strategies like breathing exercises, using \"feeling words,\" and asking for help. Students now point to the feelings poster in the Calming Corner to express their emotions, and we're expanding our classroom kindness chart to complement the Prize Box. This visual tool helps students track their positive behavior and set small, meaningful goals—turning everyday choices into lifelong habits.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our youngest learners. Your generosity is helping them grow stronger, more confident, and more connected—inside and out.\r\n\r\n---\r\n\r\nWould you like help turning this into a newsletter, thank-you card, or social media post? I'd be happy to tailor it!","fullyFundedDate":1755719893245,"projectUrl":"project/helping-hearts-growing-minds-calming/9625505/","projectTitle":"Helping Hearts & Growing Minds: Calming Tools and Motivational Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feliciano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10171345_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y378&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755626010577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171345"},{"teacherId":7483831,"projectId":9213811,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations including Ripple! The planter bags were super useful and allowed multiple little hands working in the dirt at the same time. \r\n The garden trellis materials allowed us to grow large sunflowers to showcase our garden to the community. It allowed the children to see that everything in life at some point needs a helping hand to grow. Our summer garden continues to grow and welcomed our new pre-k students in. \r\nWe appreciate all of the donations and look forward to using these reusable materials for the fall and next spring.","fullyFundedDate":1746448289429,"projectUrl":"project/having-fun-in-the-garden/9213811/","projectTitle":"Having Fun in the Garden","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blue","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7483831_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1598459331190","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7483831"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_60894","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":141,"numTeachers":15,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":68,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - Pre-K","studentTeacherRatio":"9.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":73.2,"schoolId":60894,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Margaret C. Ells School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Margaret C. Ells School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/springfield-public-school-district/margaret-c-ells-ecc/60894"}