{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Elmer Thienes - Mary Hall Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":11.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9460753,"projectId":9882758,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation to my DonorsChoose project, \"The Magic of Holding a Book.\" I am thrilled to share that there has been an incredible amount of magic happening in my classroom.\r\nImmediately upon receiving our new listening center, the students eagerly began to explore the books, turning the pages and engaging in reading with their partners and groups. They are interacting with the texts in a way that surpasses the use of computer-generated programs. Watching them get swept up in the magic of books has been truly heartwarming and just what I had hoped for!\r\nYour contributions have made this transformation possible. The amount of time our students are spending interacting with authentic texts has significantly increased, which, in turn, is enhancing their literacy skills both now and in the future. We are witnessing improvements in fluency, comprehension, and overall engagement with reading materials.\r\nI am deeply grateful for your support and this wonderful gift. Thank you for believing in the power of books and for helping to create joyful readers in my classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1762993391341,"projectUrl":"project/the-magic-of-holding-a-book/9882758/","projectTitle":"The Magic of Holding a Book","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kniep","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9460753_orig.jpg?crop=2544,2544,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707249284716","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9460753"},{"teacherId":9457000,"projectId":9620814,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generosity and thoughtfulness. My students have been enjoying these Spot books which help them understand some of the emotions they might be experiencing. These books and materials also provide the lessons and tools to help them work through their feelings. \r\n I was able to establish a \"calming corner\" in our classroom where students often go to help regulate their emotions. They are able to sit in the Big Joe chair to help them feel comfortable. The little Spot characters are also there to provide comfort and reminders on how to utilize their SEL tools. \r\n Using these books with my whole class has been an excellent way to be proactive and incorporate stories and scenarios for students to relate and articulate how they feel. Your generosity has made a difference in the Social and Emotional learning of this current, adorable and amazing group of second graders and will reach future students as well.\r\n Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1759531360670,"projectUrl":"project/building-emotional-intelligence-a-littl/9620814/","projectTitle":"Building Emotional Intelligence \"A Little SPOT of Feelings\" SEL Curriculum","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9457000"},{"teacherId":9455808,"projectId":9397756,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous support. Because of your contribution, we've seen a remarkable transformation in our classroom community, one that has touched not only how students learn, but how they connect with one another every day.\r\n\r\nWhen we first began, students tended to work independently, sitting side by side but rarely interacting. Collaboration was new and sometimes uncomfortable for them. Thanks to the tools and opportunities your donation made possible, that has changed dramatically.\r\n\r\nToday, students are building together, literally and figuratively. They eagerly ask one another for help, share ideas, problem-solve as teams, and take pride in accomplishing something as a group. The classroom has become a space full of conversation, cooperation, and excitement.\r\n\r\nWhat's even more meaningful is that this teamwork has extended beyond the classroom. On the playground, we now see students including one another, creating games together, and using the interpersonal skills they've begun to develop through project work. They're not just having fun; they're forming friendships and building confidence in how they relate to others.\r\n\r\nYour generosity didn't just provide materials it helped create a learning environment where students feel connected, supported, and inspired. Thank you for believing in them and for making this growth possible.","fullyFundedDate":1757341606620,"projectUrl":"project/build-and-play-creating-our-kindergarte/9397756/","projectTitle":"Build and Play: Creating Our Kindergarten Classroom Community","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Craig","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9455808"},{"teacherId":418981,"projectId":9698872,"letterContent":"My students have been absolutely thrilled to explore our new STEM materials! During our Purposeful Play time, they've been using the scissors, clay, markers, and colorful masking tape to design and build their own creative projects. One of my favorite moments was watching a group of students collaborate to build a \"bridge for their toy cars\" out of clay and tape—they tested and reworked their design several times, cheering each other on with every improvement!\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw all the colorful supplies and organized bins, their eyes lit up with excitement. They immediately started brainstorming what they could make and couldn't wait to get started. The new storage bins have also made a huge difference—students love taking responsibility for keeping their materials tidy and ready for the next creation session.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be building on this excitement by introducing simple STEM challenges where students plan, build, and reflect on their designs. These new materials have truly empowered them to imagine, experiment, and create—and I'm so grateful to our donors for making that possible!","fullyFundedDate":1757528497133,"projectUrl":"project/bridging-art-and-innovation-creative-to/9698872/","projectTitle":"Bridging Art and Innovation: Creative Tools for STEM Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. C.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/418981"},{"teacherId":384176,"projectId":9687031,"letterContent":"A huge thank you to all of our generous donors! We are thrilled about our new games and organizational tools, and I can already see the positive impact they are having in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe students' faces lit up when they first saw the new materials—there were lots of \"oohs\" and \"wows\" as we unpacked the games and set up the bins. They couldn't wait to dive in and explore. \r\n\r\nThe new organization has also been a game-changer. With supplies and games now neatly arranged and easy to find, students are taking more responsibility for getting out their materials and putting them back. It's helping them build independence while keeping our classroom running smoothly.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, these resources will continue to support us as we build on current lessons in math and literacy. The games give us playful but purposeful ways to practice skills, while the organized setup creates a calmer environment where students can focus on their learning.\r\n\r\nThank you again for giving us the tools to make our classroom both fun and functional—you've truly made a lasting impact!","fullyFundedDate":1757504959465,"projectUrl":"project/games-galore/9687031/","projectTitle":"Games Galore!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Contois Farrior","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp384176_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1532550985784","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsfarrior"},{"teacherId":9460814,"projectId":8198722,"letterContent":"On behalf of my second graders, I want to share our heartfelt gratitude for your generosity in supporting our Donors Choose project. Because of you, our classroom now has a whiteboard table—a space where learning feels hands-on, collaborative, and full of energy.\r\n\r\nThe excitement on my students' faces when we unveiled the table was priceless. They've already started using it to solve math problems together, brainstorm story ideas, and work through challenges side-by-side. It's amazing how something as simple as being able to write directly on the surface sparks creativity and keeps them engaged.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has given my students a tool that encourages curiosity, teamwork, and joy in learning every single day. Thank you for believing in them and making our classroom a more inspiring place to grow.","fullyFundedDate":1717115881734,"projectUrl":"project/guided-reading-table-and-stools/8198722/","projectTitle":"Guided Reading Table and Stools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cochefski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9460814"},{"teacherId":4577036,"projectId":9188588,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to my project!! As a math teacher, it is always a challenge to incorporate literature into our lessons, but with your support, I am able to do that in a fun way!! The texts I've chosen cover a variety of math topics, teaching students as they listen. I utilize these texts as read alouds during my groups sometimes to motivate them to learn about the topic or sometimes as a real-world connection to the topic! \r\n Students have enjoyed the humorous pictures and rhymes in the Brian Cleary books. My second grade groups have learned about rhyme in their language arts lessons, so they can identify the rhyme in the small math group and think it's so funny!!!\r\n The Sir Cumference books have complimented the older students I see with their links to area, perimeter, place value and most of all, everything circles!!!\r\n\r\nThanks for the generous support from the bottom of my heart!","fullyFundedDate":1742923699412,"projectUrl":"project/math-literature-is-important/9188588/","projectTitle":"Math Literature is Important!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zmeskal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4577036"},{"teacherId":384176,"projectId":9274068,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of you, our learning space now includes a cozy rug, wiggle seats, and light table materials — and the impact on my students has been incredible.\r\n\r\nThe day we set everything up felt like a celebration. The students' faces lit up with excitement as they stepped onto the soft rug, explored the wiggle seats, and got their first look at the light table materials. One student said, \"This feels like a whole new classroom!\" It truly was a magical moment.\r\n\r\nWe use the rug every day during morning meetings and group reading sessions. It's become a central gathering space that makes our classroom feel more like a community. The wiggle seats have been a game-changer for some of our more active learners, giving them a chance to focus and move at the same time — we've seen improved engagement and fewer disruptions as a result.\r\n\r\nOur light table materials have been especially exciting. Recently, during a unit on shapes and colors, students used translucent pattern blocks on the light table to create colorful mosaics. They were completely absorbed in the process, discussing patterns, symmetry, and colors without even realizing they were reinforcing key math and art concepts. It's sparked a lot of creativity and collaboration.\r\n\r\nNext, we're planning a light table exploration project tied to our upcoming science unit on plants. Students will use the light table to examine leaves, petals, and even plant roots, deepening their understanding of plant parts in a hands-on and visually engaging way.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our classroom is not only more functional but more inspiring. Your support has made a real difference, and we are so grateful.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt thanks,","fullyFundedDate":1746537598722,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-katch-all/9274068/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten \"Katch\" All","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Contois Farrior","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp384176_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1532550985784","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsfarrior"},{"teacherId":9461911,"projectId":9106158,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my Nutmeg Nominee Class Read project. Students have been excitedly reading their copies of Aven Green: Sleuthing Machine. They were well informed and had lots of questions when the author Dusti Bowling visited our school. Students were absolutely thrilled when Dusti signed and personalized every single one of their copies. This experience really got them excited about reading, and meeting Dusti also supported student interest in writing.\r\nThe other books that I was able to purchase through this project have been consistently checked out of the library since the day we received them. These popular books help support our students' love of reading.\r\nThank you for helping our readers grow and learn!","fullyFundedDate":1739152829684,"projectUrl":"project/nutmeg-nominee-class-read/9106158/","projectTitle":"Nutmeg Nominee Class Read.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rosas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9461911_orig.jpg?crop=1075,1075,x113,y5&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707237716455","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9461911"},{"teacherId":8616376,"projectId":9054416,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of rocking chairs to our class. Your thoughtful contribution has made a meaningful difference, and we appreciate your support.\r\n\r\nThe addition of the rocking chairs has created a warm and inviting environment where students feel comfortable and at ease. The positive impact on their focus and well-being is already evident, and we are grateful for the opportunity to offer such a nurturing classroom atmosphere.\r\n\r\nYour generosity reflects your commitment to enhancing educational experiences, and your kindness will leave a lasting impression on our students and staff. We are fortunate to have such caring and supportive community members who recognize the importance of creating an enriching learning environment.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your thoughtful donation. Your support means the world to us, and we truly value your partnership in fostering the growth and development of our students.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1736978921138,"projectUrl":"project/bounce-into-learning/9054416/","projectTitle":"Bounce into Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Farrington","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8616376"},{"teacherId":384176,"projectId":9048078,"letterContent":"I am so incredibly grateful for your generosity and support in helping make our classroom a more inclusive and engaging space for all students. Thanks to your donations, we now have a beautiful light table that sparks curiosity and creativity, a bookshelf that keeps our growing collection organized, and a wonderful selection of diverse picture books that allow every child to see themselves reflected in stories.\r\n\r\nThe impact of these donations has been truly amazing. The light table has become a favorite tool for sensory exploration, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. It has provided a welcoming space for students of all abilities to engage in open-ended discovery. Our new bookshelf helps create a cozy and inviting reading corner, encouraging a love for books and making it easier for students to access stories that inspire them. Most importantly, the diverse picture books are giving children the opportunity to see themselves and others represented in meaningful ways, fostering empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is making a real difference in our learning environment, creating a place where all students feel valued, included, and excited to learn. Thank you for believing in our classroom and for helping to shape a space where every child can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1736979096867,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-is-for-everyone/9048078/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten is for Everyone!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Contois Farrior","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp384176_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1532550985784","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsfarrior"},{"teacherId":7404916,"projectId":8957332,"letterContent":"Our class is loving our new seating and sensory toys! The seating is making such a difference in the way the children are able to select how they want to sit to do activities as well as how they want to play. The wobble stools and yoga ball chairs are used every single day and the children can choose which chair they want to sit in. I've already noticed a change in some of the students' ability to focus on a task just based on how they are sitting!! \r\n\r\nThank you again for all your support for our littlest learners!!","fullyFundedDate":1733233938712,"projectUrl":"project/wibbly-wobbly-little-learners/8957332/","projectTitle":"Wibbly Wobbly Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Filosa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7404916_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755736151323","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7404916"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_48278","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":458,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":19,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":84,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"11.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":88.4,"schoolId":48278,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Elmer Thienes - Mary Hall Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Elmer Thienes - Mary Hall Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/marlborough-school-district/marlborough-elementary-school/48278"}