{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":31.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10194342,"projectId":10057512,"letterContent":"The addition of these touch-and-feel board books has had a powerful impact on student engagement and participation during literacy activities. Students who previously struggled to attend to books are now eager to explore stories through hands-on interaction, using textures and tactile elements to stay focused and involved. The multisensory design of these books has helped make abstract ideas more concrete, allowing students to better understand concepts such as animals, emotions, and colors while strengthening early literacy skills like vocabulary, listening, and comprehension.\r\n\r\nThese books have also become an important tool for sensory regulation and social-emotional learning throughout the day. Many students seek them out during calming breaks or transitions, using the predictable textures and interactive features to self-soothe and refocus. Emotion-themed titles have opened the door for meaningful conversations about feelings, while shared reading experiences have encouraged communication, turn-taking, and peer interaction in a low-pressure, enjoyable way.\r\n\r\nOverall, these sensory books have transformed our classroom library into a more inclusive and accessible space for all learners. They are being used successfully in small groups, independent exploration, and whole-class activities, supporting a wide range of ability levels and learning styles. Most importantly, the books have helped students build confidence and joy around reading, fostering positive literacy experiences that will support their growth both academically and emotionally.","fullyFundedDate":1769722104671,"projectUrl":"project/touch-and-feel-tales-that-bring-books-to/10057512/","projectTitle":"Touch-and-Feel Tales That Bring Books to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10194342_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y136&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767984781229","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10194342"},{"teacherId":10194342,"projectId":9986701,"letterContent":"The addition of the GONGE Giant Spinning Top and shatterproof acrylic wall mirrors has already had a meaningful impact on our motor lab and the way students engage with movement-based learning. The spinning top has quickly become a favorite activity, motivating students to participate in core strengthening, balance, and vestibular input without feeling like they are doing \"therapy.\" Students are practicing turn-taking, following simple directions, and regulating their bodies while laughing and encouraging one another. The joy and confidence they display during these activities has increased both engagement and endurance during motor sessions.\r\n\r\nThe wall mirrors have added an entirely new layer of learning and safety to the space. By seeing their own movements in real time, students are developing stronger body awareness, spatial understanding, and motor planning skills. The mirrors support imitation of modeled movements and help students self-correct posture and positioning, fostering independence and self-monitoring. They also provide reassurance and visual grounding for students who benefit from consistent sensory feedback during gross motor activities.\r\n\r\nTogether, these materials have transformed the motor lab into a more interactive, supportive, and student-centered environment. Students are exploring movement with greater confidence, celebrating small victories, and building essential life skills in a space that feels safe and empowering. These resources not only support physical development but also promote independence, communication, and pride in progress—outcomes that will positively impact students far beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1769177285197,"projectUrl":"project/movement-that-matters/9986701/","projectTitle":"Movement That Matters","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10194342_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y136&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767984781229","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10194342"},{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":10001993,"letterContent":"These materials will be extremely beneficial to my class because they allow me to teach essential life skills through hands-on, meaningful play. The food group sets and vegetable bushel give my students concrete opportunities to explore healthy eating, food identification, sorting, and categorizing. I can use these items to practice daily living skills such as making food choices, understanding nutrition, and following simple routines like \"shopping,\" \"cooking,\" and \"serving.\" The realistic design of the food pieces helps my students make connections between classroom activities and real-life experiences, which is especially important for building independence and functional understanding.\r\n\r\nThe pretend play items, including the Carry Around Animal Town and the spill-free doll feeding bottles, will help me support social-emotional growth and communication skills in my classroom. These toys allow my students to practice nurturing behaviors, turn-taking, and expressive language while engaging in imaginative play. I can also use them to model appropriate social interactions and daily care routines, such as feeding and caring for others. Overall, these materials will help me create an engaging, structured learning environment where my students can safely practice real-world skills, develop confidence, and strengthen their independence.","fullyFundedDate":1769802543849,"projectUrl":"project/mini-careers-major-life-skills/10001993/","projectTitle":"Mini Careers, Major Life Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"},{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":9994381,"letterContent":"These items are highly beneficial to my skills classroom because they support the development of foundational skills through hands-on, engaging activities. The Fun Express sorting and recycling toy promotes color recognition, categorization, fine motor skills, and early environmental awareness, all of which are essential for daily living and independence. Similarly, the Melissa & Doug smoothie maker encourages pretend play that builds practical life skills such as following steps, sequencing, making choices, and basic food preparation concepts. These activities help students practice real-world routines in a safe and motivating way, while also strengthening communication and social interaction as they play alongside peers or adults.\r\nIn addition, the sensory and interactive toys—such as the light-up spinning wand, music shake ball, and interactive Fingerlings pet—are especially valuable for supporting sensory regulation, cause-and-effect understanding, and emotional development. The visual, auditory, and tactile input from these toys can help students with sensory needs stay engaged, calm, and focused during learning activities. The interactive pet also promotes nurturing behaviors, responsibility, and expressive language as students respond to its sounds and reactions. Together, these items create a well-rounded learning environment that supports cognitive, sensory, social, and functional life skills in an inclusive and developmentally appropriate way.","fullyFundedDate":1769177282677,"projectUrl":"project/from-play-to-practical-skills/9994381/","projectTitle":"From Play to Practical Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"},{"teacherId":10194342,"projectId":9688045,"letterContent":"This project has had a meaningful and immediate impact on my students and our classroom environment. The flexible floor cushions have transformed our reading area into a space where students feel comfortable, supported, and ready to learn. Many of my students who previously struggled to sit and attend during reading time are now able to focus longer and engage more deeply with books. Having their own soft, personal seating has given them a sense of ownership and independence, while also meeting important sensory and movement needs.\r\n\r\nThe addition of the plush moon, star, and cloud pillows has made our reading nook feel safe, calming, and inviting. Students are naturally drawn to the space and view it as a special place to relax, regulate, and explore stories. The cozy atmosphere has helped reduce anxiety and increase willingness to participate in independent reading and small-group activities. For students who need emotional comfort and predictable routines, this space has become a trusted retreat within the classroom.\r\n\r\nOverall, this project has helped foster a positive relationship with reading and learning. By creating an environment that supports both sensory needs and emotional well-being, my students are more engaged, confident, and excited to spend time with books. This impact goes beyond reading skills — it supports self-regulation, independence, and a genuine love of learning that will continue to grow throughout the year.","fullyFundedDate":1767563680895,"projectUrl":"project/storytime-sanctuary/9688045/","projectTitle":"Storytime Sanctuary","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10194342_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y136&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767984781229","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10194342"},{"teacherId":10194342,"projectId":9683507,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our Donors Choose project and supporting our self-contained special education classroom. Your generosity has made an immediate and meaningful impact on our students by allowing us to strengthen our positive reinforcement system. For many of our learners, structure, consistency, and clear rewards are essential to meeting their academic, behavioral, and social goals, and your support has helped us provide just that.\r\n\r\nThe snacks you provided—Welch's Gluten Free Mixed Fruit Snacks and GoGo squeeZ Organic Applesauce Pouches—have been especially impactful. These allergy-friendly options are easy for students to open independently and allow us to meet individual preferences and dietary needs. Having access to these specific items has helped us maintain calm, predictable routines while motivating students to stay engaged, make positive choices, and celebrate their progress throughout the day.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the Chips Variety Pack and the Goldfish Baked Snack Crackers/Cheez-It Bundle have given us familiar, student-approved options that work perfectly for rewards, celebrations, and moments when students need extra comfort or encouragement. These individually wrapped snacks allow us to provide immediate, tangible reinforcement, which is incredibly effective for many of our learners. Because of your generosity, our classroom is a more positive, supportive, and inclusive environment where every success—big or small—is recognized and celebrated. Thank you for making a lasting difference in our students' daily lives.","fullyFundedDate":1764872972088,"projectUrl":"project/get-your-snack-on/9683507/","projectTitle":"Get Your Snack On!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10194342_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y136&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767984781229","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10194342"},{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":9621612,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of these engaging classroom materials. The Wiggle Wandz will be used to support movement breaks, attention, and self-regulation, helping students stay focused and calm during learning activities. The sorting snacks mini fridge, donut fine motor game, and pancake board game will provide hands-on opportunities to practice sorting, sequencing, turn-taking, problem-solving, and following directions while reinforcing real-life concepts like food preparation and kitchen routines. These items make learning fun, accessible, and meaningful for our students, and we are incredibly grateful for your support and the positive impact it will have on our life skills classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1765809176594,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-learning/9621612/","projectTitle":"Let's Get Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"},{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":9683300,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous and thoughtful donations to our classroom. Your support allows us to provide purposeful, hands-on learning experiences for our students. The Wiggle Wandz sensory tools will be used during movement breaks and transitions to help students with focus, self-regulation, and sensory needs. The Sorting Snacks Mini Fridge set will support lessons in sorting, categorizing, and early math skills, as well as imaginative play during learning centers.\r\n\r\nThe games Grab That Donut! and Pancake Pile-Up will be incorporated into small-group instruction to strengthen fine motor skills, turn-taking, sequencing, and cooperative play. These activities offer engaging ways for students to practice important developmental and social skills while having fun.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our students have access to materials that support their growth, confidence, and love of learning. We truly appreciate your investment in our classroom and in the success of our children.","fullyFundedDate":1763561173560,"projectUrl":"project/learning-to-follow-directions/9683300/","projectTitle":"Learning to Follow Directions!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"},{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":9683532,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for your support in providing essential classroom supplies that keep our Life Skills program running smoothly every day. The remanufactured HP 63XL ink cartridges allow us to print individualized learning materials, communication supports, and visual schedules that help our students thrive. Having reliable ink ensures we can continuously provide the tools our learners need in real time.\r\n\r\nYour donation of thermal laminating pouches has also made a major impact! Laminating our instructional materials keeps them durable and accessible, especially for students who benefit from hands-on resources that can be reused again and again. Thanks to you, our classroom visuals, task cards, and work systems will last much longer and stay looking great.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the self-adhesive dots have become incredibly useful for adaptive learning supports. They allow us to create interactive tasks, attach visuals in accessible places, and customize learning tools based on each student's needs. Your generosity gives us the flexibility to design a learning environment that is functional, organized, and student-centered. Thank you for investing in our classroom and helping us provide meaningful support each and every day!","fullyFundedDate":1761661184671,"projectUrl":"project/printing-out-progress/9683532/","projectTitle":"Printing Out Progress!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"},{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":9698475,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for contributing such wonderful learning materials to our Life Skills classroom! The Melissa & Doug Pizza Party Set and Magnetic Dress-Up Kit have already become a highlight of our play-based instruction. These engaging toys allow our students to practice communication, social interaction, and fine motor skills while enjoying imaginative play together.\r\n\r\nWe also truly appreciate the Melissa & Doug Special Occasion Wooden Song Puzzle. This resource encourages language development, memory skills, and joyful participation during class activities. It has quickly become a fun and meaningful way for students to express themselves and build important early learning skills.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the Find the Letter Activity Center has been an incredible support for literacy development. Students are gaining confidence in recognizing letters and identifying sounds through hands-on exploration. Your generosity helps us create a classroom where learning is exciting, accessible, and full of opportunities for growth. Thank you for making a positive and lasting difference in our learners' lives!","fullyFundedDate":1762267549928,"projectUrl":"project/totally-terrific-task-boxes/9698475/","projectTitle":"Totally Terrific Task Boxes!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"},{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":9698917,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our Life Skills classroom! The engaging toys — including the VTech Chomp & Count Dino, interactive pop-up toy, and the Montessori nuts and bolts set — have already become student favorites. These materials encourage curiosity, improve fine motor skills, and support early cognitive development through play-based learning.\r\n\r\nWe are also incredibly appreciative of the Montessori tactile puzzles and colorful geometric solids set. These hands-on learning tools help students explore shapes, textures, patterns, and spatial awareness — skills that are essential for growth and independence. Every day, our learners are gaining confidence as they discover new concepts with these durable, thoughtfully chosen resources.\r\n\r\nThe sound books — Pete the Cat: The Wheels on the Bus, Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?, and What Do You Say, Little Blue Truck? — bring joy and excitement to literacy time. The students love turning pages, pressing buttons, and listening to the sounds come alive. Your generosity has helped create a classroom environment where students learn through engaging experiences designed just for them. Thank you for supporting their development and helping us build a foundation for lifelong learning!","fullyFundedDate":1761958733409,"projectUrl":"project/spectacular-stations/9698917/","projectTitle":"Spectacular Stations!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"},{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":9748923,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your thoughtful contributions to our Life Skills classroom! Your donations of the Vowel Teams Instant Learning Center and the Blends & Digraphs Instant Learning Center have already brought exciting new opportunities for literacy growth. These hands-on resources help our students strengthen their reading skills in a way that is both engaging and confidence-building.\r\n\r\nWe are also incredibly grateful for the Hot Dots Interactive Pens and the Hot Dots Jr. Pre-K Math set. These tools provide immediate feedback and turn learning into a fun, interactive experience. Our students light up — just like the pens — when they see they've answered correctly and are mastering new math concepts.\r\n\r\nYour generosity makes a meaningful difference for our young learners each day. With the support of caring donors like you, our classroom continues to grow into a space where students feel supported, capable, and excited to learn. Thank you for investing in their success and helping them build essential skills for the future!","fullyFundedDate":1761959859171,"projectUrl":"project/learning-is-fun/9748923/","projectTitle":"Learning is Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_7989","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":464,"numTeachers":33,"percentFrplEligible":63,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":30,"percentWhite":30,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":29,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"14.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.7,"schoolId":7989,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/mansfield-independent-school-district/mary-jo-sheppard-elementary-school/7989"}