{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Marylou Dieterich Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":12.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9597930,"projectId":9320629,"letterContent":"When our new forest rug arrived, my students could hardly contain their excitement! They immediately noticed the bright greens and woodland patterns, and several said it felt like \"reading outside.\" We rolled it out together, and they helped arrange our library space around it — it truly transformed the area into a cozy reading nook that feels welcoming and calm.\r\n\r\nNow, every day, students gather on the rug during independent reading, small-group time, and class read-alouds. It's become a favorite spot for quiet moments with a good book. Some students even choose to bring their own cushions or stuffed animals to sit with while they read, creating their own little forest corner.\r\n\r\nThis rug has turned our library into the heart of our classroom — a place where students can relax, imagine, and fall in love with stories. Thank you for helping us create a space that nurtures both learning and joy. Your generosity truly made our classroom feel like home.","fullyFundedDate":1746786059455,"projectUrl":"project/forest-rugs/9320629/","projectTitle":"Forest Rugs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Handel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9597930"},{"teacherId":9597930,"projectId":9340575,"letterContent":"When our new materials arrived, my students were so excited! The first thing they noticed was the comfy new desk chair, which quickly became the favorite spot for reading time. It's now our \"Author's Chair\" — students take turns sitting in it to share their writing or read aloud to the class. This small change has made reading time feel extra special and has encouraged even my more reluctant readers to participate confidently.\r\n\r\nOur new whiteboard markers have made lessons more interactive and engaging. Instead of me being the only one writing on the board, students now come up to solve math problems, brainstorm ideas, or share their thinking during science discussions. The fresh, bright colors make everything clearer and more fun, which has really boosted their energy during lessons.\r\n\r\nThe STEM bins have been a huge hit during our morning choice time and science rotations. Students are collaborating, problem-solving, and thinking creatively as they build, test, and redesign their creations. These hands-on materials have given them opportunities to explore engineering concepts while working together and practicing perseverance.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our classroom feels more vibrant, collaborative, and full of curiosity. My students are learning that with the right tools and a little imagination, they can do amazing things!","fullyFundedDate":1752178836901,"projectUrl":"project/organized-and-happy/9340575/","projectTitle":"Organized and Happy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Handel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9597930"},{"teacherId":9597930,"projectId":9318914,"letterContent":"While classroom snacks and whiteboard erasers may not be high-tech, they've had a powerful impact on our students' ability to learn, focus, and thrive each day. The snacks you helped provide have been especially important — for many students, a healthy snack in the afternoon helps them stay alert, focused, and ready to tackle challenging tasks instead of feeling tired or distracted. It's amazing what a difference a granola bar or pack of crackers can make in a child's ability to concentrate and participate.\r\n\r\nThe whiteboard erasers may seem small, but they've completely changed how we use our classroom whiteboards. Before, we were using tissues or old socks — and while that worked in a pinch, it was messy and frustrating for students. Now, each student has access to a proper eraser, which makes our daily lessons smoother and helps them stay engaged during small-group work, centers, and independent practice.\r\n\r\nOne of my students, who is often shy about participating, now eagerly uses her whiteboard during math time — confident that she can quickly erase and try again if she makes a mistake. It's a small tool, but it's made a big difference in how she approaches learning.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students are better equipped — physically and mentally — to focus, learn, and feel successful every day. These basic supplies create a more organized, supportive, and welcoming learning environment, and we are so grateful for your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1746785336911,"projectUrl":"project/chromebook-charging-station/9318914/","projectTitle":"Chromebook Charging Station","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Handel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9597930"},{"teacherId":9597930,"projectId":9311054,"letterContent":"When the cleaning and organizational supplies arrived, my students were genuinely thrilled — you'd be surprised how excited kids can get about having their own clean, organized space! We turned it into a classroom community moment, talking about how keeping our desks tidy helps us take pride in our work and respect our shared learning environment. One student even said, \"It feels like we have our own offices now!\"\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we've been able to keep our materials in order and our desks clean, which has had a surprisingly big impact on focus and productivity. Students no longer waste time searching for supplies or getting distracted by clutter — everything has a place, and they take ownership of keeping it that way. The classroom feels calmer, more efficient, and more conducive to learning.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, these systems will continue to support our routines as we dive into upcoming projects. Whether we're working on writing assignments, group activities, or art projects, students can now access what they need quickly and return items responsibly. These habits of organization and cleanliness are skills they'll carry with them far beyond our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746786018374,"projectUrl":"project/clean-desks-are-happy-desks/9311054/","projectTitle":"Clean Desks are Happy Desks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Handel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9597930"},{"teacherId":9597930,"projectId":9306236,"letterContent":"When the materials arrived, the excitement in our classroom was electric! My students could hardly believe that someone they had never met had made such a meaningful gift to support their learning. We took time to explore everything together, and their eyes lit up with curiosity and joy. We're now incorporating these materials into our daily routines. Resources are not just tools—they're catalysts for confidence and creativity. Thank you for believing in us and for being a part of our classroom journey. Your support has truly made a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1746785566321,"projectUrl":"project/calming-corner/9306236/","projectTitle":"Calming Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Handel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9597930"},{"teacherId":10011718,"projectId":9311033,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution that helped us secure a classroom set of Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo. This beautiful story about friendship, kindness, and community is the perfect companion to the work we do each day in our classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support has given every student the opportunity to hold their own copy, read along, and connect deeply with the characters and themes. Already, we've had powerful conversations about empathy, acceptance, and the importance of connection lessons that extend far beyond the page.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, we're not just reading a book, we're building a stronger classroom community. Thank you for being a part of our journey.","fullyFundedDate":1746503983759,"projectUrl":"project/the-best-friendships/9311033/","projectTitle":"The Best Friendships","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burkett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10011718"},{"teacherId":9597930,"projectId":9296346,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, this project has made a tremendous impact in our classroom! The new technology has become an integral part of how my students learn, explore, and engage with the curriculum every day.\r\n\r\nMany of our donors are familiar with using technology at home—checking emails, streaming videos, or browsing the web—but in our classroom, it's so much more than that. The technology you provided is helping my students learn by making lessons more interactive, visual, and hands-on. Whether it's through educational apps that adapt to each student's learning level, virtual science labs, or creative design programs, students are now able to deepen their understanding in ways that traditional tools just couldn't offer.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students the most is the opportunity to take ownership of their learning. They're no longer just passive recipients of information—they're creators, problem-solvers, and collaborators. The new product has sparked a wave of curiosity and creativity in the room. I've seen students who were once shy and hesitant now confidently leading group projects or diving into coding activities with enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular, who previously struggled to stay engaged in class, has truly blossomed since we introduced this technology. With the personalized learning tools now available, she's able to work at her own pace, which has boosted her confidence and academic performance. She's even begun helping her classmates and sharing her excitement about what she's learning—a transformation that's been incredible to witness.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving us the tools to unlock this potential. Your support has done more than just provide a product—it's helped create a learning environment where students feel empowered and inspired every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1746785418852,"projectUrl":"project/technology-in-class/9296346/","projectTitle":"Technology in Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Handel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9597930"},{"teacherId":9597930,"projectId":9295420,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Your donation made an immediate difference in our learning environment. When my students first realized we had new resources to use, their excitement was contagious. They felt seen, supported, and truly valued—and that feeling has carried into their work each day.\r\n\r\nWe recently completed a collaborative classroom project that allowed students to express their creativity while building important academic skills. With the new materials available, they were able to dive into their work with focus and enthusiasm. One moment that really stood out was watching a group of students who normally struggle with participation come alive with confidence and ideas—they were so proud of what they created and eager to share it with the class.\r\n\r\nAs we move into our next unit, students are already asking what's next and how they can apply what they've learned in new ways. Your generosity has done more than provide tools—it has sparked curiosity, supported learning, and helped create a classroom culture of possibility and pride. We're so grateful to have you as part of our community!","fullyFundedDate":1746785294547,"projectUrl":"project/basic-supplies/9295420/","projectTitle":"Basic Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Handel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9597930"},{"teacherId":9597930,"projectId":9306279,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has a new (and very popular) addition—our class pet! The excitement was immediate. When the students first saw the pet habitat set up with all the new supplies—bedding, food, toys, and decorations—they couldn't stop smiling and whispering guesses about what animal would be joining our class. When we finally introduced our new pet, their faces lit up with joy. It was a moment of pure wonder and connection.\r\n\r\nNext, we're launching a research project where students will study different animals and create presentations on which pets are best suited for classroom environments. They'll use what they've learned from caring for our pet to inform their work. Your donation did more than provide supplies—it created a shared experience that teaches compassion, responsibility, and curiosity every single day. Thank you for helping make this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1746785628157,"projectUrl":"project/class-pet/9306279/","projectTitle":"Class Pet","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Handel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9597930"},{"teacherId":9597930,"projectId":8968587,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping our class receive STEM bins and the inspiring book Because of Winn-Dixie! Your donations have made a meaningful impact on our students' learning experiences. The STEM bins have sparked creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on discovery in our classroom, while Because of Winn-Dixie has opened the door to thoughtful discussions and a love for reading. We are incredibly grateful for your kindness and belief in the power of education—your support truly makes a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1742325522654,"projectUrl":"project/stem-bins-and-novel-study/8968587/","projectTitle":"Stem Bins and Novel Study","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Handel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9597930"},{"teacherId":9597930,"projectId":8816515,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for your generous donation of plants to my classroom. Your kindness has not only enhanced the aesthetic of our learning environment, but it has also provided my students with a unique opportunity to engage with nature. The plants are already making a difference, creating a calming and inspiring space where students can thrive. Your thoughtful gesture has truly brought our classroom to life, and we are excited to watch these plants grow and flourish alongside our students.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and support. The impact of your donation goes beyond just the plants themselves; it fosters a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment in my students. They are excited to care for the plants and watch them thrive as part of their daily routine. We are incredibly grateful for your contribution, which is helping to create a learning space that encourages growth, both academically and personally.","fullyFundedDate":1731529260457,"projectUrl":"project/plants-to-grow-with-us/8816515/","projectTitle":"Plants to grow with us!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Handel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9597930"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_74823","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":520,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":50,"percentAsian":10,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":23,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":46,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"24.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":87.9,"schoolId":74823,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Marylou Dieterich Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Marylou Dieterich Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/stanislaus-union-school-district/marylou-dieterich-elementary-school/74823"}