{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"McKenzie Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":14.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7677114,"projectId":9482772,"letterContent":"The students were beyond excited when they first saw the reading nook. They immediately asked when they could use the blanket and rug, and many commented on how \"comfy\" and \"calm\" the space felt. Their excitement quickly turned into engagement, and they now look forward to independent reading time because it feels special and inviting rather than like a task.\r\nWe are using the new cozy reading nook every day during independent reading time. Students love laying out the blanket and stretching out as they read, or propping themselves up in the child-size recliner on the new blue rug. Others choose to buddy up on the rug and read side-by-side. The bookshelf holds our whisper phones for quiet independent reading, our snuggly reading buddy (a Snoopy Squishmallow), and materials for tracking reading success. One special moment was watching a normally reluctant reader choose to curl up with Snoopy and read for the entire reading block without reminders. The calm, comfortable space has helped students see reading as something relaxing and enjoyable.\r\nOur next steps include strengthening reading stamina, comprehension, and independence during reading time. Students are continuing to take AR tests and model responsibility by writing their name on an entry slip and placing it in the drawing box on the bookshelf when they earn a perfect score. These routines encourage goal-setting, accountability, and pride in their achievements. The cozy reading nook will continue to support our focus on building lifelong readers who enjoy spending time with books.","fullyFundedDate":1757015100538,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-reading-nook/9482772/","projectTitle":"Cozy Reading Nook","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rachel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7677114_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753040897630","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7677114"},{"teacherId":7678261,"projectId":9446534,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for generously funding my DonorsChoose project. Your kindness has brought so much excitement and support into our classroom. Because of you, my students now have new treasure box toys and candy rewards that make their hard work feel meaningful and fun. The dry erase markers are already helping us during small-group lessons, and the Teachers Pay Teachers gift card will allow me to bring even more engaging, high-quality materials to my students.\r\n\r\nI am especially grateful for the wiggle feet you provided for one of my students with ADHD. This small tool will make a big difference in helping them focus, stay comfortable, and participate more fully in learning each day.\r\n\r\nYour generosity does more than supply materials—it shows my students that people they've never even met believe in them. Thank you for investing in our classroom and for making our learning environment brighter, happier, and more supportive. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1757014919113,"projectUrl":"project/learning-without-limits-in-special-educa/9446534/","projectTitle":"Learning Without Limits in Special Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morgan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7678261_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751726127358","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7678261"},{"teacherId":10084828,"projectId":9479935,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the wonderful new flexible seating options for my classroom. These items get used every single day in my classroom. The students sit on the futon to read with their classmates and complete center work. The students use the donut yoga balls and seat cushions during center time to complete their work and provide a more comfortable seat for them. \r\nWhen the students first saw all the boxes, they were so curious as to what was inside them. I was just as excited as they were. When I started pulling all the new seating out, they were asking when they would get to use them. They cannot wait for center time now and hope they get to go to a center with those seats in them,\r\nWe cannot thank you enough for this donation.","fullyFundedDate":1757014872446,"projectUrl":"project/mrs-laurens-reading-nook/9479935/","projectTitle":"Mrs. Lauren’s Reading Nook","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lauren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10084828_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752929973112","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10084828"},{"teacherId":10085699,"projectId":9481689,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom project. Your support made it possible for us to add a new futon, a cozy floor lamp, and calming light covers—and the impact has been immediate and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThese additions have transformed our reading corner into an inviting, comfortable space where students truly want to spend time. The soft lighting and relaxed seating have helped create an atmosphere that feels safe, warm, and welcoming. My students are constantly gravitating toward the futon during independent reading, and they often comment on how \"calm\" and \"cozy\" the room feels now. It has quickly become one of their favorite places to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and for helping create a space that inspires young readers every day. Your kindness is making a real difference, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1757114776978,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-wishlist/9481689/","projectTitle":"Classroom Wishlist","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Barton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10085699"},{"teacherId":10070468,"projectId":9445717,"letterContent":"On behalf of our classroom, we want to share a heartfelt thank you for your generous gift of lapboards and books. Your kindness has already made a meaningful difference in how our students learn and engage each day.\r\nThe lapboards give every child a chance to participate confidently during lessons — practicing math problems, spelling, and quick checks for understanding. They've turned quiet moments into active learning opportunities and helped students build confidence before sharing aloud.\r\nThe new books have opened doors to fresh stories, new ideas, and important information. Students are excited to explore topics they hadn't encountered before, and our reading groups are more energetic and curious than ever. These resources support literacy, spark imagination, and strengthen classroom community.\r\nWe deeply appreciate your support of our students' education. Your generosity creates immediate benefits in the classroom and lasting impact on our learners' growth. Thank you for investing in their future.","fullyFundedDate":1757015126114,"projectUrl":"project/help-bring-a-dragon-themed-reading-adven/9445717/","projectTitle":"Help Bring a Dragon-Themed Reading Adventure to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brandy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10070468"},{"teacherId":7677114,"projectId":9608372,"letterContent":"The students were absolutely thrilled when they first saw the refills for our claw machine, candy machine, and treasure box. Their eyes lit up with excitement, and they couldn't stop talking about how they could earn these rewards. The enthusiasm was instant and has continued to encourage students to stay motivated, make positive behavior choices, and take pride in their academic accomplishments.\r\nMy students are using the new incentives as motivation to work toward both academic and behavioral goals. Students earn AR points through independent reading and can also earn rewards for meeting daily and weekly behavior expectations. One memorable moment was when a student who had been reading nonstop proudly reached his AR goal of 25 points and earned a turn at the classroom claw machine. It took him 2 or 3 tries, but he finally got something! The whole class erupted in celebration. He immediately shared his excitement with classmates and encouraged others to keep reading so they could earn a turn as well. The rewards have created a positive buzz and strengthened our classroom culture.\r\nStudents are setting personal AR goals and tracking their progress, which helps them develop responsibility and perseverance. Behaviorally, we are focusing on teamwork, self-control, and showing respect in the classroom. These new resources will continue to support student growth by reinforcing positive choices and celebrating success along the way.","fullyFundedDate":1757015046393,"projectUrl":"project/rewarding-the-joy-of-learning/9608372/","projectTitle":"Rewarding the Joy of Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rachel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7677114_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753040897630","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7677114"},{"teacherId":6482561,"projectId":9481603,"letterContent":"Thank you for the school wide Glow Day donation! We had a blast! All of our students got the opportunity to glow and have so much fun! We decked them out from head to toe with glow jewelry, enjoyed games and activities that glowed in our black lights, and painted faces to glow! We danced with Glow Sticks and our students took them home to trick or treat safely! It was the best day, one they won't soon forget. Thank you so much for being so supportive of our school system! Our local Sonic is THE BEST! Always willing to help! It's such a blessing to our community and students !","fullyFundedDate":1757014852457,"projectUrl":"project/mes-glow-day/9481603/","projectTitle":"MES Glow Day","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Simmons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6482561_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752854742020","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6482561"},{"teacherId":10180607,"projectId":9605188,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations! My students are absolutely loving our new classroom critters. Each time a box arrived, they could hardly wait to open it and discover which fuzzy new friend was waiting inside—it truly felt better than Christmas!\r\n\r\nOur weighted stuffed animals are already being put to great use in so many ways. When some of our more energetic friends need a bit of extra sensory input, holding one of our animals helps them calm and refocus. For students who are missing mom or dad, the soft, weighted feel of a favorite critter provides a sense of comfort and reassurance. Our students with special needs especially enjoy the variety of textures and weights available, making each animal a unique and meaningful support.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for contributing to our classroom project. Your kindness has brought so much joy and comfort to our students—and they're already busy picking out the next batch of classroom critters to add to our growing family!","fullyFundedDate":1758044691898,"projectUrl":"project/hugs-all-day-with-weighted-stuffed-anima/9605188/","projectTitle":"Hugs All Day with Weighted Stuffed Animals","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brandy Baumgardner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10180607_orig.jpg?crop=1158,1158,x149,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755289171936","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10180607"},{"teacherId":9647525,"projectId":8625308,"letterContent":"I am truly grateful for the opportunities you gave my students. They love their new floor seats. I wish you could see their faces when they use them. These additions to our classroom have made a difference for our kiddos that love to sit back and enjoy our space in different ways. My heart was so full when I got the notification. Your support helps provide meaningful opportunities and resources that make a difference every single day for our students. Thank you for investing in their learning and future! The world needs more of you!","fullyFundedDate":1729802612080,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-options/8625308/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating Options","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Megan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9647525_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757192874799","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9647525"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_92284","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":556,"numTeachers":35,"percentFrplEligible":28,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":12,"percentWhite":74,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":7,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"15.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":85.3,"schoolId":92284,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about McKenzie Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"McKenzie Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/tennessee/mckenzie-special-school-dist/mckenzie-elementary-school/92284"}