{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"McLendon Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":24.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4358782,"projectId":9983755,"letterContent":"The new creativity caddies and rotating organizers have made an immediate difference in our STEAM Lab. What may seem like simple organizational tools have truly improved the way students learn, collaborate, and create. Instead of wasting valuable class time searching for markers, pencils, scissors, or building materials, students can now quickly access everything they need from their table supply hubs and jump straight into the design process.\r\n\r\nOne of our favorite moments came during a recent engineering challenge where students worked in teams to design wind-resistant towers. As soon as they saw the bright, colorful caddies, students were excited and eager to claim responsibility for their team stations. I heard comments like, \"This is our supply center!\" and \"We can spin it to share!\" The rotating organizers helped students smoothly pass materials, divide responsibilities, and stay focused on problem-solving rather than competing for supplies. Transitions were faster, teamwork improved, and students took pride in resetting their stations at the end of class.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for our students include using these new resources during upcoming robotics builds, invention challenges, and collaborative design projects. We are also practicing classroom systems that promote independence and responsibility, with students serving as materials managers and team leaders. These caddies are doing more than holding supplies—they are helping build a more efficient, student-centered STEAM Lab where creativity can thrive. Thank you for investing in our young innovators and helping ideas move faster every day.","fullyFundedDate":1767907886280,"projectUrl":"project/caddies-for-creativity/9983755/","projectTitle":"Caddies for Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. H.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4358782_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504303537232","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/misshughley"},{"teacherId":4358782,"projectId":9690250,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students now have access to a true Tech Nook in the STEAM Lab, anchored by a powerful Apple iMac that has already transformed learning. Many people use technology at home for entertainment or communication, but in our classroom, students are using technology as a tool for creation, problem-solving, and collaboration. They are researching topics, writing scripts, recording podcasts, designing presentations, editing videos, and exploring beginning coding skills—all on one device that can keep up with their ideas. Instead of simply consuming content, students are now producing meaningful work that reflects their voices and creativity.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is how professional the experience feels. The large screen, fast performance, and creative programs make them feel like real designers, engineers, filmmakers, and producers. The first time students sat down at the iMac, I heard comments like, \"This looks like a studio!\" and \"Can we make our own show?\" Their curiosity and confidence grew immediately. Students who may not always shine in traditional academic settings have become leaders in this space—especially those who love art, storytelling, music, or hands-on exploration.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular, who is often quiet in class, discovered a passion for audio recording and now eagerly volunteers to help classmates with podcast projects. Another student who struggles with writing has found success using speech-to-text tools to share ideas more freely. These moments remind me that access to quality technology is about so much more than devices—it is about unlocking potential. Because of your support, our students are gaining the confidence and skills to become creators, communicators, and innovators.","fullyFundedDate":1767233956367,"projectUrl":"project/theres-no-steam-without-t-we-need-a-te/9690250/","projectTitle":"There's No STEAM Without T: We Need a Tech Nook","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. H.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4358782_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504303537232","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/misshughley"},{"teacherId":9938349,"projectId":9890312,"letterContent":"Students experience a sense of pride and accomplishment when they create a dish from scratch. Collaborating in the kitchen teaches crucial social skills like teamwork, patience, sharing responsibility, and communication.The kitchen serves as a laboratory where students apply academic concepts in real-time. They practice math through measuring ingredients, fractions, and ratios; science by observing chemical reactions states of matter, heat transfer; and literacy by reading recipes and following instructions. Thank you so very much The students were oh so very excited to work with these materials. They created yummy food for their Christmas party.","fullyFundedDate":1763498162963,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-with-our-five-senses/9890312/","projectTitle":"Cooking With Our Five Senses!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9938349_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753109816754","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9938349"},{"teacherId":3970475,"projectId":9623820,"letterContent":"Thank you for your contribution towards helping our students compete in the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl. The competition is special to our district, because this state-wide competition began in DeKalb in 1986. Starting with only two schools, the media specialist coached their students to compete in the academic style bowl and gain a new found love of reading at the same time. The competition books are selected from the Georgia Children's Book Award nominees. Students learn to work together as a team, use critical thinking skills for some questions, and learn the importance of mental competition. My students love the HRRB and we plan to make the next competition better than the last.","fullyFundedDate":1761150930974,"projectUrl":"project/reading-bowl-2026/9623820/","projectTitle":"Reading Bowl 2026","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Osby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3970475_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475595671294","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-osby"},{"teacherId":4358782,"projectId":9690404,"letterContent":"My students have been incredibly excited to use the new LEGO resources in our STEAM Lab and after-school LEGO Club. One of our most memorable moments happened the very first day we introduced the kits. As soon as students saw the boxes, there were gasps, huge smiles, and immediate questions like, \"Are these really for us?\" and \"When can we start building?\" Their excitement was contagious.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using the materials for a collaborative engineering and robotics project in which students work in teams to design, build, and improve moving creations such as race cars, animal habitats, amusement park rides, and simple machines. Students begin by sketching their ideas, discussing roles, and planning their builds before bringing them to life with the LEGO pieces. It has been amazing to watch students problem-solve together, encourage one another, and persist when something does not work the first time.\r\n\r\nFor our older students, these new resources are also helping us prepare for the DeKalb County School District Technology Fair. Students are learning beginning coding and robotics concepts as they build models that can move, respond, and complete tasks. They are already brainstorming projects that solve real-world problems in creative ways.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for our students include testing and redesigning their creations, adding coding elements, and practicing how to present their ideas to others. More than anything, these resources have helped students see themselves as engineers, creators, and innovators. Your generosity has turned excitement into opportunity, and we are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1759162973164,"projectUrl":"project/click-code-create-building-big-with-l/9690404/","projectTitle":"Click, Code, Create: Building Big with LEGO Club","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. H.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4358782_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504303537232","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/misshughley"},{"teacherId":3970475,"projectId":9633230,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students now have access to 3D printer pens and a laser engraver—tools that will serve as gateways into the world of additive and subtractive manufacturing. These technologies are not just equipment; they are instruments of transformation. They allow our students to turn imagination into innovation, to move from sketch to prototype, and to begin seeing themselves as creators, problem-solvers, and entrepreneurs.\r\n\r\nFor many of our learners, especially those navigating language barriers, this visual and tactile approach to education is a game-changer. It transcends words and taps into the universal language of design. It fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and project management—skills essential for success in today's workforce and tomorrow's economy.\r\n\r\nYour support is helping us close the achievement gap and open doors to high-tech careers that once felt out of reach. You are giving our students the confidence to dream bigger, build boldly, and believe in their potential.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our students and for helping us build a future where every child has the tools to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1755973806322,"projectUrl":"project/makerspace-ideas-to-prototypes/9633230/","projectTitle":"MakerSpace: Ideas to Prototypes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Osby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3970475_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475595671294","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-osby"},{"teacherId":9938349,"projectId":9149821,"letterContent":"By contributing to this project, the kids in 4-H gardening club are able to experience what it's like to grow their own food. To experience. farm to table experiences to help their community. This experience, they can take with them wherever they go throughout their life. We will be making recipes with the things that come from the garden. We also are looking, so get some rabbits as well as chickens. So thank you so very much for donating to mclending elementary garden club again. The kids are so very excited. Ready to get out and get in the dirt? Which is a great way to be outside. When the kids saw the supplies, they were ready to get into the garden right there. I","fullyFundedDate":1747158112364,"projectUrl":"project/4-h-garden-club/9149821/","projectTitle":"4-H Garden Club","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9938349_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753109816754","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9938349"},{"teacherId":3970475,"projectId":9003894,"letterContent":"Books have a profound and lasting impact on kindergarten and first-grade students, especially in low socioeconomic areas where many students are not native English speakers. Your donation of humorous books that build phonemic awareness is truly making a significant difference, fostering a love of reading and planting the seeds for future leaders.\r\n\r\nFor these young learners, many of whom may have limited exposure to books at home, the presence of engaging and accessible literature is transformative. The humorous nature of the \"Gerald and Piggy\" books you've provided is particularly effective. Laughter is a universal language, and the comedic elements help bridge the linguistic gap for non-English speaking students, making the stories enjoyable and less intimidating. This enjoyment is crucial for building a positive association with reading, which is the foundation for literacy development.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, the focus on phonemic awareness is critical. These books, by their design, help children recognize and manipulate the individual sounds in words. This skill is a strong predictor of reading success, and for students who are learning English as a second language, it is even more vital. By making this learning process fun and engaging through humor, you are significantly accelerating their ability to decode words and comprehend text.","fullyFundedDate":1734374252398,"projectUrl":"project/elephant-piggie-and-pigeon-in-the-libr/9003894/","projectTitle":"Elephant, Piggie, and Pigeon in the Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Osby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3970475_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475595671294","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-osby"},{"teacherId":3970475,"projectId":9008599,"letterContent":"We are writing to share the incredible impact your contribution has made on our students, particularly those from low socioeconomic backgrounds and non-English speaking households. The 3D printer you provided has become a cornerstone of our efforts to give these students access to cutting-edge engineering and technology skills, opening doors to opportunities that were previously out of reach.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, language can be a significant barrier to traditional learning. However, the visual and hands-on nature of 3D printing transcends linguistic differences. Students can conceptualize their designs online, using intuitive software that often relies on visual cues rather than extensive text. This allows them to engage with complex engineering principles in a way that is accessible and less intimidating. The excitement in the room is palpable as they watch their digital creations transform into tangible objects, holding in their hands something they designed and built themselves.\r\n\r\nThe 3D printer is equipping our students with the technological literacy and hands-on experience that will better prepare them for future academic pursuits and a competitive job market. It's fostering a sense of accomplishment and empowerment, demonstrating that with creativity and the right tools, anything is possible. Your donation has not only provided a piece of equipment; it has ignited a passion for learning, innovation, and a brighter future for our students. We are immensely grateful for your continued support in bridging the equity gap and empowering the next generation of innovators.","fullyFundedDate":1735628890263,"projectUrl":"project/3d-inside-out/9008599/","projectTitle":"3D Inside Out","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Osby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3970475_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475595671294","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-osby"},{"teacherId":3970475,"projectId":9003821,"letterContent":"We are writing to share the incredible impact your contribution has made on our students, particularly those from low socioeconomic backgrounds and non-English speaking households. The 3D printer you provided has become a cornerstone of our efforts to give these students access to cutting-edge engineering and technology skills, opening doors to opportunities that were previously out of reach.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, language can be a significant barrier to traditional learning. However, the visual and hands-on nature of 3D printing transcends linguistic differences. Students can conceptualize their designs online, using intuitive software that often relies on visual cues rather than extensive text. This allows them to engage with complex engineering principles in a way that is accessible and less intimidating. The excitement in the room is palpable as they watch their digital creations transform into tangible objects, holding in their hands something they designed and built themselves.\r\n\r\nThe 3D printer is equipping our students with the technological literacy and hands-on experience that will better prepare them for future academic pursuits and a competitive job market. It's fostering a sense of accomplishment and empowerment, demonstrating that with creativity and the right tools, anything is possible. Your donation has not only provided a piece of equipment; it has ignited a passion for learning, innovation, and a brighter future for our students. We are immensely grateful for your continued support in bridging the equity gap and empowering the next generation of innovators.","fullyFundedDate":1734301611947,"projectUrl":"project/3d-inside-out/9003821/","projectTitle":"3D Inside Out","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Osby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3970475_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475595671294","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-osby"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_48763","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":342,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":61,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":15,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"8.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.0,"schoolId":48763,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about McLendon Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"McLendon Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/georgia/dekalb-county-school-district/mclendon-elementary-school/48763"}