{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Meeker Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9230802,"projectId":10156434,"letterContent":"The new literacy materials have made a huge impact on my students' learning during reading centers and small group instruction. The English and Spanish literacy centers give students meaningful, hands-on practice with foundational reading skills while keeping them engaged and excited to learn. The decodable books I was able to print have helped students practice phonics skills in connected text, which is building their confidence and fluency as readers. Having organized materials and book bins also allows students to work more independently and easily access books and activities that match their learning needs.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is having books they can actually read successfully on their own. They love being able to recognize the phonics patterns we are learning in class and apply them while reading. The literacy centers feel fun and interactive to them, and students are always eager to rotate through the activities. They especially enjoy having materials available in both English and Spanish because it helps them feel successful in both languages.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who previously struggled with reading confidence have especially warmed up to these new materials. Some of my hesitant readers are now volunteering to read aloud during small groups and choosing decodable books during independent reading time. My bilingual students have benefited greatly from having access to literacy activities and books in both languages, allowing them to strengthen their skills while feeling supported and successful. It has been amazing to watch students become more independent, engaged, and excited about reading every day.","fullyFundedDate":1778261885799,"projectUrl":"project/decodable-books-book-bins-reading-su/10156434/","projectTitle":"Decodable Books + Book Bins = Reading Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Batres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9230802_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731560977750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-batres"},{"teacherId":9230802,"projectId":10234984,"letterContent":"The weighted stuffed animals have become an important part of our classroom calm-down corner and daily routine. My students use them throughout the day when they are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, anxious, or simply need a quiet moment to reset before returning to learning. One special moment that stood out happened after a student became upset during a partner activity. Instead of shutting down or having a bigger emotional reaction, the student independently chose a weighted stuffed animal, sat in the calm-down corner, practiced breathing strategies we have been learning, and returned ready to participate again. Moments like this have helped my students build confidence in recognizing and regulating their emotions in healthy ways.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the weighted stuffed animals, they were beyond excited. Many of them immediately hugged them tightly and talked about how \"safe,\" \"soft,\" and \"calm\" they felt. Several students who normally struggle with transitions or emotional regulation quickly connected with the materials and began asking to use the calm-down corner appropriately. My students have started viewing emotional regulation as something positive and normal, and they are becoming more comfortable expressing their feelings and asking for support when they need it.\r\n\r\nThe next steps in our classroom are continuing to strengthen our social-emotional learning routines and helping students become more independent in managing big emotions. We are currently working on identifying feelings, practicing calming strategies, and learning how to communicate our needs respectfully with others. My students are also learning how to support classmates through kindness, empathy, and problem-solving. These new resources are helping create a classroom environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1777994382949,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-to-learn-helping-little-minds-r/10234984/","projectTitle":"Comfort to Learn: Helping Little Minds Regulate with Weighted Friends","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Batres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9230802_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731560977750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-batres"},{"teacherId":9230802,"projectId":9714699,"letterContent":"The new books have helped introduce and strengthen many important first grade reading skills in both English and Spanish. Students are practicing comprehension, retelling stories, identifying characters and setting, making predictions, and building vocabulary while reading texts that feel exciting and meaningful to them. These books also help students develop reading stamina and confidence because they are eager to keep turning the pages and talking about what they read. Many of the texts encourage students to think deeply, make connections to their own lives, and engage in partner discussions about books.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive, joyful, and student-centered. Students participate in read-alouds, partner reading, small reading groups, and independent reading throughout the day. We work hard to create a classroom where students see themselves as readers, no matter their current reading level. Because we are a dual language classroom, students also have opportunities to build literacy skills in both languages while developing a love for reading. It is common to see students excitedly recommending books to one another, reading together on the carpet, or proudly sharing new words and stories they have discovered.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have especially connected with the new books because they finally feel like they are reading \"big kid books.\" Some of my more hesitant readers have become more motivated to pick up books independently because the texts are highly engaging and visually appealing. I have also seen students light up when they find books that reflect their culture, language, or personal interests. Watching students gain confidence and excitement around reading has been one of the most rewarding parts of this project.","fullyFundedDate":1768245856459,"projectUrl":"project/big-kid-books-for-little-readers/9714699/","projectTitle":"Big Kid Books for Little Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Batres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9230802_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731560977750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-batres"},{"teacherId":9230802,"projectId":10058946,"letterContent":"My students use the treasure box every day as part of our positive behavior system in our first grade dual language classroom. We focus heavily on kindness, responsibility, teamwork, and making positive choices throughout the school day. One special moment that stood out was when a student who had been struggling with self-control worked hard all week to stay focused and respectful. When he earned a prize from the treasure box, the entire class celebrated his success, and you could see how proud and motivated he felt. Moments like these have helped build confidence and encourage students to continue making positive choices.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the treasure box materials, they were beyond excited. Their faces lit up with joy and curiosity as they explored the different prizes and rewards. More importantly, they immediately began talking about ways they could earn a visit to the treasure box by helping others, following directions, and showing kindness. The treasure box quickly became a meaningful tool that encourages positive behavior and creates a supportive classroom environment.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for my students are continuing to build independence, emotional regulation, and strong classroom habits as we finish the school year. We are currently working on collaborative activities and partner work where students practice communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. The treasure box continues to motivate students to stay engaged, encourage one another, and make thoughtful choices both academically and socially.","fullyFundedDate":1771004736360,"projectUrl":"project/encouraging-positive-choices-with-a-firs/10058946/","projectTitle":"Encouraging Positive Choices with a First Grade Treasure Box","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Batres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9230802_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731560977750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-batres"},{"teacherId":9230802,"projectId":10061285,"letterContent":"The \"Kids Helping Kids Regulate Big Feelings at School\" project has deeply impacted both my students' learning and their understanding of empathy and neurodiversity. Through this project, my students learned about autism and explored how everyone regulates emotions differently. They were able to understand that some students need movement, others need quiet spaces, and others benefit from sensory tools to help their brains and bodies feel calm and ready to learn. The regulation tools from this project became a powerful bridge for students to practice empathy in a real and meaningful way. One of the most memorable moments was when my students delivered the calming and sensory tools to our school's Significant Supports Needs program and then spent time playing and connecting with students on the spectrum. It was a beautiful moment of inclusion, kindness, and community building that helped all students feel valued and understood.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, they were very curious and excited. They immediately wanted to explore how each tool worked and how it could help someone feel calm or focused. As we talked about autism and different learning needs, students became more thoughtful and respectful, asking meaningful questions and showing genuine interest in how they could support their peers. Many students also expressed pride in knowing they were helping other students in their school feel safe and supported.\r\n\r\nBecause of this project, I was able to go beyond academic instruction and intentionally teach social-emotional learning, empathy, and inclusion in an authentic way. Students not only learned about self-regulation strategies for themselves, but also learned how to support others in their school community. Our next steps include continuing to practice regulation strategies in our own classroom through daily routines, reflection conversations, and calm-down tools, while also maintaining ongoing connections with the Significant Supports Needs program. We will continue building friendships, practicing inclusion, and reinforcing the idea that every student learns, feels, and regulates in their own unique way. Thanks to The DonorsChoose Community, my students experienced learning that extended far beyond the classroom and into real acts of kindness and understanding.","fullyFundedDate":1770051135996,"projectUrl":"project/kids-helping-kids-regulate-big-feelings/10061285/","projectTitle":"Kids Helping Kids Regulate Big Feelings at School","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Batres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9230802_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731560977750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-batres"},{"teacherId":9230802,"projectId":10181142,"letterContent":"The new 3D shape resources have completely transformed the way my students interact with math in our classroom. Instead of only seeing shapes on paper, students are now able to hold, build, compare, and explore them in meaningful hands-on ways. One of our favorite classroom moments was during a STEM challenge where students worked together to build small structures using different 3D shapes while discussing the faces, edges, and vertices they noticed. It was amazing to hear students using academic vocabulary naturally while collaborating and problem-solving together. These materials have made math feel exciting, interactive, and accessible for all learners.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, they were beyond excited. Many immediately began identifying shapes they recognized in the real world and eagerly explored how the different shapes could stack, roll, or balance. Their curiosity and enthusiasm filled the classroom, and even students who are sometimes hesitant during math became fully engaged. The hands-on nature of the resources helped students feel more confident and willing to participate in math discussions and activities.\r\n\r\nThese resources are helping us continue building a strong foundation in geometry in Spanish, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Our next steps include connecting 3D shapes to real-world engineering and design projects. Students will be creating models, sorting and classifying shapes by attributes, and exploring how shapes are used in buildings and everyday objects around them. We are also beginning more collaborative STEM activities where students will plan, build, test, and improve their creations while strengthening both their math and communication skills.","fullyFundedDate":1776451815375,"projectUrl":"project/shape-detectives-discovering-the-world/10181142/","projectTitle":"Shape Detectives: Discovering the World in 3D!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Batres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9230802_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731560977750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-batres"},{"teacherId":9230802,"projectId":9817684,"letterContent":"Our new dramatic play resources have quickly become one of the most engaging parts of our classroom. Students have been using the lemonade stand, kitchen items, and coffee shop materials during center time to practice real-life communication, collaboration, and language development in both Spanish and English. One of our favorite moments was watching students create their own \"coffee shop\" where they took orders, counted pretend money, wrote menus, and worked together to serve classmates. It was incredible to see students naturally using academic vocabulary, problem-solving skills, and creativity while pretending to run their own businesses.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their faces completely lit up with excitement. They immediately began exploring the different items, assigning themselves roles, and creating imaginative scenarios together. Many students who are usually shy became more confident as they interacted with classmates through play. The dramatic play area quickly turned into a space where students felt safe to communicate in Spanish, create, and build friendships while learning at the same time.\r\n\r\nThese new resources are helping us continue building important social-emotional and academic skills in meaningful ways. Our next steps include connecting dramatic play to our literacy and math lessons by having students write shopping lists, create signs and menus, practice counting money, and role-play community helpers. We are also beginning a classroom project focused on how businesses serve a community, and these materials are giving students hands-on opportunities to explore those ideas through play and teamwork every day.","fullyFundedDate":1770656974317,"projectUrl":"project/role-play-real-talk-mastering-everyda/9817684/","projectTitle":"Role-Play & Real Talk: Mastering Everyday Spanish Through Dramatic Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Batres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9230802_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731560977750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-batres"},{"teacherId":10191404,"projectId":10052112,"letterContent":"As hoped, the resources YOUR generous donations provided have had a tremendous impact. Students are ecstatic when new packages arrive: thanks to YOU! Everything you contributed is impactful and productive in our school day:\r\n\r\nThe timers are used daily: from counting down the end of breakfast to timing transitions, these are wonderful tools. Some students need the individual timer, which is extremely helpful, but the whole class timer is constantly in use! Thank you for contributing to this! \r\n\r\nThe rhythm sticks are a great way for students to get their energy out. And need I mention the impact that small toy prizes have on student motivation and performance!? Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1770207190357,"projectUrl":"project/safe-classroom-materials-for-dual-langua/10052112/","projectTitle":"Safe Classroom Materials for Dual Language Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Reich","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10191404_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y38&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770214602478","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10191404"},{"teacherId":9230802,"projectId":10009447,"letterContent":"The headphones are helping my students learn by allowing them to focus during technology-based activities such as listening to stories, practicing reading skills, and using educational programs without distractions. Having individual baggies to store their headphones has also taught students responsibility and organization, making technology time run more smoothly. \r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for students is having their own set of headphones that help them feel independent and focused while learning. Some students, especially those who are easily distracted or sensitive to noise, have really warmed up to using the headphones because they help them stay calm, concentrate longer, and feel more successful during lessons.","fullyFundedDate":1769177309253,"projectUrl":"project/quiet-ears-big-learning-headphones-for/10009447/","projectTitle":"Quiet Ears, Big Learning: Headphones for My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Batres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9230802_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731560977750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-batres"},{"teacherId":9230802,"projectId":9817065,"letterContent":"We are using the grocery store self-checkout, kitchen set, doctor kit, and kitchen supplies during dramatic play to help students build everyday Spanish language in a meaningful way. Students take on real-life roles such as cashier, shopper, chef, or doctor and practice using Spanish vocabulary and complete sentences while they play. One special moment was hearing students naturally use Spanish phrases to ask questions, label items, and interact with one another during play. \r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were extremely excited and eager to explore each center. The realistic items made learning feel fun and engaging, and students immediately began role-playing and communicating with confidence. Next, students will continue expanding their Spanish language skills by practicing new vocabulary, asking and answering questions, and applying language structures during dramatic play. These resources will also support upcoming lessons focused on oral language, collaboration, and real-world communication.","fullyFundedDate":1760720319745,"projectUrl":"project/vamos-a-jugar-learning-spanish-through/9817065/","projectTitle":"¡Vamos a Jugar! Learning Spanish Through Pretend Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Batres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9230802_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731560977750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-batres"},{"teacherId":9230802,"projectId":9495034,"letterContent":"We are using the noise-canceling headphones, crayon boxes, and laminated calming tools daily in our classroom calm down corner. The crayon boxes help keep calming tools organized, while the laminated visuals allow students to practice breathing strategies and identify their emotions independently. When students first saw the materials, they were excited and eager to use them, especially the headphones, which many shared helped them feel calm and focused. These resources are now supporting our ongoing social-emotional learning as students continue to practice recognizing their feelings, choosing calming strategies, and returning to learning feeling confident and ready to succeed. The headphones also have helped tremendously with students not being so anxious when going to the restroom. They have helped and supported my students in ways that I had not yet thought of. Thank you for always supporting my students and helping them be successful in their dual language journey!","fullyFundedDate":1757877326462,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-focus-expression-and-organiz/9495034/","projectTitle":"Tools For Focus, Expression, and Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Batres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9230802_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731560977750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-batres"},{"teacherId":9230802,"projectId":9150036,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through the Building Foundations: Place Value and Math Manipulatives for Hands-On Learning project! My 30 first-grade bilingual students have been using the new math manipulatives every day to explore addition and subtraction within 10. One favorite activity was when students worked in pairs to build addition problems using the colorful counters and number rods. They loved physically moving the pieces to see how numbers combine and break apart, which helped make abstract concepts much more concrete and understandable.\r\n\r\nWhen the manipulatives first arrived, the excitement was contagious! Students were eager to explore each new tool, exclaiming over the bright colors and shapes. Many immediately started creating their own number problems, and it was amazing to see their curiosity and engagement soar.\r\n\r\nNext week, we will begin working on addition and subtraction within 20, and the manipulatives will play a key role in helping students visualize larger numbers and understand place value. These tools will allow my students to continue building strong foundational math skills through hands-on learning, while also fostering confidence and independence in solving problems.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity! Your support has truly transformed our math learning experience and helped my students become more confident, engaged learners.","fullyFundedDate":1742964071254,"projectUrl":"project/building-foundations-place-value-and-ma/9150036/","projectTitle":"Building Foundations: Place Value and Math Manipulatives for Hands-On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Batres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9230802_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731560977750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-batres"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_41613","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":475,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":64,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":29,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":64,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":69.1,"schoolId":41613,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Meeker Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Meeker Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/colorado/greeley-evans-weld-county-school-district-6/meeker-elementary-school/41613"}