{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Merrick - Moore Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":48.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5217235,"projectId":5106431,"letterContent":"Thank you SO much for all of the new books! \r\nOne of my many passions as a teacher is making sure my students have engaging, relevant books that they can see themselves in as characters.\r\nAs a country, we are in the middle of a literacy crisis, where students are reading less and less. We have protected time daily to ensure that students are reading at least 20 minutes. The new books you have provided us with have helped me make sure that EVERY student is excited and ready for independent reading time!","fullyFundedDate":1600307721624,"projectUrl":"project/exciting-books-for-reluctant-readers/5106431/","projectTitle":"Exciting Books for Reluctant Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Craig","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5217235_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1520296281616","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-craigs-crew"},{"teacherId":5217235,"projectId":5501055,"letterContent":"Thank you SO much for all of the new books! \r\nOne of my many passions as a teacher is making sure my students have engaging, relevant books that they can see themselves in as characters.\r\nAs a country, we are in the middle of a literacy crisis, where students are reading less and less. We have protected time daily to ensure that students are reading at least 20 minutes. The new books you have provided us with have helped me make sure that EVERY student is excited and ready for independent reading time!","fullyFundedDate":1618328441311,"projectUrl":"project/new-books-to-engage-readers/5501055/","projectTitle":"New Books to Engage Readers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Craig","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5217235_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1520296281616","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-craigs-crew"},{"teacherId":9262407,"projectId":8957411,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our reading and literacy project! Your generosity is making a meaningful difference in the lives of my elementary special education students. Because of your support, my students now have access to engaging decodable books and comprehension games that help make reading both meaningful and enjoyable.\r\n\r\nAs a special education teacher serving students in grades K–5, I work with many children who are reading at or below a Kindergarten level. Learning to read can often feel frustrating and overwhelming for struggling readers, but my students come to school each day eager to learn and improve.\r\n\r\nLast year, DonorsChoose supporters helped fund interactive reading activities for my classroom, and the impact was incredible. I watched my students' confidence grow as they became more independent readers. Students who once avoided reading began participating more willingly and celebrating their successes. Their frustration decreased, and their excitement for learning increased.\r\n\r\nThis year, the resources you provided are helping students take the next step in their reading journey. The decodable books are allowing students to practice and apply the phonics skills they are learning during instruction. Being able to successfully read words and stories independently is building both confidence and fluency.\r\n\r\nIn addition, my fifth-grade students are using the comprehension board games to strengthen important reading comprehension skills in a fun and engaging way. These games encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and discussion while helping students continue to develop as readers. What might feel like \"work\" to some students now feels exciting and motivating.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your generosity is helping create positive reading experiences for students who have often struggled academically. You are helping my students see themselves as capable, successful readers, and that confidence carries into every area of learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and supporting their growth. Your kindness, generosity, and investment in education are truly changing lives.","fullyFundedDate":1733152574548,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-the-joy-of-reading-engaging-a/8957411/","projectTitle":"Unlocking the Joy of Reading: Engaging Activities for New Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shepherd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9262407_orig.jpg?crop=1975,1975,x261,y179&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699125605413","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9262407"},{"teacherId":9262407,"projectId":8916421,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our flexible seating project for my special education resource classroom! Because of your generosity, my students now have access to seating options that better meet their individual learning and sensory needs.\r\n\r\nAs a Special Education Resource Teacher, I work with students in kindergarten through fifth grade with a variety of disabilities. Many of my students struggle to stay seated, focused, and engaged throughout the school day. The flexible seating options you provided are already helping create a more comfortable and supportive learning environment where students can move safely while remaining engaged in instruction.\r\n\r\nThe wobble chairs have become a valuable tool during small group instruction at my teacher table. Students who need movement are now able to wiggle and shift appropriately while still focusing on their work and participating in lessons. The yoga ball donut chairs provide students with flexible seating during independent floor work, helping them stay regulated and on task. The rocking chairs in our classroom library have created a calming reading space for students who benefit from rocking or other sensory input to self-regulate.\r\n\r\n\r\nMy students participate in resource groups lasting 30–45 minutes that include teacher-led instruction, small group centers, and independent tasks designed to help them master their individualized education goals. Flexible seating has increased student engagement, improved focus, and helped students feel more comfortable and confident during learning activities.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these tools are helping students learn strategies that they can generalize into their general education classrooms. By practicing self-regulation, flexible seating choices, and independent work habits in our special education classroom, students are building skills that support success throughout their entire school day.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and helping create a classroom environment where they feel supported, empowered, and excited to learn. Your generosity is making a meaningful difference in their education and daily success.","fullyFundedDate":1735664653607,"projectUrl":"project/goodbye-chairs-hello-flexible-seating/8916421/","projectTitle":"Goodbye Chairs, Hello Flexible Seating!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shepherd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9262407_orig.jpg?crop=1975,1975,x261,y179&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699125605413","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9262407"},{"teacherId":10341303,"projectId":9874320,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. Because of your generosity, my students have been able to use Nearpod as an interactive learning tool that has truly transformed our science lessons. Instead of passively listening, students now engage directly with the content through simulations, quizzes, and real-time activities. This has helped make abstract scientific concepts like cellular processes and chemical reactions more concrete and easier to understand.\r\n\r\nNearpod has also increased student participation and confidence, especially among those who are typically hesitant to speak up. Every student has a voice through the platform, allowing me to assess understanding instantly and adjust instruction in the moment. I have seen noticeable improvements in both engagement and comprehension, and my students are more excited about science than ever before. Your support has made a meaningful difference in their learning experience, and I am truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1768516699333,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-science-platform/9874320/","projectTitle":"Engaging Science Platform","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kay Marie Scarlett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10341303"},{"teacherId":6388191,"projectId":9922493,"letterContent":"The addition of professional-style bowling pins has turned a simple elective into a high-engagement skill-building course. For your 5th graders, this equipment provides:\r\n• Target Accuracy: Students are learning the physics of motion, practicing their approach, and refining their release to achieve consistent results.\r\n• Social Development: Bowling is inherently collaborative and competitive in a healthy way. It encourages students to keep score, cheer for peers, and practice proper etiquette.\r\n• Niche Interest: By having quality pins, you've validated their elective choice, making the class feel \"official\" and boosting their commitment to the sport.\r\n\r\nFor your younger students, the soft dodge balls are more than just toys—they are essential developmental tools.\r\n• Reduced Fear Factor: Standard rubber balls can be intimidating for small children. The soft texture of these new balls removes the \"sting,\" allowing students to focus on catching and throwing mechanics without fear of getting hurt.\r\n• Manipulative Skill Growth: You are likely seeing marked improvement in their hand-eye coordination, tracking skills, and gross motor bilateral integration.\r\n• Team Dynamics: These balls facilitate low-stakes games that teach the fundamentals of teamwork, spatial awareness, and following rules, all while keeping the energy high and the \"ouchies\" low.\r\n\r\nJump ropes are the ultimate \"hidden\" workout. They offer a versatile range of benefits across all grade levels:\r\n• Aerobic Endurance: Students are building heart health and stamina through rhythmic movement.\r\n• Coordination and Timing: Jumping rope requires a sophisticated synchronization of the brain and body, which translates to better performance in other sports and even improved focus in the classroom.\r\n• Self-Paced Achievement: Whether a student is mastering their first single jump or practicing double-unders, these ropes allow for individualized goal setting.\r\n\r\nStudents feel confident and are thriving in class with these resources. They are no longer simply \"making do\" with the bare minimum, they are excelling with adequate age appropriate equipment!","fullyFundedDate":1767665013795,"projectUrl":"project/pe-essentials/9922493/","projectTitle":"PE Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6388191_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1555284736872","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6388191"},{"teacherId":10041805,"projectId":9521652,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom. Because of you, my students are learning in a way that is both joyful and effective—using hands-on magnetic letters while also having snacks to keep them focused and energized. Your kindness has truly made a difference in our daily reading instruction.\r\n\r\nWe are using the magnetic letters every day during small-group phonics lessons and word-building activities. Students manipulate the letters to build, change, and read words, which helps them strengthen letter recognition, sound-symbol correspondence, and decoding skills. One especially meaningful moment was watching a student who typically struggles with reading light up with confidence as they physically moved the letters to sound out a word successfully. The addition of snacks has also been incredibly impactful—students are more settled, attentive, and ready to learn when their basic needs are met.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were thrilled! They were eager to touch the magnetic letters, explore the trays, and ask when we could start using them. The snacks were met with equal excitement and gratitude. Many students commented on how happy they felt and how the snacks helped them \"think better\" during reading time. Their enthusiasm reinforced just how valuable these resources are to their learning experience.\r\n\r\nNext, we will continue building on these foundational skills by using the magnetic letters to practice blending sounds, spelling words, and eventually constructing simple sentences. Students will apply these skills to decodable texts and writing activities, strengthening both their reading and confidence. With full bellies and engaging tools, they are better equipped to grow into strong, successful readers.\r\n\r\nThank you again for giving my students such a meaningful gift. Your support has helped create a brain-friendly, nurturing classroom environment where learning truly thrives. Here's to full bellies, strong readers, and successful students!","fullyFundedDate":1763650781000,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-and-letters/9521652/","projectTitle":"Snacks and Letters","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Moody","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10041805_orig.jpg?crop=2076,2076,x695,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748434504261","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10041805"},{"teacherId":9262407,"projectId":8973697,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom organization and student support project! Your generosity is helping create a more structured, supportive, and welcoming learning environment for my special education students.\r\n\r\nMy students visit my classroom one to five times each day to work on reading, math, social-emotional, and behavioral skills. I currently serve approximately forty-eight students ranging in age from five to eleven years old, each with unique strengths and individualized learning needs. Because of your kindness, my classroom is now better equipped to support all learners throughout their school day.\r\n\r\nThe organizational supplies you provided are already making a tremendous difference in our classroom routines. As a special education teacher, I regularly create visual schedules, social stories, token systems, data trackers, and individualized learning materials for students. Having the proper supplies to organize and label materials helps students independently identify what they need, follow routines more successfully, and feel more confident in the classroom environment.\r\n\r\nThe classroom cubbies have been especially impactful. Since my classroom was originally designed as a computer lab, there was very little storage space for students to organize their belongings and learning materials. The cubbies now provide students with a consistent, designated space for their items, helping us build routines, increase independence, and reduce stress during transitions throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThe weighted stuffed animals have also become an important support for students with autism and anxiety-related needs. These calming tools are helping students self-regulate during stressful moments and better participate in both the special education and general education settings. Additionally, the number floor dots are helping students practice orderly transitions while reinforcing number recognition and sequencing skills in a fun and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nFinally, the notebooks are giving my fifth-grade students the opportunity to strengthen their writing skills as they begin learning paragraph writing. Having their own dedicated materials helps students take pride in their work and feel excited about learning.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support is helping create a classroom environment where students feel safe, supported, organized, and ready to learn. Many of my students thrive on structure and routine, and the resources you provided are helping make that possible every single day.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their success. Your generosity is truly making a lasting impact on their education and daily lives.","fullyFundedDate":1732742936953,"projectUrl":"project/effective-teaching-starts-with-organizat/8973697/","projectTitle":"Effective Teaching Starts With Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shepherd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9262407_orig.jpg?crop=1975,1975,x261,y179&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699125605413","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9262407"},{"teacherId":10041805,"projectId":9523709,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom library. Because of you, my English as a Second Language (ESL) students now have access to engaging, leveled books that truly meet their needs as readers and language learners. Your kindness is helping create a more inclusive and welcoming reading environment where every student can feel confident and successful.\r\n\r\nWe are using these new books daily during independent reading, small-group instruction, and guided reading lessons. The leveled texts allow students to practice decoding and comprehension at a level that is just right for them, while the culturally responsive stories help build background knowledge and vocabulary in a meaningful way. One especially powerful moment was seeing a student excitedly point out similarities between their own life and a character in a book—suddenly, reading felt personal and possible.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new books, their reactions were priceless. They were eager to flip through the pages, comment on the pictures, and ask if they could read them right away. Many students were drawn to stories that reflected their cultures, languages, and experiences, and they expressed pride in seeing themselves represented. The excitement and motivation these books sparked was immediate and genuine.\r\n\r\nNext, we will continue using these texts to strengthen vocabulary development, comprehension strategies, and oral language skills. Students will respond to what they read through discussions, writing, and partner work, helping them build confidence as both readers and communicators. These books will also support content learning by providing the context and real-world connections that English learners need to fully access academic material.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the gift of representation, accessibility, and opportunity. Your support is helping them grow not only as readers, but as confident learners who feel seen and valued in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1762622021810,"projectUrl":"project/esl-can-read/9523709/","projectTitle":"ESL Can READ!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Moody","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10041805_orig.jpg?crop=2076,2076,x695,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748434504261","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10041805"},{"teacherId":5884912,"projectId":9487645,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest appreciation for the indestructible books for the classroom. These books come in a variety of titles. The books are designed to take chewing, mouthing and tearing. The students have been able to freely explore the books with no worries of rips and tears. I have been able to read the books to the students knowing I will have these books for years to come. \r\nIn my classroom, reading looks a bit different than in a general education classroom setting for pre-schoolers. The pre-schoolers in my class have a tendency to explore by putting the book in their mouths, turning several pages at one time and flipping the book over and over again. \r\nI have one student in particular that is loving the baby animals book. He grabs the book each day when he enters the classroom. He turns the pages and looks at each animal, he tries to \"smell\" the animals on each page. It's truly amazing to watch his excitement as he explores the book. Again, I am ever so grateful for this donation and know that though my students are non-verbal, they too appreciate the books as they can \"read\" them without worry.","fullyFundedDate":1755707118052,"projectUrl":"project/the-joy-of-reading/9487645/","projectTitle":"The Joy of Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Winstead","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5884912_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1537205134769","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-watkins4asd"},{"teacherId":10041805,"projectId":9373826,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for the generous donation of a document camera, magnetic letters, and student whiteboards. These new tools have truly transformed our classroom. The document camera has made it so much easier to model lessons and share student work, and my students are absolutely thrilled to use the whiteboards and letters during activities. It has also made read alouds so much more fun and engaging!\r\n\r\nThe excitement on their faces when they first used the supplies was priceless! They are already more engaged, eager to participate, and proud to show their learning. These resources will make a lasting difference in how I teach and in how my students learn every single day.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our classroom and helping create a space where learning feels exciting and fun. We are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1753977080196,"projectUrl":"project/esl-visual-learners/9373826/","projectTitle":"ESL Visual Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Moody","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10041805_orig.jpg?crop=2076,2076,x695,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748434504261","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10041805"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1452","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":439,"numTeachers":47,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":34,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":54,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":52.0,"schoolId":1452,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Merrick - Moore Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Merrick - Moore Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/durham-public-schools/merrick-moore-elementary-school/1452"}