{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Nokomis Montessori Magnet School - South","outOfStateSupporters":35.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5099331,"projectId":10108372,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my project! The children have been excited to use the large sensory table tray and many of the materials that came with the project such as the mini dinosaur fossils, the playdoh and playdoh tools! A hidden benefit of the sensory table is that the children need to stand to use it. Which may seem silly, but it is important for my students to stand and use their core muscles rather than slouching over or leaning. Another great benefit is that the I can easily store the table away and it doesn't take up prime real estate in the classroom. I can also easily change out the materials in the tray which will allow me to use it year round with lots of new things for the children to explore! \r\n\r\nThank you very much for your donation.","fullyFundedDate":1771702022942,"projectUrl":"project/stem-starts-with-the-senses/10108372/","projectTitle":"STEM Starts With the Senses","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wente","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5099331_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517178509492","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5099331"},{"teacherId":9322393,"projectId":10157390,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my project and providing us an amazing library of books to connect to spring and our garden! We have used these books in a myriad of ways and they will continue to be used for years to come.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is my favorite part of the day, and my students favorite time as well. We start by gathering together and talking about our current theme; so in this case, gardening and springtime! Once we open up our book, we discuss if our book is fiction or non-fiction, how the illustrations were created, and make a hypothesis about what we think the story will be about. As I read, I also highlight important words and concepts in a slideshow for each book, with a kid-friendly definition and a picture or gif to show the concept. This helps us learn new vocabulary and helps my English Language Learners get a visual connection. As we read, we then talk about what we're thinking and how it applies to us in real life.\r\n\r\nWith these books, we took our learning directly outside to our garden! We planted sunflowers and cleaned out weeds in preparation for more springtime planting. We talked about the bees that pollinate and the scientific names for parts of flowers!\r\n\r\nAfter we read, our story time books are featured in our in-classroom library, where a comfy Ikea chair awaits readers who want a closer look at the beautiful pictures or want to see how much they can read independently. It's an honor in our classroom to be the student called to walk our read aloud book over to the library shelf!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for contributing to my classroom and my students' love of learning!","fullyFundedDate":1773685405174,"projectUrl":"project/planting-power-and-vocabulary-through-bo/10157390/","projectTitle":"Planting Power and Vocabulary Through Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ashley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9322393_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754663954337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9322393"},{"teacherId":9322393,"projectId":10158266,"letterContent":"My students were so excited to unbox our new puzzles! It felt like everyone's birthday and they CHEERED! Before the new puzzles' arrival, we were working with old puzzles missing pieces; had to pretend what the missing piece might look like or look at a photo of that animal or plant and draw an approximation. Now, we can use the puzzles in their entirety!\r\n\r\nMy youngest students use the puzzles to memorize parts of animals and plants as they replace the pieces into the form. As they grow older in PreK and Kindergarten, they then use the puzzles to trace the animal or plant onto a paper. Next, they color the parts in their best coloring with colored pencils, and then they label the parts of animal or plant with scientific names. For example, the bottom shell on a turtle is called the plastron!\r\n\r\nWe connect these puzzles to our learning throughout the year. In Fall we visit a farm, in Winter we talk about hibernation and a frog's amazing body, and in Spring we talk about blooming flowers and growing plants! \r\n\r\nThank you so much for contributing to my students and our school!","fullyFundedDate":1773717885230,"projectUrl":"project/the-puzzling-natural-world-around-us/10158266/","projectTitle":"The Puzzling Natural World Around Us!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ashley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9322393_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754663954337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9322393"},{"teacherId":4189281,"projectId":9607746,"letterContent":"We have been using the Magna-Tiles and plastic animal toys during our writing. One of the students' favorite projects has been building animal habitats. Students worked in small groups to design homes for different animals using the Magna-Tiles. For example, one group built a tall \"mountain cave\" for the bears while another group created a zoo enclosure with different sections for farm animals and jungle animals. The students talked about what each animal might need—space, shelter, and safety—and then used the tiles to build structures that matched those needs. It was wonderful to see them problem-solve together when their structures fell and then rebuild them stronger. These hands on opportunities allowed them to engage in discussions which in turn helped their writing.\r\n\r\nThe students were incredibly excited when they first saw the Magna-Tiles and animal toys. There were lots of smiles, gasps, and immediate ideas about what they wanted to build. Many students began sorting the animals and planning homes for them right away. Others experimented with connecting the tiles in different ways to see how tall or wide they could build. The materials instantly sparked creativity, collaboration, and curiosity.\r\n\r\nNext, we plan to expand our habitat project into a simple research and storytelling activity. Students will choose an animal and learn a little about where it lives and what it needs to survive. Then they will build a habitat for that animal using the Magna-Tiles and include the plastic animals in their structure. After building, students will share their habitat with the class and explain why they designed it the way they did. This will help them practice communication skills while connecting science concepts with hands-on learning.\r\n\r\nWe are so appreciative of the support for hands on activities to make learning fun and meaningful!!","fullyFundedDate":1765725493538,"projectUrl":"project/animals-around-the-world/9607746/","projectTitle":"Animals Around the World","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Padmini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4189281_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1486950981312","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4189281"},{"teacherId":9727539,"projectId":10001739,"letterContent":"My students have been so excited to use all the sensory tools you have provided. The hammock swing, bike and sensory bin have been a hit in the school sensory room! My students who seek out vestibular input now have a tool (hammock swing) and are instantly more calm and regulated. The outer space sensory bin is also something my students love and they are learning so much about the solar system while engaged in sensory play. The wiggle feet were great additions for my students in the gen ed classroom and allowed them to get their wiggles out while working on classroom tasks. They are more engaged and sit for longer because of this tool. Finally the bounce board has allowed my students to bounce when they need to get a little movement in to regulate themselves and also increase their attention during classroom tasks. My students and I truly appreciate your donations and just know that because of your donations you have made a huge impact on my students learning and education.","fullyFundedDate":1770907289588,"projectUrl":"project/busy-bodies-need-movement/10001739/","projectTitle":"Busy Bodies Need Movement","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Amal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9727539"},{"teacherId":5099331,"projectId":9849787,"letterContent":"The double-sided easel has quickly become a favorite in our classroom. It is thoughtfully set up to encourage independence: two hooks hold aprons, a tray of white paper is always available, completed paintings dry on a nearby rack, and the easel tray holds a glass container for water, a set of watercolors with a brush, and a pencil.\r\n\r\nBecause everything is accessible, the children are able to use the easel independently and explore watercolor painting without adult interference. They love painting, and the easel is in constant use during our work period.\r\n\r\nCurrently, the children are using watercolor paints, but my hope is to gradually introduce a variety of art media that they can explore at the easel.\r\n\r\nThank you for your generous donation of this double-sided easel. It will support creativity, independence, and joyful learning for many years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1764695815828,"projectUrl":"project/a-stand-for-art/9849787/","projectTitle":"A Stand for Art!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wente","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5099331_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517178509492","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5099331"},{"teacherId":5099331,"projectId":9741265,"letterContent":"The children love the CD player and all the different books with CD's that they can listen to. The CD players is used by the children many times through out the school day since they just love books and being read to. My favorite part of this material is that the CD player is specifically made for children to use and to be used classroom settings; which means that the children can use it independently. I had some books and CD's already in my collection, but now with more books that came with this donation I can rotate a new book once every two weeks. I cannot begin to explain the children's excitement when a new book is displayed next to the CD player! Thank you very much for giving my students the gift of books - it not only impacts my current students, but my future students for years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1760801432683,"projectUrl":"project/listen-and-learn-stories-that-come-aliv/9741265/","projectTitle":"Listen and Learn: Stories That Come Alive Through Sound","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wente","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5099331_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517178509492","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5099331"},{"teacherId":9322393,"projectId":9560100,"letterContent":"My students love using these color activities. They are taken out every day!\r\n\r\nThe color tablets are an integral Montessori activity, and it's imperative to have a full set. My students now can use them as directed through Montessori pedagogy, and enjoy putting them from light to dark, sorting them, and comparing them to real objects in our room.\r\n\r\nThe color matching wooden tablet activity shows a smaller grade from light to dark in order, and helps children build their sense of color and hue. It's also great for their pencil grasp! They love using this one as well, especially my youngest learners. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1755713402877,"projectUrl":"project/montessori-childrens-house-colors/9560100/","projectTitle":"Montessori Children's House Colors","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ashley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9322393_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754663954337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9322393"},{"teacherId":8746296,"projectId":9805069,"letterContent":"On behalf of every student, teacher, and staff member at Nokomis Montessori South, please accept our deepest and most enthusiastic gratitude for your generous contribution to our library's new book campaign.\r\n\r\nThanks to the incredible support from donors like you, we were able to purchase 28 new hard cover books! These aren't just books; they are gateways to new worlds, essential tools for literacy, and fuel for boundless curiosity. You are directly supporting the foundation of lifelong learning and helping us foster the next generation of readers, thinkers, and dreamers.\r\n\r\nWe know your resources are valuable, and your choice to invest in the students of NMS s a profound statement of support for our community and the power of literacy. Thank you again for turning the page to a brighter, more imaginative future for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1760730170675,"projectUrl":"project/captivating-stories-brighter-futures-a/9805069/","projectTitle":"Captivating Stories, Brighter Futures: A Picture Book Fundraiser","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Andrea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8746296_orig.png?crop=432,432,x0,y72&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760040887292","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8746296"},{"teacherId":5024989,"projectId":9611748,"letterContent":"I just wanted to let you know how much my students are enjoying your gifts! The kids love the joke books! These books have definitely increased the amount of laughter and reading in my classroom. Some of my reluctant readers are drawn to them because they seem fun and less overwhelming. We also read these books to our kindergarten buddies. The children are also enjoying the flashlights. They love to turn off the lights and read in the dark. It makes our reading time extra special. The magazine subscriptions are making my reading groups meaningful and more exciting.\r\n\r\nMy students are also thrilled with the math games. I love to watch them play together. They are learning how to take turns, win kindly, and lose gracefully. Many do not play board games at home, so playing at school gives them a chance to learn these important life skills. Playing games is also a fantastic and fun way to practice and improve math and reading skills. I hope you know how much your support has helped my students. My class is improving academically and having more fun because of you!","fullyFundedDate":1758135531594,"projectUrl":"project/increase-the-laughter-joke-books-and-m/9611748/","projectTitle":"Increase the Laughter! Joke Books and Math Games Are Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harrison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5024989_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523842427487","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5024989"},{"teacherId":5099331,"projectId":9720103,"letterContent":"You would have thought that Bluey came to visit out classroom - that is how much excitement there was when they saw the new library shelf! They were also surprised that people that they have never met donated money so that they could have a classroom library. \r\nAll throughout the day, there is a child sitting in the rocking chair, reading a book (the picture do no do it justice just how cozy the spot is!). Also, when I read a book aloud during snack they decide if that book should go into the classroom library so that they can read and look at the book again on their own! \r\nThank you for continuing the love of reading for my current and future students. The library shelf is very sturdy and will be used for many years to come. Your donation is greatly appreciated. I hope that your kindness will come back to you in a good books and hugs from a child.","fullyFundedDate":1760724809500,"projectUrl":"project/a-place-for-every-page/9720103/","projectTitle":"A Place for Every Page!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wente","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5099331_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517178509492","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5099331"},{"teacherId":3836993,"projectId":9047146,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous donation. All of students now have access to headphones whether they have their own or not. These headphones were especially helpful when I had students recording themselves for their presentations. Many students would come to my class with class head phones that did not work, so having these available for my students was a plus. The stand allows me to store these headphones in a way for easy access for students. My Pre-K students loved to dance and and sing along with the speaker. Thank you again for donating.","fullyFundedDate":1746632387906,"projectUrl":"project/personalized-learning-at-its-best/9047146/","projectTitle":"Personalized Learning at it's BEST","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Xeng","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3836993_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1483465492214","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3836993"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_107880","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":258,"numTeachers":16,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":43,"percentBlack":14,"percentWhite":23,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":7,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":10,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"16.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.5,"schoolId":107880,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Nokomis Montessori Magnet School - South on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Nokomis Montessori Magnet School - South","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/saint-paul-public-schools/nokomis-montessori-magnet-school-s/107880"}