{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Oak Park Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":56.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9572687,"projectId":10287560,"letterContent":"This project has helped me keep my kindergarten classroom clean, organized, and ready for learning each day. With the Lysol and Lysol wipes provided, I am able to regularly clean high-touch surfaces, tables, desks, learning areas, and other classroom spaces. Having these supplies available helps create a clean and healthy environment where my students can feel comfortable, focused, and ready to learn.\r\nMy students use the classroom throughout the day for learning, playing, reading, writing, and hands-on activities. With so many students sharing materials and learning spaces, keeping our classroom clean is very important. I use the cleaning supplies throughout the school day to help maintain a fresh and welcoming environment. At the end of activities, I am able to quickly clean our learning spaces so students can transition smoothly to their next lesson.\r\nOne moment that stood out to me was after a busy hands-on activity when our tables and learning areas needed to be cleaned and prepared for our next lesson. Having the Lysol wipes readily available allowed me to quickly clean the surfaces and have the classroom ready for students to continue learning. My students were excited to see the new supplies because they understood that they were helping us take care of our classroom. We talked about how keeping our classroom clean is everyone's responsibility and how a clean classroom helps us have a better place to learn.\r\nThe new resources have also helped me teach my students the importance of cleanliness, responsibility, and taking care of our shared environment. Kindergarten students are learning important routines every day, and keeping our classroom clean is one of those routines. Students are learning to clean up after activities, put materials away, and take pride in their classroom.\r\nOur next steps are to continue building strong classroom routines while focusing on our current reading, writing, and math lessons. Students will continue practicing their high-frequency words, letter and sound recognition, counting, number skills, and early writing. We will also continue using hands-on activities and learning centers that encourage students to work together and become more independent.\r\nI am so grateful to the donors who provided these essential classroom supplies. While Lysol and Lysol wipes may seem like simple resources, they make a meaningful difference in our daily learning environment. Because of your generosity, my students are able to walk into a classroom that is clean, welcoming, and ready for them to learn. Thank you for helping me create a classroom where my students can feel safe, cared for, and prepared to do their best every day.","fullyFundedDate":1778894475303,"projectUrl":"project/spic-span-and-ready-to-learn/10287560/","projectTitle":"Spic, Span, and Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Byars","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9572687_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718832399250","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9572687"},{"teacherId":9572687,"projectId":10294388,"letterContent":"Since this project involved a Teacher Pay Teachers gift card and hands-on materials rather than technology, I'll frame the response around how the new resources support learning and engagement.\r\n\r\nThis project has made a wonderful difference in my kindergarten classroom by giving my students more hands-on opportunities to practice important early literacy skills. With the Teacher Pay Teachers gift card, I was able to purchase engaging learning materials, including alphabet and word playdough mats. These resources have helped me create activities that allow students to learn through touching, building, creating, and practicing instead of only learning through worksheets or whole-group instruction.\r\n\r\nThe alphabet and word playdough mats have been especially helpful for students who learn best through hands-on experiences. Students can use playdough to form letters, identify letter sounds, and practice recognizing words. This gives them an opportunity to strengthen their fine-motor skills while also working on important reading foundations. For kindergarten students, being able to physically build a letter or word makes learning more memorable and gives them another way to understand and practice the skills being taught.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting parts for my students is that they get to use playdough while learning. They are excited to see that something they enjoy can also be part of their schoolwork. When students receive the mats, they are eager to choose a letter or word and begin creating. I have noticed that they are more willing to practice challenging skills because the activity feels like play. Instead of becoming frustrated when they are learning a new letter or word, they are encouraged to try again, reshape the playdough, and keep practicing.\r\n\r\nThese materials have been especially beneficial for students who need additional repetition and reinforcement. Some students need to see, hear, touch, and practice a concept multiple times before it becomes familiar. The playdough mats give those students another way to practice without making the experience feel repetitive. Students who may not always volunteer during traditional literacy activities have become more engaged when they are given the opportunity to work with the playdough mats.\r\n\r\nI have also seen students become more independent while using these resources. They are learning how to follow directions, work through an activity, clean up their materials, and take pride in completing their work. Students are beginning to recognize letters and words with greater confidence because they have had repeated opportunities to practice them in a fun and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nThe Teacher Pay Teachers gift card also allowed me to select resources that fit the specific needs of my students and the skills we are currently learning. This flexibility has helped me provide differentiated activities and give students additional practice where they need it most. I can use the materials during literacy centers, small-group instruction, intervention, or independent practice.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these resources have helped create a classroom where learning is active, engaging, and enjoyable. My students are not simply memorizing letters and words; they are interacting with them and building confidence as young learners. I am incredibly grateful to the donors who made this possible. Your generosity has provided materials that my students can use every day to strengthen their early literacy skills, develop fine-motor abilities, and become more excited about reading and learning. Your support is helping me give my students meaningful learning experiences that will build a strong foundation for their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1779560044132,"projectUrl":"project/teachers-love-teaching/10294388/","projectTitle":"Teachers Love Teaching","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Byars","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9572687_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718832399250","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9572687"},{"teacherId":9572687,"projectId":10294406,"letterContent":"Our classroom store has become an exciting and meaningful part of our kindergarten classroom! Students earn classroom money, called Ms. Byars Brainy Bucks, for making positive choices, demonstrating good behavior, learning high-frequency words, participating in lessons, and being actively involved in our classroom community. The students are able to save their Brainy Bucks and use them in our classroom store to purchase special rewards.\r\nWhen my students first saw the classroom store and their new materials, their excitement was contagious! They were amazed that their hard work and positive choices could earn them something they could actually use. Students immediately began talking about what they wanted to save for and how they could earn more Brainy Bucks. It was especially exciting to see students proudly counting their money and making decisions about whether they wanted to spend it or save it for a bigger reward.\r\nOne specific moment that stood out to me was watching students use their Brainy Bucks after successfully learning their high-frequency words. Students were excited to show me the words they had mastered because they knew their effort could help them earn classroom money. Instead of viewing learning as something they simply had to complete, they began seeing their progress as something to celebrate. The classroom store has helped create a positive environment where students understand that effort, responsibility, participation, and good choices are valuable.\r\nThe new resources are also helping my students develop important math skills. When students visit the store, they practice counting, identifying numbers, comparing amounts, and deciding how much they can spend. They are beginning to understand that they may need to save their money if they want a more valuable reward. These simple experiences provide authentic opportunities to practice math while having fun.\r\nOur next steps are to continue connecting the classroom store to our current reading and math lessons. Students will continue working on recognizing and reading high-frequency words while earning Brainy Bucks for their progress. We will also use the store to strengthen number recognition, counting, addition, subtraction, and comparing numbers. Students will have opportunities to count their earnings, determine how much they need for a reward, and figure out how much money they have left after making a purchase.\r\nI love seeing how motivated and proud my students become when they recognize their own accomplishments. They are learning that their choices and effort make a difference. The classroom store has become more than just a place to receive rewards; it has become a tool for teaching responsibility, independence, academic skills, and positive behavior.\r\nI am so grateful to our donors for helping make this experience possible. Their support has given my students another exciting reason to come to school ready to learn, participate, and make good choices. I look forward to watching them continue growing academically and socially as we build on this project throughout the school year.","fullyFundedDate":1779292589425,"projectUrl":"project/byars-brainy-bucks/10294406/","projectTitle":"Byars Brainy Bucks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Byars","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9572687_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718832399250","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9572687"},{"teacherId":9585182,"projectId":9977967,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of materials to our kindergarten classroom. Your thoughtful gift has made a tremendous difference in helping my scholars grow as creative writers and illustrators. Because of you, they now have the tools they need to turn their ideas into stories filled with colorful pictures and imaginative details. The moment the materials arrived, their eyes lit up with excitement. They could not wait to open, explore, and begin creating. It was such a joy to watch their confidence grow as they proudly shared their first pages, carefully stretching out words and adding vibrant illustrations to match their storytelling.\r\nYour kindness has sparked a new level of creativity and enthusiasm in our classroom. Students who were once hesitant to write are now eager to pick up their pencils and bring their stories to life. They are collaborating, encouraging one another, and truly seeing themselves as authors and illustrators. This donation has not only provided supplies, but it has also inspired imagination, strengthened literacy skills, and created unforgettable moments of joy. On behalf of my scholars and our entire classroom community, thank you for investing in their learning and believing in their potential.","fullyFundedDate":1769177428416,"projectUrl":"project/authors-and-illustrators/9977967/","projectTitle":"Authors and Illustrators","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lindsey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9585182"},{"teacherId":9572687,"projectId":9801861,"letterContent":"My students have loved using the new resources! We've been using the drums to tap out syllables and sounds during phonics lessons, which has made learning more fun and engaging. The spelling games are a big hit during centers, and the Elkonin boxes have really helped students break words into individual sounds. When they first saw the materials, they were so excited and couldn't wait to try everything.\r\nMoving forward, we'll continue using these tools in our literacy centers to build stronger reading and spelling skills. We are focusing on blending and segmenting sounds, and these resources are helping students grow more confident every day. Thank you for supporting our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1767226354337,"projectUrl":"project/sounds-syllables-and-sums/9801861/","projectTitle":"Sounds, Syllables, and Sums!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Byars","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9572687_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718832399250","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9572687"},{"teacherId":4033726,"projectId":9760946,"letterContent":"On behalf of our classroom, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your generous donation of a printer. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our students' daily learning experiences and overall classroom environment.\r\n\r\nWith the addition of this printer, we are now able to provide high-quality materials that enhance instruction and engagement. It has been especially valuable for creating classroom activities that support diverse learning styles and keep students actively involved in lessons.\r\n\r\nDuring spring break, the printer allowed us to prepare enrichment packets for our students, ensuring they had access to educational resources even while away from school. These materials helped reinforce key concepts and encouraged continued learning outside the classroom.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, your contribution played an important role in bringing our school community together through creative hallway displays for Black History Month. The ability to print vibrant visuals and informative content helped us celebrate culture, history, and achievement in a way that was both educational and inspiring for our students.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly had a lasting impact thank you so much Oak Foundation.","fullyFundedDate":1769177428558,"projectUrl":"project/printed-thanks/9760946/","projectTitle":"Printed! Thanks!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ericka Pearson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4033726_orig.jpg?crop=540,540,x0,y145&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756146006908","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4033726"},{"teacherId":9585182,"projectId":9925433,"letterContent":"I am writing to share our heartfelt gratitude and the meaningful impact your generous donation of STEM toys has had on our classroom. Because of your support, our students have been given hands-on opportunities to explore, create, and think critically in ways that truly enhance their learning experience.\r\nSince introducing these STEM resources, we have seen a noticeable increase in student engagement, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. The toys have encouraged curiosity and innovation, allowing students to experiment, test ideas, and learn from both successes and mistakes. They are not only building structures and coding simple programs—they are building confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts.\r\nThese tools have also fostered teamwork and communication. Students are working together to design solutions, ask thoughtful questions, and explain their reasoning. Even those who were once hesitant to participate are now actively engaged and excited to contribute. The hands-on nature of STEM learning has made abstract concepts more accessible and meaningful for all learners.\r\nWe are incredibly thankful for your generosity in donating these valuable resources to our students. Your contribution has created opportunities that will have a lasting impact on their academic growth and their enthusiasm for learning. You are helping to inspire the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers.\r\nOn behalf of our entire classroom community, thank you for investing in our students and their future. Your kindness and support truly make a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1767231190359,"projectUrl":"project/stem-recess/9925433/","projectTitle":"STEM Recess","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lindsey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9585182"},{"teacherId":9572687,"projectId":9743749,"letterContent":"We are using the new classroom rug and learning materials every day during our reading, math, and community time. One special moment was our first read-aloud on the rug, when students sat together, excited and engaged, sharing ideas and asking thoughtful questions. The rug has quickly become our favorite gathering place for lessons and collaboration.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their faces lit up with excitement. They immediately wanted to explore the books, count, sort, and sit together on the rug. Many shared how \"cozy\" and \"special\" it felt, which helped them feel more comfortable and focused during learning.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our next steps include building strong literacy skills through guided reading on the rug and strengthening math foundations with hands-on activities. These resources are helping us grow academically while also building a caring classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1758914629140,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-classroom-happy-minds/9743749/","projectTitle":"Cozy Classroom, Happy Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Byars","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9572687_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718832399250","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9572687"},{"teacherId":9572687,"projectId":9603319,"letterContent":"Generosity has truly transformed our classroom reading environment. The new books have become the centerpiece of our literacy time—students use them during small-group lessons, independent reading, and partner discussions. One of my favorite moments came during a character-study activity, when students chose books from the new collection and created \"character trading cards\" to share with the class. Their excitement, focus, and pride were wonderful to see. When they first saw the new materials, the room filled with joy—students eagerly gathered around the book bins, pointing out titles they recognized, discovering new ones, and immediately asking when they could start reading.\r\nWe're now building on that enthusiasm with a project focused on strengthening reading stamina and making deeper text connections. Students are using the donated books to create personal reading lists, prepare short book talks, and collaborate on multimedia recommendations for our classroom library. These next steps will help them grow as thoughtful, confident readers—and your support has made these opportunities possible. Thank you for bringing so much energy and inspiration into our classroom","fullyFundedDate":1755905365560,"projectUrl":"project/wild-world-of-reading/9603319/","projectTitle":"Wild World of Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Byars","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9572687_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718832399250","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9572687"},{"teacherId":9572687,"projectId":9530585,"letterContent":"I hope you are doing well. Words cannot express our gratitude for your generous donation of new art materials to our classroom. Your commitment to fostering creativity and supporting arts education has brought immense joy and inspiration to my students.\r\n\r\nThe moment we unveiled the boxes of fresh supplies was magical! There were gasps of delight and immediate excitement. The sight of all the vibrant, brand-new paints, brushes, and paper made their eyes light up. Many students, who had previously felt limited by our old, worn-out supplies, were suddenly brimming with enthusiasm and ideas. The first question I heard was, \"Can we start right now?\"—the energy was truly infectious. They felt incredibly special knowing that people cared enough to provide them with such wonderful resources.","fullyFundedDate":1754494036670,"projectUrl":"project/colors-chords-and-creativity/9530585/","projectTitle":"Colors, Chords and Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Byars","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9572687_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718832399250","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9572687"},{"teacherId":4033726,"projectId":9649828,"letterContent":"I'm writing to thank you for your generous donations to our classroom. Our students are so grateful and have had a great impact from this project.The addition of the new classroom rug has made an immediate and profound impact on our daily routines. It instantly established a cozy, dedicated \"community area\" where students now gather for read-alouds, group discussions, and morning meetings. This soft space encourages focus, engagement, and collaboration, allowing students to feel safe, comfortable, and ready to learn. It's no longer just a floor—it's the heart of our classroom where community bonds are built.\r\n​Equally important are the healthy snacks you provided. In a high-energy classroom, it's inevitable that students sometimes arrive hungry or hit an afternoon slump. Having a consistent supply of snacks ensures that no child has to worry about an empty stomach affecting their concentration. A quick, healthy fuel-up means less distraction, more focus on tasks, and greater participation from all students. This simple act of stocking our pantry has removed a barrier to learning, allowing my students to be their best, most attentive selves every single day.\r\n\r\n​","fullyFundedDate":1758553509035,"projectUrl":"project/a-new-rug-for-us/9649828/","projectTitle":"A New Rug for Us!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ericka Pearson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4033726_orig.jpg?crop=540,540,x0,y145&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756146006908","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4033726"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_18486","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":412,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":79,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":15,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 1","studentTeacherRatio":"14.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":43.8,"schoolId":18486,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Oak Park Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Oak Park Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/mississippi/laurel-school-district/oak-park-magnet-school/18486"}