{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Orion Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":42.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4740201,"projectId":9243350,"letterContent":"Battle of the Books has begun, and students are furiously reading all the books! As a participant, students in grades 3-5 commit to reading as many of the 12 books for the grade category as they can. We have some readers who have already finished all of them, and are starting on their second reads!\r\n\r\nThank you for helping fund this project, which provided enough copies of each book to. allow our students to always have a book on hand to read! The competition is in February, and your donation this last spring allowed us to start the school year with the books in hand, giving those who were extra excited a chance to start reading them from the very beginning.\r\n\r\nWhat I love about the Battle of the Books competition is that I always get to witness students falling in love with books, or discovering a whole new genre that they didn't even know that they would love! Student commitment to becoming \"experts\" on each of these books allows them to read at a deeper level that is just awe inspiring--I don't remember half the things that they do after reading the books myself! Thank you again for helping make this happen!","fullyFundedDate":1744234160082,"projectUrl":"project/battle-up/9243350/","projectTitle":"Battle Up!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lamar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4740201_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1508016448935","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lindsay-lamar"},{"teacherId":2548317,"projectId":9573405,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for the opportunities and experiences you have given my students by funding this project and look forward to creating even more activities for the upcoming months. \r\n\r\nSo far we've explored and created projects using the scrapbook paper and page protectors, card stock, thermal laminating machine & pouches, Washi tape set, masking tape, pip squeak skinnies markers, super tip markers, dot stickers and tempera paint sticks. \r\n\r\nOne of our themes for projects was centered around pizzas. We used both the sticker dots and tempera paint sticks to construct our math pizzas. My students were excited to grab a hold of and paint dots on the paper plates, exploring how to paint using different motions and learning one to one correspondence adding the number of dots that matched the written number. \r\n\r\nWe created an opportunity for families to actively participate in another event. Those who had families attend brought pictures and those who didn't have parent participation were given pictures that we had print out for them to use. All the materials were organized and spread on the counter for everyone to choose from and create. This turned out to be a beautiful moment, watching, observing and seeing how each of the parents interacted and worked with their own child. There was much creativity that had taken place as they followed their lead, supporting and encouraging them along the way. The Washi Tape was definitely one of the materials my students enjoyed the most, as well as the stickers for this activity. There was one student who worked on their project independently and I observed while they created their scrapbook page. There was a rhyme, reason and purpose to what they were creating, being intentional with each of the materials and carefully selecting just the right materials for their vision. This student was highly engaged, thriving, excited, wanting more as this was something of high interest to them. \r\n\r\nI look forward to creating many more opportunities, thanks to your generous donation and providing these materials. Because of you, my student have been given opportunities to create, flourish and express themselves in individual ways using a variety of materials.","fullyFundedDate":1755695563894,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-brighter-future/9573405/","projectTitle":"Creating A Brighter Future","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Julie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2548317_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625920277223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2548317"},{"teacherId":9145565,"projectId":9060947,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous hearts! My students are very much alive in the afternoon because of all the yummy snacks you have provided them. They enjoy their small break time having something in their tummies. These snacks are so much appreciated by them and have given them with so much energy to get through the day. They are more motivated to work, happier as I would say. None of my students now are feeling sad when they don't have whole others are enjoying theirs. I always try my best to provide but there are times that we run out of resources, so we thank you with all our hearts! Thank you also for the other supplies that we have received like party bags and composition notebooks.. We appreciate you all!","fullyFundedDate":1747071712354,"projectUrl":"project/please-be-our-light-for-more-fun-learnin/9060947/","projectTitle":"Please Be Our Light for More Fun Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Compton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9145565"},{"teacherId":2548317,"projectId":9572569,"letterContent":"As the packages of new materials arrived, we set them on the counter and in the space behind it. Seeing all the packages gained the attention of my students rather quickly as they walked around looking at and making request for the new dolls, trucks animals and other figurines. It sparked a lot of conversation and excitement, seeing all the dolls, animals, trucks and Lego sets.\r\n\r\nThe materials we have used and explored so far are the Doug and Melissa fold and go barn, Lego (3 in 1 Wild animal families), Little People (caring for animals, treehouse, dump truck, tractor & fire truck), realistic figurines (farm & forest animals), and Montessori animal match.\r\n\r\nSeveral of my students have a great interest in animals. Some of who spend time lining them up in order of size and/or categorizing by the type of animal and others acting out animal actions, setting up the barn with the animals, making sounds and having conversations between them. \r\n\r\nThere has been a lot of turn taking opportunities, learning how to share and take turns, which can be especially difficult with new toys. We worked on taking turns with the different trucks and tractors, filling and dumping them out, pushing them back and forth and creating spaces with other classroom toys for more defined spaces for driving them around in the play area.\r\n\r\nThere was one student who had experience being intentional with the Lego blocks and following the picture of what pieces were needed and how to assemble to create the structure. They were very focused, and peers followed their lead. With so many levels of learners, I was delighted to see sustained attention to task and staying with the group for 5 or more minutes. \r\n\r\nWe look forward to using the remainder of the animals, Duplo Legos and Little People throughout the year. You've given my students a wonderful gift, opportunities for growth, understanding and learning. Thank you for your generosity, outreach and support!","fullyFundedDate":1755695564690,"projectUrl":"project/little-people-big-ideas/9572569/","projectTitle":"Little People & Big Ideas","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Julie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2548317_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625920277223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2548317"},{"teacherId":2548317,"projectId":9567888,"letterContent":"My students have enjoying exploring many of the new materials we have received. So far, we have explored and used the sensory soft squeeze calming compression chair, sensory steppingstones, Squigz suction cup set, glider scooter board, push peel fidget, cool down cubes and pop tubes. We are waiting on getting the water bubble tub lamp secured to the wall prior to use for safety reasons. I know they've been exploring and becoming curious about the tube, and we've been talking about the water and fish we'll be putting in it. \r\n\r\n When my students were introduced to the calming compression chair, I had one that said it felt like a big hug. Their body calmed, they smiled a big smile and sat snuggly inside until they were ready to join their peers once again. \r\n\r\n There have been many turn taking and problem-solving opportunities during play. When I first set the steppingstones out on the floor I positioned them in one row, working on balancing and coordination with certain students. As those students took a break from the activity, two other students became curious about the new materials and began exploring too. We worked on social communication skills, problem solving how to set up the stones in a way that was functional for them. Through those conversations, my students made request and worked together to design a path that went from the big to small stones to balance rather than in a straight line. \r\n\r\n With there being less daylight and on the cloudy days, the need for light has increased we look forward to adding the new light covers. We have one student who saw and fed a giraffe at the zoo for the first time. This has become a conversation piece as they are so excited every time they come into the classroom. We needed to order replacement items and waiting on the arrival of those items and the impact it will make by softening the lights and creating the calming environment we are working to achieve.","fullyFundedDate":1755695564497,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-integration-in-preschool/9567888/","projectTitle":"Sensory Integration In Preschool","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Julie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2548317_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625920277223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2548317"},{"teacherId":2548317,"projectId":9287401,"letterContent":"What a great start we've had to this school, having been provide with many parts and pieces to make the whole! Since the beginning of the school year, we've used the printer and printer paper, hot glue gun, sponge, binders, laminate sheets and card stock for several activities. This coming week we'll be using the felt to piece together Corduroy's pocket.\r\n\r\nThe whole classroom and energy of it is coming together. What I love is having pictures in color for our family board, cubby area, all about me board, visual organizers and on the AAO book we use to support our students' communication needs. My students are drawn into the color, increased responses and participation. They get excited when they see their pictures and faces as well as those of their peers and adults. \r\n\r\nI look forward to using these and the many other materials for this project throughout the remainder of the year to create fun, meaningful and engaging opportunities for my students. Thank you so much for the gifts you have given my students and I!!","fullyFundedDate":1746477842751,"projectUrl":"project/parts-and-pieces-of-preschool/9287401/","projectTitle":"Parts and Pieces of Preschool","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Julie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2548317_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625920277223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2548317"},{"teacherId":4740201,"projectId":8967986,"letterContent":"As I complete another school year in an elementary library, I am struck by how lucky I am to be able to witness the growth in students over the course of their time at our school. The beauty of being the school librarian is that I get to watch this growth over several years. I find myself telling a student \"I just got this book and it made me think of you\" more and more as I get to know the interests and passions of our students. I get to read books on a variety of subjects and watch students make a bee-line to books that they may have not even noticed previously. Your donations to this project specifically helped fill in or add to a variety of series in the library. There is a special excitement a kid has when they can read the next installment in their favorite series. Thank you for sparking that excitement with your donations!","fullyFundedDate":1735488715284,"projectUrl":"project/series-mania/8967986/","projectTitle":"Series Mania!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lamar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4740201_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1508016448935","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lindsay-lamar"},{"teacherId":2548317,"projectId":8944646,"letterContent":"The addition of the Tonies and the Tonie Box is something new for all of us to navigate, learn how to care for and use appropriately. We started out by sitting with one student at a time in our library area and have now increased to a group of us to 3 students while listening to the different stories. During this time, we are \r\nlearning the names of each of the Tonies, how to turn the Tonie Box on and change the volume, and the cause and effect of what happens when the Tonie is lifted from the box (story stops), then put back on (continues playing). With so much interest and curiosity happening, it's been only natural for them to want to remove the Tonie for exploration and playing with it, then put back on the box and listen to more of the story. \r\n\r\nWhen my students saw characters they recognized, there was more excitement in their voices, an urgency to gain my attention and have them identify and name the whale, Minion, Rudolph and Cat in the Hat (which were the first ones that got their attention, and they started talking about. While in a small group, some of my students brought over baby dolls to tend to and care for while being read to. Not only were my students being given opportunities for language and literacy building, but they were also talking to their baby dolls and repeating some of what they were hearing from each of the stories, then having a conversation with them.\r\n\r\nI know this is just the start of using our new materials and I have high hopes in taking ownership in their learning, while becoming independent and confident learners in the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you again for the difference your support has made for our early learners! Their curious and ambitious minds will take them to many great places as we listen and learn with the many stories and opportunities that are to come!!","fullyFundedDate":1736999320625,"projectUrl":"project/tonie-time/8944646/","projectTitle":"Tonie Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Julie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2548317_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625920277223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2548317"},{"teacherId":2548317,"projectId":9058188,"letterContent":"Preschool Rocks:\r\n\r\nWe started out by providing students with a variety of rocks on the trays. They were quite interested and curious, especially being able to play with and explore rocks at school. There was a lot of language building that took place, many opportunities to learn new vocabulary and make connections to life experiences. \r\n\r\nAfter my students had the opportunity to explore the rocks independently, we opened the booklet of the rocks included and they started pointing to and matching rocks they thought looked the same. It was then we talked about same/different, characteristics and names of the rocks and began categorizing the different kinds They were given the vocabulary, they repeated, then started coming to their own understanding trying to identify on their own. It was during this time we had many opportunities for turn taking, waiting, by selecting one rock at a time to put in.\r\n\r\nOnce the barrel was full, we added the grit, water and secured the barrel for tumbling, then started. it I had asked my students questions for more scientific inquiry, questioning to see what they thought was happening to the rocks and what they will look like when they are done tumbling. It was fun hearing the responses. One thought the rocks will get bigger than the classroom and once tumbled, they will turn into gold. A while later, the same student approached me and asked more questions to gain an understanding of the rock tumbling process and why it needed to tumble so fast. At that moment, I was even more grateful for our materials received for it has been leading to further inquiring, questioning and wanting to know more about their world.\r\n\r\nWe are really quite excited for what the next few weeks will bring with the rock tumbling, polishing, then exploring and creating once they are done in the tumbler. The rock tumbler and rocks have brought great joy, interest and the love of science into our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1736999321069,"projectUrl":"project/preschool-rocks/9058188/","projectTitle":"Preschool Rocks!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Julie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2548317_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625920277223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2548317"},{"teacherId":2548317,"projectId":9052560,"letterContent":"The first item my students used was the sit and spin, sensory swivel chair. There was much excitement and interest from all my students wanting to try out our new chair, so much so that we needed to start using our visual (sand timer) so each child would know how long they needed to wait before having a turn. Instead of getting frustrated while waiting, they made use of their time by either holding the sand timer and notifying their peer of when their turn was done, helped spin peers around to get started who were having more difficulty and practiced counting for every time they spun in their chair. My students have been receiving the sensory input needed in a positive way to, helping them become more focused, self-regulated, and learning how to communicate in a functional manner. \r\n\r\nWe've also had the opportunity to try out the foot pedal and it's been fun watching their curious minds in action explore. Prior to arrival, I placed the foot pedal in front of a chair located at the table for large group time. The child who sat in this chair did a double take. They weren't quite sure if this was for them to use now and looked to me for acknowledgement, then proceeded to orient feet and pedal away while seated. The smile said it all while being seated at the table with the group. I tried the foot pedal in another area of the room, a place that was visible this time. There were certain children who gravitated towards it and wanted turns to sit and pedal too. We've had to make some adjustments, due to the height of students and positioning in different types of chairs, other than that, they are excited to have this option of keeping their feet busy and in motion while attending to tasks.\r\n\r\nOur swing and frame arrived this week and look forward to the many uses and comfort and calming effects it will bring to our students. A couple of our students were involved in the process of putting together the tent swing with my teaching partner. They became very curious and wanted to do their part to help and take ownership in the new materials. As I watched them work together, I noticed one child looking at the instructions, making connections and pointing out the pictures in the booklet and then at the tent swing. A lot of great social-emotional skills were taking place involving turn taking, learning to wait (patience) as well as language building and following directions.\r\n\r\nWe are waiting on our crash pad to arrive as well as a sensory table (which is a replacement item for this project). There is much learning yet to take place this year as well as opportunities for growth. Thank you and God bless you for the gifts you've given my students and I!!","fullyFundedDate":1736999320854,"projectUrl":"project/preschool-is-in-motion/9052560/","projectTitle":"Preschool Is In Motion","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Julie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2548317_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625920277223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2548317"},{"teacherId":2548317,"projectId":8938569,"letterContent":"The addition of the Magna-Tiles created much excitement with my students! We needed to work on some problem solving by sharing and taking turns with the new materials, providing personal space to work and respecting peers creations by not knocking them down without first asking. As my students had more and more opportunities to explore, build, create and learn, they became more confident in their skills and less dependent upon adult support and guidance. I was amazed by the structures and organization of pieces put together, which gave me a deeper understanding of what they know by being able to show me. I would not have known they knew how to build and construct in these ways had they not been provided with these materials. One student built a 3-level structure that was quite stable to hold animals on each of the levels. Another student made the letter \"W\" in a worm shape and said worm. Each of them took pride and ownership in their own learning!\r\n\r\nDuring exploration on the activity table, we first provided the train and train tracks and then the Magna-Tiles (to provide a space up and off the floor for students to build and not have to worry about everything getting knocked down or accidently getting bumped into). I was quite happy to see a student (who has had limited engagement and attention to task), take interest in the train track tracks with a peer. He became curious and started exploring the train tracks, noticing the different shapes and sizes, then watching as a peer worked on piecing the tracks together. There has been peer role-modeling happening, learning some of the basics, conventions of entering play where peers are already engaged in a task and functional communication from one another. \r\n\r\nIt has been fun watching my students learn about numbers through the wood number set. Some have been starting to identify the numbers and make the correlation with the size of the number being bigger or smaller. I also have a student who has a high interest and great love for numbers and mathematical concepts. I'm so grateful to have these wood numbers as this child is doing mathematical equations (adding numbers together and saying what the total is), as well as finding numbers that are the same, groupings, bigger and smaller. \r\n\r\nMy students continue to amaze me every day by showing what they know and sharing what they know through their expressive communication (for those who are verbal). I am learning where modifications need to be made and what other materials and resources may be necessary to increase levels of engagement and achieve a higher level of learning and understanding about their world.","fullyFundedDate":1733254703283,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-brighter-future/8938569/","projectTitle":"Building A Brighter Future","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Julie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2548317_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625920277223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2548317"},{"teacherId":2548317,"projectId":8961316,"letterContent":"The first to arrive was the giant connect 4 game. When my students arrived and saw this, they were filled with much excitement, enthusiasm, questions and eagerness to explore and play with. Since it was something new, everyone gathered around, picking up the colored rings and placing them in the slots. Once all the slots were filed up, I showed them how to release, empty them out and start over again. With all the pieces on the floor, we worked on saying and sorting each color as we took turns picking each one up and either putting it on the posts or placing them in the slots for dropping them down. As more pieces were added, I brought my students' attention to the slots, counting how many of each color were in a row. It took a bit for them to understand the concept and the different ways of getting 4 pieces of the same color together in various ways (horizontally, vertically & diagonally). They started gaining a basic understanding, however at this time, what they love most is picking up the pieces, putting them in (I've even noticed some of them racing to see who can put their pieces in faster). The bonus for them is the excitement of releasing all the pieces onto the floor by pulling the levers to open the slots below! They laugh as they all drop out and the board becomes empty once again. \r\n\r\nWhat I've observed with my students exploring and interacting with the activity centers is that they've increased their level of engagement, having sustained attention to tasks for longer periods of time. In one of the centers, there is a dinosaur train & train tracks with a wood cover for sorting shapes into a net. My students have a high interest in dinosaurs, putting things in/taking out and movement. Some prefer working alone at this task, remaining very focused on sorting the shapes, naming/identifying shapes & colors in the bin and on the table and I've noticed other students who gather in small group working together at a task. For those who have worked together building the train, making it go around in circles (while making sure to ring the bell going around and around), have been very animated with the dinosaur and train sounds, increasing their expressive language and sharing their ideas of what they know. \r\n\r\nWe look forward to using the sensory wall panels once we get them installed. There is so much learning taking place and we thank you for all the gifts and opportunities you have provided us with!","fullyFundedDate":1733254702843,"projectUrl":"project/motor-math/8961316/","projectTitle":"Motor Math","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Julie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2548317_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625920277223","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2548317"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_52744","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":446,"numTeachers":15,"percentFrplEligible":25,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":8,"percentWhite":55,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"29.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":57.5,"schoolId":52744,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Orion Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Orion Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/alaska/anchorage-school-district/orion-elementary-school/52744"}