{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Palmer Park Preparatory Academy","outOfStateSupporters":32.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10008889,"projectId":9559614,"letterContent":"When the deliveries arrived, and students saw all the colorful towels, just the right size for their hands, they began asking for them over and over, right up until I placed them in the environment as cleaning activities. They were also addicted to using the child sized broom and dust pan to practice sweeping up the spilled dry pouring activity beans and such. They have been loving that!\r\n\r\nThen, the paper towels got replaced and they began using the microfiber towels as hand towels. That made our hand washing station in our Practical Life area more attractive and sanitary. The towels gave a rainbow like appearance in the used towel bucket, and there was no more paper towel overflow in the waste basket due to trouble getting the towels into the trashbag. Also, this was an excellent extension to the recycling presentation students had received weeks before.\r\n\r\nFinally, a student that has struggled with controlling \"big feelings\" has been choosing to wet a microfiber towel, dip it in a soapy bucket, and rub down the tables instead, when they feel like hitting or otherwise putting their hands on others. The teacher did not have to suggest this behavior management strategy. Just the simple attractive qualities of the soft towels was enough to inspire them. This behavior will be mimicked by their classmates as others realize how empowering this strategy is, and see the positive attention that child is receiving as a result.\r\n\r\nThanks to your contributions, our classroom is a brighter and cleaner place in more ways than one!","fullyFundedDate":1758202972145,"projectUrl":"project/we-love-to-clean/9559614/","projectTitle":"We Love To Clean!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKinney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10008889"},{"teacherId":10008889,"projectId":9297564,"letterContent":"The dry erase boards and markers and the alphabet mystery box have been continuous hits in my classroom. The sturdiness and thickness of the white board is preferable to paper for the beginner students. The children are enjoying being able to make and correct mistakes and keep trying without the worry of wasting and cleaning up paper. \r\n\r\nThe alphabet mystery box is fun with its hidden miniatures, and the accompanying mat ideal for sound sorting with them. The design of this material keeps calling to students to pull it off the shelf and use it. It has been a perfect way to usher students into the joys of letter learning. The children have been more excited to work with language materials after using the mystery box set. Students keep continuing to choose these activities, granting them many opportunities to improve their drawing and writing abilities. \r\n\r\nI am grateful for these materials that grant and empower the children with the agency to be more responsible for their own learning. This allows me to take the role of guide more-so than hand-holder of each individual student. These materials have also lent to increased focus and concentration. \r\n\r\nYour contributions have assisted in creating a positive, safe, and disciplined classroom environment. My students are happier learners thanks to these kinds of activities. Words cannot express my appreciation!","fullyFundedDate":1746459852243,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-letter-learning-makes-sense/9297564/","projectTitle":"Sensory Letter Learning Makes Sense","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKinney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10008889"},{"teacherId":10008889,"projectId":9297372,"letterContent":"My peace area now has a good variety of go-to activities now that I can place in a pinch to provide my students with the necessary calming and fidget tools, thanks to your generosity! I am so pleased to see my students going to the area to decompress, de-escalate, or grab a calming activity or fidget to take to their workspace for a much needed brain break. It has done my classroom a world of good for my students to have these emotional supports. These materials also empower them to be more independent. My students' sense of mindfulness is much improved from last year at this time of year. \r\n\r\nI feel a deep sense of appreciation at the part these materials are playing in promoting a calm, productive, and positive learning culture in my classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1746459852344,"projectUrl":"project/calming-tools-help-me-be-cool/9297372/","projectTitle":"Calming Tools Help Me Be Cool","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKinney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10008889"},{"teacherId":10008889,"projectId":9334873,"letterContent":"This is my second year as a public Montessori teacher in Detroit. Last year was my year in training. I had inherited my classroom and the storage space was in such disorder that I was never able to find the materials to put together the activities I needed for the shelf work in time to change them out every two weeks as I was supposed to. I struggled all year long, trying to immediately apply what I learned about planning and preparing the activity lessons, but was not very successful. \r\n\r\nAs a result, my students did not get the works they needed in a timely manner. The gifted students weren't being challenged enough. When boredom set in, they showed it with challenging behaviors. Other students weren't able to receive the instruction they needed to progress in a timely manner. It was a tough year for everyone in our classroom community! \r\n\r\nAs the year was drawing to a close, I applied for this Donor's Choose grant for clear storage bins, so I would be able to more easily locate materials in a more timely manner. These bins thankfully arrived before school ended, and I was able to use them to more efficiently store materials, getting more out of my storage space. \r\n\r\nThe use of these bins has paid off in spades! This school year I have been able to successfully change the shelf work in a timely manner. Students are more drawn to the activities, as they are being refreshed. They are showing their appreciation by doing the work! Room staff, parents, and students are all showing their appreciation. Many thanks!","fullyFundedDate":1747011389864,"projectUrl":"project/success-follows-organized-storage/9334873/","projectTitle":"Success Follows Organized Storage!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKinney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10008889"},{"teacherId":9208800,"projectId":9621794,"letterContent":"Our 2025 Dot Day Celebration was MAGICAL! The creative vibes throughout our school were palpable, the energy and enthusiasm were electric! Students were able to explore new materials, new processes, and even try some new fancy fandangled techniques thanks to your generous donations. Our school hallways have come alive with color and creativity and students are inspired to make the world a better and brighter place one dot at a time! \r\n\r\nMy students learned all about Tyree Guyton and the famous Detroit art space, the Heidelberg Project. We explored making all different kinds of dots and just like Tyree Guyton, transformed our space through the power of ART! Students are able to connect the creative process in the classroom to real life community impact in our city, inspiring all of us to \"Make A Mark and See Where it Takes you!\"\r\n\r\nIt is SO meaningful that General Motors is still strongly supporting Detroit innovation and creativity by investing in our amazing young artists as we learn about the rich history of our great city! \r\n\r\nCheers to more community collaborations with our Dot Day heroes at General Motors!!!","fullyFundedDate":1755565327755,"projectUrl":"project/detroit-does-dot-day/9621794/","projectTitle":"Detroit does DOT DAY!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mooradian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9208800_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758796076018","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9208800"},{"teacherId":1942820,"projectId":9428327,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for purchasing these math resources for our classroom. It has been so fun to see fractions come alive for students this year. They have enjoyed the books about fractions. The matching activity cards and games have also made the content very engaging. The fraction measuring cups have integrated science and cooking with fractions and given students more concrete understanding of the topics. Lastly we are beginning to use the transparencies to explore more complex operations with fractions that do not share the same denominator. We so appreciate your generous support of our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1750885675430,"projectUrl":"project/fractions-are-fun/9428327/","projectTitle":"Fractions Are Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. von Achen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1942820_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1502201992338","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-tremaglio"},{"teacherId":6612278,"projectId":8366198,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping us organize our space! We know from research that organized spaces help regulate moods, focus our attention and clear our mind-- but, boy oh boy, does experiencing it raise understanding to a whole new level. Our class has been able to enjoy a new, larger space this year, and having the materials to truly arrange the space into a beautiful, accessible environment has made a huge difference.\r\nI'm so grateful for your initiative to support classrooms around the country like mine, and hope you feel the warmth that I feel reflected back to you.","fullyFundedDate":1715076432296,"projectUrl":"project/public-montessori-organizational-materia/8366198/","projectTitle":"Public Montessori Organizational Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gelinas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6612278_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1664462612456","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6612278"},{"teacherId":6612278,"projectId":9008071,"letterContent":"Not only were we able to have 2 basketball teams use the basketballs you helped provide, but they are also providing access to the sport to all primary and elementary classes in the school-- previously, our school did not have this many basketballs, and could not offer this kind of instruction-- thank you!\r\nEach Thursday, our class does theatrical Thursdays with the reader's theatre you provided, and beyond it being an absolute blast-- it allows students to work on their fluency, collaboration, listening skills, presentation skills and confidence-- all in one. Thank you!\r\nThe gift card has allowed me to stock my classroom with many book club, and math task-card materials that are essential to providing a well-rounded education in the Montessori realm, and I'm exceedingly grateful to share the financial burden of those purchases.\r\nAgain, again, and again-- with reverence-- thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1734712084557,"projectUrl":"project/math-fluency-basketball-team-support-an/9008071/","projectTitle":"Math Fluency, Basketball Team Support and Weekly Theatre Access","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gelinas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6612278_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1664462612456","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6612278"},{"teacherId":1942820,"projectId":9286620,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for you! Once we received the drying rack, the paint sticks and the easel, we put them all to good use. The students loved using the paint sticks for different art projects as well as to enhance their map and poster projects. The drying rack was quickly full of creations. It was a favorite end of day job to deliver all the art to students to take home. Lastly, the table top easel is a hit. It is great for art and also very useful for small group lessons. Thank you so much for supporting our creativity.","fullyFundedDate":1746482485551,"projectUrl":"project/amazing-art-supplies/9286620/","projectTitle":"Amazing Art Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. von Achen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1942820_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1502201992338","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-tremaglio"},{"teacherId":1942820,"projectId":9200241,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support my students really dived into sewing at the end of last school year! They loved using the books for project ideas and finding new patterns and stitches. Once they had ideas, they began using the supplies: sewing small purses, coin pouches, flags and more. They also really enjoyed using the new colors of yarn to work on their finger knitting and created interesting items like lunch box straps. We still have lots of supplies (yarn, felt, string) for the fall. When we come back, we'll be able to start the year with fun hands on projects like friendship bracelets. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1743008399743,"projectUrl":"project/threading-the-needle-of-creativity/9200241/","projectTitle":"Threading the Needle of Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. von Achen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1942820_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1502201992338","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-tremaglio"},{"teacherId":388806,"projectId":9097022,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation towards our \"Bubbles, Bubbles Everywhere\" grant. The students were excited to use various types of bubbles to see what would occur. We use the scientific method to discuss what types of bubbles the students thought would form with the different bubble instruments. We discussed wind velocity and how the wind impacted how high and far the bubbles would travel. All of the pre-k/ Kindergarten Montessori students were able to have their own bubbles to use and take home on \"B\" day during our ABC countdown. \r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students a bubble experience that they will never forget.","fullyFundedDate":1746459852455,"projectUrl":"project/bubbles-bubbles-everywhere/9097022/","projectTitle":"Bubbles, Bubbles, Everywhere!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mitchell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp388806_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1515930825735","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kimberly-mitchell"},{"teacherId":388806,"projectId":9062671,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my kindergarten students have been joyfully engaging with our new art materials through a project inspired by the incredible artist and author Faith Ringgold. We've been learning about how she used quilts to tell powerful stories about identity, family, and social justice. With our new supplies, each child created their own \"story quilt\" that reflects who they are—their families, communities, and dreams. It was a beautiful moment watching them take such pride in their work, using colors, textures, and drawings to share what makes them special.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, especially the vibrant papers, paint, and drawing tools, their faces lit up with excitement. Many had never worked with such a variety of art supplies before, and they couldn't wait to get started. It created an immediate sense of importance around the project—they knew they were making something meaningful.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be displaying our story quilts in a school wide \"gallery walk,\" inviting families and other students to see the world through the eyes of our young artists. This project is helping students understand that their voices and stories matter. Thank you for giving us the tools to make that happen—your support is making a lasting difference in how our students see themselves and their role in the world.","fullyFundedDate":1737940916994,"projectUrl":"project/racial-justice-art-for-kids/9062671/","projectTitle":"Racial Justice Art For Kids!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mitchell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp388806_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1515930825735","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kimberly-mitchell"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_73124","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":405,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":86,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":0,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.6,"schoolId":73124,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Palmer Park Preparatory Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Palmer Park Preparatory Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/detroit-public-schools-community-district/palmer-park-preparatory-academy/73124"}