{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Vaughn Academy of Technology at Parkside","outOfStateSupporters":33.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2035104,"projectId":8828564,"letterContent":"I am truly grateful for your generous contribution to our classroom. Your support is allowing us to provide sensory tools and quiet areas that are essential in helping my students with autism feel comfortable and engaged. These materials are being used to create a space where they can regulate their senses, which greatly improves their ability to focus and participate in lessons. It has made a world of difference in creating a more supportive and adaptive learning environment.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the supplies are also being used to create safe spaces where students can take breaks or work through social-emotional challenges. These quiet areas offer them a chance to recharge, helping them manage overwhelming feelings and navigate difficult situations. By giving them the space to pause and reflect, we're providing the emotional support they need to continue learning and growing. Your kindness is truly having a lasting and positive impact on their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1733587101327,"projectUrl":"project/autism-friendly-classroom/8828564/","projectTitle":"Autism-Friendly Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gaines","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2035104_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727317207690","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2035104"},{"teacherId":9498787,"projectId":9072985,"letterContent":"We are truly enjoying our carpet circle seats. They have transferred our classroom into a flexible and inviting space allowing students to gather comfortably for group activities and independent learning. The floor lamps bring a warm and calming glow to our classroom, creating a cozy environment that helps students feel at ease. The sensory LED bubble tube has quickly become a favorite. Students are mesmerized by the gentle bubbles and changing lights which provide a soothing sensory experience.\r\n\r\nThe excitement was priceless! As soon as they saw the new additions, their faces lit up with pure happiness. One student couldn't stop jumping on the trampoline, saying, \"This is the best day ever\". Another student hugged a weighted stuffed animal and whispered, \"It makes me feel so safe.\" Seeing their joy and engagement has been truly heartwarming.\r\n\r\nWith these new resources, we are diving into lessons that support self-regulation, social-emotional learning and engagement in the classroom. The tent is helping students build strategies with taking breaks when needed and return to learning refreshed!","fullyFundedDate":1739569994704,"projectUrl":"project/students-searching-for-a-calm-classroom/9072985/","projectTitle":"Students Searching for a Calm Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Copeland","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9498787"},{"teacherId":9208708,"projectId":9086989,"letterContent":"Currently, as we approach the end of the year (EOY) assessments, we are focusing on review sessions across various subjects to ensure that students are prepared and confident. These review sessions are vital for reinforcing key concepts, and the snacks from Donors Choose have been a key part of this process. With a mix of excitement and nervous energy surrounding the upcoming assessments, I've found that incorporating snacks into our daily routine as a reward system has played a significant role in motivating my students to stay focused and engaged during our review sessions.\r\n\r\nWe have established a system where students can earn snacks for various positive behaviors, such as completing review activities, answering questions correctly, staying on task, and demonstrating teamwork during group work. For example, during our math review, students work in pairs or small groups to solve practice problems from different units we've covered throughout the year. The first team to complete a problem correctly or show significant progress earns a snack. This creates a healthy level of competition, which has spurred students to give their best effort and really think through each problem.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, I have made sure to acknowledge students who may need a little extra support. For some of my SPED students, completing even a single problem or staying focused for an extended period can be challenging. By offering snacks as a reward for their hard work, even if the task is not completed perfectly, I provide them with positive reinforcement. This has been especially important in helping my SPED students feel successful and proud of their progress, as it emphasizes effort over perfection and gives them a tangible way to see their improvement.\r\n\r\nAs we review for the EOY assessments, I've also started using snacks as a way to break up longer sessions. With so much material to cover, it's easy for students to become fatigued or distracted. I've found that having a snack break, where students can grab a snack and chat for a few minutes, helps reset their focus and energy. After this break, students tend to return to the review session with a refreshed mindset, ready to tackle the next round of practice questions.\r\n\r\nThe positive effects of this reward system have been evident in my students' reactions. Many of them are now working harder and demonstrating more perseverance because they know that their efforts will be recognized. They look forward to the snack breaks as moments to celebrate their progress, and it has created a sense of excitement around learning and revisiting previously challenging concepts. It has also fostered a sense of community within the classroom, as students work together toward the common goal of reviewing for the EOY assessments.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, the review sessions with the snack reward system will continue to play an important role as we prepare for the final push of the school year. The snacks have not only helped keep my students motivated and engaged but have also provided an opportunity to reinforce positive behaviors such as collaboration, persistence, and participation. With the end of the year fast approaching, I plan to use this system up until the final day of school, helping my students build confidence and finish strong.\r\n\r\nIn sum, the snacks donated through Donors Choose have become an integral part of our classroom routine as we prepare for the EOY assessments. They serve as both an incentive and a tool for fostering motivation, focus, and teamwork among my students. By rewarding hard work and providing small moments of enjoyment, these snacks have helped my students maintain a positive attitude and strong work ethic as they review the material. I'm incredibly grateful for the generosity of our donors, who have made this possible and who continue to support my students' academic journey.","fullyFundedDate":1739569728853,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-success-snacks-for-special-need/9086989/","projectTitle":"Fueling Success: Snacks for Special Needs Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9208708"},{"teacherId":9517426,"projectId":8426046,"letterContent":"First, I want to express my gratitude for your donations that were made to my classroom. The materials that were donated that included the containers for organization, the bulletin border, the tent, has really made a difference in the way my classroom functions and the appearance that makes it look more inviting. They help to keep our classroom neat and materials accessible. The border added a bright, colorful touch to our learning space. \r\nThe addition of the tent has been exciting for my students, especially students with special needs. It has become a \"safe spot\" for students need a calm area to retreat to when needed. I added books, stuffed toys, and feelings pictures to help students. \r\nThe small shelf has helped us to organize our construction paper in the Art Center. Students have paper available that is easily accessible and organized which gives them more opportunities to create! And of course, the fruit snacks have been a wonderful treat with providing a little extra joy and energy during snack time. \r\nYour kindness has made a lasting impact on my classroom and I cannot thank you enough.","fullyFundedDate":1726914874228,"projectUrl":"project/equipping-our-pre-k-classroom-for-learni/8426046/","projectTitle":"Equipping Our Pre-K Classroom for Learning and Growing!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feely","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9517426_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752247706334","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9517426"},{"teacherId":9208708,"projectId":8737833,"letterContent":"I can't begin to express how grateful I am for the generosity of the donors who made our Donor Choose project a reality. Our Zen Zone, featuring the fabulous Sequin Fabric, has truly worked wonders, and not just for my Exceptional Children (EC) students, but for everyone at Parkside Elementary. It's like we created a little slice of stress-free paradise right in the middle of a busy school day!\r\n\r\nFirst, let's talk about the Sequin Fabric. It was a huge hit—so much so that I started to wonder if I should have charged admission for the experience! The multi-sensory bulletin board quickly became the go-to stress-relief spot. And because we're all about inclusivity, we opened it up to not just our EC students but also 4th and 5th graders. Just in time for testing season, too—because nothing says \"relax\" like sequins that change colors when you run your hand over them (It's like magic, but better). The Principal and even the administrators jumped on board, using the board as a therapeutic escape. We might have started a new trend—forget therapy dogs, we've got sequins!\r\n\r\nStudents were absolutely thrilled, with many saying it was the \"perfect job\" to do when they needed a break from all the pressure. Who knew that a sensory experience could be so powerful? I think I'm going to put a sign up that says, \"Professional Sequin Touchers – Apply Here.\" It became clear that this was more than just a fun activity; it was a mini-vacation from the stress of the day.\r\n\r\nAs for the EC students, the Zen Zone table spots were amazing. The colorful areas were a hit because, well, who doesn't love bright colors? But it was also a perfect opportunity for the EC students to practice their writing within a designated space, which (surprisingly) didn't turn into a colorful doodle explosion. I don't know if they loved the colors more or the idea of having \"personalized\" spots to write in. Either way, it was a win-win!\r\n\r\nThe fidget toys added a nice touch to the space, too. They turned the Zen Zone into a hub of therapeutic bliss. Some of the kids were so engaged with the fidget toys that I half-expected them to start a new club: \"Fidget Toy Enthusiasts Anonymous.\" There's nothing like watching kids engaged and smiling because they're getting what they need to focus and unwind. And let me tell you, the smiles were contagious. I've never seen a group so motivated to write or finish their tasks with such enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nSpeaking of enthusiasm, let's talk about the snack reward system. Let's just say, the snacks were basically the secret ingredient to unlocking productivity. I've seen students finish tasks faster than I've ever seen them finish their math problems. Who knew a small snack could be the ultimate motivator? I'll have to add \"snack distributor\" to my job description!\r\n\r\nIn all seriousness, this project has had an incredible impact. Not only has it helped my EC students, but it has positively affected all the students at Parkside Elementary. The support from our donors has created a space where students can learn, relax, and thrive. And let's not forget—there's a bit of magic in sequins and snacks that make the whole day a little brighter.\r\n\r\nSo, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to the donors! You've made a lasting difference at Parkside, and we are all incredibly grateful—smiling, sequined and snack-fueled gratitude, that is!","fullyFundedDate":1735490247742,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-learning-environment-of-except/8737833/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Learning Environment of Exceptional Children","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9208708"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_107626","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":370,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":70,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":66.7,"schoolId":107626,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Vaughn Academy of Technology at Parkside on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Vaughn Academy of Technology at Parkside","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/charlotte-mecklenburg-school-district/parkside-elementary-school-opening-fall-2015-/107626"}