{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Paul & Sheila Wellstone Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":37.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9311445,"projectId":10209446,"letterContent":"My students were incredibly excited when they first saw the new materials. As soon as I introduced the human body models, their curiosity took over—they eagerly explored the brain, heart, and organs, asking thoughtful questions and making real‑life connections. One of our most memorable moments was when students used the stethoscopes to listen to their own heartbeats after light exercise. They were amazed to notice how their bodies changed, which led to meaningful conversations about health and how to take care of themselves.\r\n\r\nWe are now using these resources daily during our science block and integrated centers. Students rotate through hands‑on stations where they build the digestive system, examine the skeleton, and practice dental care using the models. The bilingual book and oral health materials have also sparked important discussions about daily habits and self‑care, especially for my multilingual learners. These tools have made abstract concepts visible, helping my students better understand how their bodies work.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue building on this learning by connecting the human body to other science topics, like how our bodies interact with the environment and how healthy habits support our overall well‑being. My goal is to expand their curiosity into future STEM units and strengthen their confidence as young scientists. Thanks to your support, my students are not just learning science—they are experiencing it in meaningful and lasting ways.","fullyFundedDate":1778092968879,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-bodies-curious-minds/10209446/","projectTitle":"Healthy Bodies, Curious Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Villalobos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9311445_orig.jpg?crop=708,708,x229,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696282266310","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9311445"},{"teacherId":10337768,"projectId":10099598,"letterContent":"My students eyes lit up when they saw the disco lights, they were so excited and asked for them all week (and I said OHHH YEAH)!! I cannot express how much we appreciate your donation to our classroom. My students loved the stepping stones, turtle stones and glow in the dark tunnel. We first used the stepping stones as a path to mats where they could jump down. The next day I turned the gym into the coolest glow in the dark obstacle course. We had a blast crawling through the tunnel, working on balance and coordination using the stones.","fullyFundedDate":1777990507063,"projectUrl":"project/obstacle-courses-are-soooo-fun/10099598/","projectTitle":"Obstacle Courses Are Soooo Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10337768_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761926310579","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mariahsmith2"},{"teacherId":10337768,"projectId":10156390,"letterContent":"My students were so excited to receive the new hair accessories! My upper elementary students got new brushes to keep in their backpacks (the littles did too!), and the younger students were so excited to look through all of the barrettes and butterfly clips. I've used the little elastics to fix hairstyles at the end of class, and given hair ties to countless students to keep hair out of their eyes. Socks were given to students who needed them, and we cannot thank you enough, it wouldn't have been possible without you all.","fullyFundedDate":1777990507476,"projectUrl":"project/self-care-in-physical-education/10156390/","projectTitle":"Self Care in Physical Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10337768_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761926310579","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mariahsmith2"},{"teacherId":9311445,"projectId":10124793,"letterContent":"Thanks to the support received, my first-grade students now have access to a 3D printer, filaments, and an Apple Pencil—tools that have transformed the way we learn science, math, and art in the classroom.\r\n\r\nThe FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M 3D printer has allowed my students to explore concepts of measurement, size, proportion, and spatial relationships in a concrete and meaningful way. Instead of only seeing or imagining objects, they can now design them, print them, and compare them physically, which strengthens their understanding of the world around them.\r\n\r\nThese materials have made learning active, inclusive, and memorable, especially for my students who come from low-income households. They now feel capable, creative, and proud of their work, and they show greater confidence as they experiment, make mistakes, and try again.\r\n\r\nThis project not only enriched our curriculum but also sparked curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning—skills my students will carry with them throughout their entire school journey.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and in the power of hands-on, creative learning.","fullyFundedDate":1775147500776,"projectUrl":"project/3d-fun-learning-science-art-and-measu/10124793/","projectTitle":"3d Fun: Learning Science, Art, and Measurement","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Villalobos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9311445_orig.jpg?crop=708,708,x229,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696282266310","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9311445"},{"teacherId":9311445,"projectId":10200613,"letterContent":"This project has had a very significant impact in my classroom because it has allowed my students to learn science and technology in an active, concrete, and meaningful way. My students are naturally curious and learn best when they can explore with their hands, observe, experiment, and create.\r\n\r\nThe digital microscopes sparked a strong interest in science, as students are able to observe real objects up close and ask questions like young scientists. The augmented reality solar system poster transformed space into a visual and exciting experience, helping students understand abstract concepts in an accessible and engaging way.\r\nThe headphones with microphones support digital learning and language development, while the LCD writing tablets and LED board encourage participation, creativity, and the expression of ideas. The portable printer allows students to share their work and feel proud of what they create. Even the fan contributes to a more comfortable and welcoming learning environment, which is essential for students to focus and feel good at school.\r\n\r\nEach of these resources supports active learning, scientific thinking, and a love for science—especially in a classroom with students from historically underfunded communities. Thanks to this project, my students have access to STEM tools that would not normally be available to them.","fullyFundedDate":1776978354514,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-science-through-hands-on-stem/10200613/","projectTitle":"Exploring Science Through Hands-on STEM Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Villalobos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9311445_orig.jpg?crop=708,708,x229,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696282266310","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9311445"},{"teacherId":10337768,"projectId":9945348,"letterContent":"My students are loving the new gymnastics equipment! They have been using the wedge mat to master their forward roll, backwards roll and log roll. They have been using ribbon sticks to create dance routines. \r\n\r\n\r\nMy students were so excited to help me unpack our new wedge mat, they had been waiting patiently for the package to arrive. When they walked through the gym doors to see our package waiting, they scream the most joyful belly screams you could imagine. \r\n\r\n\r\nMy next steps for a project are getting new adjustable badminton/volleyball nets. These are going to come into handy during our striking unit to give more choice in my class.","fullyFundedDate":1772767074232,"projectUrl":"project/flippin-good-gymnasts/9945348/","projectTitle":"Flippin' Good Gymnasts","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10337768_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761926310579","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mariahsmith2"},{"teacherId":1786071,"projectId":7938422,"letterContent":"Thank you for all the hands on learning you provided for my students! They love building and making creations. This has helped students learn to work together, be creative and gave them good skills and practice for when things fall/break how to rebuild and try again. \r\n\r\nWe have a lot of fun using the STEM activities in the classroom and students look forward to the days/times we get to use them! \r\n\r\nWe love when people take time to donate and help our classroom! We are so grateful for your donations!","fullyFundedDate":1697031138539,"projectUrl":"project/stem-tools-for-the-classroom/7938422/","projectTitle":"STEM Tools for the Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Steinman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1786071_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y77&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660926082088","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1786071"},{"teacherId":9567401,"projectId":8451228,"letterContent":"Drone technology is the future unfortunately the drones we acquired were not very durable or kid-proof however they lasted long enough for the kids to learn the fundamentals of flying drones. Mr. Moore had to use a lot of patience. \r\nEveryone has to wait their turn. Some of our scholars were too young to operate the controls but they were happy to be \"Gophers\" Minnesota's mascot. We integrated Wi-Fi Bluetooth cameras which we used for recording aerial video footage for the choir and talent shows. We decided to curtail the social media blitz because of the consent forms and parental permission obligations. Audio? We still were not sure so we deferred. Even our girls enjoyed flying drones so I would say it was a success!","fullyFundedDate":1728308506845,"projectUrl":"project/positive-social-media-for-kids/8451228/","projectTitle":"Positive Social Media for Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Moore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9567401_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720205321146","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9567401"},{"teacherId":9311445,"projectId":10160060,"letterContent":"Since the materials from Tiny Hands, Trash Treasures arrived, my students have been using them almost every day to explore, create, and express themselves. One especially meaningful moment was when we transformed our classroom into a small art studio. Students first painted canvases showing polluted environments and then designed and built their own sculptures using bottle caps, wood sticks, mosaic tiles, buttons, and other recycled materials. As they worked, they talked about balance, shape, and design, and they slowly discovered that art also requires critical thinking, planning, and perseverance.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their reaction was pure excitement. I heard comments like, \"It looks like a real art store!\" and \"I've never painted on a canvas before!\" For many of my students, this was their first experience using high-quality art supplies, and it immediately showed in their enthusiasm and confidence. They felt valued and took their work very seriously, carefully taking care of the materials and encouraging one another to try new ideas without fear of making mistakes.\r\n\r\nThe next steps have focused on sharing and reflecting. We used a special lamp to turn our classroom into an art gallery, where each student presented their sculpture and explained how they turned \"trash\" into treasure. We are currently continuing to use these materials to build art vocabulary and engage in conversations about caring for the environment. This project not only strengthened my students' artistic and fine motor skills, but also helped them see themselves as creators with the power to transform the world around them. Thanks to you, this learning will continue far beyond this unit.","fullyFundedDate":1776343540278,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-hands-trash-treasures-our-first-g/10160060/","projectTitle":"Tiny Hands, Trash Treasures: Our First Grade STEAM Sculpture Challenge","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Villalobos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9311445_orig.jpg?crop=708,708,x229,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696282266310","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9311445"},{"teacherId":9991410,"projectId":10139984,"letterContent":"Spring is finally here in Minnesota and our kiddos have loved exploring about the life cycle of a butterfly 🦋. We were so thrilled to see and explore our own caterpillars turn into butterfly's. The kids enjoy being able to watch up close and personal their habitat with the magnifying glasses. \r\nMy students have loved using the stencils to create beautiful artwork, it keeps them engaged and interested. We have been using the ramps to explore how fast a ball or a toy car can roll down, with the variety of ramp textures we can use the possibilites are endless! Thank you, once again!","fullyFundedDate":1773778510277,"projectUrl":"project/pre-k-stem/10139984/","projectTitle":"Pre-K STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rosita","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9991410_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743796648474","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9991410"},{"teacherId":10018471,"projectId":9885815,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping grow our classroom library with such engaging and meaningful stories! These books are already being read during independent reading and shared with excitement among students. Series like these are helping students build reading stamina, while powerful stories like The One and Only Ivan are sparking thoughtful conversations and connections. The inclusion of a Spanish title also supports our bilingual learners. Your generosity is inspiring a deeper love for reading every day!","fullyFundedDate":1770995227957,"projectUrl":"project/building-biliterate-readers-chapter-boo/9885815/","projectTitle":"Building Biliterate Readers: Chapter Books for Our Dual Language Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10018471_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x206,y140&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746662172921","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10018471"},{"teacherId":10018471,"projectId":10031957,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting creativity in our classroom! These crafting tools are empowering students to bring their ideas to life through hands on projects. Students have already used the glue guns and glue sticks to build and assemble projects, while washi tape and brushes have helped them add detailed, colorful designs. Through this work, they are developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and persistence. Your generosity is helping create a classroom where imagination thrives! It's has been a joy to see students be able to express themselves through art.","fullyFundedDate":1769221632682,"projectUrl":"project/art-as-healing/10031957/","projectTitle":"Art As Healing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sandra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10018471_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x206,y140&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746662172921","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10018471"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_54728","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":492,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":13,"percentBlack":23,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":48,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.3,"schoolId":54728,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Paul & Sheila Wellstone Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Paul & Sheila Wellstone Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/saint-paul-public-schools/paul-sheila-wellstone-elementary-school/54728"}