{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Polk Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8287059,"projectId":9749407,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my kindergarten classroom! The new art easel has already become a special part of our classroom. My students are excited to use it during painting, drawing, and directed art lessons. It gives them a dedicated space to create, explore, and express their ideas through art.\r\n\r\nWhen I introduced the easel, my students couldn't wait for their turn to use it. They were excited to paint and proudly share their artwork with their classmates. Having a sturdy easel has made it easier for me to teach art techniques, model lessons, and give students hands-on opportunities to be creative.\r\n\r\nAs we continue throughout the school year, the easel will be used for seasonal art projects, directed drawings, and open-ended creative activities that help strengthen fine motor skills and encourage self-expression. Thank you for providing a resource that will inspire creativity and a love of art for many years to come. Your generosity has made a lasting difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1758819168795,"projectUrl":"project/displaying-brilliance-easels-for-our-cl/9749407/","projectTitle":"Displaying Brilliance: Easels for Our Classroom Gallery","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jex","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8287059_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y115&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676747517781","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8287059"},{"teacherId":8287059,"projectId":9568412,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and for supporting my kindergarten classroom! Your kindness has provided resources that are making a meaningful difference in the lives of my students every single day. Because of your support, my classroom has become an even more welcoming, engaging, and positive place where children can learn important academic skills while also developing confidence, kindness, and strong friendships.\r\n\r\nWe have been using the new books during our daily morning meetings, read-alouds, and social-emotional learning lessons. Stories like Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon, Stick and Stone, The Worst Day of My Life Ever, Belly Breathe, and Decibella have opened the door to thoughtful conversations about kindness, perseverance, friendship, managing emotions, using an appropriate voice, and believing in ourselves. After each story, students share their own experiences, role-play solutions to common classroom situations, and practice strategies they can use throughout the day. The Bubble Gum Brain activity book has been especially helpful in teaching my students about having a growth mindset. They are beginning to understand that making mistakes is part of learning and that they can improve through practice and effort.\r\n\r\nThe classroom headphones with microphones have also become a favorite resource. We use them during literacy centers, computer activities, and independent learning time. The headphones help students stay focused while giving them opportunities to practice listening, speaking, and reading skills without distractions. Many students were especially excited to use the microphones, and they love hearing themselves participate in interactive lessons and reading activities. These resources have helped make technology time more productive and enjoyable for everyone.\r\n\r\nWhen I introduced the materials, the excitement in the classroom was unforgettable. Students eagerly gathered around the new books, asking which one we would read first and making predictions based on the covers. They were thrilled to receive a chance to use the headphones and proudly took turns practicing with them. Even students who are usually shy became eager to participate in discussions and activities. Watching their excitement and curiosity reminded me how much these opportunities inspire a love of learning.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the school year, these resources will remain an important part of our classroom. We will continue using the books to support social-emotional learning, strengthen classroom relationships, and encourage meaningful conversations about making positive choices. The headphones will continue to support literacy instruction, independent practice, and technology-based learning while helping students build confidence in their communication skills. My goal is to create a classroom where every child feels safe, valued, and excited to learn, and your generosity is helping make that possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their future. Your thoughtful donation has provided opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. You have given my students tools to become confident learners, caring friends, and resilient problem-solvers. We are truly grateful for your kindness and support, and we appreciate the lasting impact you have made on our classroom. Thank you for helping our young learners grow each and every day.","fullyFundedDate":1755699696658,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-helpers-and-happy-hearts/9568412/","projectTitle":"Headphones, Helpers, and Happy Hearts","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jex","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8287059_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y115&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676747517781","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8287059"},{"teacherId":8287059,"projectId":8931785,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping make learning more engaging, creative, and fun for my kindergarten students! The new resources have quickly become an important part of our daily learning. The plush jungle animals have brought our literacy and science lessons to life as students use them to retell stories, act out characters, and learn about animal habitats. The clip-connect building blocks have encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity during our STEM centers, while the gel pens and paint markers have inspired students to create colorful artwork, practice writing, and express their ideas with confidence. The name tag holders and lanyards have also been incredibly helpful for classroom activities and special events.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their excitement filled the room! They couldn't wait to explore the jungle animals, build unique creations with the STEM blocks, and choose from the many colorful pens and markers for their projects. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and even our most hesitant learners were eager to participate. Watching their faces light up reminded me how meaningful these opportunities are and how much your generosity impacts their love of learning.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the school year, these resources will support many more hands-on lessons and collaborative projects. Students will use the jungle animals during reading and writing activities, create detailed art projects connected to our classroom themes, and strengthen critical thinking skills through STEM challenges. Your kindness has provided tools that will be used throughout the year to spark imagination, build confidence, and create joyful learning experiences every day. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their future. Your generosity has made a lasting difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1733160687076,"projectUrl":"project/artistic-safari-exploring-creativity-wi/8931785/","projectTitle":"Artistic Safari: Exploring Creativity with Toys and Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jex","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8287059_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y115&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676747517781","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8287059"},{"teacherId":5502494,"projectId":10203254,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Stronger Learning Through Sound & Structure.\" These materials have helped my students use classroom technology with more focus, independence, and confidence. In our classroom, students use technology for reading support, math practice, assessments, science learning, and individualized skill-building. Having the right tools for sound and structure helps students hear directions clearly, stay organized, and complete their work without distracting others around them.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been having materials that help them feel more prepared and successful during technology time. When students can clearly hear the lesson, passage, question, or feedback from a learning program, they are able to engage more fully and work at their own pace. These resources have also helped our classroom routines run more smoothly because students can get started faster, stay focused longer, and take more responsibility for their learning.\r\n\r\nThis project has been especially helpful for students who need extra support with listening, reading, attention, or organization. Some students who used to feel frustrated during online learning are now more willing to participate because they have the tools they need to focus and follow along. Thank you for helping provide resources that support stronger learning, smoother routines, and greater confidence for my students every day.","fullyFundedDate":1778728341087,"projectUrl":"project/stronger-learning-through-sound-struct/10203254/","projectTitle":"Stronger Learning Through Sound & Structure","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dutcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5502494_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711480180422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/k-dutcher"},{"teacherId":5502494,"projectId":10203123,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Creative Tools for Thinking, Writing, and Learning.\" These materials have brought excitement, choice, and creativity into our daily learning. My students are using the clickable markers, colored pencils, metallic colored pencils, erasable gel pens, correcting pencils, Ticonderoga pencils, and mechanical pencils during writing, note-taking, vocabulary work, math practice, illustrations, graphic organizers, and classroom projects.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, they were so excited to have special tools that made their work feel important. Something as simple as choosing a colored pencil, marker, or gel pen can help students feel more motivated to revise their writing, organize their thinking, or add detail to their work. These supplies have been especially helpful during writing and reading response activities because students can color-code ideas, highlight important details, and make their learning more visual and meaningful.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, students have more ways to express their thinking and take pride in their work. Our next steps are to continue using these tools for writing projects, vocabulary illustrations, reading responses, math problem-solving, and creative classroom displays. Thank you for helping provide materials that support focus, creativity, organization, and joyful learning in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1778102398179,"projectUrl":"project/creative-tools-for-thinking-writing-an/10203123/","projectTitle":"Creative Tools for Thinking, Writing, and Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dutcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5502494_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711480180422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/k-dutcher"},{"teacherId":5502494,"projectId":10251156,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"A Classroom Guitar for Songs, Connection, and Learning.\" The guitar has brought a new sense of joy, expression, and connection into our classroom. I am currently learning to play \"This Land Is Your Land,\" and I am excited to use the guitar to introduce patriotic songs, social emotional learning songs, classroom chants, and music that helps build community.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the guitar, they were immediately curious and excited. They asked questions, wanted to know what songs we would learn, and were eager to hear music become part of our classroom routines. The guitar gives us a meaningful way to make learning feel more engaging and memorable. It can support transitions, morning meetings, classroom connection, vocabulary practice, and moments when students need a joyful reset.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue building simple songs into our learning. I plan to use the guitar for patriotic songs, social emotional learning, classroom community, and activities that help students express themselves while connecting to what we are learning. Thank you for helping bring music into our room in a way that supports joy, confidence, expression, and a stronger sense of belonging.","fullyFundedDate":1778004548615,"projectUrl":"project/a-classroom-guitar-for-songs-connection/10251156/","projectTitle":"A Classroom Guitar for Songs, Connection, and Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dutcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5502494_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711480180422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/k-dutcher"},{"teacherId":5502494,"projectId":10203267,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Brains in Bloom: A Cozy Growth Mindset Thinking Corner.\" These materials have helped create a special work space in our classroom where responsible students can go to focus, think, and complete their learning in a comfortable setting. We are using the rug, pillows, and lap boards as an alternative work area for students who are ready to work independently and make strong learning choices.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the space, they were excited to have a cozy spot in the classroom that still felt connected to learning. They love being able to sit on the rug, use a lap board, and work in a way that feels a little different from sitting at a desk. One meaningful moment has been seeing students work hard to show responsibility so they can earn the opportunity to use the space. It has become a positive motivator and a place where students can practice independence, focus, and ownership of their work.\r\n\r\nThis project has helped me create more flexible seating options while still keeping learning expectations clear. Our next steps are to continue using the thinking corner during independent reading, writing, math practice, reflection activities, and other classroom projects. Students will keep practicing how to make responsible choices, stay focused, and take pride in their learning. Thank you for helping create a classroom space where students can feel comfortable, trusted, and ready to do their best work.","fullyFundedDate":1778004495561,"projectUrl":"project/brains-in-bloom-a-cozy-growth-mindset-t/10203267/","projectTitle":"Brains in Bloom: A Cozy Growth Mindset Thinking Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dutcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5502494_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711480180422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/k-dutcher"},{"teacherId":5502494,"projectId":10203199,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Soft Lighting, Strong Focus: Creating a Calm Classroom.\" These lighting materials have already helped make our classroom feel more comfortable, focused, and ready for learning. Instead of relying only on bright overhead lights, we are now able to use softer classroom lighting during independent reading, writing, small-group instruction, and quiet work time. This has helped create a calmer environment where students can settle in and focus on the task in front of them.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first noticed the softer lighting, they immediately commented that the room felt more welcoming and easier to work in. One of the biggest moments was during independent reading and writing time. With the lamps on and the overhead lights lowered, students were able to spread out, read, write, and work with a more focused energy. The room still felt like a working classroom, but it also felt less harsh and overstimulating.\r\n\r\nThese materials are helping me be more intentional about the classroom environment and how it supports learning. Our next steps are to continue building strong routines for reading stamina, writing workshop, small groups, and independent work. The softer lighting gives us a setting that supports focus, calm transitions, and productive learning throughout the day. Thank you for helping create a classroom space where students feel comfortable, focused, and ready to do their best work.","fullyFundedDate":1777995131806,"projectUrl":"project/soft-lighting-strong-focus-creating-a/10203199/","projectTitle":"Soft Lighting, Strong Focus: Creating a Calm Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dutcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5502494_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711480180422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/k-dutcher"},{"teacherId":5502494,"projectId":10186039,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Organized for Growth: AVID Binders and Student Learning Systems.\" These binders have helped my students build stronger organization habits and take more ownership of their learning. Each student now has a system to keep important papers, reference materials, assignments, reading logs, calendars, and learning tools in one place. This has made a big difference in our daily routines because students are learning how to find what they need, keep track of their work, and come prepared for learning.\r\n\r\nThe most meaningful impact has been seeing my third graders grow in independence and confidence. Instead of losing papers in desks or folders, students are beginning to understand that organization is a skill they can practice and improve. The binders support our AVID routines by helping students plan, reflect, stay accountable, and see themselves as capable learners. They are especially helpful for students who need extra structure because the system gives them a clear, consistent place for their materials.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, I am able to teach organization as part of learning, not just as a classroom rule. These binders help me support students with goal-setting, responsibility, home-school communication, and academic growth. Thank you for giving my students a tool that helps them feel prepared, focused, and ready to succeed each day.","fullyFundedDate":1777995071442,"projectUrl":"project/organized-for-growth-avid-binders-and-s/10186039/","projectTitle":"Organized for Growth: AVID Binders and Student Learning Systems","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dutcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5502494_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711480180422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/k-dutcher"},{"teacherId":5502494,"projectId":9326408,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Plug Into STEM: Headphones for Focused Learning.\" These headphones have made a meaningful difference in how my students use technology in the classroom. My third graders use technology for math practice, reading support, science learning, assessments, and independent skill-building. Having headphones allows students to hear instructions, videos, passages, and learning activities clearly without distracting others around them.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students is being able to work with more independence and focus. Instead of trying to listen over classroom noise or waiting for a turn with shared headphones, students can plug in and get started right away. This has helped our classroom routines run more smoothly during i-Ready, Amira, STEM activities, and other online learning tasks. Students are more engaged because they can actually hear the lesson, directions, and feedback that the programs provide.\r\n\r\nThese headphones have been especially helpful for students who need extra support with reading, listening, or staying focused. Some students who used to get frustrated during technology time are now able to settle in, follow along, and complete their work with more confidence. Your generosity has helped give my students a simple but powerful tool that supports focus, independence, and learning every day.","fullyFundedDate":1751385699831,"projectUrl":"project/plug-into-stem-headphones-for-focused-l/9326408/","projectTitle":"Plug Into STEM: Headphones for Focused Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dutcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5502494_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711480180422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/k-dutcher"},{"teacherId":7684928,"projectId":9932209,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, my kindergarten students now have access to engaging books, art materials, and hands-on literacy resources that bring learning to life in meaningful ways. We use these materials daily during reading, writing, and social-emotional learning activities. Students are now able to connect stories to their own experiences, practice retelling events, and explore important themes like kindness, perseverance, and friendship through both discussion and creative expression. The art supplies, in particular, have become a powerful tool for helping students communicate ideas when words alone are still developing.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement in the classroom was immediate. Students were eager to explore the new books, flip through the colorful pages, and begin creating with the new art supplies. I watched as students who are typically more hesitant became fully engaged—choosing books independently, asking thoughtful questions, and proudly sharing their drawings with peers. These resources have helped create a sense of ownership and pride in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, students will continue using these materials to deepen their literacy skills and strengthen their social-emotional understanding. We are currently working on storytelling and retelling activities, where students will illustrate beginning, middle, and end events from stories we read together. They will also collaborate on simple projects that encourage communication, problem-solving, and empathy. These next steps will help students build both academic skills and the confidence to express themselves in creative and meaningful ways.","fullyFundedDate":1764690028161,"projectUrl":"project/growing-hearts-minds/9932209/","projectTitle":"Growing Hearts & Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kumar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7684928"},{"teacherId":7684928,"projectId":9618084,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, my kindergarten classroom is now equipped with the essential tools my students need to learn, create, and grow with confidence from the very beginning of the year. Having markers, crayons, and watercolors readily available allows students to express their ideas in meaningful, hands-on ways while also strengthening fine motor skills and early writing development. These materials make it possible for learning to be active and engaging every day, rather than limited by missing supplies or wait times.\r\n\r\nThe addition of headphones has also made a significant impact on our learning environment. Many of our early literacy and math activities are supported through digital programs, and headphones allow students to work at their own pace while staying focused and independent. It has been exciting to see students take ownership of their learning during these activities—especially those who benefit from repeated practice and quieter spaces to concentrate. Students who may have been hesitant at first are now more willing to engage because they can listen carefully, repeat instructions, and build confidence without distractions.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these supplies help create a classroom where every child feels prepared and included from day one. When students don't have to worry about lacking basic materials, they are free to focus on exploring, creating, and learning together. I've especially seen some of my more reserved or easily overwhelmed learners thrive when given access to consistent tools and structured support. These small but essential resources truly help set the tone for a joyful, productive, and equitable learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1755695683128,"projectUrl":"project/bright-beginnings-essential-supplies-fo/9618084/","projectTitle":"Bright Beginnings: Essential Supplies for My Kindergarteners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kumar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7684928"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_33406","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":517,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":43,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":60,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":31,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":63.2,"schoolId":33406,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Polk Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Polk Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/utah/ogden-school-district/polk-elementary-school/33406"}