{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Potomack Intermediate School","outOfStateSupporters":50.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7902584,"projectId":9305257,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generosity in helping bring our new classroom carpets to life! These beautiful additions have completely transformed our learning space into a warm, inviting environment where students love to gather, learn, and read together.\r\n\r\nOur large classroom carpet has quickly become the heart of our room. It's where we come together for morning meetings, read-alouds, and hands-on learning activities. One of my favorite moments so far was during our first class read-aloud on the new carpet—students were so relaxed and engaged, completely absorbed in the story. They even asked if we could extend our reading time because they were so comfortable!\r\n\r\nThe smaller carpet in our classroom library has also been a huge hit. Students love curling up on it with a good book during independent reading time. It's amazing to see how something as simple as a cozy, welcoming space can spark so much excitement and motivation to read. The \"reading nook\" has quickly become one of the most popular spots in the classroom.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the carpets, their faces lit up with pure joy. They immediately rushed to sit down, testing out their new reading spots and talking about which books they wanted to read there first. It was such a heartwarming moment that showed just how much this project means to them.\r\n\r\nRight now, we're diving into a new literacy unit focused on building comprehension and fluency, and these carpets play a huge role in that. Students use the space daily for partner reading, small group discussions, and shared writing activities. The sense of community and excitement they feel while learning together on our new carpets has truly elevated the atmosphere in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and helping create a space that inspires curiosity, comfort, and a love of reading. Your generosity has made a lasting impact that my students and I will treasure every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1753649528727,"projectUrl":"project/with-one-carpet-we-can-come-together/9305257/","projectTitle":"With One Carpet ... We Can Come Together","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hickman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7902584_orig.jpg?crop=3120,3120,x0,y842&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750212130051","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7902584"},{"teacherId":9927105,"projectId":9325605,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! Because of your donation, my students had the incredible opportunity to read *Out of My Mind* by Sharon Draper, and it has truly transformed our classroom. This powerful novel opened the door to deep discussions about empathy, inclusion, and the importance of using your voice—even when the world isn't ready to hear it. As we read, students practiced key reading skills like making inferences, analyzing character development, and identifying themes. They also learned to connect emotionally with a character whose experiences are very different from their own, which helped them grow not just as readers, but as compassionate individuals.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive and reflective. We pause often to ask questions, make predictions, and discuss how Melody's experiences relate to our own lives. It's been amazing to watch students support one another as they dive into difficult topics like disability, friendship, and self-advocacy. One student, in particular, who is usually quiet in class, connected deeply with Melody's journey and began participating more actively in our discussions, even writing a personal reflection about how the book made her feel seen and understood. Thanks to you, this isn't just reading—it's a journey that's empowering our students to think more critically, feel more deeply, and become more engaged learners.","fullyFundedDate":1746785878191,"projectUrl":"project/give-a-voiceout-of-my-mind-to-inspire-y/9325605/","projectTitle":"Give a Voice:Out of My Mind to Inspire Young Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leonard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9927105"},{"teacherId":9927105,"projectId":9303415,"letterContent":"Wobble stools have had a noticeably positive impact on my students, particularly in supporting focus, engagement, and physical comfort during learning. Many of my students benefit from the ability to move while remaining seated, which these stools allow. The subtle movement provides an outlet for excess energy, helping students who might otherwise struggle to sit still for long periods. This has been especially beneficial for students with ADHD or sensory needs, as the stools enable them to self-regulate without disrupting the classroom environment.\r\n\r\nBeyond improving focus, wobble stools have also fostered a more inclusive and flexible learning space. Students are more eager to participate when they feel physically comfortable, and the dynamic seating has contributed to a more positive classroom atmosphere. I've noticed that students who previously had trouble staying on task now show greater persistence with academic work. Overall, the introduction of wobble stools has helped meet diverse student needs, promoting both physical well-being and academic engagement.","fullyFundedDate":1746786233809,"projectUrl":"project/wobble-stools/9303415/","projectTitle":"Wobble Stools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leonard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9927105"},{"teacherId":9927105,"projectId":9305008,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our classroom has become a much more organized and efficient learning space! Since we don't have individual desks, the new drawer system has made a huge difference in how students manage their materials. Each student now has their own designated drawer space, which helps them stay organized throughout the day. The individual containers are used during math and reading centers—for storing math games, manipulatives, and leveled reading materials—making it easy for students to access what they need and stay focused on the task at hand.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new storage system, their faces lit up with excitement! Several of them immediately began talking about how they could personalize their space and keep better track of their supplies. One memorable moment was during a math center rotation when students were able to independently grab their materials from the labeled bins and jump right into their group activity without needing to ask where anything was—it was a smooth, focused transition that showed just how impactful these resources are. Moving forward, we're using this system to support small-group instruction and student-led activities. The organization it provides is laying the groundwork for more independence, responsibility, and engagement in our daily lessons. Thank you for helping us build a learning environment where students can thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1746785525510,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-focus-and-organization-in-our/9305008/","projectTitle":"Empowering Focus and Organization in Our 5th Grade Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leonard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9927105"},{"teacherId":9927105,"projectId":9135600,"letterContent":"I am sincerely grateful for your generous donation to my classroom. Your support in providing dry-erase boards, clipboards, and 2-in-1 boards gives my students a more efficient and interactive way to engage in lessons. These tools have made learning more hands-on and enjoyable, allowing students to participate actively and express their understanding in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has had a profound impact on students who struggle with focus. The fidget bands you provided has helped them stay calm and attentive, creating a more positive and productive learning environment for everyone. Knowing that my students have resources to help them succeed makes a world of difference.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and support. Your donation will make a lasting impact on my students' educational journey, and I am deeply appreciative of your commitment to enhancing their learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1746785576710,"projectUrl":"project/clipboards-and-fidget-bands/9135600/","projectTitle":"Clipboards and Fidget Bands","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leonard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9927105"},{"teacherId":9927105,"projectId":9120630,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of the large dry erase boards to our classroom. These boards are already making a remarkable difference in the way my students engage with learning.\r\n\r\nWith these boards, students can visualize their thinking, collaborate with peers, and experiment with different problem-solving strategies. They provide the freedom to quickly make changes, encouraging creativity and a deeper understanding of concepts in math, science, and writing. By fostering an interactive and hands-on learning environment, these boards are helping my students build confidence in problem-solving, communication, and collaboration.\r\n\r\nMy students are eager, curious, and always excited to explore new ways of learning. Your support allows them to actively participate in lessons, share ideas, and strengthen their critical thinking skills. This gift gives them the tools to unlock their potential and dive more deeply into challenging concepts.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for investing in our students' growth. Your support is helping to create a dynamic classroom where learning is engaging, interactive, and meaningful.","fullyFundedDate":1746045811050,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-critical-thinkers/9120630/","projectTitle":"Empowering Critical Thinkers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leonard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9927105"},{"teacherId":5818899,"projectId":9118869,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our classroom has been transformed with the addition of a brand-new rug! This space is now ready to become a central hub for learning and community—whether we'll be diving into a good book during reading time, collaborating on math games, or working together in centers, this rug will bring us together in a welcoming, comfortable way.\r\n\r\nIt's more than just a rug—it's a place where students can feel safe, engaged, and excited to learn. Your support has created a lasting impact in our classroom, and I am so grateful for the difference you've made. Thank you for helping to make our learning environment even more inviting and inspiring!","fullyFundedDate":1749237320131,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-new-rug/9118869/","projectTitle":"Fresh New Rug","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Steshoski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5818899_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1562695739797","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5818899"},{"teacherId":1101599,"projectId":9191585,"letterContent":"On behalf of my entire class, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous contribution of science lab materials. Your support has made a significant impact on my students' ability to engage in hands-on, meaningful scientific exploration.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our lab is now better equipped to conduct experiments, foster curiosity, and inspire a deeper understanding of science. The materials you provided are not just tools—they are opportunities for learning, discovery, and innovation. The students loved dissecting the owl pellets and watching seeds sprout and grow. The trays were a useful means of moving materials and helping students maintain a tidy workspace. \r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your commitment to education and to supporting the next generation of scientists and critical thinkers. Thank you once again for your invaluable support.","fullyFundedDate":1746836443559,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-science-exploration/9191585/","projectTitle":"Hands-on Science Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blackburn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1101599_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720482921724","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/heatherblackburn"},{"teacherId":9994612,"projectId":9248866,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for you donate of \" A Fish in a Tree\" set of books. You have no idea the impact you gave on my students. They were all so engaged and excited to each have their own copies to follow along and even read aloud. They were able to use their copies to go back in the book and help them answer questions in the packets. Some students even wanted to reread the book. As we read the book together. You could see how this book impacted each student differently. The book made the want to keep reading and want to find out what happens next. \r\nThank you so much for your support and generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1744290619589,"projectUrl":"project/a-fish-in-a-tree/9248866/","projectTitle":"A Fish in a Tree","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Updyke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9994612"},{"teacherId":1101599,"projectId":8996357,"letterContent":"On behalf of my entire classroom, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your generous donation of stools and stretch bands. These items have already made a noticeable difference in our learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe stools provide my students with flexible seating options that support focus and comfort, while the stretch bands are helping students stay engaged by allowing subtle movement during lessons. Your thoughtful contribution is helping us create a more inclusive and dynamic space where every student can thrive.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your support and the positive impact you've made on our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1740438538213,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-movement/8996357/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Movement","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blackburn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1101599_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720482921724","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/heatherblackburn"},{"teacherId":1101599,"projectId":8603132,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, I want to express our sincere gratitude for your generous donation of lap desks and floor cushions. These items have already had a wonderful impact on our classroom environment.\r\n\r\nThe lap desks are providing my students the freedom to work comfortably anywhere, while the floor cushions provide a cozy, flexible seating option that encourages creativity and focus. Your thoughtful gift is helping to create a more inclusive and engaging space where all students can thrive.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity. Your support is truly appreciated, and we are excited to see the positive effects of these new tools on our students' learning.","fullyFundedDate":1729804294900,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-creates-flexible-learne/8603132/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating Creates Flexible Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blackburn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1101599_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720482921724","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/heatherblackburn"},{"teacherId":1101599,"projectId":8472341,"letterContent":"I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of mobile dry erase boards to our classroom. Your contribution will have an immediate and lasting impact on our learning environment, and we could not be more appreciative.\r\n\r\nThese mobile boards will not only enhance our ability to engage in interactive lessons, but they will also provide the flexibility we need to facilitate dynamic group activities and discussions. With their portability and ease of use, they will be an invaluable tool for fostering creativity and collaboration in the classroom.\r\n\r\nThanks to your thoughtful donation, our students now have even more opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. It is supporters like you who make a real difference in the educational experiences of our young learners, and we are truly grateful for your commitment to our school.","fullyFundedDate":1729191976818,"projectUrl":"project/building-confident-thinkers-and-problem/8472341/","projectTitle":"Building Confident Thinkers and Problem Solvers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blackburn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1101599_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720482921724","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/heatherblackburn"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_67397","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":870,"numTeachers":50,"percentFrplEligible":45,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":9,"percentWhite":74,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"3 - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":49.8,"schoolId":67397,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Potomack Intermediate School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Potomack Intermediate School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/west-virginia/berkeley-county-school-district/potomack-intermediate-school/67397"}