{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Salem Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":21.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3527640,"projectId":10149144,"letterContent":"We are so thankful for your generous support through DonorsChoose. Your donation has brought so much joy and excitement to our classroom and has made a real difference for our students.\r\n\r\nThe students absolutely loved the desk pets they were able to add to their homes. These small items gave them a sense of ownership and responsibility, and they were so proud to care for and collect them. It added a fun and engaging element to our daily classroom environment.\r\n\r\nWe were also able to add new items to our treasure box, such as sour straws, which students are always excited to work toward earning. These rewards have helped motivate positive behavior and effort in the classroom.\r\n\r\nThe squishy balls have also been a huge success. Students love using them as stress balls to help them focus, regulate emotions, and stay calm during learning time. They have been a great tool for supporting self-regulation and keeping students engaged.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a more positive, motivating, and supportive classroom environment. We truly appreciate your kindness and investment in our students' learning and well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1778005288041,"projectUrl":"project/help-give-my-third-graders-motivation/10149144/","projectTitle":"Help Give my Third Graders Motivation!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smothers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3527640_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1459388427069","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/smothersroom"},{"teacherId":3527640,"projectId":10173431,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for your generous support through DonorsChoose. Your donation made it possible for our class to complete a fun and meaningful hands-on science project.\r\n\r\nOur students loved creating grass city houses. They were excited to build them and then watch the grass grow over a three-week period. Each day, they observed changes, made notes, and learned what plants need to grow, including water, sunlight, and care.\r\n\r\nThis project helped students build responsibility, patience, and teamwork skills. It was especially engaging for students who may not always participate as actively in traditional lessons. Everyone enjoyed seeing their work come to life and watching the grass grow.\r\n\r\nHands-on learning like this made science more exciting and meaningful for students. They were able to see concepts in action rather than just reading about them in a book.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we were able to bring this experience into our classroom. I also plan to use these materials again in future years, so many more students will benefit from your generosity.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and support. We truly appreciate your contribution to our classroom and the lasting impact it has made on our students.","fullyFundedDate":1776110424658,"projectUrl":"project/3rd-grade-plant-neighborhood/10173431/","projectTitle":"3rd Grade Plant Neighborhood!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smothers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3527640_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1459388427069","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/smothersroom"},{"teacherId":2557045,"projectId":10123465,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom! I was waiting to write the impact letter for this project until we had the opportunity to use the new materials - today was the day! \r\nWe were outside on a beautiful day, playing at recess with our friends. Suddenly, a giant cloud opened up over the playground and it began to pour! Students were so disappointed in our recess being cut short. We came inside and the excitement to use our new materials was contagious! \r\nThe smiles as I opened each box were huge. Students split into groups based on what they were most eager to play with. They were building, sharing, and creating! Without your generosity, they would not have had the opportunity to do this! Thank you for thinking of our class and helping us to grow together! We appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1778164854728,"projectUrl":"project/indoor-recess-fun/10123465/","projectTitle":"Indoor Recess Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Leja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2557045_orig.jpg?crop=855,856,x0,y8&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628715913898","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-leja"},{"teacherId":6318577,"projectId":10249964,"letterContent":"The new books purchased for our classroom have made a tremendous impact on my students' enthusiasm for reading. Students are excited to explore the new titles and often ask for additional time to read throughout the day. The variety of books has helped capture the interests of all learners, allowing students to see themselves, their experiences, and their interests reflected in the stories they read. This excitement has created a more positive and engaging reading environment within our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe new books have also supported growth in literacy skills among my students. Because students are more motivated to read, they are spending more time practicing important reading strategies such as fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary development. Many students who were previously reluctant readers are now eager to participate in discussions and share their thinking about the books they are reading. \r\n\r\nIn addition, these books have helped foster a stronger sense of community in our classroom. The addition of these new books has not only strengthened academic skills, but it has also helped cultivate a lifelong love of reading in my students.","fullyFundedDate":1778164853906,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-the-key-to-success/10249964/","projectTitle":"READing is the Key to Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Melissa Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6318577_orig.jpg?crop=1757,1757,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753429988698","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6318577"},{"teacherId":2557045,"projectId":9891698,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating our classroom's set of Humphrey's Tiny Tales. This novel is the perfect grade-level fit to match the majority of our readers, but also the topic engages all members of our classroom! We have already completed the novel, engaged in many discussions about this popular 2nd grade character, and built on our comprehension skills. \r\nOur classroom is grateful for your generosity. This special time each afternoon has allowed us to gather together and read a book at the same level. No students felt left out or struggled. We were able to work together to build our knowledge and reading skills. Students were excited to use new materials during our reading time. Our second grade team looks forward to using these novels for years to come! Thank you, again!","fullyFundedDate":1766455499935,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-tales-together/9891698/","projectTitle":"Tiny Tales Together!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Leja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2557045_orig.jpg?crop=855,856,x0,y8&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628715913898","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-leja"},{"teacherId":3527640,"projectId":9852554,"letterContent":"We are beyond grateful for your generous donations to this DonorsChoose project. Your support has made an immediate and meaningful impact on my classroom, and my third graders and I cannot thank you enough. The supplies you helped provide were not only exciting to receive, but they are also items that will truly enhance learning each and every day.\r\n\r\nThe additional classroom materials have already been put to great use. The small Post-it notes have quickly become a favorite tool during reading time. Students use them to mark their thinking, jot down questions, and record important ideas as they read. This simple tool has encouraged deeper engagement with texts and has helped students become more thoughtful, independent readers.\r\n\r\nThe drafting chairs were an amazing addition to our tall table. They have transformed the space into a flexible work area where students can collaborate, write, and problem-solve comfortably. The tall table has become a hub of creativity and focus, and the chairs have made it accessible and inviting for all learners.\r\n\r\nOne of the most joyful moments was watching students receive their small journals and pens as a special treat before holiday break. Their excitement was contagious! These journals have given students a sense of ownership over their writing and ideas, and they have been eager to use them for storytelling, reflection, and note-taking. It was such a meaningful way to celebrate their hard work and end the year on a positive note.\r\n\r\nWhat makes your generosity even more special is that the impact will last far beyond this school year. These materials will benefit third graders for years to come, supporting future students as they grow as readers, writers, and learners. Your kindness has helped create a classroom environment that is engaging, supportive, and full of opportunities for success.","fullyFundedDate":1765230614613,"projectUrl":"project/learning-tools-to-make-school-fun/9852554/","projectTitle":"Learning Tools to Make School Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smothers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3527640_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1459388427069","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/smothersroom"},{"teacherId":3527640,"projectId":9463271,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredibly generous donations to our DonorsChoose project. Your support has made a meaningful and lasting impact on my classroom, and my third graders are truly forever grateful. Because of you, our learning space is not only more functional but also more joyful, comfortable, and inspiring for students each and every day.\r\n\r\nOne of the biggest highlights has been adding the rolling chairs to our tall table. This table is used often for small-group instruction, collaboration, and independent work, and the new chairs have completely transformed how students use the space. The ability to move, swivel, and adjust comfortably has helped students stay focused, engaged, and excited to learn. They feel grown-up, important, and empowered when working there—and that confidence shows in their effort and participation.\r\n\r\nThe swivel stools have also been a huge hit! Students love how flexible and fun they are, and I love how they support movement while still allowing students to stay on task. These stools have been especially helpful for students who need a little extra motion to focus. Something as simple as flexible seating can make such a big difference in helping students feel successful, included, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nAnother favorite addition has been the fun pen at our Very Important Person (VIP) table. This small but special item has brought so much excitement and motivation into our classroom. Students light up when it's their turn to sit at the VIP table and use the special pen. It has become a wonderful way to celebrate effort, kindness, and positive behavior, and it helps build a strong sense of community and pride among my students.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has gone far beyond supplies—it has helped create a classroom environment where students feel valued, comfortable, and excited about learning. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their education. Your kindness truly makes a difference, and we are so thankful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1762267737838,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-my-3rd-graders/9463271/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for my 3rd Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smothers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3527640_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1459388427069","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/smothersroom"},{"teacherId":3527640,"projectId":9719348,"letterContent":"I'm so beyond grateful for the donations to this project. My students love the iPad and we have used it for small reading groups and math games. It's easy to use and easy for me to move around the classroom to allow student use. The keyboard makes taking notes seamless. The protective case puts my mind at ease when students carry it around. \r\n\r\nThis iPad will continue to be used for years to come. I appreciate your donations to this project as you have made some third grades very excited. Thank you!!","fullyFundedDate":1760927670536,"projectUrl":"project/ipad-for-learning/9719348/","projectTitle":"Ipad for Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smothers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3527640_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1459388427069","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/smothersroom"},{"teacherId":10077824,"projectId":9460186,"letterContent":"Thank you once again for funding my DonorsChoose project. Your contribution has allowed for a large enhancement in the delivery of the \"Little Spot\" social-emotional curriculum that I utilize with my students. The students love having the stuffed plush to pass around while reading the matching book, and find the books engaging.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, though, these books have already allowed multiple students to practice different emotional regulation strategies in tandem with the book. These strategies are then showing up in their tough moments in the classroom and when interacting with peers, and allowing them to regulate their emotions more independently. The goal is for them to learn enough that they no longer need social work support, and these books are aiding in that process for several of my students. \r\n\r\nThank you for caring about the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of students. Without your support, my students would not be accessing this curriculum nearly as effectively.","fullyFundedDate":1752789218297,"projectUrl":"project/a-little-bit-of-emotional-regulation/9460186/","projectTitle":"A Little Bit of Emotional Regulation!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Greffe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10077824_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752355444479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10077824"},{"teacherId":2557045,"projectId":9556628,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating the classroom set of Stink chapter books to our students. We enjoyed reading the story so much together! This gave our class a chance to share a story together, at the same level, all while giggling and comprehending as a class. Students looked forward to this time each day and loved discussing Stink and his character traits that helped him to solve problems. \r\nWe appreciate your kindness toward our class. The students were able to benefit and grow from your generosity. Students were so excited to learn of your generosity and we will look to pay it forward as a class. Thank you, thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1762604348161,"projectUrl":"project/giggling-through-a-good-book/9556628/","projectTitle":"Giggling Through a Good Book","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Leja","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2557045_orig.jpg?crop=855,856,x0,y8&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628715913898","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-leja"},{"teacherId":9091247,"projectId":9457640,"letterContent":"Since introducing the new resources in my classroom, I have noticed a significant positive impact on my students' engagement and self-regulation. The swing has become a versatile tool that allows students to take calm breaks, reset when frustrated, and even serves as a motivating incentive for completing tasks. Similarly, the sensory table is used in multiple ways: for structured activities such as search-and-find exercises, like locating letters within the sensory bin, and as a calming tool to support sensory regulation.\r\n\r\nThe initial reaction from students was incredibly telling—when they first saw the swing and sensory table, their eyes lit up with curiosity and excitement. They immediately asked when they could use them, and both have quickly become preferred options during break time. These resources have not only enhanced motivation and participation but have also provided meaningful supports that help students manage their emotions and remain engaged in learning. We are so grateful for your donation!","fullyFundedDate":1755688679001,"projectUrl":"project/swinging-into-success-sensory-tools-for/9457640/","projectTitle":"Swinging Into Success: Sensory Tools for Special Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mazur","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9091247_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752202367190","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9091247"},{"teacherId":9025668,"projectId":9539133,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our \"Read for Beads\" program. We are incredibly grateful for your support in helping us make reading fun and accessible for our students.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, this has become an incredibly motivating experience for our class. It has been wonderful to watch the students setting ambitious reading goals and, more importantly, sticking with them. Students are diligently reading, adding their completed titles to their book lists, and earning new beads every step of the way.\r\n\r\nThe necklaces are already filling up, and the excitement in the room is contagious. We cannot wait to continue adding to our necklaces throughout the year and watching our students grow as readers.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1758821684118,"projectUrl":"project/5th-graders-read-for-beads/9539133/","projectTitle":"5th Graders Read for Beads","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Prokop","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9025668_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683383205303","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9025668"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_71808","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":371,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":37,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":80,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":78.4,"schoolId":71808,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Salem Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Salem Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/south-lyon-community-school-district/salem-elementary-school/71808"}