{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Scholars Academy","outOfStateSupporters":61.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3511947,"projectId":10766372,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and believing in the incredible potential of our young engineers! Your generosity is providing my students with something truly special: the opportunity to watch their ideas come to life.\r\n\r\nWith access to a 3D printer and supplies, my students will be able to take their ideas from sketches and designs to actual, physical prototypes. They will experience the excitement of holding something they imagined in their hands, while also learning that engineering is a process of testing, problem-solving, and improvement. They will discover that an unsuccessful first attempt isn't a failure, but an opportunity to rethink, redesign, and try again.\r\n\r\nThe excitement in our classroom is already incredible! My students are so eager for the arrival of their new 3D printer that many have been practicing their computer-aided design (CAD) skills after school, preparing designs and imagining what they will create. Their enthusiasm speaks volumes about how much this opportunity means to them.\r\n\r\nAs they prepare for our final engineering expo, students will have the opportunity to showcase not only their finished creations, but also the creativity, perseverance, and critical thinking that went into developing them. I cannot wait to see the pride on their faces as they present solutions they designed to make a positive difference in their own community.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the tools to turn imagination into innovation and compassion into action. Most importantly, thank you for helping them recognize that their ideas have value, their voices matter, and they are capable of creating meaningful change in the world around them!","fullyFundedDate":1793919605037,"projectUrl":"project/small-hands-big-impact-engineering-a-b/10766372/","projectTitle":"Small Hands, Big Impact: Engineering a Better Community.","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dormann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3511947_orig.jpg?crop=959,959,x0,y47&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1794239677345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdgt"},{"teacherId":3511947,"projectId":10457520,"letterContent":"My students are excited to have a variety of fidgets available in our classroom! As gifted and talented learners, their minds are constantly working as they explore new ideas, solve complex problems, create, and collaborate. These fidgets give students a quiet, appropriate way to keep their hands busy and their bodies regulated while focusing on challenging academic tasks.\r\n\r\nWe are using the fidgets during independent work, problem-solving activities, and other learning experiences that require sustained attention. Students are learning that fidgets are tools, not toys, and are developing the self-awareness to recognize which tools help them focus and stay engaged. These resources allow me to better support individual learning needs while teaching students valuable skills in self-regulation, independence, and responsible decision-making.\r\n\r\nAs we continue using these materials, students will practice identifying the strategies that work best for them as they take on increasingly complex challenges. I want them to understand that learning does not look the same for everyone and that recognizing what helps your brain work best is a strength. These small tools are helping us build a classroom where students feel supported, embrace their unique learning needs, and have the confidence to think, create, explore, and thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1789554400666,"projectUrl":"project/focus-in-motion/10457520/","projectTitle":"Focus in Motion","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dormann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3511947_orig.jpg?crop=959,959,x0,y47&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1794239677345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdgt"},{"teacherId":3511947,"projectId":10711613,"letterContent":"My students are already benefiting from having a variety of fidgets available in our classroom! As gifted and twice-exceptional learners, their minds are constantly working as they solve complex problems, explore new ideas, create, and collaborate. Having fidgets gives them an appropriate way to keep their hands busy and their bodies regulated while focusing on challenging academic tasks.\r\n\r\nWe are using these tools during independent work, problem-solving activities, and other times when students need to sustain their attention. Students are learning to recognize what their bodies need and to choose tools that help them stay engaged without distracting themselves or others. These fidgets are more than just fun materials; they are helping students develop self-awareness, independence, and self-regulation skills that will benefit them far beyond our classroom.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite parts of introducing these resources has been helping students understand that everyone learns differently and that finding what works best for your brain is a strength. As we continue using the fidgets, students will practice making thoughtful choices about which tools best support their individual learning needs.\r\n\r\nThese resources are helping me create a classroom environment where students can focus less on trying to sit perfectly still and more on what matters most: thinking deeply, asking questions, taking on challenges, and discovering what they are capable of achieving.","fullyFundedDate":1792593631282,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-care-ready-to-learn/10711613/","projectTitle":"Comfort, Care, Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dormann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3511947_orig.jpg?crop=959,959,x0,y47&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1794239677345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdgt"},{"teacherId":8468394,"projectId":10428877,"letterContent":"This project has provided our students with sensory activities that support movement, exploration, and participation throughout the school day. As our school expanded to serve students in kindergarten through sixth grade, these materials helped us create spaces that could meet the needs of students across different ages, classrooms, and programs.\r\n\r\nThe sensory wall activities have been used during therapy sessions, classroom routines, transitions, and movement breaks. Students can explore different textures and movements while working on communication, motor skills, attention, and self-regulation. The activities are engaging and accessible, allowing each student to participate in a way that works for them.\r\n\r\nKnowing that this project was funded by a member of the Orange community makes your support especially meaningful. Thank you for investing in our new programs and in the students who attend them. Your generosity has helped provide resources that our students can use and enjoy throughout their school day.","fullyFundedDate":1786384138697,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-sensory-wall-for-student-succ/10428877/","projectTitle":"Creating a Sensory Wall for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Simons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8468394_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1652099889585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8468394"},{"teacherId":8468394,"projectId":10234581,"letterContent":"This project has provided an engaging, hands-on way for students to communicate, create, and learn together. Our program has expanded. There are now students of varying ages in the building, and the magnetic tiles have been loved by all. Students immediately gather around them, begin building, and share their ideas in ways that feel natural and motivating. As the students transitioned into the new building, the magnetic tiles were used many times to help them acclimate to their new surroundings.\r\n\r\nThe magnetic tiles have created meaningful opportunities for requesting, commenting, making choices, taking turns, and working with others. I have been able to model functional language such as \"more,\" \"help,\" \"go,\" \"open,\" and \"I want that\" while supporting students who communicate through speech, AAC, gestures, and other forms of communication. Each student can participate at their own level, from selecting a tile or requesting a color to describing a structure or planning a creation with a peer.\r\n\r\nThese materials have become much more than a building activity. They encourage creativity, problem-solving, communication, and interaction across ages and ability levels. Your generosity gave our students a resource they continue to return to and enjoy together. Thank you for helping us create more opportunities for every student to participate, connect, and be understood.","fullyFundedDate":1782344124834,"projectUrl":"project/building-communication-with-magic-tiles/10234581/","projectTitle":"Building Communication with Magic Tiles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Simons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8468394_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1652099889585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8468394"},{"teacherId":8468394,"projectId":10194135,"letterContent":"This project created a space where my students can move, explore, communicate, and learn through play. The sensory lights and interactive materials immediately captured their attention and encouraged them to engage with the environment in new ways. Students of different ages and abilities can participate at their own level, making the space accessible and inviting for everyone. This was especially important because our program has expanded. We now have varying grade levels, and everyone loves this table!\r\n\r\nThe space has provided natural opportunities to work on communication, language, movement, and social interaction. Students can request, comment, take turns, make choices, and interact with their peers and staff while participating in activities that are meaningful and motivating to them. These experiences have also supported independence as students explore the materials and discover what they can do. \"Wow!\", \"Look\", \"I want that.\" are some of the things I heard as the students interacted.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this project has brought joy, connection, and inclusion to our students' school day. It has given them a place where learning feels active and exciting and where every form of communication is welcomed. Your generosity helped us create an environment that recognizes our students' individual needs while giving them opportunities to learn and play together. Thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1777649366048,"projectUrl":"project/lets-play-outside/10194135/","projectTitle":"Let's Play Outside!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Simons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8468394_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1652099889585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8468394"},{"teacherId":10303710,"projectId":10041784,"letterContent":"Literacy is the foundation for everything and education literacy is not something that happens in isolation but it happens as a holistic learning experience for students with your help I was able to give my students fun literacy resources that were age-appropriate and developed mentally appropriate for them while engaging high levels of focus and attention. Students were able to be active learners in their literacy journey with the resources given to me by DonorsChoose. Students had fun exploring and engagement with fun and creative materials.","fullyFundedDate":1779104302262,"projectUrl":"project/emergent-literacy-and-language/10041784/","projectTitle":"Emergent Literacy and Language!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shapiro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10303710_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1788971780185","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10303710"},{"teacherId":10303710,"projectId":10042754,"letterContent":"Flexible, seating in special education is one of the most useful and supportive accommodations of student students with disabilities. Flexible seating allow students to help regulate their nervous system and support their focus to academic instruction in preschool. This is very important that students can gain academic readiness skills in a group setting. Flexible seating is supportive of students, cognition, attention sensory motor input and emotional regulation. Students enjoy having preferred choices.","fullyFundedDate":1778981298953,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-preschool-disabilit/10042754/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Preschool Disabilities Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shapiro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10303710_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1788971780185","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10303710"},{"teacherId":10303710,"projectId":10194825,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support and rallying outdoor sensory toys for my classroom. It made all the difference students enjoy having realistic toys that help them understand the world around them. They have been so impactful for sensory perception of outdoor spaces and real world objects leaves, branches trees. Living in the city sometimes students do not have the ability to have access to these items in the community however, with your support we were able to give students access to their sensory perception of the natural world.","fullyFundedDate":1776452035799,"projectUrl":"project/outdoor-sensory-learning/10194825/","projectTitle":"Outdoor Sensory Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shapiro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10303710_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1788971780185","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10303710"},{"teacherId":3511947,"projectId":9722444,"letterContent":"Thank you for investing in the curiosity, creativity, and potential of our students. Your generosity has provided more than just classroom materials—you have given our young scientists, inventors, and problem-solvers the opportunity to explore, experiment, and discover.\r\n\r\nInspired by Stay Curious and Keep Exploring by Emily Calandrelli, this project encourages students to ask questions, investigate ideas, and see how curiosity can lead to innovation. Thanks to your support, our classroom will become a hands-on learning laboratory where students can launch balloon rockets, explore chemical reactions, investigate air pressure, and create exciting STEM projects that bring science concepts to life.\r\n\r\nOur gifted and talented learners thrive when they can move beyond reading about science and actively experience it. These materials will allow them to test theories, solve problems, and develop the confidence that comes from learning through discovery. Just as importantly, they will learn about diverse scientists, inventors, and innovators whose stories help them see that science is a field where their own voices, experiences, and ideas belong.\r\n\r\nYour support is helping students connect the discoveries of the past with the possibilities of the future. You are showing them that innovation begins with a simple question and that their curiosity has the power to change the world.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a classroom where wonder is celebrated, exploration is encouraged, and future innovators can dream big.","fullyFundedDate":1765574756978,"projectUrl":"project/from-inspiration-to-innovation-the-powe/9722444/","projectTitle":"From Inspiration to Innovation: the Power of Curiosity & Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dormann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3511947_orig.jpg?crop=959,959,x0,y47&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1794239677345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdgt"},{"teacherId":3511947,"projectId":10049097,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity and kindness in supporting our project. Because of your gift, my students will receive warm, comfortable shirts that will help them feel safe, cared for, and ready to learn each day.\r\n\r\nMy students amaze me with their resilience, curiosity, and compassion. They come to school eager to learn and support one another, even while facing challenges that many children should never have to experience. Your donation is more than just clothing... it is a reminder that there are people who believe in them and want them to succeed.\r\n\r\nHaving properly fitting, comfortable shirts will remove a barrier that can distract students from learning. Instead of focusing on being cold or uncomfortable, they can concentrate on their schoolwork, participate confidently in classroom activities, and fully engage in the learning experiences we share together.\r\n\r\nYour support sends a powerful message to my students: they are valued, important, and worthy of care. Thank you for helping create a classroom environment where every child can feel comfortable, confident, and ready to reach their full potential.","fullyFundedDate":1769254572774,"projectUrl":"project/a-simple-shirt-a-powerful-message/10049097/","projectTitle":"A Simple Shirt, A Powerful Message","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dormann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3511947_orig.jpg?crop=959,959,x0,y47&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1794239677345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsdgt"},{"teacherId":10303710,"projectId":10041782,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire classroom, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of the light table. Your kindness will have a lasting impact on our students and the way they interact with their learning environment.\r\nThe light table will be an incredible tool in fostering creativity and enhancing hands-on learning experiences. It provides an engaging, sensory-rich space for students to explore concepts in art, science, math, and more. The ability to interact with light and color opens up new opportunities for exploration and discovery, helping to develop fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration among peers.\r\nThank you again for your thoughtful contribution. It's support like yours that truly makes a difference in the lives of our students!","fullyFundedDate":1769142756015,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-regulation-and-science-learning/10041782/","projectTitle":"Sensory Regulation and Science Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shapiro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10303710_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1788971780185","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10303710"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_109032","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":80,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":72,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":44,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":48,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"K - 7","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":38.2,"schoolId":109032,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Scholars Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Scholars Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/orange-public-schools/scholars-academy/109032"}