{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sharpsburg Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":28.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10047232,"projectId":9745455,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting our project, \"Celebrating Mexico: Traditions, Culture, and Community.\" Because of your kindness and generosity, this project became far more than a unit of study—it became a transformative experience for every student in our elementary school. Your donations opened the door to deeper understanding, true curiosity, and meaningful connection, and I am deeply grateful.\r\n\r\nFrom day one, my students were engaged in ways I have never before witnessed. After learning about the monarch butterfly migration, a group of students came running toward me at recess. I braced myself, assuming someone was hurt—but instead they breathlessly shouted, \"There's a monarch butterfly on the playground!\" Immediately, they made the connection to our learning: \"It's on its way to Mexico!\" \"It needs to go somewhere warmer!\" \"Take care on your journey!\" Their excitement was so genuine that later, on a field trip, a guide turned to me in surprise and said, \"I have never seen a group of kids freak out about a monarch butterfly.\" The students had spotted one fluttering across a field on a local farm—and their joy was contagious.\r\n\r\nOur learning deepened as we studied Día de los Muertos, a holiday that captivated them entirely. Inspired by the stories, meaning, and beauty of the tradition, the students wanted to create their own ofrenda to honor loved ones they had lost. What began as just a few photos grew into a display of nearly thirty. The entire back wall of our classroom transformed into a space filled with grandparents, parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, cherished pets, and even ancestors my students learned about for the first time while preparing their tributes.\r\n\r\nAs students shared these stories with me, I conducted interviews to help them shape their poems. In those moments, I learned about remarkable people I had never met but quickly understood were dearly loved. There was laughter as memories resurfaced, and there were tears—followed by genuine hugs between classmates who, despite being young, recognized the shared experience of loss. These moments of compassion and connection were among the most meaningful of my career.\r\n\r\nWe also explored Mexico's ancient civilizations, learning how the Aztecs used ingenuity to thrive in an environment surrounded by water. Students were fascinated by chinampas, floating gardens whose innovative design is now inspiring scientists working to save the beloved axolotl, a symbol of Mexico's indigenous heritage. We studied the axolotl, the golden eagle, the Mexican wolf, and the quetzal. Each day, students walked into the classroom eager to discover what else they would learn about this beautiful country.\r\n\r\nYour support also helped reveal their artistic talents. In art, students created sugar-skull–inspired masks. Then they came up with the idea to make souvenirs for students visiting our room—turning plain white Halloween skulls into colorful works of art, filling them with candy from Mexico. They were excited to taste the candy themselves, but even more excited to share it with others.\r\n\r\nMy Spanish-speaking students became teachers, while others eagerly learned the language, choosing to practice with Spanish flashcards during free time rather than using their devices. Students designed games to help teach kindergarten and first-grade visitors. One student's father even brought in an authentic Mexican dish for everyone to try.\r\n\r\nAnd one of the greatest moments of all—the one that still brings tears to my eyes—came from two of my English language learners who speak little to no English. They have been quiet, hesitant, and reluctant to speak in class all year. But through this project, through the support of their classmates, and through the pride they felt in their work, something changed. During our presentation, they found the courage to take the microphone and read the pieces their classmates lovingly helped them create. Their voices trembled at first, but they kept going. When they finished, their classmates erupted into cheers. I looked out and saw students staring at me with the widest eyes—surprised, proud, and deeply moved by what they had just witnessed. My own eyes filled with tears of pure happiness and joy. It was a moment of bravery, belonging, and community I will never forget.\r\n\r\nAlthough our project was intended for students, their pride in their work—and their excitement—led us to host a family night. Seeing my students present what they had learned, with confidence, joy, and passion, was one of the most unforgettable moments of my teaching career. Equally moving was seeing the pride within families who call Mexico home—pride in their culture, their traditions, and their children's voices.\r\n\r\nEvery single day, my students had new ideas for our presentation. They read more than they ever have. They wrote, revised, corrected, and refined their work with a sense of determination I rarely see at this age. My classroom transformed into a place that felt like the most beautiful corner of Mexico—a place where everyone felt welcome, curiosity was celebrated, diversity was treasured, and learning became something my students couldn't get enough of.\r\n\r\nThis project has been the highlight of my career. And now, because of this profound experience, my students keep asking me, \"What big project do we get to do next?\" Their excitement for learning—authentic, joyful, and alive—was made possible because of you.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students, in their potential, and in the power of cultural learning. Your generosity made a difference not only in their education, but in their hearts.","fullyFundedDate":1759186200460,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-mexico-traditions-culture/9745455/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Mexico: Traditions, Culture, and Community","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10047232_orig.jpg?crop=628,628,x0,y102&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748644187240","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10047232"},{"teacherId":10047232,"projectId":9462395,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom library has grown in meaningful ways, and I want to share the impact these new books have had on my students.\r\n\r\nMany donors love to read for enjoyment, but in the classroom, books become powerful tools for teaching important skills. These picture books allow us to practice critical reading strategies like making inferences, identifying themes, and analyzing character traits. At the same time, the texts spark conversations about creativity, gratitude, persistence, and growth mindset—skills that go far beyond academics and help students grow as people.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is an active, joyful experience. Our daily read-alouds allow us to practice some important reading strategies. Students are to sharing predictions, making connections, and reflecting on the messages in the stories. Afterward, students turn and talk with partners, write reflections in their journals, or even create artwork inspired by the books. Reading together has become a time where every student feels included and valued.\r\n\r\nSome of the most touching moments have come from students who don't always see themselves in books. One student who often struggles with confidence told me after a story about persistence, \"That book is about me. I can keep trying, too.\" Another student who is usually quiet has started raising her hand during discussions because the themes feel personal and relatable to her. These small but powerful shifts show how much it matters for students to see themselves in the texts we share.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create a classroom where reading is not just a subject—it is an experience that shapes hearts and minds. Thank you for making it possible for my students to feel inspired, seen, and empowered every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1753397050204,"projectUrl":"project/building-growth-mindset-and-confidence-o/9462395/","projectTitle":"Building Growth Mindset and Confidence One Book at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10047232_orig.jpg?crop=628,628,x0,y102&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748644187240","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10047232"},{"teacherId":10047232,"projectId":9388093,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students have had the incredible opportunity to learn with Storyworks Magazines this year, and I'd love to share how much of a difference it has made in our classroom.\r\n\r\nEach issue introduces my students to a variety of genres—historical fiction, drama, biography, nonfiction, and even paired texts. With every article, they're not just reading—they're practicing key skills like identifying main ideas, analyzing text evidence, comparing points of view, and making inferences. The debates in the magazine have been especially powerful, helping my students learn how to form opinions, support them with reasons, and respectfully listen to others.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom has truly come alive. Small groups huddle together to reread articles, highlight evidence, and debate their answers. Students are eager to share what they've learned, and I often hear them say things like, \"Can we read just one more article?\" The magazines give them a sense of excitement and confidence that is contagious.\r\n\r\nOne of my English language learners, who was very hesitant to participate at the start of the year, has especially connected with the plays and debates. The format allows him to practice speaking and reading fluently, and now he volunteers to read parts out loud—something he never did before. Other students who used to struggle with motivation are now asking if they can take magazines home to share with their families.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only improved my students' reading skills, but it has also ignited a genuine love for reading and learning. They are discovering that texts aren't just something to \"get through\"—they are windows into new ideas, perspectives, and conversations.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible. You've helped create a classroom full of curious, confident readers who see themselves as lifelong learners.","fullyFundedDate":1752272837565,"projectUrl":"project/storyworks-magazines-open-worlds-of-rea/9388093/","projectTitle":"Storyworks Magazines Open Worlds of Reading Opportunities for Reluctant Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10047232_orig.jpg?crop=628,628,x0,y102&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748644187240","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10047232"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_84395","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":258,"numTeachers":15,"percentFrplEligible":76,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":54,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":71.7,"schoolId":84395,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sharpsburg Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sharpsburg Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/ohio/norwood-city-school-district/sharpsburg-elementary-school/84395"}