{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Southern Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":45.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10345134,"projectId":9880662,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous support of Governor Meyer, the Delaware General Assembly, and the Delaware Department of Education, my sensory-seeking second grade classroom has been transformed into a more engaging, accessible, and joyful learning environment. My students, who have complex disabilities, thrive when learning is hands-on, visual, and movement-based. The new materials—such as counting peg boards, alphabet and animal matching cards, wooden puzzles, and CVC word matching activities—have allowed my students to practice foundational academic skills in ways that feel meaningful and motivating. Instead of passively observing, they are now actively touching, sorting, matching, and exploring while learning.\r\n\r\nThroughout the day, students are using these resources during small group instruction, independent work time, and center rotations. The hands-on nature of the materials has increased student engagement, attention, and willingness to participate in academic tasks. Students are showing greater confidence when approaching learning activities, and many are beginning to demonstrate skills with less prompting and more independence. These tools also support sensory regulation, helping students feel calmer and more ready to learn, which has had a positive impact on behavior and overall classroom participation.\r\n\r\nThese resources have not only strengthened academic instruction, but they have also built joy, calm, and confidence in my classroom. My students now approach learning with excitement rather than hesitation, and I am able to better meet their diverse sensory and developmental needs. This project has made a lasting impact on my students' ability to access instruction, celebrate their successes, and feel proud of themselves as learners. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to provide them with tools that honor who they are and how they learn best.","fullyFundedDate":1763258676293,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-materials-for-a-sensory-seeking/9880662/","projectTitle":"Literacy Materials for a Sensory Seeking Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hercules","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10345134"},{"teacherId":9847550,"projectId":9821294,"letterContent":"Because of the incredible generosity of Governor Meyer, the Delaware General Assembly, and the Delaware Department of Education, my 2nd and 3rd grade students with complex and severe disabilities now have access to learning experiences that truly meet them where they are. For many of my students, traditional materials are not accessible, but these new resources have opened the door to meaningful participation, confidence, and joy. Seeing students light up while using Alphabots, alphabet matching games, and color and shape activities has been incredibly powerful. These tools are helping students build foundational academic skills in ways that feel achievable and exciting.\r\n\r\nThe sensory and adaptive materials have had an equally meaningful impact. Items like liquid bubble fidgets help students regulate their emotions and bodies so they are ready to learn, while Velcro dots and laminated materials allow us to create customized activities that support independence and success. Even small items like storage bins and iPad chargers have made a big difference by keeping our classroom organized and our communication devices always ready for use. These resources have reduced frustration, increased engagement, and allowed my students to experience success more often throughout their day.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these materials have given my students dignity, voice, and opportunity. Students who once hesitated to participate are now reaching out to engage. Students who struggled to stay regulated are finding comfort and confidence in their learning. This project has not only provided supplies — it has provided hope, access, and belief in what my students can accomplish. I am deeply grateful for the lasting impact this support has had on my classroom and on the hearts of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1760377370422,"projectUrl":"project/sensoryadapted-learning-materials/9821294/","projectTitle":"Sensory/Adapted Learning Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9847550_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760322857968","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9847550"},{"teacherId":6739677,"projectId":9830149,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in fully funding my project, \"Reading Intervention Tool.\" Your support is already making a difference in the lives of my students. \r\n These materials have become the cornerstone of our daily intervention block. Because of your help, I am able to deliver targeted small-group interventions that provide my students with opportunities to engage in multi-sensory learning. The Elkonin Box Boards, as well as the ELkonin Box Floor Mat is helping to facilitate student learning and providing my students meaningful practice with manipulating individual sounds to make words. The Writing Practice Magic Boards have proven to be engaging and has helped to spark excitement when it comes time write and practice new skills. \r\n Providing these research-based tools, you have given my students the support they need to lead them to become successful readers. We are so grateful for your investment in our classroom and our community.","fullyFundedDate":1760756775319,"projectUrl":"project/reading-intervention-tools/9830149/","projectTitle":"Reading Intervention Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cooksey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6739677_orig.png?crop=353,353,x0,y31&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760549228789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6739677"},{"teacherId":10311495,"projectId":9827217,"letterContent":"My students are truly enjoying the new social emotional books and resources.I have several students who struggle to regulate their emotions and these tools have made our calm down corner even more nejoyable and welcoming. In a tough world like the one we live in today, students are dealing with so much more now than ever. Students are coming from trauma filled homes and having a safe place at school helps them feel safe, loved and ready to succeed. I am truly thankful for the gifts and they came in at the perfect time.","fullyFundedDate":1760549545007,"projectUrl":"project/b5s-wish-list/9827217/","projectTitle":"B5's Wish List","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garyeazon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10311495"},{"teacherId":6428464,"projectId":9821388,"letterContent":"Our classroom is beyond grateful for the state of Delaware's contribution towards literacy in the classroom. In addition to our classroom, so many classrooms across the state benefitted from new resources, activities, technology, specialized seating, and more in order to enhance literacy instruction across the state. Teachers so often have to put out their own money for these things, and this campaign was truly a blessing. \r\n\r\nIn our classroom, we have loved having hands on materials for our students to utilize specific to their IEP goals. As our students need repeated exposure in order make progress on their skills, having numerous hands-on activities only increases their engagement. In addition, the use of technology, specifically an iPad, is always motivating. Once again, we are sincerely grateful for the items we were gifted through this campaign.","fullyFundedDate":1760352539027,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-and-technology-an-inclusive-ap/9821388/","projectTitle":"Literacy and Technology: An Inclusive Approach","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bolton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6428464"},{"teacherId":6500781,"projectId":9830946,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation and for providing our classroom with these wonderful learning materials. Because of you, our students are having so much fun while building important reading skills.\r\n\r\nThe students are enjoying practicing their sight words and strengthening their decoding skills through the games that were purchased. They are using the blending boards to practice spelling words with Elkonin boxes, and the magnetic letters have been a huge help as they work on spelling and word-building activities.\r\n\r\nWhen the packages arrived, the students were beyond excited. They loved opening them together as a class and wanted to start using everything right away. They often ask if they can play the games every day—and some have even asked to use them during indoor recess!\r\n\r\nWe truly love all of the learning materials. They have helped us so much as we work to decode words, spell accurately, and master our sight words. Your kindness and support have made a meaningful difference in our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping make learning engaging, hands-on, and fun for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1760665230218,"projectUrl":"project/story-hackers/9830946/","projectTitle":"Story Hackers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jenkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6500781_orig.jpg?crop=707,707,x115,y278&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1563589082647","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6500781"},{"teacherId":4056773,"projectId":9829999,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my gratitude for your donation to my classroom project. Your contribution of wobble cushions, alphabet bins, writing boards and sight word rings have been valuable resources in student learning.\r\n\r\n To say my students were excited about the new materials is an understatement. The wobble cushions allow students the opportunity to wiggle in their seat and helps them remain focused for longer periods of time. They are quickly becoming more aware of their own movement needs during class time and will use the cushion when needed. Students across all grade levels (K-5) benefit from this important resource.\r\n\r\n The alphabet bins are a huge hit with my kindergarten students. I use them to reinforce letter/sound learning. They love the hands on approach to sorting and naming the items. These alphabet bins are also a great way to increase vocabulary with my younger students.\r\n\r\n My students could not be happier with our new materials. Your contribution has made a great impact on all of my students. I know that these materials will get plenty of use, not only this year, but over the next several years. Thank you so much for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1760687083159,"projectUrl":"project/lets-read/9829999/","projectTitle":"Let's Read","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4056773_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1478472803544","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4056773"},{"teacherId":844666,"projectId":9818822,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose. Your donation made an immediate and meaningful difference for my students. As a teacher of multilingual learners, I see every day how the right tools and opportunities can open doors for students who are developing both their academic skills and their English language proficiency.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students now have access to resources that help them engage more deeply in learning, build confidence, and express themselves in new ways. I've watched them light up with excitement as they use the materials you helped provide. These items have supported hands-on exploration, collaboration with peers, and language-rich experiences that are essential for their growth.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was seeing students proudly share their work with classmates using the new materials. For many of them, these tools helped reduce frustration and allowed them to dive into tasks they once found intimidating. Your support has truly leveled the playing field and made our classroom more inclusive, joyful, and empowering.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students, for valuing their potential, and for investing in their success. Your generosity has created an impact that reaches far beyond this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1760438248607,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-instruction-supplies-for-strivi/9818822/","projectTitle":"Literacy Instruction Supplies for Striving Multilingual Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Becker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp844666_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759775007365","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/reginapham2"},{"teacherId":10340999,"projectId":9873391,"letterContent":"Materials like an iPad, a stand-up magnetic design center, sturdy bookshelves, and engaging books such as Splat the Cat and Pinkalicious have greatly enhanced my classroom by creating a more interactive, organized, and inviting learning environment. The iPad supports individualized instruction and allows students to explore skills through educational apps, while the magnetic design center encourages creativity, hands-on learning, and collaboration. Bookshelves keep materials accessible and neatly arranged, helping students develop independence as they choose books that interest them. High-interest titles bring joy to reading and motivate even reluctant readers to participate, making literacy a more exciting and meaningful part of each day.","fullyFundedDate":1762310887947,"projectUrl":"project/books-ipads-and-bright-ideas-for-growi/9873391/","projectTitle":"Books, iPads, and Bright Ideas for Growing Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10340999"},{"teacherId":2197942,"projectId":9823784,"letterContent":"The addition of our SEL calm-down corner has made a meaningful impact on the emotional well-being of our students. The space provides a quiet, supportive area where students can take a moment to regulate their feelings, reflect, and reset before returning to learning. With calming visuals and clear guidance on how to use the space, students are learning to identify their emotions and choose appropriate strategies to help themselves feel grounded. This has led to smoother transitions, fewer classroom disruptions, and a stronger sense of emotional safety for everyone.\r\n\r\nThe donated fidgets and newly added tools have been especially helpful in making the calm-down corner inviting and effective. Students are excited to use the high-quality, thoughtfully chosen fidgets that help them focus their energy in a healthy way. The variety of sensory options allows students to find what works best for them, whether they need tactile input, deep breathing, or a moment of quiet reflection. The combination of new materials and visual supports has transformed the area into a trusted space where students feel comfortable managing their emotions and building essential SEL skills.","fullyFundedDate":1760443091174,"projectUrl":"project/calm-down-corner-for-sel/9823784/","projectTitle":"Calm Down Corner for SEL","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Woodfin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2197942_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1518104725530","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mwoodfinb9"},{"teacherId":2197942,"projectId":9406465,"letterContent":"The donation of headphones has made a significant impact in our classroom. Because we use technology throughout the day in all subject areas, having reliable headphones allows students to focus without distractions and engage more deeply with their work. Many of our activities involve personalized lessons, and the headphones help each student learn at their own pace while still being part of a busy, collaborative classroom. This simple resource has greatly improved our ability to create an effective, flexible, and student-centered learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe students are genuinely excited about the new headphones. They love the bright colors, which make the headphones feel fun and personal, and they often comment on how comfortable they are to wear throughout the day. Many students were eager to choose their favorite color and take ownership of their learning tools, which added an extra level of enthusiasm to our lessons. Their excitement has created a positive energy in the classroom and has made technology-based activities even more engaging.","fullyFundedDate":1758826392784,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-limited-distractions/9406465/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Limited Distractions","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Woodfin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2197942_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1518104725530","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mwoodfinb9"},{"teacherId":5200795,"projectId":9874815,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping our classroom. We are already a class with students who struggle with literacy. So our goal was to really want to make our students enjoy reading.\r\n Your kind donation has helped us to create comfortable reading center with a rug lamp and bean bag chair. We received cvc word cards a date flipper so our students can read the date and cards to help us track when we read.\r\n We also receive makers and white board makers for practicing our words. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts our students will put great use to these items","fullyFundedDate":1762398029761,"projectUrl":"project/building-literacy/9874815/","projectTitle":"Building Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beardsley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5200795"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44537","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":825,"numTeachers":64,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":49,"percentWhite":34,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":54.8,"schoolId":44537,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Southern Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Southern Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/delaware/colonial-school-district/southern-elementary-school/44537"}