{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Southern Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":45.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10329259,"projectId":9857181,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for the opportunity to use the items that were funded through my project. Thank you very much for providing my students and I with access to an abundance of materials that have allowed them to play, learn, grow, and communicate. Over the last few months, I have seen tremendous student progress within these areas. It has been an absolute pleasure to witness this. \r\n\r\nWhen I first introduced the materials to my students, their reactions were truly priceless. The smiles and laughs that I received were heartwarming. My excitement has grown as I am eager to keep putting these materials to use, to continue providing opportunities for learning. \r\n\r\n\r\nOne specific moment that I would like to highlight is when one of my students independently approached me and verbally requested 'ABC Popsicles'. I had brought this material with me to use with this student, as I know he really enjoys playing with this item. I collaborated with the teacher and occupational therapist to have this student practice identifying the letter and the sound of the picture presented, and match the correct letter with the picture. Following this, he wrote out the letter on a white board and practiced using verbal language to request 'more' of the activity. It was extremely rewarding to see how this material facilitated this student's learning in many ways. \r\n\r\nI am very excited to continue using these materials each day. Specifically, I am excited for a dramatic play lesson that I am planning, using my toy cupcakes and ice cream play set. This will allow more opportunities to develop communication skills, peer interaction, play skills, and literacy in a fun and interactive way.","fullyFundedDate":1762273085043,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-literacy-social-emotional-le/9857181/","projectTitle":"Supporting Literacy, Social Emotional Learning, Self-Regulation, and Communication for All","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10329259"},{"teacherId":10341022,"projectId":9873460,"letterContent":"On behalf of myself and the students that I serve, thank you deeply for your thoughtful donation of materials to support literacy, speech and overall regulation and engagement for our elementary learners. your generosity has made an immediate and meaningful difference in our speech therapy sessions. These materials are being used every day to create engaging learning opportunities that help students build foundational skills in reading, communication and self-management. \r\n\r\nThe students that I pull to the speech resource room have been so excited to choose from all of the new and motivating materials that I have available to work for as reinforcers. Not only are the materials beneficial to use as reinforcers, but they also provide a variety of new language opportunities and new vocabulary to write about and discuss. I am deeply grateful for your support and the positive impact that it has had and will continue to have for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1762299648316,"projectUrl":"project/promoting-literacy-participation-and-co/9873460/","projectTitle":"Promoting Literacy, Participation and Communication for All Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kelly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10341022"},{"teacherId":10328356,"projectId":9855447,"letterContent":"Thanks to you my students were able to build emotional regulation and functional communication skills essential for learning. The materials helped my students recognize their feelings, calm their bodies, and communicate needs using speech, visuals, and/or AAC. With improved regulation, each of my students were more engaged, independent, and confident. \r\n\r\nMy students especially enjoyed the emotions posters. They took turns identifying their emotions, and providing a \"why\". Based on their selection, we were able to use the other materials provided by the donors to help support their self regulation. \r\n\r\nOverall, each of my students, regardless of communication modality, were able to better regulate and communicate due to the materials provided.","fullyFundedDate":1761515692372,"projectUrl":"project/building-regulation-sensory-social-emo/9855447/","projectTitle":"Building Regulation, Sensory, Social-Emotional Learning, and Communication for All Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Frazier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10328356"},{"teacherId":10315820,"projectId":9862982,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose. Your generosity brought materials that truly matched our students' interests and communication needs.\r\n\r\nMany of my students are nonspeaking or minimally speaking, but their excitement was clear the moment they saw the new toys. Through smiles, body language, and engagement, they showed how eager they were to explore toys that light up, spin, include letters and the alphabet, and small figurines that captured their attention. These materials immediately motivated them to participate and interact.\r\n\r\nBecause the toys were so engaging, students also used their AAC devices more during sessions. They used their devices to request favorite items, make choices, and comment while playing creating meaningful communication opportunities throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, we will continue building communication skills through play, student interests, and AAC use. Your support has made a real difference for students who communicate in many different ways.","fullyFundedDate":1761751340639,"projectUrl":"project/building-communication-regulation-and/9862982/","projectTitle":"Building Communication, Regulation, and Literacy Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tuohey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10315820"},{"teacherId":10334826,"projectId":9862600,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to share the incredible impact your generosity has had on my students through our project, \"Building Strong Hands for Bright Futures.\" Thanks to your support, my students now have access to developmental tools and resources that help strengthen their fine motor skills, build confidence, and engage more fully in hands-on learning.\r\n\r\nThe first time my students saw the new materials, their eyes lit up with excitement! They eagerly explored the activities and couldn't wait to get started. We are now using the tools to support ongoing fine and visual motor skills while increasing engagement through multi-sensory activities. The progress has been remarkable, and these materials provide additional opportunities and stimulation tailored to my students' individual needs. I am excited to see them apply these skills in upcoming interventions and classroom projects.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly made a difference in my students' learning experiences. Because of you, they are not only strengthening their hands they are building confidence, independence, and joy in learning. Thank you for investing in their bright futures!","fullyFundedDate":1761829541489,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-hands-for-bright-futures/9862600/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Hands for Bright Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10334826"},{"teacherId":7604441,"projectId":9858920,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the incredibly generous donations for my classroom. I work in a C setting classroom (all of my students have disabilities so I have a smaller class size, 8 students), so all of my students have IEPs and have specific individual needs. My team and I work very hard to support their individual needs and your donations helped out more than you know! \r\nMany of my students require adapted seating while in the classroom. This can look different for each student. I have several different options in the classroom and your donations have my students many more options. Several of my students work best while on a wobble stool because it helps keep them moving, but while in a safe, seated position. I have one student who loves the comfy blue chair. She has difficulty attending to a task with the whole group, but having the blue chair as an option has helped her join the whole group and stay engaged. \r\nMy students also need frequent sensory breaks, so the blue spin chair is a great safe way to take a movement/sensory break. My students can become easily distracted as well, so your fidget donations have been greatly appreciated. They love having a fidget to help keep them focused. \r\nThank you so much for the generous donations. We use them every day in the classroom. The adapted seating and fidgets have really helped keep my students engaged with their learning and provide sensory breaks and movement as well. We are very appreciative over here in B1 at Southern Elementary. Thank you!!","fullyFundedDate":1761534957089,"projectUrl":"project/ms-shalks-classroom/9858920/","projectTitle":"Ms Shalk’s Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shalk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7604441"},{"teacherId":10336728,"projectId":9866478,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Building Independence and Inclusion Through Movement and Play. Because of your generosity, our students now have access to tools that make learning safer, more engaging, and more inclusive.\r\n\r\nThe gait belt you provided is already making a meaningful difference. It allows classroom staff to safely support students as they work on balance, mobility, and accessing classroom materials. With this added support, students are able to participate more fully in instructional activities while building confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nThe obstacle course materials have transformed our classroom into a space where learning and movement go hand in hand. Students now practice literacy skills while moving through play-based challenges, making reading and learning active, fun, and accessible. These activities help develop coordination, strength, and focus while reinforcing important academic concepts.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support promotes inclusion. Every student can participate alongside peers in a safe, supportive environment where movement and learning are connected. You have helped create opportunities for our students to grow physically, socially, and academically.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their success. Your kindness and generosity are truly making an impact every day in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1762027214699,"projectUrl":"project/building-independence-and-inclusion-thro/9866478/","projectTitle":"Building Independence and Inclusion Through Movement and Play","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Capone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336728"},{"teacherId":10325953,"projectId":9853210,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my class's project. With your funding, I was able to purchase the materials needed to start a world music drumming program. Your generosity is allowing my students to learn about the music of cultures from around the world for years to come, while also building important music literacy skills.\r\n\r\nOver the past month, we have been learning about and playing music from West Africa. Each week, we begin by reading and discussing interesting facts about West African countries and their cultures. Then, using the instruments purchased through your generous donation, students are able to respectfully explore and play music in the style of West African traditions.\r\n\r\nMy students are having a wonderful time learning something new, and thanks to you, they now have access to this meaningful and exciting opportunity. Your support has made a lasting impact on our classroom, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1762082059028,"projectUrl":"project/world-music-drumming-resources-for-my-st/9853210/","projectTitle":"World Music Drumming Resources for my Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10325953"},{"teacherId":9117250,"projectId":9848965,"letterContent":"As a special education teacher serving kindergarten and first-grade students with learning differences, I see every day how critical the right literacy materials are to my students' success. Many of my students learn best through structured, hands-on, and visually supported instruction, yet access to appropriate literacy resources is often limited. The addition of specialized literacy materials have had such a meaningful impact on both their academic progress and overall engagement in the classroom.\r\nThese materials have allowed me to better meet each student's individual needs by supporting early literacy skills such as letter recognition, phonemic awareness,and vocabulary development\r\nBeyond academics, these literacy materials will support communication, social interaction, and positive behavior. Predictable routines and engaging texts help my students build confidence, improve attention, and develop expressive and receptive language skills. When students are able to successfully engage with reading activities, I see increased motivation, reduced frustration, and greater independence.\r\nBy adding these literacy materials to our classroom, I have been able to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students have equitable access to high-quality literacy instruction. This investment has helped lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning and foster a love of reading during these critical early years.","fullyFundedDate":1761009965383,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-learning/9848965/","projectTitle":"Literacy Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Axelsson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9117250"},{"teacherId":10312175,"projectId":9829099,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project. Your donations have had a meaningful and lasting impact on our students on the Autism Spectrum by heling them learn how to use their words to communicate and describe the world around them. Our students also loved reading the \"There Was an Old Lady...\" books. These stories provided a fun and engaging way to practice sequencing skills and understanding how stories are organized. After reading, students used what they learned with the Descriptive and Category Rods to sort the items the old lady ate into different categories and describe them using descriptive words. This allowed us to connect reading comprehension, vocabulary, and categorization all in one lesson. In addition, we were able to teach two lessons at once using the Rhyming Word Dominos. Students first learned how to play the game of dominoes, practicing turn-taking and following rules. Then, they worked on identifying patterns and matching words that rhyme. We also shared this activity with families so students could play, teach, or enjoy the game with family and friends at home, strengthening both learning and social connections.\r\nThese materials are now used weekly in our classroom and have given our students increased opportunities to express themselves individually. They are also able to carry these skills into Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies lessons, making learning more meaningful and accessible across the school day. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and support. Because of you, our students have the tools they need to grow as communicators and learners. Thank you for making such a positive difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1760644710656,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-for-nonverbal-minds/9829099/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning for Nonverbal Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Monaco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10312175"},{"teacherId":8104511,"projectId":9823724,"letterContent":"Thank you for your continued support in fostering a literacy-rich learning environment in my classroom. Creating a space where reading, writing, and critical thinking are woven into every aspect of learning has been incredibly meaningful to me. Through engaging read-alouds, diverse texts, interactive word walls, and daily opportunities for writing and discussion, students are encouraged to explore language, express their ideas, and grow as confident, independent thinkers.\r\n\r\nI truly appreciate the encouragement and resources that allow me to nurture a print-rich, supportive classroom where students can develop a love for reading and build the literacy skills they need for lifelong learning. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to student success.","fullyFundedDate":1760383114227,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-rich-kindergarten-classroom/9823724/","projectTitle":"Literacy Rich Kindergarten Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zimmerman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8104511"},{"teacherId":10311112,"projectId":9825946,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of literacy-rich kindergarten classrooms. Because of you, young learners are surrounded by the joy and power of language at one of the most important stages of their development.\r\n\r\nYour contributions help create vibrant classroom environments filled with picture books, alphabet charts, word walls, and hands-on literacy centers that spark curiosity and build confidence. Children now have opportunities to explore writing with colorful journals and markers, discover new vocabulary through engaging read-alouds, and practice essential skills through games, magnetic letters, and listening stations. Even simple additions—like labeled classroom materials and access to digital storybooks—are making a meaningful difference every day.\r\n\r\nMany classrooms would not have access to these essential resources without your support. Because of your generosity, kindergarten students are developing a love of reading and gaining the foundational skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your commitment to our children and their futures. Your investment in early literacy is an investment that will last a lifetime.","fullyFundedDate":1760467294758,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-rich-classroom/9825946/","projectTitle":"Literacy Rich Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marvel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10311112"}],"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"}