{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Spring Valley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10403031,"projectId":10066833,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous surprise donation to fund my project, \"Tech for Tomorrow's Leaders\"! Adding an iPad to our classroom is helping us expand 21st-century learning through technology in meaningful and engaging ways.\r\n\r\nWe are using the iPad to document student projects, community service activities, lessons, and special memories throughout the year. It also helps us manage club rosters, take attendance, collect data, lesson plan, and deliver instruction more effectively.\r\n\r\nMy students were just as excited about the new iPad as I was! They love being able to use technology in new and interactive ways, and it has already become a valuable tool in our classroom. Your support is helping prepare students with the technology skills they need for the future while making learning more engaging and accessible.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and supporting their growth as tomorrow's leaders!","fullyFundedDate":1779370471094,"projectUrl":"project/tech-for-tomorrows-leaders/10066833/","projectTitle":"Tech for Tomorrow’s Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Uhrman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10403031_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y433&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768243577878","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lightwaveleaders"},{"teacherId":10403031,"projectId":10257530,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with a new fan and heater combo. Your generosity is helping us maintain a comfortable learning environment during cold mornings and warm afternoons. I am already seeing the positive impact this new addition is having on my students!\r\n\r\nHaving a regulated classroom temperature helps students stay focused, comfortable, and ready to learn throughout the day. I now have a solution when students tell me they are too hot or too cold. They are more comfortable and extremely grateful for this addition to our classroom. Many students have already said \"thank you\" or commented on how much better the classroom feels each day.\r\n\r\nI am no longer stopping lessons because the classroom is too hot. Instead, we turn on the fan, I see smiles and hear thank yous, and we continue learning without missing a beat. Your support truly makes a difference in creating a positive environment where students can succeed.\r\n\r\nThank you for caring about our students and investing in their learning environment!","fullyFundedDate":1778907713833,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-cool-staying-warm-ready-to-lea/10257530/","projectTitle":"Keeping Cool, Staying Warm, Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Uhrman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10403031_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y433&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768243577878","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lightwaveleaders"},{"teacherId":9986815,"projectId":9936713,"letterContent":"Our second graders were excited to receive the LEGO Education SPIKE Essential and SPIKE Prime kits. Students immediately began exploring coding, robotics, and engineering through hands-on activities and teamwork. One memorable moment was watching students successfully code a moving model after testing and revising their ideas together. These resources are helping students build creativity, critical thinking, perseverance, and collaboration skills. We are continuing to integrate the kits into math, science, and literacy lessons while encouraging students to solve real-world problems and think like young engineers and innovators. Thank you for supporting our classroom and inspiring a love of STEM learning.","fullyFundedDate":1765578543821,"projectUrl":"project/building-brilliant-minds-with-lego-educa/9936713/","projectTitle":"Building Brilliant Minds With LEGO Education SPIKE!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9986815_orig.jpg?crop=1825,1825,x301,y368&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764941479738","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9986815"},{"teacherId":10403031,"projectId":10200977,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Pre-K classroom through our DonorsChoose project. Because of your generosity, our students now have exciting new outdoor equipment that is already making a meaningful impact on their learning, play, and social development.\r\n\r\nWith your help, we received a 3-person bike, pod swing set, balance beam steps, and a bubble machine. These items have transformed our outdoor recess area into a more engaging, inclusive, and accessible space for all students.\r\n\r\nOur students are especially excited about the 3-person bike, which encourages teamwork, communication, and cooperative play. The pod swing provides a calming and sensory-friendly option for students who benefit from gentle movement and a quiet space to regulate emotions. The balance beam steps help develop coordination, balance, and confidence while allowing children of varying ability levels to participate successfully. Even the bubble machine has become a favorite tool for movement breaks, social interaction, and joyful play.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these additions help ensure that every child has opportunities to participate, explore, and succeed during outdoor playtime regardless of their individual needs or abilities. Inclusive play experiences are so important in Pre-K, and your kindness has helped create an environment where all children feel included and valued.\r\n\r\nYour support goes far beyond playground equipment. You have helped create smiles, friendships, confidence, and meaningful learning experiences for our young students. Thank you for investing in our classroom and in the success and happiness of our children.","fullyFundedDate":1777649365800,"projectUrl":"project/inclusive-outdoor-fun-for-all-prek-stude/10200977/","projectTitle":"Inclusive Outdoor Fun for all PreK Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Uhrman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10403031_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y433&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768243577878","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lightwaveleaders"},{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":10195469,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Sunshine, STEM, and Smiles.\" Because of your generosity, our young students now have two kid-friendly picnic tables with umbrellas that allow them to learn, explore, and create outside in a comfortable and safe space.\r\n\r\nThese tables have made outdoor learning more exciting and meaningful. Students are able to sit together, work with STEM materials, complete hands-on activities, and explore concepts such as motion, building, movement, and cause and effect. The umbrellas also help provide shade, making it easier for students to stay focused and comfortable during outdoor lessons.\r\n\r\nThe students are most excited about having a special outdoor learning area made just for them. They love gathering at the tables with their classmates, sharing materials, and participating in activities in the sunshine. This project has brought more smiles, teamwork, and curiosity to our classroom, and we are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1778177104790,"projectUrl":"project/sunshine-stem-and-smiles/10195469/","projectTitle":"Sunshine, STEM, and Smiles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9916096_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738701998378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-morgandawkins"},{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":10138183,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now have access to noise-reducing headphones that are making a meaningful difference in our classroom each and every day. For many of my students receiving Exceptional Children services, staying focused in a busy school environment can be challenging. Sounds that seem small to others; chairs moving, hallway conversations, announcements, or classroom transitions can become overwhelming and distracting. Thanks to your support, my students now have a tool that helps them tune out unnecessary noise and tune into learning.\r\n\r\nThese headphones have quickly become one of the most exciting and meaningful resources in our classroom. My students light up when they are able to put them on during independent work, reading groups, computer-based learning, and testing situations. I have seen students who previously needed frequent redirection now remain engaged for longer periods of time, complete tasks with greater confidence, and show improved stamina during academic activities. One of my students who often struggled during transitions now independently asks for his headphones and is able to regulate himself and return to learning much faster.\r\n\r\nAs an Exceptional Children teacher, I work daily to help my students build confidence, independence, and a love for learning. Your kindness has provided more than headphones; you have provided comfort, focus, and access to learning in a way that meets my students' unique needs. Thank you for believing in my students and helping create a classroom where every child can succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1774488989436,"projectUrl":"project/helping-students-tune-out-the-noise/10138183/","projectTitle":"Helping Students Tune Out the Noise","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9916096_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738701998378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-morgandawkins"},{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":10093333,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, A Place for Everything, Success for Everyone. The new storage cabinet has made a big difference in keeping our classroom organized and ready for learning. We now use it to store math manipulatives, reading materials, learning centers, and other classroom supplies that students use throughout the day. During a recent math center activity, students were able to quickly find the materials they needed and return them neatly when they were finished. This simple routine helped our class transition smoothly and spend more time focused on learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the cabinet first arrived, students were excited to see a special space for our classroom materials. They helped organize the shelves and were proud to see everything neatly stored and easy to access. Having an organized classroom helps students feel calm and focused, and it encourages them to take responsibility for caring for their learning space.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue using the cabinet to organize instructional materials for reading groups, math centers, and hands-on learning activities. Students are learning the importance of responsibility, organization, and teamwork as they care for our classroom resources. Because of your generosity, our classroom is now a more structured, efficient space where students can focus, learn, and succeed every day.","fullyFundedDate":1772633558737,"projectUrl":"project/a-place-for-everything-success-for-ever/10093333/","projectTitle":"A Place for Everything, Success for Everyone","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9916096_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738701998378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-morgandawkins"},{"teacherId":10090423,"projectId":10037299,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating the headphones to our classroom—we truly appreciate your kindness and support! While many of our students use technology at home, these headphones have made a big difference in how they learn at school. They help students stay focused during lessons, especially when working on reading, math, and interactive programs, by allowing them to clearly hear instructions without distractions.\r\n\r\nThe students are especially excited to have their own headphones to use during computer time. It makes learning feel more personal and engaging, and they love being able to fully participate in videos, educational games, and activities. I've noticed that some of my quieter and easily distracted students have especially benefited—they are more focused, confident, and willing to engage in their learning.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making a meaningful impact in our classroom. Your generosity is helping our students succeed every day!","fullyFundedDate":1769191997086,"projectUrl":"project/listen-up-and-watch-me-progress/10037299/","projectTitle":"Listen Up and Watch Me Progress","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burns","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10090423"},{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":10122866,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, Hands-On Math, Minds-On Learning. The hands-on math kits have quickly become one of the most engaging parts of our daily math lessons. My students now use the manipulatives to explore number sense, addition, subtraction, patterns, and problem-solving in meaningful ways. During a recent math lesson, students worked in small groups using the materials to build and solve addition problems. One student proudly said, \"I can see the math now!\" That moment showed how powerful hands-on learning can be for building understanding and confidence.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the math kits, their excitement was immediate. They were eager to explore the colorful tools and quickly began asking questions about how they could use them. Students who sometimes struggle with abstract math concepts became more engaged because they could touch, move, and visualize the numbers in front of them. The materials turned math practice into an interactive experience where students felt motivated to participate and share their thinking with their classmates.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue using these resources during math centers, small-group instruction, and collaborative problem-solving activities. Students will begin applying these tools to more complex concepts such as place value, multi-step problems, and explaining their reasoning to peers. Thanks to your generosity, my students are developing stronger math skills, greater confidence, and a deeper understanding of how math works in the world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1772633559523,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-math-minds-on-learning/10122866/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Math, Minds-On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9916096_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738701998378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-morgandawkins"},{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":9985095,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, Think, Touch, Learn: Interactive Technology for Growing Minds. The interactive smart board has quickly become one of the most exciting and engaging tools in our classroom. Students now participate in lessons by touching, writing, and moving objects directly on the screen. During a recent math lesson, students took turns solving addition problems on the board while the rest of the class cheered them on. In reading, we build words, sort sounds, and highlight important parts of stories together. These interactive moments keep students focused and excited to participate.\r\n\r\nWhen the smart board was first introduced, the students were amazed. Many of them said it felt like \"learning on a giant tablet.\" They were eager to take turns exploring the screen, drawing letters, solving problems, and interacting with the lesson. Even students who are usually quiet or hesitant have become more confident raising their hands to participate. The technology has helped transform lessons into interactive experiences where every student feels included.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are using the smart board to expand collaborative learning activities, including group problem-solving, interactive reading lessons, and student presentations. Students are beginning to share their thinking by explaining their work on the board and teaching their peers. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has become a space where learning is dynamic, engaging, and accessible for every student. Your support is helping my students think deeply, touch their learning, and grow into confident learners.","fullyFundedDate":1772633561630,"projectUrl":"project/think-touch-learn-interactive-technol/9985095/","projectTitle":"Think, Touch, Learn: Interactive Technology for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9916096_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738701998378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-morgandawkins"},{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":9985204,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our project, No More Hard Floors, Just Hard Work! The new comfy floor seats have made an immediate and meaningful difference in our classroom. We now use them daily during small-group instruction, reading time, and collaborative learning activities. One special moment that stands out was during a guided reading lesson when a student who often struggles to stay focused remained engaged for the entire session while sitting on a floor seat. He later shared, \"This makes learning easier,\" which truly captured the impact of your gift.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the floor seats, their excitement was contagious. They immediately wanted to try them and carefully chose their favorite spots around the room. Many students commented on how soft and comfortable they were, and several asked if we could use them \"every day.\" For students who find it difficult to sit for long periods, these seats have provided the comfort and support they need to stay calm, focused, and confident during lessons. Learning has become more relaxed and enjoyable, which has increased participation and positive behavior.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to continue using the floor seats as part of flexible seating stations for literacy groups, math problem-solving, and peer discussions. Students are beginning to take more ownership of their learning spaces and choose seating that helps them do their best work. Thanks to you, our classroom is now a place where comfort and learning work together, helping every student stay motivated, engaged, and ready to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1769192554324,"projectUrl":"project/no-more-hard-floors-just-hard-work/9985204/","projectTitle":"No More Hard Floors, Just Hard Work!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9916096_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738701998378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-morgandawkins"},{"teacherId":10403031,"projectId":10014090,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our Lightwave Leaders program. Because of you, our students are experiencing meaningful growth in leadership, character, and overall wellness.\r\n\r\nThrough our focus on the pillars of mind, body, and heart, students engage in social-emotional learning, movement, and hands-on activities that build confidence, connection, and leadership skills. Each session encourages students to lead, include, grow, honor, and think—while spreading wellness, awareness, vision, and empowerment throughout their school community.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made a direct impact from the very start of each meeting. Every session begins with social connection and nutritious snacks, giving students the opportunity to refuel and feel cared for. These snacks do more than fill tummies—they provide the energy and focus students need to fully participate in lessons, movement activities, and meaningful discussions about healthy choices and wellness.\r\nFor many students, this time together fosters a strong sense of belonging, emotional safety, and readiness to learn. Because of your generosity, students are not only learning leadership skills—they are practicing them in a supportive and nurturing environment.\r\n\r\nOur students were excited to see the snack orders arrive and eager to learn where they came from. Sharing with them that members of our community cared enough to donate and help take care of them became a powerful, real-life example of what it means to lead for others.\r\n\r\nThis moment went far beyond snacks—it showed students that leadership is rooted in care, kindness, and action. Knowing that people outside their classroom believe in them provides a lasting impression and reinforces the values we strive to teach through Lightwave Leaders.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your partnership in helping us invest in the whole child. Your support is helping shape confident, empowered leaders who are learning how to care for themselves and others.","fullyFundedDate":1768950919262,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-for-focus-snacks-for-student-leade/10014090/","projectTitle":"Fuel for Focus: Snacks for Student Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Uhrman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10403031_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y433&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768243577878","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lightwaveleaders"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_96588","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":516,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":58,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":45,"percentWhite":13,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":29,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":7,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.3,"schoolId":96588,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Spring Valley Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Spring Valley Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/durham-public-schools/spring-valley-elementary-school/96588"}