{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Spring Valley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":9763066,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible generosity in supporting our project, Stick It, Laminate It, Learn It! The laminating machine and Velcro materials have truly transformed the way my students learn and engage with classroom activities. While these tools may seem simple, in an educational setting they are powerful learning technologies. By creating durable, reusable instructional materials, I am able to design interactive lessons that allow students to manipulate letters, numbers, pictures, and symbols; giving them hands-on practice that strengthens understanding and retention.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students is that learning has become more interactive and personal. They love being able to move pieces, build words, match pictures, and solve problems on their own boards and learning stations. One student who struggles with attention now remains focused much longer when using the Velcro activities, proudly rearranging pieces until he gets the answer just right. Another student who experiences anxiety with written tasks feels much more confident using laminated visuals that can be corrected easily, allowing her to take risks and keep trying without fear of making permanent mistakes.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have especially connected with this technology. One student with fine motor challenges has made noticeable progress in hand control by repeatedly placing and removing Velcro pieces. Another student with communication difficulties now uses laminated choice boards to express his needs and ideas more independently. Because of these materials, I am able to differentiate instruction more effectively, provide consistent practice, and support each child's unique learning needs in ways that paper alone never could. Thanks to you, my students are learning with confidence, joy, and a sense of ownership over their success.","fullyFundedDate":1765578545891,"projectUrl":"project/stick-it-laminate-it-learn-it/9763066/","projectTitle":"Stick It, Laminate It, Learn It!","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":9254890,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible generosity in supporting our project, Write On Track: Navigating the Grammar Express. These new resources have already made a powerful difference in how my students engage with writing and language development. We use the Lakeshore Ready to Write! Prompt Box during daily writing workshops to spark ideas and build sentence structure, while the Build the Letter Activity Center helps students strengthen letter formation, phonics, and fine motor skills. The LCD writing tablets have become a favorite tool for practicing writing in a low-pressure, high-confidence way. One of my favorite classroom moments was when a student who usually avoids writing eagerly used the prompt box to create a full sentence, practiced it on the tablet, and then proudly transferred it to paper for the first time.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, the excitement was immediate. They were especially thrilled with the writing tablets, calling them their \"magic boards\" and asking if they could use them every day. Students who often feel frustrated with pencil-and-paper tasks were suddenly willing to try again and again because mistakes could be erased with one button. That simple feature made writing feel safe and fun. The hands-on letter building tools also sparked enthusiasm, helping students visualize how letters are formed and boosting both confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps include expanding from sentence writing into short paragraphs, editing practice, and storytelling projects. Students will continue using the prompt box for idea generation, the letter center for phonics reinforcement, and the tablets for drafting before final writing. We are also beginning a \"Grammar Express Journal Project,\" where students write, revise, and illustrate their own mini books. Because of your support, my students are no longer just learning how to write; they are learning to believe in themselves as writers.","fullyFundedDate":1746699628538,"projectUrl":"project/write-on-track-navigating-the-grammar-e/9254890/","projectTitle":"Write On Track: Navigating the Grammar Express","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":9377124,"letterContent":"Thank you for making our project, \"Name It to Tame It!\", possible. The SEL book sets and calming tools have become an essential part of our classroom, supporting students not only in reading but in understanding themselves and others. The A Little SPOT of... books introduce powerful lessons such as identifying emotions, using self-regulation strategies, managing anger and anxiety, showing empathy, building friendships, and making responsible choices. Each story gives students language for their feelings and practical strategies they can apply in real situations; skills that are just as important as academics.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive and meaningful. We don't simply read the books; we experience them together. During Social/Emotional Lessons, we read a story, discuss the characters' feelings, connect the situations to our own experiences, and practice calming strategies shown in the book. Students then use the mini plush \"SPOT\" toys and fidget tools to model emotions and practice coping skills in our calming corner. One of my favorite moments happened after reading A Little SPOT of Anger when a student raised his hand and said, \"I feel like the red SPOT when I don't get my turn.\" He then chose a breathing strategy from the book and successfully calmed himself; a huge step in self-awareness and emotional control.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have especially connected with these resources. One student who struggles with big emotions now independently goes to the calming corner, selects the appropriate SPOT plush, and names what he is feeling before returning to learning. Another student who previously had difficulty expressing emotions now uses phrases from the books, saying things like, \"I need a calm-down break,\" or \"I'm feeling nervous.\" Watching students grow in confidence as they learn to understand and manage their emotions has been incredibly rewarding. Thanks to you, our classroom is a safer, calmer, and more supportive learning environment where every student feels seen, heard, and empowered.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1752263032484,"projectUrl":"project/name-it-to-tame-it/9377124/","projectTitle":"Name It to Tame It!","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":9254978,"letterContent":"Thank you for making Tiny Tools, Mighty Skills: The Fine Motor Workshop possible. The new resources have already made a powerful difference in how my students develop their fine motor, problem-solving, and early learning skills. We use the dinosaur construction sets and the Montessori stacking food toys during small-group instruction, centers, and therapy-based activities. One of our favorite classroom moments happened during a \"Build a Dino\" challenge, where students worked together to assemble dinosaurs using the drill. Students practiced hand strength, coordination, following directions, and turn-takin; all while fully engaged and excited about learning. Another group used the wooden burger stacking set to create meals while describing the ingredients, building both motor skills and language at the same time.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement filled the room. Several students ran to the table and immediately asked, \"Can we start now?\" The bright colors, moving parts, and realistic tools instantly captured their attention. For many of my students who struggle with traditional fine-motor tasks like writing or cutting, these tools made skill practice feel like play. I watched students who typically avoid hand-work remain focused for long periods, carefully tightening screws, matching pieces, and proudly showing their completed creations to their classmates. Their confidence and persistence have grown in remarkable ways.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are expanding these activities into structured projects that combine fine motor development with early academic learning. Students will begin building models that match picture instructions, sequencing steps for construction, and even creating their own \"design plans\" through drawing and labeling. We are also incorporating the stacking food sets into math and language lessons, using them to practice counting, sorting, patterning, and storytelling. Thanks to your generosity, my students are strengthening the foundational skills they need for writing, self-help tasks, and academic success; all while experiencing the joy of learning through hands-on exploration.","fullyFundedDate":1746699592260,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-tools-mighty-skills-the-fine-moto/9254978/","projectTitle":"Tiny Tools, Mighty Skills: the Fine Motor Workshop\"","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":9338048,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Developing Confidence in My Math Abilities. The new math workbooks and activity books have quickly become a central part of our daily instruction. These books introduce essential early math skills such as number recognition, counting, number relationships, addition and subtraction, problem solving, patterns, shapes, measurement, and logical thinking. Because the lessons are structured in small, manageable steps, students are able to build understanding gradually and with confidence. Each page provides opportunities for students to practice, apply, and reinforce what they are learning, which is especially important for my students with diverse learning needs.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading a math book is an interactive experience. We don't just \"read\" the page; we explore it together. Students talk about the numbers they see, explain their thinking, use manipulatives to model problems, and draw pictures to represent solutions. These books have helped create meaningful conversations around math where students are encouraged to ask questions, take risks, and support one another. During small-group lessons, I often see students pointing to the page and saying, \"I know this one!\" before eagerly working through the problem. Their confidence grows with each completed page, and they are beginning to view themselves as capable mathematicians.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have especially connected with these new books. One student who once avoided math now asks if we can \"do the workbook first.\" Another proudly shows me his finished pages and says, \"Look how much I did!\" For my younger learners, the bright visuals and hands-on activities make math feel less intimidating and more like a game. The books are not only improving academic skills; they are changing how students feel about learning. Because of your generosity, my students are building strong math foundations while developing confidence that will support them far beyond this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1748008911583,"projectUrl":"project/developing-confidence-in-my-math-abiliti/9338048/","projectTitle":"Developing Confidence in My Math Abilities","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":9254580,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, learning in our classroom has truly \"lit up.\" The Hot Dot math and reading resources have become one of our most powerful instructional tools, helping students practice foundational skills with confidence and excitement. We use the materials daily in small-group instruction and independent learning centers. One of our favorite moments happened during a reading group when a student who typically struggles with phonics completed an entire Hot Dot card independently and proudly said, \"I did it by myself!\" That simple sentence reflected the confidence your gift has helped build.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the Hot Dot pens and activity cards, their faces absolutely lit up. They were fascinated by the lights and sounds and immediately wanted to try them. What surprised me most was how quickly even my most hesitant learners became engaged. The instant feedback encourages them to self-correct and keep trying, which has significantly increased both motivation and perseverance. Students now view practice as a fun challenge instead of a frustrating task.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are expanding the use of these resources into more complex lessons by combining math and reading skills with problem-solving activities, partner work, and small-group challenges. Students are beginning to track their own progress and set personal learning goals using the Hot Dot activities as benchmarks. Thanks to you, our classroom is filled with brighter confidence, stronger skills, and a growing love for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1745847042645,"projectUrl":"project/dot-to-confidence-learning-that-lights/9254580/","projectTitle":"Dot to Confidence: Learning That Lights Up!","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":9254883,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has access to a tablet that has completely transformed the way I support my students' learning and track their progress toward their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. While many of us use technology daily at home, the way this device is used in our classroom is truly powerful. The tablet allows me to collect real-time progress data during lessons, record observations instantly, and adjust instruction on the spot to meet each student's needs. Instead of interrupting instruction to write notes later, I can stay fully engaged with my students while ensuring their growth is carefully documented. This means more time teaching and more time connecting with each child.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is that the tablet makes learning feel interactive and important. They love seeing their progress charts, digital stickers, and visual feedback after completing tasks. For many of them, especially those who struggle with traditional paper-and-pencil work, the tablet reduces anxiety and increases motivation. One student who typically avoids academic tasks now eagerly asks, \"Is this going in my chart?\" because he knows his efforts are being recognized. Another student beams with pride when she sees her reading progress displayed on the screen, and it has encouraged her to try harder, even when the work feels challenging.\r\n\r\nSeveral of my students with disabilities have especially connected with this technology. One student with attention difficulties stays focused longer when the tablet is incorporated into instruction, and another who struggles with communication has become more confident as we use visual data and pictures to talk about his goals. The tablet has helped them understand that learning is a journey and that their growth truly matters. Because of this tool, I am better able to personalize instruction, celebrate progress, and help each child build confidence in their abilities.\r\n\r\nYour gift is doing far more than providing technology; it is creating a supportive learning environment where students feel valued, motivated, and proud of their accomplishments. Thank you for helping us give every child the opportunity to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1746703307070,"projectUrl":"project/mission-data-possible-tracking-iep-pr/9254883/","projectTitle":"Mission: Data Possible – Tracking IEP Progress Like a Pro","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":8560238,"projectId":9287687,"letterContent":"Our students are absolutely loving our new, colorful story time rug! It has already transformed our read-aloud space into a warm, inviting, and welcoming corner of the library. As soon as students walk in, their faces light up—they rush to find their favorite spot, settle in with their friends, and get ready for whatever adventure we're about to explore together. The bright colors and soft texture help create a cozy environment that makes every story feel special. Even teachers have commented on how cheerful and engaging the rug makes the entire space feel.\r\n\r\nWe're using the rug daily for lessons, read-alouds, and collaborative activities. During our current author study and research lessons, students sit together on the rug to explore PebbleGo articles, share what they've learned, and discuss books from our collection. This space has become a true community hub where students feel safe, comfortable, and excited to learn. As we continue our Battle of the Books preparation and library skills lessons this year, the rug will remain a foundational space where students gather, connect, and grow. Your generosity has made our library feel even more like home—thank you for helping create a vibrant, joyful space where our students can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1746786102357,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-warm-and-welcoming-library-sp/9287687/","projectTitle":"Building a Warm and Welcoming Library Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8560238_orig.jpg?crop=758,758,x0,y17&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743540656751","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msjamiesmith"},{"teacherId":211266,"projectId":9188657,"letterContent":"It is a pleasure to finally have our gardening beds organized by grade level again, with the ability to use the tools that had to be kept in the custodian's workroom on the other side of campus. Now, thanks to the funding for the shed, we can... get a fresh start to growing flowers, vegetables, and some fruits that our students actively plant and grow at school.\r\n\r\nHaving a space where students K-5 can take a simple pack of seeds and watch them grow is a fantastic experience to have at school. It's not just about the plants, it's about the potential for great careers ahead.","fullyFundedDate":1744032844708,"projectUrl":"project/a-garden-with-a-protective-shed-grows-cr/9188657/","projectTitle":"A Garden With A Protective Shed Grows Crops! Please Help!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blue","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp211266_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753114043264","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/211266"},{"teacherId":9563973,"projectId":9439653,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to *Team Building Through Social Emotional Connections*. \r\n\r\nThe students were thrilled to use the new resources, which are already helping them regulate their emotions and take meaningful breaks when needed. It's truly wonderful that they now have a dedicated space where they feel supported, calm, and better equipped to manage their emotions. Creating this kind of environment makes a lasting impact on both their learning and overall well-being.\r\n\r\nThe students use the cube and mirror daily. Sometimes they sit in the cube and read a book or simply look in the mirror and think about ways to manage their emotions. The safe place cube has made a positive impact on our classroom as well as our students. Once again, we are very grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1751836128433,"projectUrl":"project/team-building-through-social-emotional-c/9439653/","projectTitle":"Team Building Through Social-Emotional Connections","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9563973"},{"teacherId":873390,"projectId":9150551,"letterContent":"I would like to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of a projector to our ESL classroom. This resource has truly transformed the way I am able to engage my students and support their language learning.\r\n\r\nWith the projector, I can bring lessons to life through visuals, interactive activities, and real-time demonstrations that make English more accessible and meaningful. My students are especially excited by the opportunity to watch videos, participate in group activities, and see their work projected for the whole class to celebrate. The use of images, stories, and multimedia resources has not only improved comprehension but also boosted their confidence and enthusiasm for learning.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I have been able to create a more dynamic and interactive classroom where every student feels included. My students' listening and speaking skills have grown tremendously as they practice with authentic materials, and their motivation to participate has increased. With the projector, I've been able to incorporate collaborative lessons and digital tools that simply weren't possible before.\r\n\r\nI would like to give special thanks to Ripple for their support. Your contribution has made a powerful impact on both my teaching and my students' growth. Thanks to you, I am able to bring new opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and confidence into the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746586762959,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-learning-to-life-donate-a-proj/9150551/","projectTitle":"Bringing Learning to Life: Donate a Projector for Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rivera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp873390_orig.jpg?crop=3456,3456,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710322696133","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/873390"},{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":9254243,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have meaningful opportunities to express themselves in new and creative ways. The resources provided through this project have been incorporated into our daily lessons and social-emotional learning activities, helping students build stronger connections with both their peers and their own emotions. One of the first projects we completed was a \"feelings collage,\" where students used art supplies to create a visual representation of how they were feeling that day. This activity opened the door to rich conversations and gave students who sometimes struggle with verbal expression a safe and joyful outlet to share their thoughts.\r\n\r\nThe excitement when the materials first arrived was contagious. Students eagerly explored the paints, markers, journals, and other creative tools, with many asking, \"Can we start today?\" For some, this was their very first time having access to high-quality materials dedicated to self-expression. The pride on their faces when they shared their finished work was unforgettable. One student who is usually very quiet surprised the group by confidently standing up to explain the meaning behind his art piece. That moment showed us just how powerful creative expression can be for building both communication skills and confidence.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps involve using the materials to launch a \"storytelling through art\" project where students will combine drawing, writing, and sharing to tell short personal stories. This will allow them to continue practicing communication and emotional awareness while also fostering collaboration with peers. Thanks to your support, my students are not only developing academic skills but also learning how to express themselves authentically and build connections that will last far beyond our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746666897246,"projectUrl":"project/heart-to-heart-building-connections-wit/9254243/","projectTitle":"Heart-to-Heart: Building Connections With Creative Expression","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"}],"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","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.1,"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"}