{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Springfield Ball Charter School","outOfStateSupporters":14.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7761855,"projectId":9232143,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom library project. Your contribution will have a lasting impact on our students and the reading culture we are building together. These new books will help transform our library into the vibrant, print-rich space that I strive to create—a place where students feel excited, curious, and empowered as readers.\r\n\r\nMany of the books currently in our classroom have been well-loved for years and are beginning to show their age. Your support allows us to replace worn titles with fresh, engaging books chosen specifically with our students in mind. I've watched them gravitate toward stories just like these, and I've listened to their requests for the types of books they most enjoy. Thanks to you, they will now have a wider selection of grade-level texts and high-interest reads that truly speak to them.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, students will be able to choose books that reflect their interests, fuel their imaginations, and support their growth as independent readers. The best way to become stronger readers is simply to read more, and these books will help our students do exactly that. Their enthusiasm for independent reading has already been incredible, and this project will only deepen their love for the written word.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their learning. Your kindness will enrich their reading experiences for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1744213848725,"projectUrl":"project/miss-capranicas-lovely-library-refresh/9232143/","projectTitle":"Miss Capranica's Lovely Library Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Capranica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7761855_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753795845227","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7761855"},{"teacherId":7761855,"projectId":9514353,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project. Your contribution means more than you know. With these materials, our students will have the tools they need to stay organized, express themselves, and feel truly seen and valued each day.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our learning space will be more joyful, inclusive, and engaging. The binder clips, whiteboard erasers, and \"Colors of the World\" crayons will be used daily to help students learn with confidence and pride. The rewards, games, and WOW Board incentives will continue to build motivation, celebrate achievements, and strengthen our classroom community.\r\n\r\nYour kindness will have a lasting impact on our students' academic, social, and emotional growth. Thank you for believing in our kids and investing in their success. We are deeply grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1754569391782,"projectUrl":"project/ms-cs-class-community/9514353/","projectTitle":"Ms. C's Class Community!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Capranica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7761855_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753795845227","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7761855"},{"teacherId":1770846,"projectId":9609323,"letterContent":"The students have been thrilled with the new basketballs, as they significantly enhance the overall basketball experience. The improved grip allows for better control during dribbling, making it easier for players to handle the ball with confidence. This is especially beneficial for students who are still developing their ball-handling skills, as the more textured surface of the basketball provides a firmer hold, reducing the likelihood of slips or fumbles. Additionally, the enhanced bounce of the balls ensures a more predictable and consistent performance on the court, making it easier for students to react and adjust their gameplay.\r\n\r\nIn our ML PE sessions, these new basketballs have been put to good use during a variety of activities, including full-court games, ball-handling drills, and shooting exercises. During the full-court games, the students have noticed how the improved bounce allows for smoother transitions and better ball control during fast-paced play. In ball-handling drills, the enhanced grip has allowed students to focus more on their technique, helping them to develop more precise and effective dribbling skills. Moreover, during shooting activities, the new balls provide a more reliable feedback on the students' shooting form, which has been invaluable for refining their techniques. Overall, the new basketballs have contributed to a more enjoyable and effective learning experience in PE class, allowing students to build their skills while having fun.","fullyFundedDate":1756952750518,"projectUrl":"project/dribble-up-success/9609323/","projectTitle":"Dribble Up Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tatham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1770846"},{"teacherId":1770846,"projectId":9608880,"letterContent":"Our new resources have quickly become an integral part of our ML health curriculum. Students are using them during small-group instruction, and collaborative projects that encourage deeper exploration of core concepts. One of the most memorable moments so far was a hands-on activity where students used the materials to put the human body together (bones and muscles). This activity sparked thoughtful conversations and genuine interest about what they were learning.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first walked into the classroom and saw the new materials, they were very intrigued and excited.. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it was clear that these resources made them feel seen, supported, and inspired. That initial reaction set a positive tone for the days that followed, and their curiosity has only grown since then.\r\n\r\nThanks to these materials, our next steps involve expanding on a current project that encourages critical thinking. Students will be using the new resources to deepen their understanding, take ownership of their learning, and build skills they can apply across subjects. Our donors helped open the door to new possibilities, and I'm excited for them to see the long-term impact these tools will have as students continue to explore, create, and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1755741027116,"projectUrl":"project/flex-your-muscles-with-the-poly-muscles/9608880/","projectTitle":"Flex Your Muscles With the Poly Muscles Puzzles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tatham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1770846"},{"teacherId":10082693,"projectId":9473885,"letterContent":"The new headphones, journals, and book bags have made a huge difference in our classroom. \r\n\r\nStudents are now able to focus during independent learning with their headphones, which has made online reading and math lessons much more effective. The journals have given them a space to reflect and express their ideas creatively, whether through writing, drawing, or responding to prompts. The book bags have helped students take ownership of their learning by keeping their materials organized and ready to go for small-group reading or take-home practice. \r\n\r\nAltogether, these resources have helped create a calmer, more engaged, and more independent classroom environment.","fullyFundedDate":1753109092283,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-futures-basic-learning/9473885/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Futures: Basic Learning Tools for Our Youngest Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Besler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10082693_orig.png?crop=1278,1278,x0,y140&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752764119922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10082693"},{"teacherId":10238180,"projectId":9675442,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!\r\n\r\nThe children are using the new materials almost daily and they are truly making a difference in their education! The blocks have been a favorite at the math blocks center. The hands-on manipulatives that came with the alphabet trays have been such a huge addition to our morning routines. We also have loved learning to use the wiki stix to support our literacy and math skills. They absolutely loved seeing the new materials and their faces lit up with smiles! \r\n\r\nThank you for everything!","fullyFundedDate":1757448283587,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-for-young-students/9675442/","projectTitle":"Hands-on Learning for Young Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Koehler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10238180_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757212010514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10238180"},{"teacherId":8424494,"projectId":9376306,"letterContent":"These owl pellets were a huge hit at our school wide Family Reading Night. We had 275 people in attendance. This station provided our students with a hands on unique learning opportunity. Many of the students were excited to see what bones they found and locate the bone on the posters provided. \r\n\r\n These experiences will help build their background knowledge and create a love for learning. Many of our kids expressed how much this experience ment to them. Thank you for your generosity and many of our students benefited from this project.","fullyFundedDate":1748142612225,"projectUrl":"project/wild-about-reading-and-science-night/9376306/","projectTitle":"Wild About Reading and Science Night","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Johannes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8424494"},{"teacherId":6800106,"projectId":9564947,"letterContent":"Our group of 22 kindergarteners is so thankful for your generous contribution to our classroom! When the materials started arriving, it was like Christmas morning each day; everyone looked forward to opening up whatever new goodies had shown up overnight. The kids were all so excited to use these hands-on materials, and we teachers were so excited to create engaging lesson plans! \r\n\r\nSince this is a kindergarten class and everyone is new to our school, a few of our supplies won't be used until a little later this school year, as we have not gotten to more sophisticated lessons yet. However, we have really especially loved the way several of our new materials have helped with fine motor skills and letter/ number formation -- perfect for the beginning of kindergarten! The Wiki Sticks have been used almost daily to help students make letters and numbers, and now we are even moving on to making sight words! The Construction Set is such a fun way for them to make and review letters while also getting to use a hammer and nails. It incorporates play, imagination, AND literacy, which is jus what we wanted with that toy!! Another item that our students have been loving is the \"Helping Hands\" bucket of fine motor tools. We will often start the day with the kids practicing picking up pom-poms and other items, using the scoopers, the tweezers, and the blowers. Strengthening their hands is essential to honing the handwriting skills they need, but they're doing it in a playful way and having fun! \r\n\r\nWe are so thankful to you for supporting our little learners. We will be using all of these awesome materials for years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1755132567176,"projectUrl":"project/primary-kids-deserve-engaging-learning-a/9564947/","projectTitle":"Primary Kids Deserve Engaging Learning Activities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Holzmacher and Mrs. Willenborg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6800106"},{"teacherId":4889686,"projectId":9676686,"letterContent":"Many students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia are capable readers and writers, but they often need alternative methods to demonstrate their understanding. Society tends to view reading as a visual activity and writing as a pencil-and-paper task, which doesn't reflect how many students learn and communicate today. When provided with appropriate tools, these students can access and express their knowledge just as effectively as their peers.\r\n\r\nSpeech-to-text technology enables struggling writers to share their ideas without the frustration of handwriting or spelling challenges.\r\nTools like audiobooks can turn dyslexic students into confident readers, allowing them to engage with texts in a way that works best for them. These strategies help students showcase their knowledge and skills in a manner that aligns with their unique learning styles.\r\n\r\nThis project aims to provide students with headphones that include microphones, giving them the equipment needed to share their thoughts and demonstrate their learning confidently. By supporting their ability to express themselves, we empower students to succeed academically and foster a greater sense of self-confidence. Your support can help unlock their potential and ensure every student has the tools they need to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1758847167187,"projectUrl":"project/voice-based-writing-empowering-students/9676686/","projectTitle":"Voice-Based Writing: Empowering Students With Alternative Expression","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Craven","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4889686_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757087196732","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-craven-resource"},{"teacherId":4889686,"projectId":9660153,"letterContent":"This project has had a profoundly positive impact on my classroom by providing engaging and practical resources that support students with reading challenges. The all-in-one decoding and word-building kit encourages multisensory learning, helping students grasp complex concepts like phonics, decoding, and spelling through hands-on activities. This approach makes literacy more accessible and enjoyable, boosting students' confidence and independence. The organized, durable design ensures easy use and fosters a sense of ownership over their learning. Overall, the kit promotes academic growth, fosters a love for reading, and creates a supportive environment that encourages continuous improvement and lifelong literacy development.","fullyFundedDate":1758847101886,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-literacy-hands-on-reading-suc/9660153/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Literacy: Hands-On Reading Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Craven","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4889686_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757087196732","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-craven-resource"},{"teacherId":4889686,"projectId":9630189,"letterContent":"Getting this project funded has had a transformative impact on my students with dyslexia. These bright, creative, and determined young learners bring so much energy and insight to the classroom, but their reading struggles often hold them back. Prior to receiving the reading pen, they spent most of their time trying to sound out words, which drained their energy and frustrated their enthusiasm for learning. \r\n\r\nWith the funding, the introduction of a reading pen has changed their experience dramatically. Now, with a simple scan of a word or sentence, the pen reads aloud instantly, enabling students to access grade-level materials and follow along with assignments seamlessly. This tool has empowered them to enjoy books independently and participate more actively in classroom activities without always waiting for adult help. \r\n\r\nMost importantly, the reading pen has built their confidence. It helps these students see themselves as capable learners who can succeed alongside their peers. As a result, they are able to focus more on understanding content, engage more deeply in discussions, and rediscover the joy of reading. This support fosters not only academic growth but also nurtures self-esteem and a love of learning—something every child deserves.","fullyFundedDate":1756342937476,"projectUrl":"project/voices-on-the-page-helping-struggling-r/9630189/","projectTitle":"Voices on the Page: Helping Struggling Readers Thrive","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Craven","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4889686_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757087196732","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-craven-resource"},{"teacherId":4889686,"projectId":9289885,"letterContent":"Implementing flexible seating options in our classroom has significantly improved students' learning experiences by providing environments that cater to their individual sensory and movement needs. It helps students stay focused and attentive, reduces anxiety and restlessness, and promotes self-regulation. These seating choices empower students to move freely and choose the most comfortable and effective learning space, fostering independence, confidence, and a positive attitude toward learning. Ultimately, this supportive environment enhances their academic success, emotional well-being, and overall growth.","fullyFundedDate":1747160023453,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-options-for-our-exceptional-le/9289885/","projectTitle":"Classroom Options for Our Exceptional Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Craven","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4889686_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757087196732","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-craven-resource"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_29833","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":394,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":40,"percentWhite":39,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":85.2,"schoolId":29833,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Springfield Ball Charter School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Springfield Ball Charter School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/springfield-public-schools-district-186/springfield-ball-charter-school/29833"}