{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Stanley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9925953,"projectId":9150233,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our occupational therapy room now has a much-needed tool that's already making a big difference for my students. With the new iPad and stylus, I've been able to offer my students an alternative to traditional pencil-and-paper tasks—something that's especially important for many of the students I work with, who have motor challenges or avoid writing altogether. The touchscreen and interactive apps have made it easier for them to engage in fine motor activities in a way that feels approachable and fun.\r\n\r\nOne student who typically resists writing tasks was able to stick with a letter tracing activity for the entire session—something that just wouldn't happen with paper and pencil. By the end, he was isolating his index finger and successfully tracing from top to bottom, following the correct stroke patterns we focus on for early writing skills. These kinds of small moments add up to real progress, and having a new tool that meets students where they are makes that possible. We've only just begun exploring all the ways we can use this tech in therapy sessions, and I'm so excited for what's next.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping make this happen!","fullyFundedDate":1746785832794,"projectUrl":"project/ipad-stylus-to-support-students-in-spe/9150233/","projectTitle":"iPad & Stylus to Support Students in Special Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Herrin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9925953_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739816356735","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9925953"},{"teacherId":9925953,"projectId":9117910,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding this project!! Because of your generosity, my students now have access to a variety of adapted handwriting tools that are already making a real difference in their learning and confidence. In both our OT room and their classrooms, students have been using slant boards to support better posture and wrist positioning during writing, which helps promote proper hand alignment and reduces fatigue. These simple yet effective tools make a big difference, especially for students who struggle with fine motor coordination.\r\n\r\nWe've also been using adapted paper with visual cues and specialized pencils like the Twist 'n Write, which help students maintain a functional grasp without as much effort. These materials are supporting the development of motor memory for proper letter formation, helping students write more efficiently and legibly. It's incredibly rewarding to see them begin to focus more on expressing their ideas rather than getting stuck on the physical act of writing. With your generosity, my students now have the tools to make writing more accessible, and they're gaining skills that will serve them far beyond the therapy room.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping to set them up for success!","fullyFundedDate":1746785361767,"projectUrl":"project/adapted-writing-tools/9117910/","projectTitle":"Adapted Writing Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Herrin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9925953_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739816356735","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9925953"},{"teacherId":9925953,"projectId":9117795,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, my students now have access to engaging, hands-on learning tools that are making a huge difference in our OT sessions! The STEM kits, marble mazes, and letter-building activities have quickly become student favorites—so much so that I often hear, \"Can we do one more letter?\" or see students eagerly problem-solving without even realizing how much hard work they're putting in.\r\n\r\nOne of the biggest hits has been the letter builder kit with child-sized hammers and plastic nails. Watching my students choose letter cards and confidently hammer out each shape has been amazing. While it is a fun activity for them, to me it's a powerful multi-sensory way for them to learn letter formation, improve fine motor coordination, and stay focused. Even students who typically need extra support are independently picking letters and assembling them with minimal help, showing just how motivating and accessible these tools are.\r\n\r\nThe marble mazes have sparked just as much excitement. These projects aren't just about play—they require careful planning, bilateral coordination, and flexible thinking. I've watched students build a maze, notice the marble gets stuck, and then—without frustration—start brainstorming what to adjust. That kind of perseverance and problem-solving is exactly what we hope to foster, and it's been incredible to see them so engaged and proud of their creations.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students are not only developing important motor and cognitive skills, but they're also building confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning. These kits have turned challenging tasks into activities they can't wait to do. I'm so grateful for your support—you've helped create a learning environment where every success, big or small, is celebrated and where students are excited to push themselves further.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible and for believing in the power of hands-on learning!","fullyFundedDate":1741465464159,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning/9117795/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Herrin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9925953_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739816356735","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9925953"},{"teacherId":9925953,"projectId":9117715,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in bringing the Sensory Toolkit to my OT sessions. These tools have already made a noticeable difference for my students, especially during moments when regulation is a challenge.\r\n\r\nOne student, who is mostly non-speaking and often becomes overwhelmed during transitions, was recently unable to make it from the front of the building to her classroom. She was visibly upset, and it was difficult to know how to help in that moment. When I offered her one of the stretchy sensory tubes, she became curious and instantly stopped crying. After a few minutes of playing with it while we sat together in the hallway, she was calm and ready to walk to class with a smile. Since then, she's continued to use the tube as a transition support—helping her feel comfortable and confident during times that were previously overwhelming.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, moments like this are becoming more common. The sensory bottles, tubes, and chew tools are giving my students the ability to regulate their bodies, focus on tasks like writing and drawing, and navigate their school day with greater ease. Your contribution has provided more than just materials—you've given my students tools to succeed, feel safe, and build independence. I'm truly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1740942822312,"projectUrl":"project/occupational-therapy-sensory-toolkit/9117715/","projectTitle":"Occupational Therapy Sensory Toolkit","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Herrin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9925953_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739816356735","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9925953"},{"teacherId":9974053,"projectId":9202811,"letterContent":"Due to your generosity, I have been able to supply recorders to all third fourth and fifth grade students at Stanley who wish to practice more than just inside my music room. This has given them the ability to be independent learners and give them the confidence to pursue their musical dreams! Students who had recorders at home made more growth due to their time out in at home. The look of joy on their faces whenever I gave them their own recorder was something I wish I could share with you. Thank you from all Stanley cougars and from me.","fullyFundedDate":1742919615489,"projectUrl":"project/our-cougars-recorders/9202811/","projectTitle":"Our Cougars Recorders!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sarah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9974053_orig.jpg?crop=2033,2033,x286,y185&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742840322194","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9974053"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_36376","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":326,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":90,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":19,"percentWhite":24,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":19,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":76.6,"schoolId":36376,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Stanley Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Stanley Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/tacoma-public-schools/stanley-elementary-school/36376"}