{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sterling Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":25.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9570774,"projectId":9720046,"letterContent":"The whiteboards you have helped us get have quickly become essential tools in our classroom. Students use them to show their thinking in math, build phonics skills, practice handwriting, and share their learning in real time. The lined boards have especially helped students improve their manuscript writing. Our large boards support interactive whole‑group lessons, while the mini boards keep small‑group learning hands‑on and engaging. Thanks to you, students have access to these tools in every corner of the room, encouraging participation, creativity, and a growth mindset every day.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generosity and the positive impact you've made on our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758283364768,"projectUrl":"project/whiteboard-wonders-where-little-learner/9720046/","projectTitle":"Whiteboard Wonders: Where Little Learners Make Big Ideas Shine!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gortayo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9570774_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750024099358","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgortayo"},{"teacherId":2830348,"projectId":10032402,"letterContent":"I wanted to send a quick note to say a huge thank you for helping us restock our game shelves! Honestly, I wish you could have been in the room when the kids saw the new boxes. There is something so special about watching a student's face light up when they realize their favorite \"well-loved\" game—the one that was missing half the cards or had a taped-up board—is finally back and ready for action.\r\n\r\nThe excitement was totally contagious. Within minutes, groups were huddled together, laughing and diving back into the games they've missed so much. It was about more than just getting new things; it was about that pure, simple joy of getting to play again with their friends.\r\n\r\nIt has been so wonderful to see the \"old favorites\" back in rotation. Watching the kids reconnect with games they've loved for years, while seeing them patiently teach the rules to new friends, has given our classroom a whole new energy.","fullyFundedDate":1769462741805,"projectUrl":"project/well-loved-games-rejuvenated/10032402/","projectTitle":"Well Loved Games Rejuvenated","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Daniel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2830348_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1478256774308","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/funin1st"},{"teacherId":2830348,"projectId":9720957,"letterContent":"Because of your support, we are now able to turn our vision of a dedicated clothing closet into a reality. By providing the funds and materials for storage racks, hanging systems, and organized bins, you have done much more than just \"organize a room.\" You have helped us create: \r\n\r\n-Dignity in Choice: Instead of rummaging through bags, students can now browse a clean, organized space that feels like a boutique, ensuring they feel respected and cared for.\r\n\r\n-Ready Access: We can now sort items by size and season, allowing us to get a warm coat or a clean pair of pants to a child the moment the need arises.\r\n\r\n-Sustainability: Your gift ensures that the \"gently used\" donations we receive stay in excellent condition, maximizing the impact of every piece of clothing donated by our community.\r\n\r\n-Turning Compassion Into Action\r\nA school should be a place where every child feels confident. Thanks to you, our students will walk into their classrooms better equipped to learn, play, and grow without the burden of lacking basic essentials.\r\n\r\nWe are honored to have you as partners in our mission to support the whole child. You aren't just providing storage—you are providing comfort, confidence, and community.","fullyFundedDate":1761322510619,"projectUrl":"project/rack-roll-the-closet-edition/9720957/","projectTitle":"Rack & Roll: The Closet Edition","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Daniel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2830348_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1478256774308","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/funin1st"},{"teacherId":9570774,"projectId":9706786,"letterContent":"The snacks you helped provide have made a meaningful and lasting difference in our classroom. Many of our students are not able to bring snacks from home, and because of your generosity, they never have to worry about going without. Having consistent access to snacks helps students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the day. These healthy and tasty snacks give students the fuel they need to stay comfortable and engaged, making our classroom a more positive and productive space. \r\n\r\nThank you for caring so deeply about our students' well‑being and for ensuring they have what they need to succeed. Your kindness brightens our classroom each day, and we are truly grateful for you.","fullyFundedDate":1758825583977,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-minds-one-snack-at-a-time/9706786/","projectTitle":"Fueling Minds, One Snack At A Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gortayo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9570774_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750024099358","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgortayo"},{"teacherId":9212230,"projectId":9752002,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support. The students have greatly enjoyed their new materials. They unboxed with us and are all anxiously waiting their turn to use them. All students have been trying to earn their stars for independent work time and using their cards to tell us if they need help. They are working much quieter and are more on task because they want a chance to pick their \"smart seat\". They are loving the incentive of picking a lap deck or cushion to sit on and do their work instead of sitting at their assigned desk. Students are more engaged and motivated to do their best. Thank you for your part in making this happen.","fullyFundedDate":1761322511317,"projectUrl":"project/mission-peaceful-possible/9752002/","projectTitle":"Mission: Peaceful Possible","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McKisson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9212230_orig.jpg?crop=992,992,x0,y26&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753820551870","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9212230"},{"teacherId":2830348,"projectId":9922476,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity in funding our new outdoor recess equipment. Your support has been instrumental in allowing us to purchase much-needed, safe, and engaging new equipment for our students. From hula hoops to soccer balls, the variety will ensure that every child has an opportunity for active, fun, and constructive outdoor play during recess.\r\n\r\nThis new equipment is already making a noticeable difference in promoting physical activity, teamwork, and inclusive play among our diverse student body. We often speak about the importance of giving children a safe and engaging environment to thrive, and your donation has made that a reality on our playground. Now we can more running, more laughing, and better creative play for every child every day. You haven't just bought equipment; you've bought joy, energy, and a better recess experience!\r\n\r\nThank you!","fullyFundedDate":1764787251978,"projectUrl":"project/active-minds-active-bodies-recess-rene/9922476/","projectTitle":"Active Minds, Active Bodies: Recess Renewal!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Daniel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2830348_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1478256774308","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/funin1st"},{"teacherId":2830348,"projectId":9912041,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students, teachers, and staff at my school, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donation. Your contribution was instrumental in funding our new, secure outdoor storage bins for recess equipment, and the impact has been immediate and wonderful!\r\n\r\nWe are delighted to report that the new storage bins are now installed on the playground. A crucial feature of these bins is their ability to be securely locked, which means we can safely store our recess equipment outdoors, ensuring it is protected from the elements and secure overnight. This convenience means that balls, jump ropes, cones, and other gear are easily accessible for teachers and students for daily use during recess.\r\n\r\nThe excitement when the bins arrived was truly palpable! Students and teachers were incredibly happy to see the new, sturdy bins, especially as they were filled with brand-new equipment. Recess is a vital part of the school day, providing essential time for physical activity, social development, and creative play. Thanks to your support, we can keep the equipment safe, organized, and available for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1764625305401,"projectUrl":"project/ready-for-recess-a-safe-and-secure-sto/9912041/","projectTitle":"Ready for Recess - a Safe and Secure Storage Solution!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Daniel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2830348_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1478256774308","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/funin1st"},{"teacherId":9850493,"projectId":9737764,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a space highlighting creativity and engagement. The new supplies have allowed my students to dive into projects that bring learning to life. We immediately put them to use in a collaborative science project where students designed posters on energy transformations. The pride they felt in presenting their work, supported by the vibrant resources you provided, was a joy to witness.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, these supplies are continuing to fuel our lessons in meaningful ways. Right now, my students are working on a literacy unit where they'll write a paragraph about natural disasters. The materials you helped fund are giving them the confidence to express themselves and the tools to make their ideas shine. Your support has not only enriched our classroom today but is laying the foundation for deeper learning and creativity in the months to come. We are so grateful for the peek you've taken into our classroom and for the lasting impact you've made on our students' journey.","fullyFundedDate":1759169467991,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-supplies-for-engaged-learning/9737764/","projectTitle":"Classroom Supplies for Engaged Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Valencia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9850493_orig.jpg?crop=540,540,x0,y149&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747509460633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9850493"},{"teacherId":9570774,"projectId":9885864,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project! Because of your contribution, our classroom now has a beautiful calm-down space that students have been loving and using regularly. This space has given them a safe and comforting area to regulate their emotions, refocus, and return to learning with confidence. Along with that, the new indoor recess toys and incentives have completely transformed our classroom environment — students are more engaged, cooperative, and excited about learning. \r\n\r\nOur students were truly touched to know that someone cares so deeply about their learning and comfort. They couldn't believe that people outside of our classroom would invest in their success, and their gratitude has been overwhelming. Your donation didn't just provide materials; it created opportunities for joy and emotional well-being every single day. You've helped us build a classroom where students feel valued and supported, and that is priceless. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making such a meaningful difference for our kids and for being a part of their journey!","fullyFundedDate":1762972250194,"projectUrl":"project/creating-calm-joy-and-connection-in-th/9885864/","projectTitle":"Creating Calm, Joy, and Connection in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gortayo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9570774_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750024099358","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgortayo"},{"teacherId":9692669,"projectId":9601949,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your support! Recorders are a beloved unit in music class at our school. As a Title 1 school, most of my students do not have the resources to buy instruments or take private music lessons. These recorders are instruments that they can keep and use at home. They cherish them and get quite good at playing them!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for choosing to contribute to our project. Thank you for brightening the days of my students and easing the minds of their families. This is one less expense over which they will need to worry. You have made a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1760693719573,"projectUrl":"project/rocking-our-new-recorders-in-2025/9601949/","projectTitle":"Rocking our New Recorders in 2025!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Scarboro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9692669"},{"teacherId":2830348,"projectId":9456588,"letterContent":"On behalf of all the children I serve, please accept my deepest gratitude for your generous donation, which funded the purchase of ThinkFun's Roller Coaster Challenge game through my Donors Choose Critical Thinking Games project.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your support was immediate and truly wonderful to witness. The children's faces lit up with pure excitement the moment they saw the vibrant pieces and challenging concept laid out. There's something magical about building a working roller coaster, and the enthusiasm was palpable as they eagerly dove into the challenge cards.\r\n\r\nThis game proved to be an incredibly engaging addition to my program. I observed children working together, problem-solving complex spatial puzzles, and celebrating each successful run. Beyond the fun, the Roller Coaster Challenge provided a fantastic, hands-on opportunity to develop crucial STEM skills like logical reasoning and engineering principles.\r\n\r\nThe game was especially accessible to my English Language Learners (ELLs). The instructions and core concepts are primarily visual and tactile, requiring little to no complex verbal explanation. This allowed our ELL students to participate fully and confidently alongside their peers, building both their cognitive skills and their sense of belonging and achievement.\r\n\r\nYour generosity directly translates into moments of joy, learning, and self-discovery for these children. Thank you again for investing in play, critical thinking, and equitable learning opportunities.","fullyFundedDate":1757525622547,"projectUrl":"project/game-on-learning-with-critical-thinkin/9456588/","projectTitle":"Game on! Learning with Critical Thinking Games","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Daniel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2830348_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1478256774308","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/funin1st"},{"teacherId":9685885,"projectId":9444204,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! Because of you, our classroom has been transformed into a vibrant, welcoming, and highly functional space that inspires learning every single day. From the moment my students walked in and saw the colorful bulletin board rolls, fun borders, pink and black contact paper accents, and personalized nameplates, their eyes lit up with excitement. One student said, \"It looks like a classroom from a book!\" The refreshed environment has made our classroom feel more like a second home, where students feel calm, focused, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nBeyond the decor, the functional tools you've helped provide like the buzzers for games, dry erase boards and circles, paper protectors, felt tip pens, and electric pencil sharpener have allowed us to take our lessons to the next level. My second graders love using the buzzers during review games, which make learning fast-paced and fun. The dry erase boards are used daily for math, spelling, and group work, helping students participate more actively and confidently. The desktop organizer and hooks keep our supplies accessible and our space tidy, building independence and responsibility.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, my students have a space that supports creativity, movement, and focus. Our next steps include student-led writing and math centers, where the new materials will continue to play a key role. We are deeply grateful for the peek you've taken into our classroom and for the lasting impact you've made on our daily learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1757423951179,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-year-fresh-space-a-classroom-mak/9444204/","projectTitle":"Fresh Year, Fresh Space: A Classroom Makeover!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gultiano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9685885_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723920939905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9685885"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_34297","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":430,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":64,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":74.3,"schoolId":34297,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sterling Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sterling Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/loudoun-county-public-schools/sterling-elementary-school/34297"}