{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Strandwood Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":7.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9889543,"projectId":9936978,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible generosity and belief in our students. Our upper-elementary extensive-needs special day class serves students with a wide range of developmental, physical, and communication needs, many of whom use wheelchairs, mobility supports, or AAC to communicate. Because of your support, we are now able to begin building a classroom cooking program that creates meaningful opportunities for students to take initiative, build independence, and develop genuine self-confidence through real-life skills.\r\n\r\nThe cooking supplies you helped provide—including measuring tools, mixing bowls, utensils, adaptive cutting sets, baking pans, and more—are already transforming how students engage in learning. Cooking allows students to participate in purposeful routines such as measuring, pouring, stirring, and following step-by-step directions. These tasks mirror skills they will use at home and in the community, making learning functional and empowering. For many of our students, completing even one step independently is a powerful achievement that builds pride and motivation.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support shifts cooking from an adult-led activity to a student-driven experience. Students are beginning to choose tools, participate in preparation, and take ownership of their work while building confidence at their own pace. We are currently awaiting approval to use the toaster oven, and once approved, students will experience the full process of preparing and cooking food from start to finish. Thank you for giving our students the chance to lead, make decisions, and see themselves as capable learners. Your generosity is helping them build skills—and confidence—that will last a lifetime.","fullyFundedDate":1764692953883,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-our-way-to-confidence/9936978/","projectTitle":"Cooking Our Way to Confidence!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9889543_orig.jpg?crop=1572,1572,x40,y1824&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758319521349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9889543"},{"teacherId":9889543,"projectId":9839929,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and belief in our students. In our upper elementary special education classroom, movement is a vital part of learning, regulation, and joy—especially for students with extensive needs. Because of your support, we now have safe, engaging, and accessible materials that allow every child to participate meaningfully in movement-based activities. Your kindness has helped transform our classroom into a space where physical activity is inclusive, exciting, and purposeful.\r\n\r\nThe adapted materials you helped provide—foam fliers, tennis balls, sensory throwing discs, foam balls with tails, stomp rocket refills, and ball pit balls—have opened the door to countless opportunities for growth and fun. Students are practicing throwing, catching, aiming, and coordination in ways that feel playful and achievable. Soft and tactile equipment allows students to explore movement safely while building confidence, strength, and balance. Activities like stomp-rocket launches and ball-pit play have quickly become student favorites, bringing laughter, teamwork, and high engagement to our day.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support has given our students moments of success and connection that extend far beyond physical skills. Movement helps our students regulate their emotions, improve focus, and express themselves in ways that words sometimes cannot. Because of you, every child can move, groove, and grow in an environment that celebrates effort and progress. Thank you for making inclusive movement possible and for helping our students experience the joy and confidence that come from active play.","fullyFundedDate":1760838484659,"projectUrl":"project/move-groove-and-grow-adaptive-sports/9839929/","projectTitle":"Move, Groove, and Grow: Adaptive Sports for Every Body!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9889543_orig.jpg?crop=1572,1572,x40,y1824&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758319521349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9889543"},{"teacherId":9889543,"projectId":9839840,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and belief in our students. Our upper elementary special education classroom is filled with learners with extensive needs who are eager to move, explore, and engage with the world around them. Because of your support, we were able to bring the Pumper Car into our school, and it has already sparked incredible excitement among our students. Even during setup, students were cheering, asking questions, and eagerly waiting for their turn—an immediate reminder of how meaningful your gift truly is.\r\n\r\nThe Pumper Car is more than just a piece of equipment; it is a powerful tool for growth, confidence, and independence. Its unique pumping motion encourages students to use their arms and legs together, strengthening core muscles, improving endurance, and supporting bilateral coordination. What makes it truly special is that it feels like play rather than therapy. For students who require adaptive approaches to movement, the Pumper Car provides a safe, engaging way to build physical skills while experiencing success and joy.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support has given our students access to the pure joy of movement. During adaptive P.E. and outdoor learning, the Pumper Car will help students practice turn-taking, teamwork, and self-confidence while celebrating effort and progress. Every smile, laugh, and proud moment on the Pumper Car is a direct result of your generosity. Thank you for helping our students experience freedom, fun, and fitness in a way that truly meets their individual needs.","fullyFundedDate":1764692954139,"projectUrl":"project/pump-up-the-power-moving-grooving-and/9839840/","projectTitle":"Pump Up the Power: Moving, Grooving, and Growing Strong!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9889543_orig.jpg?crop=1572,1572,x40,y1824&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758319521349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9889543"},{"teacherId":9889543,"projectId":9838193,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible generosity and belief in our students. Our upper elementary special education classroom is filled with learners who approach each day with determination, joy, and a strong desire to participate fully in their world. Because of your support, our project \"Every Ability Can Play\" is now a reality, and our students have access to adapted sports equipment that truly meets them where they are. Your kindness ensures that physical activity in our classroom is inclusive, empowering, and focused on celebrating each child's abilities.\r\n\r\nWith the adapted equipment you helped provide, our students are experiencing movement in ways that were not previously possible. Tools like the Kicker Helper allow students with limited lower-body movement to actively participate in soccer, kickball, and bowling. The Mesh Dribble Aid gives students the chance to feel the rhythm of dribbling a basketball, while the Combo Bowling/Bocce set offers accessible, engaging play for all learners. Adapted Bowling Balls, Catch Pads, and visual hand and foot guides support coordination, communication, and confidence, helping every student experience success and progress.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support has created moments of joy, pride, and connection. Our students cheer for one another, celebrate effort, and discover that they belong in every activity. These experiences build confidence that extends far beyond physical education—into the classroom, the playground, and daily life. Thank you for helping our students see that no ability level defines their potential and that everyone deserves the chance to play, participate, and shine.","fullyFundedDate":1764692954342,"projectUrl":"project/every-ability-can-play-adapted-sports-f/9838193/","projectTitle":"Every Ability Can Play: Adapted Sports for All Stars!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9889543_orig.jpg?crop=1572,1572,x40,y1824&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758319521349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9889543"},{"teacherId":9889543,"projectId":9831000,"letterContent":"Thank you for believing in our students and supporting inclusive movement in our upper elementary extensive needs classroom. Because of your generosity, our students now have access to adapted sports equipment that allows them to move, play, and participate in ways that honor their individual strengths and abilities. Your support goes far beyond providing equipment—it sends a powerful message to our students that they are valued, capable, and worthy of joyful, meaningful experiences.\r\n\r\nWith the portable basketball hoop, mini basketballs, soccer goal, adapted sensory soccer ball, and PVC grab balls, our classroom has transformed into a welcoming \"mini gym\" where every child can participate. Students are practicing skills through activities like basketball shoot and cheer, goal kick relays, and partner passing games. These structured activities support gross motor development, communication, turn-taking, and emotional regulation, while also building confidence and social connections. Whether students are standing, sitting, or rolling into action, each child can experience success in a way that works for them.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support has created moments of pure joy—students cheering for one another, celebrating goals, and discovering that movement can be fun and empowering. Many of our students face daily challenges, but through these adapted activities, they are learning that they belong and that they are athletes in their own unique way. Thank you for helping us create inclusive opportunities that will positively impact our students' confidence, health, and sense of community long after the final whistle blows.","fullyFundedDate":1760677941710,"projectUrl":"project/game-on-adaptive-sports-for-all-stars/9831000/","projectTitle":"Game On! Adaptive Sports for All Stars!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9889543_orig.jpg?crop=1572,1572,x40,y1824&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758319521349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9889543"},{"teacherId":10292041,"projectId":9769580,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation to my classroom and to our school. Your support has truly made a meaningful difference—not only in my teaching, but in the growth and excitement of my students each day.\r\nYour contribution has allowed me to become a more effective and inspired educator. Because of your kindness, my students are thriving. They are reading with confidence, excelling in math and science, and approaching learning with genuine joy and curiosity. The printer you donated has been an invaluable tool, helping me create anchor charts, station rotations, and interactive learning games that strengthen their understanding. The coding bot has sparked excitement and encouraged my students to explore the world of coding—a skill they are eager to practice every chance they get.\r\nYour generosity extends far beyond my classroom. I share many of the supplies and materials with the other first-grade teachers, allowing even more students to benefit from your kindness.\r\nOne story I especially wanted to share with you: I have a student who dreams of becoming a doctor. She proudly keeps a box of bandages at her desk, ready to help anyone in need. It is a simple item, yet it is already encouraging her to believe that her dream is possible. Moments like these remind me how even the smallest tools can have a powerful impact.\r\nMy students talk about you often. I always remind them that there was a generous people who believed in them before they ever met them, people who wanted the very best for their future. They often say, \"Thank you, Mr. T, Thank you Donors Choose! I wish you could visit us in person, but I hope the photos we've sent show just how much your gift means to all of us.\r\nMr. Tilenius and fellow donors thank you not only for your donation, but for reigniting something in me as well. Your kindness has been a source of encouragement and inspiration, reminding me why I love what I do.","fullyFundedDate":1759151976632,"projectUrl":"project/color-copies/9769580/","projectTitle":"Color Copies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kratz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10292041_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759099185874","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10292041"},{"teacherId":9889543,"projectId":9786825,"letterContent":"Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude for your generous support in funding our recent DonorsChoose project for our special education upper elementary classroom serving students with extensive learning needs. Your kindness and commitment to fostering hands-on, inclusive learning experiences have transformed what we are able to provide for our students each day. Because of your contributions, we can now create rich, multi-sensory STEM learning opportunities that inspire curiosity, build communication, and nurture problem-solving skills in meaningful, engaging ways.\r\n\r\nThe new materials — including the magnetic math activity tins, living things magnetic activity tins, and Squigz starter set — are already sparking joy and discovery in our classroom. My students are naturally drawn to tactile, interactive learning experiences, and these tools allow them to explore foundational STEM concepts through touch, sight, and movement. With the magnetic sets, students are learning how to sort, match, and classify living and nonliving things, as well as explore math operations in a way that feels like play. The Squigz have quickly become a class favorite — students build towers, patterns, and shapes while strengthening fine motor coordination and collaborative play skills. For many of my students, fine motor work can be challenging, but with these new materials, the hard work feels exciting and rewarding rather than overwhelming.\r\n\r\nThe motion discovery tubes and sound mystery capsules are opening up incredible opportunities for sensory exploration and science discussions. These tools help my students investigate cause and effect, sound, and motion — all essential STEM concepts that are now made accessible and enjoyable. Watching them observe the swirling movement inside the tubes or listen intently to identify the sound from each capsule shows how much active learning is happening. Their eyes light up with excitement as they predict what might happen next, and for nonverbal students, these tools encourage communication through pointing, gesturing, or using augmentative communication devices. The 8-foot parachute has been another incredible addition, providing cooperative play, sensory regulation, and physical activity. My students work together to make the parachute rise and fall, learning teamwork, rhythm, and anticipation — all while having pure, joyful fun.\r\n\r\nThe Learning Resources Color Sorting Pirate Treasure and Mini Farm Stand Sorting Set are perfect for incorporating math, color recognition, and sorting skills into play-based learning. My students take turns identifying colors, counting treasures, and sorting fruits and vegetables by category, which supports both their academic and social-emotional growth. The Indestructibles books have provided durable, accessible reading materials that can withstand enthusiastic use and meet the diverse sensory needs of our students who love to explore through touch. Finally, the pull-back racing cars and die-cast vehicles bring lessons on force, motion, and direction to life — students eagerly test how far their cars travel, compare speeds, and hypothesize how different surfaces affect movement. These moments are the heart of STEM learning: curiosity, discovery, and excitement in action.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has done far more than supply materials; it has helped us build a classroom where every child feels capable, valued, and inspired to explore. In our extensive learning needs classroom, every small success represents hours of perseverance, encouragement, and creativity. Because of you, my students now have more ways to engage meaningfully with the world around them, and I can more effectively meet their individual goals through sensory, motor, and cognitive pathways that fit their unique learning styles. You have empowered my students to learn through joy and movement — and that is the most powerful kind of learning there is.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for investing in our classroom, our students, and their futures. Your support has brought new life and energy to our STEM centers, and we are so excited to continue growing, experimenting, and discovering together — all thanks to you.","fullyFundedDate":1759899238136,"projectUrl":"project/stem-surprises-sensory-smarts/9786825/","projectTitle":"STEM Surprises & Sensory Smarts!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9889543_orig.jpg?crop=1572,1572,x40,y1824&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758319521349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9889543"},{"teacherId":9889543,"projectId":9786702,"letterContent":"Our classroom is absolutely buzzing with excitement, thanks to your incredible generosity and kindness in funding our STEM project! As a special education upper elementary classroom serving students with extensive learning needs, every learning tool you help provide truly transforms how our students engage with the world around them. The new two-station sand and water table, ball pit balls, white play sand, wooden car ramp zig zag, and wooden car ramp race track toy are not just classroom materials—they are gateways to discovery, hands-on exploration, and joyful learning. These materials give my students the chance to explore STEM principles like motion, cause and effect, gravity, and texture through play that feels exciting, motivating, and accessible to all abilities. Each item you helped provide has a special purpose in our daily activities, and I can already see the ways it will make a lasting difference for my students.\r\n\r\nThe sand and water table will become a hub of sensory exploration and scientific investigation. My students will have the opportunity to pour, scoop, and measure as they compare the properties of sand and water, discovering firsthand how materials behave differently. For some students, this table also provides powerful sensory regulation—helping them calm their bodies and focus their minds before engaging in other learning tasks. The white play sand you funded gives us a clean, bright, and safe medium to support tactile exploration, fine motor strengthening, and imaginative play. The addition of ball pit balls adds a new level of fun and sensory input; these lightweight, colorful spheres will be used for sorting, counting, and movement-based learning stations that blend physical activity with academic skill-building. The wooden car ramps, both the zigzag and the race track designs, bring physics to life for young learners who might otherwise struggle to grasp abstract concepts. As cars zip down the tracks, students will observe speed, slope, and momentum in action—developing vocabulary, curiosity, and the confidence to ask \"why\" and \"how\" questions that spark deeper learning.\r\n\r\nBeyond STEM learning, these materials nurture important social-emotional and communication skills. Students will take turns, share materials, and work together to build and explore, which are all essential life skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom walls. The setup allows for inclusive participation; even those with limited mobility or verbal communication can fully engage through sensory experiences, gestures, and shared laughter. Watching a student light up as they see their car zoom down the ramp, or feel the sand trickle through their fingers for the first time, reminds me why this work—and your support—matters so deeply. You've given my students opportunities that go beyond academics; you've given them moments of pride, discovery, and pure joy in learning.\r\n\r\nThank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in my students and in the importance of creating equitable access to STEM learning experiences. Your generosity doesn't just fill a classroom—it fills hearts, sparks curiosity, and builds the confidence of children who learn best through doing, touching, moving, and exploring. Each day, as my students dive into hands-on STEM discovery, they'll be learning because of you. I cannot wait to share their progress, their smiles, and their excitement as they explore, play, and grow with the amazing materials you made possible. Your gift has truly changed what's possible in our classroom, and for that, we are endlessly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1759899238231,"projectUrl":"project/stem-through-play-exploring-building/9786702/","projectTitle":"STEM Through Play: Exploring, Building, and Discovering!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9889543_orig.jpg?crop=1572,1572,x40,y1824&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758319521349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9889543"},{"teacherId":9889543,"projectId":9773873,"letterContent":"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our classroom project focused on STEM-based inclusive center rotations. Your donation has made an extraordinary impact on our special education upper elementary classroom, where each day is filled with learning, discovery, and joy. The materials you have provided—such as the Animals Up Close Puzzle Set, logic puzzles, alphabet and number puzzles, busy board puzzles, magnetic puzzles, shapes puzzles, emotion match puzzles, and the wide variety of sound puzzles (pets, instruments, farm, vehicles, and zoo)—will create hands-on, meaningful opportunities for my students to grow their problem-solving, fine motor, communication, and cognitive skills in ways that are both accessible and deeply engaging.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, every student learns differently and expresses themselves uniquely. Many of my students require visual and tactile supports, repetitive practice, and multisensory engagement to access academic and social-emotional learning. These new materials allow me to design center rotations that meet those diverse needs—rotations where students can build fine motor strength by fitting together puzzle pieces, practice language by identifying animal sounds or naming shapes, and strengthen critical thinking through logic puzzles that encourage cause-and-effect reasoning. The puzzles and busy boards also help reinforce sequencing, matching, and categorization—skills that form the foundation for reading, math, and scientific thinking. With your support, these materials transform learning from abstract concepts into real, concrete experiences that my students can touch, see, and feel.\r\n\r\nThe beauty of these resources lies in their inclusivity. Our class is designed for students with extensive learning needs, including those who use alternative communication systems or mobility devices. The puzzles you've funded are durable, colorful, and adaptable—perfect for every learner, whether they're just beginning to explore letters and shapes or are working toward identifying patterns and solving multi-step problems. These tools are not just teaching aids; they are bridges that connect each child to learning in their own way. Students who once hesitated to participate are now eagerly joining small groups, motivated by the sense of accomplishment and confidence they feel when completing a puzzle or matching an emotion face correctly.\r\n\r\nEach morning, as we rotate through our inclusive STEM learning centers, I see my students' curiosity bloom. A student who struggles with language may find a voice by pressing the sound puzzle and mimicking the animal noises; another student who finds transitions difficult may calm down while engaging with the busy board puzzle. These activities strengthen not only their cognitive growth but also their self-regulation, attention, and social interaction. Learning through play allows my students to access academic standards while also practicing vital life skills such as patience, persistence, and cooperation. These are moments of triumph—small to some, but monumental for us. Your generosity makes them possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in a classroom where learning looks different, sounds different, and feels different—but where the outcomes are every bit as meaningful. Because of you, our students will have access to rich, multisensory learning opportunities that foster independence, joy, and discovery every day. Your kindness and belief in inclusive education ensure that every child, no matter their ability level, can be a scientist, a problem solver, and a lifelong learner.","fullyFundedDate":1759349376235,"projectUrl":"project/puzzles-for-building-stem-thinking-in-an/9773873/","projectTitle":"Puzzles for Building STEM Thinking in an Extensive Needs Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9889543_orig.jpg?crop=1572,1572,x40,y1824&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758319521349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9889543"},{"teacherId":9889543,"projectId":9771623,"letterContent":"Our classroom is overflowing with excitement, gratitude, and curiosity thanks to your generous support of our Inclusive Sensory Garden STEM project. Every donation you made helped transform a simple idea into a hands-on, accessible, and deeply meaningful learning experience for my upper elementary students with extensive learning needs. For many of my students, the world is often experienced through touch, smell, and movement rather than traditional paper-and-pencil tasks. This project gives them an authentic way to explore science, math, and nature through sensory-rich experiences that engage all of their senses. The new pruning tools, gardening gloves, and extra-thick kneeling pads have made it possible for each student to participate safely and comfortably, regardless of mobility or sensory sensitivities. Watching their eyes light up as they gently dig into the soil or water the seedlings is a reminder that learning can—and should—be joyful and inclusive.\r\n\r\nThe addition of our mini greenhouse and grow light stand has made this project especially exciting. Our classroom can now continue to learn about plant life cycles and sustainable food sources year-round, even during colder months. Students have begun planting winter vegetables, edible flowers, and a variety of herbs, and they are already noticing differences in textures, smells, and growth rates. These observations have led to meaningful discussions about plant needs, environmental changes, and nutrition. Each child, regardless of their ability level, has found a role—some track the height of the plants using adaptive measuring tools, others water the seedlings daily, and several students enjoy labeling each plant with picture symbols for our nonverbal communicators. The wire rack shelf and portable greenhouse allow the plants to be displayed at multiple heights, making them accessible to students using wheelchairs and walkers. It's heartwarming to see them take ownership of their garden space, proudly showing off their progress to peers and staff who visit our classroom.\r\n\r\nBeyond science, this project has nurtured emotional growth, teamwork, and confidence. The calming rhythm of watering, the satisfying crunch of soil, and the fresh scent of herbs have created moments of peace and focus for students who often struggle with regulation. Gardening has become a shared language that fosters cooperation and empathy—students take turns, offer help, and cheer one another on when a sprout breaks through the soil. It's also been a beautiful way to teach responsibility and patience. They are learning that growth takes time and care, and every small effort contributes to something bigger. Your donations have given them an ongoing, living lesson in persistence and wonder. From counting seeds to observing roots, they are learning real-world STEM concepts through active participation, and their sense of pride is immeasurable.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for understanding that education looks different for every child. This project is more than just materials—it is an inclusive, sensory-based learning experience that bridges accessibility and science education. Because of your generosity, our classroom garden will continue to grow—just like our students. Your kindness has planted seeds of learning, inclusion, and joy that will continue to bloom for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1759552730551,"projectUrl":"project/growing-minds-stem-through-gardening/9771623/","projectTitle":"Growing Minds: STEM Through Gardening","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9889543_orig.jpg?crop=1572,1572,x40,y1824&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758319521349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9889543"},{"teacherId":9889543,"projectId":9761489,"letterContent":"Our classroom is overflowing with joy and excitement thanks to your incredible generosity in funding our project! As a teacher of an upper elementary special education class serving students with extensive learning needs, I am deeply grateful for your kindness and belief in inclusive education. Your donation to our STEM-focused project has brought meaningful, hands-on tools that make learning accessible, engaging, and fun for every single student in our room. The Kangaroo Air Cloud Rocker, wobble disk, and hippity hoppity hop balls have already transformed the way we incorporate movement and sensory regulation into our daily lessons. These tools are more than just fun—they are essential supports that help my students build balance, coordination, and body awareness, all while laughing, smiling, and connecting with one another.\r\n\r\nThe sensory bins—featuring themes like pets, farms, and the galaxy—have quickly become classroom favorites. They offer incredible opportunities for exploration, imagination, and STEM-based play. Students can dig through sand and textures to discover miniature animals, planets, or objects that spark curiosity and discussion. For many of my learners, tactile engagement is the key to unlocking communication, critical thinking, and scientific observation skills. Watching them make discoveries, use new vocabulary, and share their findings with their peers fills me with such pride and gratitude. These experiences promote not only science and problem-solving skills, but also social interaction, turn-taking, and self-regulation—skills that are essential for their lifelong growth.\r\n\r\nThe weighted stuffed animal, wobble disk, and sensory tools provide calm and comfort for students who need extra support to focus or transition between activities. Many of my students experience sensory processing differences, and having access to these tools gives them the freedom to regulate their bodies and minds in ways that make learning feel safe and joyful. During morning meetings and STEM exploration time, students often gravitate toward these materials independently, using them to prepare their bodies for engagement and participation. The rainbow-tailed catch balls have been another delightful addition, encouraging teamwork and motor skill practice while adding bright bursts of color and laughter to our physical activity time. Every single item you helped provide serves a unique purpose in supporting the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.\r\n\r\nYour kindness reminds my students that there are people in the world who believe in them—people who see their potential and want to help them shine. In a classroom filled with diverse needs, it can sometimes feel challenging to meet every learner exactly where they are. But with your help, we can do just that. These materials empower me to create lessons that are multisensory, inclusive, and responsive to how my students learn best. Thank you for helping us build a space where movement, creativity, and STEM exploration come together to make learning both accessible and magical. Because of you, my students are thriving, exploring, and growing every day with smiles that light up our entire classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758861427295,"projectUrl":"project/moving-with-stem-exploring-motion-ener/9761489/","projectTitle":"Moving With STEM: Exploring Motion, Energy, and Creativity!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9889543_orig.jpg?crop=1572,1572,x40,y1824&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758319521349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9889543"},{"teacherId":9889543,"projectId":9757157,"letterContent":"Our classroom is filled with excitement and gratitude thanks to your incredible generosity in funding our recent DonorsChoose project! As a special education upper elementary classroom serving students with extensive learning needs, every material that enters our room is carefully chosen to open doors of exploration, engagement, and joy. Your support has provided us with a wide range of STEM-based sensory and creative tools—like the Toobz Air Toy and its expansion pack, Fat Brain Toys Air Toobz, our beautiful new tongue drum, the sensory sand construction bin, multicolored kinetic sand, dazzling face gems, and miniature construction machines for our sensory bins. These items are so much more than toys or classroom supplies—they are bridges to learning, connection, and discovery.\r\n\r\nWhen my students engage with these new materials, they aren't just playing—they are experimenting with concepts of cause and effect, motion, air pressure, texture, color, and sound. For many of my students, traditional instruction methods are not always accessible due to cognitive or communication challenges. The hands-on, sensory-based nature of these materials provides multiple points of access for learning. The Toobz Air Toy set, for example, has quickly become a favorite tool for teamwork, turn-taking, and scientific curiosity. Students watch with awe as lightweight objects are lifted and swirled through clear air tubes, exploring airflow and energy transfer through play. The Fat Brain expansion pack allows us to build new tube paths and test different shapes, which sparks conversations and experimentation about what happens when airflow changes direction or pressure. It's STEM in action—and it's accessible to every learner in the room.\r\n\r\nThe sensory sand construction bin and the different colors of kinetic sand offer an equally engaging way to explore texture, building, and creativity. My students use their hands, tools, and construction vehicles to dig, pour, and mold, which helps them practice both fine motor skills and problem-solving. For students with sensory sensitivities, these materials are grounding and regulating, helping them calm their bodies while still engaging in meaningful exploration. The face gems, too, have unexpectedly become part of our creativity corner—students use them for art projects, sorting by color and size, and even as counting manipulatives in math and science lessons. Our little construction machines add another layer of play-based learning, encouraging students to explore force, motion, and balance as they create miniature building sites.\r\n\r\nThe addition of the tongue drum has brought a new dimension to our classroom's STEM and sensory experiences. The calming tones and vibrations from the drum have captured my students' attention and brought a sense of peace and focus to our learning environment. We use it during transitions and sensory breaks, and it's been particularly effective for students who are nonverbal, as it allows them to communicate and express emotion through sound. The connection between sound waves, vibration, and rhythm ties beautifully into our STEM lessons about energy and motion—transforming what was once a simple sensory break into a meaningful scientific experience.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students are building confidence, curiosity, and collaboration skills in ways that meet their individual learning needs. You've made it possible for us to explore STEM through multiple senses and access points, ensuring that every student feels successful and included. Thank you for believing in the power of sensory play and hands-on learning for all students. You have not only provided materials but also the spark that ignites a love of discovery and joy in learning. Our classroom is truly brighter, more vibrant, and more inclusive because of your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1758777193765,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-stem-for-creative-minds/9757157/","projectTitle":"Hands-On STEM for Creative Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9889543_orig.jpg?crop=1572,1572,x40,y1824&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758319521349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9889543"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4148","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":600,"numTeachers":27,"percentFrplEligible":10,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":53,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":15,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"22.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":92.2,"schoolId":4148,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Strandwood Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Strandwood Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/mount-diablo-unified-school-district/strandwood-elementary-school/4148"}