{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sugar Creek Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":16.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3336785,"projectId":10057282,"letterContent":"I wanted to send a quick note to thank you for the materials you donated. They're already in the hands of my students and are getting plenty of use.\r\nThese tools are specifically helping my students with dyslexia work through letter and number reversals. It's been great to see them use the resources to physically track movements, which is helping them build the muscle memory needed to keep their \"b's,\" \"d's,\" and \"6's\" straight.\r\nHaving these items allows them to practice without the usual frustration. You can see their confidence shift a bit when they realize they have a way to correct those patterns on their own.\r\nThanks again for the practical support—it's making the daily work a lot smoother for them.","fullyFundedDate":1769392243436,"projectUrl":"project/the-write-direction-multisensory-tool/10057282/","projectTitle":"The 'Write' Direction: Multisensory Tools for Dyslexia and Reversals","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Showalter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3336785"},{"teacherId":10030788,"projectId":10056848,"letterContent":"The hygiene products and snacks from this project have already made a meaningful impact in our classroom by helping students feel comfortable, supported, and ready to learn each day. These resources are available in our classroom for students to access when they need them, helping ensure that basic needs do not become barriers to learning. When students know that they have access to snacks or hygiene supplies if they need them, they are better able to focus, participate, and stay engaged throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were very excited and appreciative. They quickly understood that these resources were there to support everyone in the classroom. It helped create a sense of care and community, where students feel that their well-being matters just as much as their academic success. Having these supplies available also helps create a more welcoming environment where students can feel confident and supported during the school day.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, these resources will continue to support students as they work through daily lessons and longer learning activities that require focus and perseverance. When students feel comfortable and have their basic needs met, they are better prepared to stay engaged, collaborate with classmates, and do their best work. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our classroom is a place where students can focus on learning, growing, and feeling supported every day.","fullyFundedDate":1771032034248,"projectUrl":"project/hygiene-essentials-for-healthy-confiden/10056848/","projectTitle":"Hygiene Essentials for Healthy, Confident 5th Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tellor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10030788_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y368&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746801197789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10030788"},{"teacherId":10030788,"projectId":9736056,"letterContent":"These new books have been a great addition to our classroom because they serve as mentor texts that help students learn important reading and writing skills. As we read them together, students practice identifying themes, noticing how authors develop characters, and paying attention to the structure of a story. We also look closely at the author's craft by discussing things like descriptive language, dialogue, and how an author creates a strong beginning or ending. Because many of the books connect to different times of the year, they naturally spark conversations about traditions, perspectives, and experiences, which helps students build empathy while strengthening their comprehension skills.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is an active and shared experience. During read aloud time, students gather together to listen to the story, think about the characters, and discuss what they notice or wonder. We often pause to turn and talk with a partner, make predictions, or connect the story to our own lives. These moments help students see that reading is not just about finishing a book, but about thinking deeply and sharing ideas with others. After reading, we often use the books as inspiration for our own writing, allowing students to apply what they noticed about the author's craft.\r\n\r\nSeveral students in our class have been especially excited about these new books. Some students who do not always enjoy read alouds now do because they recognize parts of their own traditions or experiences in the stories. Other students love noticing the small details in the illustrations and pointing out clues about the characters or setting. It has been wonderful to watch students become more engaged and confident as readers as they connect with the stories and share their thinking with their classmates.","fullyFundedDate":1769177914657,"projectUrl":"project/amplifying-voices-diverse-read-alouds-f/9736056/","projectTitle":"Amplifying Voices: Diverse Read Alouds for a Year of Inclusion","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tellor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10030788_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y368&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746801197789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10030788"},{"teacherId":3714891,"projectId":9981748,"letterContent":"Thank You for Helping Us Build a Culture of Encouragement!\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom bulletin boards are now bright, meaningful spaces filled with encouragement, positivity, and student voices.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the boards went up, my students and staff were excited. They immediately noticed the new display areas and couldn't wait to help decide what should go on them. We introduced our \"Encouragement Board\" as a place where kind words live — a space for positive praise, uplifting questions, and affirmations.\r\n\r\nNow, students regularly participate in sharing kind messages with one another. They dictate encouraging notes like, \"You are a good helper,\" or \"I like how you kept trying.\" Some students are even beginning to attempt writing parts of the messages themselves. It has become a daily routine to pause and recognize effort, growth, and kindness.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful changes has been the confidence boost I've seen in my students. Many of them face risk factors for educational challenges, and seeing their names and accomplishments celebrated publicly builds pride and belonging. They often bring classmates over to show them their note or ask to share it with their families.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom environment now intentionally promotes positive self-talk, resilience, and community. These bulletin boards are more than displays — they are reminders that our words matter and that every child here is valued.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping us create a space filled with encouragement and hope.","fullyFundedDate":1768513055008,"projectUrl":"project/encouraged-teachers-thriving-classrooms/9981748/","projectTitle":"Encouraged Teachers, Thriving Classrooms","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Summers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3714891_orig.jpg?crop=599,599,x462,y51&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655584441691","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missblotcky"},{"teacherId":851460,"projectId":10056558,"letterContent":"This project has made a meaningful and immediate impact on my classroom by transforming our learning environment into an engaging, hands-on space that supports language, literacy, sensory exploration, and social development. The fall-themed materials and activities have increased student motivation, attention, and participation, especially for my youngest and most at-risk learners. Students are more eager to engage in lessons, practice communication skills, and explore new concepts through play-based learning. The sensory bins, fine motor tools, and literacy resources have provided valuable opportunities for students to develop vocabulary, sentence structure, early reading skills, and problem-solving abilities in a fun and supportive way.\r\n\r\nThe new materials have also allowed me to better differentiate instruction to meet a wide range of developmental needs. The hands-on resources support expressive and receptive language growth, social interaction, turn-taking, and cooperative play. Overall, this project has enriched our daily routines, strengthened learning outcomes, and created a warm, inviting classroom environment where students feel excited to learn, explore, and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1769395092744,"projectUrl":"project/little-learners-big-autumn-adventures/10056558/","projectTitle":"Little Learners, Big Autumn Adventures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp851460_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768402603161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/851460"},{"teacherId":8184808,"projectId":9776360,"letterContent":"The rain sensory tubes have supported many students in calming down. I have one student who uses them to transition from center time to gross motor on days when he is upset. The other sensory tubes have supported a student who was having strong emotions one day to calm down. She looked at them all and picked her favorite and was able to explain why it was her favorite to me. \r\n Kyle, the breathing pal, has helped most of my students to stop and take deep breaths to calm their bodies and be able to regulate themselves before moving on in their day. The stuffed seal that we received due to the weighted blanket being out of stock was a hit with the students who needed extra support by hugging it and taking that much-needed break to control their emotions. The little spots of feelings and the book package helped my students who struggle to identify their emotions be able to identify some basic emotions. \r\n The rainbow visual timer supports my students who need to control strong emotions by watching it and breathing with it. Most of all, the calm corner canopy helps my students who need space alone to regulate themselves be able to feel alone inside a classroom and work on their emotions. Thank you so much for your donations and support for my classroom! It means so much to my students and me for all the love and support that we have received.","fullyFundedDate":1764130529751,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-support-for-calm-down-corner/9776360/","projectTitle":"Sensory Support for Calm Down Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8184808_orig.jpg?crop=1509,1509,x0,y819&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759190675513","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8184808"},{"teacherId":3336785,"projectId":9799937,"letterContent":"Implementing weighted animals and sensory regulation tools provides students with essential Deep Pressure Stimulation, a proven method for lowering cortisol and calming the autonomic nervous system. By offering this grounding proprioceptive input, we transition students from a state of sensory overwhelm to a \"ready-to-learn\" mindset, directly increasing their academic endurance and ability to focus on complex tasks. These items serve as functional bridges to self-regulation, reducing behavioral disruptions and ensuring that neurodivergent learners have the physical support necessary to engage equitably with the curriculum alongside their peers.\r\nI am so thankful for your donation which is helping my students make progress now that we are in a more calm ready to learn state.","fullyFundedDate":1767045771666,"projectUrl":"project/calm-bodies-busy-minds/9799937/","projectTitle":"Calm Bodies, Busy Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Showalter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3336785"},{"teacherId":10030788,"projectId":9735934,"letterContent":"Thanks to you, my 5th grade students now have hands-on STEM and experiment materials that have completely transformed our learning. Instead of just reading about scientific concepts, students are actively exploring, testing, and problem-solving through real experiments.\r\n\r\nThese materials have increased student engagement and curiosity. Students are asking deeper questions, collaborating with peers, and using critical thinking skills as they design experiments, make predictions, and analyze results. The hands-on nature of the materials has also helped make learning more accessible for all learners, especially those who learn best by doing.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this grant has helped students see themselves as scientists and engineers. They are building confidence, learning from mistakes, and developing perseverance as they test ideas and revise their thinking. This experience has made STEM learning meaningful, exciting, and memorable for my students, and it would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors.","fullyFundedDate":1760645361633,"projectUrl":"project/stem-in-5th-grade-measuring-and-explori/9735934/","projectTitle":"STEM in 5th Grade: Measuring and Exploring Matter","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tellor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10030788_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y368&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746801197789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10030788"},{"teacherId":8979037,"projectId":9794701,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to our Calm Corner, or now we call it: Calming Cube or the \"Cube\"! Young children are still learning how to navigate big feelings. With this Calming Cube, we now have a place students can go to whenever they need it! \r\n\r\nSince it was added to class midway through the year, my students were able to help me figure out what type of \"tools\" we should have for students to use in there! We decided on timers, sensory bottles, 2 books, and visuals for breathing and emotions would all be great additions! With the cube, students can access a small quiet area while reaching on the top for whatever tool they feel they need.\r\n\r\nUp to this point, we were using a VERY large cardboard box for our Corner and--while we truly loved the box, because what 5-year-old doesn't love a good box?--now we have a much bigger and more secure location in our room! Thank you again for supporting this project. It will be used for many, many years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1766996002970,"projectUrl":"project/a-calming-corner-for-preschoolers/9794701/","projectTitle":"A Calming Corner for Preschoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sherwin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8979037_orig.jpg?crop=686,687,x128,y435&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724270836560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8979037"},{"teacherId":10017620,"projectId":9839035,"letterContent":"Thank you SO much for funding this project. It has had a significant positive impact on my students. The materials included in this project have motivated my students to be their best selves not only in the classroom, but in all areas of the school. \r\n\r\nTheir personal favorite is the butter slime! This is something that all of them have been saving up their \"Cheetah Cash\" for! It is so fun to see them working on budgeting and saving, as well as looking for opportunities to work hard and earn more Cheetah Cash. \r\n\r\nI cannot thank you enough for supporting my classroom. It truly means so much to me!!!","fullyFundedDate":1766887878027,"projectUrl":"project/rewarding-right-choices/9839035/","projectTitle":"Rewarding Right Choices","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lanham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10017620_orig.jpg?crop=434,434,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746483555954","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10017620"},{"teacherId":10017620,"projectId":9764864,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contribution to this project! It went over SO WELL and was the perfect SEL lesson for fifth graders. They had the best time learning about the calming technique of glitter jars and had fun making their own. They have remained on their desks for months after creating them! \r\n\r\nThe PBIS team at my school saw us do this project and ended up making an adapted version for each classroom, so that was amazing too! \r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, students were able to create and utilize a tool that positively contributes to their self regulation. THANK YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1759255767583,"projectUrl":"project/mindful-moment-jars/9764864/","projectTitle":"Mindful Moment Jars","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lanham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10017620_orig.jpg?crop=434,434,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746483555954","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10017620"},{"teacherId":10303724,"projectId":9797172,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our flexible seating project. Because of you, our classroom has become a more welcoming, engaging, and supportive learning environment for every student.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the new seating, my students and I have been using it daily during reading, writing, math, and small-group instruction. Students are able to choose seating that best meets their learning needs, whether that means a wobble stool for movement, floor seating for collaboration, or a comfortable chair for independent work. One especially meaningful moment was during a writing workshop, when students were fully engaged—spread throughout the room, focused, and confidently revising their writing. I noticed increased productivity from all students. \r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their excitement was immediate. Their faces lit up as they explored the different seating options, and many shared how special it felt to have choices in their learning space. They quickly took ownership of the seating, discussing which options helped them concentrate or feel calm, and they have shown great responsibility in using the materials appropriately.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, flexible seating will continue to support our learning as students work through upcoming lessons in reading comprehension, collaborative problem-solving, and a research-based writing project. Over several days, students will plan, draft, and revise their work, and the comfort and flexibility of our seating will help them stay engaged and motivated throughout the process.\r\n\r\nThank you again for giving my students this opportunity. Your generosity has made a lasting difference in how they learn and how they feel in our classroom. We are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1761869691247,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-in-4c/9797172/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating in 4C","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10303724_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y745&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759857880585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10303724"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_29922","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":322,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":61,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":31,"percentWhite":45,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":83.2,"schoolId":29922,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sugar Creek Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sugar Creek Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/mclean-co-unit-district-5/sugar-creek-elementary-school/29922"}