{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Taku Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6834126,"projectId":9619369,"letterContent":"Thanks for funding our Battle of the Books project! The main impacts of this project are student engagement, increased motivation, and skill development. Battle transforms reading from a solitary activity into an interactive and dynamic experience. Structured as a friendly competition, it motivates students to dive deeper into various books, thereby fostering a lively learning environment. Students discuss plot points, characters, and themes - which enhances their comprehension and retention. These kids are filled with curiosity and inspiration! \r\n\r\nThe motivation among students has increased participation. It was a slow roll to get kids interested, and two months in kids are asking if there is more room on the teams. The prospect of competing in a book tournament motivates students to read more diligently and devote their time to reading. This has created a more passionate engagement with books. Kids are coming to the library to swap out books and mark off their chart multiple times a week.\r\n\r\nParticipation in the Battle of the Books naturally fosters the development of a wide range of skills among students. Through the process of reading and preparing for the competition, students are developing their analytical and critical thinking abilities, as they must understand and interpret various texts thoroughly. They are learning to work together, share knowledge, and support each other in preparing for the competition in January.","fullyFundedDate":1755710021061,"projectUrl":"project/turning-pages-building-teams-winning-b/9619369/","projectTitle":"Turning Pages, Building Teams, Winning Battles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6834126_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754975093573","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6834126"},{"teacherId":3122247,"projectId":9298993,"letterContent":"My students are working hard to earn their prizes from this project: we are working on positive attitudes, always safe, work hard, and show respect. They earn a cub caught and are placed in a daily drawing to earn the fun prizes this project funded. I was also able to share with the schools drawing so students have more choice! They love these prizes and are working hard to make sure they are doing all they can to earn them! Prizes are expensive but with this generous donation we are able to have months worth for students! Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1746786102245,"projectUrl":"project/gifts-for-growth-celebrating-a-year-of/9298993/","projectTitle":"Gifts for Growth: Celebrating a Year of Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lothrop","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3122247"},{"teacherId":3122247,"projectId":9298941,"letterContent":"My students appreciate your generosity with getting headphones not only for their daily work on their Chromebooks but also for testing to help them stay focused. They have taken very good care of their new headphones and use the silencing ones when they just need the extra help with focus. Without these headphones they wouldn't be able to complete their IReady lessons and earn their next party as a class! Thank you for donating to this project and allowing my students the opportunities that they deserve!","fullyFundedDate":1746785461032,"projectUrl":"project/learning-loud-and-clear-with-headphones/9298941/","projectTitle":"Learning Loud and Clear With Headphones for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lothrop","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3122247"},{"teacherId":3122247,"projectId":9298909,"letterContent":"The students at Taku are very grateful for all of the support with this project! They have headphones to help with online learning.\r\nWe have also increased our attendance because we have the necessary cleaning supplies to help us all stay healthy! Snacks have also been beneficial as students often come to school hungry and rely on these to get through the day. Taku kids thank all of you for your support in keeping our kids in school with the necessary tools needed. As the winter is setting in these will help get us through the next months! Thank you to all of the donors.","fullyFundedDate":1746785716181,"projectUrl":"project/clean-hands-bright-minds-help-keep-our/9298909/","projectTitle":"Clean Hands, Bright Minds: Help Keep Our Classroom Germ-Free!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lothrop","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3122247"},{"teacherId":9143299,"projectId":7612417,"letterContent":"Alternative seating has had a powerful impact on preschool students with disabilities by creating more inclusive, comfortable, and engaging learning environments. Flexible options such as wobble stools, bean bags, floor cushions, and reading benches allow children to move, self-regulate, and choose seating that meets their sensory and physical needs. This flexibility helps reduce anxiety, increase attention, and improve participation during group activities and reading time. Students gain a sense of control and independence, which builds confidence and social interaction skills. Overall, alternative seating promotes focus, emotional regulation, and a greater love for learning among young children with diverse abilities.","fullyFundedDate":1691353510976,"projectUrl":"project/if-i-fit-i-sit/7612417/","projectTitle":"If I Fit, I Sit!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wolkoff","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9143299"},{"teacherId":9148497,"projectId":9336452,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to the project Clean and Confident Kids. What a joy it was to be able to provide these products for my students!\r\n\r\nThe kids were so excited when I told them I had put together a Personal Hygiene Kit for each and every one of them, thanks to your generosity. They were so curious about what might be in their bags. There was a lot of excited chatter as they received their bags and explored the contents. These kids were so very grateful for the large variety of items you provided for them and my classroom was instantly transformed! Combs were taken out and many of them were brushing their hair, lotion bottles opened, lots of sniffing and exclaims of \"OHHHH! This smells soooo good!\" My girls were especially grateful for the feminine hygiene products provided and made it a point to tell me privately how relieved they were to have them. \r\n\r\nI cannot thank you enough for the kindness you have shown these kids. Their smiles and excitement were magical. It was truly a gift.","fullyFundedDate":1750874511101,"projectUrl":"project/clean-and-confident-kids/9336452/","projectTitle":"Clean and Confident Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Katrina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9148497_orig.jpg?crop=1160,1160,x0,y30&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691021191795","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9148497"},{"teacherId":9150122,"projectId":9337150,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation!\r\nWe now have a color printer in a school that we can use to provide teachers with vibrant data graphics and visuals. \r\nAs a Title I school, we take student growth to heart. We are always striving to improve our instruction so that we can reach our students in the most impactful way. With this newly added color printer, teachers can see data, statistics, and their goals come to life. This has, and will, help our collaboration and understanding of student growth and progress.\r\nThank you so much for helping us see every child in color!","fullyFundedDate":1747953280175,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-up-with-our-goals/9337150/","projectTitle":"Keeping Up with our Goals!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ferrer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9150122_orig.jpg?crop=541,541,x0,y86&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691222098675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9150122"},{"teacherId":5969219,"projectId":9054866,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generous donations. With this project, students were able to practice classroom skills while having fun and staying engaged. After learning the games in the classroom, I made card sets for them to take home to play with their families. They were so excited to have their own set of flashcards as well as more materials to use in class and home.\r\n\r\nIt was great to see fluency increase with all the students. Some students made HUGE growth and were quite proud of themselves. I loved watching their attitudes about math change since knowing simple facts made everything else easier for them. Confidence and participation grew and our math lessons were no longer something that they tried to avoid.\r\n\r\nWe kept our classroom less germier with the wipes and tissues. Fewer students were sick and able to attend school on a regular basis. Our class often won the weekly attendance award for having the highest attendance rates. I believe it is because having the materials to keep it clean helped keep them healthy.\r\n\r\nAgain, I can't thank you enough for your generosity. You made such a difference in the lives of thirty-five fourth graders! Your kindness will never be forgotten.","fullyFundedDate":1743519117922,"projectUrl":"project/tis-the-season-for-runny-noses-sneezing/9054866/","projectTitle":"Tis the Season for Runny Noses, Sneezing, and Indoor recesses.","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gardeline","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5969219"},{"teacherId":9167927,"projectId":9012800,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with the stackable stools! These stools have made a huge difference in how my students approach their learning. With the freedom to choose where and how they sit, my third graders are more engaged, focused, and motivated. Whether they're working independently, collaborating in small groups, or simply changing their scenery for better focus, these stools provide the flexibility they need to succeed. Your generosity has helped create a classroom where students can take control of their learning environment, encouraging independence and creativity. We are so grateful for your support in providing the tools that allow our students to thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1735589941993,"projectUrl":"project/stack-up-success-flexible-seating-for-a/9012800/","projectTitle":"Stack Up Success: Flexible Seating for a Dynamic Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McMahon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9167927_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699424898150","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9167927"},{"teacherId":9167927,"projectId":8961288,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom by providing much-needed snacks for my students! Many of my students come to school hungry, and having access to snacks like crackers, granola bars, and fruit snacks has made a huge difference in their ability to focus and engage in their lessons. Hunger is no longer a distraction, allowing them to stay energized, attentive, and confident in their work. Thanks to Young Sheldon, we've been able to create a more supportive classroom environment where students feel cared for and have the energy to succeed both academically and socially. Your generosity is helping remove hunger as an obstacle to learning, and my students are now able to fully invest in their education. We are incredibly grateful for your support and the impact it has had on our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1740071822959,"projectUrl":"project/snack-attack-fueling-young-minds-for-su/8961288/","projectTitle":"Snack Attack: Fueling Young Minds for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McMahon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9167927_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699424898150","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9167927"},{"teacherId":9167927,"projectId":9005288,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom sensory tools project! The fidget stress balls, rings, and chewie necklaces have made a world of difference for my students. These tools provide them with a way to self-regulate and stay engaged, especially for those who struggle with restlessness or anxiety. It's been incredible to see how the fidget items help students focus and stay calm without disrupting the class. The sensory tools have created a more inclusive environment, allowing every child to participate and learn in a way that suits their individual needs. Your generosity has truly helped make our classroom a more focused, supportive space for all my students. Thank you again for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1734668464417,"projectUrl":"project/focus-and-calm-sensory-tools-for-learni/9005288/","projectTitle":"Focus and Calm: Sensory Tools for Learning and Self-Regulation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McMahon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9167927_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699424898150","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9167927"},{"teacherId":9167927,"projectId":8865314,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Your contribution has made a tremendous impact on my students and transformed our math lessons. The moment the multiplication games and manipulatives arrived, my students were thrilled. Their excitement was contagious, and they immediately began using the materials with enthusiasm. One student even said, \"Math is like recess now!\"\r\n\r\nWe've been using the resources in small groups and centers, and it's been amazing to see how they've helped my students build a stronger understanding of multiplication. The hands-on tools, like number arrays and multiplication bingo, have made learning more engaging and accessible, especially for my English Language Learners and students with special needs. Watching my students teach each other how to play math games during our \"Math Mania\" week was a highlight—seeing them take pride in their learning was truly special.\r\n\r\nThese resources have not only strengthened their multiplication skills but also boosted their confidence and love for math. Looking ahead, we will continue to apply our multiplication knowledge to word problems and begin exploring division. Your support has sparked a renewed enthusiasm for learning, and I am so grateful for the positive impact you've made on my students' education.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and belief in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1733166498812,"projectUrl":"project/multiplication-magic-engaging-resources/8865314/","projectTitle":"Multiplication Magic: Engaging Resources for Third Graders!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McMahon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9167927_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699424898150","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9167927"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_68657","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":300,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":77,"percentAsian":11,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":17,"percentIndigenous":14,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"13.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.8,"schoolId":68657,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Taku Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Taku Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/alaska/anchorage-school-district/taku-elementary-school/68657"}