{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Thomas Hooker Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":41.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2438964,"projectId":9677750,"letterContent":"It has been wonderful having these resources in the classroom. Immediately, the students were curious as to how we could use these new 'toys' and wanted to put anything and everything under our microscope!\r\n\r\nWe started with found materials such as books, paper bags, foam tiles, clothing, and pieces of wood under the microscope. Their eyes all lit up as we saw microscopic holes in the paper bags and understood why liquids may drip out! This has been instrumental in building their inquisitiveness and bolstering observations.\r\n\r\nOur document camera has also been instrumental in modeling for students. We have been able to be more hands on as I can show them up close how to manipulate materials to achieve the desired result. As they build up their computer literacy skills, I have found myself using this camera to show them how to navigate a keyboard and mouse! These were surprises to me but that is just how instrumental something like a document camera can be. Thank you so much for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1757553250500,"projectUrl":"project/zooming-in-for-understanding/9677750/","projectTitle":"Zooming In for Understanding","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hittenmark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-hittenmark"},{"teacherId":4960956,"projectId":9802598,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for caring about my student and helping provide him with the necessary tools to help him succeed. He and I were beyond thrilled when our packages began arriving. He plays with all his learning toys every day. He loves his outer space felt board, building blocks, robots and his new calculator. He loves punching in numbers to add and subtract. You have truly made a positive impact in my classroom this year. These items will be well loved and useful for years to come. Thank you again and have a wonderful holiday season!","fullyFundedDate":1760708613581,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-help-my-student/9802598/","projectTitle":"Help Me, Help My Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeLawder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4960956_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1510078982333","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4960956"},{"teacherId":122626,"projectId":9509291,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has a warm, welcoming space that truly feels like the heart of our learning community. The new rug—with its vibrant colors and string of light bulbs filled with hearts—has become more than just a place to sit. It's where we gather for morning meetings, share stories, explore new ideas, and build a sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nEvery morning, students rush to the rug for our daily circle time. It's where we greet each other, set goals, and build our classroom community. One of our favorite moments was during a recent read-aloud session. As we sat together on the rug, students were completely engaged, leaning in and sharing their thoughts about the story. The rug has become a safe and joyful space where voices are heard and friendships grow.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the rug, their faces lit up. One student exclaimed, \"It looks like us! A bunch of bright loving students!\" Another said, \"The hearts in the lights make it feel like love is in our classroom.\" They immediately gravitated toward it, and it's now the most loved spot in the room.\r\n\r\nRight now, we're working on a kindness and empathy unit. The rug has been the perfect setting for role-playing activities, group discussions, and reflection circles. It's helping us build not just academic skills, but emotional intelligence and strong classroom relationships.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving us a space that brings us together every single day. Your support has truly brightened our classroom—literally and figuratively!","fullyFundedDate":1757273508291,"projectUrl":"project/our-classroom-rug-is-the-heart-center-of/9509291/","projectTitle":"Our Classroom Rug is The Heart Center of Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Warnken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp122626_orig.jpg?crop=756,756,x1471,y997&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754582438688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/122626"},{"teacherId":122626,"projectId":9478048,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed into a more peaceful and focused learning environment! The black tennis balls you helped provide for the bottoms of our chairs have made a bigger difference than you might imagine!\r\n\r\nWe've placed the tennis balls on every chair in the classroom, and the change was immediate. The difficulty the students had pushing and pulling the chairs in and out, has subsided. The scraping and screeching sounds that used to echo every time a student moved are now gone. This has been especially helpful during quiet reading time and independent work periods. One specific moment that stands out was during a recent writing workshop. For the first time, students were able to concentrate deeply without being distracted by the constant noise of chairs moving. The room felt calm, and the students were more engaged and productive.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the big box of black tennis balls, they were so excited to put them on themselves! Some even took it as a challenge to see who could put them on their chair the fastest! It became a fun game, and in no time, all the chairs had beautiful new \"feet\" on them! Almost immediately, they began to notice how much easier it was to focus. One student said, \"It's so much quieter now—I can actually hear myself think!\" Another added, \"I don't get distracted when someone gets up anymore.\"\r\n\r\nThis simple addition has had a powerful impact on our classroom culture. Thank you for helping us create a space where students can thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1757423211067,"projectUrl":"project/quiet-chairs-for-success/9478048/","projectTitle":"Quiet Chairs for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Warnken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp122626_orig.jpg?crop=756,756,x1471,y997&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754582438688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/122626"},{"teacherId":122626,"projectId":9507022,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our classroom now has a beautiful new rug that has truly brightened our learning space—both visually and emotionally!\r\n\r\nThe rug, with its colorful stacked books and sweet smiling face, instantly became a favorite spot in the room. When my students first saw it, their reactions were priceless—gasps, giggles, and a few joyful dances! One student said, \"It looks like the rug is happy to see us!\" That moment reminded me how even small changes can make a big difference in how children feel about their environment.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the rug as our gathering space for morning meetings, read-alouds, and group discussions. It's helped create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere where students feel safe and excited to learn. During story time, they love sitting close together on the rug, pointing out the books in the design and imagining what stories they might hold.\r\n\r\nThis rug has become more than just a classroom accessory—it's a symbol of comfort, community, and joy. Thank you for helping us create a space where students feel inspired and cared for every day.","fullyFundedDate":1755874613662,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-rug-for-our-classroom-family/9507022/","projectTitle":"Classroom Rug for our Classroom Family","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Warnken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp122626_orig.jpg?crop=756,756,x1471,y997&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754582438688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/122626"},{"teacherId":122626,"projectId":9506878,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our classroom is cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable for learning!\r\n\r\nWhen the cleaning supplies—Lysol wipes, spray, and paper towels—arrived, my students were surprisingly excited. One student even said, \"Now our classroom smells like home!\" It was a small moment, but it showed how much they appreciate having a clean and safe space.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the supplies daily to wipe down desks, sanitize shared materials, and keep high-touch areas clean. It's become part of our classroom routine, and students have taken pride in helping maintain the space. During group projects, they now clean their workstations before and after, which has helped build responsibility and care for their environment.\r\n\r\nThese supplies have made a big difference in reducing illness and creating a more welcoming atmosphere. Thank you for helping us stay safe and focused on learning!","fullyFundedDate":1756076363601,"projectUrl":"project/clean-and-healthy/9506878/","projectTitle":"Clean and Healthy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Warnken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp122626_orig.jpg?crop=756,756,x1471,y997&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754582438688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/122626"},{"teacherId":122626,"projectId":9508340,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our project, \"Calm Corner for Our Mind, Body, and Heart.\" Thanks to you, our classroom now has a dedicated space where students can regulate their emotions, reconnect with themselves, and return to learning with renewed focus and confidence.\r\n\r\nWith your donations, we received a variety of materials that transformed a small corner of our classroom into a sanctuary of calm. These included sensory tools like fidget items and stress balls, magnetic building blocks, liquid motion bubbler, mindfulness cards, calming visuals, and a social-emotional learning book with emotion plush toys which helped to fill a small bookshelf. Each item has played a unique role in helping students feel safe, seen, and supported.\r\n\r\nOne moment that stands out was when a student, who often struggles with anxiety, quietly asked if they could visit the Calm Corner after a tough morning. They spent time using the breathing cards and reading a book about emotions. When they returned to their seat, they whispered, \"I feel better now.\" That simple sentence spoke volumes about the power of this space.\r\n\r\nAnother student shared that the Calm Corner helps them \"feel like someone understands how I feel.\" It's become more than just a physical space—it's a tool for emotional growth, self-awareness, and resilience. Students are learning to identify their feelings, choose strategies to cope, and return to learning with a clearer mind and a calmer heart.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a lasting impact not only on individual students but on the overall classroom environment. The Calm Corner has helped foster a culture of empathy, emotional intelligence, and self-care. It's a daily reminder that learning isn't just academic—it's also deeply emotional and personal.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for helping us create a space where their minds, bodies, and hearts can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1755303377672,"projectUrl":"project/calm-corner-for-our-mind-body-and-hear/9508340/","projectTitle":"Calm Corner for Our Mind, Body, and Heart","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Warnken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp122626_orig.jpg?crop=756,756,x1471,y997&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754582438688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/122626"},{"teacherId":4960956,"projectId":9577949,"letterContent":"Please accept my deepest gratitude for you extraordinarily generous contribution to my first-grade classroom. \"Accident's\" happen daily in our room and with your support we will be prepared and clean! Our new smiley rug will provide a clean and welcoming spot for the students to sit. We do our best learning on our classroom carpet, and I am beyond thankful for your kindness.\r\n\r\nYour support directly impacts the educational experience of my students, and I want to say thank you again for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1755865524621,"projectUrl":"project/accidents-do-happen-in-the-first-grade/9577949/","projectTitle":"Accidents \"DO\" happen in the First Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeLawder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4960956_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1510078982333","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4960956"},{"teacherId":132819,"projectId":9649154,"letterContent":"Your generosity has already made a big impact in our classroom! My Pre-K students are using the LED writing tablets every day to practice their letters, numbers, and drawings. What might look like simple doodles are actually big steps in building fine motor skills, early literacy, and math readiness.\r\n The tablets have also given my students the confidence to try again and again without worrying about making mistakes. Erasing with a single click encourages them to keep practicing and experimenting, and I've seen smiles and excitement each time they get to use them.\r\n Because of you, learning feels fun and engaging. You've given my students the chance to shine as curious, creative, and confident learners, and that will carry with them long beyond Pre-K.\r\n Thank you for believing in our students and helping light the way in their learning journey!","fullyFundedDate":1758043469845,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-up-learning-with-led-writing-ta/9649154/","projectTitle":"Lighting Up Learning With LED Writing Tablets","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. N.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp132819_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707175737351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/132819"},{"teacherId":122626,"projectId":9470789,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible support of our third-grade classroom. Thanks to your generous donation, we received a full set of high-quality headphones—enough for each student to have their own. These headphones have truly transformed our learning environment in ways that are both practical and profoundly meaningful.\r\n\r\nWith these headphones, our students have been able to fully engage in a variety of digital learning platforms, including reading fluency programs, math games, and interactive science lessons. The ability to focus without distraction has made a noticeable difference in their comprehension and confidence. For many of our students, this was the first time they had access to personal learning tools that made them feel seen and supported.\r\n\r\nOne moment that stands out was during a reading intervention session. A student who had been struggling with decoding words was finally able to hear the sounds clearly and repeat them without background noise. After just a few weeks, she proudly read an entire paragraph aloud to the class—her smile said it all. Another student, who is learning English as a second language, now uses the headphones daily to practice pronunciation and listening skills. He recently told me, \"I can hear better now, and I understand more.\"\r\n\r\nThese headphones have also helped us create a more inclusive classroom. Students with sensory sensitivities feel more comfortable and less overwhelmed. During independent work time, the classroom is calm and focused, allowing each child to learn at their own pace.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just provide materials—it gave our students the tools to grow, explore, and believe in themselves. The impact of your kindness will continue to echo in their learning journeys for years to come.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1753282431529,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-success/9470789/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Warnken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp122626_orig.jpg?crop=756,756,x1471,y997&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754582438688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/122626"},{"teacherId":4960956,"projectId":8763222,"letterContent":"Thank you for your supporting our \"Crayons for Kids\" campaign. We finished the year off strong thanks to donors like you. Crayons are an essential part of an elementary classroom. My student go through crayons so quickly, but the jumbo crayons lasted to the end of the year and the children were able to take them home to use throughout the summer months. It means so much when children have the much needed and deserved supplies to make learning happen. Thank you again for your generosity and caring for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1734099417870,"projectUrl":"project/crayons-for-kids/8763222/","projectTitle":"Crayons for Kids!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeLawder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4960956_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1510078982333","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4960956"},{"teacherId":6770269,"projectId":9212391,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping to supply my classroom with end of the year supplies! We were so thankful for the headphones that we got at the end of the school year to allow students to each use their own iPad for technology time. We were able to complete end of the year projects with the glue sticks and each child could work with their own. The bandaids were very useful when needed by students in the classroom and on the playground. Thank you for the pencils which are always needed to draw, write, and complete crafts. Thank you for making our classroom a great place to be in kindergarten with all these supplies!","fullyFundedDate":1744064632319,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-projects/9212391/","projectTitle":"Supplies For Projects","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fernandes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6770269"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43430","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":288,"numTeachers":28,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":28,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":56,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"10.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":58.1,"schoolId":43430,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Thomas Hooker Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Thomas Hooker Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/bridgeport-public-schools/thomas-hooker-elementary-school/43430"}