{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Van Buren Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8224212,"projectId":9633490,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. It's so sad that we have to ask for such a basic supply, but times are tight in education. This was very helpful to all teachers and students in our building. Thanks to your gift we are able to copy lessons, worksheets, letters to parents, and so many other things. Much of our curriculum that we have purchased from companies have elements that have to be printed. Not to mention that our teachers are creative and come up with amazing lessons on their own that need to be printed. When we can't print everyone loses. Again, thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1758591160303,"projectUrl":"project/printing-crisis/9633490/","projectTitle":"Printing Crisis","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kenny","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8224212_orig.jpg?crop=1980,1980,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641497139244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8224212"},{"teacherId":8224212,"projectId":9618769,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. My students love \"Shut the Box\"! Mastery of ten is so critical to everything in math and they all love this game. The older students and the younger students all enjoy this game. The folders have also been very helpful. Every year we have more and more demands put on our plate and less and less financial support from our district. Folders seem like such a basic supply but they are definitely helping me organize all the things I need each group to do. Again, thank you for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1757517421833,"projectUrl":"project/problem-solving/9618769/","projectTitle":"Problem Solving","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kenny","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8224212_orig.jpg?crop=1980,1980,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641497139244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8224212"},{"teacherId":8224212,"projectId":9246290,"letterContent":"I'm so sorry this thank you, took me so long to get to you. Life has really gotten away from me this year. My kids love love love the curtains. Not only are they colorful, the sun was a real killer in the morning. The games are lots of fun and educational at the same time. They make a great celebration day without missing out on instruction. It sounds funny, but the love the privacy folders. They always want to get them out even when we are just working and not testing. I actually have to say no sometimes! Thank you for your continued support of CR schools. I appreciate you so much.","fullyFundedDate":1754061888083,"projectUrl":"project/making-learning-fun/9246290/","projectTitle":"Making Learning Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kenny","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8224212_orig.jpg?crop=1980,1980,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641497139244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8224212"},{"teacherId":6888408,"projectId":9501156,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your generous support of the \"Shine On, Superstars!\" project.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, our Golden Charger Award program is able to recognize and celebrate students who demonstrate outstanding behavior, leadership, and positive influence within our school community. The golden stars, trophies, medals, and badges you helped provide serve as meaningful symbols of their achievements and dedication.\r\n\r\nYour support extends beyond these tangible items; it reinforces a culture of respect, responsibility, and positive behavior. By honoring students who exemplify these values, you are helping to inspire and motivate all of our students to strive for excellence.\r\n\r\nWe deeply appreciate your commitment to our school and the meaningful impact your generosity has on our students' growth and success.Thank you for supporting Van Buren!","fullyFundedDate":1754061886036,"projectUrl":"project/shine-on-superstars/9501156/","projectTitle":"Shine On, Superstars!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dvorak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6888408_orig.jpg?crop=918,918,x98,y14&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628716170257","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missdvorak"},{"teacherId":9684792,"projectId":9273202,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your donation to my classroom project for special education essentials. The students were very surprised when I showed them the new materials and tools they were going to get to use. The students instantly gravitated towards the caterpillar fidgets. I have seen a tremendous benefit from this specific fidget. Some students have break boxes in the special education classroom for when they are feeling upset. Students come in upset. I've watched several of my students pull the caterpillar from their box and start fidgeting with it and you can see a release of frustration. \r\n\r\nOne of the other items students were happy about is the new privacy shields. The students commented on how nice the shields are and how well they stand up. Students use the privacy shields during test taking, when we are playing an educational game that requires them to not show their pieces, or when a student is feeling like they would just like some privacy. \r\n\r\nMy students and I thank you for your generous donation to this project.","fullyFundedDate":1753897572626,"projectUrl":"project/special-education-classroom-essentials/9273202/","projectTitle":"Special Education Classroom Essentials!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Galus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9684792_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741046475563","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-galus"},{"teacherId":9684792,"projectId":9237983,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping fund my classroom project for books. A number of books were purchased with your donation. Books for the students to read and also books to help support my teaching. Many of the books that were purchased with your donation helps support the diverse population at Van Buren. Students are able to read books during times when I need to work one on one with another member in their group to get progress monitoring done. The books in this project show characters that look like them. Students as they are reading often point out hairstyles that look like theirs or comment \"Hey, this is something we do at my house!\". \r\n\r\nI use a number of the books to help support my social emotional lessons I provide students. Many of the Little Spots of Emotion Books help provide examples of what an emotion can look like and strategies to work through the emotion. These books help provide a rich dialog between students. \r\n\r\nThe kids and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the new books!","fullyFundedDate":1754061888979,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-all/9237983/","projectTitle":"Books for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Galus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9684792_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741046475563","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-galus"},{"teacherId":9931900,"projectId":9517175,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation. Your donation has been used to purchase the items for the PBIS store. All students in Kindergarten through 5th grades are able to purchase items throughout the school week and then our student leaders deliver them on Fridays. The PBIS store items have different points values, so students need to use their math skills to determine:\r\n* if they have enough points to purchase items, \r\n*what items they can purchase based on the value of the different items, \r\n*how many items they want to purchase with their PBIS points, etc. \r\n\r\nThe students are taking ownership of their behavior and are motivated to do well. They are loving it!\r\n\r\nWe continue to refine our PBIS store as it is something new we are implementing this year. Your donation was a great support in this being such a successful action step!","fullyFundedDate":1754136834921,"projectUrl":"project/blasting-off-to-positive-behavior/9517175/","projectTitle":"Blasting Off to Positive Behavior.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rummel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9931900"},{"teacherId":8264896,"projectId":9516563,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for your generous support of our PBIS Store! Thanks to donations like yours, our students have already earned over 50,000 PBIS tickets by demonstrating what it means to be safe, respectful, and responsible at school. These tickets allow students to purchase exciting items you've provided, giving them a meaningful way to celebrate their positive choices and encouraging them to continue building strong character every day.\r\n\r\nAt our low-income school, many students do not always have access to small rewards or incentives outside of school. Your contributions make it possible for us to recognize their efforts in a tangible, joyful way. The PBIS Store has become a highlight of our week—not only for the students who shop there, but also for the group of student leaders who proudly help run the store and deliver items to classrooms. This opportunity has allowed them to develop responsibility, teamwork, and leadership skills.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and generosity. Your support helps us foster a positive school culture where students feel valued, motivated, and celebrated for their good behavior. You are truly making a difference in the lives of our students and our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1754136835176,"projectUrl":"project/pbis-store/9516563/","projectTitle":"PBIS Store","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8264896_orig.jpg?crop=772,772,x0,y95&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658691633728","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8264896"},{"teacherId":9559100,"projectId":9723489,"letterContent":"I am quickly understanding the high demand for engaging materials to assist in literacy and math times. This project will greatly help me in providing the items I need to use in order for students to be successful.\r\nOur classroom has 19 smiling faces with 12 identified as English Language Learners. When doing literacy it is a great opportunity to put items in friends hands to explain, explore and learn with. \r\nThank you for your support of my classroom. My kindergartners and I thank you for your consideration of our project.","fullyFundedDate":1759250400559,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-literacy-and-math-centers/9723489/","projectTitle":"Engaging Literacy and Math Centers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Halligan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9559100_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717027872274","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9559100"},{"teacherId":4858810,"projectId":9479754,"letterContent":"I always like to wait a little while so I can describe the actual impact our materials have over time. These headphones have been very popular since they were unboxed! Kids rush to use them! I have at least two classes during which every pair is used. Kids don't typically wear them for the entire class period; they put them back once they feel comfortable. There is always someone else who wants to use them! I have been able to offer them to several disregulated kindergarten students, and that has made all the difference between them staying in the room or running out in distress. These have been such a welcome, useful addition to our music room!","fullyFundedDate":1753971703654,"projectUrl":"project/hear-ye-hear-ye/9479754/","projectTitle":"Hear Ye, Hear Ye!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barnes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4858810_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1506970591530","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/vbmusic"},{"teacherId":10045940,"projectId":9385052,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generous support of my classroom headphone project. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to headphones that will be used every single day to support their learning. What may seem like a small item has made a very big difference in our classroom, and I am so excited to share just how impactful this project already is for my students.\r\n\r\nOne of the greatest challenges in a primary classroom is meeting the diverse needs of all learners. Each student comes to school with different strengths, challenges, and learning styles. Technology has become a powerful tool to help bridge those gaps, but in order to use it effectively, students need the ability to work independently without distractions. Before this project, my students often had to share headphones or go without, which made it difficult for them to fully engage in their lessons. Now, thanks to your generosity, every child has access to their own set of headphones, allowing them to focus on their learning in a way that truly supports their growth.\r\nThe impact has been immediate. During small-group rotations, my students use educational programs that reinforce reading, phonics, and math skills. With headphones, they can listen closely to instructions, stories, and interactive activities without being distracted by the noise around them. This has created a calmer and more productive classroom environment where students are more confident in completing their assignments. I've already seen students who normally struggle to stay focused remain engaged for longer periods of time because they can clearly hear the lesson tailored to their level. It is so rewarding to watch them light up with pride when they succeed.\r\nHeadphones have also helped me as a teacher. While students are working independently with their technology, I am able to provide more focused, individualized support to small groups or one-on-one without worrying about distractions. This has allowed me to maximize instructional time and reach students where they are. Without this project, it would have been much harder to balance the needs of the entire classroom. The headphones are a simple tool, but they are making my teaching more effective and my classroom more efficient.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the headphones give my students a sense of ownership and independence. They love knowing that they each have the tools they need to be successful, and that builds confidence. Some of my students even expressed how much easier it is to \"hear the teacher in the computer\" or \"listen to the story all by myself.\" These small but powerful moments show just how meaningful your support is to them.\r\nThis project has not only met a practical need but also sent a powerful message to my students: that there are people outside of our classroom who believe in them and want to see them succeed. Knowing that someone they may never meet chose to invest in their education fills them with pride and motivates them to try their best. Your generosity shows them that they matter and that their learning is worth supporting.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you who contributed to this project. Thank you for believing in the power of education and for helping to create a classroom where every child has the tools they need to grow. Your kindness and generosity will have a lasting impact not just this year, but in years to come as these headphones continue to support student learning. We are so thankful for you, and we will carry forward the inspiration you've given us to work hard and dream big.","fullyFundedDate":1750256150937,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-focus-and-success/9385052/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Focus and Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Haynes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10045940_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y269&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748524930727","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10045940"},{"teacherId":10045940,"projectId":9384985,"letterContent":"I am so thankful for your generous support of my classroom project! Because of your kindness, my students now have a classroom mailbox system that they use every single day. This simple addition has brought so much organization and excitement to our room. Each child has their own special space, which not only helps with responsibility but also gives them a sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nThe mailbox is used daily for important papers to take home, as well as for sharing their learning and accomplishments with their families. This connection between school and home is so valuable, and your donation has made it possible. Thank you for believing in my students and supporting the little routines that make such a big impact in their education. Your generosity will continue to make a difference all year long!","fullyFundedDate":1750774683039,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-mailboxes/9384985/","projectTitle":"Classroom Mailboxes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Haynes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10045940_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y269&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748524930727","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10045940"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_51658","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":429,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":42,"percentWhite":24,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":63.3,"schoolId":51658,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Van Buren Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Van Buren Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/iowa/cedar-rapids-community-school-district/van-buren-elementary-school/51658"}