{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Van Buren Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":37.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9684792,"projectId":10394727,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Fun Friday has become an even more exciting and meaningful part of our week! When the new educational games arrived, my students were immediately drawn to them. Their faces lit up with excitement as they explored the colorful materials and eagerly asked when they could start playing. Many students who are often hesitant to participate in new activities were excited to join in right away.\r\n\r\nWe use these games during Fun Friday to reinforce important academic, social, and communication skills in a way that feels fun and engaging. One memorable moment was watching a group of students work together during a cooperative game. They practiced taking turns, following directions, and encouraging one another while also strengthening skills like counting, reading, and problem-solving. It was wonderful to see students building confidence and celebrating each other's successes.\r\n\r\nThese games have also provided valuable opportunities for my students to practice communication goals. Students are learning how to ask questions, share ideas, make choices, and interact positively with peers in a structured and supportive environment. The games create natural opportunities for social interaction while reducing the pressure that can sometimes come with more traditional learning activities.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping create a classroom where students can learn, grow, and connect through play. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on our special education classroom, and my students look forward to using these games every week!","fullyFundedDate":1789053661395,"projectUrl":"project/structured-play-that-supports-learning-a/10394727/","projectTitle":"Structured Play That Supports Learning and Social Skills!","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":7828365,"projectId":10109622,"letterContent":"These books are perfect! They match the skills we are teaching in our intervention groups. The kids are successful and enjoy reading them.\r\n They asked for them several times once I introduced them. They like that they can read them and that they are actual books instead of just passages.\r\n Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness. It is hard to get interesting books that are at the right level for young readers. \r\n Two classrooms are using these books and they are organized easily with their own storage boxes so we can get the correct set out for the level our students are at.","fullyFundedDate":1773846502215,"projectUrl":"project/fun-phonics-readers/10109622/","projectTitle":"Fun Phonics Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Urbanowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7828365_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673381351835","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7828365"},{"teacherId":7828365,"projectId":10121852,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my math literature project. We are adding math literature to some of our lessons to help build mathematical thinking and to pose problems the books present to our students.\r\n These books give the students context for problem solving and help develop adding and subtracting strategies.\r\n We have a book of lessons built around these read alouds that we can use during whole group and small group instruction. These lessons also support building number sense.\r\n Thank you for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1773845000973,"projectUrl":"project/math-literature/10121852/","projectTitle":"Math Literature","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Urbanowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7828365_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673381351835","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7828365"},{"teacherId":9684792,"projectId":10394692,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students have new tools that are helping make writing more accessible and successful for every learner in our special education classroom. The story starters, phonics kits, writing workbooks, and tracing boards allow me to provide writing instruction that meets students at their individual skill levels and gives them multiple ways to practice and demonstrate their learning.\r\n\r\nMy students were excited to explore the new materials! The tracing boards have been especially helpful for students who are developing fine-motor skills and letter formation, while the phonics kits give students hands-on practice connecting letters and sounds. The story starters provide additional support for students who may have difficulty generating ideas independently, helping them begin expressing their thoughts through writing. Seeing students experience success with materials designed to support their needs has helped make writing time more positive and engaging.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue building each student's skills from their individual starting point. For some students, that means strengthening pencil control and tracing letters. For others, it means writing letters and words independently, building sentences, or creating their own short stories. We will continue using these materials during individualized instruction and small groups to practice communication, phonics, handwriting, and written expression.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these resources allow my students to experience success without expecting every child to learn or write in the same way. Every traced letter, independently written word, completed sentence, and shared idea is progress worth celebrating. Thank you for helping my students build the skills and confidence they need to see themselves as writers!","fullyFundedDate":1788267471569,"projectUrl":"project/creating-accessible-writing-lessons-to-b/10394692/","projectTitle":"Creating Accessible Writing Lessons to Build Strong Writers.","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":10394492,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom is now stocked with essential supplies that help us create a fresh, clean, and healthy learning environment every day. The Clorox wipes, paper towels, tissues, hand sanitizer, disinfecting spray, and student hand wipes are already being put to good use throughout our daily routines.\r\n\r\nMy students were so excited to see all of the new supplies arrive! They could not believe the size of the Clorox wipes bucket!! While cleaning supplies may seem simple, having them readily available makes such an important difference in our classroom. We can quickly clean tables and shared learning materials, wipe hands when needed, take care of spills, and have plenty of tissues available without interrupting learning. These resources are especially valuable in a busy classroom where students work with hands-on materials and share spaces throughout the day.\r\n\r\nYour donation has also helped us reinforce important routines like keeping our hands and learning spaces clean and taking responsibility for our classroom community. As we continue learning and working together, these supplies will support us during lessons, hands-on projects, and everyday classroom experiences.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, having these essentials available allows us to spend less time worrying about supplies and more time learning, growing, and enjoying our classroom together. Thank you for helping provide my students with a clean, welcoming space where they can feel comfortable and ready to learn each day! Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1789222640486,"projectUrl":"project/a-fresh-healthy-classroom-for-every-stu/10394492/","projectTitle":"A Fresh, Healthy Classroom for Every Student!","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":9559100,"projectId":10602390,"letterContent":"Students have begun to use the items from this project and let me tell you it has promoted engagement in my class. The whiteboard is a critical tool in how we deliver classroom lessons. They are eager to raise their hand at a turn to hold the pointer and are excited for learning. This is the kind of project that is fun to watch as excitement for learning happens, is shared within our learning community and retold to families. Thank you for making this project come to life. We are very grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1788891894597,"projectUrl":"project/adding-to-whiteboard-experiences/10602390/","projectTitle":"Adding to Whiteboard Experiences","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":8354919,"projectId":10140725,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! Your generosity has provided my students with materials they use every day to practice important literacy skills.\r\n\r\nThe dry erase markers and erasers have quickly become classroom essentials. My students use whiteboards throughout our lessons to practice writing letters, words, sounds, and responses. They love being able to write, erase, try again, and immediately show what they know. These simple materials allow every student to participate at the same time and give me an instant way to see who understands a skill and who may need additional support.\r\n\r\nThe letter-sound Velcro boards have also given my students a fun, hands-on way to practice connecting letters with their sounds and building words. Students can physically move the letters around, experiment with different combinations, and make changes when they make a mistake. Watching students become excited when they successfully build a word or identify a sound has been one of the best parts of using these materials. This is their favorite part of the UFLI lesson!\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and giving them the tools to make learning active, engaging, and fun. Your support truly makes a difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1777978862785,"projectUrl":"project/intervention-group-materials/10140725/","projectTitle":"Intervention Group Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Walton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8354919"},{"teacherId":9559100,"projectId":10558668,"letterContent":"Thank you for the donation to Small Group Wishlist. We received the package this week and yesterday I had the opportunity to share it with students. The kids were so excited to have their own writing pad. I can already see the many opportunities for writing skills and practicing math.\r\n Yesterday, they focused on drawing pictures of their first school memories. This project allows me to have an individualized writing pad for each student. I am truly grateful for that. \r\n Again, thank you for this generous gift. It is loved already by students!","fullyFundedDate":1788267437824,"projectUrl":"project/small-group-wishlist/10558668/","projectTitle":"Small Group Wishlist","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":6888408,"projectId":10076509,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding this project! Your generous donation toward the Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards will allow me to access engaging, high-quality resources to supplement our UFLI Reading and Bridges Math instruction during small-group lessons.\r\n\r\nThese resources will provide my K–5 students with targeted practice, differentiated activities, and additional opportunities to build their reading and math skills. They will be invaluable during small-group instruction, making lessons more engaging while helping me better meet the individual needs of my diverse learners.\r\n\r\nI truly appreciate your support of my students and their learning! Your generosity will help them grow this year in confidence, curiosity, and success.","fullyFundedDate":1777978860210,"projectUrl":"project/resources-to-inspire-every-learner/10076509/","projectTitle":"Resources to Inspire Every Learner!","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":6888408,"projectId":10204079,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for helping make our annual Chargers Got Talent show such a special experience for our students!\r\n\r\nYour generous support helped us transform our space into a star-studded stage complete with a backdrop, red carpet, stars, and trophies. The students were excited to perform in an environment that felt like a real Hollywood event. These materials helped create a fun, celebratory atmosphere where students felt proud of their accomplishments and excited to share their talents.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, the project gave students an opportunity to build confidence, work together, showcase their creativity, and celebrate one another. Every student who participated had the opportunity to feel like a star and create wonderful memories. We truly appreciate your support in making Chargers Got Talent a memorable celebration for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1777978863092,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-out-the-red-carpet-for-our-stude/10204079/","projectTitle":"Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Our Students","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":9559100,"projectId":10288452,"letterContent":"As a third-year teacher I am still building up my classroom to best suits the students I serve. I lean into experiences for students that are hands-on, creative and engaging for children. Learning happens when playing. Rainy/Snow Day Activities are so important in Iowa where the weather changes faster than most. \r\nPlease know students are incredibly eager to play with these new toys with their friends. Thank you for your support of our lovely kindergarten classroom. We appreciate you kindness and consideration in this project!","fullyFundedDate":1786023230631,"projectUrl":"project/rainysnowy-day-activities/10288452/","projectTitle":"Rainy/Snowy Day Activities","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":9559100,"projectId":10299246,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support of Keeping Kindergarten Tidy. It is important to teach students that \"everything has its place\" and with limited storage we are tasked with getting creative. These tubs will provide me plenty of options.\r\nThis project allows me to store the many tools, manipulatives and supplements kindergarten has in manageable storage options. Students also learn how to clean up after learning promoting self help and responsibility from within. We truly are thankful for your support. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1786023239133,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-neat-and-tidy-in-kindergarten/10299246/","projectTitle":"Keeping Neat and Tidy in Kindergarten","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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_51658","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":424,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":46,"percentWhite":22,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":25,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":1,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":62.9,"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"}