{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Veterans Memorial Family School","outOfStateSupporters":60.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8157555,"projectId":9793430,"letterContent":"The first time we used the cups and made hot cocoa together, the energy in the room completely shifted. My students were genuinely excited, not just because of the drink, but because of the experience. Something as simple as holding their own cup, choosing a flavor, and sitting together created a moment that felt special. We had what we called a \"Cocoa and Conversation\" morning, and I watched students open up, laugh, and connect in ways that do not always happen during a regular lesson. For many of them, especially those who do not often get treats or small comforts like this, it meant more than they could put into words.\r\n\r\nSince then, these moments have become part of how we build our classroom community. We use them during reward days, after completing challenging assignments, or to celebrate growth and effort. Students look forward to these moments and take pride in them. They come in asking if it is a \"cocoa day\" or a \"celebration day,\" and you can see how much it motivates them. It has helped create a space where students feel safe, valued, and excited to be present. These small acts of care have strengthened relationships and made our classroom feel more like a community than just a place to learn.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, I plan to continue using these resources to support both academic and social growth. As we work through new units and projects, these moments will serve as opportunities to reflect, celebrate progress, and build stronger connections with one another. Your generosity did not just provide drinks and cups. It created lasting memories and gave my students moments of joy that they carry with them. Thank you for helping make our classroom a place where students feel seen, supported, and celebrated.","fullyFundedDate":1769893037595,"projectUrl":"project/hydrate-celebrate-educate/9793430/","projectTitle":"Hydrate, Celebrate, Educate!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Afanador","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8157555_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743015518728","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/b-afanador"},{"teacherId":8157555,"projectId":9793340,"letterContent":"When the earbuds and wireless mice arrived, my students were immediately excited. Something as simple as having their own set of earbuds made a huge difference in how they approached their work. Instead of sharing, waiting, or struggling to hear over background noise, they were able to plug in, focus, and fully engage. I remember one moment during a lesson with a video and guided questions where the entire room was calm and locked in. Students were following along at their own pace, rewinding when needed, and truly understanding the content instead of guessing or getting distracted. It created a level of independence and focus that we had not been able to achieve before.\r\n\r\nThe wireless mice also had a powerful impact, especially for students who struggled with touchpads. Tasks that used to feel frustrating became smoother and more manageable. I saw students working more confidently, completing assignments faster, and even helping each other navigate different platforms. There was a noticeable shift in their attitude toward digital work. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, they felt capable and in control. That confidence translated into stronger participation and more willingness to try.\r\n\r\nAs we continue using technology for research, reading programs, and interactive lessons, these tools are now a consistent part of our classroom routine. My students are more independent, more focused, and more engaged in their learning. Your support did more than provide materials. It gave my students the ability to fully access their education in a way that meets their needs. Thank you for helping create a classroom where every student can plug in, focus, and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1769821656538,"projectUrl":"project/plugged-in-and-ready-to-learn/9793340/","projectTitle":"Plugged in and Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Afanador","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8157555_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743015518728","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/b-afanador"},{"teacherId":8157555,"projectId":9847948,"letterContent":"The day the sweatshirts arrived, my students' reactions said everything. As I handed them out, there was this mix of excitement, gratitude, and disbelief. Some students immediately put them on and smiled from ear to ear, while others quietly held onto them like something truly special. What stood out most was the pride. My students wear their sweatshirts every single day, and they wear them proudly. For many of them, especially those who rarely get new clothes, this was more than just something to stay warm. It was something that belonged to them, something new, something that made them feel seen and valued.\r\n\r\nThat feeling has carried into our classroom every day since. Students come in excited to wear their sweatshirts, showing them off to each other, sitting a little taller, and feeling more confident in their space. There is a sense of comfort not just physically, but emotionally. They know someone cared enough to provide something just for them, and that matters more than anything. It has created a stronger sense of belonging in our classroom, where students feel proud of who they are and more connected to our community.\r\n\r\nAs we continue learning and growing together, that sense of pride and confidence is something I want to keep building on. When students feel good about themselves, they show up differently. They participate more, take more risks, and believe in their ability to succeed. Your generosity gave my students more than sweatshirts. It gave them a feeling they carry with them every single day. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1769449799068,"projectUrl":"project/no-chills-just-skills/9847948/","projectTitle":"No Chills, Just Skills!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Afanador","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8157555_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743015518728","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/b-afanador"},{"teacherId":10007887,"projectId":10042916,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your contributions, which have made a significant impact on our classroom community. Recently, we provided our students with snacks and winter supplies, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. As we approach the colder months, these supplies are essential not only for comfort but also for maintaining focus and fostering a positive learning environment. During our winter-themed classroom celebration, students enjoyed warm snacks together, which sparked joyful conversations and friendships among them.\r\n\r\nWhen the students received their winter supplies, the excitement was evident. Many of them eagerly shared their new gloves and hats, displaying them with pride. It was touching to witness their smiles and gratitude, as these provisions helped them feel cared for during the harsh winter months. The sense of community has greatly strengthened, and it has also led to increased participation in classroom activities.\r\n\r\nYour generous support has not only provided materials but has also inspired a sense of empathy and responsibility in our students. Thank you for your continued partnership in nurturing their growth!","fullyFundedDate":1768862650268,"projectUrl":"project/help-students-feel-the-summer-heat-in-th/10042916/","projectTitle":"Help Students Feel the Summer Heat in the Winter","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Roberson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10007887_orig.jpg?crop=1093,1093,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756309121726","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10007887"},{"teacherId":8675240,"projectId":10047271,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our \"Warm, Fed, and Ready to Learn\" initiative. Because of your kindness, our students are better prepared each day to focus, grow, and succeed.\r\n\r\nYour contribution is doing more than meeting basic needs—it is creating opportunities. When students have warm clothing, nutritious meals, and a sense of security, they can fully engage in their learning and build confidence in themselves. You are directly helping to remove barriers that might otherwise stand in their way.\r\n\r\nWe have already seen the impact of your generosity in our classrooms. Students are arriving more comfortable, more focused, and more ready to participate. These changes may seem small, but they make a lasting difference in a child's educational journey.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and their families, thank you for being a part of this important work. Your support truly helps ensure that every child has the chance to be warm, fed, and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1769212418661,"projectUrl":"project/warm-fed-and-ready-to-learn/10047271/","projectTitle":"Warm, Fed, and Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nelson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8675240_orig.jpg?crop=716,716,x281,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732652627163","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8675240"},{"teacherId":8712625,"projectId":10050944,"letterContent":"I would like to personally thank you for putting a smile on my students' faces as well as the classroom next door which is also Second Grade. They were truly excited when box after box after box arrived because they didn't know what was enclosed. Thank you because you provided us with brand new classroom toys that teach my students responsibility (to choose and then clean up and put away all of the pieces) as well as decision making (which toy to choose and who you will be playing with). With the new toys, it also allows my students to share and make creative sculptures like we are learning about in reading this week. When the day arrived to reveal the new toys, I placed two great listeners in two different sections of the classroom to open the box and choose one toy to play with alongside their partner. The room lit up with anticipation of what was in this huge box that they actually could almost fit inside of to hide. They also smiled ear to ear when they were called up to choose their favorite color headphones for their laptops.\r\n \r\n Next, I would like to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to teach my students about how to have a Pen Pal. At first they were a little confused because they never heard of a Pen Pal but got excited the day when they chose a random student from the class next door. By your donations of the colorful folders, copy paper, writing paper, stickers, coloring pencils, classroom marker set and glue sticks, this gave them a chance to practice sharing with others. It also allowed them to practice letter writing skills, decision making, and being able to communicate and converse with each other in a friendly manner. This way, when they see each other in the hallways they will know something new about the other students in the classroom. I would also like to thank you because you provided the class with cleaning supplies in such a crucial time (flu season) and so we can clean up before we ate some of the sweet and salty snacks. We actually had enough to eat snacks in our class (several times) as well as share with their Pen Pals in the other Second Grade classroom. \r\n\r\n Finally, you all were kind enough to give my class colored drawstring book bags (to hold our supplies and make more room inside the desk for books.) We hang them on the back of the chair so they can have easy access to them. We were also given water bottles so that if we ran out of cups in the classroom they could still have a personalized water bottle to drink from. Oh, I forgot to mention that we had a Turn and Talk discussion on what was the best way to separate the markers into sets since there were not enough markers to give each student their own set. Needless to say, the best idea was to make several pencil boxes of 16 for two people to share since we can only use one marker at a time. It was an awesome mini lesson. So, thank you for your generosity and kindness in allowing these important opportunities for my students.\r\n\r\nP.S. My students wrote you all some Thank You Letters but I read that you don't want them with this letter. So, please let me know if you change your mind.","fullyFundedDate":1769292434799,"projectUrl":"project/i-would-love-for-you-to-be-my-pen-pal/10050944/","projectTitle":"I Would Love for You to Be My Pen Pal","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dean","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8712625_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777220809219","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8712625"},{"teacherId":8673197,"projectId":10198512,"letterContent":"I want to 1st thank the Donors for sharing my vision of helping my Young Kindergarten Scholars achieve academic success without cognitively worrying about being hungry... This is a mission of mine to ensure that my Scholars are on the trajectory toward ultimate academic success that is longstanding as they journey through their initial scholarly years.\r\n\r\nMy Scholars always act the same when they realize that people whom they have never met are willing to contribute to their academic expedition... My Scholars are starting to understand how community engagement and volunteering work in their social landscapes...\r\n\r\nIn closing, my Scholars are going to use these snacks as a way to complete their academic studies in Kindergarten Literacy and Writing Comprehension, as well as Math instruction...","fullyFundedDate":1776784164868,"projectUrl":"project/learning-and-snacking/10198512/","projectTitle":"Learning and Snacking!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. K. Byrd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8673197_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709689451380","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-kbyrd"},{"teacherId":9265291,"projectId":10039415,"letterContent":"The donations made helped my students complete assignments within the middle school math class that I teach.\r\nThese donations came in handy for students who have significant food shortage, as well as the lack of money for the fundamental materials needed to complete school assignments within the New Jersey Public School system rigorous curriculum.\r\nWe, my students and I, as well as my team members are eternally grateful for the donations made possible through this excellent program, the Donors Choose agency.\r\nAgain, thank you for your dedication to our students' success in becoming significantly contributing members of our society, by way of their successful academic achievement of learning and growing.","fullyFundedDate":1768768061602,"projectUrl":"project/winter-stock-up/10039415/","projectTitle":"Winter Stock Up!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cuevas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9265291_orig.jpg?crop=848,848,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694089587027","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9265291"},{"teacherId":8157555,"projectId":10022601,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my classroom has become a place of comfort, care, and consistency for students who truly need it. Many of my students come to school carrying responsibilities and challenges far beyond their years, and hunger is often one of them. The snacks and quick meals you provided are used every day, sometimes the moment students walk through the door, and other times quietly during class when I can see someone starting to shut down. One moment that will stay with me is a student who came in withdrawn and overwhelmed. After offering them a snack and giving them a moment, they slowly re-engaged, completed their work, and even participated in discussion. That small act of care changed the entire trajectory of their day.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their reactions were immediate. There was excitement, but more importantly, there was relief. They now know that our classroom is a space where their needs will be met without judgment or attention being drawn to their situation. In a community like ours, where many families are doing their best to make ends meet, this kind of consistency matters. These snacks are more than food. They represent stability, dignity, and the message that someone is looking out for them.\r\n\r\nAs we continue into new units and prepare for upcoming assessments, these resources will continue to support both academic success and emotional well-being. Students are more focused, more confident, and more willing to engage because they are not distracted by hunger. You have helped create a classroom environment where students feel safe, valued, and ready to learn each day. Your support is not just appreciated, it is felt in every lesson, every interaction, and every student who is able to show up as their best self.","fullyFundedDate":1768622706866,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-care-and-classroom-snacks/10022601/","projectTitle":"Comfort, Care, and Classroom Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Afanador","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8157555_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743015518728","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/b-afanador"},{"teacherId":10412970,"projectId":10042860,"letterContent":"On behalf of my kindergarten through fifth grade classes, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donation of school supplies, and snacks for my classroom. \r\nThe impact of your contribution cannot be overstated, as it has allowed us to create an inspiring learning environment. We were able to create amazing projects using the material you have donated.These materials are being put to immediate use in our classroom to help my students learning. \r\nThank you for supporting our school.\r\nSincerely,","fullyFundedDate":1768859646873,"projectUrl":"project/snack-time/10042860/","projectTitle":"Snack Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Waszen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10412970"},{"teacherId":3158584,"projectId":9845715,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for sponsoring my project for Hand Sewn Puppets. My students absolutely loved this entire project. As you will see from the pictures, my students had to really focus on the task at hand. There were a lot of mis-steps along the way and in some cases, students had to undo all their work because they made an early mistake that went unchecked. My students did not give up because they knew the end result would be worth it. I am proud that although this task was difficult for my young students, they perservered through the task.\r\nWhen the sewing of all the puppets was completed, students were given all the stickers and following a picture, they finished the puppet. Now the reward was happening - playing with the puppets and their classmates. For the last few weeks, they have had plays with the puppets and will be bringing these home to share with their families.\r\nAgain, thank you for supporting my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1763621275138,"projectUrl":"project/sew-sweet-creations/9845715/","projectTitle":"Sew Sweet Creations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lynch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3158584_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1524231647402","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kelly-lynch"},{"teacherId":10414780,"projectId":10047784,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to take a moment to share how much your generosity has meant to our classroom and give you a glimpse into how your contributions are making a difference.\r\n\r\nWe have been actively using the new resources during our small group instruction and hands-on learning centers. One specific moment that stood out was during a recent project where students worked collaboratively to apply what they were learning using the new materials. The level of engagement and focus was incredible. Students who are usually hesitant to participate were excited to jump in, explore, and share their thinking with their peers. It truly created a more interactive and supportive learning environment.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their faces lit up with excitement. They were eager to explore everything right away. Many of them asked if they could start using the resources immediately! That enthusiasm carried over into our lessons, making learning feel fresh and motivating.\r\n\r\nAs for next steps, we are continuing to build on our current lessons by incorporating the materials into more student-led activities and project-based learning. Students will be using the resources to deepen their understanding, complete collaborative projects, and present their learning in creative ways. The goal is to continue fostering independence, critical thinking, and confidence in the classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only provided tools for learning but has also inspired excitement and curiosity among my students. Thank you for investing in their education and being a part of our classroom journey.","fullyFundedDate":1769190985988,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-care-and-classroom-snacks/10047784/","projectTitle":"Comfort, Care and Classroom Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Timmons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10414780"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_108664","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":421,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":83,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":39.7,"schoolId":108664,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Veterans Memorial Family School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Veterans Memorial Family School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/camden-city-school-district/veterans-memorial-family-school/108664"}