{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"West Orange-Stark Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9590518,"projectId":9853724,"letterContent":"The \"Christmas Around the Campus\" celebration made possible through DonorsChoose has had a joyful and meaningful impact on our students and school community. This experience allowed students to engage in festive, hands-on activities that brought learning to life while celebrating the holiday season. Through decorations, themed stations, and interactive projects, students were able to build connections to classroom content in a fun and memorable way. The excitement and sense of wonder created throughout the campus helped foster a positive school environment where students felt included, valued, and eager to participate.\r\n\r\nIn addition to creating lasting memories, this event strengthened our school community by bringing students and staff together in a shared celebration. It encouraged collaboration, creativity, and social interaction as students explored different activities and traditions. For many students, this experience provided opportunities they may not have outside of school, making it even more impactful. The support from DonorsChoose helped create a warm, engaging atmosphere that not only celebrated the season but also reinforced a sense of belonging, joy, and connection across our campus.","fullyFundedDate":1763146339635,"projectUrl":"project/christmas-on-campus/9853724/","projectTitle":"Christmas on Campus","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9590518_orig.jpg?crop=1591,1591,x1531,y1786&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721314018244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9590518"},{"teacherId":9590518,"projectId":9887956,"letterContent":"Receiving snacks through DonorsChoose has a meaningful impact on students' ability to focus, learn, and fully participate in the school day. Many students come to school hungry or without access to consistent meals, which can make it difficult for them to concentrate on lessons. Having snacks readily available helps meet their basic needs so they can stay engaged during instruction. When students are not distracted by hunger, they are better able to listen, think critically, and complete their work, leading to improved academic performance and a more productive classroom environment.\r\n\r\nIn addition to supporting academic success, providing snacks helps create a caring and supportive classroom community. Students feel valued and cared for when their teacher ensures they have something to eat, which builds trust and strengthens relationships. Snack time can also become an opportunity for students to practice social skills, share, and connect with one another in a positive way. Overall, having snacks available promotes both the well-being and emotional security of students, helping them feel safe, supported, and ready to learn each day.","fullyFundedDate":1763498200960,"projectUrl":"project/a-snack-a-day/9887956/","projectTitle":"A Snack a Day","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9590518_orig.jpg?crop=1591,1591,x1531,y1786&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721314018244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9590518"},{"teacherId":9590518,"projectId":9888141,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous support of DonorsChoose, my students have had the incredible opportunity to explore the world in a whole new way through the use of a microscope. What was once only described in books has now become a hands-on learning experience, allowing my first graders to observe tiny details in objects like leaves, insects, and everyday materials. This has sparked a sense of curiosity and excitement about science, making learning more engaging and meaningful.\r\n\r\nUsing the microscope has also encouraged critical thinking and observation skills as students ask questions, make discoveries, and share what they see with one another. It has helped bring science to life in our classroom and inspired students to think like young scientists. Your support has not only provided a valuable learning tool but has also created memorable experiences that will inspire a lifelong interest in exploration and discovery.","fullyFundedDate":1763587148994,"projectUrl":"project/behind-the-science-are-great-minds/9888141/","projectTitle":"Behind the Science are Great Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9590518_orig.jpg?crop=1591,1591,x1531,y1786&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721314018244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9590518"},{"teacherId":9590518,"projectId":9617324,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous support of DonorsChoose, my students now have access to a wide variety of books that spark their curiosity and love for reading. Having new, engaging, and age-appropriate books in our classroom has made reading more exciting and meaningful for my first graders. They are eager to explore different stories, topics, and characters, which helps build their confidence and strengthens their reading skills each day.\r\n\r\nThese books have also created more opportunities for independent reading, small group learning, and meaningful discussions. Students are developing stronger comprehension, vocabulary, and a deeper appreciation for literacy. Just as importantly, they are beginning to see themselves as readers, which is a powerful and lasting impact. Your support has helped open the door to imagination, learning, and a lifelong love of reading for every child in my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1757508804489,"projectUrl":"project/more-ways-to-read/9617324/","projectTitle":"More Ways To Read","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9590518_orig.jpg?crop=1591,1591,x1531,y1786&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721314018244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9590518"},{"teacherId":9590518,"projectId":9347109,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous support of DonorsChoose, my students now have access to a wide variety of books that spark their curiosity and love for reading. Having new, engaging, and age-appropriate books in our classroom has made reading more exciting and meaningful for my first graders. They are eager to explore different stories, topics, and characters, which helps build their confidence and strengthens their reading skills each day.\r\n\r\nThese books have also created more opportunities for independent reading, small group learning, and meaningful discussions. Students are developing stronger comprehension, vocabulary, and a deeper appreciation for literacy. Just as importantly, they are beginning to see themselves as readers, which is a powerful and lasting impact. Your support has helped open the door to imagination, learning, and a lifelong love of reading for every child in my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1747187723788,"projectUrl":"project/amazing-reading/9347109/","projectTitle":"Amazing Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9590518_orig.jpg?crop=1591,1591,x1531,y1786&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721314018244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9590518"},{"teacherId":9590518,"projectId":9322666,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous support of DonorsChoose, our classroom has become a more organized, structured, and welcoming learning environment. Having the materials and resources we need readily available has allowed my students to spend less time searching for supplies and more time actively engaged in learning. Clear organization has helped my first graders build independence, as they are now able to confidently access tools, clean up after themselves, and transition smoothly between activities.\r\n\r\nThis sense of structure has had a powerful impact on both behavior and learning. Students feel more comfortable and focused in a space where everything has a place, which has led to fewer distractions and more meaningful instruction time. An organized classroom has also helped foster responsibility and pride, as students take ownership of their learning environment. Your support has truly made a lasting difference by creating a space where all students can thrive and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1746699550172,"projectUrl":"project/organized-learning-stations/9322666/","projectTitle":"Organized Learning Stations","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gant","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9590518_orig.jpg?crop=1591,1591,x1531,y1786&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721314018244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9590518"},{"teacherId":10029924,"projectId":9538516,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contribution to our classroom! My kids eyes light up when we received the supplies they mostly loved the rug that allowed them all to have a spot on the rug! We are extremely blessed that you decided to donate these materials to our classroom! The books also were a huge hit my students couldn't wait to read them! Your donated has helped me foster a love for reading within my classroom and for that I am forever thankful that you chose to help my students. My students are very motivated readers and we're so happy to get these new materials!","fullyFundedDate":1764707889701,"projectUrl":"project/building-lifelong-readers/9538516/","projectTitle":"Building Lifelong Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williamson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10029924_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747276399155","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10029924"},{"teacherId":10029924,"projectId":9923845,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to our classroom. We will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have new supplies to be more hands on in our learning.\r\n\r\nThe whiteboards have allowed us all the opportunity to have our own whiteboard to work out each questions. The markers and erasers have helped we had just run out of our class supply. The containers have allowed for quicker and more organized distribution of these materials. \r\n\r\nWe are so grateful that you decided to take a chance on our class and help us. The excitement my students felt when receiving these materials will always be a favorite memory of mine!","fullyFundedDate":1764707888694,"projectUrl":"project/creating-hands-on-learners/9923845/","projectTitle":"Creating Hands-on Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williamson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10029924_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747276399155","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10029924"},{"teacherId":8582830,"projectId":9712797,"letterContent":"The new games and activities that I was able to order, thanks to your generous donation, have been a game changer. For whatever reason, this year's group of kindergarten students had very poor fine motor skills. Obviously these must be developed in order for them to learn to write correctly and legibly, which is a huge part of the kindergarten curriculum.\r\n\r\nI was able to use these items to help students exercise and build these muscles, while having fun, and practicing other important kindergarten concepts. Some of their favorite games were counting and sorting games.\r\n\r\nNot only have these been an instrumental tool for me this year, but they have provided hours of fine motor fun. The best part about them is, that I will be able to use them every year as we start school, to help students prepare to learn handwriting. Thank you so much for your generous donation. Please know that you have made a big difference in my classroom and will for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1760725291609,"projectUrl":"project/fine-motor-fun/9712797/","projectTitle":"Fine Motor Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Alfaro- Valdez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8582830_orig.jpg?crop=1059,1060,x0,y226&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701803470618","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8582830"},{"teacherId":10208496,"projectId":9665982,"letterContent":"Delivery day was an awesome experience for our class. The packages were continually arriving at the front office which made the next few weeks extremely exciting! At first, the secretary would call out over the intercom saying, \"Mr. Lawson, there are packages for you at the front office.\" Then, I would walk down to find multiple boxes sitting on the table, and wheel them back to our classroom. Finally, after what seemed like a long waiting period, that afternoon, I put together the Gibson rolling cart, and stocked the shelves with books and paper supplies. Now, the classroom seems much more accessible.\r\n\r\nEach morning, I stand at the Gibson's rolling mount desk and teach phonics, facilitate a daily read-aloud from the books provided, and guide our students through the lessons printed on the paper provided by the donations. I especially want to highlight the excitement the students have displayed as we went through the Spot of Kindness book series. Now, with the materials that you helped provide, our classroom is much more prepared academically. We truly appreciate the resources and your kindness. All Glory to God!","fullyFundedDate":1758832058015,"projectUrl":"project/a-book-a-day-keeps-illiteracy-away/9665982/","projectTitle":"A Book A Day Keeps Illiteracy Away!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lawson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10208496_orig.jpg?crop=292,292,x811,y52&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756568435933","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10208496"},{"teacherId":9911726,"projectId":9823600,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and making these new resources possible. My students and I are using them daily during our math and science lessons, and they have already made a meaningful difference. One moment that stood out was during a recent small-group lesson, when students were able to independently apply what they were learning using the new materials instead of waiting for help. It gave them confidence and allowed me to focus on deeper thinking rather than basic access.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, my students were beyond excited. They immediately wanted to explore, ask questions, and try everything out. Several students even said, \"This makes learning math so fun!\" Seeing their enthusiasm reminded me how powerful the right tools can be in helping children feel successful and engaged.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our next steps include building stronger independence, problem-solving skills, and collaboration as we continue our current lessons. These resources will be used all year long to support hands-on learning, small-group instruction, and student growth. Thank you for giving my students the opportunity to learn in a way that feels accessible, exciting, and empowering. Your support truly makes a lasting impact in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1763587149180,"projectUrl":"project/essential-tools-for-bluebonnet-math-lear/9823600/","projectTitle":"Essential Tools for Bluebonnet Math Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reed","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msreed2025"},{"teacherId":10029924,"projectId":9536829,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for allowing us to benefit from this project. This has allowed me to provide daily snacks for my students ensuring that they go home with food in their tummy. This is such an important project to me because I do have a lot of lower income students. This allows me to ensure they aren't leaving school hungry. I have a few students I've also been able to send a snack home with them for their siblings. I am so thankful that I am able to provide my students with these necessities in school!","fullyFundedDate":1761959824395,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-in-the-classroom/9536829/","projectTitle":"Snacks in the classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williamson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10029924_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747276399155","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10029924"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_98983","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1103,"numTeachers":61,"percentFrplEligible":94,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":51,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":21,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"18.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.1,"schoolId":98983,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about West Orange-Stark Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"West Orange-Stark Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/west-orange-cove-consolidated-independent-school-district/west-orange-stark-elementary/98983"}