{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Whispering Forest Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":32.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2952402,"projectId":9664874,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous donation of bean bags for our classroom's calming and sensory space. These cozy seating options have transformed the area into a welcoming and comfortable spot where students can take a moment to relax, regulate their emotions, and refocus before returning to learning.\r\n\r\nThe bean bags help create a sense of safety and calm, giving students a place to practice coping skills and build independence in managing big feelings. This space has quickly become one of the most loved areas in the classroom, and it's making a meaningful impact on daily routines and emotional growth.","fullyFundedDate":1757683200308,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-place-to-calm-bean-bags-for-big/9664874/","projectTitle":"A Cozy Place to Calm: Bean Bags for Big Emotions","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Overcast","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2952402_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669072782890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2952402"},{"teacherId":2952402,"projectId":9665008,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation that helped bring a new calming rug to our classroom. This beautiful addition has transformed a simple corner into a peaceful, welcoming space where my students can relax, reset, and feel safe. In early childhood and special education, creating a calm and comforting environment is not just about décor — it's about building a foundation for emotional regulation, focus, and growth. Your contribution made that possible in such a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nOur new rug has become the centerpiece of what my students call \"the cozy corner.\" This is where they go when they need a moment to breathe, calm down, or simply take a sensory break before rejoining their peers. The rug's soft texture and warm colors make the space inviting and soothing. We paired it with bean bag chairs, sensory tiles, and tactile objects to create a multisensory area that meets the needs of all learners — especially those who may struggle with overstimulation, transitions, or big emotions throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nThe impact of this rug goes far beyond comfort. For many of my students, regulating emotions and learning to express feelings appropriately are daily goals. When a child feels overwhelmed, anxious, or frustrated, having a soft and structured space to retreat to can make all the difference. I've already seen students use the calming space to practice coping skills we have been working on — such as deep breathing, counting, and using words to express how they feel. One student who often struggles with transitions now asks, \"Can I go to the rug for a break?\" and comes back ready to participate again. These small moments show how powerful a calm environment can be in supporting emotional growth and classroom success.\r\n\r\nThe calming space also encourages social and cooperative play. Students love to read together, build puzzles, or quietly look through picture books while sitting on the rug. They are learning to share the space, take turns, and respect one another's need for quiet time — all while building friendships and empathy. The sensory tiles and fidget items around the rug also help students strengthen their fine motor skills and attention span. What may look like simple play is truly meaningful learning in action.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped me give my students a gift that supports both their academic and emotional development. In a classroom that serves young children with exceptionalities, every detail matters — and your support helped me create an environment that tells each child, \"You belong here, and you are safe.\" The calming rug symbolizes so much more than just a classroom item. It represents a place of comfort, trust, and growth — a reminder that school can be a secure and joyful place for every child, no matter their challenges or differences.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and in the importance of meeting their needs in all areas — social, emotional, and academic. Your generosity continues to make a daily difference. Each time a child settles into that cozy corner, finds comfort, and returns to learning with a smile, it's because of you. You have helped create not just a calming space, but a space filled with love, learning, and hope.","fullyFundedDate":1757683144998,"projectUrl":"project/a-rug-to-reset-building-a-calming-space/9665008/","projectTitle":"A Rug to Reset: Building a Calming Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Overcast","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2952402_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669072782890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2952402"},{"teacherId":2952402,"projectId":9662645,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of sticker books and Polly Pockets! My students are absolutely loving these new materials. The sticker books are being used as both an incentive and a learning tool—students get to choose a sticker as a reward and then use it for writing practice by describing it, identifying its beginning letter sound, and using phonetic spelling to form words. This makes learning exciting and meaningful! The Polly Pockets are also a big hit, serving as special incentives after work completion while supporting fine motor development as students engage in play. These resources bring joy, motivation, and hands-on learning into our classroom every day. Thank you for helping my students stay engaged, build confidence, and grow in their early literacy and fine motor skills!","fullyFundedDate":1757683146390,"projectUrl":"project/sticker-books-and-sensory-tools-to-help/9662645/","projectTitle":"Sticker Books and Sensory: Tools to Help Little Learners Shine!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Overcast","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2952402_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669072782890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2952402"},{"teacherId":2952402,"projectId":9664992,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of sensory tiles and a lava lamp for our classroom! These items have made such a positive difference in helping my students regulate their emotions and stay focused during the school day. The sensory tiles give students a fun, hands-on way to move, explore, and calm their bodies, while the lava lamp provides a peaceful, visually soothing light that creates a calm environment during transitions or quiet time. Your kindness helps create a supportive and inclusive space where my students can feel safe, relaxed, and ready to learn. We are truly grateful for your support and for bringing comfort and joy to our classroom every day!","fullyFundedDate":1757683123794,"projectUrl":"project/watch-step-and-breathe-sensory-tools/9664992/","projectTitle":"Watch, Step, and Breathe: Sensory Tools for Emotional Support","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Overcast","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2952402_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669072782890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2952402"},{"teacherId":2952402,"projectId":9354605,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating multi-sensory letters and numbers!\r\nWith the addition of sandpaper letters and magnetic letters and numbers, my students now have a variety of engaging ways to interact with both letters and numbers. These materials make learning more hands-on and meaningful, which is especially important for my students who benefit from multi-sensory approaches.\r\n\r\nThe different textures and formats allow students to see, touch, and manipulate the letters and numbers—helping them connect learning in a way that is fun, memorable, and effective. These resources are perfect for keeping students engaged while supporting their growth and confidence.\r\n\r\nYour generosity makes it possible for me to provide the kinds of learning experiences my students need most. Thank you for giving them the tools to succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1757683097329,"projectUrl":"project/multi-sensory-letters/9354605/","projectTitle":"Multi-sensory Letters","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Overcast","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2952402_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669072782890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2952402"},{"teacherId":2952402,"projectId":9354647,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating individualized goal folders!\r\nThese folders are an essential tool in my classroom because they allow me to keep each student's IEP goals organized in one place. Having materials ready and accessible makes instruction more efficient and keeps our focus on meaningful learning rather than searching for supplies.\r\n\r\nAn equally important piece is that these folders give students ownership of their own progress. By tracking and graphing their goals, they can see their growth over time—which motivates them and builds confidence. With your support, we now have a system that encourages independence, accountability, and success.\r\n\r\nYour generosity makes it possible for me to spend less time on logistics and more time teaching and celebrating student progress. Thank you for helping me create an organized, efficient, and empowering environment for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1757683120434,"projectUrl":"project/individual-goal-folders/9354647/","projectTitle":"Individual Goal Folders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Overcast","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2952402_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669072782890","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2952402"},{"teacherId":3215228,"projectId":9361227,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our Pre-K class experienced an unforgettable Glow Party that brought light, laughter, and learning to life! With glowing lights, neon materials, and lots of hands-on fun, our students were fully engaged in activities that supported sensory exploration, color recognition, and social interaction.\r\nFor many of our youngest learners, this was their first time participating in such a magical event. Their eyes lit up—literally and figuratively—as they danced, played, and explored in a safe, joyful environment. This celebration wasn't just fun—it also reinforced key early learning skills like taking turns, following directions, and expressing creativity.\r\nYour support helped us create a moment of pure joy and wonder, one that our students will remember long after the lights go out. Thank you for making this glow-tastic experience possible!","fullyFundedDate":1752586238359,"projectUrl":"project/lets-glow-crazy-a-glow-in-the-dark-par/9361227/","projectTitle":"Let’s Glow Crazy: A Glow-in-the-Dark Party for Pre-K!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Engelhardt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3215228"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_11240","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":464,"numTeachers":31,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":21,"percentWhite":60,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 3","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":67.6,"schoolId":11240,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Whispering Forest Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Whispering Forest Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/louisiana/st-tammany-parish-school-district/whispering-forest-elementary-school/11240"}