{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Whispering Forest Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":32.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2952402,"projectId":9635599,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in providing games for my classroom and for recognizing the powerful role that play has in learning. Because of your support, my students now have access to hands-on games that help transform learning into a positive, engaging, and emotionally safe experience. Many of my students struggle with academic challenges, attention difficulties, or emotional regulation, and traditional paper-and-pencil tasks can sometimes trigger stress or frustration. Games change that dynamic entirely. When learning is presented through play, students are able to approach challenges with curiosity rather than fear. Instead of entering a fight-or-flight response when something feels difficult, they remain calm, engaged, and willing to try. Your donation has helped create a classroom environment where students feel safe to make mistakes, take risks, and persevere, which is essential for meaningful growth.\r\n\r\nThese games are incredibly versatile and allow me to tailor instruction to meet a wide range of learning needs. I often add numbers, letters, or sight words to game pieces so that students can practice essential skills while playing. A single game can be used in countless ways—letter identification, phonics practice, counting, number recognition, simple math operations, turn-taking, and following directions. Because the activity feels fun and familiar, students are often unaware that they are practicing skills they previously found challenging. This approach helps reduce anxiety and increases confidence, especially for students who may feel overwhelmed by traditional instruction. Games also encourage social interaction, cooperation, and communication, helping students develop important social-emotional skills alongside academic ones. Your support has allowed me to meet students where they are and provide instruction in a way that feels supportive rather than stressful.\r\n\r\nThe impact of these games extends far beyond academics. Play-based learning helps students regulate emotions, build resilience, and develop a positive relationship with learning. I have seen students who typically shut down during challenging tasks become excited participants when games are introduced. Laughter replaces frustration, engagement replaces avoidance, and confidence begins to grow. These moments are incredibly meaningful, especially for students who often experience school as a place of struggle. As a teacher, it is deeply rewarding to watch students succeed in an environment that honors their emotional needs while still holding high expectations for learning. Your generosity has helped create a classroom where learning feels accessible, joyful, and empowering. Thank you for investing in my students and for helping turn challenges into opportunities through play. Your support truly makes a lasting difference in the lives of the children I teach.","fullyFundedDate":1757683176842,"projectUrl":"project/play-based-and-purposeful-games-to-help/9635599/","projectTitle":"Play-Based and Purposeful: Games to Help Little Learners Grow","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":9380808,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in helping provide such a meaningful winter gift for my students. Because of your kindness, each child received a special package that included a hardcover copy of The Mitten, a pair of warm gloves, and a cuddly key chain to keep as their own. This gift was far more than just winter accessories—it was an experience filled with comfort, joy, and connection. The moment the students opened their gloves, their excitement was immediate and contagious. They wanted to put them on right away and proudly wore them throughout the day, asking if they could keep them on even inside the classroom. For many of my students, something as simple as a new pair of gloves made them feel cared for, prepared, and special. Your support helped ensure that every child, regardless of circumstance, felt warm, included, and valued during the winter season.\r\n\r\nThe book, The Mitten, was an especially meaningful part of this gift. I intentionally wanted to give my students a classic story they could take home and share with their families—a book that encourages togetherness, conversation, and a love of reading beyond the classroom walls. This story is a wonderful winter tradition, and having it in a durable hardcover format means it can be read again and again, year after year. We read the book together in class, and the students were completely engaged, eager to predict what would happen next and delighted by the animals crowding into the mitten. Many of them immediately began talking about reading it at home with their parents, siblings, or caregivers. Providing a book to keep—not just borrow—helps build home libraries and reinforces the idea that books are treasures meant to be enjoyed and shared. Your generosity helped create moments of family connection and literacy that extend far beyond the school day.\r\n\r\nThis winter gift brought warmth in every sense of the word. The gloves met a real, practical need and gave students confidence and comfort during colder days, while the cuddly key chain offered a sense of fun and companionship that many children cherish. Most importantly, the book helped create meaningful learning moments rooted in tradition, storytelling, and togetherness. As a teacher, it is incredibly rewarding to see students feel proud of their gifts and excited to take learning home with them. Your support helped create memories my students will carry with them, reminding them that learning can be joyful and that people beyond their classroom care deeply about their well-being. Thank you for investing in my students and for helping make this winter season one filled with warmth, learning, and lasting impact. Your kindness truly made a difference in our classroom and in the lives of the children I teach.","fullyFundedDate":1758735524656,"projectUrl":"project/warm-winter-tales-books-gloves-and-cu/9380808/","projectTitle":"Warm Winter Tales: Books, Gloves, and Cuddles for Little Learners","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":9354727,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your thoughtful generosity and for helping bring joy, celebration, and meaningful learning into our classroom. Because of your support, my students now have a special birthday book by Dr. Seuss along with birthday supplies such as bracelets and stickers, as well as materials for desk pets that add excitement and engagement to our daily routines. Birthdays are incredibly important to children, especially in a school setting where they spend so much of their time. Having classroom resources dedicated to celebrating each child helps ensure that every student feels seen, valued, and special on their big day. The birthday book has already become a treasured part of our classroom, creating moments of laughter, connection, and shared joy. Your generosity has allowed us to turn birthdays into meaningful learning experiences rather than just another day on the calendar.\r\n\r\nThe birthday book brings learning and celebration together in a way that truly resonates with young students. Reading it aloud helps reinforce literacy skills such as listening comprehension, vocabulary development, and story engagement, while also promoting positive emotions and classroom community. The fun, rhythmic language and playful illustrations make students feel excited about reading, especially on a day that is already special to them. The birthday bracelets and stickers add another layer of excitement, giving students something tangible to wear and share proudly throughout the day. These small tokens may seem simple, but they create lasting memories and help build a sense of belonging. Additionally, the desk pet materials have had a wonderful impact on student motivation and behavior. Desk pets encourage responsibility, creativity, and positive choices, as students earn opportunities to care for and interact with them through good behavior and effort. This has helped foster a positive classroom culture where students feel motivated to do their best while learning important social and emotional skills.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has done more than provide supplies—it has helped create an environment filled with joy, encouragement, and meaningful connections. These birthday and desk-pet materials allow us to celebrate milestones, promote positive behavior, and strengthen relationships within the classroom. Students feel excited to come to school knowing that their birthdays will be honored and that their efforts throughout the year are recognized in fun and meaningful ways. As a teacher, I am incredibly grateful for your support and for the thoughtfulness behind your donation. You have helped make our classroom a place where learning is joyful, celebrations are inclusive, and every child feels valued. Thank you for investing in my students and for helping create moments they will remember long after the school year ends. Your kindness truly makes a difference, and we are so thankful for you.","fullyFundedDate":1757683128566,"projectUrl":"project/birthday-book-and-desk-pet-supplies/9354727/","projectTitle":"Birthday Book and Desk Pet Supplies","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":9354659,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of my classroom. Because of you, my students now have access to the everyday learning tools that make an extraordinary difference in how they engage, create, and succeed at school. Supplies like markers, Expo markers, crayons, tape, tape dispensers, and binder clips may seem simple on the surface, but in a classroom they are truly essential. These items are used daily—for writing, drawing, organizing, labeling, creating, and learning—and having enough supplies for every student helps ensure that no child feels left out or unprepared. Your kindness has directly removed a barrier to learning and replaced it with opportunity, confidence, and excitement. Instead of worrying about running out of materials or asking students to share limited resources, I can now focus fully on teaching and supporting my students as they grow academically and socially.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, my students are able to participate more actively in lessons that encourage creativity, independence, and hands-on learning. Markers and crayons allow them to express their ideas through drawings, charts, and writing activities, which is especially important for young learners who are still developing language and fine motor skills. Expo markers are used daily during whole-group and small-group instruction, helping students practice skills, make mistakes safely, and try again without fear. Tape and tape dispensers make classroom projects smoother and more accessible, allowing students to assemble work independently and take pride in what they create. Binder clips help us stay organized, keeping student work, learning centers, and instructional materials neat and easy to access. These tools may be small, but together they create a classroom environment that is structured, engaging, and supportive—one where students feel capable and confident in their learning.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a lasting impact not just on my classroom, but on the hearts of my students and me. When children see that others care enough to support their education, it sends a powerful message: their learning matters. Thanks to you, my students come to school better prepared, more motivated, and excited to learn each day. As a teacher, I am deeply grateful for your belief in our classroom and for helping provide the resources that allow learning to happen smoothly and joyfully. Thank you for investing in my students' education and for being part of their journey. Your support will be felt every single day as these supplies are used to teach, explore, create, and grow. We truly could not do this without you.","fullyFundedDate":1757683118552,"projectUrl":"project/incentives-and-supplies/9354659/","projectTitle":"Incentives and Supplies","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":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"}