{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Wounded Knee District School","outOfStateSupporters":92.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9295067,"projectId":9847664,"letterContent":"We are thrilled to share the wonderful impact of your generous support for our \"Encouraging Big Smiles Through Little Rewards\" program! Thanks to you, our students' attendance has improved, and we've seen noticeable growth in their performance on tests.\r\n\r\nParents have shared that their children love coming to school because there's always something exciting to look forward to. Students complete their classwork with enthusiasm and move to their stations with positive behavior, creating a classroom that is ready and eager for learning each day.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is truly making a difference—bringing smiles, motivation, and joy to our students. We are so grateful for your support in helping our little learners thrive!\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt thanks and cheer","fullyFundedDate":1761681150632,"projectUrl":"project/encouraging-big-smiles-through-little-re/9847664/","projectTitle":"Encouraging Big Smiles Through Little Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kathryn Borromeo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9295067_orig.jpg?crop=4284,4284,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760932562612","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kathrynhopeborromeo"},{"teacherId":9900270,"projectId":9221275,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to you for your generosity and kindness in funding my classroom project, Beyond the Lab: Designing a Science Classroom for Exploration. Words cannot fully express how thankful I am for your support and belief in the power of education. Your contribution has truly transformed my classroom and made a lasting difference in the lives of my students at Wounded Knee District School in South Dakota.\r\n\r\nWhen I first envisioned this project, I wanted to create a space where my middle school students could experience science beyond textbooks, a classroom that encourages curiosity, discovery, and creativity. Many of my students come from communities where educational resources are limited and opportunities to engage in hands on learning are rare. My goal was to bring the world of science closer to them, to let them touch, build, observe, and question rather than just memorize facts.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generous funding, that dream has now become a reality. The materials we received through this project have opened doors to new ways of learning. My students can now use real laboratory tools, interactive models, and engaging science kits that make abstract concepts come alive. Lessons that were once confined to reading and discussion have now become exciting moments of exploration. They have learned to hypothesize, test, and reflect just like real scientists.\r\n\r\nThe Impact of the Project\r\nThe Beyond the Lab project has had a tremendous impact on both teaching and learning in my classroom. The new resources provided by DonorsChoose and supporters have created a dynamic environment where students can experience the joy of discovery every day. The excitement on their faces when I first opened the boxes of materials was truly priceless.\r\n\r\nThese materials have changed the way my students learn. They now understand that science is not about memorizing definitions, it is about exploring how the world works. With magnifying lenses, measuring instruments, and experiment kits, they can observe changes in matter, build models of ecosystems, and simulate natural processes. Their curiosity grows with every experiment, and their confidence in sharing their observations has improved tremendously.\r\n\r\nThrough this project, my students have also learned essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem solving. They now collaborate during group activities, listen to one another's ideas, and discuss results respectfully. It has been wonderful to see how the hands on approach encourages even the quietest students to participate. When they work together on experiments, they learn not only about science but also about empathy and cooperation.\r\n\r\nBuilding Confidence and Curiosity\r\nOne of the most rewarding outcomes of this project has been witnessing how it builds confidence among my students. Many of them used to doubt their abilities in science. They would say, \"Science is hard,\" or \"I can't do it.\" But after completing experiments and seeing real results, their mindset has changed. They now realize that science is something they can do, understand, and even enjoy.\r\n\r\nFor example, one student who used to struggle in class became one of the most active participants during our experiments. She started asking questions like, \"What if we change this variable?\" or \"Can we test it another way?\" Her curiosity became contagious, motivating others to think critically and creatively. These moments remind me that learning becomes meaningful when students feel empowered and supported.\r\nThe project has also encouraged my students to make connections between classroom learning and real world applications. They now see how the principles we discuss, such as energy transfer, chemical changes, and weather patterns, relate to their surroundings and daily lives. It gives them a sense of purpose and relevance in what they are learning.\r\n\r\nCreating a Culture of Exploration\r\nBefore this project, our classroom lacked the tools to conduct meaningful investigations. Most activities were limited to demonstrations or paper based exercises. Now, we have a classroom that truly feels like a science lab, a place where exploration happens every day.\r\n\r\nThe change in atmosphere is remarkable. The classroom buzzes with curiosity. Students rush in, excited to see what we will explore next. They are eager to take on challenges and to share their findings. It is inspiring to watch them collaborate, discuss outcomes, and even troubleshoot mistakes like real scientists. They now understand that mistakes are part of learning, a mindset that extends beyond science into all areas of their education.\r\n\r\nThe materials have also helped bridge learning gaps for students with different learning styles and abilities. Visual learners benefit from models and diagrams, kinesthetic learners thrive in hands on tasks, and auditory learners enjoy explaining their ideas to peers. Every student now has a chance to shine.\r\n\r\nThe Ripple Effect of Your Generosity\r\nYour generosity has had a ripple effect that goes beyond the classroom. My students are sharing what they learn with their families and peers. They talk about their experiments at home, and some have even brought family members to see our projects during school events. Parents have expressed their appreciation, saying how their children are more motivated to study and talk about science.\r\nAs a teacher, this project has also reignited my own passion for teaching. It reminded me why I chose this profession, to inspire young minds and make learning an adventure. The resources funded through DonorsChoose have allowed me to design lessons that are more interactive, inclusive, and meaningful. I now have the tools to differentiate instruction, engage learners with varying needs, and provide real world experiences that make science exciting.\r\n\r\nWith continued support from DonorsChoose and generous donors like you, I hope to expand our collection of science kits and models. These additional resources will allow us to explore topics such as renewable energy, environmental conservation, and space exploration. My goal is to keep providing students with learning experiences that go beyond the walls of the classroom, lessons that spark curiosity, inspire discovery, and nurture lifelong learners.\r\n\r\nA Message from the Heart\r\nEvery donation you give, no matter the amount, represents hope and opportunity for students who might not otherwise experience this kind of learning. Your generosity reminds them that there are people out there who believe in their potential and care about their future. It tells them that their dreams matter.\r\nI have seen firsthand how your support has transformed hesitant learners into confident, enthusiastic young scientists. You have not only provided materials, you have provided inspiration. You have turned curiosity into confidence and challenges into opportunities.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in teachers and students like us. Thank you for investing in the future of education and for showing that kindness and generosity can make a powerful difference. The success of this project proves that when communities come together to support education, amazing things happen.\r\nYour impact will be remembered every time my students put on their lab goggles, ask a new question, or proudly present their discoveries. They will carry these experiences with them, and I truly believe it will inspire some of them to pursue careers in science, technology, and education in the future.\r\n\r\nFinal Words of Gratitude\r\nOnce again, I extend my warmest appreciation to DonorsChoose and all the supporters who made this project possible. You have helped create a learning environment where curiosity thrives, creativity blooms, and dreams begin to take shape.\r\nAs a teacher, I feel incredibly blessed to witness how your generosity changes lives each day. The smiles on my students' faces, their excitement during experiments, and their eagerness to learn—all of these moments are made possible because of you.\r\nTogether, we have shown that learning knows no boundaries when compassion and education unite. I look forward to continuing this journey of exploration with my students, fueled by your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1746676654863,"projectUrl":"project/beyond-the-lab-designing-a-science-clas/9221275/","projectTitle":"Beyond the Lab: Designing a Science Classroom for Exploration!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Maria Angela Vidal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9900270_orig.jpg?crop=2257,2257,x1075,y698&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743539640410","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9900270"},{"teacherId":9801385,"projectId":8872703,"letterContent":"The new printer has significantly enhanced the way our students engage with math. In our classrooms, having access to printed materials—such as worksheets, diagrams, and visual aids—has made a huge difference in the way concepts are taught and understood. For example, math problems that once relied solely on textbooks can now be presented in a more dynamic and visual way. Colored charts, graphs, and diagrams are helping students better understand complex topics like geometry, fractions, and algebra. Having these visual aids printed out and available in color makes abstract concepts more tangible and easier to grasp.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, students can now take home printed resources, which reinforce what they've learned in class. Whether it's a set of practice problems or a colorful math cheat sheet, having these materials at home allows for continuous learning outside the classroom, helping them build confidence and mastery.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting feature of the new printer for our students is the ability to have their worksheets printed in color. For many students, seeing math problems or diagrams in full color makes a big difference in understanding. For instance, students working on geometry can more easily differentiate between different shapes and their properties, while those working on fractions or bar graphs can instantly grasp concepts through vivid color-coded visuals. The ability to bring this level of detail into everyday assignments and practice materials has sparked excitement and motivation in our students to engage more deeply with their lessons.\r\n\r\nSeveral of our students who need additional support in staying focused have particularly benefited from the new printer. Students who sometimes struggle to finish tasks or stay engaged are more motivated when they have colorful, well-organized materials that make the work feel more approachable and enjoyable. The visual elements help break down math problems into smaller, more digestible parts, which is crucial for students who may find traditional worksheets overwhelming. These students are now able to focus more intently on the task at hand because the materials are not only clearer but also more engaging. It's been particularly rewarding to see them complete assignments they might have otherwise avoided, and the satisfaction of finishing tasks on time has boosted their confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1731508111775,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-powerful-math-tool-for-learnin/8872703/","projectTitle":"Colorful, Powerful Math Tool for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Roman Malitan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9801385_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728620023225","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9801385"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_48176","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":240,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":100,"percentLatinx":0,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":7.1,"schoolId":48176,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Wounded Knee District School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Wounded Knee District School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/south-dakota/-bureau-of-indian-affairs-/wounded-knee-district-school/48176"}