{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Eichold - Mertz School Math & Science","outOfStateSupporters":56.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6862518,"projectId":9684186,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for the gift of the puppets to our music program. Some of my older music students at my new school are reluctant performers. That's okay. I can meet them where they are and move them forward. That's where the choice of the \"Pet's vs. Decorations\" song for Christmas came in. It's more of a pop tune than traditional Christmas carol. Add in cat and dog puppets attacking various items such as the Christmas tree, plants, lights, garland, rein deer, and elf, and pure comedy erupts on stage. All of a sudden, there's buy in from even the most reluctant students, as well as requests for more puppets! \r\n\r\nExcitement was running high the night of the concert, as this was a totally different direction any of the performing groups had ever taken with previous music teachers. My students stood up there and sang their hearts out, and those naughty pets - well, they had a blast knocking down the decorations!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for believing in this project and providing the materials to make this portion of our Christmas program come to life. It's a musical experience that my fifth graders will take with them to middle school and beyond. I'm sorry I don't have any photos from the actual program - we were all too busy enjoying ourselves.","fullyFundedDate":1759688222653,"projectUrl":"project/puppets-needed-for-epic-battle-pets-vs/9684186/","projectTitle":"Puppets Needed for Epic Battle - Pets vs. Christmas Tree","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Foots","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6862518_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y27&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1615908500922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/classroommusic1"},{"teacherId":6862518,"projectId":9798949,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the egg shakers! My first graders performed \"We Will Jingle\" this year for their Christmas program. They needed an instrument for the very familiar 'Boom Boom Chick' rhythm pattern from \"We Will Rock You\" that is played throughout the song. Stomping and clapping would have been too loud, as would have been the obvious thought of jingle bells. After much searching and deliberation, the students and I decided on egg shakers. These allowed everyone to play an instrument while singing and still be heard vocally. \r\n\r\nMy students rehearsed for weeks, learning to play the repetitive percussion pattern together flawlessly, then play it while singing. Many were practicing it at home without music or instrument, just to make certain they would shine. The night of the program, they hid their little egg shakers from the audience, keeping them silent just as we practiced. When the music started and they began playing, the audience went wild! Their grown-ups recognized the melody, if not the new lyrics. \r\n\r\nThank you, again, for helping to make this portion of our Christmas program memorable for our first graders and our audience. My students learned more than just singing a Christmas song.","fullyFundedDate":1760532090351,"projectUrl":"project/egg-shakers-needed-for-christmas-perform/9798949/","projectTitle":"Egg Shakers Needed for Christmas Performance","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Foots","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6862518_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y27&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1615908500922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/classroommusic1"},{"teacherId":8638679,"projectId":9623068,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. I can't tell you how much it means to me.\r\n\r\nI have 44 students across two subjects, so when I print just one assignment, that turns into 88 pages in a single day. We go through paper and ink faster than you'd imagine, and our school's printing resources are very limited. Having my own printer and ink truly makes a huge difference because it allows me to give my students what they need without worrying about running out or not being able to print something important.\r\n\r\nYour support helps me create meaningful lessons, send home resources for families, and make sure every child has the materials they need to be successful. It takes so much stress off my shoulders and directly impacts my kids in the best way.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in my classroom and supporting my students. Your kindness makes a real difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1762265271339,"projectUrl":"project/keep-learning-flowing-ink-for-the-year/9623068/","projectTitle":"Keep Learning Flowing: Ink for the Year","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Adams Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8638679_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661564625632","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8638679"},{"teacherId":6882461,"projectId":7916834,"letterContent":"Thank you for your continued support on all my Donor's Choose Projects! These items have impacted a lot of my besties, even when switching schools. \r\n\r\nThe rug was a game changer in my kindergarten classroom! A black rug is a game changer because yes I can see everything on it, nut it also makes it easier to vacuum. I also liked having nonspecific spots on this rug. It allowed students to pick their own space and find self control around their peers. \r\n\r\nThank you for the new centers. Pop-its are still all the rage in education. Touching a button and pushing are great for hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.","fullyFundedDate":1697035369135,"projectUrl":"project/the-more-you-read-the-more-you-know/7916834/","projectTitle":"The More You Read the More You Know","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Knowles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6882461_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x0,y252&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1570653691331","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6882461"},{"teacherId":6862518,"projectId":9651904,"letterContent":"Oh wow! How can I even begin to thank you?\r\n\r\nWhen I wrote this project, I knew I was reaching for the stars, but you made the impossible happen. I've spent the day between classes getting everything set up on this beautiful MacBook Air: connecting to the school district's Wi-Fi, adding all my web browser shortcuts for ease of use, and updating passwords for all the things.\r\n\r\nI was especially excited to discover that this laptop includes the GarageBand app! With GarageBand, I can take my music lessons to a whole new level—creating original melodies to accompany the books we sing in class and diving deeper into music theory and the science of sound.\r\n\r\nMy previous device was running a ten-year-old Windows operating system, so transitioning to this Apple laptop is both a learning experience and a breath of fresh air. I'm discovering all the amazing things it can do to make teaching more engaging and impactful for my students.\r\n\r\nI am truly blessed by your generosity in funding this project. Thank you again for helping bring it to life. You've made a difference in my classroom and in my students' learning.","fullyFundedDate":1759349743387,"projectUrl":"project/my-laptop-died-please-help/9651904/","projectTitle":"My Laptop Died - Please Help","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Foots","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6862518_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y27&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1615908500922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/classroommusic1"},{"teacherId":8137937,"projectId":9415598,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations! My students and I are truly grateful for the lap tables, paper, Play-Doh, and dry-erase markers. These new materials have made a big difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWe use the lap tables daily during small-group lessons and independent work time, which allows students to write and draw comfortably anywhere in the room. The Play-Doh has become a fun and hands-on way to build letters, numbers, and sight words—our students especially love using it during phonics lessons. One of my favorite moments was seeing their excitement as they opened the boxes and immediately began creating with huge smiles on their faces.","fullyFundedDate":1754506913743,"projectUrl":"project/making-it-fun/9415598/","projectTitle":"Making it Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8137937_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720651730230","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8137937"},{"teacherId":6862518,"projectId":9574101,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the agility rings and the kickballs! So far we have only used the balls, but they have been a hit with the students! I have several friends who haven't yet internalized a steady beat, which is the foundation for everything we do in music. So, out come the kickballs, and the fun begins. Students were able to see and hear when they aren't on the beat - plus I had buy in from all of the athletes.\r\n\r\nKinesthetic learning isn't new, it's simply another style that many students respond well to. Point in fact, one of my sweet friends who needs extra time learning was able to find that steady beat and keep it, simply through bouncing a ball! You should have seen the smile on his face! \r\n\r\nWord spread about this activity, sibling to sibling, class to class. The students were excited and engaged throughout the lesson. \"My sister told me about this last night! I can't wait to try it!\" , \"We heard the fifth graders talking about this!\", and \"Can we do this again next week?\" \r\n\r\nThank you for providing these materials for helping my students learn while using their whole bodies.","fullyFundedDate":1755713104179,"projectUrl":"project/getting-the-whole-body-involved-in-learn/9574101/","projectTitle":"Getting the Whole Body Involved In Learning Music","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Foots","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6862518_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y27&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1615908500922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/classroommusic1"},{"teacherId":8137937,"projectId":9202353,"letterContent":"When our new books arrived, my students could hardly wait to get their hands on them. The moment I began unpacking the box, they were gathering around, pointing out titles they recognized and sharing their excitement about trying something new.\r\n\r\nWe've already begun using the books during independent reading and small group time, and it's amazing to see how engaged the students are. Several of my reluctant readers have been more motivated to read because they now have fresh, interesting choices. \r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next step is to use the library books as part of reading circles where students share what they're learning and practice comprehension skills. These books will continue to spark curiosity and help my students grow as readers throughout the year. Thank you for giving them the gift of stories, imagination, and a love of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1744383975447,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-our-classroom-library/9202353/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Our Classroom Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8137937_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720651730230","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8137937"},{"teacherId":5676367,"projectId":9362423,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thank you for your generous support of my project, \"Effective and Uninterrupted Student Instructional Time.\" Because of your contribution, my students now have access to tools and resources that help reduce interruptions during instructional time and allow for a more focused, efficient learning environment.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made a direct and meaningful impact in our classroom. With these new materials, I can better support my students' engagement and learning by minimizing distractions and maximizing every teaching moment. It's often the small improvements that create lasting change — and thanks to you, we've taken a big step toward giving every student the uninterrupted time they need to grow and succeed. I am already noticing the difference.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in the power of education and for investing in our classroom. Your kindness and generosity mean more than words can fully express.","fullyFundedDate":1757983232534,"projectUrl":"project/effective-and-uninterrupted-student-ins/9362423/","projectTitle":"\"Effective and Uninterrupted Student Instructional Time \"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. N. Mabien","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5676367_orig.jpg?crop=283,283,x39,y17&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1643836362785","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-n-mabientechnologybringssciencetolife"},{"teacherId":6862518,"projectId":9253967,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing the shelf-stable breakfast foods that helped our students learn about food pantries and the importance of serving others.\r\n\r\nOur young people came together for a powerful day of learning, planning, and giving back as they gave up a Saturday to help meet the needs of their community. They strengthened their teamwork and communication skills, developed leadership abilities, and then rolled up their sleeves to fill weekend snack bags for those in need.\r\n\r\nBy assisting the food pantry, our students began the year with hearts full of compassion, kindness, and a spirit of service.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting this project. Your generosity provided more than just food—it gave our students the chance to grow, connect, and make a real impact.","fullyFundedDate":1744999683202,"projectUrl":"project/student-led-hunger-relief/9253967/","projectTitle":"Student Led Hunger Relief","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Foots","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6862518_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y27&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1615908500922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/classroommusic1"},{"teacherId":6862518,"projectId":9464455,"letterContent":"Oh my goodness—thank you so much for this rolling bass xylophone/metallophone stand!\r\n\r\nWhen our new bass metallophone arrived (which this amazing DonorsChoose community helped fund), I tried to move it by myself—big mistake! That's when I realized we needed a dedicated rolling stand for this special instrument.\r\n\r\nI was so excited to see how everything would look that I tried to assemble the stand on my own. I quickly realized I needed someone stronger than me to help with part of the setup. Once I found someone who could remove the bars I couldn't, the rest came together easily.\r\n\r\nNow, our bass metallophone has its own stand, and we can move it safely and easily from place to place. It makes a huge difference!\r\n\r\nThank you again for so generously supporting this project. Your kindness truly impacts our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1753135385919,"projectUrl":"project/we-need-to-move-it-move-it/9464455/","projectTitle":"We Need to Move It, Move It","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Foots","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6862518_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y27&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1615908500922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/classroommusic1"},{"teacherId":6862518,"projectId":9648421,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom through this project!\r\n\r\nThe spooky season stickers arrived just in time—I can't wait to see my students' faces when I bring them out next week! I know they're going to be thrilled. I also really appreciate that I now have plenty of smelly stickers on hand for those who don't celebrate Halloween—it's important to me that every student feels included.\r\n\r\nWith all the illnesses that have been going around since the start of the school year, I'm especially grateful for the Kleenex. We go through about a box a week, so having extras on hand to get us through the colder months is truly a blessing.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and generosity mean so much to my students and me. Thank you again for making a difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1757334184232,"projectUrl":"project/were-stuck-on-making-good-choices/9648421/","projectTitle":"We're Stuck on Making Good Choices","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Foots","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6862518_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y27&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1615908500922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/classroommusic1"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_18355","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":468,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":61,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":52,"percentWhite":31,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":43.7,"schoolId":18355,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Eichold - Mertz School Math & Science on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Eichold - Mertz School Math & Science","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/alabama/mobile-county-public-schools/eichold-mertz-elementary-school/18355"}