{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Edgewood Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":52.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5282110,"projectId":9701421,"letterContent":"Our STEM Friday program was transformed when DonorsChoose funded an XTool laser/engraver, and the effect on student engagement has been immediate and powerful. The most exciting part for students is seeing ideas become real, tangible objects in a single session. Learners who rarely choose STEM activities are drawn in by the machine's precision and the creative possibilities: designing custom keychains, bookmarks, nameplates, simple prototypes, and classroom supplies. Watching a sketch or digital file become an engraved or cut piece provides instant, visible feedback that fuels curiosity and motivates iteration. Students take pride in their finished products, share design tips with peers, and celebrate one another's successes. The XTool gives many students their first supervised experience with a manufacturing-grade tool, helping them develop confidence while learning safe, responsible tool use.\r\n\r\nBeyond excitement, the laser engraver supports measurable, standards-aligned learning across subjects. Students strengthen computational thinking as they move between concept and design software—creating vector files, converting images to cut paths, and choosing power and speed settings. These tasks require precise measurement, unit conversions, and spatial reasoning, reinforcing math skills through real problems. Science learning emerges as students form hypotheses about material behavior, test different substrates like wood, acrylic, and cardboard, observe outcomes, and adjust parameters. Communication and literacy improve as students document processes, write step-by-step instructions, and present project rationales. Importantly, students who are often underrepresented in STEM—especially girls and those with artistic strengths—show increased persistence and engagement because the XTool connects technical skills with creative expression.\r\n\r\nClassroom culture has shifted toward experimentation and iteration. Students no longer accept one attempt as final; they troubleshoot, refine designs, and compare results across trials. This growth mindset is visible in the more sophisticated files and problem-solving approaches submitted over time. The XTool has enabled longer project-based units that culminate in meaningful share-outs or service projects, such as engraved organizers for the school office or signage for community events. It also supports differentiated instruction: beginners practice basic drawing and measurement while advanced students explore CAD modeling, optimize material layouts, or experiment with multi-part assemblies. Teachers benefit, too—having a reliable digital fabrication tool makes it easier to plan cross-curricular activities and to assess student learning through concrete artifacts.\r\n\r\nSafety features and a structured workflow have encouraged responsible habits around tool operation and workspace organization. Peer mentoring naturally develops as more experienced students guide others through design and operation steps. Overall, the DonorsChoose-funded XTool laser/engraver has revitalized STEM Friday by combining hands-on excitement with rigorous learning outcomes, building technical skills, boosting student confidence, and opening new pathways for creativity and future interest in STEM careers.","fullyFundedDate":1758482041951,"projectUrl":"project/stem-fridays/9701421/","projectTitle":"STEM Fridays!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Palmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5282110_orig.jpg?crop=796,796,x84,y720&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758836135019","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5282110"},{"teacherId":4576129,"projectId":9767154,"letterContent":"Can you imagine our surprise when my class and I received the materials for the Bee Keeper project! We were beyond thrilled and could not wait until Monday morning to prep, prepare and present our project to each classroom one at a time!\r\nMy class and I have been making and delivering slushies to the entire student body since Monday and they simply live it. This PBIS initiative was probably the best one that I could do and without a gracious donor like you. \r\nThanks for believing in my project that even something as simple as a slushy could have an impact on students and his or her behaviors...again I thank you from the depths of my heart and souls ..you are AWESOME!!","fullyFundedDate":1764710450900,"projectUrl":"project/the-bee-keeper-a-pbis-reinvention/9767154/","projectTitle":"The Bee Keeper (a PBIS Reinvention)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dragg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4576129_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744674163768","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4576129"},{"teacherId":4576129,"projectId":9413845,"letterContent":"I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the STEM toys recently provided for our classroom. These resources have already made a meaningful impact on student engagement, creativity, and critical thinking during our Fun Friday activities.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the STEM materials, students have shown increased excitement and curiosity toward science, technology, engineering, and math concepts. The hands-on learning opportunities allow them to collaborate, problem-solve, and explore real-world applications of what they learn throughout the week. Students who are typically quiet or hesitant during traditional instruction have taken on leadership roles during STEM challenges, demonstrating confidence and improved communication skills.\r\n\r\nThe addition of these STEM toys has transformed Fun Fridays from a reward-based system into a purposeful learning experience that strengthens academic skills while still allowing space for creativity and play. The students look forward to this time each week, and it has helped promote positive classroom behavior, teamwork, and intrinsic motivation.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our learning environment. Your contribution has created not just moments of fun, but meaningful educational experiences that inspire student success now and for the future.","fullyFundedDate":1758669332140,"projectUrl":"project/fun-fridays/9413845/","projectTitle":"Fun Fridays","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dragg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4576129_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744674163768","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4576129"},{"teacherId":4576129,"projectId":9640232,"letterContent":"Getting a file cabinet, paper, and file folders will greatly improve organization and efficiency. These resources will allow important documents, student records, lesson materials, and reports to be stored safely and easily accessed when needed. \r\n\r\nHaving a clear filing system reduces clutter, saves time searching for materials, and helps maintain confidentiality and accuracy. Overall, these tools will support smoother daily operations and create a more organized and professional work environment.","fullyFundedDate":1758674781337,"projectUrl":"project/the-order-keepers/9640232/","projectTitle":"The Order Keepers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dragg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4576129_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744674163768","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4576129"},{"teacherId":2565339,"projectId":9563581,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations. \r\nThe items that were donated to our school help with emotional regulation and stress management by providing sensory experiences that calms overstimulation. The items provide students soothing experiences through repetitive motions, textures, and sounds. The students really enjoy watching and listening to the fish move up and down in the fish tank. The slime provides a much-needed messy and sensory-rich play experience, which is especially important in a world with more screen time and less outdoor play. \r\nThe items provide students with autism, ADHD, or anxiety, an outlet to improve focus, impulse control, and fine motor skills.","fullyFundedDate":1758636728142,"projectUrl":"project/calm-learning-for-all/9563581/","projectTitle":"Calm Learning for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hyche","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2565339_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1459909684499","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2565339"},{"teacherId":5282110,"projectId":9290739,"letterContent":"The scholars were very excited when I shared with them about the funded equipment geared towards cooking. While showing them the different items, the students asked many questions bout the different items and what would they be used for. It was very elated to tell them about the different items and how we would use them. It also made me feel good as a teacher to know how beneficial these items would be used for the scholars this school year.\r\n\r\nAlthough we have not started cooking yet, I do have a plan in place. On Fridays (STEM) students will be provided the opportunity to cook. It will support hands-on learning, interactive activities, creativity, and experimentation. This will increase confidence and boost student motivation.","fullyFundedDate":1747142324295,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-cook/9290739/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Cook!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Palmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5282110_orig.jpg?crop=796,796,x84,y720&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758836135019","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5282110"},{"teacherId":9748061,"projectId":9223045,"letterContent":"This gardening project has had a powerful impact on my students and me so far. It brings together academic growth, personal development, and meaningful real-world connections. We have only planted the herbs and vegetables that are in season. I plan on placing the sprouts in our school garden space. In the garden, my students will have the opportunity to explore science concepts like plant life cycles, ecosystems, and weather patterns, while also practicing math skills through measuring growth, calculating space, and tracking data.\r\nThis project will strengthen their literacy as they keep journals, research plants, and share their discoveries with others. I see them taking responsibility, working as a team, and showing patience as they care for their plants by making sure they are watered and have sunlight.\r\nGardening also provides a calm and mindful space where students can focus and feel a sense of accomplishment. At the same time, they are learning to be environmentally aware, thinking about sustainability, conservation, and the importance of caring for the Earth. The fresh fruits and vegetables we grow spark conversations about healthy eating and help my students better understand where their food comes from. \r\nOur garden will also open doors to involve families and the community, whether by sharing harvests or showcasing student learning. We already have one volunteer who is going to help us care for our garden.","fullyFundedDate":1746816910219,"projectUrl":"project/rooted-in-learning/9223045/","projectTitle":"Rooted in Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kimbrough","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9748061_orig.jpg?crop=1500,1500,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743600259894","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9748061"},{"teacherId":4576129,"projectId":9265996,"letterContent":"This classroom rug is more than just a cozy space—it's a foundation for learning, connection, and community. It creates a central gathering place where students feel safe, focused, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWith our rug, lessons has and will continue to become more engaging during circle time, story time feels more special, and classroom routines gain structure. It promotes a sense of belonging, helps with classroom management, and supports students' social-emotional growth.\r\n\r\nSomething as simple as this rug can made a big difference—turning a room into a learning home.","fullyFundedDate":1746786939376,"projectUrl":"project/the-magic-carpet/9265996/","projectTitle":"The Magic Carpet","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dragg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4576129_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744674163768","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4576129"},{"teacherId":4576129,"projectId":9255981,"letterContent":"Having a photography club is important because it provides support, opportunities for skill development, learning from experienced photographers, constructive feedback, and exposure to new techniques and styles. It also helps you grow as a photographer and provides a supportive community. \r\n\r\nTo be able to obtain this gift was truly a blessing! Our camera and set up arrived to us just in time for our end of the year activities! We were so excited to use it and my 5th graders enjoyed being responsible for taking shots for the year book committee and the newspaper for the school.\r\n\r\nI have several students who has expressed interest in doing this as a career when they graduate high school and college. They were extremely excited to use the tripod and the extensions that came with the camera set up since they didn't have to use my cell phone this made them even more thankful. Your donation made my students and me very very happy and we are forever grateful and thankful! Again THANKS!!!!","fullyFundedDate":1746787279698,"projectUrl":"project/lights-camera-shoot/9255981/","projectTitle":"Lights! Camera! Shoot!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dragg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4576129_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744674163768","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4576129"},{"teacherId":4576129,"projectId":9135071,"letterContent":"As a classroom teacher, it is in my experience, using personal dictionaries in my classroom daily improves my students' awareness of spelling patterns, alphabetical order, and errors in their work. My students are excited to use their books to find the word they're looking for or add it to one of the blank spaces when they don't.\r\n\r\nAll students can gain from dictionaries, but the benefits of dictionary use are most obvious for English Learners because of their limited knowledge of English vocabulary. Studies show that ELs tend to do better when provided with dictionaries and generally report positive (though small effects) from dictionary availability despite all the barriers: cumbersome access, lack of clear definitions, unclear connections to context.\r\n\r\nThose are the reasons why I am thankful for donors and supporters like you! We in 5th grade appreciate you and once again would like to say THANK YOU!!!","fullyFundedDate":1746538217159,"projectUrl":"project/the-dictionary-project/9135071/","projectTitle":"The Dictionary Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dragg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4576129_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744674163768","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4576129"},{"teacherId":4576129,"projectId":9121384,"letterContent":"Your donation of books has had several positive impacts, particularly on literacy development, engagement with reading, and potentially even a few \"budding\" authors in my classroom. For I have readers, books can and will broaden their reading horizons and make literacy more accessible, especially for my students and his or her classmates. \r\n\r\nStudies have shown that books especially those that involve interaction with parents and guidance on reading, can improve a child's early literacy. Books can introduce individuals to new genres, authors, and topics, expanding their reading interests. For ALL of my students, books can make literacy more accessible and ensure that all children have the opportunity to develop their reading skills.","fullyFundedDate":1744422674815,"projectUrl":"project/shifting-the-balance/9121384/","projectTitle":"Shifting the Balance","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dragg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4576129_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744674163768","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4576129"},{"teacherId":9748061,"projectId":9106854,"letterContent":"Upgrading a classroom library from milk crates to bookshelves has had several positive impacts on my classroom environment. Shelves has provided a more organized and easily accessible way to store books. With the proper shelving, our books are now arranged by genre, reading level, or author, which makes it easier for students to find what they're looking for. It also reduced the clutter and disorganization that occurred with the milk crates. These shelves have offered more vertical storage space than milk crates, which helps maximize the use of the classroom's physical space. Our new and well-organized library has sparked student interest in reading. \r\n\tMy students were very excited when they walked into the classroom and saw the beautiful shelves displaying our books. With the new shelves, the classroom library is now much more organized and inviting, which leads to a fun and engaging project. After exploring the new, neatly arranged books, students can pick a book from the shelf they've never read before. Each student reads their chosen book and takes notes on what they liked, didn't like, or found interesting about it. They create a card that includes the book title, a short summary, their favorite part, and a recommendation for who might enjoy reading it. These cards are then displayed around the library space. Students take turns presenting their book cards to the class. This not only encourages reading but also helps students practice public speaking and persuasion skills—explaining why others might want to read the book. The final project is a \"Wall of Book Recommendations,\" where each student's card is displayed on a bulletin board or wall in the classroom. This allows students to browse suggestions from their peers and pick out books they may not have considered before, fostering a community of readers.\r\nThe new shelves make this project possible because they create a visually organized space where books are easy to find, and the students have a clearer way to organize their recommendations. Plus, the display of their work on the wall gives them a sense of pride and ownership over the classroom library. This moment helps students become more engaged with reading, see their peers as valuable resources for book suggestions, and adds a sense of excitement to the learning space.","fullyFundedDate":1739733707254,"projectUrl":"project/reading-storage-to-store-our-reading/9106854/","projectTitle":"Reading Storage to Store Our Reading!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kimbrough","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9748061_orig.jpg?crop=1500,1500,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743600259894","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9748061"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_17226","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":380,"numTeachers":17,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":97,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":0,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"22.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":47.9,"schoolId":17226,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Edgewood Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Edgewood Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/alabama/selma-city-school-district/edgewood-elementary-school/17226"}