{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Airport Heights Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":48.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3739988,"projectId":10066533,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the incredible support in funding our project. Our students' faces lit up the moment we turned on the Party Lights. It has completely transformed our gym space into a visually engaging environment where students feel safe and motivated to move.\r\n\r\nWe have been using the Sensory Ball Mega Pack and the Lakeshore Sensory Ball Set frequently. These resources are now a vital part of our physical education routine. Because our students have diverse needs, having balls of varying sizes and textures allows them to work on their grip, hand-eye coordination, and tactile processing in a way that feels like play. When a student feels overwhelmed, they can select a specific ball to help them ground themselves and refocus on the activity.\r\n\r\nThe combination of the light patterns and the tactile input from the sensory balls has really helped reduce anxiety during our class transitions. It is great to see how much more engaged our students are in their physical goals when their sensory needs are met. Thank you for looking out for our students and providing the environment they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1770154024592,"projectUrl":"project/shining-a-light-on-sensory-needs/10066533/","projectTitle":"Shining a Light on Sensory Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mason","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3739988_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x129,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1604518788305","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-masondenali"},{"teacherId":3739988,"projectId":10066443,"letterContent":"The bouncer balls with handles have become a cornerstone of our \"Choice Time\" for our life skills students. For many of our learners with sensory processing needs, finding the right kind of physical input is essential for their focus and emotional regulation. When they first saw the bouncers, there was an immediate sense of curiosity and joy.\r\n\r\nThese resources are used daily as a self-selected tool for movement. Instead of traditional drills, our students use them to get the rhythmic, proprioceptive input their bodies crave. It is a beautiful thing to watch a student who was feeling overwhelmed choose a bouncer, find a quiet corner of the gym, and use that movement to self-regulate and find their \"calm\" again.\r\n\r\nThese balls are helping our students learn to identify their own sensory needs and make choices that help them feel successful. Thank you for providing such a vital tool for our classroom's emotional and physical well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1770166001475,"projectUrl":"project/motivating-movement/10066443/","projectTitle":"Motivating Movement","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Mason","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3739988_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x129,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1604518788305","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-masondenali"},{"teacherId":10307419,"projectId":10002604,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for the Bluetooth speaker you funded for our Physical Education program. It has completely transformed our gym atmosphere!\r\n\r\nBefore, trying to shout instructions over noisy, energetic students was a daily struggle. Now, I can play upbeat music that keeps them motivated and moving, while still being able to project my voice. The students were thrilled the first day I turned it on, and their energy levels have soared. We are using it for warm-up, skill stations, and even fun \"dance party\" cool-downs to celebrate their hard work.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has brought so much joy and rhythm to our PE sessions. Thank you for investing in my students' physical, emotional, and social health.","fullyFundedDate":1768771181224,"projectUrl":"project/turn-up-the-heat-and-the-heartbeat/10002604/","projectTitle":"Turn Up the Heat and the Heartbeat!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jordan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10307419_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768179996352","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10307419"},{"teacherId":5683206,"projectId":9878702,"letterContent":"My kindergarteners were thrilled when they saw the new CVC and beginning sounds games! As soon as I brought them out, students were asking, \"Can we play first?\" The giant dice and board games instantly turned our literacy block into an exciting, hands-on experience. One of my quietest students beamed with pride after independently blending a CVC word during a game—while classmates cheered him on.\r\n\r\nWe now use these materials in small groups and literacy centers to practice sounding out, blending, and matching words. The games give my students the repetition they need in a way that feels like play, not work. Next, we'll use them to support short vowel practice and begin building simple sentences together. Your generosity has made reading feel joyful and achievable for my students, and that confidence will stay with them far beyond kindergarten.","fullyFundedDate":1764715487875,"projectUrl":"project/kinder-sounds-and-simple-words-playing/9878702/","projectTitle":"Kinder Sounds and Simple Words: Playing Our Way to Reading!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Long","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5683206_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1547918941325","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5683206"},{"teacherId":9160726,"projectId":9742610,"letterContent":"Thank you SO much for your generous donation to my classroom! I work at an awesome Title One school in Alaska where I have the honor to teach 34 very cool little people everyday. It is fun and interesting and challenging and exhausting and wonderful! \r\n\r\nYour generous donations have helped me to run my class room more smoothly and provide more resources and opportunities for my students. Many of my students are below grade-level and so I work very hard to provide them with as many learning opportunities as possible. YOU are now a part of their educational journey! \r\n\r\nMany of the items in this list may seem a bit mundane, but rest assured when there are only 28 cubbies but 34 students, having a lot of extra hooks has come in Very handy, especially now that it's winter and the kids have so much gear! I have hooks all over the place in order to try to provide enough places for everything to hang. Similarly, 34 little noses need a lot of tissues! For each item, there is a corresponding benefit to my students. \r\n\r\nThank you very very much for valuing our young people.","fullyFundedDate":1762267703444,"projectUrl":"project/important-things-for-34-third-graders/9742610/","projectTitle":"Important Things for 34 Third-Graders!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ribbens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9160726_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700003267457","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9160726"},{"teacherId":9160726,"projectId":9531719,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity to my classroom! I work at a wonderful Title One school in Anchorage, Alaska. I have 34 awesome kids in my class each day. It is a joy and honor (and challenge!) to teach them, and I really appreciate that you have chosen to be part of their educational journey. \r\n\r\nIn a busy school day, it is pretty common for me to either forget to print something, not have time to go get it, or just need to make another copy for whatever reason (a kid spilled water on it, accidentally threw it away, erased so hard she ripped right through the paper, accidentally ripped it... etc etc!). Having my own small printer in the room has been INCREDIBLY helpful since I can't leave my students unsupervised while running down to get more copies. Thank you SO much!","fullyFundedDate":1755713184772,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-printer/9531719/","projectTitle":"Classroom Printer","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ribbens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9160726_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700003267457","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9160726"},{"teacherId":9160726,"projectId":9728055,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to my classroom! I am extremely grateful. We live in the beautiful state of Alaska, which is wonderful place but winters are long and dark. I find the fluorescent lights in my classroom to be quite harsh and my students agree - they grown when I turn the lights on! Your donation, in addition to the wonderful big windows in my classroom, have helped to create a really warm and cozy learning environment. The lights you donated are usually enough for much of the school day, and the kids love how it looks! They especially love the moon light!","fullyFundedDate":1761189056849,"projectUrl":"project/comfortable-lighting-for-learning/9728055/","projectTitle":"Comfortable Lighting for Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ribbens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9160726_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700003267457","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9160726"},{"teacherId":9160726,"projectId":9742517,"letterContent":"Hello from snowy Alaska! Thank you so much for your generous donation to my classroom! I have 34 wonderful little kiddos in the room with me and they are hungry ALL THE TIME! It's really great to have snacks available not only to help tide them over until lunchtime, but also for times when perhaps they haven't had enough to eat at home. Your generosity is making a real difference in the educational experience of my students. \r\n\r\nThe students get so excited every time I open up a new box of snacks! They particularly love the goldfish.","fullyFundedDate":1760736408130,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-3rd-graders/9742517/","projectTitle":"Snacks for 3rd Graders!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ribbens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9160726_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700003267457","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9160726"},{"teacherId":9160726,"projectId":9642295,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for the generous donation to my classroom! We have some really cool and useful websites available to assist in student instruction, but while the school district provides Chromebooks for my students it does not provide headphones. Well, I bet you can imagine the cacophony it would become if 34 third-graders were all using their Chromebooks (with sound) at the same time! \r\n\r\nNeedless to say, your donation is essential in order for my students to benefit from digital resources. THANK YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1760736408429,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-3rd-graders/9642295/","projectTitle":"Headphones for 3rd Graders!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ribbens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9160726_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700003267457","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9160726"},{"teacherId":5683206,"projectId":9886023,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom snack bin is now a reliable source of healthy fuel for my kindergarteners. Students use these snacks during our learning block and after recess, when energy and focus can dip. A simple granola bar or fruit snack has helped students settle their bodies, engage in lessons, and fully participate in reading, writing, and math without the distraction of hunger.\r\n\r\nWhen the snacks arrived, my students were so excited and grateful. They immediately recognized that these snacks were for everyone and that our classroom is a place where we take care of one another. I've seen increased focus, fewer disruptions, and more confidence—especially from students who previously struggled to stay engaged when they were hungry.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, my students can now focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and building independence. As we continue working on early literacy and foundational math skills, having consistent access to snacks ensures all students are ready to learn each day. Thank you for helping create a classroom where students feel supported, cared for, and set up for success.","fullyFundedDate":1767236434201,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-for-focus-fighting-classroom-hunge/9886023/","projectTitle":"Fuel for Focus: Fighting Classroom Hunger","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Long","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5683206_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1547918941325","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5683206"},{"teacherId":5292489,"projectId":9815031,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making this project possible through DonorsChoose. Because of your generosity, my students were able to experience the joy of receiving Christmas gifts, and the excitement on their faces was truly priceless. Many of them could hardly believe the gifts were actually for them.\r\n\r\nSeveral students shared that they had never received a gift from a teacher before, which truly touched my heart. Each student received a different book, so they chose to wait and open them at home, making the experience even more meaningful. The UNO game quickly became a favorite among the class.\r\n\r\nWhen students returned from Christmas break, they excitedly shared stories about playing UNO with their families. Hearing about those moments and seeing their happiness reminded me how impactful your support truly is. These gifts did more than provide materials—they created joy, confidence, and lasting memories.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting my students and helping make their Christmas so special.","fullyFundedDate":1764014773857,"projectUrl":"project/holiday-presents/9815031/","projectTitle":"Holiday Presents","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Belinda Rector","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5292489_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1526578748527","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rector"},{"teacherId":5292489,"projectId":9808292,"letterContent":"Since receiving these materials, my students have been using them daily during our STEM centers and small-group rotations. The lacing beads, chain links, sorting sets, and building tools have quickly become classroom favorites. These resources allow students to grasp, twist, connect, and build while strengthening fine motor skills and developing early STEM thinking. Students are now able to sort materials based on a variety of attributes—such as color, size, shape, and quantity—while also explaining their thinking to peers. These hands-on experiences have made math and STEM concepts more concrete, meaningful, and accessible for all learners.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students' excitement was immediate and contagious. Their eyes lit up as they explored the bins, eagerly asking questions and jumping right into sorting, building, and problem-solving. Many students who typically struggle with traditional paper-and-pencil tasks showed increased confidence and persistence when learning through tactile exploration. The materials encourage collaboration and creativity while also supporting independence and sustained engagement.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, these resources will continue to support our current focus on counting, patterning, and problem-solving while laying a strong foundation for future STEM learning. Students will be challenged to sort in new ways, compare attributes, and justify their reasoning as their skills grow. Thanks to our donors, our classroom is now a space where learning is active, joyful, and empowering—and where every student has the opportunity to grow as a confident problem solver.","fullyFundedDate":1761931545568,"projectUrl":"project/fine-motor-skills/9808292/","projectTitle":"Fine Motor Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Belinda Rector","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5292489_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1526578748527","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rector"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_66849","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":272,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":25,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":17,"percentLatinx":15,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"12.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":52.0,"schoolId":66849,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Airport Heights Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Airport Heights Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/alaska/anchorage-school-district/airport-heights-elementary-school/66849"}