{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"North Star Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9143677,"projectId":9486795,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous and kind contribution for our wonderful students. We are from Anchorage, Alaska and like many places food insecurities are a real thing. We are a Title I school and we see first hand how much food insecurities affects our students and their family. You have given us as a school the opportunity support them with this even if its snack through out the day or even to take a snack home. The student come to school ready to learn and take on the day. Our SLC students have what we call \"Preferred Items\" which help them with transitions or when they are having big feelings. we have a large population of displaced students who we give snack to take home when they ask. It has create such a safe space for them to ask for help or say \"hey im hungry can you help\". We couldn't have done this without you! We are grateful and wish you all well.","fullyFundedDate":1759780666702,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-the-stars-of-the-future/9486795/","projectTitle":"Fueling the Stars of the Future","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9143677_orig.png?crop=1353,1353,x1238,y240&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691004929631","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9143677"},{"teacherId":5969219,"projectId":9558084,"letterContent":"We can't thank you enough for your kindness and generosity. I was so excited to show the students all the snacks that were purchased for them—their eyes lit up with pure joy! Many of our families are working hard to make ends meet, and snacks or special treats often don't make the shopping list. As a result, some of our students come to school hungry and have a hard time focusing throughout the day.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students now get to enjoy daily snacks that they can choose and look forward to. They are happier, more focused, and better able to learn. Your generosity has made huge difference in their day—and for that, we all are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1758858543287,"projectUrl":"project/no-thunder-just-tummy-rumbles/9558084/","projectTitle":"No Thunder, Just Tummy Rumbles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gardeline","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5969219"},{"teacherId":5969219,"projectId":9650181,"letterContent":"Our recess time has improved so much since receiving the materials. There is so much laughter and very little issues. The students have learned to jump rope, hula hoop, play different ball games and just have fun catching and throwing balls. Before we had the cart, many students just stood around or walked and talked. Now, they are coming in sweaty from running so much and feeling good.\r\n\r\nWe can't thank you enough for providing these materials for our students. They are learning new sports, creating their own games and finding out what it means to be a team. They have taken pride in caring for the supplies and feel a new sense of responsibility. They are committed to being just as kind when they are able.\r\n\r\nAgain, thank you for your generous donations. You have made a school full of great kids (and their teachers) extremely happy. You are very much appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1756587365152,"projectUrl":"project/please-pass-me-the-ball/9650181/","projectTitle":"Please Pass Me the Ball!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gardeline","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5969219"},{"teacherId":9312642,"projectId":9356861,"letterContent":"One of our favorite projects so far has been a small-group storytelling activity. Students used the new materials to build scenes that matched the stories they wrote, combining creativity with writing and communication skills. Seeing their ideas come to life and sharing their stories with classmates was a special moment for all of us.\r\n\r\nThe students' faces lit up with excitement! Many of them couldn't stop smiling and immediately wanted to explore everything. Their curiosity and enthusiasm reminded me how meaningful these resources are to their learning experience.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue expanding on these projects by integrating more reading and writing activities. Students will be working on collaborative stories and presentations using the materials to support their creativity and critical thinking. We're excited to see how their confidence grows as they take ownership of their learning!","fullyFundedDate":1753968381142,"projectUrl":"project/my-safe-place-is-my-classroom/9356861/","projectTitle":"My Safe Place Is My Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Claire","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9312642_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705547034331","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9312642"},{"teacherId":9910755,"projectId":9085155,"letterContent":"As a new teacher I am quickly realizing I need teaching aids and supplies that aren't part of the curriculum. You have helped me make task boxes for my students. This will help me be able to work with multiple groups. The task boxes are made up and look amazing. These fresh new supplies help me reach my children and make me feel like a good teacher. \r\n\r\nTimes are hard right now but my classroom is full of learning tools and materials from Donors Choice and that makes it a place of learning that is fun, engaging, and inclusive.Thank you so much for thinking of us here at North Star Elementary.","fullyFundedDate":1746483347918,"projectUrl":"project/ms-jodis-resource-room-task-boxes/9085155/","projectTitle":"Ms. Jodi's Resource Room Task Boxes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jodi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9910755_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y362&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738185204087","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9910755"},{"teacherId":9910755,"projectId":9302909,"letterContent":"My students were delighted when the packages came. We opened up the boxes and placed everything on the tables organizing our new supplies. With these donated supplies our literacy night was a smashing success. We had over a hundred families come out and write with their kids and send those letters to loved ones in the community to know that they are valued and cared for. The children learned from this experience that their words have power and that their voices are important. \r\n\r\nWe also celebrated literacy that night with public readings and reading corners for kids to sit with an adult and read to them. These were memories made and hearts were full. I really appreciate programs like this who help fill the gaps so no child gets less of an opportunity as another kiddo. Thank you from the bottom of my educational teacher heart.","fullyFundedDate":1750196341648,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-nights-at-nses/9302909/","projectTitle":"Literacy Nights at NSES","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jodi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9910755_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y362&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738185204087","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9910755"},{"teacherId":2855063,"projectId":9565717,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our kindergarten book collection! The stories provided and read aloud so far are engaging students in productive ways. My kindergartners entered with widely varying backgrounds in listening to read alouds and many are building their listening stamina. The collection includes shorter and longer versions of many fables, allowing me to read simpler versions first to introduce the story and those with more complex language after students have some foundational understanding of the moral that supports active listening. After we read, we discuss the story to identify the gist, including writing brief shared summaries of many tales. \r\n Also using this collection, students are learning basics like how to care for books and concepts of print. They are practicing holding and carrying their books with care, turning the pages from the outside corners rather than inside corners so pages don't tear, and more. They are learning about covers, authors, illustrators, title pages, end pages, and that we read from left to right and top to bottom, which they are now often tracking with their finger as they \"read\" -- all through engaging, classic stories with stunning illustrations.\r\n The kids are absolutely loving the puppet theater! They asked me to read your nursery rhyme books over and over, then used the theater to retell nursery rhymes they've committed to memory using stick puppets they made. Thank you for helping excite our kindergartners about literature.","fullyFundedDate":1755026862601,"projectUrl":"project/imaginations-soar-with-timeless-tales/9565717/","projectTitle":"Imaginations Soar with Timeless Tales!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mildon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2855063"},{"teacherId":9857241,"projectId":9321829,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our counseling office now has its very own color printer — and it's already making a huge difference for our students! Before, I often had to leave my office or rely on shared machines to print resources, which sometimes delayed support or risked student confidentiality. Now, with this dedicated printer, I can respond quickly and print important materials right where they're needed, keeping student information private and secure.\r\n\r\nFor students who may already feel nervous about visiting the counseling office, having professional, clear, and colorful materials helps them feel valued and supported. Your gift has given me the tools to meet their needs in a more compassionate, efficient, and meaningful way. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1746644719375,"projectUrl":"project/print-with-purpose-privacy-bringing-c/9321829/","projectTitle":"Print With Purpose & Privacy: Bringing Color to Student Support!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Olivia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9857241_orig.jpg?crop=1872,1872,x128,y712&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744730622018","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9857241"},{"teacherId":9857241,"projectId":9251233,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Building Bridges Through STEAM\" counseling project! The new materials have brought so much excitement into our groups. During counseling, we use them for hands-on projects where students get to build, create, and explore together. While they're having fun, they're also learning how to work as a team, share ideas, and solve problems side by side.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies first came out, the students were so surprised! One group jumped right into a building challenge, and it was so fun watching them encourage each other and laugh together when things didn't go as planned. \r\n\r\nMoving forward, we'll keep using these projects to practice skills like patience, kindness, and communication. Plus, the sticker incentive for being on time and ready to go has been a huge hit—students are excited to show up and dive right in.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our counseling groups feel even more engaging and meaningful. You didn't just give us supplies—you gave our students new ways to connect, create, and grow. We're so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1746460903822,"projectUrl":"project/building-bridges-through-steam/9251233/","projectTitle":"Building Bridges Through STEAM","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Olivia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9857241_orig.jpg?crop=1872,1872,x128,y712&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744730622018","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9857241"},{"teacherId":9857241,"projectId":9211239,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us fill our counseling space with new books, toys, and tools! These resources are already making a big difference. The books have been wonderful conversation starters—students are learning how to name their feelings, practice kindness, and think about ways to solve problems. Because we can choose stories that connect to what students are actually experiencing, the lessons feel meaningful and personal.\r\n\r\nAlong with the books, the toys and tools are giving students hands-on ways to build important skills. Whether they're practicing calming strategies, working together on a game, or using sensory tools to self-regulate, students are learning how to handle big emotions and strengthen their problem-solving in real time.\r\n\r\nIt's been especially exciting to see how individual students are connecting with the new resources. One student asks for the same friendship book every visit and has started sharing more about their own experiences. Another lights up when they get to read aloud and take on a leadership role. These small moments show us just how powerful the right story or tool can be.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has created a space where students feel supported, engaged, and excited to learn new ways to grow. We are so grateful for the impact you're making!","fullyFundedDate":1744243832125,"projectUrl":"project/new-tools-new-opportunities-updating-t/9211239/","projectTitle":"New Tools, New Opportunities: Updating Tools for Student Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Olivia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9857241_orig.jpg?crop=1872,1872,x128,y712&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744730622018","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9857241"},{"teacherId":9857241,"projectId":9302238,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Compassion in Action Care Cart initiative! Because of you, our students now have access to personal care items—things like deodorant, hygiene products, and other essentials—whenever they need them, no questions asked.\r\n\r\nThe cart has already made such a difference. For many students, simply knowing these items are available brings comfort and confidence. These small moments mean the world and help students feel cared for and ready to focus on school. This project has allowed us to meet students' basic needs in a way that is private, respectful, and full of dignity. Instead of worrying about what they don't have, students can concentrate on learning, friendships, and being themselves.\r\n\r\nYour generosity turned a simple idea into a powerful resource for our school community. Care Cart is more than just supplies—it's a symbol of comfort, belonging, and support.","fullyFundedDate":1747244106959,"projectUrl":"project/compassion-in-action-care-cart-for-stud/9302238/","projectTitle":"Compassion in Action: Care Cart for Students in Need","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Olivia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9857241_orig.jpg?crop=1872,1872,x128,y712&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744730622018","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9857241"},{"teacherId":10037119,"projectId":9360610,"letterContent":"Reading in our classroom is not just silent pages — it is interactive, collaborative, and deeply connected to lived experiences. After reading a mindfulness text, such as Kindness is My Jam, students lead discussions, share personal reflections, and model kindness and empathy for their peers. During our Mindful Moments, intermediate students read aloud from the books, then guide their peers through related activities like breathing exercises. Reading becomes a bridge between learning and practice: every story sparks a conversation, and every conversation leads to hands-on strategies students can apply in real time.\r\n\r\nThe books and materials from this project give my students practical tools for self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience. For example, The Magical Yet introduces persistence and a growth mindset, teaching students how to reframe setbacks as opportunities to learn. My Superhero Values encourages students to explore core values such as empathy, honesty, and responsibility — guiding them to see their character as a strength they can rely on in difficult situations. The mindfulness journals and affirmation cards provide daily opportunities for reflection, stress management, and intentional goal setting. Together, these texts and tools help students practice mindfulness, build healthy coping strategies, and strengthen their leadership skills.","fullyFundedDate":1748632973384,"projectUrl":"project/mindful-minute/9360610/","projectTitle":"Mindful Minute","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10037119_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747346341252","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10037119"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_56402","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":387,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":17,"percentLatinx":16,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"14.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.8,"schoolId":56402,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about North Star Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"North Star Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/alaska/anchorage-school-district/north-star-elementary-school/56402"}