{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Stepping Stones Academy","outOfStateSupporters":25.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7946517,"projectId":9322663,"letterContent":"We would like to thank you for the amazing donations to our \"Let's Make Believe\" project. The students are loving the new cozy rugs for reading books in our reading center and as a comfy addition to our calm corner.\r\n\r\nStudents really enjoyed playing with the new tool bench set while we were learning about community helpers and construction last month. The new laundry set up will be making it's debut in December as well when we learn about helping our family and friends. \r\n\r\nAnd finally, the grocery store is a hit and the students are enjoyig playing both the cashier and the customer in that themed center space. What a joy to see them have fun while learning with these new toys.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support in making our Pre-K classroom a great place to learn and grow!","fullyFundedDate":1755731478453,"projectUrl":"project/lets-make-believe/9322663/","projectTitle":"Let's Make Believe!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brooke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7946517_orig.jpg?crop=3650,3650,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746479937661","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7946517"},{"teacherId":5507236,"projectId":6354178,"letterContent":"The Cricut machine has brought so much creativity and color to our classroom! It's been an incredible tool for designing bright borders, bulletin boards, and classroom displays that make our learning space come alive. Beyond decorating, the Cricut has helped transform our room for hands-on learning experiences — from turning the classroom into Jurassic Park to creating a sweet Candyland adventure, my students absolutely love stepping into these themed lessons.\r\n\r\nIt's also been a huge help in making back-to-school banners and special classroom touches that make students feel welcome and excited to learn. Thank you for helping me bring imagination, creativity, and joy to our classroom every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1660064821762,"projectUrl":"project/cricut-crafting-for-a-creative-classroom/6354178/","projectTitle":"Cricut Crafting for a Creative Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5507236_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647419972882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/m-rom"},{"teacherId":5507236,"projectId":9611899,"letterContent":"The classroom privacy shields have been such a wonderful addition to our room! They've allowed my students to work independently at their desks without distractions, and the difference has been amazing. Before we had the shields, I had to rearrange desks and separate students every time they took a quiz, test, or completed work that needed to be independent. Now, students simply grab a divider and get right to work — it's quick, easy, and helps us make the most of our learning time.\r\n\r\nThe shields have also created a calmer, more focused environment. Students no longer worry about who's finished first or who's still working, which has really helped relieve pressure and build confidence. They stay focused and aren't distracted by their neighbors.\r\n\r\nOne of our favorite moments this year was using the shields to simulate voting booths when students voted for their class representative. They appreciated the real-world connection and the sense of independence it gave them.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for helping create a classroom where students can focus, feel confident, and even experience hands-on lessons in citizenship.","fullyFundedDate":1755749907799,"projectUrl":"project/privacy-shields-for-independence-and-coz/9611899/","projectTitle":"Privacy Shields for Independence and Cozy Cushions for Collaboration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5507236_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647419972882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/m-rom"},{"teacherId":5507236,"projectId":9528480,"letterContent":"The flexible seating has been such a hit in our classroom — and not just with my 4th and 5th graders! My after-care students have fallen in love with them too. Every Wednesday, from 3:30 to 5:30, my room fills with laughter and giggles as they rock, climb on and over, and relax in the chairs. It's the sweetest sound to end the day!\r\n\r\nThese seats have also been a lifesaver when I have little pre-K friends during aftercare. They curl up to watch a movie, take a quick nap, or — my favorite — turn the chairs into forts and tunnels for their adventures. Their imaginations run wild, and I can't help but smile watching them play.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for bringing comfort, creativity, and a whole lot of joy to our classroom. The flexible seating has truly made our space a fun and welcoming place for everyone!","fullyFundedDate":1755102473421,"projectUrl":"project/comfortable-seating-for-flexible-work-sp/9528480/","projectTitle":"Comfortable Seating for Flexible Work Spaces #3","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5507236_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647419972882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/m-rom"},{"teacherId":5507236,"projectId":9528383,"letterContent":"The flexible seating options have brought such a positive change to our classroom! My students truly appreciate being able to move away from their desks to complete partner work or find a cozy spot to listen during read-alouds. They love having comfortable places to sit, whether they're working together, relaxing after a test, or recharging before the next lesson.\r\n\r\nThese seating options have also made a real difference in how I teach. When we began our long division unit — a concept that can feel scary and overwhelming because of all the steps — I introduced it in a more relaxed setting with a short video and lots of encouragement. The result? For the first time ever, no one cried — not even me!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping create a flexible, welcoming environment where students feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1755102473433,"projectUrl":"project/comfortable-seating-for-flexible-work-sp/9528383/","projectTitle":"Comfortable Seating for Flexible Work Spaces #1","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5507236_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647419972882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/m-rom"},{"teacherId":5507236,"projectId":9453857,"letterContent":"The adjustable floor chairs have truly transformed our classroom! My students absolutely love them — they're always excited to grab a chair and find their favorite spot to work. These chairs make it easy for me to move students around the room for group projects, reading time, or independent work, and they've created such a cozy, welcoming space for learning.\r\nI've also noticed that transitions between activities are much quicker and smoother because students can easily adjust where they sit. Thank you so much for helping create a flexible and comfortable classroom that my students genuinely enjoy being in every day!","fullyFundedDate":1754321674535,"projectUrl":"project/comfortable-seating-for-flexible-workspa/9453857/","projectTitle":"Comfortable Seating for Flexible Workspaces #2","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5507236_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647419972882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/m-rom"},{"teacherId":7649432,"projectId":9642828,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of Who Was biography books. Your gift has sparked a wave of curiosity, creativity, and confidence in our classroom—and its impact will ripple far beyond the pages of each book.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our students are diving into the lives of remarkable individuals from history, science, the arts, and beyond. These biographies have become the foundation for a dynamic research project, where students analyze key events, character traits, and contributions of their chosen figure. But the learning doesn't stop there.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made possible one of our most anticipated events of the year: the Living Museum. Students will transform into the historical figures they've studied—crafting costumes, preparing speeches, and presenting their research to peers, families, and community members. It's a celebration of literacy, public speaking, and historical empathy, all made possible by your generosity.\r\n\r\nHere's what your donation has helped us achieve:\r\n\r\n📚 Access to engaging, age-appropriate biographies for every student\r\n✏️ A scaffolded research and writing experience that builds academic skills\r\n\r\n🎭 A hands-on, interdisciplinary showcase that brings history to life\r\n\r\n💡 A deeper understanding of perseverance, innovation, and leadership through diverse role models\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students' growth. Your contribution has empowered them to see themselves as researchers, storytellers, and changemakers. We are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1756343310400,"projectUrl":"project/walking-in-the-footsteps-of-history/9642828/","projectTitle":"Walking in the Footsteps of History","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Peterson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7649432"},{"teacherId":5507236,"projectId":6268448,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! The tools and supplies in this project made a huge difference for my students.\r\n\r\nThe neon index cards, cardstock, and paper brought a burst of energy to our lessons. I used them to create eye-catching review games and study tools that help important concepts stand out and stick. The neon tape was perfect for highlighting number lines, labeling areas of the classroom, and designing interactive math challenges that continue to keep students engaged.\r\n\r\nThe neodymium magnet hooks and ceiling hooks helped me organize our space so materials are easy to access, and gave me creative ways to display student work and anchor charts. The new math posters brightened our walls and give students quick visual reminders of the concepts we're learning.\r\n\r\nAnd of course, the dice sets are going to make math practice so much more fun! Whether we're working on probability, multiplication, or quick mental math games, the dice will let students learn through play and collaboration.\r\n\r\nYour generosity doesn't just provide supplies—it creates an inviting, organized, and inspiring learning environment where students feel excited about math. These resources have helped them build confidence and find joy in learning.","fullyFundedDate":1647390881666,"projectUrl":"project/seeing-doing-learning-celebrating/6268448/","projectTitle":"Seeing, Doing, Learning, Celebrating","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5507236_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647419972882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/m-rom"},{"teacherId":7649432,"projectId":6351886,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students are now exploring coding and electronics with the Adafruit Circuit programming kits, and the results have been incredible! Students who once struggled to see the purpose of coding are now eagerly building projects that light up, respond to input, and showcase their creativity. The hands-on experience has made abstract computer science concepts come alive, sparking excitement and confidence in learners of all levels. I've watched students collaborate, problem-solve, and proudly share their creations with classmates, which has built both technical skills and a stronger sense of community in our classroom. Your donation has not only provided tools, but also opportunities for innovation and discovery that will inspire my students long into the future.","fullyFundedDate":1659127072628,"projectUrl":"project/i-can-program-can-you/6351886/","projectTitle":"I Can Program, Can You?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Peterson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7649432"},{"teacherId":5507236,"projectId":6326238,"letterContent":"These posters have been a fun addition to my classroom for several years now! Not only do they provide a fabulous \"pop\" of color to my room but they also provide much needed support to my students. I am teaching them to be independent resourceful learners and these posters make that possible. After I have taught a specific skill, I encourage students to use the classroom for support when solving problems. I enjoy seeing them go to a poster, study it, and return to their seat to solve an equation. Occasionally, I introduce a new topic/math skill by having them study the example first, then I teach the concept second. The students who are able to solve the work before being officially taught gain a great sense of pride at truly becoming independent and resourceful. Thank you for helping to make the magic happen.","fullyFundedDate":1649462529179,"projectUrl":"project/bright-and-beautiful-beacons-of-hope/6326238/","projectTitle":"Bright and Beautiful Beacons of Hope","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5507236_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647419972882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/m-rom"},{"teacherId":5507236,"projectId":6429263,"letterContent":"I have used these books several times in the past several years and my students have always enjoyed them. I have used them as part of our Microsociety curriculum/class where all students in our school participate in working businesses and electing class/government representatives. Part of the curriculum involves learning about the purpose of a governing system, how it operates, and how representatives are chosen. These books have given my students an age appropriate understanding of all of those topics. \r\nMy favorite year was when both 4th and 5 th graders read the books and we took them on a tour of our Arizona State Capitol building. I especially enjoyed hearing their informed questions as we sat in the deliberation/committee room. I was happy that they knew enough to ask good questions and feel that is directly attributed to reading these together. I look forward to teaching this unit every year now!","fullyFundedDate":1651781394136,"projectUrl":"project/understanding-leads-to-greater-appreciat/6429263/","projectTitle":"Understanding Leads to Greater Appreciation","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5507236_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647419972882","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/m-rom"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_68983","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":218,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":24,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":83,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":13,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":74.5,"schoolId":68983,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Stepping Stones Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Stepping Stones Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/arizona-department-of-education/stepping-stones-academy/68983"}