{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Griffith Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7247485,"projectId":10704699,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for helping us bring our apple cider fundraiser to life! What started as a fun way for our Student Council to raise money has turned into something that has made such a wonderful difference across our entire school!\r\n\r\nOur apple cider sales have been an AMAZING success! One of the most exciting things has been seeing how much they've encouraged students to come to school. We've seen a huge increase in attendance on our cider sale days, and the kids genuinely look forward to them! There's something so special about seeing students walk into school excited to grab a warm cup of apple cider, especially when they discover the little positive messages written on their cups. It's such a simple gesture, but it brings so many smiles and has added a little extra happiness to our mornings at Griffith!\r\n\r\nI've also loved watching our Student Council students take ownership of this fundraiser. They've been involved in preparing for the sales, helping serve cider, and putting their math skills to work in a real-life situation. From figuring out costs and counting money to making change and understanding how a fundraiser works, they're learning skills that go far beyond the classroom. They're also getting to see how their hard work can benefit their entire school!\r\n\r\nThe money raised goes right back to our students through special events, field trips, field day, and other fun opportunities that make school memorable. I love that our Student Council kids aren't just raising money. They're helping create experiences that their classmates will remember!\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible! Your generosity has helped us create something that encourages attendance, builds school spirit, gives students leadership opportunities, and brings so much joy to our Griffith Giants. It's incredible how something as simple as a cup of apple cider can make such a big difference. We are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1792614700192,"projectUrl":"project/a-warm-welcome-to-school/10704699/","projectTitle":"A Warm Welcome to School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7247485_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736058227253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emily-burger"},{"teacherId":7247485,"projectId":10704677,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us celebrate our incredible Students of the Month at Griffith Elementary! This project means so much to our school because it gives us the opportunity to make our students feel truly special. Each month, we recognize students who have shown kindness, growth, hard work, and positive choices, and our Student of the Month breakfast is one of my favorite ways we get to celebrate them!\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, we're able to provide breakfast treats, juice, and other goodies to make these celebrations even more special. There is something so wonderful about bringing students together from different grade levels and giving them a morning that is all about celebrating their accomplishments. Seeing students recognized for their efforts, surrounded by people who are proud of them, is exactly why we love doing this. For some of our students, having a special breakfast in their honor is a really big deal, and we want every single one of them to know they deserve that recognition.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this project especially meaningful is that your support reaches beyond one classroom. You're helping us continue a schoolwide tradition that celebrates students throughout the year without asking our teachers and staff to cover the cost themselves. These breakfasts remind our students that their hard work doesn't go unnoticed and that being kind, making good choices, and continuing to grow are all things worth celebrating.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create these special moments for our Griffith Giants! Your kindness is helping us build a school community where students feel seen, valued, and celebrated. We are so grateful for your support and for the smiles you're helping bring to our students' faces!","fullyFundedDate":1792614702789,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-our-student-of-the-month/10704677/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Our Student of the Month","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7247485_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736058227253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emily-burger"},{"teacherId":7247485,"projectId":10706104,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for helping bring this project to life! These materials have been such a fun addition to our classroom, and I don't think any of us expected just how much excitement a few giant pencils could bring to math class!\r\n\r\nThe giant pencils have been an absolute HIT! There is something hilarious about watching a fifth grader work through a math problem with a pencil almost as big as their arm. My students love using them, and we've had plenty of laughs along the way. But my favorite part is that they've actually become a motivator for students who are struggling to get started or don't want to complete their work. Sometimes, all it takes is offering a student the chance to do their math with a giant pencil, and suddenly they're ready to give it a try! It's such a simple thing, but seeing a student go from refusing to work to happily solving problems because of a silly pencil has been incredible.\r\n\r\nThe other materials have been just as valuable! The grid paper has helped us create more organized spaces for practicing math, especially when students are working through problems that require multiple steps. The clear menu covers allow us to create reusable resources that students can write on, erase, and practice with again and again. I love being able to give students tools that make challenging math concepts feel a little more manageable while also making our classroom a more engaging place to learn.\r\n\r\nWhat I appreciate most about this project is that it has reminded me how much the little things matter. Sometimes it's a resource that helps a student finally understand a concept, and sometimes it's a ridiculously oversized pencil that gets a reluctant student excited about doing math. Both are meaningful, and both are happening in our classroom because of your generosity.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and helping me find new ways to make learning exciting. Your support has brought so much laughter, creativity, and encouragement into our classroom, and I hope you know how much of a difference that makes. We are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1791074117738,"projectUrl":"project/making-math-visible-and-fun/10706104/","projectTitle":"Making Math Visible and Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7247485_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736058227253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emily-burger"},{"teacherId":1101486,"projectId":10198474,"letterContent":"**Thank You for Bringing Comfort, Confidence, and Care to Our Classroom! ❤️**\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generosity and for supporting our project, *\"Comfort, Confidence, and Care: Clothing for Our Classroom Community!\"* Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students by helping provide clothing that supports their comfort, dignity, and confidence throughout the school day. When children have access to clothing that meets their needs, they can feel more comfortable, focus on learning, and participate more confidently in classroom activities.\r\n\r\nYour support goes beyond providing clothing; it reminds our students that they are valued, cared for, and surrounded by a community that believes in their success. Every contribution helps create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment where students can focus less on their basic needs and more on discovering their potential. Thank you for investing in our students, caring for our classroom community, and helping our children feel confident, comfortable, and ready to learn! ❤️","fullyFundedDate":1780945561621,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-confidence-and-care-clothing/10198474/","projectTitle":"Comfort, Confidence, and Care: Clothing for Our Classroom Community","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Victoria Bell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1101486_orig.jpg?crop=1449,1449,x269,y249&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674244116371","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1101486"},{"teacherId":7247485,"projectId":10321680,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and our amazing student teacher, Ms. Katie! When these supplies arrived, she was genuinely surprised and so excited. She has been absolutely wonderful with our fifth graders, and being able to surprise her with resources to support her teaching was such a special moment.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this project even more meaningful is that these supplies are already being used every single day! Katie has become such an important part of our classroom, and it has been incredible watching her continue to grow as a teacher. She came to us with so much experience working with children, and that was evident almost immediately. She was confident and comfortable with our students from the beginning, but watching her build on that foundation as she takes on more teaching responsibilities has been one of my favorite parts of being her mentor teacher.\r\n\r\nKatie has brought so much enthusiasm, patience, and care to our classroom. She has built wonderful relationships with our fifth graders, and they absolutely love having her as their teacher. These supplies have helped her stay organized and prepared while allowing her to focus on what matters most: helping our students learn and succeed.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and supporting future teachers like Katie. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom, and we are both incredibly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1789592016671,"projectUrl":"project/helping-future-teachers-help-students/10321680/","projectTitle":"Helping Future Teachers Help Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7247485_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736058227253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emily-burger"},{"teacherId":7247485,"projectId":10608979,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my students and helping bring these materials into our classroom! My students have absolutely LOVED having access to the reusable grid paper. It has quickly become something we can use every single day during math. They love being able to write, erase, and try again, and I love that we have a resource we can continue using throughout the school year.\r\n\r\nThe dry-erase sleeves have also been wonderful for our small-group instruction. They allow me to provide extra guidance and structure for students who need it, including my students with disabilities and English language learners. I can easily switch out visual supports, examples, and strategies depending on what each group is working on. Instead of students getting stuck or feeling overwhelmed, they have something right in front of them to help work through a problem.\r\n\r\nOne of my biggest goals as a math teacher is helping students become more confident and independent problem solvers. These materials are helping me do exactly that. Thank you for investing in resources that aren't just used once, but will continue supporting my students day after day and year after year. Your generosity truly makes a difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1790603034248,"projectUrl":"project/see-it-try-it-solve-it/10608979/","projectTitle":"See It. Try It. Solve It.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7247485_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736058227253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emily-burger"},{"teacherId":7247485,"projectId":10557434,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping me create a cozy corner in our classroom! My fifth graders have busy days filled with learning, and sometimes they just need a quiet, comfortable place to take a break. Thanks to your generosity, we now have a special space where students can step away for a few minutes, relax, and get themselves ready to learn again.\r\n\r\nMy students absolutely LOVE our new cozy corner! It has quickly become the most coveted spot in our classroom, and everyone wants a chance to use it! I love seeing how excited they are about something that also serves such an important purpose. Having a comfortable space gives students a chance to reset when they're feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or just need a little break. It's also a great opportunity for them to practice recognizing what they need to be successful throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping make our classroom a more welcoming and comfortable place. I work hard to make sure my students feel safe, cared for, and excited to come to school, and this space has been such a wonderful addition. I'm so grateful for your generosity and for helping me give my students a classroom that feels like a second home!","fullyFundedDate":1790603021721,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-corner-to-reset-and-recharge/10557434/","projectTitle":"A Cozy Corner to Reset and Recharge","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7247485_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736058227253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emily-burger"},{"teacherId":10457951,"projectId":10133593,"letterContent":"This project has meant so much to me and to my students! The new books, classroom supplies, organizational materials, and lights have helped me create a space that feels welcoming, comfortable, and ready for learning. We have already started using the books during reading and lessons, the supplies for our everyday activities and projects, and the organizational materials to make things easier for students to find and use independently. I am especially grateful for the new books because I have students who are struggling with reading, and having books that are engaging, interesting, and appropriate for them can make such a difference. When students find a book that actually catches their attention, reading can feel less like a difficult task and more like something they want to explore. \r\n\r\nI am especially thankful because these resources are not just things sitting in our classroom—they are becoming part of my students' everyday learning experiences. We will continue using them for upcoming lessons, projects, reading, and hands-on activities, while encouraging students to take ownership of our classroom and the materials available to them. My students deserve a classroom where they feel cared for, where they have the tools they need, and where they can be curious, creative, and successful. Your generosity has made it possible for me to provide resources that can meet my students where they are and help them continue growing, especially those who may need a little extra encouragement along the way.","fullyFundedDate":1780649780894,"projectUrl":"project/more-than-a-classroom-a-fresh-start-for/10133593/","projectTitle":"More Than a Classroom: A Fresh Start for Future Scientists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pederson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10457951_orig.png?crop=896,896,x0,y68&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1775190328983","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10457951"},{"teacherId":8658076,"projectId":10328664,"letterContent":"Thank you for investing in our teachers and classrooms! This summer, the materials purchased through this project—including whiteboard markers, magnets, and organizational bins—were distributed to teachers to help them create organized, functional, and welcoming learning environments for their students.\r\n\r\nWhile these may seem like simple classroom supplies, they make a meaningful difference in a teacher's ability to prepare, organize, and maximize instructional time. Organization bins give teachers a place to store materials and keep frequently used resources accessible. Magnets allow teachers to display student work, learning targets, schedules, and instructional materials in an easy-to-see and flexible way. Whiteboard markers are an everyday necessity that allow teachers to model learning, provide directions, and engage students during instruction.\r\n\r\nProviding these materials at the beginning of the school year means our teachers can start the year prepared and focused on what matters most: teaching and building relationships with their students. An organized classroom also helps students know where materials belong, navigate their learning environment independently, and spend less time searching for supplies and more time learning.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for the generosity that made these resources available to our teachers. Your support helps create classrooms that are organized, purposeful, and ready for learning from the very first day of school.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our teachers and helping our students thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1781555312170,"projectUrl":"project/make-learning-come-alive-at-our-school/10328664/","projectTitle":"Make Learning Come Alive at Our School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fortunate","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8658076"},{"teacherId":7247485,"projectId":10321912,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring our school garden to life! Because of your generosity, our students will have the supplies they need to get outside, get their hands dirty, and take an active role in creating and caring for a garden of their own.\r\n\r\nThese materials will give our students so many opportunities to learn beyond the walls of the classroom. They will be able to plant seeds, water and care for their plants, label what they are growing, prepare our garden beds, and watch their hard work turn into something they can actually see and be proud of. Our garden will be a place where students can learn about plant life cycles and the environment while also practicing responsibility, patience, teamwork, and caring for a shared space.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this project especially exciting is that the garden will reach far beyond just my fifth-grade classroom. We are working to create a space that students across our school can enjoy and learn from. For many of our students, this may also be one of their first opportunities to experience gardening firsthand. Your support is giving them an experience that I hope they will remember long after they leave our classrooms.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping us create a meaningful outdoor learning space for our school community. We cannot wait to start planting, growing, and learning together. We are incredibly grateful for your support and for helping our garden grow!","fullyFundedDate":1788575203064,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-grow-a-school-garden-for-student/10321912/","projectTitle":"Help Me Grow a School Garden for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7247485_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736058227253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emily-burger"},{"teacherId":10457951,"projectId":10281066,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for the support that made this project possible. The calm lighting has become such a meaningful addition to our classroom, and I have already seen how something as simple as changing the lighting can make a difference in the way my students feel and learn.\r\n\r\nWe use the lights throughout the day, especially during independent work, small-group activities, and lessons when students need to slow down, focus, and really engage with their learning. The softer lighting has helped create a warmer and more peaceful classroom environment, and I love seeing my students settle in and feel comfortable in the space we share.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new lights, they were immediately excited. They noticed the difference right away, and it was so sweet to hear their reactions as they walked into a classroom that felt a little more calm and inviting. For me, the best part has been watching students recognize that our classroom is a space where their comfort and learning both matter!\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and in our classroom. Your generosity has helped me create a space that feels more intentional, welcoming, and peaceful, and I truly appreciate the difference you are helping make in the everyday experiences of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1779051136592,"projectUrl":"project/calm-lights-for-bright-scientists/10281066/","projectTitle":"Calm Lights for Bright Scientists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pederson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10457951_orig.png?crop=896,896,x0,y68&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1775190328983","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10457951"},{"teacherId":7247485,"projectId":10321876,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us add our giant bean bag chair to our classroom! As you can probably imagine, my students were VERY excited when they first saw it. It immediately became one of the most loved spots in our room, but I have also loved seeing it become exactly what I hoped it would be: a comfortable place where students can take a moment to reset when they need it.\r\n\r\nThroughout the school day, there are times when students feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or simply need a few minutes away from everything happening around them. Having a designated comfortable space gives them somewhere to calm down and regroup before returning to learning. I have already seen students use the bean bag, take the time they need, and then come back ready to participate again.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping me create a classroom that supports more than just academics. I want my students to know that it is okay to need a break and that learning how to recognize what they need and regulate themselves is important too. This giant bean bag may seem like a simple addition to our classroom, but it has quickly become a very special part of our space!","fullyFundedDate":1787148011900,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-corner-for-calm-minds/10321876/","projectTitle":"A Cozy Corner for Calm Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7247485_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736058227253","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emily-burger"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_58275","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":389,"numTeachers":32,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":14,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":6,"percentLatinx":70,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.3,"schoolId":58275,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Griffith Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Griffith Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/balsz-elementary-school-district-31/griffith-elementary-school/58275"}