{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Harold Steele Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":39.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9911800,"projectId":9946315,"letterContent":"Thank you for believing in my students and supporting our K-6 Chess Club! Your generosity has provided our students with quality chess sets and created a space where they can think critically, challenge themselves, build friendships, and discover strengths they may not have known they had.\r\n\r\nWhen the new chess sets arrived, our students were so excited to begin playing. Some had never played chess before, while others were already familiar with the game. Regardless of their experience, every student had the opportunity to sit at a board, learn, practice, and challenge themselves. Watching students gather around the boards, teach one another, ask questions, and proudly make their next move has been incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nOne of the most meaningful parts of Chess Club has been watching students learn that mistakes are not failures. When a student loses an important piece or makes a move they regret, they are learning to pause, think, and try again. I have watched students become frustrated, take a breath, study the board, and say, \"Let me think.\" Those small moments show incredible growth and perseverance.\r\n\r\nChess has also become a wonderful way for students to practice patience, respect, and sportsmanship. They are learning to take turns, follow rules, encourage one another, and celebrate both victories and lessons learned from a loss. Having enough chess sets means more students can participate at the same time, creating opportunities for collaboration and peer learning.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this project especially meaningful is the confidence it gives my students. Some students who may struggle in other areas of school discover that they are thoughtful strategists and problem-solvers. Others learn that they can sit with a difficult challenge without giving up.\r\n\r\nAs we continue Chess Club, we will build on these skills by learning strategies, planning ahead, recognizing patterns, and thinking through different possibilities. I hope that students will carry these skills beyond the chessboard and into their classrooms, friendships, and everyday lives.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students more than chessboards. You have given them a place to think, persevere, connect, and believe in themselves. Because of you, they are learning that every mistake is an opportunity to grow, every challenge has another move, and they are capable of more than they may have imagined.","fullyFundedDate":1769377353245,"projectUrl":"project/little-minds-big-moves-a-chess-club-fo/9946315/","projectTitle":"Little Minds, Big Moves: A Chess Club for Champions","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mac","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9911800_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y414&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739313866375","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/teacherflex"},{"teacherId":9911800,"projectId":9883576,"letterContent":"Thank you again for supporting my kindergarten students through the Super Tools for Super Readers project! Your generosity has brought new excitement and confidence to our classroom as my students continue to develop their early reading skills. These resources may be small, but they are making a meaningful difference in the way my students approach reading.\r\n\r\nWe are using the new reading trackers, guided reading strips, highlighter tape, and fun pointers during our daily literacy routines, small-group instruction, partner reading, and independent practice. One specific moment that has stood out to me happened during a small-group reading activity. As we worked through a book together, several students were having trouble keeping their eyes on the correct line and remembering where to begin reading the next word. Instead of becoming frustrated, they used the reading trackers and pointers to guide their eyes across the page. I watched one student carefully point to each word, sound it out, and then proudly read the entire sentence. That moment may have seemed small, but for a young reader, it was a huge accomplishment.\r\n\r\nThe materials have also given us opportunities to make reading more interactive. My students enjoy being able to physically move their pointer from word to word as they read. The guided strips help students focus on a smaller portion of text rather than feeling overwhelmed by an entire page. We also use highlighter tape to draw attention to important words, letters, sounds, and patterns during our lessons. These tools give my students concrete ways to interact with print while they practice the foundational skills they need to become successful readers.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their reactions were absolutely priceless. The colorful pointers and reading tools immediately caught their attention. They were excited to choose a pointer and wanted to try the materials right away. Some students were eager to show their friends how they could use the tools, while others carefully examined the different options before deciding which one they liked best. My students often think of learning materials as something fun to explore, so these resources helped create an immediate sense of excitement around reading.\r\n\r\nWhat made their reaction especially meaningful was that the tools helped make reading feel approachable. Kindergarten can be a big year for young learners. They are learning letters, sounds, words, sentences, and so many new routines all at once. For some students, looking at a page full of words can feel overwhelming. Having a simple tool to help them focus on one word or one line at a time gives them an additional layer of support. I have loved seeing students who may have initially hesitated during reading activities become more willing to participate and try again.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue building independence, fluency, comprehension, and confidence. We are practicing tracking print from left to right, blending sounds together, recognizing familiar words, using picture and context clues, and retelling stories after we read them. As we continue our literacy lessons, I will encourage students to choose the tools that best support their individual learning needs. Over time, I hope students will begin to internalize these strategies so they can apply them even when the tools are not available.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, I want my students to understand that being a reader is something to be proud of. I want them to approach a new book with curiosity rather than hesitation and to understand that making mistakes is simply part of learning. Your support has helped create an environment where my students can practice, persevere, and celebrate their progress.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and believing in their potential. Because of you, my young readers have new tools in their hands, but even more importantly, they have additional opportunities to experience the joy and confidence that come with saying, \"I can read!\" Your generosity is helping build skills that will support them far beyond kindergarten, and I am so grateful that you are part of their reading journey.","fullyFundedDate":1770051027737,"projectUrl":"project/super-tools-for-super-reader/9883576/","projectTitle":"Super Tools for Super Reader","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mac","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9911800_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y414&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739313866375","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/teacherflex"},{"teacherId":8097438,"projectId":10020385,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for making my project: \"Scooting to Success\" possible! My students were ecstatic to find out that they have an opportunity to win a shiny new scooter for good attendance. Ever since they have been on display, I am asked every day when the next drawing will be!\r\n\r\nGood attendance and punctuality are so critical for our students' academic foundation, habit formation, social-emotional development, and school-community connection. In addition, I am so happy to be able to incentivize it in a way that promotes healthy, active, screen-free play! \r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and my project!","fullyFundedDate":1769377353126,"projectUrl":"project/scooting-to-success/10020385/","projectTitle":"Scooting to Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McDuffie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8097438_orig.png?crop=1592,1592,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1671813469429","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8097438"},{"teacherId":8476513,"projectId":9955751,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the amazing gift to our exceptional education program. Because of your generous donations, children are now using technology to support their ideas in writing. They are developing independence, rigor and motivation to share their ideas. \r\n\r\nWe also appreciate the multiplication models for multiples over our 10's. We are able to visually create these problems, furthering our understanding of how multiplication works. Our kindergarten children love the visuals of 10s frames and numbers and we created a game, who has the most and who has the least. These tools have added to our centers and hands on learning as well as cementing new learning.","fullyFundedDate":1766096521151,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-for-growing-minds/9955751/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Braren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8476513_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1702236430985","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8476513"},{"teacherId":4061765,"projectId":10054224,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our state testing snacks. Last year, we found that our students were able to sustain their focus for a longer period of time if they had a snack to munch on. This year, I wanted to be sure the snacks provided were not too high in sugar and would be easily shared with students. I also wanted to be sure that students had an equitable amount of snacks during our testing time.\r\nWe also have found that the use of hard candy and/or mints has helped students to calm their anxiety. State testing is a difficult time for many of our students, because they are anxious to do well. Giving them a hard candy to help calm that anxiety is a tool that I have been using for a few years. The boost of sugar also helps to perk them up if they start to get tired.\r\nThank you again for supporting our students with this tool to help them be successful with their state testing!","fullyFundedDate":1771006181196,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-success/10054224/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zittlosen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4061765_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646793450887","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4061765"},{"teacherId":9911800,"projectId":9870220,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our early literacy project. My students are curious, kind, and incredibly determined learners, and because of you, they now have hands-on tools that are helping them discover the joy of reading and believe in themselves as readers.\r\n\r\nWe are using the new phonics games, word-building puzzles, and alphabet activities during small-group instruction, literacy centers, and independent practice time. \r\n\r\nThe students eagerly explored the puzzles, sorted letters, and asked to start using them right away. The bright colors, sturdy pieces, and interactive design made learning feel like play, and students were instantly engaged. Many students chose to practice building words even during free choice time, excited to try new sounds and combinations.\r\n\r\nThese resources are helping students strengthen phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and early spelling skills in a way that feels accessible and fun for all learners, including English language learners. Students are learning to take risks, persevere through challenges, and feel proud of every word they master.\r\n\r\nWe will continue building on these skills by using the materials to support blending, segmenting, and reading short decodable words. Students will begin applying their phonics knowledge to simple books and writing activities, gaining confidence as they move from sounding out words to reading with greater independence.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students are growing not only as readers, but as confident learners who believe in themselves. Thank you for giving our classroom the tools to make reading a joyful and empowering experience.","fullyFundedDate":1763822497244,"projectUrl":"project/growing-confident-readers-one-word-at-a/9870220/","projectTitle":"Growing Confident Readers One Word at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mac","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9911800_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y414&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739313866375","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/teacherflex"},{"teacherId":9911800,"projectId":9714591,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our kindergarten classroom. Because of you, my students now have engaging, inclusive resources that make movement fun, purposeful, and meaningful every day.\r\n\r\nWe are already using the new materials during daily movement breaks, structured physical education activities, and cooperative games. One of our favorite moments so far was introducing the juggling scarves. As soon as students saw the bright colors, their faces lit up with excitement. They eagerly spread out on the basketball court, practicing tossing, catching, and moving their bodies in new ways. Even students who are usually hesitant to try new physical skills jumped in with confidence, cheering each other on and celebrating small successes.\r\n\r\nThe exercise dice have quickly become a classroom favorite. Students love the element of surprise and take turns rolling the dice to see which movement the whole class will try next. This has turned our movement breaks into opportunities to practice self-regulation, listening skills, and teamwork while staying active and engaged.\r\n\r\nThe mesh pinnies have allowed us to introduce simple team games where students can clearly see their groups and learn how to work together. I've watched students encourage one another, take turns, and practice cooperation in ways that support both social and emotional growth. Even the ice packs have played an important role, helping students feel safe and cared for when small bumps happen during active play.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were full of curiosity and excitement. They asked thoughtful questions, explored the items together, and were eager to try everything right away. Their enthusiasm reinforced how meaningful it is for them to have resources that match their energy and love for movement.\r\n\r\nNext, we will continue building on these experiences by incorporating the materials into ongoing lessons about healthy habits, teamwork, and perseverance. Students will practice setting personal movement goals, reflecting on how their bodies feel after activity, and learning how to support one another as teammates and friends.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students are growing stronger physically, socially, and emotionally while building a positive relationship with movement. Thank you for giving our class such a joyful and impactful learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1761965010346,"projectUrl":"project/moving-learning-and-growing-together/9714591/","projectTitle":"Moving, Learning, and Growing Together!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mac","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9911800_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y414&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739313866375","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/teacherflex"},{"teacherId":9911800,"projectId":9351154,"letterContent":"Reading in our classroom is a joyful, interactive experience rooted in curiosity and connection. Whether gathered on the rug for a shared read-aloud or independently exploring books during quiet time, my students are always eager to engage with stories that reflect their interests and expand their understanding of the world. The new environmental books have brought a fresh sense of purpose to our reading time, introducing not just literacy skills like vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking, but also real-world lessons about responsibility, empathy, and environmental care.\r\n\r\nThese texts make complex ideas, such as climate change, conservation, and recycling, accessible to young learners. Through beautiful illustrations and thoughtful storytelling, my students are beginning to understand how their actions impact the planet and how they can create positive change. Stories like The Lonely Polar Bear have sparked emotional connections to the natural world.\r\n\r\nIt's been especially powerful to watch students find books that truly resonate with them. One quiet student, fascinated by science, lit up while reading Glow: The Wild Wonders of Bioluminescence, and now shares facts about deep-sea creatures with the class. These books are planting seeds—not just of knowledge, but of lifelong care for our planet.","fullyFundedDate":1756334060299,"projectUrl":"project/seeds-of-change-stories-for-young-minds/9351154/","projectTitle":"Seeds of Change: Stories for Young Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mac","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9911800_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y414&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739313866375","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/teacherflex"},{"teacherId":9911800,"projectId":9350274,"letterContent":"Creating a classroom that nurtures both the minds and hearts of students is at the core of everything I do as an educator. With your support, this project will provide my students with tools that not only enhance their learning but also support their emotional well-being; something that is more important now than ever before.\r\n\r\nEach item in this project was chosen with intention. The individual pencil boxes will give my students a sense of responsibility and organization, allowing them to take ownership of their learning tools while building independence. The magnetic tiles will inspire creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving through engaging, hands-on play that supports spatial awareness and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nSlime may seem like just a fun toy, but for many students, it's a powerful sensory tool that helps them self-regulate during moments of stress, anxiety, or overstimulation. Having access to a calming activity like this gives students a healthy way to manage their emotions and stay focused.\r\n\r\nYour generosity will bring more than just supplies into our classroom; you'll be giving my students tools that help them grow academically, emotionally, and socially. Thank you for being a partner in helping our classroom become a place where all students feel equipped, valued, and inspired.","fullyFundedDate":1752168908272,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-brighter-minds-and-kinder-hear/9350274/","projectTitle":"Tools for Brighter Minds and Kinder Hearts","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mac","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9911800_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y414&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739313866375","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/teacherflex"},{"teacherId":2970121,"projectId":9248099,"letterContent":"Our new Lakeshore dollhouse furniture and dolls replaced our old, broken set, and my students were so excited when they saw them. Right away they started setting up homes, choosing roles, and acting out family routines.\r\n\r\nThe new pieces give everyone a chance to join in. Students work together, share ideas, and practice problem-solving while creating stories like dinnertime, bedtime, or caring for a baby.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our dramatic play center new life. Your generosity brought joy back to a favorite space and is helping my students learn, create, and grow every day. We are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1754157780444,"projectUrl":"project/small-pieces-big-pretend-play/9248099/","projectTitle":"Small pieces, Big Pretend Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Reddix","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2970121_orig.jpg?crop=388,387,x0,y65&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1620397988130","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-reddix"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_64007","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":215,"numTeachers":17,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":27,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":52,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":7,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"12.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.7,"schoolId":64007,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Harold Steele Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Harold Steele Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/tucson-unified-school-district/harold-steele-elementary-school/64007"}