{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ballington Academy - Arts & Science","outOfStateSupporters":37.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":9109124,"letterContent":"I want to extend my sincerest thanks for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of you, our classroom received much-needed organizers—and the difference they've made has been incredible.\r\n\r\nWith these new organizers, our classroom has transformed into a more structured, efficient, and welcoming space. Students now know exactly where to find materials and supplies, which has helped maximize our learning time and minimize distractions. The improved organization has also helped students develop responsibility and independence, as they now take pride in keeping our space tidy and functional.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, having a clean and organized environment makes it easier to focus and feel calm throughout the day. It's amazing how something as simple as proper storage can have such a big impact on both learning and behavior.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and helping to create a space where students can thrive. Your kindness and support have made a lasting difference, and we are so grateful","fullyFundedDate":1746504611799,"projectUrl":"project/practice-makes-perfect/9109124/","projectTitle":"Practice Makes Perfect","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"},{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":9183531,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kind support of our classroom through DonorsChoose. Because of your generosity, we were able to welcome a very special tool into our learning space—the TattleTale phone—and it has made a huge difference in how my students express themselves and manage their emotions.\r\n\r\nThe TattleTale phone has become a favorite in our classroom! It gives students a safe and private outlet to share their thoughts, frustrations, or stories that may not need a teacher's immediate attention but still feel important to them. It has helped reduce unnecessary interruptions during instruction while still honoring students' need to be heard.\r\n\r\nWhat's been most amazing is seeing how this simple tool encourages emotional regulation, builds social-emotional skills, and gives students a sense of independence. Instead of feeling like their voices don't matter, they now know there's always a way to express themselves—even if it's just \"calling\" the TattleTale phone to get something off their chest.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible. Your support has helped create a calmer, more focused, and more respectful classroom environment where every child feels seen and valued. We are truly grateful for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1746785619534,"projectUrl":"project/tattle-tell-no-more/9183531/","projectTitle":"Tattle Tell No More","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"},{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":9100617,"letterContent":"I want to extend my sincerest thanks for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of you, our classroom received much-needed organizers—and the difference they've made has been incredible.\r\n\r\nWith these new organizers, our classroom has transformed into a more structured, efficient, and welcoming space. Students now know exactly where to find materials and supplies, which has helped maximize our learning time and minimize distractions. The improved organization has also helped students develop responsibility and independence, as they now take pride in keeping our space tidy and functional.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, having a clean and organized environment makes it easier to focus and feel calm throughout the day. It's amazing how something as simple as proper storage can have such a big impact on both learning and behavior.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and helping to create a space where students can thrive. Your kindness and support have made a lasting difference, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746785630569,"projectUrl":"project/organized-first-grade-class/9100617/","projectTitle":"Organized First Grade Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"},{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":9056390,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support of my DonorsChoose project. Because of your kindness and generosity, our classroom received a Cricut machine—and the impact has been nothing short of amazing.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the Cricut, my students have been able to bring their creativity to life in ways we never imagined possible. From designing personalized bookmarks and classroom decor to creating educational tools and collaborative art projects, the Cricut has opened a whole new world of hands-on learning and self-expression.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding moments was watching my students beam with pride as they used the Cricut to create custom projects tied to our lessons. It has helped boost their confidence, encourage collaboration, and foster a sense of ownership in our classroom environment. Even students who were hesitant to participate before are now excited to contribute and explore their creative sides.\r\n\r\nYour donation has done more than provide a machine—it has empowered young minds and made learning exciting and meaningful. Thank you for believing in our classroom and helping us grow in such an impactful way.","fullyFundedDate":1746785978235,"projectUrl":"project/get-1st-graders-excited-to-learn-get-us/9056390/","projectTitle":"Get 1st Graders Excited to Learn: Get Us a Cricut","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"},{"teacherId":9903711,"projectId":9115448,"letterContent":"I am pleased to announce that my vision for a safe and welcoming learning enviornment has come to fruition! Many years ago, I set out to explore how the concept of flexible seating can influence my learners to comfortably take ownership of their learning experience. I learned that students like to work in unconventional areas of the classroom and I needed to provide more optoins for them. I had some surf desks, but nowhere to safely store them. Now, through your contribution, I not only have a surf desk for each of my students, I also have somewhere to put them. The storage cart is durable and will serve its purpose for many years to come.\r\n Included in my order was a set of foam arrows to place on the floor to assist students to understand safe movement within our classroom as students may be occupying free space for learning thoughout my classroom. Your donation is helping me to teach my young first graders the importance of respecting the personal space of others as well as teaching them how to participate in a shared learning community. I could not have met this goal without you!","fullyFundedDate":1747134531645,"projectUrl":"project/safety-first-first-grade-safe-storage-p/9115448/","projectTitle":"Safety First! First Grade Safe Storage Plan","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Perez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9903711_orig.jpg?crop=674,674,x368,y256&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740626630433","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cperezrm15"},{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":9114340,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose. Thanks to your donation, we received brand-new surf desks and storage solutions—and the impact has been nothing short of transformative for my students.\r\n\r\nThe surf desks have quickly become a student favorite! They offer the flexibility for students to work comfortably in various areas around the classroom, whether they prefer sitting on the floor, spreading out during group work, or finding a quiet corner to focus independently. This new flexible seating option has helped increase student engagement, improve focus, and give students more ownership over their learning space.\r\n\r\nThe added storage has made a huge difference in keeping our learning environment organized and functional. Now, students can easily access and put away their surf desks, helping to maintain a calm and clutter-free space. It's taught them responsibility and has made transitions much smoother during our day.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided more than just classroom furniture—you've given my students the opportunity to learn in a way that supports their needs, learning styles, and independence. Thank you for making this possible and for believing in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1746785572055,"projectUrl":"project/surf-desk-and-storage/9114340/","projectTitle":"Surf Desk and Storage","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"},{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":9292658,"letterContent":"Thank you for taking the time to look over our project. We are so touched that you decided to fund our project. With this project you will be impacting two first grade classes a total of 40 students. \r\n\r\nOur students have been studying about astronomy for a few weeks now. This will be the culminating event of our astronomy study. Students will have a fun day filled with many activities. Students have been working on their own constellation and on this day they will present to their classmates and peers their constellations.","fullyFundedDate":1746495988529,"projectUrl":"project/space-camp/9292658/","projectTitle":"Space Camp","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"},{"teacherId":9903711,"projectId":9103372,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous donation of surf desks and a wobble chair to our classroom. These flexible seating tools have had a transformative impact on my student's ability to focus and engage in lessons. \r\n\r\nSince incorporating these resources, I've seen noticeable improvements in student participation, attention, and overall classroom morale. Students are more eager to contribute during discussions and can sustain focus for longer periods. Your thoughtful support has not only enhanced our learning environment, but it has also made my students feel seen and valued. Thank you again for investing in their success- you've made a lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1739558915361,"projectUrl":"project/sit-stand-or-surf/9103372/","projectTitle":"Sit, Stand, or Surf!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Perez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9903711_orig.jpg?crop=674,674,x368,y256&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740626630433","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cperezrm15"},{"teacherId":9903711,"projectId":9097352,"letterContent":"I set myself off on a mission to teach my students the importance of being responsible for the little messes we create throughout the day. I wanted to create a \"clean up station\" in my classroom where students could feel free to help themselves to cleaning materials and use them frequently or as needed. The idea was to instill a sense of cleanliness within the hearts and minds of my six and seven year old students who possibly have had little practice in self care or maintaining a shared space. Much like having home chores, my students were also going to have chores before we head home for the day.\r\nMy students were so excited to receive shipment after shipment of materials they knew would be for cleaning, but not yet sure how to use it. It is quite a site to see their eagerness to be in charge of cleaning some area of our classroom and their appreciation of the sights and scent of our room when we are done cleaning it. Because of your generosity, I have created a stock area for dusting/wipes and wet mop refills, students have access to microfiber towels to help sop up spilled water bottles, and an area to hang or display materials that can be easily reached. Although I am using the donated materials with this year's students, I can say with strong confidence that these items will stay in my room for a very long time and many future students will share in the experience and excitement of learning responsibility.","fullyFundedDate":1738878683572,"projectUrl":"project/germs-dirt-grime-oh-my-20/9097352/","projectTitle":"Germs, Dirt, Grime - Oh, My! (2.0)","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Perez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9903711_orig.jpg?crop=674,674,x368,y256&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740626630433","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cperezrm15"},{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":9097955,"letterContent":"Thank you for taking the time to look over our project. This first grade class is very thankful for your donations. It had made a huge impact on the way our students are learning. \r\n\r\nThe resources you have provided for us have given my students the ability to have flexible work space. This gives students the opportunity to move around and not just stay at their desk.\r\n\r\nIt enhances their learning because there are some students that may need to get closer to the One Screen to enhance their learning. You gave them that opportunity by providing us with flexible work spaces.","fullyFundedDate":1738779099883,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-work-spaces-for-exceptional-stu/9097955/","projectTitle":"Flexible Work Spaces for Exceptional Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"},{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":8911532,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding our project. My students were so excited when they saw the box arrive in our classroom. \r\n\r\nThey were so excited that we ended up doing a computer unboxing. We all sat together on the carpet during circle time and opened it together. We also went through the rules and expectations for the laptop.\r\n\r\nIt is a great opportunity for students to learn responsibility on how to use a laptop correctly. It will also teach them about being independent. Students will be using this laptop to take AR tests. They have the opportunity to take tests during independent time which means I am in a group. They will need to be responsible and independent enough to be able to use it during this time without the teacher.","fullyFundedDate":1739373550193,"projectUrl":"project/first-grade-tech/8911532/","projectTitle":"First Grade Tech","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"},{"teacherId":9695597,"projectId":9100711,"letterContent":"Thank you for taking the time to donate to our classroom. Students were thrilled to see when the package arrived. I spent my specials time building the bench because I saw how excited the students were when they saw the box.\r\n\r\nSince setting up the bench students have been taking turns sitting there to read. \r\nThis bench is also benefitting students in different grades. I have former students who like to come take breaks in my classroom and they are enjoying taking a break on the bench.\r\nThank you for taking the time to donate to our classroom. Students were thrilled to see when the package arrived. I spent my specials time building the bench because I saw how excited the students were when they saw the box.\r\n\r\nI want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing me with the materials to make my students happy.","fullyFundedDate":1739129304030,"projectUrl":"project/library-bench/9100711/","projectTitle":"Library Bench","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9695597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726773655636","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/firstiemsg"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_100468","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":251,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":92,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":62.1,"schoolId":100468,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ballington Academy - Arts & Science on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ballington Academy - Arts & Science","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/el-centro-elementary-school-district/ballington-academy-arts-sci/100468"}