{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Blue Ridge Academy","outOfStateSupporters":33.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5740311,"projectId":10141795,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support! While these books are \"timeless\" favorites, they also serve as sophisticated teaching tools. I'm using them to teach critical inferencing, helping my students hunt for \"clues\" in the text to uncover a character's true motivations. We are also building vocabulary stamina as these stories introduce a level of rich language that pushes them well beyond their everyday conversational comfort zones.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, reading in our classroom is no longer a silent chore; it is active, social, and exciting. On any given day, you'll see students huddled in small groups \"investigating\" plot twists or sprawled out in our reading corner, completely immersed in their books. The energy in the room has truly shifted from \"I have to read\" to \"I get to read,\" and we are so grateful for your help in making that happen!","fullyFundedDate":1773854092625,"projectUrl":"project/bridging-the-literacy-gap-with-timeless/10141795/","projectTitle":"Bridging the Literacy Gap With Timeless Tales & Modern Hits","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Van Weelden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5740311_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1580779929341","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-gibsonsclassroom"},{"teacherId":9968543,"projectId":9269911,"letterContent":"The iPad has made a meaningful difference in how my students engage with learning and access important educational resources. During learning meetings, students are able to use interactive reading programs, hands-on math apps, and virtual tools that bring lessons to life in a way that is both engaging and easy to understand. These resources have helped students stay focused and motivated, while also allowing them to practice skills at their own pace. With access to a variety of academic apps, students are better able to build foundational skills in reading, math, and other subjects without becoming overwhelmed or frustrated.\r\n\r\nIn addition to academic growth, the iPad has opened up new opportunities for creativity and self-expression. Students are using tools to create digital art, music, and storytelling projects, which has increased their confidence and excitement about learning. Programs that support phonics, comprehension, and math fluency allow students to demonstrate their knowledge in different ways and feel successful. The iPad has also made it easier to set individualized goals for each student, helping me meet their unique needs and challenge their strengths. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1746814148273,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-with-ipads-for-engag/9269911/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students with iPads for Engaged Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mapes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9968543"},{"teacherId":9968543,"projectId":9224591,"letterContent":"My students have been doing incredibly well, and having access to this laptop has made a noticeable impact. They have been able to successfully access and complete state testing and assessments using the laptop, which has helped them feel more comfortable and prepared in a digital testing environment. In addition, they use the laptop for research, allowing them to explore topics more deeply and find reliable information. \r\nBeyond testing and research, my students have also been able to build important technology skills that will benefit them for years to come. They are practicing typing and steadily improving their speed and accuracy, which has made completing written assignments much easier. They are also using online programs, completing digital assignments, and learning how to navigate and organize their work in Google Drive. Utilizing this laptop has made completing assessments, daily work, and meetings more efficient. Most importantly, it is helping prepare my students with the essential technology skills they will need for future academic success and beyond, giving them confidence in an increasingly digital world.","fullyFundedDate":1743955813767,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-with-technology-a-l/9224591/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students with Technology: A Laptop for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mapes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9968543"},{"teacherId":5740311,"projectId":7852790,"letterContent":"I wanted to thank you sincerely for providing the resources to gift my students with literature that truly resonates with them. In an era where critical thinking is more vital than ever, the most effective way to empower the next generation is through the exchange of diverse ideas. Because of your generosity, my students now have the opportunity to expand their imaginations, sharpen their analytical skills, and develop a lifelong love for reading. I hope this note serves as a reminder of the impact you're making. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1696975377515,"projectUrl":"project/embracing-diversity-through-literature/7852790/","projectTitle":"Embracing Diversity through Literature","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Van Weelden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5740311_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1580779929341","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-gibsonsclassroom"},{"teacherId":10002371,"projectId":9719665,"letterContent":"The dual-screen monitors gifted to our classroom have been incredibly beneficial in supporting student learning, engagement, and independence. While many of our students are familiar with technology at home, using it purposefully in an academic setting has helped them develop stronger learning habits and skills.\r\n\r\nThe dual screens allow students to view instructional content on one screen while actively working on assignments on the other. This reduces the need to constantly switch tabs or windows, which can be distracting and frustrating, especially for younger learners. Students are able to follow directions, reference models or examples, and apply what they see in real time. This has led to increased focus, improved task completion, and greater confidence in independent work.\r\n\r\nStudents are most excited by how \"professional\" and organized the dual-screen setup feels. They enjoy having more space to work and love that they can see everything they need at once. Many students feel empowered by using the same type of technology they associate with real-world jobs, which has increased their motivation and pride in their work.\r\n\r\nStudents who previously struggled with attention, organization, or following multi-step directions have especially benefited. The dual screens help visual learners and students who need clear structure, as they can keep instructions visible while working. These students have shown noticeable growth in independence and perseverance, often completing tasks with less support than before.\r\n\r\nOverall, the dual-screen monitors have transformed how students interact with learning materials, helping create a more focused, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment. We are incredibly grateful for this gift and the positive impact it continues to have on our students every day.","fullyFundedDate":1758683244811,"projectUrl":"project/stem-tools-for-the-classroom/9719665/","projectTitle":"STEM Tools for the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Collins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10002371_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745089623053","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10002371"},{"teacherId":10002371,"projectId":9331278,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of a laptop to our classroom. Many of you are familiar with technology at home, but in our school setting, this tool has opened incredible new opportunities for learning. What has been especially powerful is pairing the laptop with our new Yoto Player. Students can now look up books electronically on the laptop while simultaneously listening to the audio version on the Yoto Player. This dual experience is helping them strengthen both their reading comprehension and listening skills while fostering a deeper love for stories.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part of this new technology for my students is how interactive reading has become. They absolutely love being able to choose a story, follow along with the text on the screen, and then listen to it come alive through the Yoto Player. This combination makes reading accessible for all learners, especially those who are still building fluency, and it has turned our reading time into one of the most eagerly anticipated parts of the day.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular has especially connected with this new setup. He is an emerging reader who often felt left behind during group reading. Now, he can confidently follow along with the story on the laptop while hearing it read aloud on the Yoto Player. This has given him both independence and confidence, and he now proudly shares what he has read with classmates. Watching his excitement grow has been such a powerful reminder of the impact your generosity has made.","fullyFundedDate":1746765929483,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-student-potential-with-technol/9331278/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Student Potential With Technology: the Laptop Advantage","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Collins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10002371_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745089623053","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10002371"},{"teacherId":10002371,"projectId":9261846,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of a Yoto Player to our classroom. While many families are familiar with using technology at home, the way it supports learning at school can look a little different. The Yoto Player has quickly become a valuable tool in our classroom because it allows students to independently listen to stories, practice their listening comprehension, and engage with literature in a hands-on way. It's helping them build both literacy and focus, while also giving them a sense of ownership over their learning.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part of this new technology for my students is the independence it provides. They love being able to insert a card, press play, and dive into a story all on their own. The colorful cards and simple design make it easy for even our youngest learners to use, which has made the Yoto Player an instant favorite in our reading corner. Hearing familiar stories in a new, interactive way has sparked so much joy and enthusiasm for books.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular has especially warmed to this new technology. He is a reluctant reader who sometimes struggles to stay engaged during group reading, but the Yoto Player has given him a way to connect with stories on his own terms. Now, he eagerly listens during independent time and is beginning to share details from the stories with classmates. Watching his confidence and love for reading grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of having this resource in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746625294574,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-children-in-learning-during-par/9261846/","projectTitle":"Engaging Children in Learning During Parent-Teacher Meetings","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Collins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10002371_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745089623053","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10002371"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_129932","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":6931,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":42,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":42,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":36,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 12","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":66.7,"schoolId":129932,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Blue Ridge Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Blue Ridge Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/maricopa-unified-school-district/blue-ridge-academy/129932"}