{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Lake Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":22.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10108545,"projectId":10098679,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom. Because of your kindness, my students have been able to engage in exciting, hands-on STEM experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Your support has provided opportunities for students to explore science and engineering in meaningful ways that bring learning to life.\r\n\r\nYoung children are naturally curious, and some of the most powerful learning experiences happen when they are given the opportunity to observe, question, and discover. The butterfly grow kit and flower garden building kit have created countless moments of wonder and excitement in our classroom. These materials have allowed students to become scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers while developing important academic and social skills.\r\n\r\nThe butterfly grow kit has given students the exciting opportunity to observe a real-life cycle and deepen their understanding of science through observation and discovery. Throughout the process, students eagerly checked on the caterpillars each day, noticing changes and sharing their observations with one another. They asked thoughtful questions, made predictions, and learned that science is all around them.\r\n\r\nOne of the photos captures a student carefully observing the caterpillars with a magnifying glass. Moments like these demonstrate the power of hands-on learning. The excitement on students' faces as they discovered tiny details and witnessed changes over time was truly unforgettable. Experiences such as these help children develop important scientific skills, including observation, inquiry, and patience. More importantly, they foster a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.\r\n\r\nThe flower garden building kit has also been a tremendous addition to our classroom. Through building and creating, students have had opportunities to strengthen sorting and patterning skills while developing problem-solving and critical thinking through engineering activities. They worked collaboratively, experimented with different designs, and learned that there are many ways to create and build.\r\n\r\nAnother photo highlights student work showcasing a beautiful flower garden they constructed together. Seeing their creativity come to life was inspiring. As students designed and built their gardens, they practiced perseverance, communication, and teamwork. They explored patterns, compared colors and shapes, and made thoughtful decisions about how to arrange and organize their creations. These experiences allowed students to engage in mathematical thinking while also expressing themselves creatively.\r\n\r\nWhat I love most about these resources is that they encourage students to learn through exploration. Instead of simply reading about life cycles or patterns, students are able to experience them firsthand. These hands-on opportunities make learning memorable and meaningful, helping students develop confidence as they investigate, create, and solve problems.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided much more than materials. You have provided experiences that spark curiosity and encourage children to ask questions, think critically, and collaborate with their peers. You have helped create an environment where students are excited to learn and where they can see themselves as scientists, engineers, and innovators.\r\n\r\nAs a kindergarten teacher, it is incredibly rewarding to witness students become deeply engaged in learning. Whether they are carefully examining caterpillars with a magnifying glass or proudly displaying the flower gardens they have built, these moments are reminders that authentic, hands-on experiences can have a lasting impact on young learners.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their future. Your generosity has helped create meaningful STEM experiences that will inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. My students and I are deeply grateful for your support and for the opportunities you have provided.","fullyFundedDate":1771895804338,"projectUrl":"project/giving-kindergarten-students-access-to-s/10098679/","projectTitle":"Giving Kindergarten Students Access to STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10108545_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770271332250","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10108545"},{"teacherId":10108545,"projectId":10117630,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and for supporting our classroom. Your kindness has provided our students with flexible seating options that are making a meaningful difference in their daily learning experiences. Because of your support, my students now have access to seating choices that provide comfort, security, and opportunities to meet their unique sensory needs.\r\n\r\nIn kindergarten, students are learning much more than letters and numbers. They are also learning how to regulate their emotions, work with others, and develop the confidence needed to participate fully in the classroom community. Every child learns differently, and having a variety of seating options helps create an inclusive environment where all students can feel successful.\r\n\r\nThe flexible seating resources you provided help offer comfort, choice, and flexibility while supporting diverse sensory needs. When students feel physically secure and comfortable, they are better able to engage, collaborate, and reach their full potential. These resources have helped create a classroom atmosphere where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to make choices that help them learn best.\r\n\r\nOne of the photos captures a scoop rocking chair that has quickly become a meaningful space in our classroom. In the picture, a student has carefully placed his weighted stuffed animal inside the chair. Seeing this was such a powerful reminder that students are developing ownership over the tools and spaces that help them feel calm and regulated. The chair has become more than just a place to sit—it has become a comforting space where students can recharge and feel secure when they need a moment to themselves. Watching students independently recognize and utilize these supports has been incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nAnother photo shows a student sitting comfortably on a cushion in our classroom library. Having choices like floor cushions allows students to select a seating arrangement that helps them feel relaxed and focused while enjoying books and engaging in literacy activities. For some students, simply having the opportunity to choose where and how they sit can make a tremendous difference in their ability to concentrate and participate. These flexible options encourage independence and help students develop self-awareness about what they need to be successful learners.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, one of my goals is to create a classroom where every child feels welcomed and valued. Your support has helped make that vision a reality. Students are learning that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to learning, and that it is okay to use tools and strategies that help them feel their best. Whether students are reading quietly in the library, working with classmates, or taking a moment to regulate their emotions, these seating options provide the support they need to be fully engaged members of our classroom community.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, these resources are helping students build confidence, independence, and self-regulation skills that will benefit them for years to come. It has been wonderful to watch students make thoughtful choices, demonstrate responsibility, and advocate for their own needs. These are lifelong skills that extend far beyond the kindergarten classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for investing in their success. Your generosity has provided much more than seating—it has provided comfort, dignity, and opportunities for children to thrive. Every day, I see the positive impact of your kindness, and I am so grateful for the difference you have made in our classroom.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for helping us create a learning environment where every child can feel supported, connected, and ready to reach their full potential.","fullyFundedDate":1772067752734,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating/10117630/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10108545_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770271332250","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10108545"},{"teacherId":10108545,"projectId":10081372,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to visual letter-of-the-day charts that have become an important part of our daily learning. Your support is making a meaningful difference in the lives of my kindergarten students, and I am incredibly grateful.\r\n\r\nAs young learners begin their journey into reading and writing, repeated exposure to letters and sounds is essential. The visual letter-of-the-day charts provide clear, engaging support for letter recognition and sound correspondence. These visuals are especially beneficial for multilingual learners and students who thrive with repeated, visual instruction. Having these resources readily available allows students to interact with letters in meaningful ways and helps build the strong foundation they need to become successful readers and writers.\r\n\r\nEach day, students eagerly look forward to our letter-of-the-day activities. The charts have become an exciting and interactive part of our literacy routine. Students enjoy identifying letters, discussing beginning sounds, and making connections between letters and words they know. The visual support gives them confidence and encourages active participation, making literacy learning both accessible and enjoyable.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding outcomes I have witnessed is the growth in students' independence and enthusiasm for writing. In one of the photos, a student is proudly writing on the letter-of-the-day chart, actively participating in our daily routine and building important literacy skills. In another photo, a student is independently using a whiteboard to practice letters and create her own words. Although the chart itself was the item provided through this project, seeing students transfer their learning beyond the chart has been truly inspiring. The repeated practice and engaging visuals have sparked a love of letters and writing, motivating students to continue exploring language on their own.\r\n\r\nWatching students take ownership of their learning has been one of the greatest joys of this school year. It is wonderful to see their confidence grow as they recognize letters more quickly, experiment with sounds, and begin creating words independently. These moments remind me that even simple resources can have a profound impact when placed in the hands of curious young learners.\r\n\r\nYour support has provided more than just classroom materials—it has provided opportunities, confidence, and excitement for learning. You have helped create an environment where students feel encouraged to take risks, celebrate their successes, and develop a lifelong love of literacy. For many of my students, these early experiences with letters and sounds will shape the way they view themselves as readers and writers for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and believing in the potential of every child. Your generosity has made a lasting impact, and my students and I are deeply grateful. The smiles, enthusiasm, and growth we witness each day are a direct result of your kindness. Thank you for helping our young learners build strong foundations and discover the joy of reading and writing.","fullyFundedDate":1770907066385,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-focus-and-phonics-for-every-l/10081372/","projectTitle":"Supporting Focus and Phonics for Every Learner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10108545_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770271332250","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10108545"},{"teacherId":3934988,"projectId":9159651,"letterContent":"It is with great gratitude and appreciation that I write this impact letter to you for your kindness and willingness to give, toward \"Interactive Word Building Kit for Phonics!\" With the awesome resource, I was able to make phonics fun and engaging. Again, thank you for your donation. My student's faces lit up when I showed them the cool things they can do with this resource. My students loved making words. Your donation helped make learning more accessible and more engaging for each and every one of my amazing students. Thank you for your kind and generous donations! We are very appreciative!","fullyFundedDate":1746787389583,"projectUrl":"project/interactive-word-building-kit-for-phonic/9159651/","projectTitle":"Interactive Word Building Kit for Phonics!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3934988_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1593483912823","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ejohnson2"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4213","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":346,"numTeachers":18,"percentFrplEligible":80,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":80,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"19.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.1,"schoolId":4213,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Lake Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Lake Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/west-contra-costa-unified-school-district/lake-elementary-school/4213"}