{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Barnum School","outOfStateSupporters":40.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9606467,"projectId":10001666,"letterContent":"My students are over the moon with their new supplies. The Melissa & Doug magnetic play sets are so wonderful for my students because they include various outfits, different skin tones, accessories for community workers and even some holiday-themed outfits. The first reaction from my students when they saw the new supplies was \"Are those all for us?\" They couldn't believe how many articles of clothing and accessories were included in the set.\r\n\r\nThey immediately started playing with the sets during center time. It was amazing to hear students, some only Spanish speaking and others only English speaking, playing together!!! They were and are learning how to communicate through expressions, body language and simultaneously acquiring vocabulary in a new language. The feeling I get when I watch children play together in different languages is heartwarming. It reflects that learning and pleasure are universal to all human beings, and we can all be engaged and having fun despite our current understanding of a language or ability to speak that language.\r\n\r\nIt is thanks to your support that my students now have a center that they are thoroughly engaged in and are constantly working on new vocabulary, communication and social skills, waiting their turn, using their manners and forging new friendships. We can't thank you enough for your help and support.","fullyFundedDate":1771012329329,"projectUrl":"project/imaginative-play-to-build-communication/10001666/","projectTitle":"Imaginative Play to Build Communication With Bilingual Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McGuire","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9606467_orig.jpg?crop=2573,2573,x2651,y779&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722162898225","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9606467"},{"teacherId":9166342,"projectId":9692345,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to our classroom project! We have officially begun research for our Living Wax Museum, and the students are loving it! We began with a book tasting where all the donated books were laid out across the desks and students could look through each of them to decide who they would like to read about and embody for the project. They all found multiple biography books that interested them! Some of our class favorites were Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Pelé, P.T. Barnum (who our school is named after), and LeBron James. Two of my girls who are besties were very excited to be Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande! Being able to choose from a large variety of important figures from the past and present really helped to boost student engagement for this project.\r\n\r\nSo far, students have completed reading their books, creating character webs and timelines, and they are currently working on writing an \"autobiography\" as their person. This series of books has been working perfectly for our project because of their reading level and the predictable format which makes it easy to scaffold each step for my students who need extra support. This project has also led to great conversations about text features of biographies, grade-level writing skills, and point of view. It will also be great practice for life skills like creating a presentation and public speaking. Many students have told me they have already had their families buy them costumes and props to use as part of their display on the day of the museum, and they are so excited to share their research with their families and members of our school community. Thank you so much for making this project possible, I cannot wait to see it all come together!","fullyFundedDate":1758818924740,"projectUrl":"project/the-past-comes-alive-4th-grade-wax-muse/9692345/","projectTitle":"The Past Comes Alive: 4th Grade Wax Museum","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robertson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9166342_orig.jpg?crop=2384,2384,x913,y871&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757192044334","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9166342"},{"teacherId":9606467,"projectId":9712740,"letterContent":"My students are drawn to our new sensory table center more than any other center in the classroom. They love the new kinetic sand - it is really soft, easy for them to squeeze and manipulate and provides the perfect medium for play. \r\n\r\nThe center is a four square table, which provides an opportunity for four children to play together at once. It's been amazing to hear the conversations they have while playing, from pretending to dig up fossils in the sand, to making cupcakes and looking for seashells.\r\n\r\nWith your support, my students have a fun, educational center in our classroom that they look forward to playing in on a daily basis. They are working on social skills and communication without even realizing it, listening to and learning new words in our vocabulary, working on patience and delay of gratification, turn taking and sharing. \r\n\r\nThe next steps for this project is to add more small manipulatives that can coordinate with the seasons and holidays, such as blue sand and snowflakes for the Winter and green sand and bugs/butterflies for the Spring.","fullyFundedDate":1760733653938,"projectUrl":"project/touch-see-and-learn-a-language-based-s/9712740/","projectTitle":"Touch, See and Learn: a Language-Based Sensory Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McGuire","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9606467_orig.jpg?crop=2573,2573,x2651,y779&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722162898225","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9606467"},{"teacherId":4788769,"projectId":9612352,"letterContent":"I want to extend a sincere thank you for the laminator set, bulletin board organizer, scissor caddy and pawprint floor stickers.\r\n\r\nHaving a designated spot for all bulletin board decor has made it easy to change decorations and keep everything in a secure spot. The students are also eager to use the visuals that were laminated. The laminator will continue to be used often in the classroom. The scissor caddy not only adds a splash of color to our room, but it also has started to build independence for my students. My students are all aware of where the scissors are kept and now can access them and clean up without any assistance. Lastly, the pawprint floor stickers give my students the visual they need to start the line to leave the resource room. The bright colored pawprint also keeps the tiger mascot theme, that the children love. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your thoughtful contribution to my students' learning environment. Your support is truly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1758223843480,"projectUrl":"project/organization-is-key/9612352/","projectTitle":"Organization is Key!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bradley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4788769_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1505494661511","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mbradley20"},{"teacherId":2673693,"projectId":9567065,"letterContent":"When the sports equipment arrived, my students were absolutely thrilled. Their eyes lit up as we unpacked soccer balls, basketballs, jump ropes, and other gear — it felt like Christmas morning in our classroom! One student exclaimed, \"We get to use all of this?!\" and immediately began planning games for our Friday extra recess.\r\nWe've already started using the equipment to promote teamwork, physical activity, and social skills. On Fridays, students earn extra recess as part of our PBIS incentives, and the new gear has transformed that time into something truly special. One memorable moment was watching a group of students organize a mini soccer match, taking turns as referees and cheering each other on — something they hadn't done before without structured equipment.\r\nThis project has made a huge difference for my students, especially those in special education who benefit from movement-based breaks and opportunities to build peer relationships. The next step is to incorporate the equipment into structured activities that reinforce SEL (social-emotional learning) goals and motor planning skills. We're also planning a student-led \"Recess Olympics\" where they'll design games using the equipment and practice leadership and collaboration.\r\nThank you for giving my students the tools to play, grow, and connect. Your generosity has brought joy and meaningful learning to our Fridays — and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1756173854356,"projectUrl":"project/sports-equipment/9567065/","projectTitle":"Sports Equipment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. C.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2673693_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517511157260","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2673693"},{"teacherId":4788769,"projectId":9174946,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, I want to extend a sincere thank you for the new student mailbox system. From the moment it was introduced, my students have been genuinely excited about having it in the classroom!\r\nHaving a designated spot for student folders and workbooks has been a game-changer. The students are eager to organize their materials and have shown great enthusiasm in keeping everything in order. This simple but effective resource has helped them feel more prepared and focused, especially as we start the year. It's already making a positive impact on our daily routines, and I'm confident it will continue to be a helpful tool throughout the year. But even more magical than that is that you are showing my students that so many people care about their education and want them to succeed and that alone makes them want to try harder and learn more.\r\nThank you again for your thoughtful contribution to my students' learning environment. Your support is truly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1750774656503,"projectUrl":"project/mail-time/9174946/","projectTitle":"Mail Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bradley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4788769_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1505494661511","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mbradley20"},{"teacherId":9166342,"projectId":9257790,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our class project. My students loved getting to read The Wild Robot as a class this year. Having their own copy of the book helped to keep it engaging and meaningful for each student. My students looked forward to our read aloud time each day, and they loved following Roz's journey throughout the book. Reading this book together helped to create a classroom culture by allowing us to come together and enjoy the story as a class each day. My students loved the story so much, I had to buy the next few books in the series so we could continue to read about Roz's journey.\r\nReading this book was also a great way to review key reading comprehension skills at the end of the school year. This books lends itself to great conversations about character traits, character development, theme, and sequence. \r\nThis class set of books brought so much fun and engagement to my students this year, and I am planning to pass that same experience on to my fourth graders or years to come. Thank you so much for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1746479076870,"projectUrl":"project/wild-about-reading-a-class-set-of-the/9257790/","projectTitle":"Wild About Reading: A Class Set of \"The Wild Robot\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Robertson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9166342_orig.jpg?crop=2384,2384,x913,y871&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757192044334","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9166342"},{"teacherId":9606467,"projectId":9076605,"letterContent":"With your help and support, my students have been able to start building their pre-literacy schools through hands-on exploration. With the white boards and dry erase markers easily accessible, my students now have a writing center in the classroom. In the writing center, we work in small groups on math and literacy skills, such as adding and letter writing.\r\n\r\nWhile working on these important skills, my students are also strengthening their fine motor skills, working on following one and two step directions, building social skills through peer interactions and confidence through active exploration.\r\n\r\nThis wouldn't have been possible without your help and we sincerely appreciate your support. My students thoroughly enjoy their new writing center, and we plan to use it for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1747857003222,"projectUrl":"project/special-needs-pre-writing-support/9076605/","projectTitle":"Special Needs Pre-Writing Support","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McGuire","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9606467_orig.jpg?crop=2573,2573,x2651,y779&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722162898225","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9606467"},{"teacherId":9744202,"projectId":8768787,"letterContent":"The materials and toys all have been AMAZING in my OT sessions!!! My kids love the different types of fidgets, textures and materials they can manipulate in their hands. It's very helpful when they need a movement break or are seeking input needed to regulate their bodies. Some of their favorite things are the scented markers and the scented play doughs! The variety of markers make crafting and coloring more fun! They love the play dough color options they can choose from, and guessing what the scent is based on the color or smell! \r\n\r\nMy kids were over the moon and excited to come to OT thanks to their new materials!! My next step is to continue to put my students' needs first and get what is necessary to help them regulate, perform, and participate in their academic environment. Thank you very much!","fullyFundedDate":1736172971128,"projectUrl":"project/blooming-thriving-and-growing-in-ot/8768787/","projectTitle":"Blooming, Thriving and Growing In OT!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Emily","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9744202_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753107391443","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9744202"},{"teacherId":9456473,"projectId":8995244,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding my project and helping me give my students what they need to learn!\r\n\r\nMy students are enjoying exploring new fine motor and sensory options to help them strengthen their hands and regulate to improve their attention and focus. My preschool aged students are especially benefiting from having a variety of new fine motor and sensory options which include much needed chew tubes to meet their oral sensory needs to a variety of sensory bins for them to explore with their hands. In addition, they are using the chair bands I received to help calm their little bodies and they love the sensory based fine motor color matching tools as well. All of the tools I received are being used on a daily basis and are having a positive impact!\r\n\r\nThank you again. I very much appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity in helping me meet the needs of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1740752532489,"projectUrl":"project/its-all-about-sensory-needs/8995244/","projectTitle":"It’s All About Sensory Needs!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bender","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9456473"},{"teacherId":4788769,"projectId":8185934,"letterContent":"I cannot express how thankful I am for your generosity! The students loved the new small group table! We were able to create the perfect place for small group time. With the use of the dry erase dots, students love being able to write on the tables to work out their math problems. We also love using to Orton Gillingham materials to enhance our literacy group. Our day runs so smoothly with having multiple working groups going on at once. None of this would have been possible without your support! \r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness in donating to our resource room!","fullyFundedDate":1706942103452,"projectUrl":"project/spruce-up-the-small-group-center/8185934/","projectTitle":"Spruce Up the Small Group Center!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bradley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4788769_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1505494661511","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mbradley20"},{"teacherId":9606467,"projectId":8891141,"letterContent":"Your generous support has given my students freedom to select their own toys and books to play with throughout center time. With your help, we used the curtains and rods to mimic cabinet doors. They can be pulled closed to cover the items to minimize distraction or pulled open to give students freedom to select an item to use. \r\n\r\nIt's been wonderful to watch the students learn how to follow the red and green light system. They're working on peer interactions, social skill development and listening skills. When the \"light\" is red, the bookshelves are closed and the students can't help themselves to toys or books. When the \"light\" is green, students have the freedom to browse and select what they want to use. \r\n\r\nIt's been great for the students to work on patience, waiting and listening skills, following directions and making choices.","fullyFundedDate":1737574844809,"projectUrl":"project/distraction-free-learning-centers-for-sp/8891141/","projectTitle":"Distraction-free Learning Centers for Special Needs Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McGuire","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9606467_orig.jpg?crop=2573,2573,x2651,y779&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722162898225","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9606467"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43409","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":588,"numTeachers":47,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":22,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":68,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":59.3,"schoolId":43409,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Barnum School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Barnum School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/bridgeport-public-schools/barnum-school/43409"}