{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Columbus Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":43.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8016595,"projectId":9234401,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning! The new resources—carpet markers, construction paper, magnetic blocks, Crayola jumbo crayons, and Elmer jumbo glue sticks—have opened up a world of possibilities for my students.\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their faces lit up with excitement. The carpet markers instantly became a favorite—they couldn't wait to claim their spots and dive into activities with a new sense of ownership and organization\r\n\r\n\r\nYour contribution gave my students more than just supplies; it gave them tools to imagine, build, and grow. Thank you for being part of our journey","fullyFundedDate":1746785569200,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-through-art/9234401/","projectTitle":"Creativity Through Art","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8016595_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706913508857","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8016595"},{"teacherId":7490669,"projectId":6580232,"letterContent":"When the new resources arrived, my students were immediately excited and curious. One of the first projects we used them for were for working projects. Having access to these materials allowed my students to engage in hands-on learning that we couldn't do before. They explained their idea to the class using the new materials, and the others quickly built on it. \r\n\r\nWhen they first saw the materials, their faces lit up with excitement. Many of them couldn't wait to dive in and start exploring. Some even asked, \"Do we really get to keep using these?\" Their enthusiasm showed me just how much of an impact these resources are already making in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1659726199401,"projectUrl":"project/small-group-lesson-materials/6580232/","projectTitle":"Small Group Lesson Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Faiella","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7490669"},{"teacherId":4061033,"projectId":9371642,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. We truly appreciate your commitment to the students of our community. With your help and donation, you made my 29 students so happy and eager to come to school every day. They're building healthy relationships with peers and adults, improving their grades and looking forward to coming to school.\r\n\r\nAgain, thank you so much for your generous gift. My students are so excited to hear the good news. We need the borders for our new classroom set up. Thank you, again, for your support and believing in our classroom!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMrs. Sikka","fullyFundedDate":1758223904512,"projectUrl":"project/food-and-drinks-for-scholars/9371642/","projectTitle":"Food and Drinks for Scholars","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sikka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4061033_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1478627632058","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4061033"},{"teacherId":6795711,"projectId":9282098,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous contribution that allowed my preschool special needs classroom to witness the incredible transformation of caterpillars into butterflies. Your support made it possible for my students to experience one of nature's most magical processes right in our classroom—and the impact was truly extraordinary.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, hands-on, sensory-rich experiences are essential to learning. Watching caterpillars grow, form chrysalises, and emerge as butterflies provided a unique opportunity to engage their curiosity and stimulate their senses.\r\n\r\nEach day, my students eagerly observed the caterpillars, noticing changes and asking questions. Even those with limited verbal communication found ways to express excitement—pointing, smiling, and using gestures to share what they saw. The transformation process helped build vocabulary, encouraged observational skills, and supported emotional development as students learned to care for living creatures and wait for change.\r\n\r\nWhen the butterflies finally emerged, the joy in the room was amazing. We celebrated together, and students participated in releasing the butterflies into our school garden. \r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of experiential learning and for supporting a classroom where every child is celebrated and encouraged to grow. Your kindness has made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1746486473445,"projectUrl":"project/watch-our-kids-blossom-like-butterflies/9282098/","projectTitle":"Watch Our Kids Blossom Like Butterflies!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6795711_orig.jpg?crop=224,224,x0,y54&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729262153376","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6795711"},{"teacherId":6795711,"projectId":9410621,"letterContent":"I am writing to extend my deepest gratitude for your thoughtful and impactful donation of puzzles to my preschool special needs classroom. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in the lives of my students, and I want to share just how transformative your gift has been.\r\nIn a classroom where every child learns differently and faces unique challenges, puzzles have become more than just a fun activity—they are powerful tools for growth, engagement, and development. Thanks to your support, I was able to introduce a wide variety of puzzles tailored to different skill levels, interests, and learning goals. These included shape sorters, tactile puzzles, and multi-piece jigsaws that encouraged problem-solving, fine motor development, and cognitive skills.\r\n\r\nStudents who previously struggled with attention and focus began to show increased engagement during puzzle time. One child, who often found it difficult to participate in group activities, discovered a love for animal puzzles and began initiating interactions with peers to complete them together. Eye hand coordination has improved for my students. These moments of success have boosted their confidence and fostered a sense of accomplishment that carries over into other areas of learning.\r\n\r\nBeyond individual growth, the puzzles have helped create a more inclusive and collaborative classroom environment. They have become a bridge for communication, allowing non-verbal students to express themselves through choice and action. They've also encouraged teamwork, patience, and turn-taking—skills that are essential for social development and often challenging for young children with special needs.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, your donation has empowered me to design more engaging and differentiated learning experiences. I've been able to incorporate puzzles into daily routines and thematic units, enriching our curriculum and making learning more hands-on and joyful. The versatility of the puzzles has allowed me to target specific developmental goals while keeping activities fun and motivating for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1750796712365,"projectUrl":"project/puzzles-and-preschool/9410621/","projectTitle":"Puzzles and Preschool","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6795711_orig.jpg?crop=224,224,x0,y54&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729262153376","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6795711"},{"teacherId":9708818,"projectId":9190933,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed into a more organized, welcoming, and empowering space for every student. The addition of individual cubbies and new materials has made a world of difference in how we learn, collaborate, and grow together.\r\nHow we're using the new resources:\r\nEach student now has their own cubby, which has given them a sense of ownership and pride. They use it to store their personal supplies, books, and projects—no more lost folders or mixed-up materials! One of our favorite moments was during our \"All About Me\" writing project. Students decorated their cubbies with mini posters about themselves, and it sparked so many meaningful conversations and connections. It turned into a celebration of identity and community.\r\nTheir first reactions:\r\nWhen the students first walked in and saw the cubbies, their faces lit up. One student exclaimed, \"We each get our own space?!\" It was a moment of pure joy and surprise. They immediately began organizing their things, and some even started naming their cubbies! It was clear that this small change made them feel seen and valued.\r\nWhat's next for us:\r\nRight now, we're diving into a science unit on ecosystems. With the new materials, students are working in small groups to build dioramas of different habitats. The cubbies have helped keep their supplies and research organized, and the extra space has made group work smoother and more focused. Next week, we'll be presenting our projects to another class—our first \"museum walk\" of the year!","fullyFundedDate":1746785534676,"projectUrl":"project/cubbies-for-students/9190933/","projectTitle":"Cubbies for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Riccio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9708818_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731540908406","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9708818"},{"teacherId":9708818,"projectId":9190889,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! The dry erase markers you provided have already made a meaningful difference in how my students learn and engage each day.\r\nWhen the students first saw the new markers, they were thrilled. You'd be surprised how something so simple can spark so much excitement! One student exclaimed, \"Now we can all write on the boards without sharing!\"—a small but powerful moment that showed how your gift helped foster independence and confidence.\r\nWe've been using the markers during our math lessons, where students solve problems on their personal whiteboards. It's been incredible to see how this hands-on approach boosts participation and helps students feel more comfortable making mistakes and learning from them. During a recent lesson on place value, students worked in pairs to build and compare numbers using their boards, and the energy in the room was electric!\r\nNext, we're starting a unit on sentence structure and grammar. The markers will be used for interactive writing activities, where students will correct sentences, build their own, and even play grammar games—all on their whiteboards. These activities make learning fun and collaborative, and your support made it all possible.\r\nThank you for giving my students the tools to learn with joy and confidence. Your kindness truly reached into our classroom and made a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1746785677791,"projectUrl":"project/dry-erase-markers-for-students/9190889/","projectTitle":"Dry Erase Markers for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Riccio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9708818_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731540908406","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9708818"},{"teacherId":9708818,"projectId":8953546,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! The pencils you provided have made a bigger difference than you might imagine.\r\nWhen my students first saw the new pencils, their faces lit up with excitement. It may seem small, but having fresh, quality supplies made them feel seen and valued. One student even said, \"Now I can finally finish my stories without my pencil breaking!\" That moment reminded me how essential these tools are to their learning and confidence.\r\nWe've already put the pencils to great use in a recent writing project. The class worked on creating personal narratives, and each student wrote a story about a special memory. With their new pencils in hand, they were more focused, more enthusiastic, and proud of their work. One student decorated their pencil and called it their \"magic writing wand\"—a perfect symbol of how your gift sparked creativity.\r\nNext, we're diving into a unit on poetry. The students will be writing and illustrating their own poems, and thanks to your support, they're equipped and ready to express themselves fully.\r\nYour contribution gave my students more than just pencils—it gave them the tools to learn, create, and believe in themselves. Thank you for being part of our classroom journey.","fullyFundedDate":1742342999183,"projectUrl":"project/pencils-for-kids/8953546/","projectTitle":"Pencils for Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Riccio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9708818_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731540908406","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9708818"},{"teacherId":9094602,"projectId":9283334,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations! On behalf of my incredible children, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous support of our learning through literacy. \r\nThanks to your donation, my students with special needs in our community have been given the gift of literacy—an essential foundation for lifelong learning. Your contributions have provided access to inclusive storybooks, multisensory reading materials, and specialized literacy tools tailored to meet each child's unique needs.\r\nBecause of you, our students are not only developing critical language and communication skills, but they are also experiencing the joy and confidence that comes from engaging with stories in a way that truly speaks to them.","fullyFundedDate":1751992827628,"projectUrl":"project/leaping-into-literacy/9283334/","projectTitle":"Leaping Into Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9094602_orig.jpg?crop=1169,1170,x0,y908&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749850382386","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9094602"},{"teacherId":7490669,"projectId":9338893,"letterContent":"We've been using the new resources daily, and they've already made a huge difference. Recently, my students worked on a collaborative project where they used the materials to explore their creativity and problem-solving skills. One memorable moment was when a group of students, who usually hesitate to participate, took the lead in sharing their ideas because the new tools made them feel more confident and engaged.\r\n\r\nTheir eyes lit up the moment they saw the new materials! Many of them immediately wanted to try everything at once, and there was so much excitement and chatter in the room. A few students even said, \"This feels like a real classroom now!\" which truly warmed my heart.\r\nNext, my students will be using these resources to build on our current unit by creating their own projects that they can proudly present to their classmates. This will not only strengthen their understanding of the content but also give them opportunities to practice teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity.","fullyFundedDate":1757342488320,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-the-new-school-year/9338893/","projectTitle":"Supplies for the New School Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Faiella","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7490669"},{"teacherId":4061033,"projectId":9430404,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the useful cleaning materials for my students and my classroom.\r\n\r\nOur classroom needs these supplies every day. We are thrilled to have your support. Through your donation we will be able to keep our classroom clean and tidy and germ-free. We will continue working to keep it that way for the entire year.\r\n\r\nYou truly make the difference for us, and we are extremely grateful! Today your donation is going toward making my students clean, healthy, and happy!\r\n\r\n\r\nThe students have been cleaning their hands, desks, and computers whenever we switch from different classes. My students have been excited about the opportunity to take quick breaks during learning and have their area sanitized.\r\n\r\nYour donation has given my students a comfortable area in the classroom to learn and to be active.\r\n\r\nAgain, thank you for your donation. Our children's faces light up when they know they are going to clean and sanitize. Thank you again!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMrs. Sikka","fullyFundedDate":1752949448159,"projectUrl":"project/sanitizing-us/9430404/","projectTitle":"Sanitizing Us","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sikka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4061033_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1478627632058","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4061033"},{"teacherId":4061033,"projectId":9362932,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the useful cleaning materials for my students and my classroom.\r\n\r\nOur classroom needs the bulletin boards with learning anchor charts. We are thrilled to have your support. Through your donation we will be able to keep our classroom clean and looking good. We will continue working to keep it that way for the entire year.\r\n\r\nYou truly make the difference for us, and we are extremely grateful! Today your donation is going toward making my students clean, healthy, and happy!\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nYour donation has given my students a comfortable area in the classroom to learn and to be active.\r\n\r\nAgain, thank you for your donation. Our children's faces light up when they know they are going to be learning all year long. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1750773641922,"projectUrl":"project/borders-for-bulletin-boards/9362932/","projectTitle":"Borders for Bulletin Boards","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sikka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4061033_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1478627632058","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4061033"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43415","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":546,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":18,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":72,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"13.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":56.9,"schoolId":43415,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Columbus Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Columbus Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/bridgeport-public-schools/columbus-elementary-school/43415"}