{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Geraldine W Johnson School","outOfStateSupporters":50.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1881984,"projectId":9728823,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have the essential tools they need to learn with confidence each day. The crayons, glue sticks, scissors, and dry‑erase markers have become a part of every lesson—from morning work to literacy centers to math problem‑solving. One of my favorite moments happened during our first creative writing activity after the supplies arrived: students eagerly selected their new crayons to illustrate the characters they had invented, proudly sharing their colorful drawings with classmates. Having access to high‑quality materials made them feel capable and excited to learn.\r\nWhen the boxes first arrived, the classroom buzzed with joy. Students cheered as they unpacked each item, and several said, \"These are all for us?\" Many of my students do not always have their own supplies at home, so receiving brand‑new materials felt incredibly special. The excitement quickly turned into focus—everyone wanted to try out the markers on their whiteboards and test their scissors during our cut‑and‑sort phonics activity.\r\nThese supplies will continue to support our learning throughout the year as we build foundational skills in reading, writing, and math. Students are moving into new hands‑on projects, including interactive notebooks and collaborative STEM challenges, and your donation ensures that every child has exactly what they need to participate fully. Thank you for giving my students the tools that help them succeed, express themselves, and develop pride in their work. Your kindness truly makes a daily difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1766783961414,"projectUrl":"project/ready-to-learn-equipping-our-classroom/9728823/","projectTitle":"Ready to Learn: Equipping Our Classroom for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lanier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1881984_orig.jpg?crop=404,404,x78,y210&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707600822836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1881984"},{"teacherId":115194,"projectId":9892200,"letterContent":"The classroom laminator has come in so handy for us! A huge thank you to you from myself and my students. The laminator and sheets have already been put into use.\r\n\r\nWe are currently working on learning our multiplication facts. We practice every day. With our new gift I have been able to laminate times table sheets for each fact family that students then use a white board marker to write on with. This has become such an efficient way to practice our facts on a daily basis. \r\n\r\nThis has decreased my usage of paper and the copy machine, as I was making daily copies of these sheets before the laminator was gifted to us. Thank you for making our classroom a better learning environment!","fullyFundedDate":1767807878060,"projectUrl":"project/practice-makes-perfect/9892200/","projectTitle":"Practice Makes Perfect","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Skowronski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp115194_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1516826108799","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mderubeis"},{"teacherId":9427122,"projectId":9702220,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generosity of our DonorsChoose supporters, we were able to receive the Chomp Saw, which has made a tremendous impact in our art room. This tool has allowed students to safely and efficiently cut materials, expanding the types of projects we can explore. The Chomp Saw has quickly become an essential part of our classroom, especially during sculpture units.\r\n\r\nThe Chomp Saw has been a huge help for students working with cardboard sculptures. It allows them to cut clean, precise pieces independently, which builds confidence, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Because of our donors' support, students are able to bring their ideas to life while learning safe tool use and developing hands-on construction skills.","fullyFundedDate":1758304817248,"projectUrl":"project/cut-create-construct-sculpting-with-s/9702220/","projectTitle":"Cut, Create, Construct: Sculpting with STEM in Art","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Serrano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9427122_orig.jpg?crop=1244,1244,x0,y617&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704670099976","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/art-smart-mrs-serrano"},{"teacherId":9427122,"projectId":9488677,"letterContent":"The generous donations of baby wipes, hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, and disinfectant spray have made a meaningful difference in keeping my art room a clean and germ-free environment. With so many shared materials and high-touch surfaces, these supplies allow me to quickly sanitize tables, tools, and door handles throughout the day. Maintaining a clean space helps protect student health and ensures that everyone can focus on creating art in a safe and welcoming classroom.\r\n\r\nThe baby wipes were especially helpful during paint projects and other messy activities. They allowed for quick transitions as students cleaned their hands efficiently before lining up, saving valuable instructional time and reducing mess in the classroom and hallways. Because of your support, my students are able to move smoothly between activities while learning the importance of cleanliness and responsibility in a shared creative space.","fullyFundedDate":1757595243161,"projectUrl":"project/germ-free-zone/9488677/","projectTitle":"Germ Free Zone","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Serrano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9427122_orig.jpg?crop=1244,1244,x0,y617&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704670099976","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/art-smart-mrs-serrano"},{"teacherId":4611676,"projectId":9769309,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, reading time in our second-grade classroom feels extra special! During our cozy \"read-aloud campfires,\" students gather together with big smiles, eager ears, and lots of curiosity as we explore Native American and Indigenous stories. These new books help students build strong listening comprehension skills, explore themes, and make connections between stories and real life. The maps and visuals bring the stories to life by helping students see where tribes lived and how the land shaped their traditions, daily life, and values.\r\n\r\nMany of my students have truly connected with these books in meaningful ways. One student who is usually quiet couldn't wait to share his thoughts after reading 'We Are Water Protectors', proudly explaining why caring for the Earth is important. Another student carefully studied the illustrations in 'Berry Song' and shared how pictures can tell a story just as powerfully as words. Seeing my students so engaged, excited, and confident during discussions has been incredibly rewarding!\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students are learning that Native American and Indigenous tribes are vibrant cultures that still exist today. They are asking thoughtful questions, showing empathy, and developing a deeper respect for people and traditions beyond their own. Thank you for helping turn reading into an unforgettable adventure and for making learning come alive for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1767816813258,"projectUrl":"project/stories-around-the-fire-exploring-indig/9769309/","projectTitle":"Stories Around the Fire: Exploring Indigenous Tribes Through Read-Alouds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Angel Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4611676_orig.png?crop=423,423,x7,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667404637737","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rodrigueza"},{"teacherId":115194,"projectId":9892624,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for your donation to our classroom of white board markers, erasers and cleaner. Thank you for thinking of us. My students get so excited opening the boxes that come to us from Donor's Choose. You put a smile on all of their faces.\r\n\r\nThis week we have used the supplies you purchased for us during Math class. Students are learning their multiplication facts. Utilizing white boards, along with the markers, erasers, and cleaner you graciously donated is an effective way for me to see student progress. I show students a multiplication flash card and they write the answer to the problem on their white board and then hold them up for me to quickly assess. Without whiteboard markers, erasers, and cleaner I would never be able to do this with them as efficiently. \r\n\r\nThank you from our whole classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1767195956029,"projectUrl":"project/dry-erase-heaven/9892624/","projectTitle":"Dry Erase Heaven","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Skowronski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp115194_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1516826108799","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mderubeis"},{"teacherId":4611676,"projectId":9875442,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your amazing generosity in funding our project, Warm Hearts, Warm Heads, Warm Hands! Because of you, my second-grade students now have cozy winter hats, mittens, neck warmers, and coats to keep them warm during these chilly days. When the boxes arrived, the classroom buzzed with excitement! Big smiles, happy cheers, and lots of \"Thank you!\" filled the room as students tried on their new winter gear and admired each other's cozy looks. It was truly a heartwarming moment we will never forget. I felt satisfied in knowing I did everything in my power to help my students get these much needed winter necessities. \r\n\r\nThese winter essentials have already made a huge difference in our daily routine. My students can now head outside for recess feeling warm, comfortable, and confident. They come back inside ready to learn, focused, happy, and energized, because they're no longer distracted by the cold. Recess has become a joyful time of play and connection, and that positivity carries right back into our classroom learning.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, my students can fully enjoy being kids while also thriving as learners. Your kindness has warmed more than just heads and hands, it has warmed hearts, too! We are incredibly grateful for your support and for believing in our students. Thank you for making such a meaningful and joyful impact on our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1765508256357,"projectUrl":"project/warm-hearts-warm-heads-warm-hands/9875442/","projectTitle":"Warm Hearts, Warm Heads, Warm Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Angel Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4611676_orig.png?crop=423,423,x7,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667404637737","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rodrigueza"},{"teacherId":115194,"projectId":9864520,"letterContent":"Thank you for the Scholastic News articles for my classroom. This helps bring current events to my students' attention through the use of colorful text and pictures. They love to look at the pictures and use them to make predictions as to what we will be reading about. \r\n\r\nIn these latest issues we have learned about city jobs and country jobs, owls and traditions. Scholastic News gives me the opportunity to touch upon many different subjects that we may not talk about in class without the use of the magazine.","fullyFundedDate":1763565574587,"projectUrl":"project/current-events-with-scholastic-news/9864520/","projectTitle":"Current Events with Scholastic News","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Skowronski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp115194_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1516826108799","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mderubeis"},{"teacherId":8549267,"projectId":9644162,"letterContent":"From the moment the flexible seating arrived, our classroom transformed into a space where students felt comfortable, valued, and ready to learn. These new seating options are now a beloved part of our library and center time, giving students choices such as soft seating, floor cushions, and flexible work spots. One especially meaningful moment was watching a student who often struggles to stay focused curl up in a cozy seat with a book and read quietly for an extended time with confidence and pride. Flexible seating has created an environment where students can settle into learning in a way that works best for them.\r\nWhen the students first saw the new seating, their reactions were filled with pure joy and excitement. There were wide smiles, happy gasps, and thoughtful questions about when they could use each spot. Students immediately felt a sense of ownership and respect for the space. These seating choices have helped students feel calm and comfortable, which has led to deeper focus, better collaboration, and a stronger love for reading and learning during center rotations.\r\nThanks to our donors, the next steps for our students include using this flexible environment to strengthen reading stamina, collaborate during literacy and math centers, and engage more fully in independent and small‑group work. You didn't just provide seating—you helped create a welcoming space where students feel safe, supported, and motivated to learn. Thank you for giving my students a classroom that feels like a place they belong, grow, and thrive every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1758636577045,"projectUrl":"project/sit-wiggle-learn-flexible-fun-for-sec/9644162/","projectTitle":"Sit, Wiggle, Learn: Flexible Fun for Second Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hattani","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8549267_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659018309336","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrshattani"},{"teacherId":8549267,"projectId":9644185,"letterContent":"From the moment these phonics center games arrived in our classroom, they breathed new life into our reading instruction. My second graders now use these games daily during literacy centers to practice phonics skills such as decoding, word building, vowel patterns, and spelling patterns in a hands‑on, engaging way. One especially meaningful moment was watching a small group of students cheer each other on as they successfully built and read words they once found challenging. The games sparked rich conversations about sounds and patterns, and students proudly explained their thinking to peers—something that doesn't always happen during traditional practice.\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate and heartfelt. Eyes lit up, hands flew into the air, and questions poured out: \"When do we get to play?\" and \"Can I try that one first?\" Students were eager to explore the colorful games, and even my more reluctant readers jumped right in. The playful, game‑based format reduced anxiety and replaced it with confidence and joy. Students felt successful, capable, and motivated—and those feelings carried into their independent reading and writing.\r\nThanks to our donors, the next steps for our class include using these phonics games to strengthen fluency and apply decoding skills to real texts. We will continue building word‑study routines that support differentiated instruction and help each student grow at their own pace. Your generosity allowed you to step into our classroom and be part of these meaningful learning moments. Thank you for giving my students the tools to grow, the confidence to keep trying, and the joy of discovering that learning to read can be fun.","fullyFundedDate":1758223691391,"projectUrl":"project/game-on-boosting-reading-skills-with-fu/9644185/","projectTitle":"Game On! Boosting Reading Skills With Fun Phonics","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hattani","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8549267_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659018309336","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrshattani"},{"teacherId":8549267,"projectId":9309972,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, reading in our second‑grade classroom has become an exciting, shared experience that students eagerly look forward to. With Time for Kids and Scholastic News, my students are building essential early literacy skills such as identifying the main idea and details, learning new vocabulary, understanding nonfiction text features, and asking thoughtful questions about the world around them. These magazines have helped students learn how to read for information, not just for fun—skills that are crucial as they grow into confident, curious readers.\r\nReading in our classroom is now filled with discussion, discovery, and joy. Students gather on the rug to read articles together, stop to point out bold words, captions, and photographs, and excitedly raise their hands to share their thinking. We reread articles throughout the week—during whole‑group lessons, small groups, and even independent reading time—because the topics feel meaningful and real to them. These texts help students make connections between what they read and their own lives, turning reading into an active, engaging experience instead of a quiet, isolated task.\r\nMany students who once struggled to stay engaged during reading time are now among the most enthusiastic participants. Some of my reluctant readers feel proud knowing they can successfully read \"real\" magazines just like adults do. Others beam with excitement as they share facts they've learned at home or teach classmates something new from an article. Because of our donors, my students feel empowered as readers, confident in their voices, and excited to learn about the world one page at a time. Thank you for giving my class the gift of curiosity, conversation, and a love of reading that will last far beyond second grade.","fullyFundedDate":1750796712631,"projectUrl":"project/young-minds-big-headlines-fueling-seco/9309972/","projectTitle":"Young Minds, Big Headlines: Fueling Second Grade Curiosity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hattani","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8549267_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659018309336","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrshattani"},{"teacherId":8549267,"projectId":9310261,"letterContent":"From the moment these math games and manipulatives arrived in our classroom, they transformed the way my students experience learning. What once felt challenging or intimidating now feels welcoming and exciting. During math centers, students eagerly choose games that allow them to touch, move, and see their thinking come to life. One especially powerful moment was watching a group of students encourage one another as they worked through a problem together—using manipulatives to explain their ideas with confidence and pride. These resources have created space for meaningful conversations, collaboration, and genuine understanding that goes far beyond worksheets.\r\nThe students' reactions when they first saw the materials were unforgettable. Their eyes lit up with excitement, and many immediately asked if they could start using them that day. For students who previously struggled or doubted themselves in math, these tools provided something even more important than practice—they provided hope. The hands-on nature of the games helped students realize that math is something they can do. Smiles replaced frustration, and confidence grew as students experienced success in ways that felt joyful and empowering.\r\nBecause of your generosity, this impact will continue long after today's lesson. Our next steps involve using these materials to deepen problem-solving skills, support small-group instruction, and meet students exactly where they are in their learning. You didn't just provide supplies—you opened doors for understanding, perseverance, and self-belief. Thank you for giving my students the opportunity to feel capable, excited, and proud of themselves as mathematicians. Your support has truly changed the heart of our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1753282428574,"projectUrl":"project/math-mania-tools-for-tiny-number-ninjas/9310261/","projectTitle":"Math Mania: Tools for Tiny Number Ninjas!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hattani","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8549267_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659018309336","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrshattani"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_96256","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":825,"numTeachers":51,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":22,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":66,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":50.0,"schoolId":96256,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Geraldine W Johnson School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Geraldine W Johnson School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/bridgeport-public-schools/geraldine-w-johnson-school/96256"}