{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Thomas Hooker Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":41.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10630299,"projectId":10543437,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping make A Library Made for Little & Big Artists a reality. Because of your generosity, our art room now has a dedicated space where students can explore art through books! The new bookshelf has provided a sturdy, organized home for our growing collection, making it easy for students of all ages, from pre-K through 8th grade, to access books that inspire their curiosity and creativity.\r\n\r\nThese books have become an important part of how we learn in the art room. With my younger artists, we use picture books and stories to introduce artistic concepts, build observation skills, and encourage creative thinking. Older students are exploring artists, art history, world cultures, and different artistic techniques. The books help students learn how artists develop ideas, solve problems, and communicate through their work. They also strengthen visual literacy skills as students learn to analyze images, make connections, and discuss art with confidence.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom often happens alongside creating. We gather together to explore books that introduce new artists or ideas before starting projects, and students frequently return to the library to research, find inspiration, or simply enjoy discovering something new. The library has become especially popular with early finishers, who now have a meaningful way to continue learning and exploring art independently. It has been wonderful to see students eagerly browse the shelves, recommend books to one another, and revisit favorite titles. Thanks to your support, our students have a creative resource they can return to again and again, and a library that will continue to grow right alongside them as artists. Thank you for investing in their creativity, learning, and love of art.","fullyFundedDate":1788558941421,"projectUrl":"project/a-library-made-for-little-big-artists/10543437/","projectTitle":"A Library Made for Little & Big Artists!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gosselin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10630299_orig.png?crop=1237,1237,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1787678847376","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10630299"},{"teacherId":2438964,"projectId":10197223,"letterContent":"Having the additional printer has significantly sped up our ability to iterate and to produce more consumables for classes. As students are working, it quite literally doubles the speed at which I am able to print the various things they have created. When there are errors in the print or in the design, this is immensely helpful to not completely stop the workflow. With this being a much more capable printer, we also are able to prevent disaster from a failed print.\r\n\r\nRegarding consumables, the additional printer has made it so that we can print more things to be used in the classroom. If a class needs more board games, one printer can print the gameboard for Connect 4 while the other prints the player pieces. Again, this substantially speeds up the process and allows us to provide the school community with more helpful resources in a shorter amount of time. Without you, none of this would have been possible. Thank you for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1779045196319,"projectUrl":"project/innovation-starts-here-a-3d-printer-for/10197223/","projectTitle":"Innovation Starts Here: A 3D Printer for Our Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hittenmark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-hittenmark"},{"teacherId":2438964,"projectId":9810697,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our project. Because of your support, we were able to bring a 3D printer into our school—and it has already made a meaningful difference in our classrooms.\r\n\r\nThe printer has quickly become an essential tool for both teachers and students. We've used it to create instructional materials, hands‑on models that bring abstract concepts to life, and even occasional classroom fidgets that help students stay focused and engaged. As students have learned how the printing and design process works, their excitement has only grown. Many are now eager to take the next step and begin creating their own models, applying what they've learned in truly creative ways.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has opened doors to new learning experiences and sparked curiosity across our school community. Many students have asked where they can get their own! On behalf of our teachers and students, thank you for believing in our project and helping us bring innovation directly into the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1763553698709,"projectUrl":"project/layer-by-layer-building-tomorrow-with-3/9810697/","projectTitle":"Layer by Layer: Building Tomorrow with 3D Printing","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hittenmark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-hittenmark"},{"teacherId":4960956,"projectId":9837372,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my students on their journey to literacy. Your generous donations have given me the opportunity to create weekly take home bags for each student. This helps to ensure that families are part of their child's learning.\r\n\r\nMy students love going to the book bins and choosing their weekly books. This is a huge as it enables them to reach their literacy goals. It also helps to hold everyone accountable for their learning. \r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting my classroom. It truly means so much.","fullyFundedDate":1761844221201,"projectUrl":"project/book-worms/9837372/","projectTitle":"Book Worms!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeLawder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4960956_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1510078982333","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4960956"},{"teacherId":2438964,"projectId":9677750,"letterContent":"It has been wonderful having these resources in the classroom. Immediately, the students were curious as to how we could use these new 'toys' and wanted to put anything and everything under our microscope!\r\n\r\nWe started with found materials such as books, paper bags, foam tiles, clothing, and pieces of wood under the microscope. Their eyes all lit up as we saw microscopic holes in the paper bags and understood why liquids may drip out! This has been instrumental in building their inquisitiveness and bolstering observations.\r\n\r\nOur document camera has also been instrumental in modeling for students. We have been able to be more hands on as I can show them up close how to manipulate materials to achieve the desired result. As they build up their computer literacy skills, I have found myself using this camera to show them how to navigate a keyboard and mouse! These were surprises to me but that is just how instrumental something like a document camera can be. Thank you so much for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1757553250500,"projectUrl":"project/zooming-in-for-understanding/9677750/","projectTitle":"Zooming In for Understanding","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hittenmark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-hittenmark"},{"teacherId":4960956,"projectId":9802598,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for caring about my student and helping provide him with the necessary tools to help him succeed. He and I were beyond thrilled when our packages began arriving. He plays with all his learning toys every day. He loves his outer space felt board, building blocks, robots and his new calculator. He loves punching in numbers to add and subtract. You have truly made a positive impact in my classroom this year. These items will be well loved and useful for years to come. Thank you again and have a wonderful holiday season!","fullyFundedDate":1760708613581,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-help-my-student/9802598/","projectTitle":"Help Me, Help My Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DeLawder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4960956_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1510078982333","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4960956"},{"teacherId":122626,"projectId":9509291,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has a warm, welcoming space that truly feels like the heart of our learning community. The new rug—with its vibrant colors and string of light bulbs filled with hearts—has become more than just a place to sit. It's where we gather for morning meetings, share stories, explore new ideas, and build a sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nEvery morning, students rush to the rug for our daily circle time. It's where we greet each other, set goals, and build our classroom community. One of our favorite moments was during a recent read-aloud session. As we sat together on the rug, students were completely engaged, leaning in and sharing their thoughts about the story. The rug has become a safe and joyful space where voices are heard and friendships grow.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the rug, their faces lit up. One student exclaimed, \"It looks like us! A bunch of bright loving students!\" Another said, \"The hearts in the lights make it feel like love is in our classroom.\" They immediately gravitated toward it, and it's now the most loved spot in the room.\r\n\r\nRight now, we're working on a kindness and empathy unit. The rug has been the perfect setting for role-playing activities, group discussions, and reflection circles. It's helping us build not just academic skills, but emotional intelligence and strong classroom relationships.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving us a space that brings us together every single day. Your support has truly brightened our classroom—literally and figuratively!","fullyFundedDate":1757273508291,"projectUrl":"project/our-classroom-rug-is-the-heart-center-of/9509291/","projectTitle":"Our Classroom Rug is The Heart Center of Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Warnken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp122626_orig.jpg?crop=756,756,x1471,y997&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754582438688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/122626"},{"teacherId":122626,"projectId":9478048,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed into a more peaceful and focused learning environment! The black tennis balls you helped provide for the bottoms of our chairs have made a bigger difference than you might imagine!\r\n\r\nWe've placed the tennis balls on every chair in the classroom, and the change was immediate. The difficulty the students had pushing and pulling the chairs in and out, has subsided. The scraping and screeching sounds that used to echo every time a student moved are now gone. This has been especially helpful during quiet reading time and independent work periods. One specific moment that stands out was during a recent writing workshop. For the first time, students were able to concentrate deeply without being distracted by the constant noise of chairs moving. The room felt calm, and the students were more engaged and productive.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the big box of black tennis balls, they were so excited to put them on themselves! Some even took it as a challenge to see who could put them on their chair the fastest! It became a fun game, and in no time, all the chairs had beautiful new \"feet\" on them! Almost immediately, they began to notice how much easier it was to focus. One student said, \"It's so much quieter now—I can actually hear myself think!\" Another added, \"I don't get distracted when someone gets up anymore.\"\r\n\r\nThis simple addition has had a powerful impact on our classroom culture. Thank you for helping us create a space where students can thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1757423211067,"projectUrl":"project/quiet-chairs-for-success/9478048/","projectTitle":"Quiet Chairs for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Warnken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp122626_orig.jpg?crop=756,756,x1471,y997&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754582438688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/122626"},{"teacherId":122626,"projectId":9507022,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our classroom now has a beautiful new rug that has truly brightened our learning space—both visually and emotionally!\r\n\r\nThe rug, with its colorful stacked books and sweet smiling face, instantly became a favorite spot in the room. When my students first saw it, their reactions were priceless—gasps, giggles, and a few joyful dances! One student said, \"It looks like the rug is happy to see us!\" That moment reminded me how even small changes can make a big difference in how children feel about their environment.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the rug as our gathering space for morning meetings, read-alouds, and group discussions. It's helped create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere where students feel safe and excited to learn. During story time, they love sitting close together on the rug, pointing out the books in the design and imagining what stories they might hold.\r\n\r\nThis rug has become more than just a classroom accessory—it's a symbol of comfort, community, and joy. Thank you for helping us create a space where students feel inspired and cared for every day.","fullyFundedDate":1755874613662,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-rug-for-our-classroom-family/9507022/","projectTitle":"Classroom Rug for our Classroom Family","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Warnken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp122626_orig.jpg?crop=756,756,x1471,y997&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754582438688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/122626"},{"teacherId":122626,"projectId":9506878,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our classroom is cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable for learning!\r\n\r\nWhen the cleaning supplies—Lysol wipes, spray, and paper towels—arrived, my students were surprisingly excited. One student even said, \"Now our classroom smells like home!\" It was a small moment, but it showed how much they appreciate having a clean and safe space.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the supplies daily to wipe down desks, sanitize shared materials, and keep high-touch areas clean. It's become part of our classroom routine, and students have taken pride in helping maintain the space. During group projects, they now clean their workstations before and after, which has helped build responsibility and care for their environment.\r\n\r\nThese supplies have made a big difference in reducing illness and creating a more welcoming atmosphere. Thank you for helping us stay safe and focused on learning!","fullyFundedDate":1756076363601,"projectUrl":"project/clean-and-healthy/9506878/","projectTitle":"Clean and Healthy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Warnken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp122626_orig.jpg?crop=756,756,x1471,y997&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754582438688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/122626"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43430","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":263,"numTeachers":28,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":27,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":59,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"9.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":58.3,"schoolId":43430,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Thomas Hooker Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Thomas Hooker Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/bridgeport-public-schools/thomas-hooker-elementary-school/43430"}