{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Waltersville Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":43.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":300275,"projectId":9752935,"letterContent":"Paper is the most expended consumable in the classroom. Large quantities of loose-leaf paper are used for classroom and homework assignments each and every day. Therefore, it becomes necessary for me, as the teacher, to ensure that the class is adequately supplied with the requisite amount of paper. Each classroom's requirement of the paper exceeds the quantity the school can provide. It becomes incumbent on the teacher to find ways and means to provide the paper. Thanks to the interest, kindness and generosity of the donors, my class is now adequately supplied with the paper.","fullyFundedDate":1763565574248,"projectUrl":"project/paper-essential-for-daily-classwork-ho/9752935/","projectTitle":"Paper Essential for Daily Classwork & Homework","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Menon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/300275"},{"teacherId":7610098,"projectId":9431401,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to our classroom. The journals you provided have become an invaluable tool for supporting my students' writing development. Each time we begin our journaling routine, the students are genuinely excited to write, and it is wonderful to see how these materials spark their enthusiasm for learning.\r\n\r\nThe journals also serve as a meaningful way to document growth. They allow us to share students' progress with families throughout the year, which helps strengthen the home–school connection and builds excitement about writing for both students and their families.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support. Your contribution has made a significant impact on our classroom and has helped my students develop a true love for writing.","fullyFundedDate":1755733835786,"projectUrl":"project/write-on/9431401/","projectTitle":"Write On!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brennan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7610098_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663654308197","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7610098"},{"teacherId":9459283,"projectId":9689458,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our STEM classroom with your generous donations! Because of you, we now have electric cardboard cutters, hobby knives, cutting mats, hot glue guns, glue sticks, and printing paper—everything we need to safely and creatively bring our engineering ideas to life.\r\n\r\nThese tools have already sparked so much excitement among my students. They're eager to dive into hands-on projects where they can design, build, and prototype their ideas with real materials. From constructing models to experimenting with design challenges, your donations are helping them develop problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking skills in meaningful ways.","fullyFundedDate":1760735587308,"projectUrl":"project/stem-essentials/9689458/","projectTitle":"STEM Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Buzzeo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9459283"},{"teacherId":9459283,"projectId":9771288,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our classroom project! Because of your support, we now have new 3D printer filament that will allow my students to keep creating, designing, and bringing their ideas to life.\r\n\r\nMy students are incredibly excited to continue learning through hands-on experiences with our 3D printer. With the new filament, they'll be able to explore designing models, engineering prototypes, and solving real-world problems through creativity and collaboration.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has made a lasting impact on their education. You've not only provided materials, but also inspired curiosity, innovation, and confidence in a new generation of makers.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our classroom and believing in the power of hands-on learning. We can't wait to share what we create!","fullyFundedDate":1760731996225,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-young-inventors-3d-printer-fila/9771288/","projectTitle":"Fueling Young Inventors: 3D Printer Filament for Future Engineers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Buzzeo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9459283"},{"teacherId":2118420,"projectId":9452336,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping us create a cozy, welcoming reading nook in our classroom. This space has quickly become a favorite destination for my students, many of whom come from homes with limited access to books or quiet places to read. The moment they saw the armchairs and side table filled with high-interest books and literacy tools, their faces lit up with excitement. Students now eagerly take turns curling up with a book, using retelling bookmarks and graphic organizers to deepen their understanding and share their thoughts with peers. It's incredible to see how this inviting space has transformed reading into something they genuinely look forward to.\r\n\r\nThe reading nook has not only supported literacy development but also fostered a sense of independence and emotional comfort. Students feel empowered to choose books that interest them, settle into a space that feels safe and special, and engage with texts in meaningful ways. This project has helped build a classroom culture where reading is joyful, accessible, and celebrated. Your support has made a lasting impact—thank you for helping us nurture a love of reading and create a space where every child feels inspired to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1755740399288,"projectUrl":"project/relax-and-read/9452336/","projectTitle":"Relax and Read","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2118420_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475115910381","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2118420"},{"teacherId":2118420,"projectId":7482826,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with resources that foster independence and organization—two essential skills for second-grade learners. At this stage in their development, students are beginning to take ownership of their learning, and having dedicated spaces to manage their materials has made a noticeable difference. With the addition of our classroom mailbox system, students now have a structured way to organize papers, assignments, and notes, which helps them stay on top of their responsibilities and feel confident in their ability to manage tasks.\r\n\r\nBeyond organization, the mailbox has become a tool for building classroom community. Students take turns delivering mail to their peers, which encourages teamwork, responsibility, and a sense of belonging. They love the routine and take pride in their roles, and I've seen a boost in both engagement and self-management. Your support has helped create a learning environment where students feel empowered, prepared, and connected—and I'm so grateful for the impact you've made on their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1688824243535,"projectUrl":"project/delivering-organization/7482826/","projectTitle":"Delivering Organization!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2118420_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475115910381","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2118420"},{"teacherId":2118420,"projectId":8189366,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible support in helping us start the New Year with a fresh, energized classroom. The materials you provided have made a tremendous impact on both the learning environment and my students' daily experiences. From the moment they returned from winter break, their excitement was palpable—students were thrilled to see refreshed bulletin boards, new supplies at their desks, and organized spaces that made it easy to find what they needed. The headphones have been especially helpful during technology-based lessons, allowing students to stay focused and engaged without distraction. With these tools in place, we've been able to dive deeper into learning with renewed momentum.\r\n\r\nThe STEM materials have sparked curiosity and collaboration during small group activities, where students eagerly build, problem-solve, and share ideas with one another. Basic supplies like pencils, paper, and expo markers are now readily available, empowering students to show their thinking and take ownership of their work. The organizational tools have fostered independence, helping students manage their materials with confidence and pride. Your generosity has truly accelerated learning in our classroom and created a hands-on, student-centered environment where every child feels prepared and excited to grow. Thank you for making the second half of our school year so successful and joyful.","fullyFundedDate":1707085913572,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-new-learning/8189366/","projectTitle":"New Year, New Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2118420_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475115910381","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2118420"},{"teacherId":2118420,"projectId":7384764,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping us celebrate the end of Kindergarten with a special gift for each child. This milestone marks a huge moment in their learning journey, and your donation allowed us to honor it in a joyful and meaningful way. Each student received a bag filled with play dough, a coloring book, crayons, and a carefully chosen book to prepare them for first grade. These items weren't just fun—they were tools to spark creativity, reinforce literacy skills, and build excitement for the next chapter of their education.\r\n\r\nThe reaction from my students was priceless. Their faces lit up with pure joy and surprise as they opened their bags, proudly showing off their goodies to one another and immediately diving into the activities. The books especially created a buzz, with students asking to read them together and talking about what first grade might be like. Your support made them feel seen, celebrated, and proud of all they've accomplished this year. Thank you for helping us end the year on such a high note and for making a lasting memory in the hearts of these young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1685494914762,"projectUrl":"project/super-send-off/7384764/","projectTitle":"Super Send Off!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2118420_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475115910381","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2118420"},{"teacherId":2118420,"projectId":6894902,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in bringing new seasonal read-aloud books into our second-grade classroom. As the colder months settle in, these stories have become a cherished part of our daily routine—sparking joy, laughter, and meaningful learning. My students eagerly gather each day, eyes wide with anticipation, as I reveal the book we'll be reading together. Their reactions—ooohs, ahhs, giggles, and thoughtful questions—are a testament to the power of a great story and the magic you've helped create.\r\n\r\nThese new texts have introduced essential literacy skills such as making predictions, building vocabulary, identifying story elements, and developing comprehension strategies. But beyond the academic growth, they've ignited a genuine love for reading. Students are now more engaged, more curious, and more confident in their abilities as readers. Your support has helped transform our classroom into a warm, inviting space where books are not just tools for learning, but gateways to imagination, connection, and joy. Thank you for helping us build a strong foundation in literacy—and a lifelong love of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1672527008873,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-up-and-read/6894902/","projectTitle":"Cozy Up and Read!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2118420_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475115910381","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2118420"},{"teacherId":2118420,"projectId":6659937,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in funding our classroom library project. The new texts have brought an incredible wave of excitement and curiosity to my students, many of whom had limited access to books at home. With these engaging and diverse titles, students have been introduced to essential literacy skills such as making inferences, identifying character traits, and exploring text features. More importantly, they've begun to see themselves as readers—capable, curious, and eager to dive into stories that reflect both their experiences and expand their understanding of the world.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been truly transformative. Students now rush to our book bins with enthusiasm, recommending titles to friends and asking thoughtful questions about what they've read. Our read-alouds have sparked rich discussions, and independent reading time has become one of the most cherished parts of our day. These books have not only supported academic growth but have also nurtured a genuine love for reading that I know will stay with them for years to come. Your contribution has helped create a joyful, literacy-rich environment where every child feels inspired to learn and grow. Thank you for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1669227104174,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-read/6659937/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Read!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2118420_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475115910381","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2118420"},{"teacherId":2118420,"projectId":9453679,"letterContent":"I would sincerely like to thank Francis, Gail and the Dalio Education team for your generous support in funding a document camera and flexible seating for our second-grade classroom. These additions have truly transformed our learning environment. The document camera has become an essential instructional tool, allowing me to model reading strategies, math problem-solving, and writing techniques in real time. My students—many of whom are highly visual learners—are now able to follow lessons more closely, engage with materials more deeply, and build confidence in their understanding. Whether we're analyzing a text together or exploring place value with manipulatives, the ability to project and interact with materials has made learning more concrete, accessible, and exciting.\r\n\r\nEqually impactful has been the introduction of soft floor seats, which have created a more student-centered and comfortable classroom. Children now have the freedom to choose seating that helps them feel focused and relaxed, whether working independently or collaborating with peers. This flexibility has increased engagement, stamina, and ownership of learning. Perhaps most inspiring is how the document camera has empowered students to share their work with the class—sparking pride, peer discussion, and a sense of community. Your investment has not only enhanced instruction but also elevated student voice and agency. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to equity and excellence in education.","fullyFundedDate":1753379178156,"projectUrl":"project/look-learn/9453679/","projectTitle":"Look & Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2118420_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1475115910381","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2118420"},{"teacherId":9526979,"projectId":9321579,"letterContent":"I would like to thank you very much for all your donations towards my Little Graduates project. My students graduated with smiles & bags of goodies to keep them busy over the summer. \r\n\r\nI apologize deeply for my delay in sending my message, but I was out on a leave of absence away from my classroom. However, I did get to see my students after graduation & they shared how happy they were with their gifts. They shared their gratitude and especially loved the book about 1st grade. \r\n\r\nYour kindness & generosity was much appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1748947494568,"projectUrl":"project/little-graduates/9321579/","projectTitle":"Little Graduates","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9526979"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43431","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":432,"numTeachers":36,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":33,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":60,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":56.2,"schoolId":43431,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Waltersville Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Waltersville Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/bridgeport-public-schools/waltersville-elementary-school/43431"}