{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Wilbur Cross Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":32.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2456739,"projectId":10518590,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Rainy Day Solutions project. The rhythm sticks, bells, and maracas have brought excitement and engagement to our K-1 Autism classroom. My students use the instruments during music and movement activities to practice listening, counting, following directions, and participating with their peers. One of the most rewarding moments was watching students who are typically hesitant to join group activities eagerly take part in making music together, smiling, moving, and learning as a team. When the instruments first arrived, the students were thrilled and immediately began exploring the different sounds and ways they could use them.\r\n\r\nThese resources continue to support meaningful learning every day. As we move forward, students will use the instruments to build literacy skills by tapping syllables, strengthen math skills through counting and patterns, and practice important social skills such as turn-taking and cooperation. The instruments provide a fun, hands-on way for my students to stay engaged while developing communication, self-regulation, and academic skills. Your generosity has created joyful learning experiences that help every child participate and succeed. Thank you for making a difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1787320586072,"projectUrl":"project/rainy-day-solutions-for-active-learners/10518590/","projectTitle":"Rainy Day Solutions For Active Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ford","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2456739_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1780841480239","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2456739"},{"teacherId":10240099,"projectId":10309257,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Creative Learning for Little Hands project! These new materials have brought so much excitement and engagement to our preschool special education classroom. Students have been using the Mr. Potato Head sets, Magna Doodle, Fine Motor Dino, magnetic tiles, farm animal toys, geoboards, and cupcake sorting set during both center time and small-group lessons. Activities like these encourage communication, problem-solving, creativity, and cooperation while making learning fun.\r\n\r\nMy students were excited to sort the cupcake pieces by color and shape, create drawings on the Magna Doodle, and use the Fine Motor Dino to strengthen their finger muscles. It was wonderful to see students so engaged and eager to learn through hands-on exploration.\r\n\r\nAs we continue throughout the school year, these resources will support lessons in early math, language development, fine motor skills, and social-emotional learning. Students will use the geoboards to create shapes and patterns, practice sorting and counting with the farm animals and cupcakes and work together on building challenges with the magnetic tiles. These materials are helping our students gain confidence, develop important skills, and learn through play every day. Thank you for your generosity and for providing opportunities that make learning meaningful, engaging, and accessible for all of our students. Your support has made a lasting difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1780180438820,"projectUrl":"project/creative-learning-for-little-hands/10309257/","projectTitle":"Creative Learning for Little Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10240099_orig.png?crop=785,785,x197,y51&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768955243161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/daileydoseoflearning"},{"teacherId":10240099,"projectId":10300901,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Construct, Create, and Collaborate! The new Looks Like Wood! Giant Soft Building Blocks, Lakeshore Block Play People, Mini Hardwood Vehicles, and Block Play Traffic Signs have become a favorite part of our classroom. Our students use them every day during center time to build. They used the blocks to build buildings, added traffic signs along the roads, and used the vehicles and people to act out real-life community experiences.\r\n\r\nThe realistic vehicles, people, and traffic signs sparked their imaginations right away. Many students who typically prefer independent play naturally began interacting with classmates, sharing materials, and working together on building projects. Seeing their excitement and engagement was truly rewarding.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we will continue using these materials to support lessons in social skills, language development, problem-solving, and community awareness. Thank you for providing resources that encourage our students to construct, create, and collaborate every day. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on our classroom, and we are so grateful for your support! ❤️","fullyFundedDate":1779879088559,"projectUrl":"project/construct-create-and-collaborate/10300901/","projectTitle":"Construct, Create, and Collaborate","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10240099_orig.png?crop=785,785,x197,y51&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768955243161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/daileydoseoflearning"},{"teacherId":10240099,"projectId":10299211,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Helping Our Classroom Stay Germ-Free! In a preschool special education classroom, our students learn through hands-on play, sensory activities, and shared materials, so having the supplies needed to keep everything clean has been incredibly helpful. From wiping down tables after art projects to sanitizing toys and classroom materials, these resources are used every day to help create a healthy and welcoming environment for our students.\r\n\r\nAs we move through the school year, we will continue building on these skills by incorporating lessons about handwashing, personal hygiene, and caring for our classroom community. Your generosity has made a real difference in our classroom, and we are so grateful for your support. Thank you for helping our students learn, grow, and thrive in a clean and healthy space!","fullyFundedDate":1780490745635,"projectUrl":"project/helping-our-classroom-stay-germ-free/10299211/","projectTitle":"Helping Our Classroom Stay Germ-Free","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10240099_orig.png?crop=785,785,x197,y51&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768955243161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/daileydoseoflearning"},{"teacherId":10240099,"projectId":10240340,"letterContent":"Our classroom has already gotten so much use out of these new resources! One of our favorite activities has been cooking together. These hands-on experiences give them opportunities to practice communication, following directions, turn-taking, and independence in a way that feels fun and meaningful.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were eager to explore everything. We'll continue using these resources throughout the school year. Students will practice important life skills such as making choices, requesting items, sharing materials, and working cooperatively with peers. \r\n\r\nThank you for helping make these experiences possible. Your generosity has created opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and build skills that extend far beyond the classroom. We are so grateful for your support and can't wait to share more of their successes with you!","fullyFundedDate":1779314157216,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-caring-and-sharing/10240340/","projectTitle":"Cooking, Caring, and Sharing","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10240099_orig.png?crop=785,785,x197,y51&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768955243161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/daileydoseoflearning"},{"teacherId":5451529,"projectId":10481361,"letterContent":"Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in the lives of students living in this low-income community. For many of these students, access to basic classroom supplies, snacks, and hands-on learning experiences are not always guaranteed. Your donation has provided more than materials—it has provided opportunities.\r\n\r\nWhen students have the resources they need, they are better able to participate, explore their interests, build confidence, and engage fully in their education. Your support has helped create a classroom where students feel valued and empowered to learn, regardless of their financial circumstances.\r\n\r\nStudents are extremely excited to access the materials and get to work. Thank you for investing in our students and helping create a more equitable learning environment. Your generosity reminds students that their education, dreams, and futures matter.","fullyFundedDate":1790962838167,"projectUrl":"project/cleaning-craze/10481361/","projectTitle":"Cleaning Craze","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Foster","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5451529_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715005893366","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5451529"},{"teacherId":7826314,"projectId":10310995,"letterContent":"My books have arrived!!! My students and I are excited! I opened the box of books, and they are just what I wanted. My students have some short and long books to read with great graphics, that will hopefully keep their interest. Today we had our first lesson with the books, becoming familiar with different genres and providing feedback for each classmate.\r\n\r\n Today my students sat in small groups with about 5 books in front of them. They read a book for about five minutes and then swap with another student to read another new book. We had three rotations of this and the kids loved it. Afterwards, each student completed a feedback sheet with their likes, dislikes and final thoughts. I will continue to spread the word and use Donor Choose because they make dreams come true!","fullyFundedDate":1780499193563,"projectUrl":"project/books-are-a-life-changer/10310995/","projectTitle":"Books Are a Life Changer!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Woodard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7826314_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y772&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1619557270842","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7826314"},{"teacherId":2456739,"projectId":10324278,"letterContent":"The students have been excited to use the new individual work system materials! We are using the resources to help students build independence during work time by completing tasks on their own, following visual directions, and transitioning between activities with less adult support. One special moment involved a student who previously needed constant prompting to finish an activity. After practicing with the individual work system, he independently completed a matching task, put it away, and moved to his next assignment. Seeing his pride and confidence was amazing.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were curious and eager to explore them. The colorful visuals, hands-on activities, and clearly organized workstations immediately captured their attention. Many students quickly understood that they had their own special work to complete, and they were excited to interact with the new materials.\r\n\r\nOur students have also been thrilled to use the new robot mouse coding system! The mouse allows students to follow and create direction sequences as it travels across colorful coding tiles. One memorable moment occurred when a student successfully programmed the mouse to travel through a path independently after several practice attempts. These hands-on coding activities help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, direction-following, and early technology skills while having fun. The interactive nature of the robot mouse keeps students engaged and motivates them to persevere when challenges arise, helping build both confidence and independence. My classroom appreciates your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1780958169389,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-learn-building-independence/10324278/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Learn! Building Independence Through Individual Work Systems","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ford","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2456739_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1780841480239","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2456739"},{"teacherId":10240099,"projectId":9945572,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Hands-On Learning for Little Hearts & Minds.\" Because of your generosity, my preschool students now have access to engaging, hands-on materials that support learning through play, exploration, and discovery in our classroom each day. The new resources have quickly become some of the children's favorite activities during center time and small group instruction.\r\n\r\nWe continue to use these resources daily to strengthen early literacy, math, fine motor, communication, and social-emotional skills in fun and meaningful ways. The materials are helping students build independence, confidence, and engagement during classroom activities. As we move forward, we are excited to continue expanding our classroom learning experiences and creating even more opportunities for exploration, creativity, and collaboration. Thank you again for making a direct and lasting impact on my students and our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1776385498498,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-for-little-hearts-mi/9945572/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning for Little Hearts & Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10240099_orig.png?crop=785,785,x197,y51&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768955243161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/daileydoseoflearning"},{"teacherId":2456739,"projectId":10117602,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support that reached 300+ students. Because of you, students are actively engaging with new science and autism‑specific materials that make learning accessible, hands‑on, and exciting. We are using these resources during structured science lessons, small‑group exploration, academic enhancement, and independent work time. One especially meaningful moment was watching students independently explore materials, make observations, and communicate their thinking using visuals and hands‑on tools that can be challenging without the right supports in place.\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their excitement was immediate and genuine. Many were eager to touch, explore, and investigate right away. Students who typically need extra encouragement to participate were visibly more engaged and focused. The autism‑specific supports helped reduce frustration and anxiety, allowing students to participate more confidently and successfully alongside their peers. Seeing their pride and joy as they interacted with the materials was incredibly rewarding.\r\nThanks to your kindness, the next steps for our students include deeper exploration of science concepts through guided experiments, sensory‑friendly investigations, and cross‑grade exploration activities. These materials will continue to support communication, independence, and curiosity as students build foundational skills that extend well beyond the classroom. Your generosity has had a lasting impact, and I am truly grateful for the opportunities you have given our students.","fullyFundedDate":1772142531641,"projectUrl":"project/stem-sensory-discovery-from-k1-found/10117602/","projectTitle":"Stem & Sensory Discovery: From K–1 Foundations to K–8 Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ford","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2456739_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1780841480239","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2456739"},{"teacherId":10240099,"projectId":9678944,"letterContent":"When my special needs preschoolers first saw the new dramatic play sets and sensory bins, their joy was incredible. They immediately began exploring and building, and our classroom quickly filled with laughter and excitement. These materials have created a safe and engaging space where every child can learn through play while practicing cooperation, communication, and problem-solving as well as seeking their sensory need. One of my favorite moments was watching them set up a pretend kitchen and take turns cooking. It was amazing to see them learning social skills and math concepts without even realizing it.\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students have grown so much in their confidence and social skills. They now approach activities with curiosity and independence, and I have been able to design lessons that meet their unique needs while encouraging creativity and teamwork. As their confidence builds, we are excited to expand to our next DonorsChoose project, which will include puzzles, books, and more to keep their love of learning growing. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1758812731120,"projectUrl":"project/play-learn-and-grow-together-in-pre-k/9678944/","projectTitle":"Play, Learn, and Grow Together in Pre-K!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10240099_orig.png?crop=785,785,x197,y51&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768955243161","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/daileydoseoflearning"},{"teacherId":2456739,"projectId":9607810,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed into a space where students feel calm, engaged, and ready to learn. The calming corner with comfy seating and weighted stuffed animals has become a safe haven for students who need a moment to regulate their emotions. The sensory bins, water table, and fidget sets are now part of our daily routine, helping students explore textures, strengthen fine motor skills, and stay focused. The social-emotional books have sparked meaningful conversations during morning meetings, and the noise-canceling headphones have made a huge difference for students who struggle with sensory overload.\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their excitement was priceless! They immediately gravitated toward the calming corner, hugging the weighted animals and settling into the cozy chairs. Others eagerly explored the sensory bins, smiling as they discovered new textures. One student who often feels overwhelmed by noise put on the headphones and said, \"It's quiet now!\" It was heartwarming to see how quickly these resources made them feel safe and supported.\r\nOur next steps include incorporating these tools into structured sensory breaks and a social-emotional learning project. Students will use the books to create \"Feelings Journals,\" where they can draw and write about their emotions. These resources will continue to help my students build independence, confidence, and emotional awareness. Your generosity has truly made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful for your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1755696118000,"projectUrl":"project/a-sensory-journey-through-learning/9607810/","projectTitle":"A Sensory Journey Through Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ford","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2456739_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1780841480239","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2456739"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43434","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":291,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":31,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":59,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"10.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":67.2,"schoolId":43434,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Wilbur Cross Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Wilbur Cross Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/bridgeport-public-schools/wilbur-cross-elementary-school/43434"}