{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Smalley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":45.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3226088,"projectId":10211569,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Helping Students Learn, Listen, and Succeed With Essential Classroom Tools!\" Your generosity is making a meaningful difference for our English Learners in grades 2–5. The headphones with microphones will help students practice listening and speaking, participate in interactive language activities, and build confidence as they develop their English skills. These tools also allow students to work more independently with educational programs and online learning activities that support their individual needs.\r\n\r\nFor our English Learners, having the right tools can make a big difference in feeling comfortable and successful at school. The headphones help students focus on what they are hearing without distractions, while the microphones give them opportunities to practice speaking English and hear themselves as they learn. Along with the classroom supplies, these resources will help us create engaging lessons where students can practice new vocabulary, build sentences, strengthen their listening comprehension, and express their ideas with greater confidence.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping create a classroom where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Your kindness and generosity remind our students that people believe in them and want to see them thrive. We are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1783027968590,"projectUrl":"project/helping-students-learn-listen-and-succ/10211569/","projectTitle":"Helping Students Learn, Listen, and Succeed With Essential Classroom Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Peters","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3226088_orig.png?crop=578,578,x1,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755171141035","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3226088"},{"teacherId":10069583,"projectId":10432594,"letterContent":"Dear Donors and Supporters,\r\n\r\nWe sincerely appreciate your generous support of Smalley Elementary School, our students, and their families. Your kindness and generosity have made a meaningful difference in our school community.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we are creating customized, attractive attendance certificates to recognize students for perfect attendance, outstanding achievements, and improvements in their attendance. These certificates are more than just awards; they show students that their efforts are valued and that our school staff care about their success.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity, time, and continued commitment to our school. We truly value your partnership and the positive impact you are making in the lives of our students and families!\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,\r\n\r\nMrs. Nebby Sánchez","fullyFundedDate":1786052652745,"projectUrl":"project/custom-attendance-certificates-and-incen/10432594/","projectTitle":"Custom Attendance Certificates and Incentives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nebby Sanchez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10069583"},{"teacherId":10069583,"projectId":10432836,"letterContent":"Dear Donors and Supporters,\r\n\r\nWe sincerely appreciate your generous support of Smalley Elementary School, our students, and their families. Your kindness and generosity have made a meaningful difference in our school community, and our students are already using and benefiting from the new resources provided through your support.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your time, generosity, and continued commitment to our school. We truly value your partnership and the positive impact you are making in the lives of our students and families!\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,\r\n\r\nMrs. Nebby Sánchez","fullyFundedDate":1786052652233,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-give-my-students-the-necessary-b/10432836/","projectTitle":"Help Me Give My Students the Necessary Basic Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nebby Sanchez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10069583"},{"teacherId":5746722,"projectId":10329792,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project, \"Fresh Start, Organized Minds!\" When the packages arrived, my students were thrilled to see all our new organizational tools and materials. Their faces lit up, and they couldn't wait to start sorting, labeling, and getting our learning space setup for success.\r\n\r\nHaving an organized classroom environment has made a noticeable difference in our daily routine. With everything clearly structured and easily accessible, my students are able to transitions smoothly between activities, spend less time searching for materials, and focus more energy on their actual learning. It has created a calm, intentional space where every student feels ready and empowered to focus on their work.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next step is to put these organizational routines into practice as we begin our upcoming group research projects. Having reliable systems in place allows students to independently manage their project folders, supplies, and reference guides. Thank you for giving my students the tools they need to feel proud, prepared, and ready to learn every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1783027972037,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-start-organized-minds/10329792/","projectTitle":"Fresh Start, Organized Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bugnacki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5746722_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1550170060335","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emily-bugnacki"},{"teacherId":10519491,"projectId":10309598,"letterContent":"Nothing has made me happier than seeing the joy and excitement on my students' faces on the first day of school when they saw all the materials available in our classroom this year. The biggest hit was the headphones! My students all come from low income households, which makes it difficult for them to buy supplies for school. Year after year, I watch them struggle to focus on their online course work because everyone is listening to different things at the same time. However, this is not the case this year thanks to you! Students are able to put on individual headphones, which allow them to focus only on the task they have in front of them. So far, this is showing a major increase in their productivity and progress! \r\n\tAs a teacher, I am very grateful for the addition of new whiteboard markers and notebooks into my classroom. I have been using the notebooks for my small group math instruction and the students are loving it! They are working on organizing their notebook and math work so others can clearly see their thinking. They are also using their notebooks to reflect on the math concepts we are learning: what was the most challenging part? How would you explain this concept to someone else? Etc. I also love using whiteboards for students to collaborate on their learning. The new markers allow all students to be able to participate in the creation of mathematics through equations, diagrams, and pictures on the whiteboards. They also use the markers to give each other feedback on their work. \r\n\tMy third graders are already thriving this year and I cannot thank you enough!","fullyFundedDate":1784557217040,"projectUrl":"project/counting-on-kindness-the-journey-to-a-s/10309598/","projectTitle":"Counting on Kindness: The Journey to a Successful Math Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Geddes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10519491_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1779893592099","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10519491"},{"teacherId":5746722,"projectId":10329378,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support for our project, \"Proud of Our Roots, Ready to Learn!\" When the boxes first arrived in our classroom, my students were filled with excitement and anticipation. Seeing their faces light up as we unpacked our new materials was an unforgettable moment. They couldn't wait to explore the resources and dive into our new learning activities.\r\n\r\nWe have been actively using these resources to connect our learning to our backgrounds, history, and community. We even had a Hispanic Heritage Parade this past Friday. The new materials have given my students a sense of pride and a renewed enthusiasm for coming to class ready to learn every single day. Having tools that directly support their unique learning styles and celebrate their identity has transformed our classroom dynamic into an even more inclusive and engaging space.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next step is to begin a multi-week classroom project where students will research, reflect, and present stories about their own roots and heritage using these brand-new tools. Your contribution didn't just provide supplies; it gave my students the message that their education and stories truly matter.","fullyFundedDate":1783027971322,"projectUrl":"project/proud-of-our-roots-ready-to-learn/10329378/","projectTitle":"Proud of Our Roots, Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bugnacki","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5746722_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1550170060335","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emily-bugnacki"},{"teacherId":9335776,"projectId":10137558,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom through Donors Choose! Your kindness has provided my first grade multilingual learners with a wonderful collection of supplies that will support their learning, creativity, and confidence throughout the school year.\r\n\r\nThe crayons and washable markers will give my students opportunities to express their ideas through art, while also strengthening fine-motor skills and encouraging creativity. The Spelligator word-building games will make phonemic awareness and word-building practice fun and hands-on. For my multilingual learners, having opportunities to physically build and manipulate words is especially valuable as they develop their English language and literacy skills.\r\n\r\nThe sensory stress balls will also provide students with a helpful tool for focusing, calming their bodies, and staying ready to learn. The printer ink and dry-erase cleaning supplies may seem like everyday classroom necessities, but they help me provide students with printed resources, interactive lessons, and a clean, welcoming learning environment.\r\n\r\nEvery one of these items will be put to meaningful use in our classroom. Your generosity helps me create a space where my students can learn in different ways, take creative risks, practice new skills, and feel supported as they grow.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping make our classroom a place where every child has the tools they need to learn, create, and succeed. We are truly grateful for your support!\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt thanks,","fullyFundedDate":1780961415040,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-multilingual-first-graders-wi/10137558/","projectTitle":"Supporting Multilingual First Graders With Tools for Learning and Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cipolla","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9335776_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y128&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705076616374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9335776"},{"teacherId":9335776,"projectId":10239603,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through Donors Choose! Your generosity has provided my first grade multilingual learners with valuable phonics tools that will make learning to read more engaging, accessible, and meaningful.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, learning English and learning to read are happening at the same time. These new phonics resources will give them opportunities to practice letter sounds, build words, strengthen their decoding skills, and develop the confidence they need to become successful readers. Having hands-on materials will also allow my students to learn through movement, repetition, and play.\r\n\r\nYour support means so much to our classroom. You are not only providing educational materials—you are helping create opportunities for my students to see themselves as capable, confident readers. I am so excited to watch them use these tools, celebrate their progress, and grow throughout the school year.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and in their love of learning. Your kindness will make a lasting difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1780961415464,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-readers-phonics-tools-f/10239603/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Readers: Phonics Tools for Multilingual First Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cipolla","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9335776_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y128&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705076616374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9335776"},{"teacherId":2066058,"projectId":9859676,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting our project, \"Unlocking Learning: Breakout Challenges for Curious Minds\"! When we introduced the Breakout EDU Digital+ platform to our students at Smalley Elementary School, their excitement was incredible. They were eager to dive into game-based learning, and their energy filled the room as they realized they would be working together on interactive digital adventures and puzzle challenges.\r\n\r\nThis platform has completely transformed how our students practice problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. During a recent collaborative challenge, students worked in small groups to solve a series of clue-based puzzles to \"unlock\" the final answer. It was wonderful to watch them talk through different strategies, test out ideas, and cheer each other on when they finally cracked a difficult clue. Even when a initial guess didn't work, they showed amazing resilience by re-evaluating their choices, communicating clearly, and trying again until they succeeded.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we are excited to integrate Breakout EDU across more academic subjects, allowing students to deepen their decision-making and logic skills. Furthermore, students will soon have the opportunity to design and share their own custom games on the platform, giving them voice and choice in their learning journey. Your support has provided our young learners with a safe, engaging space to become confident, creative problem-solvers, and we are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1763577699864,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-learning-breakout-challenges/9859676/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Learning: Breakout Challenges for Curious Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Woodward","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2066058_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1559255634332","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/nwoodward127"},{"teacherId":2066058,"projectId":9756365,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting our project, \"Little Hands, Big Readers\"! When the boxes arrived at Smalley Elementary School, my students were absolutely thrilled. Their eyes lit up as we opened the supplies and they saw the Play-Doh, therapy putty, bright cardstock, dough tools, and craft punches. The energy in our classroom was contagious as everyone couldn't wait to start using these fun tools during our literacy lessons.\r\n\r\nThese resources have made a huge difference in connecting fine motor development directly with early reading practice. During a recent small-group literacy session, my students worked on letter-matching and phonics activities while using the therapy putty and Play-Doh to form letters and pinch out sound segments. Another crowd favorite was assembling our \"monster squeezers\" made with tennis balls and googly eyes—the kids had a blast squeezing them open to \"feed\" them letters and sight word cards, giving their hand muscles a great workout while sharpening their reading skills.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we are excited to keep building on this momentum by introducing more fine motor crafts using the bright cardstock, craft punches, and lacing kits. Students will continue working in small groups to refine their precision and hand strength, creating a strong foundation for pencil control, writing, and fluent reading. Your support has truly helped our young learners grow their hands and minds at the same time, and we are deeply grateful for your help!","fullyFundedDate":1763577695995,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-readers/9756365/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Woodward","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2066058_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1559255634332","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/nwoodward127"},{"teacherId":2066058,"projectId":9715005,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting our project, \"Stack, Lace, and Create: Fine Motor Fun for Growing Minds\"! When the boxes arrived at Smalley Elementary School, my kindergarten and first-grade students were beyond thrilled. Their faces completely lit up as we unpacked the colorful dominoes, geoboards, wooden pattern blocks, lacing sneakers, and stacking cups. They couldn't wait to dive in, and their enthusiasm filled the entire room as they immediately started exploring the materials.\r\n\r\nThese resources have transformed our classroom into a vibrant space for hands-on learning, fine motor development, and creative problem-solving. During a recent center activity, my students worked in small groups using the speed stacking cups to build collaborative towers. They had to communicate constantly, steady their hands, and test out balance strategies together. When a stack tumbled over, instead of getting frustrated, they encouraged each other to adjust their base and try again—a huge step in building perseverance and confidence! Others have been using the lacing sneakers to practice shoe-tying, celebrating every successfully tied bow, while another group built domino chain reactions to test out engineering ideas.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are excited to expand our math and spatial reasoning lessons using the pattern blocks and geoboards. Students will soon begin creating complex geometric designs, exploring symmetry, and discovering early fraction concepts. Your support has given these young learners the exact tools they need to grow into confident, independent, and resilient thinkers every day. We are so grateful for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1760996710696,"projectUrl":"project/stack-lace-and-create-fine-motor-fun/9715005/","projectTitle":"Stack, Lace, and Create: Fine Motor Fun for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Woodward","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2066058_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1559255634332","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/nwoodward127"},{"teacherId":10069583,"projectId":9556543,"letterContent":"\"Initiative to Promote Attendance and Engagement at our School\"\r\n\r\nThe most important component in my classroom is building a classroom community where students feel safe, loved and respected by me, their peers and their parents. I do this by holding monthly students recognition and family meetings. \r\n\r\nI am commitment to student achievement and to helped shape one of the most impactful attendance in our school. The recognition and the family engagement allowed us to monitor student progress with precision, and ensure that every student received the support they needed. Your organization and support in helping us achieve some of our strongest student attendance.\r\n\r\nWe are grateful for all you have contributed. Thank you for being such an important part of our team and for helping our students and their family.","fullyFundedDate":1767098767468,"projectUrl":"project/initiative-to-promote-attendance-and-eng/9556543/","projectTitle":"Initiative to Promote Attendance and Engagement at our School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nebby Sanchez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10069583"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43735","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":584,"numTeachers":44,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":8,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":78,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":55.0,"schoolId":43735,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Smalley Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Smalley Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/consolidated-school-district-of-new-britain/smalley-academy/43735"}