{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Western Connecticut Academy - International Studies","outOfStateSupporters":28.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8340940,"projectId":9318191,"letterContent":"My students and I are using these new math games, puzzles, and manipulatives during small-group instruction, math centers, and independent practice. The resources have given students hands-on ways to strengthen skills such as addition, place value, telling time, counting money, recognizing patterns, and solving problems. One memorable moment was watching students work together with the place-value blocks and frames to build numbers and explain their thinking to one another. They were excited to discover that math practice could feel like playing a game!\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, they were thrilled and eager to try everything. The electronic math games, pattern blocks, puzzles, and activity boards immediately captured their attention. Students especially enjoyed choosing a center, taking turns, and encouraging their classmates as they solved each challenge.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue using these materials to reinforce the skills we are learning in class. Students will rotate through differentiated math centers, practice explaining their strategies, and apply their knowledge to more challenging real-world problems involving time, money, addition, and place value. These resources are helping my students become more confident, independent, and enthusiastic mathematicians. Thank you for making engaging, hands-on learning possible in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1746785731966,"projectUrl":"project/math-madness/9318191/","projectTitle":"Math Madness!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kneski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8340940_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645585607884","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-kneski"},{"teacherId":8340940,"projectId":9319137,"letterContent":"My students and I are using our new sofa and books to create a cozy, welcoming space for reading. During independent reading time, students can choose a book and take turns reading on the sofa. One special moment was watching students settle into the new space, share books with classmates, and talk excitedly about the stories they were reading.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the sofa and new books, they were thrilled! They could not wait to explore the new titles and enjoy reading in such a comfortable spot. The reading area has quickly become one of their favorite places in the classroom.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue building strong reading habits and a love of books. Students will use the new materials during independent reading, partner reading, and classroom discussions. They will also practice retelling stories, identifying important details, and sharing book recommendations with their classmates. Thank you for helping make reading time feel special, comfortable, and exciting for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1746785510778,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-reading-corner/9319137/","projectTitle":"Cozy Reading Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kneski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8340940_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645585607884","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-kneski"},{"teacherId":8340940,"projectId":9380209,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support! My students are using the new chair pockets to keep their everyday learning materials organized and within reach. Since our classroom has tables instead of individual desks, students previously had limited personal storage space. The chair pockets now hold folders, notebooks, independent reading books, and other supplies they use throughout the day. \r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the chair pockets, they were excited to have their own special storage space. They enjoyed organizing their materials and learning where everything belonged. Many students commented that the pockets made their seats feel more like their own workspace.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue building strong organizational habits and classroom independence. Students will practice keeping their chair pockets neat, returning materials after each lesson, and preparing what they need for upcoming activities. These new resources will help us spend less time passing out supplies and more time learning, reading, writing, and working together.","fullyFundedDate":1750774712262,"projectUrl":"project/pockets-of-possibilities/9380209/","projectTitle":"Pockets of Possibilities!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kneski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8340940_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645585607884","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-kneski"},{"teacherId":4184534,"projectId":9534095,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our kindergarten classroom project! Your generosity and kindness have made a meaningful difference in the lives of my students each and every day.\r\n\r\nI truly appreciate your patience as I worked through some unforeseen setbacks with the Osmo programs that correlate with the Fire Tablets. Now that everything is up and running, my students are beyond elated to visit the Osmo learning centers each afternoon. Their excitement and engagement have made all the hard work worthwhile.\r\n\r\nOne of my kindergartners, who does not speak much and often has difficulty self-regulating, absolutely loves the alphabet stories and building pictures of each letter through the Osmo activities. Watching him light up during this time has been incredibly special. These centers give him a meaningful break from the structure and demands of the school day while still allowing him to learn, explore, and feel successful.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, my students are strengthening important literacy and math skills through hands-on, playful learning experiences. The Osmo games have helped build confidence, problem-solving skills, creativity, and excitement for learning in ways that truly meet young learners where they are.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their future. Your generosity is helping create a classroom environment filled with curiosity, joy, and meaningful opportunities for growth. My little kinders and I are incredibly grateful for your kindness, generosity, and support.","fullyFundedDate":1760720529273,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-dreams-learning-through-pl/9534095/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Dreams: Learning Through Play with Osmo at Center Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4184534_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723667493678","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4184534"},{"teacherId":9486022,"projectId":9573894,"letterContent":"I don't know how to THANK you for your tremendous donation of books to our classroom. As the boxes were unpacked, I heard gasps from my students, and excitement filled the air. Eyes became wide, mouths opened in surprise, and exclamations of, \"What?! Whoa!!! Who do these belong to? Can I read one?\" filled the room. Every book that you donated has been DEVOURED by my students. By far, the Wild Robot and the Magic Tree House Series have been the \"Most Wanted\". \r\n I'm so grateful for the various genres that include books with characters that look like each of my students as well. When I explained to my students the enormous expense of these books and the generosity of all of you, they were just as shocked as they were when they saw the new books. Everyone immediately said how KIND you are to think of us, even though you don't know us. \r\n So, once again, THANK YOU for caring to donate to our Books Are Fun project. Please know that every book that you donated is being loved and cared for by every single student, and that every student has found a book of interest due to the variety. THANK YOU for nurturing the joy of reading in my students. I am humbled by your thoughtfulness.","fullyFundedDate":1758811919084,"projectUrl":"project/books-are-fun/9573894/","projectTitle":"Books Are Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Woodruff","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9486022"},{"teacherId":4184534,"projectId":9281208,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom! The fairy lights, cozy reading chairs, and soft lighting have transformed our space into a calm and tranquil environment. Each afternoon when I turn on the lights for reading and centers, my students settle in more relaxed and peaceful after recess and lunch. It truly changes the mood of our classroom in the most positive way.\r\n\r\nOur new cozy corner has even caught the attention of former students who stop by to visit—they tell me they wish they could come back and be in our class again! We are all so excited and grateful for the beautiful new look and feel of our room.\r\n\r\nWith love and appreciation,\r\nMrs. Vinson's Class","fullyFundedDate":1746677732561,"projectUrl":"project/calm-cozy-creating-a-reading-retreat/9281208/","projectTitle":"Calm & Cozy: Creating a Reading Retreat for My Kindergarteners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4184534_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723667493678","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4184534"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_31964","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":337,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":18,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":62,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":71.3,"schoolId":31964,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Western Connecticut Academy - International Studies on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Western Connecticut Academy - International Studies","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/danbury-public-schools/western-ct-academy-of-internat/31964"}