{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Dr John A Langford Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4461952,"projectId":9078876,"letterContent":"The new indoor recess toys have had a wonderful impact on my students, helping them play, learn, and socialize in meaningful ways. On days when the weather keeps us inside, these toys provide an important outlet for energy, creativity, and connection. Rather than feeling restless or bored, my students now look forward to indoor recess as a time to engage in fun and collaborative activities. From building blocks and puzzles to board games and imaginative play sets, each item encourages hands-on learning while also strengthening important social-emotional skills.\r\n\r\nThese toys have helped my students learn how to take turns, share, and work together to solve problems. Whether they're building a tower together, playing a game, or creating a pretend scenario, they are constantly communicating, negotiating, and building friendships. I've seen quieter students come out of their shells and more active students learn how to play cooperatively. These moments of play are more than just a break—they're a chance for kids to practice kindness, teamwork, and creativity in a low-pressure, joyful environment. The donation has made a big difference in helping my students grow socially and emotionally while still having fun.","fullyFundedDate":1741099888599,"projectUrl":"project/let-us-play/9078876/","projectTitle":"Let Us Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Seals","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4461952_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1494975034430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/a-seals"},{"teacherId":4461952,"projectId":8188218,"letterContent":"The donation of reading materials has had a powerful and lasting impact on my first grade classroom, especially in helping my students learn to sit and read independently. At this early stage in their academic journey, developing the habit and joy of independent reading is essential. With access to a variety of age-appropriate and engaging books, my students have begun to see themselves as real readers. These materials have not only supported their literacy growth but also encouraged focus, confidence, and a love for reading that I hope will last a lifetime.\r\n\r\nBefore receiving these reading materials, our classroom library was limited. Many students struggled to find books that matched their interests or reading levels, which made independent reading time challenging. But now, with a wide selection of books—from decodable readers to early chapter books, nonfiction texts, and picture books—every child can find something that excites them. Having the right book in their hands has helped even my most reluctant readers settle into reading time with purpose and interest. Students feel proud when they choose their own books and get lost in a story or explore new topics on their own.\r\n\r\nAnother important change has been how much longer my students are able to stay engaged during independent reading time. With new, high-interest materials to choose from, I've seen noticeable growth in their reading stamina. At the beginning of the year, many could only read for a few minutes before becoming distracted or discouraged. Now, they can sit quietly with a book for extended periods of time, fully engaged in what they're reading. This growth in stamina is critical as they begin to build foundational reading skills like fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary development.\r\n\r\nThe donated books have also allowed me to better support differentiated learning in my classroom. I can now offer a wider variety of texts that meet students at their individual reading levels and challenge them appropriately. For example, some students are still working on decoding simple words, while others are ready to begin exploring early chapter books. Because of the range of materials available, every child can read independently with success, without feeling frustrated or overwhelmed. That sense of success is key to building their confidence and identity as readers.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these materials have helped create a positive reading culture in our classroom. Students look forward to independent reading time each day and often talk excitedly with one another about the books they've read. I've even noticed them recommending books to each other and taking pride in their reading progress. This sense of community and enthusiasm is something that can't be measured but is deeply meaningful.\r\n\r\nIn summary, the donation of reading materials has transformed independent reading in my classroom. It has given my students the tools and motivation they need to sit, focus, and read on their own. I'm so grateful for the support—it has truly helped foster a love of reading that will continue to grow with each child.","fullyFundedDate":1707053818927,"projectUrl":"project/lets-sit-and-read/8188218/","projectTitle":"Let’s sit and read!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Seals","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4461952_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1494975034430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/a-seals"},{"teacherId":4461952,"projectId":8446555,"letterContent":"The donation of flexible seating options has had a profoundly positive impact on my classroom and the learning experience of my students. As an educator, I know that young learners are not all the same—each child has different needs, preferences, and ways of staying focused and engaged. The flexible seating allowed me to create a classroom environment that honors those differences and supports student choice, comfort, and movement. From wobble stools to floor cushions, scoop chairs to standing desks, these new seating options helped transform my classroom into a more inclusive, student-centered space.\r\n\r\nOne of the most noticeable changes was how much more engaged and focused my students became. Many children, especially in early elementary grades, have a hard time sitting still in traditional chairs for long periods of time. The flexible seating options gave them the freedom to move, wiggle, or find a space that helped them concentrate. Some students preferred sitting on yoga balls or wobble stools that allowed for gentle movement, while others thrived when lying on their stomachs with clipboards or using floor cushions during independent work. This variety helped reduce restlessness and distractions, allowing students to better focus on their tasks.\r\n\r\nAnother powerful benefit was the way flexible seating encouraged student ownership and independence. By giving students the ability to choose where and how they work best, I noticed an increase in confidence and self-awareness. Students began to reflect on their own learning needs—some would say, \"I focus better when I sit here,\" or \"This spot helps me do my best reading.\" These conversations were incredibly meaningful and showed how much students valued having a voice in their learning environment. They learned to make thoughtful decisions and respected each other's choices, which also improved classroom behavior and collaboration.\r\n\r\nThe donation also supported a more inclusive environment for all types of learners. For students with sensory needs, ADHD, or anxiety, having alternative seating options made a noticeable difference. These students were no longer singled out for needing something \"different\"—instead, the entire classroom celebrated choice and flexibility as the norm. This shift helped create a more accepting and supportive atmosphere where every student felt valued and understood. The change didn't just benefit those with specific needs—it benefited everyone by creating a calmer, more comfortable learning space.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, I was able to utilize the flexible seating during small groups, partner work, and independent stations, creating a dynamic and engaging flow to our daily routine. The room felt more alive and student-centered, and I noticed more collaboration, creativity, and ownership of learning happening naturally. Students were excited to come into the classroom and settle into their chosen spaces, which helped start each day on a positive note.\r\n\r\nIn short, the flexible seating donation brought comfort, engagement, and empowerment to my classroom. It allowed me to meet students where they are and support them in ways that traditional seating never could. I am incredibly grateful for the impact it has made—not just on how my students learn, but how they feel while learning. Thank you for helping us build a classroom where every child can succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1719892252027,"projectUrl":"project/get-comfortable-in-first-grade/8446555/","projectTitle":"Get Comfortable in First Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Seals","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4461952_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1494975034430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/a-seals"},{"teacherId":4461952,"projectId":8039458,"letterContent":"The donation of flexible seating options has had a profoundly positive impact on my classroom and the learning experience of my students. As an educator, I know that young learners are not all the same—each child has different needs, preferences, and ways of staying focused and engaged. The flexible seating allowed me to create a classroom environment that honors those differences and supports student choice, comfort, and movement. From wobble stools to floor cushions, scoop chairs to standing desks, these new seating options helped transform my classroom into a more inclusive, student-centered space.\r\n\r\nOne of the most noticeable changes was how much more engaged and focused my students became. Many children, especially in early elementary grades, have a hard time sitting still in traditional chairs for long periods of time. The flexible seating options gave them the freedom to move, wiggle, or find a space that helped them concentrate. Some students preferred sitting on yoga balls or wobble stools that allowed for gentle movement, while others thrived when lying on their stomachs with clipboards or using floor cushions during independent work. This variety helped reduce restlessness and distractions, allowing students to better focus on their tasks.\r\n\r\nAnother powerful benefit was the way flexible seating encouraged student ownership and independence. By giving students the ability to choose where and how they work best, I noticed an increase in confidence and self-awareness. Students began to reflect on their own learning needs—some would say, \"I focus better when I sit here,\" or \"This spot helps me do my best reading.\" These conversations were incredibly meaningful and showed how much students valued having a voice in their learning environment. They learned to make thoughtful decisions and respected each other's choices, which also improved classroom behavior and collaboration.\r\n\r\nThe donation also supported a more inclusive environment for all types of learners. For students with sensory needs, ADHD, or anxiety, having alternative seating options made a noticeable difference. These students were no longer singled out for needing something \"different\"—instead, the entire classroom celebrated choice and flexibility as the norm. This shift helped create a more accepting and supportive atmosphere where every student felt valued and understood. The change didn't just benefit those with specific needs—it benefited everyone by creating a calmer, more comfortable learning space.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, I was able to utilize the flexible seating during small groups, partner work, and independent stations, creating a dynamic and engaging flow to our daily routine. The room felt more alive and student-centered, and I noticed more collaboration, creativity, and ownership of learning happening naturally. Students were excited to come into the classroom and settle into their chosen spaces, which helped start each day on a positive note.\r\n\r\nIn short, the flexible seating donation brought comfort, engagement, and empowerment to my classroom. It allowed me to meet students where they are and support them in ways that traditional seating never could. I am incredibly grateful for the impact it has made—not just on how my students learn, but how they feel while learning. Thank you for helping us build a classroom where every child can succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1709868210091,"projectUrl":"project/lets-sit-to-learn/8039458/","projectTitle":"Let's Sit to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Seals","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4461952_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1494975034430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/a-seals"},{"teacherId":4461952,"projectId":8039378,"letterContent":"The donation of these classroom essentials has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the learning and development of my kindergarten students. In the earliest years of school, children need hands-on experiences, consistent routines, and a warm, welcoming environment in order to thrive. The donated materials helped me create that kind of space. From organizational tools to educational resources, every item has supported both academic growth and classroom engagement. With these essentials in place, my students have had more opportunities to explore, play, and learn in ways that are developmentally appropriate and exciting for them.\r\n\r\nOne of the most noticeable changes has been how much more focused and independent the students have become. With storage bins, learning manipulatives, and clear labeling, my students quickly learned how to find and use materials on their own. This not only helped foster responsibility and organization, but also allowed for smoother transitions and more productive learning time. The donated items gave me the ability to set up well-structured literacy and math centers, where students could engage in hands-on, meaningful activities. For example, letter tiles, whiteboards, counting cubes, and picture cards have helped students strengthen their reading and math skills in fun, interactive ways.\r\n\r\nThe classroom also became a more inviting and nurturing place. Soft seating, a cozy reading nook, and child-friendly furniture allowed students to feel comfortable and safe. For many of my kindergarteners, this is their first school experience, and creating an environment where they feel seen and cared for is critical. With the donated items, I could create a learning space that truly met their needs—both physically and emotionally. Students became more eager to come to school, and their sense of pride in our classroom grew stronger each day. When children feel connected to their learning space, they are more willing to take risks, ask questions, and try new things.\r\n\r\nAnother major benefit was how much these materials supported my ability to differentiate instruction. With access to a greater variety of tools and supplies, I was better equipped to meet students at their individual levels. Whether it was using magnetic letters to help a struggling reader build CVC words, or using math games to challenge more advanced learners, the donated essentials allowed me to provide targeted support without needing to constantly rotate or reuse limited resources. This had a direct impact on student progress and confidence. I could see growth not just in academic skills, but in their love of learning.\r\n\r\nIn short, these donated classroom essentials have done more than just fill shelves—they've opened doors for my students. They've brought joy, structure, and meaningful learning opportunities into our classroom. As a teacher, I'm deeply grateful for the support, and I see the difference every single day. Thank you for investing in our kindergarteners. Your generosity has truly helped lay the foundation for their future success.","fullyFundedDate":1703790800001,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-must-haves/8039378/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Must Haves!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Seals","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4461952_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1494975034430","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/a-seals"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43643","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":316,"numTeachers":28,"percentFrplEligible":90,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":30,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":56,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":63.8,"schoolId":43643,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Dr John A Langford Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Dr John A Langford Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/east-hartford-public-schools/dr-john-a-langford-elementary-school/43643"}