{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Deer Run Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":33.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":159183,"projectId":10426656,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project, \"Visualizing Numbers: Building a Vibrant Math Learning Wall.\" Because of your kindness, our students now have the bright bulletin board paper and vibrant math decor needed to bring our new math wall to life.\r\n\r\nMath can often feel abstract, but having a dedicated, visually engaging space helps anchor complex concepts into clear, accessible visuals. The new interactive math wall gives our students a daily reference point for key vocabulary, problem-solving strategies, and number relationships—making math feel far more approachable and exciting.\r\n\r\nYour generosity directly enhances our learning environment and shows our students that a whole community believes in their success. Thank you for investing in our classroom and helping us build a space where numbers truly come to life!","fullyFundedDate":1788447236131,"projectUrl":"project/visualizing-numbers-building-a-vibrant/10426656/","projectTitle":"Visualizing Numbers: Building a Vibrant Math Learning Wall","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Santoro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp159183_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1457646965807","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/asantoro"},{"teacherId":3747151,"projectId":10489881,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding \"Built to Last: Interactive, Reusable Tools for Young STEM Innovators.\"\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our pre-K classroom is now equipped with a laminator, play dough, Expo markers, and essential STEM tools. In a preschool environment, hands-on learning is everything. Having reusable materials means our youngest learners can explore, build, erase, and try again as many times as their curiosity demands—without limits.\r\n\r\nHere is a glimpse of how your kindness is impacting our classroom every day:\r\n\r\nEndless Exploration: The laminator allows us to create durable, reusable activity sheets for letter tracing, shape matching, and early coding paths.\r\n\r\nCreative Engineering: Play dough serves as a foundational tool for fine motor development, structural building, and hands-on spatial reasoning.\r\n\r\nInteractive Learning: Expo markers allow our young scientists to sketch ideas, draft designs, and express their thoughts directly on wiped-clean surfaces.\r\n\r\nYour investment in these reusable tools ensures that not only today's pre-K students, but also future classes to come, will have a solid, engaging foundation in STEM. Thank you for believing in our classroom and empowering our little innovators to dream, design, and create!","fullyFundedDate":1788447234825,"projectUrl":"project/built-to-last-interactive-reusable-too/10489881/","projectTitle":"Built to Last: Interactive, Reusable Tools for Young STEM Innovators","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mattei","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/smattei"},{"teacherId":3747151,"projectId":10172314,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible support of our Pre-K classroom! Because of your generosity, our project bringing sensory discs, magnetic blocks, a build-a-word magnetic board, a Hoberman sphere, social-emotional feeling toys, and storage bins to our room is fully funded.\r\n\r\nIn Pre-K, hands-on play is how we learn, grow, and process the world around us. These new materials will make a profound impact on our daily routines:\r\n\r\nSensory Discs & Hoberman Sphere: These tools offer essential sensory regulation, helping our young learners manage big emotions, explore movement, and practice deep breathing techniques.\r\n\r\nMagnetic Blocks & Build-a-Word Board: Students will strengthen their fine motor skills while exploring early math, engineering, and letter recognition through interactive, tactile play.\r\n\r\nSocial-Emotional Feeling Toys: These resources give our toddlers the vocabulary and tools to identify, express, and navigate their feelings in a healthy way.\r\n\r\nStorage Bins: Having dedicated bins keeps our learning centers organized, teaching our students independence and responsibility as they choose and clean up their activities.\r\n\r\nYour kindness creates a safe, engaging, and joyful environment where our youngest students can explore, build confidence, and fall in love with learning. Thank you for investing in our classroom and making a lasting difference in these early years!","fullyFundedDate":1784225904686,"projectUrl":"project/tactile-transitions-building-words-and/10172314/","projectTitle":"Tactile Transitions: Building Words and Emotional Wellness","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mattei","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/smattei"},{"teacherId":10237206,"projectId":10428646,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support in bringing \"STEM in Success\" to life! Because of your generosity, our classroom is getting a fresh supply of dry erase markers and fun motivational stickers.\r\n\r\nThese materials might seem simple, but they make a massive difference in our daily learning. The dry erase markers will allow students to sketch out ideas, solve complex problems on write-and-wipe boards, and collaborate freely without the fear of making permanent mistakes—erasing and trying again is a huge part of the engineering process! Meanwhile, the stickers give students a tangible reward that celebrates their grit, creativity, and breakthroughs as they work through tough STEM challenges.\r\n\r\nYour kindness directly empowers my students to think critically, experiment boldly, and stay engaged. Thank you for investing in our classroom and supporting our next generation of problem-solvers!","fullyFundedDate":1788447234163,"projectUrl":"project/stem-success-in-action/10428646/","projectTitle":"STEM Success in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Pukos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10237206"},{"teacherId":3534509,"projectId":10489866,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our project, \"Preserve, Practice, and Protect: Creating Reusable STEM Learning Stations.\" Because of your support, our classroom is getting a brand-new laminator, thermal laminating sheets, fun motivation stickers, and durable file folders!\r\n\r\nWith these materials, I can transform our hands-on STEM activities into reusable, long-lasting learning stations. Laminating our activity mats, challenge cards, and reference sheets means students can write, erase, and practice complex problem-solving concepts over and over again without the wear and tear of paper. The file folders will keep our stations organized and ready to grab, while the stickers will add that extra spark of excitement and recognition when students master a tough challenge.\r\n\r\nYour kindness directly protects our learning tools for years to come and gives my students the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, and try again. Thank you for investing in our classroom and empowering our future scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers!","fullyFundedDate":1788447234413,"projectUrl":"project/preserve-practice-and-protect-creatin/10489866/","projectTitle":"Preserve, Practice, and Protect: Creating Reusable STEM Learning Stations","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. T.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3534509_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1490726271944","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jtripp"},{"teacherId":3572441,"projectId":10419730,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Our new hands-on learning tools—the molding clay, rolling pins, clay tools, alphabet and counting dough mats, feelings and emotions mat, and name plates—have arrived, and my students were thrilled to open them!\r\n\r\nThese supplies have completely transformed our small-group time and morning routines. Using the alphabet and counting dough mats alongside the clay and tools gives my students a tactile, engaging way to build fine-motor strength while practicing core literacy and math skills. The feelings and emotions mat provides a calm, visual space for students to identify and process their feelings, supporting their social-emotional growth. Plus, the new name plates have given everyone a proud sense of ownership over their personal workspaces.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has brought so much warmth, creativity, and purposeful learning into our room every single day. We are deeply grateful for your investment in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1787603866057,"projectUrl":"project/play-doh-power-strengthening-young-lea/10419730/","projectTitle":"“Play-Doh Power: Strengthening Young Learners’ Skills Through Play”","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Afragola","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3572441_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471185736297","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3572441"},{"teacherId":4829820,"projectId":10331673,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! Our new Bluey toys and sensory bins have officially arrived, and they have brought so much joy, excitement, and hands-on learning into our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe Bluey bus, car, and Pop-Up Bluey game have become immediate favorites for encouraging imaginative storytelling, turn-taking, and cooperative play. Meanwhile, the farm, ocean, and sand sensory bins give my students a rich tactile experience that helps them build fine-motor skills, calm their minds, and explore new textures during focused play.\r\n\r\nHaving these engaging tools available every day helps my students self-regulate, build social connections, and recharge so they are ready to learn. Your kindness has made a wonderful impact on our classroom community.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1788447238436,"projectUrl":"project/road-trips-and-habitats-exploring-stem/10331673/","projectTitle":"Road Trips and Habitats: Exploring STEM Through Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tagliamonte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4829820_orig.jpg?crop=828,827,x0,y96&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706729524017","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4829820"},{"teacherId":4829820,"projectId":10331699,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of your kindness, our new sensory items—the Bluey toys, Play-Doh, Flarp, and Pluffle—have officially arrived, and the excitement in our room has been off the charts.\r\n\r\nThese sensory materials are far more than just fun items for our students; they are vital learning tools. The Bluey toys have sparked incredible imaginative play and social interaction, helping my students practice sharing and communication. Meanwhile, the Play-Doh, Flarp, and Pluffle provide essential tactile input that helps our learners self-regulate, calm their minds, build fine-motor strength, and focus during independent work time.\r\n\r\nHaving these resources available every day gives my students the exact sensory breaks they need to recharge and be ready to learn. Your generosity has brought so much joy, comfort, and engagement into our classroom environment.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your investment in our students' well-being and happiness!","fullyFundedDate":1784298135738,"projectUrl":"project/squish-fluff-and-roll-pre-k-language/10331699/","projectTitle":"Squish, Fluff, and Roll: Pre-K Language Labs with Bluey","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tagliamonte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4829820_orig.jpg?crop=828,827,x0,y96&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706729524017","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4829820"},{"teacherId":3514730,"projectId":9992460,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible generosity in funding our project and providing our classroom with a $100 Teachers Pay Teachers gift card! Your support has already made a huge impact on our daily learning. Thanks to your gift, I've been able to bring several high-impact, engaging resources directly into our classroom:\r\n\r\nInteractive Literacy Tools: Engaging activities that complement two of our absolute favorite books from our start-of-the-year read-alouds.\r\n\r\nMath Essentials: Interactive math meeting slides that keep our daily math routine structured and fun.\r\n\r\nClassroom Games: A game called \"Knockout\" that has instantly become a huge student favorite for practicing key skills! My students ask for this every day! \r\n\r\nFamily Engagement: A polished, informative class packet that I shared with parents during Open House.\r\n\r\nHands-On STEM: Task cards for our STEM bins that spark creativity and problem-solving during choice time.\r\n\r\nThe best part is that this gift card will continue to give all year long. Having these funds available allows me to adapt as the year unfolds and find targeted, creative resources whenever my students need extra support or a fun challenge.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and making our classroom a more dynamic place to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1777572184633,"projectUrl":"project/leveling-up-learning-differentiated-cen/9992460/","projectTitle":"Leveling Up Learning: Differentiated Centers for 2nd-grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lucas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3514730_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753104756084","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3514730"},{"teacherId":3727058,"projectId":10432539,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible support of our kindergarten classroom! Your generosity in funding our project—providing wooden blocks, magnetic blocks, sentence strips, 100th Day of School celebrations (banner, door cover, and glasses), birthday bracelets, \"get moving\" activity sticks, and laminating sheets—has made our learning environment brighter, more engaging, and deeply enriching.\r\n\r\nHere is how your kindness is impacting our classroom community every single day:\r\n\r\nWooden Blocks & Magnetic Blocks: Construction play is vital for our early STEM learning. These building sets allow our students to explore spatial reasoning, balance, geometry, and engineering concepts while learning to collaborate and problem-solve together.\r\n\r\nSentence Strips & Laminating Sheets: Sentence strips give our emerging readers a clear, hands-on space to practice handwriting and sentence structure. Thanks to the laminating sheets, we can protect these resources—and student artwork—making learning tools durable enough to be reused all year long.\r\n\r\n100th Day Celebrations & Birthday Bracelets: Celebrating milestone moments builds a sense of belonging and community. The special birthday bracelets make our students feel cherished on their big day, while the 100th Day banner, door cover, and glasses turn a major math milestone into an unforgettable, joy-filled celebration.\r\n\r\n\"Get Moving\" Sticks: Early learners thrive when movement is integrated into their routine. These brain-break sticks give us fun, quick movement activities that help students release extra energy, reset, and stay focused throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nYour thoughtful investment equips our students with essential learning tools, builds strong foundational skills, and creates special memories that make school a happy place to learn and grow. Thank you for making a lasting difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1788447235179,"projectUrl":"project/tracking-time-motion/10432539/","projectTitle":"Tracking Time & Motion:","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ragaini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3727058"},{"teacherId":3727058,"projectId":10429441,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing foundational reading and math tools into our kindergarten classroom! Your incredible support for our project—providing tap and write numbers, pocket chart word building, magnetic sound box mats and chips, EZ read sound box mats, and tap and track tactile sight words—has opened up a world of multi-sensory learning for our young scholars.\r\n\r\nHere is how your generosity is directly impacting our students every day:\r\n\r\nTap and Write Numbers & Tap and Track Tactile Sight Words: Kindergarteners learn best when they can feel the shapes of letters and numbers. These tactile cards let our students physically trace and tap out letter paths and sight words, cementing proper formation and word recognition through muscle memory.\r\n\r\nMagnetic Sound Box Mats & Chips & EZ Read Sound Box Mats: These manipulative mats make the abstract concept of phonemic awareness tangible. Students love pulling down the magnetic chips to segment individual sounds in words, directly building the decoding skills they need to become fluent readers.\r\n\r\nPocket Chart Word Building: This versatile tool turns reading into a collaborative, hands-on activity. Our students take pride in manipulating letter cards to build, swap, and decode simple words right in front of their peers during small-group phonics instruction.\r\n\r\nYour kindness equips our students with the high-impact, interactive resources they need to master early literacy and math fundamentals with joy and confidence. Thank you for making a lasting investment in our learners!","fullyFundedDate":1788447233467,"projectUrl":"project/mapping-sounds-numbers-hands-on-stem/10429441/","projectTitle":"Mapping Sounds & Numbers: Hands-On STEM in Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ragaini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3727058"},{"teacherId":8924188,"projectId":10431388,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing imagination, creativity, and hands-on discovery to our pre-K classroom! Your support in providing transparent blocks for our light table, dress-up clothes, and slime buckets has created an environment full of excitement and rich learning opportunities.\r\n\r\nHere is how your generosity is transforming our days:\r\n\r\nTransparent Blocks for the Light Table: These colorful, see-through blocks turn basic spatial building into a dazzling science lesson. Our young learners are fascinated by how light filters through different colors, allowing them to experiment with color mixing, pattern building, and geometry in a visually captivating way.\r\n\r\nDress-Up Clothes: Dramatic play is essential in pre-K, and these new costumes allow our students' imaginations to soar. By stepping into different roles, they are building vital social-emotional skills, practicing empathy, and developing rich language and storytelling abilities through cooperative play.\r\n\r\nSlime Buckets: Slime is an absolute favorite for sensory exploration! Squishing, stretching, and measuring slime gives our little ones a fun, tactile way to build hand strength, practice emotional self-regulation, and explore early scientific concepts like viscosity and texture.\r\n\r\nYour kindness gives our students a dynamic space where they can explore, create, and grow through meaningful play every single day. Thank you for investing in our classroom and making a lasting impact!","fullyFundedDate":1788447235635,"projectUrl":"project/illuminating-stem-light-matter-and-cr/10431388/","projectTitle":"Illuminating STEM: Light, Matter, and Creative Engineering in Pre-K","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ashley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8924188_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674897207650","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8924188"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43947","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":228,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":78,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":43,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":40,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":6,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 2","studentTeacherRatio":"9.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":66.4,"schoolId":43947,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Deer Run Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Deer Run Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/east-haven-school-district/deer-run-elementary-school/43947"}