{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Helen Street Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":40.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9464727,"projectId":9307810,"letterContent":"Flexible seating and basic classroom materials have had a meaningful impact on both the learning environment and my students' overall engagement.\r\n\r\nFlexible seating has given students a sense of ownership and choice in how they learn best. Whether working at a traditional desk, collaborating at a table, or choosing a more comfortable seating option, students are more focused and motivated. I've seen an increase in on-task behavior, especially during independent work and small group activities. Students who previously struggled to stay engaged are now more comfortable and better able to regulate themselves, which has led to stronger participation and improved academic outcomes.\r\n\r\nAt the same time, simple classroom materials like glue sticks and wall borders have played an important role in creating a structured, welcoming, and functional space. Glue sticks allow students to actively engage in math and science notebooking—organizing their thinking, completing hands-on activities, and interacting with content in a meaningful way. This has strengthened both comprehension and retention of key concepts.\r\n\r\nClassroom wall borders may seem small, but they help define and organize the space, making it feel cohesive, intentional, and student-centered. A well-designed classroom environment supports focus and pride in the space, and students are more likely to respect and take care of a classroom that feels inviting and thoughtfully put together.\r\n\r\nTogether, these resources have helped create a classroom that is not only functional, but also engaging, comfortable, and conducive to learning—where students feel supported, empowered, and ready to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1747319650895,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-become-scientists-in-ac/9307810/","projectTitle":"Help My Students Become Scientists in Action!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lettieri","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9464727_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746131314234","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c-lettieri"},{"teacherId":8259702,"projectId":10092733,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations for a rolling whiteboard for my classroom. This has truly been a game changer. Since I received the white board, I have been able to hang up posters, student work, and have additional space to write. It is important to utilize as much space as possible in the classroom. Having a rolling whiteboard is beneficial because I can move it if needed and use it to hang up posters that are required for our curriculum. Thank you so much for your donations! We really appreciate it!","fullyFundedDate":1772239790203,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-whiteboard/10092733/","projectTitle":"Rolling Whiteboard","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Perry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8259702_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713828720819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8259702"},{"teacherId":8259702,"projectId":10020359,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations towards getting headset microphones for our musical production of Annie Kids! Last year was the first year in over 20 years that my school put on a musical. Therefore, we did not have the proper microphones for the stage. This year, the number of students has more than doubled! We were in need of headset microphones, so all students who have speaking or singing roles would be able to be heard on stage. We are so excited to use these microphones for our upcoming performances! Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1773185625096,"projectUrl":"project/headset-microphones/10020359/","projectTitle":"Headset Microphones","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Perry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8259702_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713828720819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8259702"},{"teacherId":8259702,"projectId":10020351,"letterContent":"Thank you SO much for your generous donations towards our props for our Annie Kids production. My students and I were so excited to receive the props and costumes for the show. We are eager to decorate the stage and use the props to bring our show to life. Every year, we try to add to our collection, so we can put on the best show possible. It truly would not happen without your donations and support. We are lucky to have so many supporters this year! Thank you so much for all you do! We can't wait to put on our performance of Annie Kids!","fullyFundedDate":1771904200279,"projectUrl":"project/props-and-backdrops/10020351/","projectTitle":"Props and Backdrops","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Perry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8259702_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713828720819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8259702"},{"teacherId":9458302,"projectId":10009035,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project. Because of your contribution, we are able to create a learning environment that truly celebrates student effort, encourages independence, and keeps students engaged each day.\r\n\r\nWith the push pin tacks, we can proudly display student work and highlight their growth throughout the year. The tap lights will help us manage bathroom use in a way that keeps students safe and focused without interrupting instruction. Fresh dry erase markers will ensure that every student can actively participate in lessons and practice new skills with confidence.\r\n\r\nWe're especially excited to use Cheez-Its in a hands-on math activity to explore area and perimeter—turning an abstract concept into something fun, meaningful, and memorable. Electrical tape will help us label supplies so students can stay organized and build independence, while felt pads will be used for a special yearly craft that students always look forward to. The plastic clipboards will also support flexible seating, allowing students to work comfortably throughout the classroom in ways that best meet their needs.","fullyFundedDate":1772116129237,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-hands-on-learning-organizati/10009035/","projectTitle":"Supporting Hands-On Learning, Organization, and Joy in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Baldwin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9458302_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733882435688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/abaldwin1"},{"teacherId":9458302,"projectId":9809226,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom! Because of your kindness, we now have a wireless mouse, a new teacher chair for our carpet area, and wiggle cushions for our back table chairs—and these items are already making a meaningful difference in our daily learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe wireless mouse has made it easier to navigate lessons and keep things running smoothly during instruction. I can now teach from anywhere in the room, providing me the flexibility to be in closer proximity to certain students /areas of the classroom. The new teacher chair has created a more comfortable and inviting space for our carpet-time discussions, helping me stay engaged with students at their level. My other one had just broken, so I am so grateful for the replacement! The wiggle cushions have been especially impactful, giving students a way to move while staying focused and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour support helps create a classroom where students feel comfortable, supported, and excited to learn. We are so grateful for your contribution and the positive impact it has on our day-to-day experiences.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making a difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1765637782207,"projectUrl":"project/flexibility-is-key/9809226/","projectTitle":"Flexibility Is Key!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Baldwin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9458302_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733882435688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/abaldwin1"},{"teacherId":8259702,"projectId":9733733,"letterContent":"My students and I are so grateful for your generous donations for prizes and privacy dividers. This year, students are working to earn dojo points for good behavior and they can cash in for a prize at the end of the week. Students love choosing from my prize box! \r\n\r\nI have been wanting to get privacy dividers for a long time now for students to use during assessments and independent work. These have been a game changer!! Students love using them to ensure they are doing their own work and staying focused.","fullyFundedDate":1758674959260,"projectUrl":"project/prizes-privacy/9733733/","projectTitle":"Prizes & Privacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Perry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8259702_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713828720819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8259702"},{"teacherId":8259702,"projectId":9711223,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations and support! This year, my goal was to organize materials, so students have everything labeled and accessible when they need it. Over the years, I have collected many materials and manipulatives, but haven't had enough storage bins. \r\n\r\nWith these new storage bins, I was able to reorganize BOTH of my closets and put materials in each bin with a label. This is so much better because when I need to take out more pencils, or erasers, I can go to the bin i need and take out what i need. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1758231001711,"projectUrl":"project/storage-bins/9711223/","projectTitle":"Storage Bins","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Perry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8259702_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713828720819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8259702"},{"teacherId":8259702,"projectId":9720767,"letterContent":"My students and I are so grateful for our new wiggle seats. We have lots of wiggly students in our classroom and the seats have been a game changer. My students were so excited when we got these wiggle seats because they have never gotten to use them before. \r\nI try my best to supply the materials that my students need in order for them to be successful learners. It's so important that they are able to grab a wiggle seat whenever they need it, so they can focus and concentrate on their learning. We truly appreciate your support!","fullyFundedDate":1758546548124,"projectUrl":"project/wiggle-seats/9720767/","projectTitle":"Wiggle Seats","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Perry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8259702_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713828720819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8259702"},{"teacherId":9458302,"projectId":9671037,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of you, my students now have access to materials that help make our classroom a more organized, comfortable, and supportive place to learn!\r\n\r\nThe organizers and paper organizers allow students to independently access the materials they need when they need them, which builds responsibility and confidence. The tablecloth helps create a clean, welcoming workspace, and the lotion has been especially appreciated during the colder months, helping students stay comfortable and focused throughout the day.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has made a meaningful difference in our classroom environment and has directly supported my students' ability to be successful learners. We are so grateful for your generosity and support of our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1758827916823,"projectUrl":"project/theres-no-place-like-our-classroom/9671037/","projectTitle":"There’s No Place Like Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Baldwin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9458302_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733882435688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/abaldwin1"},{"teacherId":2526954,"projectId":9639391,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping build my new classroom community. The carpet space that you've provided my students has been a game changer. The space allows all of my students to sit in one space during whole group lessons, work independently, and play during purposeful play or indoor recess. The space is big enough for when we have guest students during special events!\r\nOther staff in our building has commented how it brightens up our whole classroom too! This space quickly became a favorite amongst my students and they prefer to spend independent reading and work time here too.","fullyFundedDate":1758305605653,"projectUrl":"project/a-carpet-space-for-everyone/9639391/","projectTitle":"A Carpet Space for Everyone","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Roberts","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2526954_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1522244773084","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2526954"},{"teacherId":1955595,"projectId":9559199,"letterContent":"The new handbells have been a huge hit already in my classroom! I have already been able to use them several times with my self-contained special education classes that I most needed them for several times, and the students were so much more engaged as we played familiar melodies like \"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star\" because they were each able to play more notes instead of having to sit and wait for their one note to play in the song. Their faces light up when they are able to play the entire melody and they are already building connections with reading notation and discriminating pitches. \r\n\r\nThe rest of my students were so excited to walk in and notice the new bells sitting on the shelf! I have started using them in small group stations to have them independently figure out how to read and play a song, and the students are not only enthralled by the new instruments but also learning a lot and reinforcing concepts we are learning in the lessons through the instruments.\r\n\r\nMost of all I know that it gives students a sense of pride knowing that there are people in the community who support them and their music education enough to buy them these new instruments. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for supporting my students and their incredibly important musical development. The impact of your donation will continue to reverberate for many years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1755351134539,"projectUrl":"project/ring-in-the-new-year-with-new-handbells/9559199/","projectTitle":"Ring in the New Year with New Handbells","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Caldwell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1955595_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1461882577083","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ecaldwell"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43964","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":280,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":35,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":37,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"11.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":59.1,"schoolId":43964,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Helen Street Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Helen Street Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/hamden-public-schools/helen-street-elementary-school/43964"}