{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"C.B. Jennings Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":39.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9890216,"projectId":9204648,"letterContent":"The students were able to utilize some of the materials and will continue to use more in the spring. The students love the materials and are so excited to pretend play and play with the materials. They love the flower legos and the bee activities. The aquarium stones are so cool in our sensory table. The students are using it to pretend to grow plants and to dig and pretend to plant. They are so filled with joy and excitement when they are using the materials. They keep saying more more! It truly makes a difference in the learning through play and science. They are so excited about the seeds and planting. They love the watching and observing and can't believe what they see! The words of discovery are so magical! I am so lucky and grateful to everyone for their donations to make this unbelievable excitement in my classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1753064368195,"projectUrl":"project/spring-science-and-play-based-learning/9204648/","projectTitle":"Spring Science and Play Based Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LaCoss","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9890216"},{"teacherId":8074968,"projectId":9343819,"letterContent":"When the students first saw the paints and materials, their faces absolutely lit up with excitement. Many of them couldn't wait to roll up their sleeves and start creating, and their pride in what they made was priceless.\r\nThanks to your generosity, these resources have turned everyday lessons into memorable, hands-on experiences that inspire creativity, joy, and growth.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our class will continue using these resources to explore new art projects, strengthen fine motor skills, and build on the themes of happiness and community we started with our Friendly Wall. Your donation didn't just provide supplies—it sparked creativity, collaboration, and joy that will continue to grow.\r\nThank you for helping us make these special moments possible.","fullyFundedDate":1755701836407,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-through-nature-and-art/9343819/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning Through Nature and Art","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Warner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8074968_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724362233916","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8074968"},{"teacherId":8074968,"projectId":9171286,"letterContent":"The new STEM toys and the storage shelf have made a big impact. My students' eyes lit up the moment they saw the building kits, gears and story telling materials , aOne student whispered, \"Are these really for us?\" That joy turned into instant engagement as they dove into exploring and problem-solving together.\r\nWe've already put several of the kits to work. During a recent story-based engineering unit, students used the Gingerbread Man and Three Billy Goats Gruff Problem Solving STEM Kits to design bridges and escape plans for the characters. It was amazing to watch the students collaborate, test their ideas, and revise their designs using the magnetic write & wipe boards on the cart. They were thinking like real engineers!\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping bring STEM to life in our classroom. Your support is giving young learners the opportunity to explore, experiment, and imagine what's possible—and that is truly priceless.","fullyFundedDate":1746786401426,"projectUrl":"project/stem-station-express-from-magnets-to-mo/9171286/","projectTitle":"STEM Station Express: From Magnets to Motion!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Warner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8074968_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724362233916","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8074968"},{"teacherId":9897516,"projectId":9064657,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for our new carpet! We use it every single day all day long and it really makes me and my kids feel so much more comfortable now that everyone has specific spaces to sit and enough room for them to work. \r\n\r\nWhen we first saw the carpet, we were all so excited. The kids had been working on two area rugs that I got from Target taped together. They had no room, the carpet was dirty, and it was not a comfortable experience for anybody. When they came in from Specials and saw that I had set it up for them, they were thrilled! It was so much more colorful, spacious, and everything they needed to make the learning environment more comfortable. \r\n\r\nWe are all so grateful and thank you so so so much for your contribution, it means the world. :)","fullyFundedDate":1738938785391,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-discovery-and-art-center/9064657/","projectTitle":"Classroom Discovery and Art Center","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Shawn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9897516"},{"teacherId":9890216,"projectId":9107231,"letterContent":"This project was one of the best projects. I was able to get a lot more materials to turn this classroom into an ocean animal oasis. The students were able to use the animals to play and build environments for the animals. The students were able to create an aquarium that was magical. The students took on jobs at the aquarium and showed their knowledge and care for animals at the aquarium. They performed shows and took children around to teach them about the animals. The students took care of the animals, cleaned their tanks and fed the animals. The playing experience was unbelievable! They also were able to have a snack shop too! They learned how to make pizza and collect money etc. How those students demonstrated their learning was truly inspiring! I can not thank you enough for this! I am inspired everyday and can not wait until the next project. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1741282999584,"projectUrl":"project/ocean-animal-play-based-learning/9107231/","projectTitle":"Ocean Animal Play-Based Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LaCoss","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9890216"},{"teacherId":8074968,"projectId":8949656,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed, and the new resources have profoundly impacted my students' learning. One of the most exciting additions has been the math shelves, allowing me to create a popular and engaging math center. The math center has quickly become one of the students' favorite places. With the new materials, students have been exploring numbers hands-on, and it's been amazing to watch them develop a deeper understanding of math. Looking ahead, we will continue using the math center to build on these foundational number skills. The following steps involve introducing more complex activities where students can work in pairs or small groups, challenging each other to solve number puzzles and play math games that reinforce their learning. Seeing their growing enthusiasm for math is amazing, and this center is central to that excitement.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your incredible support. The math center has become a beloved part of our classroom, and your contribution has made all the difference in helping my students grow in their mathematical understanding.","fullyFundedDate":1734538519781,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds-a-math-and-block/8949656/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds: A Math and Block Exploration Journey","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Warner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8074968_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724362233916","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8074968"},{"teacherId":9890216,"projectId":9056773,"letterContent":"The forest animal project was so engaging for the students. They loved the materials and learned how to transfer their learning from the book reading to the play. They made shelters for their animals with the clay in the sensory table. They also practiced playing and taking care of the animals in the forest and set up a forest environment with the stuffed animals. We made a pretend cave and the students pretended to be bears hibernating. They also made animal homes with blocks. They used the treehouse to play with the forest animals. They used materials to make the animals hide from the predator animals. They applied the word \"camouflage\" with the animals.\r\n\r\nThe materials helped foster the learning through play. The students were engaged and excited to learn. They loved the play activities. They were so excited and looked forward to the play-based learning time. They learned how to apply their animal knowledge through play. The mateials helped enhance their cooperating skills and develop their language ability.","fullyFundedDate":1737761189559,"projectUrl":"project/forest-animalslearning-through-play-and/9056773/","projectTitle":"Forest Animals/learning Through Play and Science","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LaCoss","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9890216"},{"teacherId":9890216,"projectId":9042882,"letterContent":"I am so happy to report the students loved the Arctic project activity. The students utilized the books to help them learn more. I used the Teachers Pay Teachers website to print out activities to support learning. I printed Arctic animal picture cards with facts. These information sheets were displayed in the classroom and helped the students to identify and classify animals in the Arctic. I also printed out Arctic theme ideas for playing. \r\n\r\nThe students used the cotton balls in the sensory table to create an arctic environment. They acted out the animal behaviors. The students loved using the sensory table with animals to help them understand the arctic habitat. \r\n\r\nThe students utilized the Magnetix to build ice castles. They used the fishing game to pretend they were ice fishing. We built a pretend Igloo where they used supplies to pretend they were living in the Arctic environment.\r\nIt truly was a great success! The students enjoyed every minute of the play and learning.","fullyFundedDate":1737656701278,"projectUrl":"project/arctic-project-winter/9042882/","projectTitle":"Arctic Project/ Winter","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LaCoss","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9890216"},{"teacherId":8074968,"projectId":8922459,"letterContent":"As soon as they were handed the packages, their eyes lit up. With scissors in hand, they eagerly began opening the boxes, their curiosity growing with every slice of tape. You could see the anticipation on their faces as they uncovered the contents, and the room filled with excitement. The materials were added to the shelves immediately after, and they began to pick their centers. Since the materials arrived, there has been an increase in their language. The kids worked together to build a panda tower, then counted the pieces and talked about what they made. It was amazing to see their teamwork, smiles, and creativity.Thank you for making our classroom brighter, happier, and full of fun learning. We are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1733194322348,"projectUrl":"project/imaginative-voices-enhancing-childrens/8922459/","projectTitle":"Imaginative Voices: Enhancing Children's Language Development through Role-Playing Activities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Warner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8074968_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724362233916","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8074968"},{"teacherId":9460920,"projectId":8848217,"letterContent":"As adults, most of us who like to read in our spare time, do it because we love what reading provides. It allows us to unwind, learn about different places, and let our imaginations get swept away in the story or characters. My ESL students, until now, have had limited access to books that they can enjoy, mostly because the language is too difficult. The books that I was able to purchase are written for older students in mind (ages 10-12), where the subject matter is interesting and engaging (athletes, mysteries, historical fiction). Yet, the level of the language is such that it is accessible and readable, therefore making the whole act of reading enjoyable! \r\n\r\nWhen reading becomes an act of enjoyment, versus a chore, this is a huge win for the student. Not only can ESL students now enjoy a book, it broadens their vocabulary and gives them confidence which is what so many of these students need. When acquiring a second language, reading and writing are the most challenging aspects. Many of my students have excellent oral skills, their listening and progress in speaking is tremendous. The largest amount of frustration is seen in literacy and your donation will foster their confidence, making a wonderful impact.","fullyFundedDate":1729745676797,"projectUrl":"project/suitable-books-for-older-new-arrivals-/8848217/","projectTitle":"Suitable Books for Older New Arrivals - Engaging, Simple Text","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9460920_orig.jpg?crop=1612,1612,x0,y171&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708020639730","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9460920"},{"teacherId":9567876,"projectId":8572775,"letterContent":"This project has accelerated our learning about designing and building chain reactions and other STEM activities. It has allowed my students to use hands on materials to create a design they had on paper. This has improved learning for my MLL students because they are able to look at visual pictures and diagrams to help support their understanding. It has helped my students be able to practice following multi step directions and work together as a team. \r\nThe bean bag and cushion seating has helped my very anxious students to be able to stay more engaged and in task. I was able to create a comfortable environment for small group learning .","fullyFundedDate":1731507096602,"projectUrl":"project/learning-in-motion-accelerate-explorati/8572775/","projectTitle":"Learning in Motion: Accelerate Exploration With Stem!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garceau","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9567876"},{"teacherId":8074968,"projectId":8567230,"letterContent":"We've been having so much fun with the new materials, and they've helped bring math to life in a playful, hands-on way for our preschoolers! So far, one of our favorite classroom projects has been using the Lakeshore Nuts About Counting! set. The students loved sorting the colorful nuts and bolts by their numbers, and it turned into a fun game where they raced to see who could match the numbers the fastest. The tactile experience of fitting the nuts together kept their attention and helped them practice counting, number recognition, and fine motor skills.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue building on these materials to help reinforce number recognition and counting skills. The next step is using the Lakeshore Unlock It! Number Match game. We'll use it as a group activity where children work together to unlock number matches and practice counting forward and backward. This will help with number recognition and encourage teamwork and sharing as they collaborate to find the matching pieces.\r\n\r\nThanks to the generous donations, we've created an exciting learning environment that's both educational and fun. These materials have genuinely changed how the students engage with math concepts, and we can't wait to keep using them in new ways!","fullyFundedDate":1729745718567,"projectUrl":"project/math-adventures/8567230/","projectTitle":"Math Adventures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Warner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8074968_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724362233916","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8074968"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44167","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":406,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":68,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":60.9,"schoolId":44167,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about C.B. Jennings Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"C.B. Jennings Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/new-london-public-school-district/c-b-jennings-elementary-school/44167"}