{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Concord Magnet Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1847366,"projectId":10195598,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting our project, \"Balancing the Future!\" When the materials arrived, my students were beyond thrilled. Their eyes lit up as we unpacked everything, and they couldn't wait to jump in and start exploring how self-balancing technology and gyroscopic sensors work in real time.\r\n\r\nWe are using these new resources to bridge hands-on engineering with creative digital arts. Students have been learning the mechanics behind dynamic balance, practicing smooth control techniques, and using that stability to capture incredible tracking footage for videography projects. Beyond filming, they are studying the physical structure of the equipment to reconstruct and animate accurate 3D models in our digital design lessons. This project has turned complex physics and 3D modeling concepts into an interactive, exciting experience where students can see their ideas come to life from both a technical and artistic perspective.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next steps involve taking these skills into a major final project where students will produce fully edited video sequences paired with rendered 3D motion graphics. Your support has given my students access to tools that make advanced STEM and media concepts accessible and engaging, inspiring them to think like engineers and filmmakers alike. Thank you for investing in our classroom and giving my students the opportunity to learn in such a meaningful, hands-on way!","fullyFundedDate":1778066907510,"projectUrl":"project/balancing-the-future/10195598/","projectTitle":"Balancing the Future","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1847366_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319455484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thegentlegiant"},{"teacherId":1847366,"projectId":10181651,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in bringing new books to our classroom library! Having a diverse, vibrant selection of books has completely transformed reading time for my students. When readers have access to fresh titles, reading becomes an exciting choice rather than a mandatory chore.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading time is active, engaging, and personalized. Students are able to select books that match their individual reading levels, personal interests, and unique learning needs. These new texts allow us to work on critical literacy skills—such as analyzing character development, identifying main themes, making predictions, and strengthening vocabulary—using stories that genuinely hold their interest. For our reluctant readers, having books that align with their specific passions has made a world of difference; they are now eager to pick up a book and settle into independent reading.\r\n\r\nYour support has given my students the gift of choice and ignited a real enthusiasm for reading in our community. We are deeply grateful for your investment in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1778066905647,"projectUrl":"project/choosing-a-good-book/10181651/","projectTitle":"Choosing a Good Book","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1847366_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319455484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thegentlegiant"},{"teacherId":694817,"projectId":9979650,"letterContent":"My students have enjoyed using the board games you have contributed to purchasing for my class. If the have indoor recess we do not allow them to use electronic devices to pull them away from their screens and have them engage with their fellow students to have some fun. The love the Connect Four and often have their own tournaments. They also enjoy the chess board and Othello. Even the all popular UNO creates lively competition.\r\nYour support is much appreciated by all. It is nice to offer them ways to interact with each other and brings together students who may not otherwise hang out together. Socialization is so important in this age of so much screen time. Thank you again for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1768421033285,"projectUrl":"project/no-screen-time-for-fun/9979650/","projectTitle":"No Screen Time for Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dolan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp694817_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690462210304","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/694817"},{"teacherId":1847366,"projectId":9808902,"letterContent":"Because of your support for \"Marty... It's About Your Future,\" my students now have access to technology that is transforming the way they learn, create, and share their ideas.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, the technology is not just something we use—it's something we build with. Students are using it to explore new concepts, create digital projects, and communicate their thinking in ways that go far beyond pencil and paper. It helps them revise their work in real time, collaborate more effectively, and see their ideas come to life in a way that feels meaningful and real to them.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is the ability to create something they can actually see, hear, and share. Whether they are working on storytelling, media projects, or presentations about their learning, they light up when they realize their ideas can be turned into something polished and professional-looking.\r\n\r\nThis project has especially supported students who may not always feel confident in traditional assignments. Some of my quietest learners have become some of the most engaged when working with this technology. It gives them another way to express what they know—often revealing strengths that might otherwise stay hidden.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, students are not just learning content—they are learning how to use technology as a tool for their future.","fullyFundedDate":1768066053080,"projectUrl":"project/marty-its-about-your-future/9808902/","projectTitle":"\"Marty... It's About Your Future\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1847366_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319455484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thegentlegiant"},{"teacherId":1847366,"projectId":9685868,"letterContent":"Because of your support, our classroom has been transformed into a true launchpad for exploration and problem-solving. My students are now using our new robotics materials during hands-on STEM challenges that feel more like missions than lessons.\r\n\r\nOne of our first activities was a \"mission through unknown terrain\" challenge. Students worked in small teams to program their robots to navigate obstacle courses they designed themselves using classroom materials. The excitement was immediate—the moment the robots started moving exactly where they had planned, you could hear the room erupt with cheers. Even students who are usually hesitant to participate were leaning in, trying, adjusting, and celebrating every small success.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the reaction was pure awe. Students gathered around, asking, \"Are these really ours?\" and \"Can we use them today?\" There was a real sense that something special had just entered our classroom—something that belonged to them and would help them think, create, and problem-solve in new ways.\r\n\r\nRight now, we are building toward more complex \"robotic explorer\" missions where students must collaborate to solve multi-step challenges. They are learning how to debug their code when things don't go as planned, and more importantly, how to persevere and try again. These moments are helping them see that mistakes are part of the learning process.\r\n\r\nNext, students will begin designing their own original exploration challenges for their classmates. They will act as both engineers and instructors—planning routes, creating rules, and testing each other's solutions. This is where their creativity and critical thinking will really shine, as they take full ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just provide materials—it opened the door for curiosity, collaboration, and confidence to grow in ways that will last far beyond this project.","fullyFundedDate":1757372290659,"projectUrl":"project/robotic-explorers-why-go-to-mars-when-w/9685868/","projectTitle":"Robotic Explorers: Why Go To Mars When We Can Go...Anywhere","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1847366_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319455484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thegentlegiant"},{"teacherId":1847366,"projectId":10016398,"letterContent":"Your support has meaningfully changed how our students create, share, and take pride in their learning. With the addition of a MacBook and Apple TV, technology in our classroom is no longer just a tool for completing work—it has become a platform for student voice and creativity.\r\n\r\nThe MacBook has allowed students to move into real-world media creation. They are planning, recording, and editing podcasts where they share their ideas, tell stories, and reflect on their learning. What once might have been a simple written response is now an engaging audio project that requires collaboration, organization, and communication skills. Students are learning how to script conversations, adjust audio levels, and revise their work—just like real content creators.\r\n\r\nThe Apple TV has been just as powerful in transforming how students share their work. Instead of projects staying on paper or in individual folders, students can now present their podcasts and media projects to the entire class in a polished, professional way. It has created a true \"publishing moment\" where students see their work displayed and celebrated on the big screen. That sense of audience has raised both their effort and their pride.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is the feeling that their work matters beyond the classroom. When their podcast plays through the speakers and appears on the screen, the room goes quiet—followed by excitement, applause, and meaningful feedback from peers. It turns learning into something public, purposeful, and memorable.\r\n\r\nWe've especially seen students who are often quieter in traditional discussions come alive during podcasting. Some who hesitate to speak up in front of the class are now confident behind the microphone, carefully planning what they want to say and taking ownership of their voice. Others who love storytelling or technology have stepped into leadership roles, helping peers record, edit, and present their work.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a classroom where student voices are not only heard but celebrated—where technology empowers every learner to create, share, and be proud of what they can do.","fullyFundedDate":1776443139747,"projectUrl":"project/lights-camera-anywhere-unleashing-stu/10016398/","projectTitle":"Lights, Camera, Anywhere! Unleashing Student Creators","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1847366_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319455484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thegentlegiant"},{"teacherId":1847366,"projectId":9702053,"letterContent":"Our students have been using these puzzle-based resources and Breakout EDU challenges in such fun and meaningful ways! During one recent activity, students worked in teams to solve clues and \"break out\" of a locked box. At first, they weren't sure where to start, but soon they were talking, sharing ideas, and trying different strategies together. When one group finally unlocked the box, the whole room filled with cheers and excitement! It was amazing to see students encouraging each other and not giving up, even when something felt tricky.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials were first introduced, the reaction was priceless—wide eyes, huge smiles, and lots of curiosity. Students were so excited to see the locks, boxes, and mystery clues. They couldn't wait to get started! Even students who are usually quiet jumped right in, eager to help their team and solve the puzzles.\r\n\r\nNow, students are taking their learning even further by creating their own puzzles and mini Breakout challenges. They are thinking about how to write clues, how to make problems just the right level of tricky, and how to help others have fun while solving them. Next, they will share their challenges with classmates, test them out, and make improvements based on what they learn.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our classroom is full of teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. Our students are learning to think in new ways, work together, and feel proud of what they can accomplish. We are so thankful for your support in making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1768421034005,"projectUrl":"project/oops-we-did-it-againwrapped-up-in-our/9702053/","projectTitle":"Oops We Did It Again...Wrapped Up in Our Puzzles","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1847366_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319455484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thegentlegiant"},{"teacherId":1830269,"projectId":9696450,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Flexible Seating\" project. Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a warm, welcoming, and cozy environment where students truly want to spend time.\r\nThe flexible seating and classroom supplies you provided have created a space where our sixth graders can gather comfortably to read together, discuss stories, and build a love of literature. We now have a community space where students can relax with a book, collaborate with peers, and feel at home while learning.\r\nBeyond reading time, this flexible space has also become an important safe haven for many of our middle school students. Middle school can be a challenging time, and having a comfortable place to sit, breathe, and simply be together has helped students decompress and reconnect during the school day. It has become a space where students feel safe, supported, and part of a community.\r\nYour kindness has made a real difference in our students' daily experience at school. Thank you for helping create a classroom that nurtures both learning and well-being. Our students are grateful, and so am I.","fullyFundedDate":1765394238955,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-in-middle-school-for-el/9696450/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating in Middle School for ELA & SS","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kerschner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1830269"},{"teacherId":3520037,"projectId":9701053,"letterContent":"Thank you for generously sharing some extra support to our STEM and STEAM learning. Exceptional learning students and MLLs really benefit from extra organizational resources. They need support to complete tasks and you gave this to them. \r\nMy students were and still are really excited to see the new posters and bulletin boards you helped bring to our classroom to brighten it up and inspire them for career and college readiness. Thank you for helping to update my classroom for the 2025/26 school year and beyond. \r\nI couldn't do my job without out your kindness's and support !","fullyFundedDate":1765384084345,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-organization-supplemental-st/9701053/","projectTitle":"Classroom Organization & Supplemental STEM/ STEAM Learning Matters","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3520037_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568771435585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/spedteachmgiandurco"},{"teacherId":3520037,"projectId":9963195,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping me have resources to extend learning with art. My student were so excited to see the new art supplies to help us have creative learning Fridays. They are really looking forward to being able to create pretty projects and bulletin boards as well as just getting some time for themed arts and crafts. \r\nWe are really looking forward to brightening up our classroom this spring thanks you your kindness and generosity. We already used some resources to make February a little pinker and brighter. 💕\r\nMy kids are really looking forward to our next project in March 🍀. Thanks again.","fullyFundedDate":1767121707233,"projectUrl":"project/art-matters-in-a-resource-room-too-/9963195/","projectTitle":"Art Matters in a Resource Room Too !","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3520037_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568771435585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/spedteachmgiandurco"},{"teacherId":3520037,"projectId":9500114,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for helping my resource class and co taught class have access to extra materials to help strengthen their learning for organization and executive function. My kids really liked being able to know that they are learning new skills for their future.\r\nThanks to you, we get to make a major impact on student who don't always have access to resources like their peers. My students really enjoy having a place to get extra materials when they need them.it gives them a sense of security and well-being. They know they can always get an extra snack, folder or pencil or box of tissues if and when they need it - it lets them focus on new learning.","fullyFundedDate":1757378643970,"projectUrl":"project/essential-support-resources-for-exceptio/9500114/","projectTitle":"Essential Support Resources For Exceptional Learners In 25-26","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3520037_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1568771435585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/spedteachmgiandurco"},{"teacherId":1847366,"projectId":9685808,"letterContent":"Our students have truly come alive with the resources from \"Wired for Tomorrow: The Future City Challenge.\" From the moment the materials arrived, there was an immediate buzz of excitement—students couldn't wait to explore, build, and imagine. One of our favorite moments was watching small groups collaborate to design their own \"future cities,\" complete with sustainable energy sources, transportation systems, and creative solutions to real-world problems. They eagerly sketched ideas, tested designs, and proudly shared their thinking with classmates.\r\n\r\nThese resources have helped students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a hands-on, meaningful way. Even students who are typically quieter have found their voice through designing and building.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue refining their city models and begin presenting their ideas, explaining how their innovations could make the world a better place. Your generosity has sparked curiosity and creativity that will continue to grow—thank you for helping our students dream big and build boldly!","fullyFundedDate":1757372290451,"projectUrl":"project/wired-for-tomorrow-the-future-city-chal/9685808/","projectTitle":"Wired for Tomorrow: the Future City Challenge","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1847366_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699319455484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thegentlegiant"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43515","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":411,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":12,"percentWhite":41,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":34,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":6,"gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":81.5,"schoolId":43515,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Concord Magnet Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Concord Magnet Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/norwalk-public-schools/columbus-magnet-elementary-school/43515"}