{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Torringford Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":19.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8522431,"projectId":9731779,"letterContent":"Every single day my students enjoy using the dot markers you provided for us. They are strengthening their fine motor muscles and visual skills by following dots on a page, or using the markers to create their own imaginative pictures. They gather at the back table, socialize, share, problem solve and plan while using these dot markers. The students think they are just playing, but I see them learning and growing! Your generosity has made a big impact on the lives on my students. Thank you so much.","fullyFundedDate":1758823231585,"projectUrl":"project/dot-markers/9731779/","projectTitle":"Dot Markers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Prichard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8522431_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751059897485","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8522431"},{"teacherId":8522431,"projectId":9437242,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to our classroom's hand's on materials. My students do not normally have access to items like these and it has impacted their hand and fine motor muscle strength as a result.\r\n\r\nEach day, we carve out an integrated play block for our students to learn in a fun manner. The hand's on materials you provided are used during this time. The students are strengthening their fine motor muscles while playing, and as a result their handwriting, creative writing and spelling have also improved. \r\n\r\nMy first graders are also building their social skills as they use these materials and are learning to share, problem solve and plan ahead. I giggle watching them \"play\" because all I see is learning and growth!","fullyFundedDate":1757620611774,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-imagination/9437242/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Imagination","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Prichard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8522431_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751059897485","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8522431"},{"teacherId":5686806,"projectId":9878430,"letterContent":"How do I even begin to tell you the impact your support has had on my class? We just began our unit of Then and Now. As I have said, my class has a high population of students working on an intervention level or well below grade level in all academic areas. (Six EL students, five students who recieve special services, and two 504 students who recieve special accommodations.) I am not pointing this group of learners out for any other reason, but to say, you have made a huge difference in their learning.\r\n The peculiar purchase of Fisher Price Little People playsets has benefited my non readers and non writers as intended. Engage them! \r\n The students were first invited to play with their choice, vintage Fisher Price Little People playsets or \"today's\" play sets. Students randomly chose a set and partnered up with a classmate or two. Between your purchases and mine we had plenty of play sets to go around. (I was greatly relieved and grateful.) Students were given some time to interact before they were instructed to switch playsets and use a playset opposite of the one they had played with already (Then vs. Now). \r\n After the initial introduction, students were introduced to a deck of slides. Work slides. On the slides, we were able to read and translate to them what was expected of them. They were to again, interact with the playsets, but this time they needed to be a little more analytical. What material's were the objects made out of? Colors? Representation ie what kind of 'family' life or jobs could be characterized by the playsets. Is it a safe time for the age recommended? And of course some mathematical questions where they have to measure and weigh people from the different sets to compare.\r\n With hands-on research, the students collected their own data from their own thoughts and began to formulate their own ideas. After group discussions, they were able to understand the difference in time periods just based on simple toys. From their notes, they have begun to use a writing frame to help them write a compare and contrast essay. Once their essay is completed, edited, revised and peer edited, they then can publish and move on to the final task; design your own little people 'person'. \r\n And a topper to having a class 100% engaged in their own learning, is a comment a student said to me at dismissal, \"Mrs. Shaggy, I had a great day today. I did good. Do you want to know why? It's because my hands were busy and my head. When its not, I do bad things. ...I had a good day today.\"\r\n There are no words to express my gratitude for your support and helping all of my learners navigate their own learning and engagement. \r\n Thank you, for enabling me to engage every learner. I'm so very grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1764603615842,"projectUrl":"project/then-vs-now-toys/9878430/","projectTitle":"Then vs. Now Toys","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Shaggy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5686806"},{"teacherId":5686806,"projectId":9855550,"letterContent":"I just wanted to thank you for your support. Not only monetary support, but your belief in what I'm trying to put in place for my learners' accomplishments. My current group has solid hearts of gold. They are loving and compassionate for their peers, sometimes putting their peers before themselves. They do struggle though. The majority of the class struggle with grade level work, some even first grade work. But let me assure you, each and every one of them is well worth your investment.\r\n As I got to know this beloved group of mine, I became determined to let them know that they are the ones in charge of their destiny. They can choose paths that will lead them to success, but they don't understand the paths set before them. \r\n Once our Parent-Child conferences convened, we focused on where we needed to strengthen during our school day. I drafted up a schedule of our day and left a blank for them to fill in a goal for that subject or activity time. After their goals were written, we talked about ranking ourselves on each goal, \"How did I do?\" with the goals they wrote. We did our writing steps to publish and sent them to the teacher for printing. \r\n So far, each child has been rating themselves, in 'mostly' an honest way. They seem eager to check off their amount of stars they feel they've earned and reflect as they do so. Only once I had to remind a few during class time of their goals and are they 'doing' what they can to strive. I believe this is having a positive effect on how they feel about themselves and their efforts. Students who didn't participate in whole group discussions are chiming in and shining when they do.\r\n Thank you. sincerely, With every new bunch of students it seems that they have been grouped together for different reasons. This year's group definitely requires self reflection and the encouragement that 'they can do it' more than another other group I've met. Thank you for helping me, help them.","fullyFundedDate":1761950172829,"projectUrl":"project/personal-learning-goals-in-plain-view/9855550/","projectTitle":"Personal Learning Goals in Plain View!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Shaggy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5686806"},{"teacherId":7314424,"projectId":9710532,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has become an even more joyful, engaging, and sensory-friendly space!\r\n\r\nThe new materials have made such a difference in our daily routines. My students light up when they see the marble run or get to build creative designs with kinetic sand. These activities have encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and imagination in ways that feel like play, but are full of learning moments.\r\n\r\nThe sensory tools, like the pin art board and stretchy strings, have also helped my students regulate their emotions and stay focused during lessons. It's been amazing to see them use these materials independently to calm down, celebrate their progress, or simply explore with curiosity.\r\n\r\nThe whiteboard markers, magnetic letters, and play dough tools have turned writing and literacy practice into exciting, hands-on experiences. Every day, I see more confidence, more communication, and more smiles.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and in the power of joyful learning. Your generosity has helped create a space where every child feels supported, successful, and proud of what they can do.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1757885012795,"projectUrl":"project/play-with-purpose-reinforcement-tools-f/9710532/","projectTitle":"Play With Purpose: Reinforcement Tools for Special Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Liu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7314424"},{"teacherId":9120609,"projectId":9483950,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donations to our classroom. The seat sacks, name tag holders, folders, and the rolling cart organization system have made such a positive difference in our daily routines. Thanks to your support, our students now have the materials and structure they need to stay organized and take pride in their learning space.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has created a more efficient and welcoming environment for both students and me. The new supplies have already helped lessons run more smoothly and given students a sense of ownership and excitement about their work. We are truly grateful for your thoughtfulness and investment in our classroom community—your generosity has a lasting impact on our learning every day.","fullyFundedDate":1753883159768,"projectUrl":"project/operation-get-organized/9483950/","projectTitle":"Operation: Get Organized","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zapatka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9120609_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753096247144","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9120609"},{"teacherId":5686806,"projectId":9803516,"letterContent":"Thank you. \r\n\r\n The Bin Shelf from Lakeshore works like a 'charm'. After assembling it, which was 'fun' in its own way, we placed the bins in perfectly. The bins are clear, so as they are stacked the kids can still see which manipulatives are in which bins. I had many helpful volunteers fill bins! Needless to say they were very excited. Even some were in disbelief that someone would buy us something we needed to succeed. Thank you for that.\r\n I too am very grateful. Not having a space for all of the new manipulatives, things were kind of 'crammed' underneath, in the cupboards. Not having to scramble or tax my memory to figure out where I stuffed the bags is of great benefit to the teacher as well. Thank you.\r\n The true beneficiaries though are the kids. We re-organized the room to accommodate having our manipulatives at our fingertips. Even though the kids' first impression was that it was \"weird\", they said it was \"weird, but in a good way\". When we meet for math, we group up front to access the unit's slide presentation. Working up front, we placed the bin rack right up front with us, so manipulatives are literally at our fingertips. The kids are great about passing and sharing the bins with each set of teams. \r\n Our experiences using the bin shelf have proven to be most efficient leaving all of us with zero down time, maximizing our learning time.\r\n Thank you again for rescuing us from our dilemma and for being so thoughtful and generous.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of Mrs. Shaggy's Class, Our bests,","fullyFundedDate":1760739374551,"projectUrl":"project/mathematic-storage-rack/9803516/","projectTitle":"Mathematic Storage Rack","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Shaggy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5686806"},{"teacherId":2806415,"projectId":9364930,"letterContent":"On behalf of our class, I want to express our heartfelt thanks for your generous gift of the building blocks and the shelving unit. Your kindness has brought us something truly special—tools that spark creativity, collaboration, and joy every day.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the shelf arrived and the blocks and storage shelf were unpacked, our classroom has been buzzing with excitement. Students have been designing towers, exploring patterns, sharing ideas, and working together to build new structures. Because of your gift, we have a dedicated space where we can store our blocks neatly, reach them easily, and enjoy building in a way that feels organized and inviting.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a meaningful difference in our learning environment. The blocks help children develop fine motor skills, problem-solving strategies, spatial awareness, and teamwork—all in a fun, hands-on way. The shelf means our classroom is more welcoming, and our materials stay in great shape so we can use them again and again.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our class and supporting our growth and discovery. We are truly grateful for your generosity and excited to see all the amazing structures and ideas that will come from these blocks. Because of you, our classroom is richer in opportunity and creativity.","fullyFundedDate":1754325919855,"projectUrl":"project/watch-us-construct-our-dreams/9364930/","projectTitle":"Watch Us Construct Our Dreams","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mangine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2806415_orig.jpg?crop=1945,1945,x102,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638492769295","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mangine"},{"teacherId":5686806,"projectId":9459276,"letterContent":"The final piece of the puzzle to Flex Space, Flex Furniture and Flex Thinking project has been placed. Our last desk with easy lock in place wheels has been placed in the classroom and purchased by you. Thank you. \r\n\r\nAs I reflect on the process of the vision and how it has metamorphosed into a reality, I am literally speechless. I have been teaching for over thirty years and plan on teaching for another ten. Never have I been so blessed to have support to accomplish the impossible for my students. But it was one grant at a time, with you as one of the most generous donors. Thank you for that.\r\n\r\nWhen I think about teaching students on wooden chairs with those desks that have slowly been eaten by time, the idea of having a flexible classroom was incomprehensible. As I progressed in my career, I had also progressed as a thinker, \"what else can I offer my students\" to help them learn and grow. The adaptable space to support and house flexible thinking shaped and grew into what you have helped happen. Thank you again.\r\n\r\nWith your support in my mission, I have developed a new goal and that is not to disappoint you. I promise to keep my mission steady and in the right direction; to offer children the space and supplies to maximize their learning, year after year. Thank you.\r\n\r\nAnd finally, thank you for believing in the children of our community. They need it now more than ever.\r\n\r\nI am forever grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1754348211288,"projectUrl":"project/flexing-our-brains/9459276/","projectTitle":"Flexing our Brains","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Shaggy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5686806"},{"teacherId":5686806,"projectId":9414410,"letterContent":"Why do I feel I am writing to an ole' friend, who has been supporting me and my ventures for 'years'?\r\n Thank you Mr. Lounsbury for being that ole' friend in supporting the largest scaled classroom project I have ever created for my students; A flexible classroom with flexible desks, flexible seating and enough 'flex space' for some serious 'flex thinking'. Thank you for making this illusion a reality.\r\n I welcomed new third graders this year just about a month ago. John, if you were ever to meet them, you would see instantly a group on young learners with the kindest of hearts. I told them about you. The reason we have many upright whiteboards, wheels for science tables and desks and chairs that match no other classroom. I told them they were gifts from a gentleman in town who felt they were worth it. I also, snuck in there how to respect the gifts we were given. And... they do. \r\n The young lady who chose to sit at the desk you funded for us is a bit on the shy side and likes her options to be next to someone or to break away a little for her own space. We'll be letting the kids choose again for the upcoming month, but I have a funny feeling she's become quite attached to the desk.\r\n I wanted to mention also the quality of the desk. As you may have seen in the photos, that its a solid desk, built to last years. I had the old desk removed which was not holding up so well, and wheeled this one right into its place. \r\n Thank you for supporting us. Again. And again. We are definitely on a 'roll' now...","fullyFundedDate":1752270075698,"projectUrl":"project/learning-on-a-roll/9414410/","projectTitle":"Learning on a Roll!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Shaggy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5686806"},{"teacherId":5686806,"projectId":9359374,"letterContent":"Hopefully you have seen the photos of the kids participating in our first SupeSTEM magazine activity. THANK YOU!\r\n Having just recieved it, and knowing October's issue was being released soon, I used our first lesson right away as a reward! They loved the visuals, and the opportunity to do their own investigation into Hiccups and Sneezes. The assignment was to first learn about both hiccups and sneezes then apply their mathematics of collecting and graphing their data, \"Which would you rather have, hiccups for life or the feeling you are just about to sneeze?\". The assignment was perfect for them.\r\n The kids accepted the challenge and had gotten right to work. They navigated throughout the group to ask their question and then carefully recorded the data. With only a few tools from around the classroom, the kids were able to graph their data from the program's supplied worksheets. There was ease in reading the worksheets, where some third graders were able to complete successfully independently from assistance. For the children who struggled with the reading, the program supplied visuals and charts to help them place the information in its proper place. \r\n Overall, I believe we have a winner with SuperSTEM. Thank you, from all of us here in B10 for adding a little 'sciency spice' in our day!","fullyFundedDate":1749209221484,"projectUrl":"project/science-all-around-us/9359374/","projectTitle":"Science All Around Us!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Shaggy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5686806"},{"teacherId":9258318,"projectId":9145105,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all of your donations. I'm so happy to be starting off the year with my students with all the supplies and materials we need to be successful. \r\nThe stickers, play dough and prizes you provided are more than just fun items, they are powerful motivators that help recognize and celebrate my students' efforts and achievements. These small rewards go a long way in building confidence, encouraging good behavior, and reinforcing a love of learning. I can already imagine the excitement on their faces when they see the new materials they're going to be so excited!\r\nThank you again for your generosity and thoughtfulness. Your contribution helps create a positive and inspiring classroom environment, and we are so grateful to have you in our corner.","fullyFundedDate":1750972797572,"projectUrl":"project/materials-supplies-and-rewards/9145105/","projectTitle":"Materials, Supplies, and Rewards!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9258318_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693939812274","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9258318"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_43868","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":583,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":88,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":47,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":38,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 3","studentTeacherRatio":"13.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":80.1,"schoolId":43868,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Torringford Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Torringford Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/torrington-city-school-district/torringford-elementary-school/43868"}