{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"E.C. Stevens Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":43.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1639431,"projectId":9414376,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been buzzing with excitement and discovery! The new manipulatives you helped fund have transformed our literacy and math lessons into hands-on, engaging experiences that reach every learner.\r\nWhen the boxes arrived, my students' eyes lit up with curiosity and joy. They couldn't wait to explore the hand2mind Advancing Phonics Word Work sets, using them to build words and strengthen their phonics skills. During small group reading time, students eagerly sound out CVC words, moving letters and tiles to create real and nonsense words — all while building confidence and fluency.\r\nIn math, the Cactus Counting Desert Math Set and Geoboards have brought abstract concepts to life. Students are using the cactus counters to practice addition, subtraction, and number composition in a fun, visual way. The geoboards have become a favorite during math centers, where students create shapes, explore geometry, and even design patterns collaboratively. The Pop Blocks Fidget Toys have been an unexpected hit — they double as sensory tools and a creative way to practice color recognition and spelling.\r\nThese resources have made our classroom more interactive and inclusive, allowing every child to learn through touch, movement, and play. The engagement and enthusiasm I've seen during lessons are incredible — students who once hesitated to participate are now leading small group discussions and sharing their thinking proudly.\r\nAs we continue the school year, we'll be using these materials to deepen our understanding of number sense, strengthen foundational phonics skills, and build independence in small-group learning. Your donation didn't just supply materials — it created moments of discovery, confidence, and joy in learning every single day.\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our classroom and helping our kindergartners grow through hands-on learning.\r\nWith gratitude,\r\n[Your Name]\r\nKindergarten Teacher\r\n\r\nWould you like me to make a shorter version (around 150–200 words) for posting directly on DonorsChoose?","fullyFundedDate":1751228981732,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-reading-and-math-mani/9414376/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning: Reading and Math Manipulatives for Kindergarten Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Medeiros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1639431_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1464612124116","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/medeiros17"},{"teacherId":1639431,"projectId":9418916,"letterContent":"Your donation has made powerful difference in the lives of my students by helping us build a joyful, hands-on learning environment where math skills and teamwork grow naturally.\r\n\r\nThrough playful activities and collaborative learning, these materials have:\r\n\r\nSparked excitement and curiosity around math concepts like counting, shapes, and patterns\r\n\r\nEncouraged students to work together, share ideas, and solve problems as a team\r\n\r\nBuild important fine motor skills and early numeracy through engaging, hands-on games and tools\r\n\r\nCreated a positive space where every child feels included, confident, and ready to learn\r\n\r\nThese resources will set the foundation for a lifetime of learning and help students develop the joy and confidence they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us bring play and purpose together in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1751671906384,"projectUrl":"project/play-with-purpose-building-joy-math-a/9418916/","projectTitle":"Play With Purpose: Building Joy, Math, and Collaboration in Kindergarten!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Medeiros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1639431_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1464612124116","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/medeiros17"},{"teacherId":1639431,"projectId":9383455,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now includes some amazing tools that have completely transformed the way we learn, collaborate, and engage each day.\r\n\r\nThe tabletop easel has become an essential part of our small group and whole-class instruction. Whether we're working on phonics during guided reading or solving math problems together, this easel gives students a clear, central place to focus. One memorable moment was during a reading group when a student confidently took on the role of \"teacher\" and used the easel to guide their peers through word decoding—seeing that leadership and engagement was incredible!\r\n\r\nThe stacking stools have added a much-needed flexible seating option. Students use them for group work, centers, and partner activities. They love having the choice to grab a stool and move to a space where they feel comfortable learning. These stools have helped students who need to wiggle or shift during lessons stay focused and feel empowered to choose what works best for them.\r\n\r\nThe standing desk has been a game-changer for students who focus better when they can stand or move around. One student in particular, who often struggled to stay seated, now chooses the standing desk every day—and their productivity and confidence have skyrocketed. It's also a great tool during project-based learning, allowing students to collaborate while having a space that feels more professional and grown-up.\r\n\r\nStudent reactions\r\nWhen students first saw these new additions, their eyes lit up! There were so many excited questions: \"Can I use the standing desk today?\" \"Are those stools for us?\" They immediately recognized that these materials were meant to make learning more comfortable and fun—and they've treated them with care and gratitude from day one.\r\n\r\nWhat's next for our classroom\r\nAs we head into our next units, we're using these materials to support everything from writing workshops to STEM challenges. Students will be rotating through learning stations where they can use the standing desk for presentations, the easel for collaborative problem-solving, and the stools for flexible seating during independent and group work. These tools are helping us build independence, responsibility, and a love of learning.\r\n\r\nFrom all of us—thank you.\r\nYour support gave our classroom more than just furniture—it gave us freedom, choice, and motivation. These resources are helping students thrive every single day, and we're so grateful to have donors like you who believe in what we do.","fullyFundedDate":1749601158944,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-dynamic-classroom-with-smal/9383455/","projectTitle":"Creating a Dynamic Classroom with & Small Group Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Medeiros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1639431_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1464612124116","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/medeiros17"},{"teacherId":1639431,"projectId":9416145,"letterContent":"The moment we rolled out the Home Dynamix area rug, everything changed—our classroom finally had a true gathering space. We now use this beautiful, soft rug as the central hub for our whole group lessons, morning meetings, independent reading time, and even quiet brain breaks. It has become a space where learning feels a little more like home.\r\n\r\nOne specific moment that stands out was during a recent read-aloud and SEL discussion. We gathered on the rug in a circle, and I could see how much more relaxed and engaged my students were. They were comfortable, calm, and fully present—ready to learn and share with one another. This rug has given us more than just a physical space; it has helped create a stronger classroom community.\r\nTheir reactions were priceless! As soon as they walked in and saw the rug, there were gasps and excited chatter. Several students immediately dropped to their knees to touch it and said, \"This is so soft!\" and \"Is this really for us?\" It was a moment of genuine joy and appreciation. For many of my students, having a cozy, dedicated learning space like this is something truly special.\r\nNow that we have this space, our next steps include diving into more collaborative projects, like book clubs and peer-led discussions. The rug provides a perfect area for these types of group activities. We're also using it for mindfulness practices and reflective journaling—helping students not only grow academically but emotionally as well.\r\n\r\nTo our generous donors: thank you for helping transform our classroom into a place where students feel valued, comfortable, and excited to learn. Your support is making a lasting impact every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1750774636283,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-cozy-learning-space-rug-clas/9416145/","projectTitle":"Creating a Cozy Learning Space: Rug Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Medeiros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1639431_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1464612124116","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/medeiros17"},{"teacherId":1639431,"projectId":9374223,"letterContent":"Having a soft, designated space for students to gather is essential in creating a warm, welcoming, and engaging classroom environment. Students can now comfortably engage in whole group discussions, independent reading, or partner activities. The Flutesan Plush Foam Floor Mats will provide a cozy and safe area for students to sit, read, collaborate, and participate in learning without discomfort from the hard floor. The interlocking design also makes the space flexible and easy to maintain.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, chair pockets will help students stay organized by giving them a dedicated place to store their materials. This supports their executive functioning by minimizing clutter, reducing lost supplies, and helping them transition more smoothly between activities.\r\n\r\nFinally, the addition of stools will enhance our flexible seating options, giving students choice in where and how they learn. Many students are more motivated and focused when they can move or sit in a way that feels comfortable to them. Stools are especially helpful during small group instruction or collaborative work, encouraging participation and movement while supporting a positive classroom dynamic.\r\n\r\nTogether, these items have helped to create a more student-centered, organized, and comfortable learning environment that promotes engagement, independence, and a sense of community.","fullyFundedDate":1748213247645,"projectUrl":"project/a-soft-spot-to-learn-and-a-place-for-eve/9374223/","projectTitle":"A Soft Spot to Learn and a Place for Everything","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Medeiros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1639431_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1464612124116","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/medeiros17"},{"teacherId":1639431,"projectId":9373627,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible support of our classroom project! Your donation of shelves and stools has made a truly meaningful and lasting impact on our kindergarten learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe new shelves have completely transformed our classroom library and learning spaces. Books are now beautifully displayed and easily accessible, encouraging even our most reluctant readers to explore stories on their own. The excitement on my students' faces when they browse through our neatly organized shelves is priceless! These shelves also now hold our learning centers and block play materials, giving students the independence to choose and return materials with care and responsibility.\r\n\r\nThe addition of stools has created cozy, flexible seating areas that allow students to sit comfortably while reading, working in centers, or collaborating with their peers. These simple pieces of furniture have helped create a more student-friendly, inviting, and organized classroom that supports both academic and social growth.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom is not only more functional, but also a space that sparks joy and learning every day. Thank you for believing in the power of early education and helping to give my students a space they are proud of and excited to learn in.","fullyFundedDate":1748134100000,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-classroom-library-shelving-f/9373627/","projectTitle":"Building a Classroom Library: Shelving for Student Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Medeiros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1639431_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1464612124116","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/medeiros17"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44075","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":301,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":38,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":65,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 2","studentTeacherRatio":"10.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":56.5,"schoolId":44075,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about E.C. Stevens Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"E.C. Stevens Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/wallingford-public-school-district/e-c-stevens-elementary-school/44075"}