{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Bucks Hill Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":43.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7025643,"projectId":10413057,"letterContent":"The Bouncy Bands have quickly become one of the most popular additions to our classroom! They give my students a simple, quiet way to move and fidget while they are working, without disrupting their classmates or needing to leave their seats.\r\n\r\nFourth graders are expected to sit, listen, write, read, solve problems, and work independently for long periods of time. For some students, sitting completely still can actually make it harder to concentrate. The Bouncy Bands give those students an appropriate outlet for that extra energy while allowing them to keep their hands focused on their work.\r\n\r\nWhat has been especially exciting is seeing students discover what works best for them. Some students gently bounce their feet while reading, others use the bands while working on math, and many have found that the movement helps them stay engaged during longer lessons.\r\n\r\nThe bands have also helped us create a classroom where students can recognize that everyone learns and focuses differently. Instead of constantly reminding students to \"sit still,\" we can focus on the much more important goal: \"Are you learning?\" The Bouncy Bands provide movement without turning movement into a distraction.\r\n\r\nThank you to our generous donors for recognizing that something as simple as a band around a desk can make a meaningful difference. You have given my students another tool to help them regulate their energy, stay focused, and be successful learners. Most importantly, you have helped me create a classroom where students are encouraged to find the strategies that help them learn best.","fullyFundedDate":1785963000394,"projectUrl":"project/focus-fidget-and-flourish/10413057/","projectTitle":"Focus, Fidget and Flourish","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tuite","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7025643"},{"teacherId":7025643,"projectId":10382637,"letterContent":"This project has completely transformed our classroom! For years, my students and I were working with an old, outdated chalkboard that was difficult to write on, difficult for students to see, and not practical for the way we learn in a modern classroom.\r\n\r\nThe new magnetic dry-erase board has turned that tired chalkboard into a bright, functional learning space that we use every single day. My students can now easily see examples, directions, vocabulary, math strategies, and important reminders from anywhere in the classroom. I can also use magnets to display student work, anchor charts, visual reminders, and other materials without covering up the board.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe board has also made lessons more interactive. Students can come up to the board to solve math problems, demonstrate their thinking, contribute ideas, and share their learning with the class. Instead of treating the board as something the teacher uses, it has become a space that belongs to all of us.\r\n\r\nThank you to our donors for helping turn an outdated classroom space into something my students can use and enjoy every single day. Your generosity has made our classroom more functional, more engaging, and a little more special for the 28 fourth graders who walk through our door each morning.","fullyFundedDate":1784994711801,"projectUrl":"project/a-fresh-slate-for-learning-transforming/10382637/","projectTitle":"A Fresh Slate for Learning; Transforming Our Old Chalkboards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tuite","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7025643"},{"teacherId":7025643,"projectId":10382600,"letterContent":"This project has made a bigger difference in our classroom than I could have imagined. My fourth graders use technology every day for reading, math, research, and other learning activities, and having their own headphones allows them to truly focus on the lesson without being distracted by the sounds coming from 28 other students' computers!\r\n\r\nThe headphones have been especially helpful during individualized learning programs, where students need to listen to directions, read along with digital texts, or watch instructional videos at their own pace. Students who may need to hear something more than once can do so independently, while students who are ready to move ahead can continue learning without interrupting anyone else.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting parts for my students was simply having headphones that belonged to them and a special bag to keep them safe. They were so proud to have a designated place for their headphones and quickly learned that taking care of our classroom supplies is part of being a responsible fourth grader.\r\n\r\nI have also seen a difference in students who can become easily distracted by classroom noise. Having headphones gives them a way to create a quieter learning space for themselves and helps them stay focused and independent. Instead of asking, \"Can I hear it?\" or trying to work while listening to everyone around them, they can simply put on their headphones and get to work.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, technology has become more accessible, organized, and useful in our classroom. These headphones aren't just another piece of technology—they are helping my students become more independent learners and giving them the tools they need to be successful every day. Thank you for investing in my students and helping make our classroom a better place to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1784996360922,"projectUrl":"project/differentially-learning-we-can-all-hear/10382600/","projectTitle":"Differentially Learning We Can All Hear!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tuite","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7025643"},{"teacherId":281030,"projectId":10316966,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for supporting our classroom! The tools will help us organize and write ! We are so excited to have these needed items and we are grateful for your help!\r\n\r\nOrganization and success go together and using these items will help us grow in many ways! My students came to meet their new teacher and classroom and they were so happy to see everything that will help them have a great 5th grade year!\r\n\r\nYour generosity, thoughtfulness, and kindness means a great deal to our 5th grade students!","fullyFundedDate":1781134424311,"projectUrl":"project/fifth-grade-mll-students-write-creativel/10316966/","projectTitle":"Fifth Grade MLL Students Write Creatively","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Silvestri","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp281030_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668172385794","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/281030"},{"teacherId":7062377,"projectId":10071487,"letterContent":"I'm so excited to share this new rug with my students. While it may not be the one I originally looked for this rug has which squares where I will be and to comfortably sit my youngest students,givung then both movement and playing space while in the front of the room. The music symbols will be great for quizzing my older students as well. \r\n\r\nThe bright and colorful markings are really helping to brightening up the space. Once again thank you for being me to get this wonderful new rug to add to my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1776093630419,"projectUrl":"project/new-rug-for-learning/10071487/","projectTitle":"New Rug for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Russell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7062377_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1579286546378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7062377"},{"teacherId":7062377,"projectId":9837626,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for choosing to support my program, classroom, students and ensemble groups. The Firehawks in particular were so excited to hear that we had recieved funding to get these important pieces of sound tech. These will go along way tohelp my stages feel like the performers they are. \r\n\r\nWe can not wait to see how this week charge how the groups are gears by the audience members. We are working hard to find the best way to set these items up both in practice and in our performance opportunities.","fullyFundedDate":1768411347636,"projectUrl":"project/lets-hear-the-firehawks/9837626/","projectTitle":"Let's Hear the Firehawks!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Russell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7062377_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1579286546378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7062377"},{"teacherId":281030,"projectId":10039252,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has transformed in the most beautiful way. The moment the new materials arrived, my students gathered around excitedly.. It became a day filled with curiosity, excitement, and possibility. Your support didn't just deliver supplies, it delivered motivation and confidence.\r\n\r\nWe are already using these resources every day. Students that once hesitated to participate, are now volunteering with enthusiasm. The materials have helped me create more engaging, hands-on lessons that meet students at different levels and makes everyone feel successful.\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and believing in my students.","fullyFundedDate":1769608660822,"projectUrl":"project/whiteboard-easel-and-expo-markers/10039252/","projectTitle":"Whiteboard Easel and Expo Markers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Silvestri","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp281030_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1668172385794","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/281030"},{"teacherId":237299,"projectId":9767570,"letterContent":"Thank you to our generous donors for the thoughtful items that brought so much joy and meaning to my inner-city third graders this Christmas. Each day during the holiday season, my students came in buzzing with excitement, eager to discover a small treat or take part in a special activity that brought joy and warmth to our classroom. These moments—simple yet meaningful—created smiles, laughter, and memories that will last far beyond the season. Without donors like you, opportunities to provide these extra experiences for my students simply wouldn't be possible. The happiness you helped create and the memories we made while celebrating together are truly priceless.","fullyFundedDate":1765289924848,"projectUrl":"project/holiday-smiles/9767570/","projectTitle":"Holiday Smiles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Drewry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp237299_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667058732711","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mdrewry"},{"teacherId":237299,"projectId":9442629,"letterContent":"Thank you so much to our generous donors for the Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards. Your support allows me to supplement the curriculum with engaging, interactive, and comprehensive resources that better meet the needs of my 3rd graders. These materials have had a meaningful impact on student learning by increasing engagement, strengthening understanding of key concepts, and supporting different learning styles. It also enables me to purchase picture-rich, accessible resources for my ELL students, helping them better comprehend lessons and build confidence. I truly appreciate your kindness and investment in my students' growth and success.","fullyFundedDate":1757423236694,"projectUrl":"project/tpt-for-the-win/9442629/","projectTitle":"TPT for the WIN!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Drewry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp237299_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667058732711","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mdrewry"},{"teacherId":237299,"projectId":9718821,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of printer ink to our 3rd grade classroom. Your support makes a meaningful difference in our students' daily learning experiences.\r\n\r\nPrinter ink is an essential classroom resource, allowing me to provide worksheets, reading materials, assessments, and creative projects for my students. Because of your donation, I can focus more on teaching and meeting students' individual needs without worrying about limited supplies. Having access to printed materials helps students practice important skills, build confidence, and stay engaged in their learning.\r\n\r\nYour kindness also supports creativity and celebration in our classroom. We can print student work to display, certificates to recognize achievements, and projects that students are proud to share at home. These small moments have a big impact on student motivation and self-esteem.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your generosity shows our students that their education matters and that their community cares about their success. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness and support. We are truly grateful for your contribution to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758891496014,"projectUrl":"project/ink-ink-and-more-ink/9718821/","projectTitle":"Ink, Ink and More Ink!!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Drewry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp237299_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667058732711","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mdrewry"},{"teacherId":6568632,"projectId":9433036,"letterContent":"My students and I appreciate your hep in creating an organized and orderly learning environment. The bins are big and sturdy and just what our weighted blankets and and stuffed animals needed to rest their heads while the students are out of the room. When the bins are not in use, they are able to collapse for easy storage. The wicker baskets was also a great addition to our table toys. Each backet holds all of our toys we need for that one activity. It keeps everything clean and on the table The colored baskets keep our art supplies organized while we are at the center and are tall enough to hold the pencils. They always fall to the ground on us. The wired racks keep all of our PECS books and binders organized for the staff to pull out and use when they are ready to. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1758558777760,"projectUrl":"project/organization-is-key/9433036/","projectTitle":"Organization is Key","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mancini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6568632_orig.png?crop=1304,1304,x0,y52&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1564968794020","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/llmancini"},{"teacherId":6568632,"projectId":9433155,"letterContent":"I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for you generosity for my class and their assistance with communicating. We have been working hard on creating Picture Exchange books to assist with their language in the classroom. Pictures are being taken, printed, laminated and organized in binders to make communicating easier. Pictures have been posted throughout the classroom and students are being taught how to look at, point to, give them to the teacher to indicate their wants and needs around the room. Communication buttons have batteries and have recordings of language samples. We are also busy creating first/then boards for simple, easy schedules. \r\nSo thank you again because not only will these students get the help, but every student that enters this classroom in future years will also get to experience and learn through picture communication.","fullyFundedDate":1757448440423,"projectUrl":"project/the-key-to-communication/9433155/","projectTitle":"The Key to Communication","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mancini","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6568632_orig.png?crop=1304,1304,x0,y52&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1564968794020","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/llmancini"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44086","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":254,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":78,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"6.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":56.1,"schoolId":44086,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Bucks Hill Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Bucks Hill Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/connecticut/waterbury-public-schools/bucks-hill-elementary-school/44086"}