{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Carrie Downie Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":43.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10341427,"projectId":9874616,"letterContent":"My students love the flexible seating you were able to provide for them. They use the green seats every day during our math group on the carpet. It makes it easier to write on the raised desk and they are always the first seats students grab! The wobble stools are also something we use every day since they are at my kidney table. They love sitting in them! The books also have gotten great use- we used them during buddy reading with second grade and one of my students said he read all of them in the span of one week! Everything was a success!\r\n\r\nOnce my students saw all the boxes they couldn't wait to see what was inside! They were so excited for the new seating and were ready to use everything right away. The most popular choice has been the green desk seats- they love to be able to complete work while sitting comfortably.\r\n\r\nI would love to be able to provide even more seating for my students. Since the green desk seats have been such a hit, I would love to provide them with more (I only got 3 - I didn't realize they would love them so much!)\r\n\r\nThank you so much for everything! My class appreciates it all!","fullyFundedDate":1762643666544,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-fourth-grade/9874616/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Fourth Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zeager","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10341427"},{"teacherId":2430290,"projectId":9854899,"letterContent":"Thanks to the Donors Choose donations of stools, wobble seats, cushions, Scholastic news, science text, and other reading engagement materials my students have been able to work and improve in reading. The chairs help them be comfortable around the room. The cushions also let them sit and read in areas that are comfortable for them. Scholastic News allows us to read and discuss what's going on in the world around us. We will use our science text as we head into our new science topics on matter and ecosystems. Our conversation cubes have helped us get to know each other by reading and talking about what the questions ask. This is how the donations have helped my students. \r\n\r\nStudents come to school and want to feel comfortable and safe. The materials I was provided through Donors Choose allows for that. Our chairs are not always the most comfortable so in using the cushions or the stools kids can attend to their texts more. The wobble seats especially help students with attention issues focus and do their work. More focused students allows for more growth in their learning.\r\n\r\n The science text and Scholastic News are materials that allow our class to read and discuss things that matter to them. My students have lots of questions about what's going on in the world and in science. These articles and these texts help us by learning more and answering questions we have had.","fullyFundedDate":1762082984606,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-for-all/9854899/","projectTitle":"Literacy for All","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ernst","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2430290"},{"teacherId":1472835,"projectId":9868735,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through my recent DonorsChoose project. Because of your generosity, my students and I have been able to bring new energy and opportunities into our daily learning. They have been excited to come to reading group each day and to continue with their studies.\r\n\r\nWe are already putting the new resources to great use. One special moment that stands out was during a recent lesson when students were able to use the materials for a hands-on activity connected to our curriculum. Seeing them actively engaged, collaborating, and excited to participate reminded me of why these resources matter so much. They weren't just completing an assignment—they were truly involved in their learning. They also love reading together on our little bench. It is their favorite spot for partner work, and they have actually asked if we can get another one because they love it so much.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were thrilled. Their faces lit up as we opened the boxes, and they immediately started asking when they could use everything. That excitement carried straight into our lessons, where I've noticed increased focus and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, my students also have meaningful next steps ahead. We are continuing to build on our current lessons by using these resources to deepen understanding, practice new skills, and work on collaborative projects. These tools are helping my students grow more confident and curious every day. We use the cardstock for notecards, our word wall, to track our reading progress, and to add to our interactive reading notebooks.\r\n\r\nYour support gave my students a direct message that their learning matters and that people care about their success. Thank you for giving them this encouragement and for making a real difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1762084536659,"projectUrl":"project/a-pop-of-literacy-building-an-engaging/9868735/","projectTitle":"A Pop of Literacy: Building an Engaging Reading Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williamson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1472835_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762093292765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mswilliamsonsclass"},{"teacherId":10338963,"projectId":9869260,"letterContent":"I want to express my gratitude for your generosity in funding my recent classroom project. Your decision to support my students has provided us with essential resources that were out of reach. It is heart-warming to see such generosity and willingness to invest in our students. My students and I are honored to be the recipients of such kindness.\r\n\r\nThe arrival of these new materials made such a positive impact on our daily learning environment. Whether it is through the technology accessories (e.g. headphones) or hands-on supplies (e.g. golf pencils, slant boards, wipe boards), my students are now engaging with their lessons in more meaningful ways. These tools are not just physical items; they are catalysts for curiosity and discovery that empower my students to explore new concepts with confidence.\r\n\r\nBeyond the immediate benefits, your gift sends an encouraging message to my students: that their education matters and that there is a community of people cheering for their success. Thank you for your commitment to education and for making a lasting difference for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1762194607796,"projectUrl":"project/essential-tools-for-effective-reading-in/9869260/","projectTitle":"Essential Tools for Effective Reading Instruction","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Manlove","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10338963"},{"teacherId":10324439,"projectId":9848535,"letterContent":"This project has been wonderful for my 2nd grade classroom and my students are enjoying the new books. These books have taught us about various cultures, holidays, and people. We especially enjoyed reading books about holidays like Hanukkah, Kwanza, Christmas, and others. \r\n\r\nAdditionally, the flexible seating options have provided my students with a fun and relaxing way to enjoy reading in the classroom. We use them daily while we are practicing partner reading, sitting on the carpet, and at our desks. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1761225843465,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-literacy-through-culture-and/9848535/","projectTitle":"Supporting Literacy through Culture and Diversity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garlin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10324439"},{"teacherId":9229095,"projectId":9869152,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations. The supplies that i received will make a huge impact on students health and literacy. \r\nMost supplies will be used to ensure students remain healthy within the school building so that they can remain in their seats. This will allow their academic performance to increase. The books will be used for students who are waiting in the nurses office to practice their literacy skills. I have already had many students ask \"can I please read?\" which is amazing. \r\nThank you again for your support in making sure my students are healthy and improve their literacy skills.","fullyFundedDate":1762362380571,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-practice-in-the-nurses-office/9869152/","projectTitle":"Literacy Practice In The Nurses Office","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kimberly Purcell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9229095"},{"teacherId":9018126,"projectId":9850624,"letterContent":"We are using the new resources throughout the day to support learning, regulation, and community building. One special moment was during literacy centers, when students gathered on the rainbow scallop area rug and soft floor cushions to work with CVC word builders, magic e word games, and sight word flash cards. Students took turns building words in dry erase pockets and then moved to the reading nook—complete with book-themed pillows—where they practiced reading with a partner while staying comfortable and focused.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. They were especially drawn to the flexible seating, plush emotion toys, and weighted stuffed animals, which quickly became part of our calming corner. The snacks were also a big hit and helped students refuel during longer learning blocks. Many students asked if we could use the new tools \"every day,\" and they showed increased engagement and motivation right away.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our next steps include expanding our phonics and social-emotional learning work. Students are currently using emotion plush toys and A Little SPOT of Feelings to identify emotions and practice calming strategies before transitioning back to academics. We are also organizing materials in the rolling utility cart so students can independently access fidget tools, dry erase dots for goal setting, and literacy supplies. These resources are helping students build confidence, independence, and a love of learning—and none of it would be possible without your support.","fullyFundedDate":1761335335925,"projectUrl":"project/create-a-cozy-corner-for-reading-and-fee/9850624/","projectTitle":"Create a Cozy Corner for Reading and Feeling Our Emotions!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Farnan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9018126_orig.jpg?crop=1144,1144,x41,y425&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682969586784","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9018126"},{"teacherId":10341833,"projectId":9875643,"letterContent":"We have been using the new resources daily during small-group instruction and independent learning time. One memorable moment was when students worked together to apply the materials to a hands-on lesson, and I saw them confidently explaining their thinking and supporting one another using academic language. It was exciting to watch their independence and engagement grow in real time.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate—they were eager to explore and couldn't wait to get started. Several students commented on how the resources made learning feel more fun and accessible, which helped boost their motivation and confidence.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our next steps include using these materials to deepen skill practice and extend learning through collaborative projects and targeted lessons. Students will continue building their skills by applying what they've learned to more complex tasks, while also reflecting on their growth and celebrating their progress along the way.","fullyFundedDate":1762801662025,"projectUrl":"project/building-brighter-minds-creating-an-eng/9875643/","projectTitle":"Building Brighter Minds: Creating an Engaging and Inspiring Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Little","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10341833"},{"teacherId":10356447,"projectId":9908547,"letterContent":"Thank you all so much for taking the time to donate to our classroom. The items provided have tremendously helped my students in many ways. The whiteboards support small-group instruction, and the finger grippers assist students who need help with smaller print. The movable supply caddy allows materials to be easily accessible for all students, and the name tags help students access numbers and letters independently.\r\n\r\nWhen the students saw the boxes being delivered, they were very eager and curious. \"Is that for us?!\" There were so many more great things that were donated!\r\n\r\nThe new cozy and comfortable seat has been a wonderful addition to our calming corner, along with the fidgets that help students regulate themselves. Students have opportunities to work toward rewards and prizes by showing good behavior, using listening ears, being respectful, and working hard.\r\n\r\nFirst-grade students love concrete items such as fake tattoos, Legos, fidgets, and more! The magnetic bins placed on the board help us organize our day and the materials we need. All of these items are being utilized, our students are happy, and we want to say thank you so much again for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1764555745173,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-and-sweet/9908547/","projectTitle":"Cozy and Sweet","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bussey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10356447"},{"teacherId":10336115,"projectId":9865420,"letterContent":"I am the Occupational Therapist at Carrie Downie Elementary School. I support students with diverse learning needs in all grades: Kindergarten through 5th. A lot of students that I support demonstrate differences in regards to their sensory processing abilities that impact upon their availability for learning. These students require supports and accommodations to help meet their sensory based needs and these supports are a foundation to their learning.\r\n\r\nThe sensory tools provided (wobble cushions, noise cancellation headphones, weighted items, fidget tools, etc.) are already helping these learners regulate their bodies, maintain attention, and feel comfortable in the classroom. \r\n\r\nBecause of your support, these students now have tools and resources that are instrumental in meeting their unique needs. Thank you so very much for believing in them!!!! Your kindness and generosity has helped to provide opportunities!","fullyFundedDate":1761965512212,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-sensory-needs-for-student-suc/9865420/","projectTitle":"Supporting Sensory Needs for Student Success: Calm Bodies, Focused Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. P","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336115"},{"teacherId":9229095,"projectId":8701382,"letterContent":"The first aid supplies I received were used to create first aid kits for each classroom. The teachers and students benefit from these kits because it allows minor skin injuries to be taken care of in the classroom which limits disruptions to instruction. I created a snack bin with the goldfish for students who may be hungry and who experience food insecurity at home. The choking poster was placed outside my office door for easily access during a choking emergency. A hygiene station had been set up for students who may need supplies.\r\n\r\nI am so grateful for your support as it had allowed me to provide supplies to students who may be experiencing poverty!","fullyFundedDate":1734374374178,"projectUrl":"project/hygiene-snacks-and-organization/8701382/","projectTitle":"Hygiene, Snacks, and Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kimberly Purcell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9229095"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44535","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":391,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":37,"percentWhite":27,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":26,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"16.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":56.1,"schoolId":44535,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Carrie Downie Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Carrie Downie Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/delaware/colonial-school-district/carrie-downie-elementary-school/44535"}