{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"New Castle Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":39.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3001553,"projectId":9822121,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing my classroom with new whiteboards, dry erase markers, and chart paper. Because of you, my students now have the tools they need to actively engage in their learning every single day.\r\n\r\nThe new whiteboards have already made a tremendous difference. Students are excited to solve problems, share their thinking, and participate more confidently during lessons. The dry erase markers and chart paper allow us to collaborate, brainstorm ideas, and make our learning visible in ways that simply weren't possible before.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping to create a more interactive, organized, and inspiring learning environment. My students feel proud and motivated using these new materials, and I am so grateful for your investment in their education.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and in the potential of my students. Your support truly makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1760372475063,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-learn-out-loud/9822121/","projectTitle":"Help Us Learn Out Loud!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Syken","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3001553"},{"teacherId":7650915,"projectId":9882086,"letterContent":"Our students have been able to utilize the sensory and social-emotional learning materials to support their sensory needs and improve their emotional regulation, allowing them to be more successful in their classrooms. They were very excited upon seeing the new materials, and the positive impact was immediate. The items have already helped students calm themselves, refocus, and engage more effectively in their learning. Moving forward, I would like to explore additional beneficial sensory tools to further enhance the calming corner and continue supporting students who rely on it to regulate their emotions and sensory needs.","fullyFundedDate":1762703555012,"projectUrl":"project/ms-waters-calming-corner/9882086/","projectTitle":"Ms. Waters' Calming Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Waters","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7650915"},{"teacherId":10310366,"projectId":9823136,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose. Because of your kindness and generosity, my students now have access to tools and resources that are already making a meaningful difference in their learning experience.\r\n\r\nAs a special education classroom, every material we use serves a specific purpose. The spinny chairs have quickly become a favorite. Many of my students benefit from movement throughout the day, and these chairs allow them to safely release energy while still staying engaged in instruction. What may look like \"just a chair\" to some is actually a powerful self-regulation tool for our learners.\r\n\r\nThe small crayons have also been a huge blessing. For students developing fine motor skills, standard-sized crayons can be difficult to grip and control. These smaller crayons encourage proper finger placement and strengthen the muscles needed for handwriting. Along with the handwriting line ink roller, we are now able to create clear writing lines on worksheets and activities, giving students the visual boundaries they need to form letters correctly and confidently.\r\n\r\nThe ABC popsicles and ABC puzzle have added a hands-on, interactive element to our literacy time. My students thrive when they can physically manipulate letters and sounds. These tools help reinforce letter recognition, sequencing, and phonics skills in a way that feels like play but is deeply purposeful instruction.\r\n\r\nThe body sock has been especially impactful. For students with sensory processing needs, this tool provides calming deep pressure input that helps them regulate their bodies and emotions. I've already seen students use it to reset and return to learning more focused and ready to participate.\r\n\r\nThe teacher pointer and teacher scissors may seem simple, but they are daily-use essentials. The pointer helps direct attention during lessons, especially for students who need clear visual cues. The teacher scissors allow me to prepare adapted materials safely and efficiently, which is crucial in a classroom where many assignments are modified to meet individual needs.\r\n\r\nLastly, the light covers for our ceiling lights have transformed our classroom environment. Fluorescent lighting can be overstimulating and distracting for many students, particularly those with sensory sensitivities. The covers soften the lighting and create a calmer, more welcoming space where students feel safe and comfortable.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not just provided supplies it has created opportunities. You have helped build an environment where students can regulate their bodies, strengthen foundational skills, and feel supported in their learning journey.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for believing in our classroom. Your investment in our learning community truly matters, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1761255411582,"projectUrl":"project/k12-intensive-b-setting-classroom/9823136/","projectTitle":"K/1/2 Intensive B-setting Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Coleman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10310366_orig.jpg?crop=2061,2061,x0,y137&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761253430369","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10310366"},{"teacherId":7365436,"projectId":9826730,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom is now a place where students can focus on learning instead of worrying about their most basic needs. Your support has provided snacks, food items, and personal care products that are already making a meaningful difference in the lives of my students.\r\n\r\nThe personal care items you provided — deodorant, wipes, toothbrushes, and other essentials — offer something just as powerful: dignity. These items may seem small, but to a child navigating social and academic spaces, they mean confidence and security. \r\n\r\nBecause of you, no student in our classroom has to sit through a lesson distracted by hunger or weighed down by unmet personal care needs. Instead, they can focus on what truly matters — learning, growing, and thriving.","fullyFundedDate":1763498179042,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-students-basic-needs-for-bri/9826730/","projectTitle":"Supporting Students’ Basic Needs for Brighter Learning Days","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Allen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7365436_orig.jpg?crop=624,624,x0,y143&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659558620251","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7365436"},{"teacherId":6873673,"projectId":9842061,"letterContent":"Your support helps bring STEM learning to life by giving students hands-on access to 3D printing and design activities. Students learn by doing as they imagine ideas, create models, and turn their designs into real objects. \r\n\r\nThese experiences build curiosity, confidence, and problem-solving skills while helping children see that learning can be creative, fun, and meaningful. \r\n\r\nYour investment ensures young learners have opportunities to explore technology, think like engineers, and develop a love for STEM early on.","fullyFundedDate":1760884904181,"projectUrl":"project/fifth-grade-literacy-and-science/9842061/","projectTitle":"Fifth Grade Literacy and Science.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Stiner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6873673_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724969443500","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6873673"},{"teacherId":10336099,"projectId":9865392,"letterContent":"The new resources have quickly become an integral part of our everyday life at New Castle Elementary, especially in supporting students' self-regulation skills. We are using the sensory space throughout the day to help students practice identifying their needs, calming their bodies, and building independence in managing their emotions and sensory input. The materials allow students to access the input they need in a proactive, positive way, which has made a meaningful difference in their ability to engage in learning.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate and contagious. They eagerly explored each new piece of equipment and were thrilled to try everything out. Even now, more than a month later, that enthusiasm has not faded—students continue to ask for opportunities to use the space and remain highly motivated to participate.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we plan to continue expanding the sensory space and thoughtfully introduce even more students to the equipment. Our goal is to support self-regulation not just within one classroom, but across the school, helping create an environment where all students are better able to regulate, learn, and succeed. We are so grateful for your support in this!","fullyFundedDate":1761965141631,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-and-emotional-regulation-for-st/9865392/","projectTitle":"Literacy and Emotional Regulation for Students with Disabilities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alli","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336099"},{"teacherId":10336228,"projectId":9865654,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations. My students are having many of their sensory needs met when they come into my classroom. They absolutely love the tunnel and stepping stones, as well as the trampoline. Many of my students just need a 5 minute sensory break before they are ready to tackle class.\r\n\r\nMany of my students were curious what things were. Once they realized they could move the stepping stones to make an obstacle course, or lie in the tent with the animal sounds and lights, many of them smiled.\r\n\r\nMy next steps are to try to add to the collection of sensory items in order for there to be a variety.","fullyFundedDate":1761998212345,"projectUrl":"project/ms-keys-key-to-sensory/9865654/","projectTitle":"Ms. Keys’ Key to Sensory","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Keys","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336228"},{"teacherId":3527652,"projectId":9821842,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to our classroom. Your support has made a difference in our daily learning environment.\r\n\r\nMy students especially enjoyed using the calming tools when they needed a break during the school day. These tools helped them regulate their emotions, refocus, and return to learning. The students have ways to manage stress and emotions, which has made our classroom a calmer and more supportive place for everyone.\r\n\r\nThe books you donated have also had a powerful impact. They have helped with conversations around conflict resolution and given students strategies to work through disagreements. In addition, the stories opened our eyes to diversity, allowing students to see different perspectives, experiences, and cultures. These discussions have helped build empathy, understanding, and a stronger sense of community in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe students have enjoyed using the small group phonics kits during reading club. They have built confidence and more independence. We love that they are magnetic and easy to keep organized. \r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in my students and their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1760406175686,"projectUrl":"project/read-to-succeed/9821842/","projectTitle":"Read to Succeed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DeCampli","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3527652"},{"teacherId":8083493,"projectId":9822765,"letterContent":"My classroom has greatly benefited from the flexible seating and new books. First, my students have loved having a nice, new carpet in their classroom. It brings in color and brightens up the room. The carpet having large smiley faces has also allowed them more opportunities to sit on the carpet as a class while maintaining personal space, which they love. We have had movie days since receiving our materials, and students were able to lay on the carpet, use the flexible floor seats, and comfortable enjoy the movie with their classmates. \r\n\r\nStudents have also loved reading the new series that we received! They grab their favorite book, and get comfy on our seats and carpet to read. I have seen more students reaching for a physical book than ever before. The books have brought back an excitement of reading for some students.","fullyFundedDate":1760371090876,"projectUrl":"project/today-a-reader-tomorrow-a-leader/9822765/","projectTitle":"Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Babinger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8083493_orig.jpg?crop=315,315,x0,y38&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1675100363838","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8083493"},{"teacherId":7365436,"projectId":9822870,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping us create a space where young readers can thrive. Your generosity has already made a meaningful impact on my students, who are curious, creative, and eager to learn every single day.\r\n\r\nMany of my students are still developing foundational literacy skills—learning how sounds connect to letters, how words are built, and how reading can become smooth and confident. Thanks to you, our students now have access to the Snap and Match Sound Cards, which provide engaging, hands-on phonics practice. Through play, repetition, and exploration, students are strengthening their sound-letter connections and building confidence as readers.\r\n\r\nYour donation also helped us create a warm and inviting reading corner in our classroom. The new rug defines a special space where students gather for read-alouds and small-group lessons, while the Flex-Space Floor Seats give them comfortable choices for independent reading. These flexible seating options empower students to find a spot where they feel relaxed, focused, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, you have helped foster a love of reading in our classroom. My students are excited to visit the reading corner, eager to practice their skills, and proud of their growth. None of this would be possible without your kindness and support.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their future. We are incredibly grateful for you!\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,\r\nYour grateful teacher and students","fullyFundedDate":1760382498052,"projectUrl":"project/wiggles-and-words/9822870/","projectTitle":"Wiggles and Words","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Allen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7365436_orig.jpg?crop=624,624,x0,y143&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659558620251","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7365436"},{"teacherId":10314216,"projectId":9842303,"letterContent":"The \"sentence game,\" as they called it, was a huge hit with my Mighty Multilingual Learners. They enjoyed constructing English sentences with a partner or independently, and then reading these sentences using the whisper phones (they loved this part). I introduced these tools by reviewing the color codes and modeling how to use them to construct sentences in English. As they worked, they revised and edited their sentences. The color coded tiles are self correcting, allowing them to work independently. After practice rounds, they presented their sentences aloud to the class. This exercise enhanced oral language and presentation skills. \r\nAs we practiced for the annual ACCESS test (which measures English proficiency) I have noticed that my students' writing and speaking skills have improved significantly.\r\nThis experience enabled my students to bond with each other, increase their oral language skills, and promoted a safe environment for them to take risks and feel comfortable doing that. The feelings chart allowed my challenging student (and the others) to take a time out and learn to control impulses and inappropriate behavior. Thank you so much for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1760899997991,"projectUrl":"project/my-mighty-multi-linguals/9842303/","projectTitle":"My Mighty Multi-linguals","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beck","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10314216"},{"teacherId":1439994,"projectId":9833621,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible support and generosity in purchasing reading games for our classroom. \r\n\r\nThe new reading games have quickly become a favorite part of our literacy lessons. Students are excited to participate, and their confidence in reading continues to grow with each activity.\r\n\r\nYour kindness not only provided valuable educational tools but also demonstrated to my students that there are people who genuinely care about their learning and success. \r\n\r\nThank you once again for your generosity and for helping my students thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1760764529958,"projectUrl":"project/play-the-work-of-childhood/9833621/","projectTitle":"Play -- The Work of Childhood","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McLaughlin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1439994_orig.jpg?crop=542,542,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760547999765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1439994"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44526","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":483,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":46,"percentWhite":20,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.4,"schoolId":44526,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about New Castle Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"New Castle Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/delaware/colonial-school-district/colwyck-elementary-school/44526"}