{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Southern Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":45.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9117250,"projectId":9848965,"letterContent":"As a special education teacher serving kindergarten and first-grade students with learning differences, I see every day how critical the right literacy materials are to my students' success. Many of my students learn best through structured, hands-on, and visually supported instruction, yet access to appropriate literacy resources is often limited. The addition of specialized literacy materials have had such a meaningful impact on both their academic progress and overall engagement in the classroom.\r\nThese materials have allowed me to better meet each student's individual needs by supporting early literacy skills such as letter recognition, phonemic awareness,and vocabulary development\r\nBeyond academics, these literacy materials will support communication, social interaction, and positive behavior. Predictable routines and engaging texts help my students build confidence, improve attention, and develop expressive and receptive language skills. When students are able to successfully engage with reading activities, I see increased motivation, reduced frustration, and greater independence.\r\nBy adding these literacy materials to our classroom, I have been able to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students have equitable access to high-quality literacy instruction. This investment has helped lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning and foster a love of reading during these critical early years.","fullyFundedDate":1761009965383,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-learning/9848965/","projectTitle":"Literacy Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Axelsson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9117250"},{"teacherId":10312175,"projectId":9829099,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project. Your donations have had a meaningful and lasting impact on our students on the Autism Spectrum by heling them learn how to use their words to communicate and describe the world around them. Our students also loved reading the \"There Was an Old Lady...\" books. These stories provided a fun and engaging way to practice sequencing skills and understanding how stories are organized. After reading, students used what they learned with the Descriptive and Category Rods to sort the items the old lady ate into different categories and describe them using descriptive words. This allowed us to connect reading comprehension, vocabulary, and categorization all in one lesson. In addition, we were able to teach two lessons at once using the Rhyming Word Dominos. Students first learned how to play the game of dominoes, practicing turn-taking and following rules. Then, they worked on identifying patterns and matching words that rhyme. We also shared this activity with families so students could play, teach, or enjoy the game with family and friends at home, strengthening both learning and social connections.\r\nThese materials are now used weekly in our classroom and have given our students increased opportunities to express themselves individually. They are also able to carry these skills into Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies lessons, making learning more meaningful and accessible across the school day. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and support. Because of you, our students have the tools they need to grow as communicators and learners. Thank you for making such a positive difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1760644710656,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-for-nonverbal-minds/9829099/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning for Nonverbal Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Monaco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10312175"},{"teacherId":8104511,"projectId":9823724,"letterContent":"Thank you for your continued support in fostering a literacy-rich learning environment in my classroom. Creating a space where reading, writing, and critical thinking are woven into every aspect of learning has been incredibly meaningful to me. Through engaging read-alouds, diverse texts, interactive word walls, and daily opportunities for writing and discussion, students are encouraged to explore language, express their ideas, and grow as confident, independent thinkers.\r\n\r\nI truly appreciate the encouragement and resources that allow me to nurture a print-rich, supportive classroom where students can develop a love for reading and build the literacy skills they need for lifelong learning. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to student success.","fullyFundedDate":1760383114227,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-rich-kindergarten-classroom/9823724/","projectTitle":"Literacy Rich Kindergarten Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zimmerman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8104511"},{"teacherId":10311112,"projectId":9825946,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of literacy-rich kindergarten classrooms. Because of you, young learners are surrounded by the joy and power of language at one of the most important stages of their development.\r\n\r\nYour contributions help create vibrant classroom environments filled with picture books, alphabet charts, word walls, and hands-on literacy centers that spark curiosity and build confidence. Children now have opportunities to explore writing with colorful journals and markers, discover new vocabulary through engaging read-alouds, and practice essential skills through games, magnetic letters, and listening stations. Even simple additions—like labeled classroom materials and access to digital storybooks—are making a meaningful difference every day.\r\n\r\nMany classrooms would not have access to these essential resources without your support. Because of your generosity, kindergarten students are developing a love of reading and gaining the foundational skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your commitment to our children and their futures. Your investment in early literacy is an investment that will last a lifetime.","fullyFundedDate":1760467294758,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-rich-classroom/9825946/","projectTitle":"Literacy Rich Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marvel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10311112"},{"teacherId":7186530,"projectId":9841908,"letterContent":"We are using the new literacy resources daily during small-group instruction and independent learning time. The materials have been especially impactful for my second grade special education students because they provide hands-on, engaging ways to practice foundational reading skills such as phonics, fluency, and comprehension. Students often use the lap desks while working on the carpet, which has increased both comfort and focus and allows for more flexible learning spaces in our classroom.\r\n\r\nOne especially meaningful moment occurred during a guided reading lesson when a student who typically struggles with decoding used the new materials to successfully read an entire passage independently for the first time. The pride on their face—and the applause from classmates—was unforgettable. Another favorite classroom project involved using the literacy games to practice vocabulary and sentence-building; students worked collaboratively, supported one another, and demonstrated increased confidence in both reading and communication.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the sensory materials provided for our calm-down corner have been invaluable. Students now have a designated space to regulate their emotions and refocus, which has led to smoother transitions and increased readiness to learn. Together, these resources have created a more inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environment where students feel comfortable, confident, and empowered as readers.","fullyFundedDate":1760884657717,"projectUrl":"project/organization-and-improving-my-calm-down/9841908/","projectTitle":"Organization and Improving my Calm Down Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schneider","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7186530_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x32,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1586799308421","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7186530"},{"teacherId":9722294,"projectId":9822085,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support and belief in our students. Because of your donation, children experience the joy of seeing letters and words come alive through colorful, hands-on literacy materials designed just for them. For our kindergarten students in special education, these engaging tools are more than learning aids—they build confidence, spark curiosity, and nurture a lifelong love of reading.\r\n\r\nYour generosity helps provide tactile books, interactive games, and sensory-friendly resources that make literacy accessible and engaging for every child, no matter their learning style. Together, you are opening doors to brighter futures and creating joyful discoveries that will impact our students for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1760362267576,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-engaging-materials/9822085/","projectTitle":"Literacy-Engaging Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9722294"},{"teacherId":10345134,"projectId":9880662,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous support of Governor Meyer, the Delaware General Assembly, and the Delaware Department of Education, my sensory-seeking second grade classroom has been transformed into a more engaging, accessible, and joyful learning environment. My students, who have complex disabilities, thrive when learning is hands-on, visual, and movement-based. The new materials—such as counting peg boards, alphabet and animal matching cards, wooden puzzles, and CVC word matching activities—have allowed my students to practice foundational academic skills in ways that feel meaningful and motivating. Instead of passively observing, they are now actively touching, sorting, matching, and exploring while learning.\r\n\r\nThroughout the day, students are using these resources during small group instruction, independent work time, and center rotations. The hands-on nature of the materials has increased student engagement, attention, and willingness to participate in academic tasks. Students are showing greater confidence when approaching learning activities, and many are beginning to demonstrate skills with less prompting and more independence. These tools also support sensory regulation, helping students feel calmer and more ready to learn, which has had a positive impact on behavior and overall classroom participation.\r\n\r\nThese resources have not only strengthened academic instruction, but they have also built joy, calm, and confidence in my classroom. My students now approach learning with excitement rather than hesitation, and I am able to better meet their diverse sensory and developmental needs. This project has made a lasting impact on my students' ability to access instruction, celebrate their successes, and feel proud of themselves as learners. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to provide them with tools that honor who they are and how they learn best.","fullyFundedDate":1763258676293,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-materials-for-a-sensory-seeking/9880662/","projectTitle":"Literacy Materials for a Sensory Seeking Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hercules","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10345134"},{"teacherId":9847550,"projectId":9821294,"letterContent":"Because of the incredible generosity of Governor Meyer, the Delaware General Assembly, and the Delaware Department of Education, my 2nd and 3rd grade students with complex and severe disabilities now have access to learning experiences that truly meet them where they are. For many of my students, traditional materials are not accessible, but these new resources have opened the door to meaningful participation, confidence, and joy. Seeing students light up while using Alphabots, alphabet matching games, and color and shape activities has been incredibly powerful. These tools are helping students build foundational academic skills in ways that feel achievable and exciting.\r\n\r\nThe sensory and adaptive materials have had an equally meaningful impact. Items like liquid bubble fidgets help students regulate their emotions and bodies so they are ready to learn, while Velcro dots and laminated materials allow us to create customized activities that support independence and success. Even small items like storage bins and iPad chargers have made a big difference by keeping our classroom organized and our communication devices always ready for use. These resources have reduced frustration, increased engagement, and allowed my students to experience success more often throughout their day.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these materials have given my students dignity, voice, and opportunity. Students who once hesitated to participate are now reaching out to engage. Students who struggled to stay regulated are finding comfort and confidence in their learning. This project has not only provided supplies — it has provided hope, access, and belief in what my students can accomplish. I am deeply grateful for the lasting impact this support has had on my classroom and on the hearts of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1760377370422,"projectUrl":"project/sensoryadapted-learning-materials/9821294/","projectTitle":"Sensory/Adapted Learning Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9847550_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760322857968","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9847550"},{"teacherId":6739677,"projectId":9830149,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in fully funding my project, \"Reading Intervention Tool.\" Your support is already making a difference in the lives of my students. \r\n These materials have become the cornerstone of our daily intervention block. Because of your help, I am able to deliver targeted small-group interventions that provide my students with opportunities to engage in multi-sensory learning. The Elkonin Box Boards, as well as the ELkonin Box Floor Mat is helping to facilitate student learning and providing my students meaningful practice with manipulating individual sounds to make words. The Writing Practice Magic Boards have proven to be engaging and has helped to spark excitement when it comes time write and practice new skills. \r\n Providing these research-based tools, you have given my students the support they need to lead them to become successful readers. We are so grateful for your investment in our classroom and our community.","fullyFundedDate":1760756775319,"projectUrl":"project/reading-intervention-tools/9830149/","projectTitle":"Reading Intervention Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cooksey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6739677_orig.png?crop=353,353,x0,y31&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760549228789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6739677"},{"teacherId":10311495,"projectId":9827217,"letterContent":"My students are truly enjoying the new social emotional books and resources.I have several students who struggle to regulate their emotions and these tools have made our calm down corner even more nejoyable and welcoming. In a tough world like the one we live in today, students are dealing with so much more now than ever. Students are coming from trauma filled homes and having a safe place at school helps them feel safe, loved and ready to succeed. I am truly thankful for the gifts and they came in at the perfect time.","fullyFundedDate":1760549545007,"projectUrl":"project/b5s-wish-list/9827217/","projectTitle":"B5's Wish List","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garyeazon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10311495"},{"teacherId":6428464,"projectId":9821388,"letterContent":"Our classroom is beyond grateful for the state of Delaware's contribution towards literacy in the classroom. In addition to our classroom, so many classrooms across the state benefitted from new resources, activities, technology, specialized seating, and more in order to enhance literacy instruction across the state. Teachers so often have to put out their own money for these things, and this campaign was truly a blessing. \r\n\r\nIn our classroom, we have loved having hands on materials for our students to utilize specific to their IEP goals. As our students need repeated exposure in order make progress on their skills, having numerous hands-on activities only increases their engagement. In addition, the use of technology, specifically an iPad, is always motivating. Once again, we are sincerely grateful for the items we were gifted through this campaign.","fullyFundedDate":1760352539027,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-and-technology-an-inclusive-ap/9821388/","projectTitle":"Literacy and Technology: An Inclusive Approach","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bolton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6428464"},{"teacherId":6500781,"projectId":9830946,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation and for providing our classroom with these wonderful learning materials. Because of you, our students are having so much fun while building important reading skills.\r\n\r\nThe students are enjoying practicing their sight words and strengthening their decoding skills through the games that were purchased. They are using the blending boards to practice spelling words with Elkonin boxes, and the magnetic letters have been a huge help as they work on spelling and word-building activities.\r\n\r\nWhen the packages arrived, the students were beyond excited. They loved opening them together as a class and wanted to start using everything right away. They often ask if they can play the games every day—and some have even asked to use them during indoor recess!\r\n\r\nWe truly love all of the learning materials. They have helped us so much as we work to decode words, spell accurately, and master our sight words. Your kindness and support have made a meaningful difference in our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping make learning engaging, hands-on, and fun for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1760665230218,"projectUrl":"project/story-hackers/9830946/","projectTitle":"Story Hackers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jenkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6500781_orig.jpg?crop=707,707,x115,y278&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1563589082647","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6500781"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44537","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":825,"numTeachers":64,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":49,"percentWhite":34,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":54.8,"schoolId":44537,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Southern Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Southern Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/delaware/colonial-school-district/southern-elementary-school/44537"}