{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Norcrest Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9161322,"projectId":10533517,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping bring the Little Spot books and characters into my elementary music classroom! We have been using these wonderful resources to explore feelings, practice emotional awareness, and connect music with the ways we experience and express emotions through singing, movement, rhythm, and play.\r\n\r\nEven this early in their use, the impact is noticeable. A few weeks into using these materials, a student was having a difficult time managing their emotions and struggled to rejoin the group. Using the Little Spot characters, we explored which color Spot might represent how they were feeling. This gave the student a gentle way to identify and communicate their emotions. Together, we discussed ways to help that feeling. What could have remained a challenging moment became an opportunity to practice self-regulation and emotional awareness, and I look forward to these materials giving us many of these opportunities in the future.\r\n\r\nThe Little Spot books have given my students accessible tools to understand their feelings, navigate difficult moments, and develop kindness and empathy for others. Thank you for helping my students grow not only as musicians, but also as confident, compassionate people!","fullyFundedDate":1787630159462,"projectUrl":"project/once-more-with-feeling/10533517/","projectTitle":"Once More, With Feeling","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9161322_orig.jpg?crop=1349,1349,x1914,y141&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724270202135","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9161322"},{"teacherId":9161322,"projectId":10408823,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding our three sets of resonator bells! Our K–1 students were so excited to see and play these new instruments, and your generosity has opened up wonderful opportunities for them to explore music in hands-on, meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nOur kindergarteners have been using the bells to improvise their very first pentatonic melodies, discovering how they can create their own music with just a few notes. Our first graders have been playing simple melodies using the color-coded bars, helping them experience the joy and confidence of playing recognizable tunes on real instruments. Their enthusiasm as they experiment, make musical choices, and share their creations has been wonderful to see!\r\n\r\nWe look forward to building on these experiences as students continue exploring rhythm, pitch, and musical creativity. Thank you for helping our youngest musicians discover that they are not just listeners, but creators of music!","fullyFundedDate":1786541596274,"projectUrl":"project/resonator-bells-for-rising-musicians/10408823/","projectTitle":"Resonator Bells for Rising Musicians","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9161322_orig.jpg?crop=1349,1349,x1914,y141&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724270202135","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9161322"},{"teacherId":9161322,"projectId":10391835,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making this project possible! These beautiful song picture books have brought music and literacy together in a fun, meaningful way for my kindergarten and first grade students. As we sing, move, and play along with each story, students practice listening comprehension, sequencing, vocabulary, and connecting illustrations to words and meaning.  They are learning that reading can be an interactive experience filled with music, movement, and imagination, AND practicing critical foundational musical skills like echoing, steady beat, and pitch awareness.\r\n\r\nThe books have been especially valuable for my young learners who benefit from visual support, including English language learners and students with disabilities. The illustrations help bring each song to life, making it easier for everyone to follow along, understand the story, and participate with confidence. Best of all, these books encourage students to revisit favorite songs again and again, building familiarity and a growing love of reading.  I'll frequently get requests for a favorite - \"There Was a Man and He Was Mad\" is the current Kindergarten hit!\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite things is seeing students get excited about sharing songs beyond our classroom, whether singing with friends, teaching a song to a sibling, or performing for their families.  Thanks to your generosity, my students are discovering that they can be musicians, readers, and storytellers all at once. You have helped create joyful learning experiences that will continue long after music class ends. Thank you for investing in my students and their love of learning!","fullyFundedDate":1784913207925,"projectUrl":"project/sing-me-a-story/10391835/","projectTitle":"Sing Me a Story","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9161322_orig.jpg?crop=1349,1349,x1914,y141&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724270202135","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9161322"},{"teacherId":9161322,"projectId":10417262,"letterContent":"This past week was the first meeting of our our third and 4th grade drum circle club. These are students who meet before the school day, and many have been members for multiple years. Because we have a new conga stand, for the first time students were able to get out that drum and set it up themselves. For the first time, a student could play the big djembe without their legs getting tired part way through and needing to switch to a different drum.\r\n\r\nIt's incredible how much of an impact a seemingly small change like having a stand for a drum can make. Because we have these stands, students can actually play these real, professional quality drums we've had for years, but have been physically difficult for students to access. It's so wonderful to see joy radiate from a child's face as they're playing a drum that's as big as them, and making incredible music with it.\r\n\r\nOne student, who has been in Drum Circle for the past four years, told me that this is the first time he's ever been able to play the conga, because before it was too tall, and he didn't know how to set it up, and that he's \"decided the conga is my favorite drum now, because of the tone.\" This child's experience was only possible because of this project.\r\n\r\nThese drum stands will live in our classroom for years to come, enabling hundreds and thousands of children to play drums that fit them. Classes and classes of kids will be able to make music without worrying about dropping a drum, but will instead get to focus on playing the song that's in their heart, and working with others to make something beautiful. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for making all of this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1787320469800,"projectUrl":"project/elevate-our-drumming/10417262/","projectTitle":"Elevate Our Drumming","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9161322_orig.jpg?crop=1349,1349,x1914,y141&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724270202135","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9161322"},{"teacherId":9161322,"projectId":10258817,"letterContent":"It's always striking how something seemingly so simple can make such a big impact. Because of your incredible generosity, our bass xylophone is no longer a huge, heavy thing stuck in one spot, but is instead a wonderfully mobile, dynamic instrument.\r\n\r\nOne period it's over with the other xylophones, all playing together. The next, it's over by the rug, providing the soundtrack to a story. Shortly after, it's at the front of the room as the bass line for a folk dance, then at a small group station being used for a composition. The music room is big, and our bass xylophone has now seen every corner!\r\n\r\nStudents who are fully of energy now have an instrument they can stand to use. Times when we're not using it, our expensive and delicate bass xylophone can now be easily tucked away, making sure it's ready for the next opportunity to play. There are so wonderfully many ways a stand with a set of wheels has made my classroom a more creative, more flexible, and more musical place.\r\n\r\nThis isn't a one-and-done project - this xylophone stand will continue providing these opportunities for musical creativity and exploration in our classroom for years to come. I am filled with gratitude for your generosity, and I'm looking forward to sharing the gift you've given us with generations of students.","fullyFundedDate":1786541589181,"projectUrl":"project/roll-roll-roll-your-xylophone/10258817/","projectTitle":"Roll, Roll, Roll Your Xylophone","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9161322_orig.jpg?crop=1349,1349,x1914,y141&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724270202135","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9161322"},{"teacherId":9161322,"projectId":10144230,"letterContent":"It's always striking how something seemingly so simple can make such a big impact. Because of your incredible generosity, our bass xylophone is no longer a huge, heavy thing stuck in one spot, but is instead a wonderfully mobile, dynamic instrument. \r\n\r\nOne period it's over with the other xylophones, all playing together. The next, it's over by the rug, providing the soundtrack to a story. Shortly after, it's at the front of the room as the bass line for a folk dance, then at a small group station being used for a composition. The music room is big, and our bass xylophone has now seen every corner!\r\n\r\nStudents who are fully of energy now have an instrument they can stand to use. Times when we're not using it, our expensive and delicate bass xylophone can now be easily tucked away, making sure it's ready for the next opportunity to play. There are so wonderfully many ways a stand with a set of wheels has made my classroom a more creative, more flexible, and more musical place.\r\n\r\nThis isn't a one-and-done project - this xylophone stand will continue providing these opportunities for musical creativity and exploration in our classroom for years to come. I am filled with gratitude for your generosity, and I'm looking forward to sharing the gift you've given us with generations of students.","fullyFundedDate":1776093080491,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-out-new-musical-possibilities/10144230/","projectTitle":"Rolling Out New Musical Possibilities","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9161322_orig.jpg?crop=1349,1349,x1914,y141&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724270202135","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9161322"},{"teacherId":9161322,"projectId":9566848,"letterContent":"Since receiving these new white polo shirts, my chorus students now have access to clean, well-fitting loaner uniforms whenever they need one. On concert days, students who don't have a uniform shirt from home can quietly borrow one, knowing it will fit properly and look just like everyone else's. This has made a noticeable difference in how students carry themselves - standing taller, smiling more confidently, and focusing fully on their singing rather than worrying about their appearance.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new shirts, they were excited and relieved. Several commented on how nice they looked and how comfortable they felt compared to the old, worn-out polos we had been using for years. For some students, simply knowing that a uniform is available to them removes a source of stress and makes participating in chorus feel truly accessible and welcoming.\r\n\r\nWith this barrier removed, our chorus can focus even more on making music together. As we continue rehearsing and preparing for performances, students are developing teamwork, musical skills, and self-confidence. Thanks to our donors, every child who wants to sing can step on stage feeling prepared, proud, and ready to share their voice.","fullyFundedDate":1760693613549,"projectUrl":"project/looking-our-best-singing-our-hearts-out/9566848/","projectTitle":"Looking Our Best, Singing Our Hearts Out","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9161322_orig.jpg?crop=1349,1349,x1914,y141&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724270202135","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9161322"},{"teacherId":9161322,"projectId":9565096,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students are now making music together every single day with our new djembes! From the first moment I unpacked the drums, the excitement was contagious. Students immediately began exploring rhythms, sharing ideas, and reminding each other how to hold and care for the \"new\" instruments. Their pride and ownership have been wonderful to see - they know these drums are something special, and they treat them that way.\r\n\r\nThe djembes have quickly become a favorite part of both our regular music classes and our before-school Drum Circle Club. Because they're small, durable, and high quality, students of all ages, from 3-year-old preschoolers to fifth graders, can play them comfortably and confidently. Even my toughest-to-engage students light up when it's time to drum, and the teamwork and focus that emerge during each session have been inspiring.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a real difference in my classroom. These drums have brought new energy, joy, and connection to our music program, and every beat reminds us of the kindness that made it possible. Thank you for helping my students build confidence, cooperation, and community through music-making.","fullyFundedDate":1760693647642,"projectUrl":"project/drumming-up-confidence/9565096/","projectTitle":"Drumming Up Confidence!","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Oliver","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9161322_orig.jpg?crop=1349,1349,x1914,y141&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724270202135","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9161322"},{"teacherId":9684341,"projectId":9613500,"letterContent":"Thank you for your gift of books and library seating. Your generous support has helped my students foster a love for reading. They were so excited when they came to class and saw their new library.\r\n\r\n It is because of the generosity of donors like you that students can continue to dream big and make an impact in our world. One of my students has now graduated to reading chapter books, and she loves to read books that are in a series. My class loves the wide variety of reading materials they have in their class now.\r\n\r\nWe really appreciate your help and support!","fullyFundedDate":1759789246654,"projectUrl":"project/for-the-love-of-reading/9613500/","projectTitle":"For the Love of Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9684341"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_45137","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":628,"numTeachers":55,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":32,"percentWhite":15,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":48,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":63.7,"schoolId":45137,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Norcrest Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Norcrest Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/broward-county-public-schools/norcrest-elementary-school/45137"}