{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Calusa Park Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":39.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10110306,"projectId":10362208,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of math games to my Kindergarten classroom. I was able to purchase hands-on math games that are making learning fun and exciting for my students. We are using these games during our math rotations to practice important math skills. This includes number recognition, counting, addition, shapes, and problem-solving. The games allow students to learn by doing and they enjoy working together as they practice these very important math skills.\r\n\r\nWhen the boxes arrived at school they couldn't wait to explore and begin playing. It has been wonderful to watch their excitement as they practice math skills without even realizing how much they are learning. These hands-on activities have been helpful for my Kindergartners because they give students the opportunity to touch, move, count, and manipulate objects while building their understanding of critical math skills. .\r\n\r\nThroughout the year we will continue to use these resources to introduce new math concepts and reinforce skills that have already been taught. Our next focus is building a stronger understanding of addition, breaking apart numbers, and finding different ways to make a number. Thank you again for investing in my students and helping create a classroom where learning math is fun, engaging, and meaningful. Your generosity is making a difference in the lives of my kindergarten students every day!\r\n\r\nThis is written in a warm, appreciative tone for your DonorsChoose thank-you letter. It answers all three questions in the requested three-paragraph format while highlighting how the games support hands-on learning in kindergarten.","fullyFundedDate":1787615028220,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-math-learn-play-grow/10362208/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Math: Learn, Play, Grow","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Corneil","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10110306"},{"teacherId":6430034,"projectId":10444666,"letterContent":"The snacks have made such a positive impact in my classroom! Having snacks available helps my students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the school day. Many of my students benefit from having something to eat when they are hungry, especially during long instructional blocks and testing.\r\n\r\nI am so grateful to everyone who helped fund this project. These snacks may seem like a small thing, but they make a real difference in our classroom. Thank you for supporting my students and helping me create an environment where they feel cared for and ready to succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1787593647460,"projectUrl":"project/a-little-snack-a-big-difference/10444666/","projectTitle":"A Little Snack, A Big Difference","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dagher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6430034_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724290816345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6430034"},{"teacherId":549041,"projectId":10360221,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing the joy of reading into our fifth-grade classroom! Because of your generosity, my students now have access to novel sets that allow us to experience wonderful stories together, engage in meaningful discussions, and grow as readers.\r\n\r\nThese books have become so much more than just reading assignments. My students are learning to make connections with characters, explore important themes, ask thoughtful questions, and support their ideas with evidence from the text. Through our novel studies, they are also developing confidence in sharing their opinions and discovering that reading can be both meaningful and enjoyable.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding parts of teaching is watching students become invested in a story. Hearing them discuss characters, make predictions, and eagerly ask what happens next reminds me why shared reading experiences are so powerful.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a classroom where every student can participate in the same literary journey, regardless of their reading background or access to books at home.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students, supporting literacy, and helping us build a classroom community of readers. Your kindness will continue to make a difference with each new group of students who opens these novels.","fullyFundedDate":1787777843000,"projectUrl":"project/just-one-more-chapter-read-alouds-for/10360221/","projectTitle":"“Just One More Chapter…” Read-Alouds for 5th Grade Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McLaughlin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp549041_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752931052896","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/549041"},{"teacherId":549041,"projectId":10218123,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for your generosity in helping fill our classroom with SSYRA books! Having these titles available gives my students the chance to discover new authors, explore different genres, and find stories that truly capture their attention. There is something special about seeing a student find a book they cannot wait to keep reading or hearing classmates talk excitedly about which title someone should try next.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped make reading a bigger part of our classroom culture. These books are not just being added to a shelf—they are being read, shared, discussed, and enjoyed by students every day. Thank you for helping us create more opportunities for students to become enthusiastic, confident readers and for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1779371001226,"projectUrl":"project/turning-pages-under-the-sunshine/10218123/","projectTitle":"Turning Pages Under the Sunshine","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McLaughlin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp549041_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752931052896","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/549041"},{"teacherId":9702535,"projectId":10228369,"letterContent":"Thank you for the profound impact you have had on my classroom. My students are so excited to get these books on their hands. \r\n\r\nI live the fact that many different reading levels are in this set. In addition, I live the fact that both men and women, across many different ethnic backgrounds are represented. It is important that my students see the impact ordinary people can make in the lives of people for many generations. \r\n\r\nThank you for your generosity and support. I could not have provided these resources without your help.","fullyFundedDate":1778505049895,"projectUrl":"project/building-excitement-for-history/10228369/","projectTitle":"Building Excitement for History!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Waxman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9702535_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726672891345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9702535"},{"teacherId":9702535,"projectId":10228220,"letterContent":"Thank you for the very fun and educational card games for my classroom. Testing season is such a challenging time. Students work their best to and try their hardest. They deserve some \"downtime\" to help them decompress after testing. \r\n\r\nIn addition, I am using the Uno cards to practice math facts and other conceits in math. It's an exciting and new way to practice vital content. \r\nEvery donation is very much appreciated. Teaching in a school with many low-income families means gathering supplies for the classroom is sometimes difficult. I love making learning come to life for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1778265461007,"projectUrl":"project/card-game-mania/10228220/","projectTitle":"Card Game Mania","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Waxman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9702535_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726672891345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9702535"},{"teacherId":549041,"projectId":10038662,"letterContent":"Our classroom library is such an important part of our learning community, and these new books are already making a difference! We use books to teach so much more than just reading. Students are learning how to analyze characters, identify themes, compare perspectives, infer meaning, determine author's purpose, and support their thinking with evidence from the text. We also focus heavily on building vocabulary, fluency, and stamina while helping students develop a true love of reading.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom looks very active and engaging. Some days students are gathered in small groups discussing a chapter together, while other days they are independently reading with sticky notes, responding in reading journals, or participating in class discussions. We laugh together over funny moments, pause to make predictions, and have meaningful conversations about characters and real-life connections. Our goal is to help students see themselves as thoughtful readers and confident thinkers.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have already become especially excited about the new books. Some reluctant readers who previously struggled to find books they connected with are now eager to talk about what they are reading and ask for \"just one more chapter.\" Other students have fallen in love with certain series or genres and are recommending books to classmates, which has helped build a strong reading culture in our room. Watching students light up over a story, rush in to continue reading, or proudly share their ideas has been one of the best parts of introducing these new texts.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping make these experiences possible for our students. Your generosity is helping create not only stronger readers, but lifelong learners and book lovers.","fullyFundedDate":1773862507492,"projectUrl":"project/a-novel-idea-for-young-readers/10038662/","projectTitle":"A Novel Idea for Young Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McLaughlin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp549041_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752931052896","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/549041"},{"teacherId":6430034,"projectId":10200906,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom library with the new SSYRA books. We just received the first two books from the list, and my students are already begging to read them! The excitement was immediate, students were asking who gets them first, talking about the covers, and making plans to read them next. It's been so fun to see that kind of genuine enthusiasm for reading, especially this time of year.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this even more special is that we're going to end the school year by reading a 6th grade SSYRA book together as my students get ready for middle school. It's the perfect way to build their confidence and get them excited for what's next. These books are giving my students something to look forward to, while also helping them grow as readers. Thank you for helping bring that excitement into our classroom, we're already loving it!","fullyFundedDate":1776616312719,"projectUrl":"project/the-new-ssyra-list-is-here-help-us-read/10200906/","projectTitle":"The New SSYRA List Is Here, Help Us Read It!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dagher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6430034_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724290816345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6430034"},{"teacherId":6430034,"projectId":10162109,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making this project possible. Because of you, my students get to feel truly special and celebrated on their birthdays. In our classroom, birthdays are a big deal—they're a chance for each child to feel seen, important, and cared for. With the supplies you helped provide, I'm able to make each student's day feel a little extra special. For some of my kids, this might be the only place their birthday is celebrated, which makes it even more meaningful.\r\n\r\nSince we started celebrating birthdays this way, I've seen such a difference in my classroom. The kids get so excited for each other, and it's helped build a really positive, supportive community. When it's their turn, they absolutely light up, and you can tell it means a lot to them. These little moments go a long way in helping my students feel like they belong. I'm so grateful for your support in making that happen.","fullyFundedDate":1775761720628,"projectUrl":"project/making-every-birthday-count/10162109/","projectTitle":"Making Every Birthday Count!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dagher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6430034_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724290816345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6430034"},{"teacherId":6430034,"projectId":10161794,"letterContent":"We are so thankful to our donors for providing I Survived books for our classroom. These books have really made a difference in how students engage with reading. As they read, they are practicing important skills like understanding key details, thinking about characters, and making connections to real events. After finishing a book, students research the actual historical event and compare what they learned in the story to what really happened. This has helped them build stronger comprehension and critical thinking skills in a way that feels meaningful and interesting.\r\n\r\nReading time in our classroom has become something students genuinely look forward to. The books are fast-paced and grab their attention right away, which has been especially helpful for students who don't always enjoy reading. Some of my more reluctant readers are now excited to talk about their books and share what they've learned from their research. It's been great to see their confidence grow. Thank you for helping make reading more engaging and enjoyable for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1773931940165,"projectUrl":"project/i-survived-exploring-history-through-st/10161794/","projectTitle":"I Survived: Exploring History through Stories","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dagher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6430034_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724290816345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6430034"},{"teacherId":6430034,"projectId":10161421,"letterContent":"We are so grateful to our generous donors for providing snacks for our students before reading and testing. When students first saw the snacks and their motivational notes, their faces lit up with excitement and appreciation, it truly set a positive tone for the day. Because of your kindness, our students are able to begin their state assessments feeling supported, confident, and ready to do their best. These small but meaningful gestures help fuel their brains, calm their nerves, and remind them to believe in themselves. Thank you for making such a powerful impact in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1775507003266,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-smarter-test-takers/10161421/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Smarter Test Takers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dagher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6430034_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724290816345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6430034"},{"teacherId":549041,"projectId":10114474,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for providing seat cushions for my students. These cushions made a tremendous difference in our classroom, especially during state testing. My students were required to sit for long periods of time—hours on end—while concentrating, thinking deeply, and doing their very best. Because of your generosity, they were able to sit comfortably, stay focused, and maintain their stamina throughout these demanding testing sessions.\r\n\r\nInstead of shifting in discomfort on hard chairs, they were able to settle in, breathe, and give their full attention to the task in front of them. Many of them commented on how thankful they were to have the cushions and how much easier it was to stay focused. Your support truly helped them feel cared for and set them up for success during one of the most challenging parts of their school year.\r\n\r\nThank you for making such a meaningful impact on their comfort, confidence, and ability to do their best.","fullyFundedDate":1772578756564,"projectUrl":"project/a-softer-seat-for-every-student/10114474/","projectTitle":"A Softer Seat for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McLaughlin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp549041_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752931052896","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/549041"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_71450","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":655,"numTeachers":50,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":23,"percentWhite":16,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":55,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.6,"schoolId":71450,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Calusa Park Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Calusa Park Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/collier-county-public-schools/calusa-park-elm-school/71450"}