{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Veterans Memorial Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":16.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8943158,"projectId":9641415,"letterContent":"My students were incredibly excited about the new art books. Many of them enjoy drawing anime, and having four new books allows each table to follow its own set of directions. Students may use the books during free draw time or when they earn five stars for a free draw party.\r\nMy primary students have been using bingo daubers for the first time, and they were thrilled to try a new tool in the art room. Bingo daubers allow students of all ability levels to create large drawings using ink. Students created either a snowman or a penguin with their bingo daubers to take home before winter break. This project is a favorite among first through third graders.\r\nSuper glue has been a valuable tool when ceramic projects have accidents, break in the kiln, or chip. I assist students in using super glue to reattach broken pieces. This tool teaches students that mistakes happen and that there is always a way to fix them.\r\nThe new organizational baskets, folders, and drawers have helped make our classroom much more organized. Students can easily find past projects if they were absent by checking the bins labeled by grade level. This saves time and allows lessons to continue smoothly without interruption.\r\nThese new materials and supplies have had a very positive impact on our classroom, and we truly appreciate all the support!","fullyFundedDate":1757960710819,"projectUrl":"project/setting-artist-up-for-success/9641415/","projectTitle":"Setting Artist Up for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stowers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8943158"},{"teacherId":9609543,"projectId":9638956,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your incredible generosity! Your donations have truly transformed our classroom into a place full of creativity, collaboration, and joy.\r\nBecause of you:\r\n\r\nDoodle boards have motivated my students to love writing and solving math problems. Craft scissors have sparked creativity and inspired imaginative projects. Whiteboards have given every child a voice—especially those who are less vocal—allowing them to share their ideas with confidence. Clipboards have made learning mobile and flexible, letting students work anywhere in the classroom. Magnetic tiles and building blocks have encouraged teamwork and imaginative play. Foam dice have turned math into a game, making learning fun and engaging.\r\n\r\nEvery single item you provided has made a difference. My students are excited to learn, explore, and create every day because of your kindness. You didn't just give supplies—you gave my students opportunities to grow and shine.\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in our classroom and helping us make learning an adventure!","fullyFundedDate":1756159099211,"projectUrl":"project/choo-choo-steam/9638956/","projectTitle":"Choo- Choo STEAM","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Soriano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9609543"},{"teacherId":10191805,"projectId":9627711,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to our classroom. Because of your support, all students have made great strides both academically and socially. These additions have already made a meaningful difference in our learning environment.\r\n\r\nMy students were absolutely elated when the new materials arrived! They love the flexible seating options and are excited to use them during both small group instruction and intervention times. The wobble stools have helped students stay engaged, comfortable, and focused while learning. In addition, students can earn the opportunity to use the flexible seating during whole group instruction by working hard and being a \"Star Stool Student\" which has been a wonderful motivator and source of pride within our classroom environment.\r\n\r\nThe whiteboard easel has also been a valuable tool, allowing for more interactive lessons and student participation. Students use the whiteboard feature as a collaborative planning space during classroom activities. Students also use the easel as a reference tool for all of our learned phonics skills within our current unit of study. Together, these resources have created a more dynamic, supportive, and student-centered classroom. \r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful for your generosity and investment in my student, both present and future as we will continue to utilize these learning tools for years to come. Your support has truly enhanced the learning experience of my students and brought so much joy to our classroom. Thank you for making such a positive impact!","fullyFundedDate":1758049317951,"projectUrl":"project/with-flexible-seatingwe-can-read-write/9627711/","projectTitle":"With Flexible Seating…We Can Read, Write, and Share Together!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Trueblood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10191805"},{"teacherId":10282952,"projectId":9761588,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the bucket chairs and seat sacks! The students were so excited to see the new editions to the classroom. Every student received a seat sack and we have 6 bucket chairs. The seat sacks allow for so much work space on their tables. This is so important because we do a lot of Team work activities. This allows for large charts, displays and even cooperative puzzles. We do Teamwork Tuesday where a new puzzle appears and the students work on it throughout the day when they have time. The goal is to finish as a classroom and they love to try and get it done in one day. The bucket chairs allow for flexible seating during reading time as well as math. Sometimes we use them as a reward other times they just like to sit in them around the room for a quiet comfy spot. Thanks so much for the key editions to our room!!","fullyFundedDate":1758846800363,"projectUrl":"project/smart-seats-smart-spaces/9761588/","projectTitle":"Smart Seats, Smart Spaces","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hudson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10282952"},{"teacherId":10187669,"projectId":9689203,"letterContent":"Receiving the flexible seating grant has made a meaningful and immediate difference in our classroom community. Students are already reaping the benefits of having seating options that support their individual learning needs. With the addition of wobble stools, floor seats, and other flexible choices, students are more engaged, more comfortable, and more eager to participate in daily learning activities.\r\n\r\nThe excitement in the room is noticeable—students take pride in selecting the seating that helps them focus best, and many have expressed how much they enjoy the new options. These tools have not only boosted motivation but have also created a more inclusive environment where every learner feels empowered to take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nThis grant has truly transformed our classroom, and we are grateful for the opportunity to provide students with a space that supports their success both academically and emotionally.","fullyFundedDate":1762363919361,"projectUrl":"project/seats-for-success/9689203/","projectTitle":"Seats for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schaps","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10187669"},{"teacherId":10189310,"projectId":9623844,"letterContent":"Our new flexible seating has already transformed the way my students learn each day. The portable lap desk have given them the freedom to choose spaces where they feel most focused and comfortable. One of my favorite moments happened during writing time: a student who often struggles to stay engaged settled into a portable lap desk, gently moving as she wrote, and she stayed focused for the entire block—something that rarely happened before. Moments like this have shown me just how powerful the right environment can be for a child's confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first walked in and saw all the new seating options, they gasped. Several of them whispered, \"Wow, this is for us?\" They immediately wanted to try every seat, switching between stools and cushions with big smiles. Their excitement quickly turned into purposeful learning—students naturally gravitated toward the seating that helped them do their best work.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has created a classroom where students feel comfortable, supported, and eager to learn. As we move into our next reading and math units, these flexible seats will play a huge role in helping students stay focused during small-group lessons, independent reading, and hands-on math centers. We are beginning more challenging literacy tasks that require sustained attention, and the new seating is already helping students stay calm and engaged.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students a learning environment that meets their needs and makes them feel valued. Your support is making a meaningful difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1755638211745,"projectUrl":"project/sitting-for-all/9623844/","projectTitle":"Sitting for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Padilla","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10189310"},{"teacherId":10187669,"projectId":9621474,"letterContent":"Receiving the flexible seating grant has made a meaningful and immediate difference in our classroom community. Students are already reaping the benefits of having seating options that support their individual learning needs. With the addition of wobble stools, floor seats, and other flexible choices, students are more engaged, more comfortable, and more eager to participate in daily learning activities.\r\n\r\nThe excitement in the room is noticeable—students take pride in selecting the seating that helps them focus best, and many have expressed how much they enjoy the new options. These tools have not only boosted motivation but have also created a more inclusive environment where every learner feels empowered to take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nThis grant has truly transformed our classroom, and we are grateful for the opportunity to provide students with a space that supports their success both academically and emotionally.","fullyFundedDate":1755563305254,"projectUrl":"project/seats-for-success/9621474/","projectTitle":"Seats for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schaps","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10187669"},{"teacherId":1118301,"projectId":9624587,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to my project \"Fostering Stem and Social Skills with Legos\". My school Veterans Memorial Elementary is a Leader in Me school. One aspect of being such a school is that we believe that the students have a voice and get to show their voice through many avenues. One avenue is the creation of clubs. Each year the students get a voice to create a club and then vote for the clubs that should be created the following school year. These clubs are various- stemming from sports related, to photography, debate, and then there is my LEGO club. \r\nDuring the regular school day, there is the focus on academics. Students do collaborate with each other, but it is academic related with the exception of recess and lunch, which is more or less an unstructured collaboration. With your grant funding my project, students were able to collaborate in a structured environment, but not needing to focus on the worry of an academic grade. In this Lego club, students learned to focus on the social skills of sharing, getting along, taking turns, listening to each other's ideas, using each other's ideas, giving input to plans, among many other social skills. Students used their creativity to immerse themselves in following directions to create projects following a specific set of directions, or they used their creativity to create a project of their own imagination.\r\nThe students in this club range from the third grade to the fifth grade. They enjoy coming to the club each scheduled time and one can see the excitement as they try building something new. I appreciate your generosity in funding my project and so do the students present, as well as the students in future years.","fullyFundedDate":1755642540975,"projectUrl":"project/fostering-social-and-stem-skills-with-le/9624587/","projectTitle":"Fostering Social and Stem Skills With Legos","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Osten","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1118301"},{"teacherId":10177776,"projectId":9684773,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for generously funding our flexible seating project! Your support has transformed our classroom in ways that are already changing how students learn, collaborate, and feel about coming to school each day.\r\n\r\nSince introducing the new seating options—such as wobble stools, floor cushions, soft seating, and standing spaces—students have shown noticeable improvements in focus, comfort, and ownership of their learning environment. Many of my students who often struggled to stay engaged now feel empowered to choose the space that helps them do their best work. Others who once felt anxious or restless are finding it easier to settle into tasks because they have the freedom to move, stretch, or sit in a way that meets their needs.\r\n\r\nThe classroom atmosphere feels more calm, welcoming, and student-centered. Group activities run more smoothly, discussions feel more energized, and students take pride in caring for and organizing the new seating options. Most importantly, they feel seen—your contribution tells them that their learning experience matters.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and investing in the well-being and success of my students. Your generosity has created a daily impact that will continue to support learners for years to come. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1757715683136,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-learning/9684773/","projectTitle":"Flexible Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cecil","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10177776_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757021838786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10177776"},{"teacherId":10177776,"projectId":9597046,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, the animals in our local shelters, and myself, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support of our Humane Helpers project. Your funding made this project not only possible, but deeply meaningful for everyone involved.\r\n\r\nThanks to your contribution, students were able to create dozens of vibrant, expressive portraits of shelter animals—artwork that has already made a visible difference in adoption interest. Shelter staff report that the painted portraits have helped potential adopters pause, connect, and see each animal's personality in a new way. Several pets featured in student artwork have already been adopted, and many more have received increased attention both in person and on social media.\r\n\r\nYour support also created powerful learning experiences for our students. They gained hands-on artistic practice, but even more importantly, they discovered how their creativity can be used for compassion and community impact. Many students shared that this project helped them feel empowered, proud, and connected to a purpose larger than themselves. Some even came into the classroom before school to finish artwork. \r\n\r\nBecause of your funding, I was able to provide high-quality art supplies, and protective materials that helped elevate the final pieces and ensure they could be displayed beautifully in the shelters. Your investment directly translated into a project that was both educational and life-changing—and in some cases, life-saving—for the animals who benefitted.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in this work. Your generosity has strengthened our community, uplifted our students, and opened the door to new beginnings for animals in need. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1755364479836,"projectUrl":"project/humane-helpers/9597046/","projectTitle":"Humane Helpers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cecil","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10177776_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757021838786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10177776"},{"teacherId":10185206,"projectId":9616873,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous contribution of the BrainPop subscription, books and beanbags to our fourth-grade classroom. Your support has made a tremendous difference—especially for my boys, many of whom have discovered an excitement for reading because of the environment you helped create.\r\nOur classroom serves 70 students throughout the day, and the beanbags have quickly become one of the most exciting parts of independent reading time. To make sure everyone gets a turn, I keep a checklist so each student—especially those eager boys who sprint to them first—can enjoy a cozy reading spot. Turning reading time into something comfortable and inviting has truly changed the atmosphere in our room.\r\nThe books you provided have opened so many doors for them. The LeBron James books are especially popular, sparking conversations, friendly recommendations, and a lot of renewed motivation from students who connect with his story. I'm seeing boys who were once reluctant readers settle into a beanbag, open a book, and stay completely absorbed—something every teacher loves to witness.\r\nYour kindness has not only enriched our classroom but has inspired these students to read with joy, comfort, and purpose. Thank you for believing in them and contributing to a space where they can grow, imagine, and feel successful.","fullyFundedDate":1755712546869,"projectUrl":"project/engage-away-and-dont-sit-still/9616873/","projectTitle":"Engage Away and Don't Sit Still","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sorensen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10185206"},{"teacherId":10177129,"projectId":9595581,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support! Our classroom now has a mini trampoline, and it has already made a meaningful difference for our students with special needs. We recently used it during a sensory movement activity designed to help students regulate their energy, improve balance, and strengthen core muscles. The moment the students first saw the trampoline, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. Some couldn't wait to try it, and others were eager to cheer on their classmates.\r\n\r\nThe trampoline has quickly become a favorite tool for helping students focus and engage more fully in learning activities afterward. Our next steps include incorporating it into structured motor skills lessons and daily sensory breaks, giving each student the opportunity to build coordination, confidence, and self-regulation skills. Your contribution is helping create a classroom environment where all students can thrive both physically and academically, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1755785800636,"projectUrl":"project/motivational-movement/9595581/","projectTitle":"Motivational Movement","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Robison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10177129"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_94689","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":729,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":94,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":67,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":83.3,"schoolId":94689,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Veterans Memorial Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Veterans Memorial Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/collier-county-public-schools/veterans-memorial-elementary-school/94689"}