{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kernan Trail Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":50.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3723004,"projectId":9362681,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my music classroom has become a space where students are learning not only how to listen to music, but how to listen carefully to the world around them. As a music teacher working with Kindergarten through 5th grade students in both inclusion and self-contained settings, I aim to create meaningful learning experiences that are accessible, engaging, and inspiring for every child. Thanks to your support, my students are discovering that music exists everywhere, including in the natural environment that surrounds our school.\r\n\r\nOur school is located next to a beautiful subtropical pine rock forest, and Florida's climate invites wildlife directly onto our campus. Birds are present throughout the day, singing, feeding, and moving through the trees near our classrooms. With the birdsong recordings, flash cards, and music stands you helped provide, we transformed these daily encounters into a structured learning experience focused on listening, observation, and appreciation. Students now use the music stands to follow visual materials and recordings while actively listening to bird calls, comparing pitch, rhythm, and tone. This approach allows students with a wide range of learning needs to participate meaningfully through sound, visuals, movement, and discussion.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials were first introduced, students responded with excitement and curiosity. The plush birds with authentic sounds immediately captured their attention. As each bird call played, students eagerly shared which sounds they recognized from outside our classroom windows. Some students focused on identifying colors and physical features using the flash cards, while others closed their eyes to concentrate on subtle differences in sound. For many students, particularly those in self-contained settings, these hands-on and auditory resources made learning both accessible and joyful.\r\n\r\nOne especially meaningful moment occurred when our students spotted a Florida Scrub Jay near the school for the first time this year. I explained that this bird is found nowhere else in the world and is considered endangered. Students were deeply moved by this information and quickly understood how rare and special the experience was. This led to thoughtful conversations about conservation, responsibility, and caring for the environment. Students now regularly express concern for the birds during storms and excitement when they see them flying confidently through the trees on windy days.\r\n\r\nThis project has allowed my passion for music and birdwatching to come together in a way that resonates with students. They are learning to identify birds both visually and aurally, strengthening essential listening skills that directly support their musical development. Students are beginning to understand that birdsong is a form of music, expressive, emotional, and purposeful. One student shared that the birds \"sound like they are telling a story,\" a reflection that shows how deeply they are connecting with both music and nature.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, students will continue expanding this work by creating sound maps, comparing bird calls to musical instruments, and composing simple musical patterns inspired by the sounds they hear outdoors. These materials will remain an integral part of our music curriculum, supporting creativity, inclusion, and real-world connections.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping them see that learning can be inspired by the world around them. Your generosity has opened their ears and hearts, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a lasting appreciation for both music and the environment.","fullyFundedDate":1752586243532,"projectUrl":"project/let-the-melody-of-birdsong-fill-your-sou/9362681/","projectTitle":"Let The Melody Of Birdsong Fill Your Soul","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Castaneda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3723004_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470327022217","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/music-castaneda"},{"teacherId":3723004,"projectId":9356469,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my music classroom has become a space where students are learning not only how to listen to music, but how to listen carefully to the world around them. As a music teacher working with Kindergarten through 5th grade students in both inclusion and self-contained settings, I aim to create meaningful learning experiences that are accessible, engaging, and inspiring for every child. Thanks to your support, my students are discovering that music exists everywhere, including in the natural environment that surrounds our school.\r\n\r\nOur school is located next to a beautiful subtropical pine rock forest, and Florida's climate invites wildlife directly onto our campus. Birds are present throughout the day, singing, feeding, and moving through the trees near our classrooms. With the birdsong recordings, flash cards, and music stands you helped provide, we transformed these daily encounters into a structured learning experience focused on listening, observation, and appreciation. Students now use the music stands to follow visual materials and recordings while actively listening to bird calls, comparing pitch, rhythm, and tone. This approach allows students with a wide range of learning needs to participate meaningfully through sound, visuals, movement, and discussion.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials were first introduced, students responded with excitement and curiosity. The plush birds with authentic sounds immediately captured their attention. As each bird call played, students eagerly shared which sounds they recognized from outside our classroom windows. Some students focused on identifying colors and physical features using the flash cards, while others closed their eyes to concentrate on subtle differences in sound. For many students, particularly those in self-contained settings, these hands-on and auditory resources made learning both accessible and joyful.\r\n\r\nOne especially meaningful moment occurred when our students spotted a Florida Scrub Jay near the school for the first time this year. I explained that this bird is found nowhere else in the world and is considered endangered. Students were deeply moved by this information and quickly understood how rare and special the experience was. This led to thoughtful conversations about conservation, responsibility, and caring for the environment. Students now regularly express concern for the birds during storms and excitement when they see them flying confidently through the trees on windy days.\r\n\r\nThis project has allowed my passion for music and birdwatching to come together in a way that resonates with students. They are learning to identify birds both visually and aurally, strengthening essential listening skills that directly support their musical development. Students are beginning to understand that birdsong is a form of music, expressive, emotional, and purposeful. One student shared that the birds \"sound like they are telling a story,\" a reflection that shows how deeply they are connecting with both music and nature.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, students will continue expanding this work by creating sound maps, comparing bird calls to musical instruments, and composing simple musical patterns inspired by the sounds they hear outdoors. These materials will remain an integral part of our music curriculum, supporting creativity, inclusion, and real-world connections.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping them see that learning can be inspired by the world around them. Your generosity has opened their ears and hearts, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a lasting appreciation for both music and the environment.","fullyFundedDate":1752586242340,"projectUrl":"project/let-the-melody-of-birdsong-fill-your-sou/9356469/","projectTitle":"Let The Melody Of Birdsong Fill Your Soul","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Castaneda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3723004_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470327022217","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/music-castaneda"},{"teacherId":4032891,"projectId":9878016,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project, Coloring Our Classroom Bright. Because of your generosity, our students are enjoying the new chalk and magnetic light-up magnets, which have brought excitement, creativity, and engagement into our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe students absolutely love using these materials to explore, create, and learn in fun, hands-on ways. Your support has truly helped brighten our classroom and made learning even more joyful for our students.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your kindness and investment in our classroom. Thank you for helping make our learning space colorful and inspiring!","fullyFundedDate":1765557504194,"projectUrl":"project/coloring-our-classroom-bright/9878016/","projectTitle":"Coloring Our Classroom Bright","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spain","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4032891_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533688509898","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/amanda-spain"},{"teacherId":3476375,"projectId":9407254,"letterContent":"Let me begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude for everything you have done for me and for my Adaptive P.E. classes. Your generosity has made a tremendous difference. The kids have been overjoyed with the new equipment and materials I've been able to provide because of your support. Students who were once hesitant or rarely active are now getting up, moving, and participating with genuine excitement. Your contribution has truly helped create an environment where every child feels encouraged, included, and capable. Thank you for believing in our program and in the potential of every student.","fullyFundedDate":1758823327064,"projectUrl":"project/ese-adaptive-pe-equipment/9407254/","projectTitle":"ESE Adaptive PE Equipment","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Moore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3476375_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1586284229182","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3476375"},{"teacherId":8118104,"projectId":9272291,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for our wobble chairs! The students love them. When I'm pulling a small group or one on one with student testing, these wobble chairs help children relax and stay focused on the task at hand.\r\nThe wobble chairs also help students who are having a rough day on the seated area for whole group instruction by giving students way to de stress. So they sit away from other students but still there by them but using the wobble chairs as a way to de-escalate their behavior until they are ready to come back and try again. \r\nAgain we are thankful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1755613489982,"projectUrl":"project/wobble-while-we-read/9272291/","projectTitle":"Wobble While We Read","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8118104_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634430772668","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8118104"},{"teacherId":10304316,"projectId":9798309,"letterContent":"Thank you again for supporting our classroom! The addition of our new class couch has transformed our little reading nook into one of the most loved spaces in the room. Students use it daily during independent reading time, partner reading, and even during our \"author's chair\" moments when they share their writing with the class. One of my favorite moments so far was watching two reluctant readers settle into the couch together with a stack of graphic novels—completely absorbed and taking turns reading aloud. It was the first time I'd seen them so engaged, and it was a wonderful reminder of how inviting spaces can spark a love of reading.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first walked in and saw the couch, their excitement was immediate and contagious. Many of them ran their hands across the cushions, asking, \"Is this really for us?\" A few even plopped down right away with their current books, eager to try it out before the day had officially begun. The couch quickly became a symbol of comfort and ownership—something special that belongs to them, thanks to the generosity of donors like you.","fullyFundedDate":1759951265140,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-up-with-a-good-book-student-readin/9798309/","projectTitle":"Cozy Up with a Good Book: Student Reading Nook","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McDaniel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10304316"},{"teacherId":5444830,"projectId":9286261,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Fuel Up for Learning and Gift Cards project. Your generosity has made such a meaningful difference in our classroom, and I wanted to share the impact you've had on my students.\r\n\r\nOne of the biggest thrills for my class has been the ability to print in color right inside our room. You should have seen their faces the first time they watched their work come out of the printer in bright, vibrant color—it was like magic to them! We've used the color ink to print color-coded data graphs, helping students clearly visualize their progress and truly understand how they're growing. Being able to see their data in such an engaging, easy-to-read format has motivated them in a way that plain black-and-white never could.\r\n\r\nYour support also provided a Teachers Pay Teachers gift card, which has added so much excitement and creativity to our lessons. We've enjoyed several math escape-room–style challenges, and the students absolutely loved the teamwork and problem-solving involved. We even incorporated a personalized lesson into our classroom bulletin board display—something the students were proud to help design and show off.\r\n\r\nFrom enhancing their daily learning to boosting their confidence, your generosity is felt in our room every single day. Thank you for believing in my students and giving them tools that make learning meaningful, engaging, and fun. We are truly grateful for your kindness and support.\r\nWith heartfelt thanks,\r\nJill Snodgrass\r\n5th Grade Teacher","fullyFundedDate":1755692263428,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-for-learning-gift-cards-ink-ple/9286261/","projectTitle":"Fuel for Learning: Gift Cards & Ink, Please!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Snodgrass","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5444830_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y58&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626695062717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5444830"},{"teacherId":9127612,"projectId":9676544,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the big box of science materials and their very own lab coats, their faces absolutely lit up with excitement! They couldn't wait to put them on and start experimenting like real scientists. Having the lab coats made them feel official and confident — it was so fun watching them walk around saying, \"I'm a scientist now!\"\r\n\r\nSince receiving the materials, we've been able to complete so many hands-on experiments that bring our science lessons to life. Whether we're exploring states of matter, testing how plants grow under different conditions, or learning about force and motion, my students are fully engaged and eager to make discoveries. Instead of just reading about science, they are now doing science — measuring, predicting, and recording data just like professionals.\r\n\r\nThese resources have truly transformed our science time into one of the most exciting parts of the day. As we move through the rest of the school year, we'll continue using these materials for every unit, allowing students to keep exploring, questioning, and thinking critically. Thank you for helping turn my classroom into a real science lab and for giving my students the opportunity to learn through discovery and wonder!","fullyFundedDate":1757683199308,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-science-in-second-grade/9676544/","projectTitle":"Exploring Science in Second Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kirton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9127612_orig.jpg?crop=652,652,x11,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1714495185463","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9127612"},{"teacherId":9127612,"projectId":9710188,"letterContent":"When my students first saw all the new items for our classroom shop, their faces absolutely lit up! They could hardly wait to start earning their \"class cash\" and began immediately talking about what they wanted to save up for. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom economy has become one of their favorite parts of the week.\r\n\r\nWe use the shop as part of our behavior management system — students earn money for showing great behavior, completing work, helping others, and doing well on tests. Every Friday, they get to \"shop\" for items using the money they've earned. It's been amazing to see how this has encouraged responsibility, teamwork, and goal-setting.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was seeing a student proudly save up for several weeks to buy something special from the shop — it was such a great example of patience and motivation! The classroom feels more positive and focused because students are taking ownership of their actions and learning that hard work pays off.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be continuing to use this system as we move into new academic units, helping students stay motivated and engaged all year long. Your donation truly made this possible, and I can't thank you enough for helping create such a fun, motivating classroom environment!","fullyFundedDate":1762266307551,"projectUrl":"project/stocking-our-classroom-shop/9710188/","projectTitle":"Stocking Our Classroom Shop","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kirton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9127612_orig.jpg?crop=652,652,x11,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1714495185463","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9127612"},{"teacherId":4032891,"projectId":9711610,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our Hands-On Success project has come to life in our kindergarten classroom! The new learning tools you helped provide have made a big difference in how my students explore, learn, and grow each day.\r\n\r\nOur Alphabet Learning Locks and Find the Letter Activity Center have turned literacy time into an exciting hands-on adventure. Students love matching letters and unlocking new words—it's like solving a secret code every time! These materials are helping my young learners strengthen letter recognition and early reading skills while having fun.\r\n\r\nThe Tweezer Tongs Color Sorting Kit and Jungle Rescue Fine Motor Game have become instant favorites during centers. These engaging tools are improving my students' hand-eye coordination and fine motor control, which are essential for writing. Watching their concentration and joy as they sort, squeeze, and rescue jungle animals is heartwarming!\r\n\r\nEven our new mini golf pencils have been a big hit. They're just the right size for little hands and help my students develop a proper pencil grip as they practice their letters and numbers.\r\n\r\nYour donation has truly supported hands-on, purposeful learning in our classroom. You have given my students tools that make learning active, meaningful, and full of smiles. Thank you for believing in the power of play-based education and for helping my kindergarteners experience success every day.","fullyFundedDate":1762571415652,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-success/9711610/","projectTitle":"Hands-on Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spain","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4032891_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533688509898","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/amanda-spain"},{"teacherId":4032891,"projectId":9691185,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Little Hands Big Skills project! Your generosity has brought meaningful tools into our Kindergarten classroom that help our students strengthen their fine motor skills in fun and engaging ways.\r\n\r\nEvery item you helped provide — from manipulatives and building tools to art and writing materials — gives our little learners opportunities to practice the small but mighty movements that build coordination, confidence, and independence. These activities are the foundation for important future skills like writing, cutting, and self-care tasks.\r\n\r\nIt's incredible to see the pride on their faces as they grasp, twist, connect, and create with their new materials. Because of your kindness, our students are not only learning but also growing stronger, more capable, and more confident in every small movement they make.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping our little hands do big things!","fullyFundedDate":1762267629350,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-skills/9691185/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spain","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4032891_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533688509898","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/amanda-spain"},{"teacherId":4032891,"projectId":9711688,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Learning Is Sweet classroom project! Your kindness has truly made a difference in our Kindergarten classroom.\r\n\r\nWith your donations, we were able to provide a variety of fun, colorful treats — including Sour Patch Kids and other candies — that serve as edible reinforcers to help students stay motivated and engaged during learning. These small rewards have had a big impact! Students are more focused, showing improved on-task behaviors, and taking pride in their efforts as they work toward their sweet goals.\r\n\r\nThe smiles, excitement, and encouragement that fill our classroom each day are a direct reflection of your generosity. Because of you, learning truly is sweeter — and our students are developing positive habits that support both their academic and social growth.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our little learners and helping create a joyful, motivating space where success is celebrated!","fullyFundedDate":1762267687559,"projectUrl":"project/learning-is-sweet/9711688/","projectTitle":"Learning Is Sweet","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spain","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4032891_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533688509898","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/amanda-spain"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_72513","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":676,"numTeachers":48,"percentFrplEligible":85,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":20,"percentWhite":41,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":49.2,"schoolId":72513,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kernan Trail Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kernan Trail Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/duval-county-public-schools/kernan-trail-elementary-school/72513"}