{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ross Prairie Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":25.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10009837,"projectId":9752955,"letterContent":"The sensory earphones are helping our students learn by reducing overwhelming background noise so they can better focus, self regulate, and engage with instruction. In a busy classroom, sounds such as chairs moving, conversations, or hallway noise can be distracting or even distressing for some students. These earphones give students a simple tool to manage their environment, allowing them to stay present during lessons, independent work, and transitions. When students feel calmer and more comfortable, they are able to listen, participate, and learn more effectively.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most about the earphones is that they feel both empowering and normal. Students quickly notice the difference in how their bodies feel when the noise is reduced, and many describe feeling more relaxed and in control. They appreciate that the earphones are easy to use and do not single them out, which helps remove stigma and builds confidence. For many students, using the earphones turns moments that once felt overwhelming into manageable and successful learning experiences.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have especially warmed to this new technology, particularly those with sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or difficulty focusing. Students who previously needed frequent breaks or became distressed during loud activities are now able to remain in the classroom and complete tasks alongside their peers. Some students independently request the earphones when they recognize they need support, showing growth in self awareness and self advocacy. Thanks to our donors, these students are not just accessing a tool, they are gaining independence, confidence, and the ability to fully participate in their learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1762267691533,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-earphones-for-kiddos-sensitive-t/9752955/","projectTitle":"Sensory Earphones for Kiddos Sensitive to Sound!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Bigby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10009837_orig.jpg?crop=2365,2365,x0,y729&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754310008994","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10009837"},{"teacherId":10009837,"projectId":9531841,"letterContent":"Our students are using the new Value Necklaces as a daily and visible way to recognize and reinforce positive choices connected to Respect, Peace, and Effort. When a student demonstrates one of these values by helping a classmate, persevering through a challenging task, or choosing calm problem solving, they earn a bead or charm to add to their necklace. One especially powerful moment occurred when a student who often struggles with behavior proudly showed his necklace to a peer and explained which specific choices helped him earn each bead. That moment turned the necklace into more than a reward and helped students reflect on their actions and growth.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. Many carefully examined the beads and charms and asked thoughtful questions about what each one represented and how they could earn them. Several students who are typically more reserved became noticeably more motivated and eager to participate. The necklaces quickly became a source of pride, and students began encouraging one another by recognizing positive behavior they saw in their classmates. This shared language around values helped strengthen our classroom culture and made expectations feel positive and achievable.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, the next steps include connecting the Value Necklaces to goal setting and reflection. Students will continue earning beads while also identifying which value they want to improve and tracking their progress over time. Teachers and staff will use the necklaces during check ins and celebrations to support meaningful conversations about growth, accountability, and effort. 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Headphones enable individualized learning by reducing distractions and allowing students to work at their own pace on digital programs. Together, these tools promote creativity, academic success, and well-being, making the classroom more dynamic and student-centered.","fullyFundedDate":1762267727142,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-help/9741299/","projectTitle":"Headphones help!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dries","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6502432_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597616516447","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6502432"},{"teacherId":6502432,"projectId":9820998,"letterContent":"This initiative created a powerful impact on students by turning service into a meaningful learning experience. As they planned, organized, and distributed care packages, students developed essential leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. They gained a deeper understanding of food insecurity and empathy for those affected, fostering a sense of social responsibility. The hands-on nature of the project connects classroom learning to real-world issues, making lessons on community and civic engagement tangible. By actively helping others, students experience the value of compassion and collaboration, which strengthens classroom culture and builds confidence in their ability to make a difference. Ultimately, this project transforms students into proactive, caring leaders who see themselves as agents of positive change. That your for your donation in helping bring this project to live and serving our community within our school!","fullyFundedDate":1761678877673,"projectUrl":"project/fight-the-hunger/9820998/","projectTitle":"Fight the Hunger!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dries","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6502432_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597616516447","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6502432"},{"teacherId":6502432,"projectId":9730261,"letterContent":"This initiative transforms the classroom into an interactive STEM lab where students connect theory with practice. By designing and sublimating their own reusable bottles, learners gain hands-on experience with heat transfer, chemical changes, and digital design tools. It fosters creativity, problem-solving, and environmental responsibility, making STEM concepts more engaging and relevant to real-world challenges. 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These materials have allowed for differentiated instruction, helping meet the diverse learning needs of all students and ensuring that each child can succeed at their own pace. The creative and interactive tools from TpT have sparked curiosity and deeper understanding, encouraging students to think critically and apply financial literacy skills to real-life scenarios. With more time to focus on teaching rather than creating materials from scratch, I've been able to deliver more impactful lessons—and the students are thriving because of it. Your support has empowered both teacher and students, and we are truly grateful for the lasting difference you've made in our learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1756923441963,"projectUrl":"project/keep-learning/9651665/","projectTitle":"Keep Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dries","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6502432_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597616516447","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6502432"},{"teacherId":6502432,"projectId":9547059,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project. Your donation has made a meaningful impact by helping us provide healthy snacks for our students throughout the school day. These snacks are more than just a treat—they are a vital source of energy and focus that directly supports learning and academic success. When students are nourished, they are better able to concentrate, stay engaged, and participate fully in their education. Your kindness has helped create a more supportive and effective learning environment, and we are truly grateful for your contribution. 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Join the 24 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Ross Prairie Elementary School is
a public school
in Ocala, Florida that is part of Marion County Public Schools.
Its teachers have had 12 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Share and help support Ross Prairie Elementary School
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The percentage of students that qualify for free or
reduced price lunch is not available.
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
48%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Ross Prairie Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jan 14, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Ross Prairie Elementary School
$3,717
raised using DonorsChoose
12
projects
funded
5
teachers
funded
24
donors
3
projects for
technology
1
project for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Ross Prairie Elementary School has received support from
18 individuals from Florida and
6 individuals out-of-state.