{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Wilkinson Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6511479,"projectId":9727604,"letterContent":"Teaching early readers can be a challenge. Young readers need text, lots of text, in order to apply newly learned phonics skills and build fluency. However, finding high-quality decodable text that truly aligns with students' acquired skills can be difficult.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, the aligned decodable texts available to me were mostly single-page passages without illustrations. While helpful, they didn't feel like real books to my students. Thanks to your generosity, I was able to use my Reading A-Z subscription along with our new EcoTank printer to create colorful, highly decodable books for daily practice. These books look and feel like \"real\" books, which has made a tremendous difference for my students.\r\n\r\nI've been able to create many books and still have plenty of ink remaining. Every teacher needs the game-changing EcoTank! Nothing compares to the experience of a student holding a book, turning the pages, and reading successfully. That sense of accomplishment has dramatically increased motivation and engagement.\r\n\r\nBecause I can now print freely, I've also been able to create books that directly align with our standards, including content-based texts such as Martin Luther King, Jr. I'm busy making books for every phonics skill and content area I can. This project has truly given our classroom unlimited access to meaningful, decodable reading material.\r\n\r\nWhile standardized testing isn't everything, our mid-year progress monitoring showed significant gains in fluency and comprehension for every single student. Your support is helping build confident, capable readers every day!","fullyFundedDate":1760553726097,"projectUrl":"project/building-readers-one-sound-at-a-time/9727604/","projectTitle":"Building Readers, One Sound at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schaefer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6511479_orig.jpg?crop=1498,1498,x0,y99&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1614734121197","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/v-schaefer"},{"teacherId":8621517,"projectId":9550783,"letterContent":"I cannot begin to express how thankful I am for your contributions to my class. This donation has had an amazing impact on my students, and I want to personally thank The Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation for making this possible.\r\n\r\nTo be able to give my students a snack when they don't bring one in - is so wonderful. They are so grateful to be able to have something to eat during the day since we eat lunch so early. Their favorite snacks are Doritos and Barbecue chips. But they also like the fruit snacks.\r\n\r\nI have attached a picture of my class getting ready to enjoy their snack. \r\n\r\nAgain, thank you so much for your kind donations!","fullyFundedDate":1758823219564,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-snacks/9550783/","projectTitle":"Healthy Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Della Donna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8621517"},{"teacherId":9265448,"projectId":9921444,"letterContent":"We cannot thank you enough for your very generous gift of art supplies to our classroom! The students get so excited when I introduce a new art material for them to try out! They really enjoy the painting easel station, but their faces completely lit up when they saw glitter paints and neon paints instead of the same old tempra paints! They couldn't wait to express their creativity with these exciting new paints! And they have created the most beautiful and unique snowflakes with the liquid watercolors and salt. I have to admit that I was very excited about the gorgeous liquid water colors as well because I have never had it in the budget to get them and I've always hoped to try them one day. They are awesome!\r\n\r\nMy assistant used some of the glue to make slime with them. They all had a wonderful, messy time with it! Some of our children are very hesitant to get messy. I don't know if messy projects are frowned upon at home, if it is just a new and unsettling sensation for them, or what might cause it, but seeing them forget about their worries and dive in to get arm deep in slime mess is magical! You have made these sorts of experiences possible for my students, for which we are all very grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1763958283746,"projectUrl":"project/art-for-young-learners/9921444/","projectTitle":"Art for Young Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9265448_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721861817602","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9265448"},{"teacherId":5552449,"projectId":9644984,"letterContent":"My students are curious in a way that is contagious. They ask big questions, imagine bold ideas, and light up when they are given the chance to create with their hands. Many of them learn best by doing, building, and experimenting—and when the BeaverBot cardboard cutter arrived in our classroom, it felt like a door opened. The moment they saw it; their faces filled with excitement. They leaned in close, asking questions, sharing ideas, and eagerly imagining what they could build. For them, this wasn't just a new tool—it was permission to dream bigger.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, my students were often limited to paper or pre-made materials. While they worked hard, they were always imagining what they could make if they had the right tools. The BeaverBot has completely changed that. Now, students safely cut, shape, and design with cardboard, transforming a simple material into something meaningful. Cardboard has become cars, bridges, towers, homes, and inventions that exist only because students believed they could create them.\r\n\r\nOne of our first projects involved designing and building cardboard structures. Students planned their designs, discussed which shapes would be strongest, tested their ideas, and made changes when something didn't work. When a structure collapsed, there was no frustration—only determination. Students immediately asked, \"What can we do better?\" and \"Can we try again?\" That moment showed me how powerful hands-on learning can be. They weren't afraid to fail because they knew they were learning.\r\n\r\nThe BeaverBot has also brought collaboration and confidence into our classroom. Students work together, share materials, help each other problem-solve, and celebrate each other's successes. I've watched students who are usually quiet become leaders as they explain their designs. I've seen students who struggle academically find pride and purpose as their ideas come to life in three dimensions. These moments are transformative.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this resource gives my students access to authentic STEAM experiences they might not otherwise have. Many of my students have limited exposure to tools, technology, or engineering outside of school. Because of our donors, they now get to experience what it feels like to be an engineer, a designer, a builder, and an inventor. They are learning perseverance, creativity, and critical thinking—skills that will stay with them far beyond this classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students. Your generosity has turned curiosity into confidence and imagination into creation. Because of you, my students are not just learning about the world—they are learning that they have the power to shape it.","fullyFundedDate":1757529207946,"projectUrl":"project/cutting-into-creativity-with-beaverbot/9644984/","projectTitle":"Cutting Into Creativity with Beaverbot: Safe Cardboard Engineering for Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shideler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5552449_orig.png?crop=400,400,x200,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651103491443","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5552449"},{"teacherId":8621517,"projectId":9550788,"letterContent":"First and foremost, thank you for your generous contribution to my class! \r\n\r\nMy students that do not bring snack everyday are able to have one every single day! They look forward to snack time. I've noticed a difference in their behavior as well.\r\n\r\nThis project will benefit 100% of my students this year. It is amazing how something as simple as having a snack can help with learning. \r\n\r\nFinally, thank you donors – you are making a dramatic difference in the lives of my students and many other students that you fund!","fullyFundedDate":1755615014805,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-snacks/9550788/","projectTitle":"Healthy Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Della Donna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8621517"},{"teacherId":6511479,"projectId":9468094,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have the tools they need to learn in both of their two most important learning environments: home and school. The chair pockets have worked out even better than I imagined. We waste no time at all during small group time. Markers, whisper phones, letter boards, pencils, dry erase boards, and books are all right there at their seats. This may not sound like a lot, but when we have 15-20 minutes available for a lesson, every second counts. \r\n\r\nThe Home Practice binders have had a much bigger impact than I imagined. Since assembling and passing them out, the views on my Home Practice YouTube videos have skyrocketed. My students love practicing with their materials. I've received messages, photos, and even videos from parents showing their children proudly using the binders after school and on weekends. The children are so motivated by having their own little kit. I love knowing that my students are able to practice phonics, even if their parents are not fluent in English, work long hours, or simply feel uncertain in their own teaching skills. Your support has empowered both my students and their families.","fullyFundedDate":1755874957011,"projectUrl":"project/reading-for-everyone-everywhere/9468094/","projectTitle":"Reading for Everyone, Everywhere!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schaefer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6511479_orig.jpg?crop=1498,1498,x0,y99&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1614734121197","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/v-schaefer"},{"teacherId":9441701,"projectId":9443252,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your incredibly generous donation to our Pre_K classroom. Your support has made such a meaningful difference in the lives of my students, and I wanted o take a moment to share the impact your gift has had.\r\nThanks to your donation, we were able to provide our Title 1 students with a wealth of hands-on learning activities that have truly transformed their classroom experience. The STEM kits have sparked curiosity and a love for exploration, helping them develop important problem-solving and critical thinking skills through play. Whether it's building structures, exploring simple machines, or experimenting with basic science concepts, your contribution is giving these young learners the tools they need to engage, question, and grow.\r\nIn addition, the arts and crafts supplies have brought out the creativity in each child. Its been such a joy to see them express themselves through drawing, painting, and crafting- activities that foster their fine motor skills, encourage self expression, and cultivate their imagination. These projects have also provided wonderful opportunities for collaboration, as the students work together, share ideas, and celebrate each other's artistic efforts.\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for your kindness and support. Your investment in their education is helping them build the foundation for a lifetime of learning and growing.","fullyFundedDate":1753301622641,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-dreams/9443252/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Dreams","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. E","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9441701"},{"teacherId":10070515,"projectId":9445807,"letterContent":"I cannot even begin to express my level of deep gratitude for your incredibly generous donation. As my students walked in the room on the very first day, they gasped in awe as they saw our carpet of the 50 states. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it is also incredibly educational. Its educational benefit ties back to our Social Studies curriculum which embeds new learning of the 50 states and five regions of the United States. Students are able to build background knowledge and apply their learning directly to the curriculum! \r\n\r\nAs for our magnetic bins, independent work is organized in these bins as students move through their center rotations. The dry-erase ability allows these centers to stay ever-changing and provide new, deep learning! The organization helps students know exactly where they need to go and what they need to complete in a day. \r\n\r\nThe borders and decorations have created a beautiful theme of a growth mindset in my classroom. Students are pushed to strive for growth and embody an optimistic attitude. On these bulletin boards, I proudly display student work. I love sharing work from my \"Wonderful Writers\" and \"Reading Rockstars\"!\r\n\r\nWe are beyond grateful for all of your donations. Not only have the classroom materials contributed to abundant learning, but they have shaped a positive classroom culture which students continue to proudly adhere. Thank you all very much!","fullyFundedDate":1752613649333,"projectUrl":"project/ms-griesmans-third-grade-classroom/9445807/","projectTitle":"Ms. Griesman’s Third Grade Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Griesman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10070515"},{"teacherId":10050437,"projectId":9397651,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to my classroom. I can't even begin to explain the impact you've made on me and my students. As a first year teacher, there are many new responsibilities that I have been working hard to get used to. Your donations alleviated the financial stress of setting up my room for the very first time and creating a learning space that my student look forward to coming into every morning.\r\n\r\nMy students have been loving the supplies your donations funded! The students are so excited to read because they get to sit comfortably in the rocker stools. They can't wait to help me put away papers in my colorful filing drawers. They rock the colorful headphones every time we log on to do online work! Every day I look around my room and remember how grateful I am for you.\r\n\r\nAs the weeks go by, I am loving being a teacher even more. Thank you so much for your support of me and my students and your continued dedication to the education field.","fullyFundedDate":1749915883503,"projectUrl":"project/first-year-teacher-wishlist/9397651/","projectTitle":"First Year Teacher Wishlist","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Canady","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10050437_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749102847480","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10050437"},{"teacherId":5552449,"projectId":9314610,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom through Donors Choose! Because of your kindness, my students now have access to new art and engineering activities that will spark curiosity and make learning more exciting every day.\r\n\r\nYour contribution is not only providing materials, but also creating opportunities for my students to explore, experiment, and grow in ways that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. I have already seen the joy on their faces as they dive into these new learning experiences, and it is all thanks to your thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of myself and my students, I want you to know how grateful we are for your support. You've made a lasting difference in our classroom, and we can't wait to share the incredible learning that comes from your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1746648218000,"projectUrl":"project/creating-to-learn/9314610/","projectTitle":"Creating to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shideler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5552449_orig.png?crop=400,400,x200,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651103491443","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5552449"},{"teacherId":5552449,"projectId":9308800,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my classroom! Your gift of stickers and bookmarks will spark excitement, pride, and joy in my students as they explore reading and learning. These simple but special items make a big difference—they encourage my readers to celebrate their progress and remind them that their hard work matters.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students will feel extra motivated to pick up books, mark their favorite pages, and share their discoveries with one another. Your thoughtful contribution not only supports their academic growth but also helps create a warm and welcoming classroom environment where students feel encouraged and celebrated every day.","fullyFundedDate":1746468109794,"projectUrl":"project/incentives-for-learning/9308800/","projectTitle":"Incentives for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shideler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5552449_orig.png?crop=400,400,x200,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651103491443","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5552449"},{"teacherId":5552449,"projectId":9288359,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with your thoughtful generosity! Your contribution has brought us exciting new tools that spark creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning every single day.\r\n\r\nWith the Fat Brain Toys Air Toobz Classroom Set, my students are exploring airflow, cause and effect, and the thrill of experimentation in a truly engaging way. The hand2mind Magnetic Activity Tray Whiteboards gives them personal workspaces to practice math, science, and writing—making lessons more interactive and student-centered. The ColorMix Sensory Tubes provide calming, hands-on opportunities to inspire curiosity about color and motion.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the Design & Drill Marble Maze has let students design, test, and re-design their own marble runs, learning STEM concepts through play. And with the Explore the Weather Counters, my students will be able to visualize weather patterns and data in a concrete, kid-friendly way.\r\n\r\nYour generosity ensures that my classroom is filled with joy, discovery, and meaningful learning. These materials will not only enrich daily lessons but also inspire my students to think like scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in my students and their potential. You are helping shape their future in the most positive way.","fullyFundedDate":1746466268840,"projectUrl":"project/critical-thinking-through-play/9288359/","projectTitle":"Critical Thinking Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shideler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5552449_orig.png?crop=400,400,x200,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651103491443","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5552449"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_47126","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":422,"numTeachers":43,"percentFrplEligible":76,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":14,"percentWhite":40,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":37,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.9,"schoolId":47126,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Wilkinson Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Wilkinson Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/sarasota-county-school-district/wilkinson-elementary-school/47126"}