{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Virginia - Highland Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":22.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9120726,"projectId":9091874,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now have access to flexible, alternative seating options that make our classroom a more comfortable and engaging place to learn. From the very first day the seats arrived, the excitement was contagious—students rushed to try out the wobble stools, floor cushions, and lap desks. Many of them immediately said things like,This makes it so much easier to focus and I love that I can choose where I learn best.\r\n\r\nWe are already using the new seating every day. During small-group reading time, students spread out with floor cushions and clipboards, while others prefer wobble stools at our work tables. One memorable moment was when a student who typically struggles to stay seated during lessons chose a wobble stool—and for the first time, was able to participate in the entire activity without needing extra breaks. That sense of accomplishment lit up their face, and it showed just how powerful this change has been.\r\n\r\nThe next step for my students is learning how to self-regulate and choose the seating that helps them be most successful during different types of activities. We're also using this as an opportunity to practice responsibility and care for the materials—students take pride in setting up their learning space and making sure everything is ready for the next group.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just provide furniture—it created a classroom where movement, choice, and comfort lead to stronger focus and a love of learning. Thank you for giving my students the tools they need to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1746699612649,"projectUrl":"project/alternative-seating-for-special-needs-cl/9091874/","projectTitle":"Alternative Seating for Special Needs Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9120726_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726436754344","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9120726"},{"teacherId":9896199,"projectId":9063509,"letterContent":"How is the technology helping your students learn?\r\nThe iPad and Polaroid camera are doing more than capturing images they're helping my students make meaningful connections with what they're learning. For example, we use the iPad to take photos of student work or record short reflection videos. The Polaroid camera adds a tactile, instant aspect to learning: students can see a moment frozen in time and use that photo as part of writing prompts, story-building activities, or class displays. This helps make abstract concepts more concrete, especially for our visual and kinesthetic learners.\r\n\r\nWhat about the new product is most exciting to your students?\r\nThe biggest hit has been the decorated bags. Students loved painting their own bags to hold their photos and learning materials—it gave them a sense of ownership and pride. Every time they take a picture or add something to their bag, it reinforces what they've learned and builds excitement around it. They feel like real \"explorers\" or \"journalists\" documenting their day.\r\n\r\nAre there particular students who have especially warmed to this new technology, and how so?\r\nYes, one student who is typically quiet and struggles with verbal expression has really taken to the Polaroid camera. She now volunteers to take pictures during group activities and even explains why she chose certain moments to capture. It's given her a new way to communicate and participate. Another student who has difficulty with fine motor tasks is thriving with the iPad's accessibility features, using drawing apps and voice-to-text to complete assignments more independently.","fullyFundedDate":1739282321811,"projectUrl":"project/unique-abilities-showcase/9063509/","projectTitle":"Unique Abilities Showcase","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mckenzie-Shand","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9896199"},{"teacherId":5140854,"projectId":8978720,"letterContent":"I just wanted to personally thank you for your generous donation to our Donors Choose project, \"Winter Games Are Coming!\". Your support truly made our day and will continue to make a big difference for our students!\r\n\r\nThe kids were so excited, and seeing their faces light up has been the best gift of all. Thanks to your kindness, our students now have equipment to play Air Hockey, which will help them learn, grow, and succeed in ways that wouldn't have been possible without your help. Your investment in education shows a deep commitment to the future of our community, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1737484300251,"projectUrl":"project/winter-games-are-coming/8978720/","projectTitle":"Winter Games Are Coming!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5140854_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517284816697","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5140854"},{"teacherId":5140854,"projectId":8978688,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I want to sincerely thank you for your generous donation to our DonorsChoose project, \"GaGa GaGa Go\". Your support means the world to us and is making a direct and meaningful impact in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, our students now have 2 GaGa Pits for inside, which will help them learn, grow, and succeed in ways that wouldn't have been possible without your help. Your investment in education shows a deep commitment to the future of our community, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1737484300095,"projectUrl":"project/gaga-gaga-go/8978688/","projectTitle":"Gaga Gaga Go!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5140854_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517284816697","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5140854"},{"teacherId":9851831,"projectId":8981572,"letterContent":"I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the generous support you provided for my project titled \"In My Opinion.\" Thanks to your sponsorship, my students have had the opportunity to engage in critical thinking and express their ideas in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThe resources funded through your organization have empowered my students to explore topics that matter to them and articulate their perspectives confidently. Through activities that encourage discussion, debate, and creative expression, my classroom has become a vibrant space where students learn to appreciate diverse viewpoints and develop their voices.\r\n\r\nYour belief in the potential of every student is commendable, and your support has made a significant impact on their educational experience. They have shown remarkable growth in their ability to think critically and share their opinions respectfully, skills that are essential for their futures.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your kindness and commitment to enhancing education. We are inspired by your efforts and are motivated to continue fostering an environment where every student feels valued and heard.","fullyFundedDate":1736207743459,"projectUrl":"project/in-my-opinion/8981572/","projectTitle":"In My Opinion!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9851831"},{"teacherId":9888489,"projectId":9035125,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity! The items you provided with your monetary donation have helped me create a colorful and warm environment. It helps enhance the work we do to build a community of friendship and learning. The bright and colorful sunshine carpet invites my students to unmask group table. Having compact stools allows for more seating when working with those small groups of children. The colorful draw set not only brings cheer to the room, but allows me to organize student work. The storage containers allow me to make use of my closet in an effective way. \r\n\r\nThe words \"thank you\" are not enough to express the gratitude I have for you answering the call, as I transition to a new school and new grade level. Your commitment to student success is appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1737594230587,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-new-beginnings/9035125/","projectTitle":"New Year, New Beginnings","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Allen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9888489_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x696,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736807300512","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9888489"},{"teacherId":5140854,"projectId":8613253,"letterContent":"I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your support for our project. This couldn't have come at a better time! Your contribution makes a significant impact and plays an essential role in furthering our mission to make PE fun again!\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, I can give scholars experiences they wouldn't normally get in PE Class. Your support enables me to continue the work and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve. Once again, thank you for your generosity and continued support.","fullyFundedDate":1731438960689,"projectUrl":"project/glow-in-the-dark-games/8613253/","projectTitle":"Glow in the Dark Games","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5140854_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517284816697","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5140854"},{"teacherId":9108122,"projectId":8540106,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your incredibly generous donation to our class. Thanks to your support, we now have a wonderful new reading nook and a calming corner to promote social-emotional learning (SEL). These gifts will have such a meaningful impact on my students' learning and well-being.\r\n\r\nThe reading nook will offer my students a cozy, inviting space to explore books, spark their imaginations, and develop a lifelong love of reading. Whether they are reading independently or enjoying a story as a group, this space will allow them to feel more connected to the joy of learning.\r\n\r\nThe calming corner is just as important. It will provide students with a designated area to take a break, center themselves, and practice strategies for managing their emotions. This will help foster a more mindful, empathetic classroom environment and give them the tools they need to navigate both their academic challenges and emotional growth.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is making a real difference in their lives. I truly cannot thank you enough for supporting our classroom and creating a space where my students can grow, learn, and thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1723671030041,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-reading-nook-and-calm-corner/8540106/","projectTitle":"Cozy Reading Nook and Calm Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Baldwin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9108122"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_132501","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":604,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":16,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":17,"percentWhite":54,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":11,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.8,"schoolId":132501,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Virginia - Highland Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Virginia - Highland Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/georgia/atlanta-public-schools/virginia-highland-elementary-school/132501"}