{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Benton Grade School K-4","outOfStateSupporters":38.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8428270,"projectId":9678030,"letterContent":"Thanks to your wonderful generosity, our third-grade classroom now has a beautiful, comfortable rug—and it has completely transformed our learning space. What might seem like a simple addition has become the heart of our classroom, where students gather to learn, share, and connect every single day.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, our class didn't have a cozy or defined area for group lessons or discussions. Students often sat on the cold, hard floor or crowded around small tables. Now, our new rug provides a warm, inviting space where everyone has a spot to belong. Each morning, students eagerly head to the rug for our morning meeting, ready to greet one another and start the day as a community.\r\n\r\nDuring reading time, students love stretching out with a good book or sitting in small circles to talk about stories. The rug has also become our go-to space for partner activities, class discussions, and mini-lessons. It gives the room a sense of comfort and calm that helps students focus and feel safe—a place where they can think, share ideas, and learn from one another.","fullyFundedDate":1757961551678,"projectUrl":"project/comfy-carpet/9678030/","projectTitle":"Comfy Carpet","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8428270"},{"teacherId":8428270,"projectId":9651091,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our third-grade classroom is stocked with healthy, delicious snacks—and the difference it has made is remarkable. Your support has done far more than simply fill hungry bellies; it has fueled focus, comfort, and community in our classroom every single day.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, I often noticed students struggling to concentrate late in the morning or after recess. Some came to school without breakfast, and others simply needed a boost to stay energized throughout the day. Having snacks readily available has completely changed our routine. Now, when a student feels hungry or distracted, they can grab a granola bar, crackers, or fruit snacks and quickly get back to learning with a clear mind and a full stomach.\r\n\r\nThis small gesture has made a huge impact on our classroom environment. Students feel cared for, knowing that their basic needs are being met. It's amazing how a simple snack can lift a child's mood, ease frustration, and create a sense of security. We've also used snack time as a moment to pause, share stories, and build relationships—turning it into a time of connection as well as nourishment.","fullyFundedDate":1757961551384,"projectUrl":"project/snack-attack/9651091/","projectTitle":"Snack Attack!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8428270"},{"teacherId":8428270,"projectId":9651076,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our third-grade classroom has a brand-new iPad—and the impact it's had on my students has been nothing short of amazing. This single piece of technology has opened doors to creativity, accessibility, and engagement in ways that have transformed how we learn together every day.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, our classroom had very limited access to technology. We often shared outdated devices or waited for turns, which made it difficult to integrate digital learning into our daily routines. Now, with the iPad you helped fund, we can bring lessons to life and give every student the chance to interact with learning materials in new and exciting ways.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful benefits has been how the iPad supports small group instruction and individualized learning. During reading centers, students use the iPad to listen to audiobooks, practice fluency with reading apps, and record themselves reading aloud to build confidence and expression. Hearing their own voices and tracking their progress has made them more reflective, motivated readers. \r\n\r\nIn math, the iPad has become a favorite tool for reinforcing skills through interactive games and digital manipulatives.","fullyFundedDate":1757961552856,"projectUrl":"project/technology-helper/9651076/","projectTitle":"Technology Helper","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8428270"},{"teacherId":8428270,"projectId":9651027,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our third-grade classroom has been completely transformed. The small group supplies you funded have brought new energy, engagement, and confidence to every student who walks through our door. What once was a space of limited resources is now a vibrant learning environment where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, small group time often meant improvising—sharing worn-out materials, borrowing from other classrooms, or adapting lessons because we didn't have the right tools. Now, with the materials you helped provide our small group instruction is purposeful and powerful. Students are no longer just listening; they're doing. They're building words, solving problems, and collaborating with their peers in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nEach morning, our classroom buzzes with excitement as we rotate through small group stations. During reading, my students use the new leveled books and literacy games to strengthen comprehension and fluency. I've seen reluctant readers beam with pride as they reach for a \"just right\" book and realize they can read it on their own. One student, who used to shy away from reading aloud, now volunteers to lead her group's discussion—something that would have been unthinkable just a few months ago.\r\n\r\nThe impact goes beyond academics. These new resources have fostered teamwork, independence, and confidence. Small groups give every child a voice, and with the right materials, they're able to express their ideas and demonstrate their learning in creative ways. Our classroom feels more equitable now—students who need extra support get the individualized attention they deserve, and those who are ready for enrichment have tools to extend their learning even further.\r\n\r\nEvery day, I see the direct results of your kindness in my students' smiles and their growing sense of capability. Your generosity didn't just fund supplies—it built opportunities. It created a learning space where curiosity thrives, where mistakes are celebrated as steps toward mastery, and where every child knows they matter.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for investing in our classroom and in the future of these young learners. You've made a lasting difference in their education and in their lives. When you support a classroom like ours, you're not just giving materials—you're giving children the tools and confidence to believe in themselves.","fullyFundedDate":1757714367893,"projectUrl":"project/small-group-essentials/9651027/","projectTitle":"Small Group Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8428270"},{"teacherId":8428368,"projectId":9465715,"letterContent":"I once again want to reiterate how thankful I am to all the donors for making my this project fulfilled. Our classroom has benefited from having the law new books greatly. \r\nI have several students this year that struggle with reading which makes it challenging to get them excited to read. The books purchased through this project are graphic novels. This makes it much easier for those who struggle or who are reluctant \r\nto read become a little more excited and interested in books. This has been a wonderful bridge to help fill the gap of getting them invested in reading.","fullyFundedDate":1755711045072,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-new-books/9465715/","projectTitle":"New Year, New Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Norton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8428368_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720482377520","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8428368"},{"teacherId":10050602,"projectId":9468806,"letterContent":"I truly appreciate your donations to my classroom. My second graders are very thankful for the donations of basic supplies to start the school year. Many students come to school without pencils, folders, crayons, etc. I always make sure that my students have the things they need to be successful. \r\nIn my classroom, I help my students stay organized by having them use a certain colored folder for each subject. Organization is a vital skill for second graders. Being organized improves time management and helps keep materials easily accessible. Being organized and knowing where things are reduces stress and allows children to focus on the task instead of worrying. \r\nAgain, I am extremely grateful for your donations!","fullyFundedDate":1756086472962,"projectUrl":"project/basic-supplies-for-2nd-graders/9468806/","projectTitle":"Basic Supplies for 2nd Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10050602"},{"teacherId":10050602,"projectId":9449969,"letterContent":"I am extremely grateful for your donations! A Cricut Maker 4 is such a versatile tool for the classroom. I can create games, eye-catching interactive bulletin boards, flash cards, posters, and manipulatives for my students. \r\nWhen my students first saw the Cricut Maker, they were very inquisitive. We discussed many different classroom activities that we could make with the Cricut. My second graders especially liked the idea of creating games and organizing folders and materials with labels created with the Cricut. \r\nI have already started using the Cricut to personalize scarves that I make for my students each year for Christmas. In the past, my students have loved the scarves, but they got them mixed up or lost because their names were not on them. This year, my students are going to love having their names on their scarves. \r\nAgain, thank you so very much for your generous donations. I am excited to get started on making more things for my students and my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1752597586992,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-organize-with-a-cricut/9449969/","projectTitle":"Help Me Organize With A Cricut!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10050602"},{"teacherId":10078134,"projectId":9663419,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your contribution of snacks to my classroom. My students come from a majority of low income households and are unable to bring in their own snacks for snack time. Snack time allows the students to stay focused for our heavy subjects that we have all in the morning time.\r\n\r\nThe students are very grateful as well as myself that you were able to donate around 2-3 weeks worth of snacks to our classroom. By offering a wide variety of snacks, the students have more of a choice of which snack they want which also helps their motivation.","fullyFundedDate":1757961551617,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-3rd-graders/9663419/","projectTitle":"Snacks for 3rd Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McClerren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10078134"},{"teacherId":10048412,"projectId":9707628,"letterContent":"I teach in a Title I school where many of my students come from low-income families. For some of them, the meals they receive at school are the only meals they can truly count on. While our cafeteria provides breakfast and lunch, there is a long stretch between those meals, and I see my students struggle when hunger sets in.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students were so surprised and excited to have a daily snack in the classroom! Before this project, I was only able to provide a snack every other day, often paying for it myself. Now, they not only enjoy all of the choices, but they also start each morning by asking me, \"What's for snack today?\"\r\n\r\nA snack may seem like a small thing, but to my students it means comfort, care, and the energy to do their very best each day. Your kindness has filled both their bellies and their hearts, and you've made sure that hunger never gets in the way of their learning. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making such a meaningful difference for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1757961551214,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-snacks/9707628/","projectTitle":"Classroom Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10048412_orig.jpg?crop=250,250,x97,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749132295295","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10048412"},{"teacherId":6640385,"projectId":9465799,"letterContent":"The impact you have made to my class is HUGE! Thanks to your generosity, I was able to replace many outdated and crumbling books in our classroom library and fill it with NEW and EXCITING titles. Every Friday, my students look forward to \"First Chapter Friday\" and the room buzzes with energy as they dive into these fresh stories. Watching their faces light up when the new books arrived was absolutely priceless!\r\n\r\nOne of my students exclaimed, \" I can't wait to read the next chapter!\" Moments like these show how powerful your gift truly is. Because of you, my students are building a love for reading that will last far beyond this school year.\r\n\r\nYour donation has turned our classroom library into a place of discovery, and I cannot thank you enough for investing in their future.","fullyFundedDate":1753973188200,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-library/9465799/","projectTitle":"Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chirch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6640385_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759111995304","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6640385"},{"teacherId":10080382,"projectId":9464864,"letterContent":"I want to extend a very special a thank you to Mrs. Debra Caldwell & to those honoring the memory of Mr. Gene Alexander (Mr. A). You have truly blessed the Early Childhood (EC) classroom. Thank you to the Donors Choose team for creating such a wonderful forum to help teachers like myself fund classrooms. \r\n\r\nThe generosity shown to the EC classroom has made a positive impact on my students by helping them become independent in putting away and organizing their belongings in the Really Good Stuff Bamboo Mail Center. The mail center is made of quality materials that will last over the years. The previous mailbox center we used fell apart and I was concerned about the cost & replacement of a better one. That is no longer a problem now. The Tilt & Turn Liquid Sensory Windows are also made of durable materials and provide a calming activity for my students. The Building Blocks Kids STEM Toys foster imagination, problem-solving, and creativity while strengthening my students fine motor skills. The Alpha-Bots and Lydaz Number Bots are fan favorites in the EC class. My students want to use these everyday as they transform letters and numbers into robots. They are fun, promote fine motor skills, and reinforce letter and number recognition. \r\n\r\nAgain, I say thank you to the donors mentioned above. I could not have provided these materials to my students in a timely manner without your thoughtfulness and kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1753287427176,"projectUrl":"project/we-doughnut-know-what-we-would-do-with/9464864/","projectTitle":"We \"Doughnut\" Know What We Would Do Without Your Support!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Price","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10080382_orig.jpg?crop=112,112,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752688063488","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10080382"},{"teacherId":10078134,"projectId":9460678,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation to my classroom. The students have gained so much from your donation to the classroom. We have used all of the items purchased in this project already many times since we received the items. It has helped keep my classroom more functionable and organized daily. \r\n\r\nWe are using the shelves that were donated for manipulatives and classroom necessities. The students get items off of both of the shelves every single day. I also have made the top of one of the shelves where the students turn in their work. The rolling cart that was purchased in this project is used to keep my papers organized and plans lined out for two weeks at a time. The zipper bags are being used to store the students headphones for when they take them to and from computers. This helps keep the students organized as well. During independent reading time, the students have been able to use the bean bags and cushions to sit on for a comfortable reading environment as well. I also was able to provide students with extra crayons and markers to use if they do not have that color or lost a crayon/marker from their stuff. \r\n\r\nThe students and I are so grateful for your kind donation and they were very excited to have received new things for our classroom. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1753973188110,"projectUrl":"project/open-a-book-open-your-mind/9460678/","projectTitle":"Open a Book, Open Your Mind","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McClerren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10078134"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_25204","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":562,"numTeachers":36,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":90,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"15.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":61.2,"schoolId":25204,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Benton Grade School K-4 on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Benton Grade School K-4","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/benton-community-consolidated-school-district-47/benton-grade-school-k-4/25204"}