{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Edna M Rollins Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":19.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9001514,"projectId":10236205,"letterContent":"**Describe the Impact**\r\n\r\nOur young artists are excited to explore new ways to create, experiment, and learn through hands-on art! With our mini Gelli printing plates, textured paintbrushes, reusable paint palettes, and magnetic famous artwork puzzles, students can explore the elements of art while building confidence, problem-solving skills, and independence. During our printmaking activities, students can experiment with layering colors, creating patterns, and discovering how different textures leave unique marks on paper. It is wonderful to watch them make unexpected discoveries and proudly share their one-of-a-kind prints with their classmates!\r\n\r\nThe magnetic art puzzles have also opened up exciting opportunities to introduce famous artists and masterpieces in an engaging, interactive way. Students can work together to assemble artwork, notice details, discuss colors and shapes, and develop spatial reasoning skills while connecting art history to their own creative experiences. When students have opportunities to touch, move, experiment, and collaborate, learning becomes more meaningful and accessible for everyone.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our lessons, students will build on these experiences by combining printmaking techniques, experimenting with color mixing, and creating original artwork inspired by the patterns and masterpieces they explore. We look forward to seeing their creativity grow as they take artistic risks, learn from one another, and discover that there is no single right way to make art. Thank you for helping our students experience the joy of artistic discovery and giving every young artist the opportunity to learn, create, and shine!","fullyFundedDate":1779128778061,"projectUrl":"project/print-paint-puzzle-hands-on-art-adven/10236205/","projectTitle":"Print, Paint, Puzzle: Hands-On Art Adventures for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9001514_orig.jpg?crop=725,725,x927,y241&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698435075519","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9001514"},{"teacherId":9001514,"projectId":10295837,"letterContent":"**Describe the Impact**\r\n\r\nThank you for helping make art more accessible for all of our young artists! Your generosity has helped us create a more inclusive art experience where students can explore their creativity with greater independence, confidence, and joy. With our new tabletop easels, hardboard panels, clipboards, and adaptive loop scissors, students have more choices in how they work and can find a position that feels comfortable for them.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting parts of using these materials is watching students discover that they can create art in their own way. During our painting and drawing activities, students can work vertically at their easels, experiment with different techniques, and express their ideas without being limited by a traditional tabletop workspace. Seeing their faces light up as they explore their materials and proudly share their creations reminds us that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of making art.\r\n\r\nThese resources are especially meaningful in our diverse elementary classrooms, where students have different physical abilities, learning needs, and levels of fine motor development. The new materials give us more ways to adapt lessons so that every student can participate, practice coordination, develop creative problem-solving skills, and experience success. We are working toward an art classroom where differences are celebrated and every young artist feels that they belong.\r\n\r\nNext, we will continue using these resources in our painting, drawing, and mixed-media projects. Students will have opportunities to experiment with line, shape, color, and texture while building their confidence and artistic independence. As they develop their skills, we look forward to seeing them take greater ownership of their work, make creative choices, and celebrate one another's unique ideas.\r\n\r\nTo our wonderful donors, thank you for investing in our students and helping remove barriers to creativity. Your support has given us more than art supplies; it has helped us create opportunities for inclusion, independence, self-expression, and meaningful artistic growth. Because of you, more of our students can experience the pride of saying, \"I made this!\"","fullyFundedDate":1779127411253,"projectUrl":"project/art-without-barriers/10295837/","projectTitle":"Art Without Barriers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9001514_orig.jpg?crop=725,725,x927,y241&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698435075519","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9001514"},{"teacherId":9001514,"projectId":10341850,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my *Art to Make Students Sparkle* project! Your generosity has opened the door to new opportunities for me to grow as an art educator and provide my students with engaging, meaningful art experiences. With access to Deep Space Sparkle's Sparklers Club resources, I can explore new artists, techniques, and standards-aligned lessons that help me bring creativity and excitement into the classroom. As a bilingual Title I art teacher, I strive to make art accessible to every student, regardless of their language or previous experience with art. These resources help me plan lessons that incorporate visual learning, vocabulary development, creative problem-solving, and opportunities for students to express themselves in ways that go beyond words.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite things about teaching art is watching students begin a project with uncertainty and gradually gain the confidence to call themselves artists. Seeing their faces light up when they discover a new technique, make their own creative choices, or proudly share their finished work reminds me why art education matters so much. These new resources allow me to offer more variety and challenge students to experiment, take creative risks, and discover their individual artistic voices. I am especially excited to continue developing lessons that connect art with literacy, cultural identity, and the world around us, giving students opportunities to learn about diverse artists while seeing their own experiences reflected in their work.\r\n\r\nYour support has made an investment not only in my teaching but also in the creativity, confidence, and growth of the hundreds of students I serve. I look forward to using these resources to continue building a classroom where every child feels welcomed, inspired, and proud of what they can create. Thank you for believing in the power of art and helping my students sparkle!","fullyFundedDate":1782067815178,"projectUrl":"project/art-to-make-students-sparkle/10341850/","projectTitle":"Art to Make Students Sparkle","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9001514_orig.jpg?crop=725,725,x927,y241&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698435075519","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9001514"},{"teacherId":9001514,"projectId":10194967,"letterContent":"This project will give students the opportunity to turn their creativity into meaningful acts of kindness. As they design and 3D print their own kindness tokens, students will practice empathy, thoughtful communication, problem-solving, and perseverance while learning how their actions can positively affect others.\r\n\r\nStudents will take ownership of the process by brainstorming positive messages and symbols, creating original designs, learning how to use 3D printing technology, and reflecting on the impact of sharing their creations. Each token will become more than just a small object—it will represent encouragement, appreciation, inclusion, and connection.\r\n\r\nThe impact will extend beyond the classroom as students share their tokens with classmates, teachers, and members of the school community. These simple gestures can help students recognize and celebrate kindness while encouraging others to pass it forward. Through this project, students will see themselves as creative problem-solvers and leaders who have the power to make their school community a more welcoming and caring place.\r\n\r\nYour support will help students develop valuable technology and design skills while building a culture where kindness is intentionally created, shared, and celebrated.","fullyFundedDate":1776957964014,"projectUrl":"project/kindness-counts/10194967/","projectTitle":"Kindness Counts!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9001514_orig.jpg?crop=725,725,x927,y241&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698435075519","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9001514"},{"teacherId":9001514,"projectId":10081744,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, *Creative Futures Built with Precise Tools*. Your generosity has transformed the way our students approach making, designing, and problem-solving in the art room. When the new tools arrived, students were amazed and eager to begin creating. Many had never used kid-safe precision tools before, and they were excited to have access to materials that made them feel like real designers, engineers, and artists.\r\n\r\nWe immediately put the tools to work in a STEAM-based sculpture unit. Students used cardboard, foam, and recycled materials to design and construct original three-dimensional artworks. The precision tools allowed students to cut, shape, and assemble materials with greater confidence and independence. One of the most rewarding moments was watching students who typically struggle with fine motor skills successfully complete intricate cuts and details on their own. The tools provided access and success for learners with varying abilities while encouraging creativity, perseverance, and innovative thinking.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will continue building their engineering and artistic skills through larger collaborative sculptures and mixed-media design challenges. They will test ideas, revise prototypes, and learn that creativity often grows through experimentation. Your support has provided much more than classroom supplies—it has given our students the opportunity to develop confidence, independence, and future-ready problem-solving skills. Thank you for investing in their creativity and helping them imagine what they can build next.","fullyFundedDate":1770254888253,"projectUrl":"project/creative-futures-built-with-precise-tool/10081744/","projectTitle":"Creative Futures Built with Precise Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9001514_orig.jpg?crop=725,725,x927,y241&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698435075519","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9001514"},{"teacherId":9001514,"projectId":9875986,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, *Calm Minds, Creative Lines: Exploring Emotions Through Neurographic Art*. Because of your generosity, my students have had the opportunity to explore art as a powerful tool for self-expression, mindfulness, and emotional wellness. When the materials arrived, students were immediately excited to begin creating. They were fascinated by the flowing lines, vibrant colors, and unique process of transforming simple marks into meaningful artwork. Many students commented on how relaxing and calming the experience felt.\r\n\r\nWe have been using the new resources to create neurographic art pieces that help students identify, express, and reflect on their emotions. One memorable moment occurred when students shared their finished artworks and explained the feelings represented by their colors and shapes. Even some of my quieter students felt comfortable discussing their emotions through their artwork, creating meaningful conversations and connections within our classroom community.\r\n\r\nAs we continue this journey, students will build on these skills by exploring additional mindfulness-based art activities and connecting social-emotional learning with creative problem-solving. Your support has provided more than art supplies—it has given students a safe and engaging way to develop confidence, self-awareness, and creativity. Thank you for making a lasting impact on our classroom and helping our young artists grow both emotionally and artistically.","fullyFundedDate":1767241053676,"projectUrl":"project/calm-minds-creative-lines-exploring-em/9875986/","projectTitle":"Calm Minds, Creative Lines: Exploring Emotions Through Neurographic Art","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9001514_orig.jpg?crop=725,725,x927,y241&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698435075519","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9001514"},{"teacherId":9001514,"projectId":9977404,"letterContent":"Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom and in the lives of my students. Because of your support, my students now have access to engaging materials that inspire creativity, collaboration, and confidence every day. Many of my students come from a high-needs, bilingual Title I school community where access to extra educational and creative resources outside of school is limited. These new supplies have helped create opportunities that many students may not otherwise experience.\r\n\r\nSince receiving these materials, students have been more excited to participate, take creative risks, and work together. I have already seen increased engagement, stronger communication skills, and greater pride in their work. The resources allow me to provide hands-on, differentiated learning experiences that support all learners, including English language learners and students who need additional support.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding moments has been watching students light up with excitement when using the new materials. They feel valued knowing that people they have never met care about their education and believe in their success. Your kindness has helped build confidence, joy, and a stronger sense of community in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping provide enriching experiences that will have a lasting impact far beyond this school year. Your support reminds my students that their creativity, learning, and growth truly matter.","fullyFundedDate":1770387216798,"projectUrl":"project/designing-the-future-3d-art-creative-c/9977404/","projectTitle":"Designing the Future: 3D Art, Creative Careers, and College Readiness","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9001514_orig.jpg?crop=725,725,x927,y241&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698435075519","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9001514"},{"teacherId":9001514,"projectId":9977400,"letterContent":"Our students have been excitedly using the new resources during our fiber and mixed-media art unit. With the colored paper, they are designing original artworks that explore color theory, pattern, and composition. One memorable moment was watching a student carefully arrange layers of paper into a bright abstract design, proudly explaining how they used warm and cool colors to create contrast. The spool-making tools have allowed students to practice winding yarn, organizing materials, and experimenting with texture in ways that feel both creative and purposeful. They are learning patience, problem-solving, and fine motor skills while creating something uniquely their own.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new materials, their reactions were full of excitement and curiosity. Many immediately asked when they could start using the yarn tools and wanted to know how the bingo dabber refill tool worked. They were especially thrilled to learn that we could refill and reuse materials instead of throwing them away. It sparked conversations about sustainability and taking care of classroom tools. For many of our students, having access to these high-quality supplies at school makes them feel valued and inspires them to try new things.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has opened the door to experiences our students may not otherwise have. The next steps for our current project are to combine their paper designs with fiber elements such as wrapped yarn, textured surfaces, and layered compositions to create finished mixed-media pieces. Students will also reflect on their creative choices and discuss how the skills they are practicing connect to careers in art, design, engineering, and manufacturing. Because of your support, our students are building confidence, creativity, and real-world skills that will benefit them far beyond the art room.","fullyFundedDate":1771460815588,"projectUrl":"project/preparing-creative-thinkers-for-college/9977400/","projectTitle":"Preparing Creative Thinkers for College and Careers Through Art","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gallin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9001514_orig.jpg?crop=725,725,x927,y241&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698435075519","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9001514"},{"teacherId":8934857,"projectId":10039465,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous donation towards my project, \"Class in Need, Some Books For Us to Read!\" The books in this project were selected for a few reasons. The Cat Kid Comic Book Collection and Pizza and Taco graphic novels were selected as independent reading materials for some of my graphic novel loving students. One student gasped when he saw the books on my counter! His face lit up when I let him borrow one. The other texts about punctuation, silent e, and vowels will be used to teach different phonics patterns while incorporating literature into my lessons. \r\n\r\nThe various other texts were selected to help teaching topics like pumpkins, how to writing, growth mindset and a plethora of other important topics.\r\n\r\nMy students are greatly impacted by your donation and we are incredibly appreciative for donors like yourself who believe in Donors Choose. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1771031009031,"projectUrl":"project/class-in-need-some-books-for-us-to-read/10039465/","projectTitle":"Class in Need, Some Books for Us to Read!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Phelps","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8934857_orig.jpg?crop=1240,1240,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691632195486","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8934857"},{"teacherId":10060004,"projectId":9424014,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project and for believing in my students. Because of your generosity, my students,especially those who are performing significantly below grade level,now have access to hands-on materials they use every single day during math instruction. These resources have completely changed how they experience learning. Instead of struggling only with abstract numbers on a page, they are able to touch, build, model, and explore concepts in concrete ways that help them truly understand the \"why\" behind the math. The materials have made lessons more engaging, motivating, and fun, and students get genuinely excited when it's time to use them.\r\n\r\nThe growth I've seen has been incredible. Students who once felt frustrated or hesitant now approach math with confidence and curiosity. They use the tools independently, finding their own strategies and solutions to problems that once felt overwhelming or out of reach. Watching them develop deeper conceptual understanding and pride in their learning has been one of the most rewarding experiences as a teacher. Your support has made this possible, and the impact you've had on their confidence and achievement will last far beyond this school year. Thank you for investing in my students and helping them believe they can succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1757537392059,"projectUrl":"project/making-math-hands-on/9424014/","projectTitle":"Making Math Hands-On","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zuniga","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10060004_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1779662505748","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10060004"},{"teacherId":9105122,"projectId":9424350,"letterContent":"Because of your kindness, my students now have the supplies they need to feel ready and excited to learn each day. Having pencils, glue sticks, scissors, and markers available makes a big difference in our classroom. Students can jump right into writing, drawing, cutting, and creating without worrying about not having what they need.\r\n\r\nI've already seen students feel more confident and proud of their work. The classroom feels calmer and more welcoming because everyone has access to the same materials, and students can focus on learning and working together instead of feeling stressed or left out.\r\n\r\nYour support helps every student feel included and capable from the very start. These supplies make hands-on learning possible and help students express their ideas freely. Thank you for helping create a classroom where students feel supported, prepared, and excited to grow. 💛","fullyFundedDate":1757632972258,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school-essentials-for-bright-fut/9424350/","projectTitle":"Back-to-School Essentials for Bright Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9105122_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720999149085","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9105122"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_26320","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":476,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":87,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"21.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":80.5,"schoolId":26320,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Edna M Rollins Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Edna M Rollins Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/east-aurora-school-district-131/edna-e-m-rollins-elementary-school/26320"}