{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sugar Creek Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":16.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3336785,"projectId":9799937,"letterContent":"Implementing weighted animals and sensory regulation tools provides students with essential Deep Pressure Stimulation, a proven method for lowering cortisol and calming the autonomic nervous system. By offering this grounding proprioceptive input, we transition students from a state of sensory overwhelm to a \"ready-to-learn\" mindset, directly increasing their academic endurance and ability to focus on complex tasks. These items serve as functional bridges to self-regulation, reducing behavioral disruptions and ensuring that neurodivergent learners have the physical support necessary to engage equitably with the curriculum alongside their peers.\r\nI am so thankful for your donation which is helping my students make progress now that we are in a more calm ready to learn state.","fullyFundedDate":1767045771666,"projectUrl":"project/calm-bodies-busy-minds/9799937/","projectTitle":"Calm Bodies, Busy Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Showalter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3336785"},{"teacherId":10030788,"projectId":9735934,"letterContent":"Thanks to you, my 5th grade students now have hands-on STEM and experiment materials that have completely transformed our learning. Instead of just reading about scientific concepts, students are actively exploring, testing, and problem-solving through real experiments.\r\n\r\nThese materials have increased student engagement and curiosity. Students are asking deeper questions, collaborating with peers, and using critical thinking skills as they design experiments, make predictions, and analyze results. The hands-on nature of the materials has also helped make learning more accessible for all learners, especially those who learn best by doing.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this grant has helped students see themselves as scientists and engineers. They are building confidence, learning from mistakes, and developing perseverance as they test ideas and revise their thinking. This experience has made STEM learning meaningful, exciting, and memorable for my students, and it would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors.","fullyFundedDate":1760645361633,"projectUrl":"project/stem-in-5th-grade-measuring-and-explori/9735934/","projectTitle":"STEM in 5th Grade: Measuring and Exploring Matter","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tellor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10030788_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y368&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746801197789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10030788"},{"teacherId":8979037,"projectId":9794701,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to our Calm Corner, or now we call it: Calming Cube or the \"Cube\"! Young children are still learning how to navigate big feelings. With this Calming Cube, we now have a place students can go to whenever they need it! \r\n\r\nSince it was added to class midway through the year, my students were able to help me figure out what type of \"tools\" we should have for students to use in there! We decided on timers, sensory bottles, 2 books, and visuals for breathing and emotions would all be great additions! With the cube, students can access a small quiet area while reaching on the top for whatever tool they feel they need.\r\n\r\nUp to this point, we were using a VERY large cardboard box for our Corner and--while we truly loved the box, because what 5-year-old doesn't love a good box?--now we have a much bigger and more secure location in our room! Thank you again for supporting this project. It will be used for many, many years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1766996002970,"projectUrl":"project/a-calming-corner-for-preschoolers/9794701/","projectTitle":"A Calming Corner for Preschoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sherwin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8979037_orig.jpg?crop=686,687,x128,y435&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724270836560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8979037"},{"teacherId":10017620,"projectId":9839035,"letterContent":"Thank you SO much for funding this project. It has had a significant positive impact on my students. The materials included in this project have motivated my students to be their best selves not only in the classroom, but in all areas of the school. \r\n\r\nTheir personal favorite is the butter slime! This is something that all of them have been saving up their \"Cheetah Cash\" for! It is so fun to see them working on budgeting and saving, as well as looking for opportunities to work hard and earn more Cheetah Cash. \r\n\r\nI cannot thank you enough for supporting my classroom. It truly means so much to me!!!","fullyFundedDate":1766887878027,"projectUrl":"project/rewarding-right-choices/9839035/","projectTitle":"Rewarding Right Choices","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lanham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10017620_orig.jpg?crop=434,434,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746483555954","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10017620"},{"teacherId":10017620,"projectId":9764864,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your contribution to this project! It went over SO WELL and was the perfect SEL lesson for fifth graders. They had the best time learning about the calming technique of glitter jars and had fun making their own. They have remained on their desks for months after creating them! \r\n\r\nThe PBIS team at my school saw us do this project and ended up making an adapted version for each classroom, so that was amazing too! \r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, students were able to create and utilize a tool that positively contributes to their self regulation. THANK YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1759255767583,"projectUrl":"project/mindful-moment-jars/9764864/","projectTitle":"Mindful Moment Jars","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lanham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10017620_orig.jpg?crop=434,434,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746483555954","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10017620"},{"teacherId":10303724,"projectId":9797172,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our flexible seating project. Because of you, our classroom has become a more welcoming, engaging, and supportive learning environment for every student.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the new seating, my students and I have been using it daily during reading, writing, math, and small-group instruction. Students are able to choose seating that best meets their learning needs, whether that means a wobble stool for movement, floor seating for collaboration, or a comfortable chair for independent work. One especially meaningful moment was during a writing workshop, when students were fully engaged—spread throughout the room, focused, and confidently revising their writing. I noticed increased productivity from all students. \r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their excitement was immediate. Their faces lit up as they explored the different seating options, and many shared how special it felt to have choices in their learning space. They quickly took ownership of the seating, discussing which options helped them concentrate or feel calm, and they have shown great responsibility in using the materials appropriately.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, flexible seating will continue to support our learning as students work through upcoming lessons in reading comprehension, collaborative problem-solving, and a research-based writing project. Over several days, students will plan, draft, and revise their work, and the comfort and flexibility of our seating will help them stay engaged and motivated throughout the process.\r\n\r\nThank you again for giving my students this opportunity. Your generosity has made a lasting difference in how they learn and how they feel in our classroom. We are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1761869691247,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-in-4c/9797172/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating in 4C","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10303724_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y745&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759857880585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10303724"},{"teacherId":10030788,"projectId":9427841,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our hands-on STEM learning project. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in how my 5th-grade students experience science.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, students are able to actively explore our Matter and Energy in Ecosystems unit through hands-on investigations. They have grown plants, studied food webs, and used real scientific tools like a digital scale to collect data and make observations. These experiences have helped students connect abstract science concepts to real-world systems in a way that is engaging and memorable.\r\n\r\nYour support has allowed my students to think and work like scientists by asking questions, conducting experiments, and building models to explain what they observe. This project has sparked curiosity, strengthened critical thinking skills, and encouraged problem-solving that extends beyond science into other areas of learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping make science active, meaningful, and exciting for my students from the very start of the school year.","fullyFundedDate":1758356421004,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-stem-discovering-ecosystems-in/9427841/","projectTitle":"Hands-On STEM: Discovering Ecosystems in 5th Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tellor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10030788_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y368&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746801197789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10030788"},{"teacherId":10030788,"projectId":9474180,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom rug project. In my 5th-grade classroom, building a strong sense of community is just as important as academic growth, and your kindness has helped make that possible.\r\n\r\nThe new rug has quickly become the heart of our classroom. It provides a comfortable, shared space where students gather for daily read-alouds, morning meetings, and social-emotional learning activities. Sitting together on the rug encourages meaningful conversations, active listening, and empathy as students share ideas and connect with one another.\r\n\r\nHaving this cozy, designated space helps students feel safe, seen, and ready to engage. It has strengthened our classroom community and created an inviting environment that supports both emotional growth and a love of reading.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping create a classroom where they feel welcomed, supported, and excited to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1757683140666,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-rug-for-our-5th-grade-learning-sp/9474180/","projectTitle":"A Cozy Rug for Our 5th Grade Learning Space!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tellor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10030788_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y368&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746801197789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10030788"},{"teacherId":10030788,"projectId":9427821,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my 5th-grade students now begin each day with purposeful routines that support their social-emotional growth, confidence, and sense of belonging. The Teachers Pay Teachers gift card allowed me to purchase high-quality, classroom-tested resources that strengthen our morning meetings, SEL lessons, and goal- and data-tracking systems.\r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful resources has been our morning meeting slideshow presentations. These slides provide meaningful discussion prompts, engaging activities, and structured opportunities for students to share, listen, and connect with one another. As a result, students feel seen, valued, and supported as they start their day, which sets a positive tone for learning.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the resources support monthly SEL crafts that my students truly enjoy. These hands-on activities allow students to creatively reflect on important skills such as goal setting, empathy, resilience, and self-awareness. The crafts give students a tangible way to express their thoughts and emotions while reinforcing SEL concepts in a fun and meaningful way. Many students take pride in displaying their work or sharing it with their families, which deepens their learning and sense of accomplishment.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create a classroom environment where students feel connected, motivated, and empowered to grow. These resources are helping my students build lifelong social-emotional skills that positively impact both their academic success and personal development. Thank you for investing in my 5th graders and helping build a strong, supportive classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1757683066956,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-5th-graders-with-sel-goal-s/9427821/","projectTitle":"Empowering 5th Graders with SEL & Goal-Setting Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tellor","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10030788_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y368&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746801197789","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10030788"},{"teacherId":8180384,"projectId":7051517,"letterContent":"The sensory table was a hit in the classroom! Children could not wait to explore with a friend. I had to have children sign up for their turn because it was so popular! This was great, because then the project incorporated literacy as well, having the children practice writing their names.\r\n\r\nIt truly encouraged students to verbalize what they were seeing, feeling, hearing and experiencing. They spoke to their peers who were at the sensory table with them and answered questions their teachers posed while at that center. \r\n\r\nI am truly grateful for the support of our little learners at a time in their life that is critical for development.","fullyFundedDate":1669756833547,"projectUrl":"project/table-talk-for-little-learners/7051517/","projectTitle":"Table Talk for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Seifert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8180384"},{"teacherId":9793566,"projectId":9509615,"letterContent":"I am deeply grateful for your generous monetary support which has allowed us to acquire kinesthetic and sensory-regulation tools. Your investment is a critical equity intervention designed to optimize my small group learning environment.\r\n\r\nYour support directly reduces instances of off-task behaviors and significantly increases my students' capacity for active listening and peer collaboration. This targeted support ensures that all learners can fully access high-level instruction, which I anticipate will lead to measurably improved on-task time and stronger academic performance during focused small group activities.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping me create a more accessible and effective learning environment for every student.","fullyFundedDate":1757683163569,"projectUrl":"project/balanced-brains-enhancing-mental-health/9509615/","projectTitle":"Balanced Brains: Enhancing Mental Health and Focus Through Movement","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Showalter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9793566_orig.jpg?crop=300,300,x0,y26&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746395238990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9793566"},{"teacherId":10017620,"projectId":9381463,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to this project. This text set included many books about being mindful and having a growth mindset--two very important skills for all people to have! Because of your generous donation, my students are improving their ability to self-advocate. I have even seen many of them have solutions on how to self-regulate! \r\n\r\nIn my classroom, reading is done a few different ways. My students and I love to read together and discuss books, and students also love to read independently around the room. I have noticed that students will grab books from this text set when they get to independent read even if we have just read it all together! They love to read them again and again! I love it! \r\n\r\nThe fan favorite of this text set is Yani the Yeti! \r\n\r\nI cannot thank you enough for what you have provided to my students! You are helping them prepare for amazing futures!","fullyFundedDate":1753630453652,"projectUrl":"project/mindset-matters-a-growth-mindset-book-c/9381463/","projectTitle":"Mindset Matters: A Growth Mindset Book Collection","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lanham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10017620_orig.jpg?crop=434,434,x0,y37&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746483555954","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10017620"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_29922","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":322,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":61,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":31,"percentWhite":45,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":8,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":83.2,"schoolId":29922,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sugar Creek Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sugar Creek Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/mclean-co-unit-district-5/sugar-creek-elementary-school/29922"}