{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sugar Creek Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":16.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10017620,"projectId":10026784,"letterContent":"This was such an amazing donation that helped me develop SEL curriculum to support my students. The projects have been fun, engaging, and enjoyable for my fifth grade students. \r\n\r\nWe have practiced gratitude, problem solving, and thinking through our actions so far through our various projects. I am hoping to include more amazing practices in the future as we continue to do a monthly, fun activity! \r\n\r\nThank you for supporting my students and my classroom. You have had a positive and amazing impact on my fifth grade family and we are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1769177913869,"projectUrl":"project/peaceful-cheetahs-project/10026784/","projectTitle":"Peaceful Cheetahs Project","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":6790423,"projectId":9839264,"letterContent":"I wanted to send a sincere thank you for the Literacy and Flexible Seating you provided. In my classroom these tools are used daily and have made a positive impact on their day. \r\nSeeing their faces light up—and then seeing them settle into their work with newfound focus—is a gift. \r\nYour gift of literacy items has already made a difference in our Literacy Center. We are so grateful for your generosity and your support in helping us turn the page toward a brighter future\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students' well-being and success!\r\nBest regards,","fullyFundedDate":1769177913531,"projectUrl":"project/building-literacy-with-flexible-seating/9839264/","projectTitle":"Building Literacy with Flexible Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Krut","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6790423"},{"teacherId":10397909,"projectId":10040963,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support of Hands-On Language & Literacy Through Play and STEM, my preschool students now have access to engaging, hands-on manipulatives that are transforming our speech-language therapy sessions. These materials have allowed me to create highly interactive individual and small group lessons where children can actively explore, build, and play while developing critical communication skills. By incorporating play-based STEM activities, students are more motivated to participate, practice new vocabulary, and use language in meaningful, real-world contexts.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been immediate and powerful. Students who previously needed significant prompting are now initiating communication, asking questions, and using longer, more complex sentences during activities. The hands-on nature of these materials supports a wide range of learners, including those who benefit from visual, tactile, and experiential learning. Through guided play, students are strengthening their ability to follow directions, describe processes, answer questions, and engage in back-and-forth conversations with peers.\r\n\r\nYour donation has not only provided tools—it has created opportunities for confidence, connection, and growth. These early language and literacy skills are foundational for future academic success, and your support is helping to build that foundation in a joyful and meaningful way. Thank you for investing in my students and making learning come alive through play.","fullyFundedDate":1769399858594,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-language-literacy-through-pla/10040963/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Language & Literacy Through Play and STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lutes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10397909_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y504&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767815720860","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10397909"},{"teacherId":3714891,"projectId":10072024,"letterContent":"Our DonorsChoose project, \"Ready, Set, Learn Your Letters,\" has quickly become an essential part of our daily classroom routine. Students are using the new resources during small group instruction, literacy centers, and independent exploration time to build letter recognition, letter-sound connections, and early writing skills. One standout moment was during a hands-on center where students used the materials to match letters to beginning sounds—many of them were excitedly calling out words and helping one another make connections. It was incredible to see their confidence grow in real time as they engaged with the activities in a meaningful, play-based way.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials were first introduced, the excitement was immediate. Students were eager to explore, touching and interacting with each item, and asking when they could start using them. The bright, engaging resources instantly captured their attention and made learning feel fun and accessible. Because of this enthusiasm, students have been more motivated to participate in literacy activities and are taking more initiative during center time.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue building on these foundational skills by incorporating the materials into more structured phonics activities and early writing opportunities. Students will begin applying their letter knowledge to form simple words, practice name writing, and engage in shared reading experiences. These next steps will help strengthen their confidence as emerging readers and writers, while continuing to foster a love of learning that will carry them forward.","fullyFundedDate":1772463240458,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-learn-your-letters/10072024/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Learn Your Letters","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Summers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3714891_orig.jpg?crop=599,599,x462,y51&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655584441691","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missblotcky"},{"teacherId":3714891,"projectId":10164523,"letterContent":"My DonorsChoose project, \"Tiny Seats, Endless Stories: Child-Sized Furniture for Young Book Lovers,\" has made a meaningful difference in our classroom environment and in our students' daily experiences with books. With the addition of child-sized seating, our reading area has transformed into a warm, inviting space where students feel comfortable and independent. The furniture allows them to choose a spot that fits their bodies, helping them settle in more easily and stay engaged for longer periods of time. This sense of ownership has encouraged even our most hesitant learners to explore books and participate in literacy activities.\r\n\r\nBeyond comfort, the impact on student learning has been incredible. Students are more excited to visit the reading area and are spending more time interacting with books, both independently and with peers. The cozy, developmentally appropriate space promotes positive reading habits, supports early literacy skills, and fosters a genuine love of stories. We've seen increased engagement during read-alouds, more frequent peer-to-peer storytelling, and a noticeable boost in students' confidence when handling books. This project has truly helped create a classroom culture where reading feels special, accessible, and joyful for every child.","fullyFundedDate":1774963820533,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-seats-endless-stories-child-sized/10164523/","projectTitle":"Tiny Seats, Endless Stories: Child-Sized Furniture for Young Book Lovers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Summers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3714891_orig.jpg?crop=599,599,x462,y51&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655584441691","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missblotcky"},{"teacherId":835048,"projectId":9799006,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our ESL program. Your generosity truly means more than I can put into words. My preschoolers are just beginning to learn English, and they have so much they want to say. Sometimes the words just aren't there yet. These new materials are already helping bridge that gap. Through play, my students are sorting, exploring, and connecting language to what they see and feel every day.\r\n\r\nI'm starting to hear more words, more attempts, and more confidence. Little moments like a student naming an emotion, describing what they're doing, or proudly sharing an idea are happening more often, and those moments are everything.\r\n\r\nThe dolls, books, and hands-on activities are giving my students a way to practice language in a way that feels natural and safe. They are not just learning English, they are finding their voices.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for being part of their journey.","fullyFundedDate":1769177914453,"projectUrl":"project/little-voices-big-words/9799006/","projectTitle":"Little Voices, Big Words","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hitchins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp835048_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1448992524200","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hitchins"},{"teacherId":3336785,"projectId":10057674,"letterContent":"This iPad is a game-changer for my therapy sessions. By providing real-time visual feedback for speech sounds, it helps students \"see\" the sounds they can only feel. It provides engaging highly motivating games that address speech goals. I'm also able to do screenings of items for vocabulary and speech sounds making the mundane fun! Your generosity transforms difficult practice into an exciting, interactive journey toward clear communication. Thank you for your kindness! It has made the lives of many better!","fullyFundedDate":1771024704677,"projectUrl":"project/app-lying-our-best-to-literacy/10057674/","projectTitle":"App-lying our Best to Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Showalter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3336785"},{"teacherId":3336785,"projectId":10057282,"letterContent":"I wanted to send a quick note to thank you for the materials you donated. They're already in the hands of my students and are getting plenty of use.\r\nThese tools are specifically helping my students with dyslexia work through letter and number reversals. It's been great to see them use the resources to physically track movements, which is helping them build the muscle memory needed to keep their \"b's,\" \"d's,\" and \"6's\" straight.\r\nHaving these items allows them to practice without the usual frustration. You can see their confidence shift a bit when they realize they have a way to correct those patterns on their own.\r\nThanks again for the practical support—it's making the daily work a lot smoother for them.","fullyFundedDate":1769392243436,"projectUrl":"project/the-write-direction-multisensory-tool/10057282/","projectTitle":"The 'Write' Direction: Multisensory Tools for Dyslexia and Reversals","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":10056848,"letterContent":"The hygiene products and snacks from this project have already made a meaningful impact in our classroom by helping students feel comfortable, supported, and ready to learn each day. These resources are available in our classroom for students to access when they need them, helping ensure that basic needs do not become barriers to learning. When students know that they have access to snacks or hygiene supplies if they need them, they are better able to focus, participate, and stay engaged throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were very excited and appreciative. They quickly understood that these resources were there to support everyone in the classroom. It helped create a sense of care and community, where students feel that their well-being matters just as much as their academic success. Having these supplies available also helps create a more welcoming environment where students can feel confident and supported during the school day.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, these resources will continue to support students as they work through daily lessons and longer learning activities that require focus and perseverance. When students feel comfortable and have their basic needs met, they are better prepared to stay engaged, collaborate with classmates, and do their best work. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our classroom is a place where students can focus on learning, growing, and feeling supported every day.","fullyFundedDate":1771032034248,"projectUrl":"project/hygiene-essentials-for-healthy-confiden/10056848/","projectTitle":"Hygiene Essentials for Healthy, Confident 5th Graders","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":9736056,"letterContent":"These new books have been a great addition to our classroom because they serve as mentor texts that help students learn important reading and writing skills. As we read them together, students practice identifying themes, noticing how authors develop characters, and paying attention to the structure of a story. We also look closely at the author's craft by discussing things like descriptive language, dialogue, and how an author creates a strong beginning or ending. Because many of the books connect to different times of the year, they naturally spark conversations about traditions, perspectives, and experiences, which helps students build empathy while strengthening their comprehension skills.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is an active and shared experience. During read aloud time, students gather together to listen to the story, think about the characters, and discuss what they notice or wonder. We often pause to turn and talk with a partner, make predictions, or connect the story to our own lives. These moments help students see that reading is not just about finishing a book, but about thinking deeply and sharing ideas with others. After reading, we often use the books as inspiration for our own writing, allowing students to apply what they noticed about the author's craft.\r\n\r\nSeveral students in our class have been especially excited about these new books. Some students who do not always enjoy read alouds now do because they recognize parts of their own traditions or experiences in the stories. Other students love noticing the small details in the illustrations and pointing out clues about the characters or setting. It has been wonderful to watch students become more engaged and confident as readers as they connect with the stories and share their thinking with their classmates.","fullyFundedDate":1769177914657,"projectUrl":"project/amplifying-voices-diverse-read-alouds-f/9736056/","projectTitle":"Amplifying Voices: Diverse Read Alouds for a Year of Inclusion","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":10277115,"projectId":9754642,"letterContent":"My students were so excited to receive the new books for their self-choose library. The books we've been using are at least 20 years old and have been taped and repaired numerous times. They were so happy to be the first students to read them. \r\n\r\nThey have come in a variety of levels and a variety of fiction and nonfiction. The students have been reading them daily and have been thrilled when they realize they can actually read the words! It has been building their confidence as readers, and they love to read to other adults when they visit or push into the room.\r\n\r\nThese books are being used by the students on a daily basis when they have time to practice reading books at their individual ability levels. Each week, the students are able to switch out their books in their own book basket. They have been thrilled to see both fiction and nonfiction, as we've learned about the two types of literature.\r\n\r\nAs the teacher, it has been so encouraging to see my students excited to read and practicing the skills we've been working on. Thank you so much for making a positive impact in the lives of my students!","fullyFundedDate":1762356442349,"projectUrl":"project/beginning-readers-need-books-to-read-at/9754642/","projectTitle":"Beginning Readers Need Books to Read at Their Ability Level!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Polley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10277115_orig.jpg?crop=240,240,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759874075829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10277115"},{"teacherId":3714891,"projectId":9981748,"letterContent":"Thank You for Helping Us Build a Culture of Encouragement!\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom bulletin boards are now bright, meaningful spaces filled with encouragement, positivity, and student voices.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the boards went up, my students and staff were excited. They immediately noticed the new display areas and couldn't wait to help decide what should go on them. We introduced our \"Encouragement Board\" as a place where kind words live — a space for positive praise, uplifting questions, and affirmations.\r\n\r\nNow, students regularly participate in sharing kind messages with one another. They dictate encouraging notes like, \"You are a good helper,\" or \"I like how you kept trying.\" Some students are even beginning to attempt writing parts of the messages themselves. It has become a daily routine to pause and recognize effort, growth, and kindness.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful changes has been the confidence boost I've seen in my students. Many of them face risk factors for educational challenges, and seeing their names and accomplishments celebrated publicly builds pride and belonging. They often bring classmates over to show them their note or ask to share it with their families.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom environment now intentionally promotes positive self-talk, resilience, and community. These bulletin boards are more than displays — they are reminders that our words matter and that every child here is valued.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping us create a space filled with encouragement and hope.","fullyFundedDate":1768513055008,"projectUrl":"project/encouraged-teachers-thriving-classrooms/9981748/","projectTitle":"Encouraged Teachers, Thriving Classrooms","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Summers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3714891_orig.jpg?crop=599,599,x462,y51&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655584441691","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missblotcky"}],"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":83.1,"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"}