{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Paw Paw Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8704971,"projectId":9805544,"letterContent":"We have been able to quickly and easily change out the variety of battery operated light sources es throughout our classroom. We keep these lights on during class so that we can avoid turning our overhead lights on and provide the best calm environment to learn in. \r\n\r\nHaving a calm environment helps my students to keep calm themselves. Having the ambience lights is one of the most effective ways that I have been able to really impact the calm vibe in our classroom. Having the ability to regularly change our batteries has been so impactful already since the lights are always working now!","fullyFundedDate":1760692269600,"projectUrl":"project/batteries-to-light-up-our-room/9805544/","projectTitle":"Batteries to Light Up Our Room","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coomer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8704971_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745410041024","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8704971"},{"teacherId":8704971,"projectId":9264600,"letterContent":"My classroom is so excited for all the new seating options in our room. They have loved getting the control of picking where to sit and get right to work as they enter the room each day. It was quite the experience of having new boxes delivered to our classroom over the course of a week and seeing what new and exciting seating offering was presented to us. \r\n\r\nMiddle school students do not feel in control much during their day, and having this small little autonomy in choosing their comfortable seats has made a big impact in our classroom thus far this year. I can only hope that excitement will continue and encourage them to be the best they can be throughout this school year and to future classes.","fullyFundedDate":1746723228896,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-all/9264600/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for All","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coomer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8704971_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745410041024","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8704971"},{"teacherId":8704971,"projectId":9393073,"letterContent":"Everyday my students take turns using our cleaning products to reset the classroom at the end of the day. This has ensured that we come into a clean and healthy space to learn each day. My students have taken pride in the job well done in keeping our room clean. \r\n\r\nI have seen that this action has had an impact on other common areas as well, they have also been given the attention of the students in making sure they are keep neat, tidy and clean. We have been praised by our custodial staff for the job well done.","fullyFundedDate":1754407014391,"projectUrl":"project/clean-classroom/9393073/","projectTitle":"Clean Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coomer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8704971_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745410041024","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8704971"},{"teacherId":7936355,"projectId":9064212,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students were beyond excited when they saw the Breakout EDU kits for the first time—they couldn't wait to start unlocking clues and solving puzzles! We've already used the kits in both science and social studies, turning lessons into immersive escape-room challenges. During our last few days of school, students participated in a breakout activity where a piece of art had been \"stolen,\" and they had to recover it by solving clues using shapes, cardinal directions, and critical thinking to crack the lock codes. It was a fun and memorable way to wrap up the year, filled with teamwork, problem-solving, and lots of laughter.\r\n\r\nNext up, students will be designing their own Breakout games to review ecosystems and landforms—planning puzzles, writing clues, and leading their classmates through the challenge. Your support helped transform our classroom into a space where learning feels like an adventure. We're so thankful!","fullyFundedDate":1746786096524,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-learning-engaging-minds-with/9064212/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Learning: Engaging Minds with Breakout EDU!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sexton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7936355_orig.jpg?crop=1582,1582,x1018,y120&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749101335497","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7936355"},{"teacherId":7936355,"projectId":8976687,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our enrichment classroom is now full of exciting hands-on math tools that are helping students stretch their thinking and deepen their understanding. The moment the materials arrived, my students lit up with excitement. \"Are these for us?\" one student asked, eyes wide with curiosity. They couldn't wait to dive in—and they haven't stopped exploring since!\r\n\r\nWe've been using the math manipulatives, games, and discovery kits during enrichment block and small group challenges. These students thrive on engaging, open-ended tasks, and the new materials give them just that—tools to test ideas, solve problems in creative ways, and talk through complex concepts together.\r\n\r\nFor example, during a recent fraction challenge, students used fraction tiles and decimal boards to \"build a meal\" by combining ingredients with different fractional values. They had to convert between fractions and decimals, make comparisons, and explain their reasoning—all using the tools to model their thinking. It turned into an energetic, thoughtful debate as they collaborated and even adjusted their plans to make better mathematical choices.\r\n\r\nIn another lesson, we used math games to reinforce multiplication strategies. Students rotated through centers with partner-based challenges, timed tasks, and strategy games that pushed them to explain their thinking. These moments have helped reinforce important skills in a fun, low-pressure way. Students are not only practicing math—they're loving it.\r\n\r\nWhat's especially powerful is how the materials have built confidence. Many of these enrichment learners are strong critical thinkers but sometimes struggle when math feels too abstract. Now, they have tangible ways to test out their ideas. One student who used to be quiet during math time now confidently explains her strategies while working with manipulatives. Another student who often finishes quickly has been using the games to challenge himself at a deeper level.\r\n\r\nThese tools have also improved classroom collaboration. With so many interactive options, students naturally begin working together—sharing ideas, debating strategies, and helping each other grow. That teamwork is exactly what I hope to foster in enrichment: a space where students take risks, learn from each other, and see learning as a shared adventure.\r\n\r\nOur next step is a \"Math Olympics\" event, where teams will complete a series of real-world challenges using the new tools. It's a fun way to apply their knowledge and celebrate their growth.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible. You didn't just provide supplies—you gave my students the opportunity to see themselves as mathematicians, collaborators, and problem-solvers. This project has helped create the kind of joyful, challenging learning that sticks with students long after the lesson ends.\r\n\r\nWe're so grateful for your support and excited to keep learning, growing, and thinking big—together!","fullyFundedDate":1735348984532,"projectUrl":"project/enriching-minds-hands-on-learning-for-c/8976687/","projectTitle":"Enriching Minds: Hands-On Learning for Curious Kids!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sexton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7936355_orig.jpg?crop=1582,1582,x1018,y120&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749101335497","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7936355"},{"teacherId":7936355,"projectId":8480968,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, my students now have access to an incredible collection of engaging and diverse biographies that bring history, science, and culture to life! These books have sparked curiosity, introduced new perspectives, and encouraged my students to see themselves in the stories of influential figures from all walks of life. Whether they're reading about athletes, activists, inventors, or artists, my students are developing critical reading skills, learning to analyze informational texts, and making connections between the past and present.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is a dynamic and interactive experience. Students engage in small-group discussions, work on research projects, and use these biographies as inspiration for their own writing. One student, who previously struggled to find books that interested him, has been captivated by the story of Ken Jennings and now excitedly shares trivia with the class. Another student, inspired by Malala Yousafzai's story, wrote a persuasive speech on the importance of education for all. These books have opened up a world of possibilities, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to provide my students with stories that challenge and inspire them.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible! Your support has truly made a difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1730396287525,"projectUrl":"project/inspiring-young-minds-a-journey-through/8480968/","projectTitle":"Inspiring Young Minds: A Journey Through Biographies and History","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sexton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7936355_orig.jpg?crop=1582,1582,x1018,y120&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749101335497","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7936355"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_28985","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":122,"numTeachers":10,"percentFrplEligible":39,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":83,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":65.5,"schoolId":28985,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Paw Paw Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Paw Paw Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/paw-paw-community-unit-school-district-271/paw-paw-elementary-school/28985"}