{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"McIntosh Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4743401,"projectId":9517236,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for your generous support in providing Scholastic newsletters and reading materials to our classroom! These resources have brought new energy and excitement to our reading time, and the impact has been truly amazing.\r\n\r\n\r\nIn our class, reading isn't just about sounding out words — it's about building critical thinking, comprehension, and a lifelong love of learning. The Scholastic materials have helped us explore a wide range of topics through age-appropriate, engaging nonfiction and fiction texts. With each issue, we dive into new vocabulary, learn how to identify main ideas and key details, and practice summarizing and discussing what we've read.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom happens in all kinds of ways — in small groups, during quiet independent time, and through lively class discussions. These newsletters have sparked curiosity and conversations, especially when students read about current events, science topics, or fun facts about animals and history.\r\n\r\nOne student who used to shy away from reading now eagerly grabs a newsletter during free choice time. The colorful photos and short, engaging articles have helped her gain confidence and find joy in reading. Several others have even started bringing their newsletters home to read with family — proudly sharing what they've learned.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, reading has become even more meaningful and exciting for my students. You've helped open their eyes to the world around them and shown them that reading isn't just something we do in school — it's something we can enjoy for life.","fullyFundedDate":1755720458805,"projectUrl":"project/readers-are-leaders/9517236/","projectTitle":"Readers Are Leaders!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Proper","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4743401_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599924729848","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4743401"},{"teacherId":4743401,"projectId":9167106,"letterContent":"In today's classrooms, technology is no longer just a helpful addition — it's an essential tool for personalized learning. With headphones, students can fully engage in interactive lessons, educational games, read-alouds, and language development apps without distractions. Whether they're improving their reading fluency, or accessing math tutorials, they're now able to focus deeply, at their own pace.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting things for my students has been the feeling of independence these headphones provide. They love having their own device to use during quiet learning time, and for many of them, it feels like a special privilege — one that boosts their confidence and motivation.\r\n\r\nI've especially noticed the difference with a few students who struggle to stay on task in a busy classroom environment. With headphones, they're suddenly more focused, more engaged, and more eager to learn. One student who typically needs constant redirection now starts his independent work without a reminder — simply because the headphones help him block out distractions and zero in on what he needs to do.\r\n\r\nYour support has created a quieter, more focused, and more equitable learning space for every child in my classroom. You've helped give them the tools to succeed, and I can't thank you enough for investing in their futures.","fullyFundedDate":1752166648751,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-learning-through-technology/9167106/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Learning Through Technology: Providing Headphones for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Proper","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4743401_orig.jpg?crop=481,481,x0,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599924729848","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4743401"},{"teacherId":9765652,"projectId":9012711,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity! \r\n\r\nSince receiving these generous book donations, my classroom has been transformed into a space buzzing with excitement and curiosity. Students eagerly explore titles like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Ada Twist, Scientist, and The Magic School Bus, which have opened up new opportunities for learning and discussion. These books help students build critical skills such as problem-solving, scientific thinking, comprehension, and creativity. They also introduce important lessons about perseverance, empathy, and teamwork, giving students both academic and personal growth opportunities.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom has become more engaging than ever. Students gather in small groups to read aloud, discuss ideas, and make predictions about what will happen next. Many students who were once reluctant readers are now asking to borrow books to take home, and classroom conversations are filled with excitement about the stories they are discovering. STEM-focused texts are helping students connect concepts from science, math, and engineering to real-world applications, while relatable stories like Diary of a Wimpy Kid are boosting literacy and confidence in reading.\r\n\r\nCertain students have been especially inspired. One student who struggled with reading comprehension has been eagerly rereading Diary of a Wimpy Kid to improve fluency and vocabulary, while another has been using Ada Twist, Scientist to conduct small experiments at home. These books are not just reading material—they are sparking curiosity, building confidence, and creating a genuine love of learning that will continue to grow.","fullyFundedDate":1741676138261,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-minds-donate-books-to-inspire-s/9012711/","projectTitle":"Fueling Minds: Donate Books to Inspire Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Van Garsse","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9765652_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731818228126","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9765652"},{"teacherId":9765652,"projectId":8948311,"letterContent":"Thank you so much! \r\n\r\nThis project has truly transformed writing in our classroom. When the ink, feathers, vintage paper, and ELA posters arrived, my students were beyond excited—they couldn't wait to try out the quills and experience what it might have felt like to write in another time period. One of our favorite classroom moments so far has been using the quills and vintage paper to draft poetry and short stories. Students took so much pride in their work, and the unique materials helped them see writing as an art form rather than just an assignment. The ELA posters have also been a wonderful daily resource, providing quick reference points for strategies and inspiring students to apply new skills to their writing.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their eyes lit up, and the room was filled with excitement and curiosity. Many had never seen or used a quill before, and their eagerness to try something new created a buzz of energy that carried into their writing. They loved the challenge of writing with ink, and the experience encouraged them to slow down, think carefully, and take more ownership of their words.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be expanding our biography project by incorporating these materials to write polished drafts of research-based pieces. Students will use the quills and vintage paper to present their final work in a creative, authentic way, bringing history and writing together. Thanks to this project, writing has become an adventure, and my students are more motivated than ever to express their ideas.","fullyFundedDate":1739998623653,"projectUrl":"project/quills-and-creativity-bringing-stories/8948311/","projectTitle":"Quills and Creativity: Bringing Stories to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Van Garsse","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9765652_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731818228126","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9765652"},{"teacherId":9765652,"projectId":8946340,"letterContent":"The impact of this project has been incredible! My students were thrilled when they first saw the new STEM and art materials, and their excitement was contagious. The solar power kits immediately sparked curiosity as they began exploring how renewable energy works through hands-on experiments. They eagerly worked in teams to build and test solar-powered models, applying their problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way. The coloring supplies have also played a huge role in fostering creativity, giving students an outlet to express themselves while reinforcing concepts through visual projects. Even something as simple as mints has helped students stay focused and engaged during lessons, making learning more enjoyable.\r\n\r\nThese resources have transformed our classroom into a space of innovation and imagination. Moving forward, we will continue incorporating the solar kits into our science curriculum, expanding on energy and sustainability concepts. Students will also use the art materials to enhance their STEM projects, designing posters and presentations to showcase their learning. Thanks to this project, my students are not only developing critical thinking and creative skills but also gaining confidence in their abilities. We are so grateful for your generosity—your support has truly made a lasting difference!","fullyFundedDate":1733252298583,"projectUrl":"project/spark-creativity-innovation-fuel-stem/8946340/","projectTitle":"Spark Creativity & Innovation: Fuel STEM and Art Dreams!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Van Garsse","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9765652_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731818228126","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9765652"},{"teacherId":9765652,"projectId":8803867,"letterContent":"The new resources have been a game-changer in our classroom! My students have been eagerly using the pencil sharpener, highlighters, markers, headphones, and mini ducks in their daily learning. One of the most exciting projects we've started is a multiplication activity using the mini ducks, where students group them to visualize and solve problems hands-on. The highlighters and markers help them organize their work, making problem-solving more engaging and interactive.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their faces lit up with excitement! The mini ducks were an instant favorite, turning math into a fun and tangible experience. The highlighters and markers have made their notes and problem-solving strategies more colorful and clear, helping them retain information better. Even the simple addition of a reliable pencil sharpener has made a big difference, keeping them focused and ready to learn. The headphones have created a quieter, more personalized learning environment, allowing students to concentrate on digital lessons without distractions. The books have also been a fantastic resource for our biography project, helping students research and learn about influential figures while improving their reading skills.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll continue using these tools for hands-on math games, creative projects, and interactive lessons. Thanks to our generous donors, my students have the resources they need to stay engaged, organized, and excited about learning. We are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1731510956454,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-their-future-empower-students-with/8803867/","projectTitle":"Fuel Their Future: Empower Students with Your Support!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Van Garsse","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9765652_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731818228126","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9765652"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_28284","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":405,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":55,"percentWhite":15,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":17,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"16.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":82.0,"schoolId":28284,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about McIntosh Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"McIntosh Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/rockford-public-schools-district-205/mcintosh-elementary-school/28284"}