{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kenneth L Hermansen Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10004484,"projectId":9281464,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping us create a supportive, sensory-rich environment where every student can thrive.\r\n\r\nThe new resources have completely transformed how our students approach challenging moments. We are using the calming tent, weighted lap pads, and sensory manipulatives (like the kinetic sand and magnetic reinforcer toys) daily. For example, during our whole-group math lesson last week, one student, typically prone to high anxiety during instruction, began to show signs of overstimulation. He was able to be directed to the calming tent and was able to self-regulate and rejoin the group, focused and ready to participate in the activity. Before your donation, this moment would have taken much more staff support for the student to regulate themselves.\r\n\r\nThe students' reaction when we unveiled the materials was pure wonder! The jellyfish light was an immediate favorite, providing a soothing visual anchor. They quickly learned that the new bins of kinetic sand and small building blocks were not just for fun, but were tools they could use to calm their bodies before starting a hard task or as a structured break. \r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are making a plan for a classroom pet! We plan to make a learn about an animal, list their needs, make a trip to the pet store to get all necessary items to support our new pet! The classroom continues to become a place of comfort for the students. Thank you again for being an essential part of our students' journey!","fullyFundedDate":1756090495190,"projectUrl":"project/a-calm-classroom-sensory-tools-for-focu/9281464/","projectTitle":"A Calm Classroom: Sensory Tools for Focus and Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Looper","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10004484_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745544898039","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10004484"},{"teacherId":10012734,"projectId":9462044,"letterContent":"Our kindergarteners wanted to send the most sincere thank you to each and every one of you.\r\n\r\nSince we have begun our play-based exploratory play centers, it has become their favorite time of day. Our students are asking if they can have more time each day!\r\n\r\nWe have seen growth in their communication skills, curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. For those 20 minutes, you hear an enthusiastic buzzing of play and learning because of your help! We are learning to work together and take turns in science, blocks, art, sensory, writing, library, and dramatic play centers. So far, they've done three units including \"all about me\", \"community helpers\", and \"apples\". Other staff members and administrators comment how amazing of an experience is for our learners. \r\n\r\nWe thank you from the bottom of our hearts!","fullyFundedDate":1752951414530,"projectUrl":"project/play-is-learning-for-our-youngest-studen/9462044/","projectTitle":"Play is Learning for Our Youngest Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schmitt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10012734"},{"teacherId":6309382,"projectId":9360031,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Molding Minds: A Mystery Box Journey into Creative Learning!\" Your generosity brought an extra layer of excitement and wonder into our classroom—and the results have been nothing short of amazing.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the mystery boxes arrived, my students were buzzing with curiosity. Their faces lit up as we opened each box to discover tools and materials that inspired hands-on exploration and creativity—clay, building materials, craft supplies, and more. One of our favorite moments was a team challenge where students used the mystery items to create their own \"inventor's gadget\" and then presented their creations to the class. Not only did this spark imaginative thinking, but it also helped develop teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.\r\n\r\nThese materials have transformed our learning environment into one of discovery and experimentation. We're now incorporating mystery box challenges into weekly lessons, tying them into reading, science, and social studies units. Our next step is a storytelling project where students will build scenes or characters using the materials and then write and share their own short stories based on their creations. Because of your support, our students are not just learning—they're becoming confident creators and critical thinkers.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this kind of inspired learning possible!","fullyFundedDate":1748388972597,"projectUrl":"project/molding-minds-a-mystery-box-journey-int/9360031/","projectTitle":"Molding Minds: A Mystery Box Journey into Creative Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Berk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6309382_orig.jpg?crop=1270,1270,x158,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747153104907","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6309382"},{"teacherId":6309382,"projectId":9278080,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Empower Young Learners: Sensory and Fine Motor Tools for Success!\"\r\n\r\nThe moment the materials arrived, my students lit up with excitement. The new sensory and fine motor tools have completely transformed our classroom environment. From fidget tools that help students stay focused during lessons, to fine motor activities that build strength and coordination, every item has made a real difference.\r\n\r\nOne unforgettable moment was when a student who usually struggles with focus during group activities was able to stay engaged for the entire session using one of the sensory cushions. Another student proudly completed a lacing card independently for the first time—something that seemed impossible just weeks ago.\r\n\r\nThese tools aren't just supplies—they're gateways to confidence, independence, and joy in learning. Right now, we're integrating them into daily centers, where students rotate through activities like threading, sorting, and tactile play. Our next steps include incorporating these tools into literacy and math tasks to support hands-on, differentiated learning.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has empowered my young learners in ways that words can barely capture. Thank you for believing in them and in the power of early education.","fullyFundedDate":1747843612025,"projectUrl":"project/empower-young-learners-sensory-and-fine/9278080/","projectTitle":"Empower Young Learners: Sensory and Fine Motor Tools for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Berk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6309382_orig.jpg?crop=1270,1270,x158,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747153104907","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6309382"},{"teacherId":8678845,"projectId":9311480,"letterContent":"When our Little Minds, Big Feelings materials arrived, my students couldn't wait to dive in. One of their favorite activities has been using the Coffee Maker Role Play Set alongside the Cash Register with Scanner in our dramatic play center. During one small group, the children took turns being the \"customer\" and the \"cashier,\" practicing social skills like greeting, taking turns, and using polite language. It was wonderful to see them role-playing real-life scenarios while also building confidence in communication.\r\n\r\nThe Smiley Face Foam Stress Balls have quickly become a classroom favorite for calming breaks. Students independently reach for them when they need to refocus or release extra energy, which has helped them return to learning more calmly. The Carry Around Animal Town has been especially engaging for quieter play, allowing students to use their imaginations while creating stories and building problem-solving skills with peers.\r\n\r\nThese new resources are not only sparking joy but also creating meaningful opportunities for social-emotional learning, imaginative play, and self-regulation throughout the day.","fullyFundedDate":1746805103220,"projectUrl":"project/little-minds-big-feelings-learning-thr/9311480/","projectTitle":"Little Minds, Big Feelings: Learning Through Play and Calm","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Paulsen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8678845_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669759485182","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8678845"},{"teacherId":10004484,"projectId":9281583,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping to fund our phonics materials. In our self-contained classroom for students with autism, learning to read is a unique and rewarding journey filled with many small steps and big victories. With your generous contribution, we've been able to provide engaging, hands-on tools like flip books, magnetic letters, and matching games that bring abstract concepts like letter sounds and word-building to life. These resources have made phonics instruction more accessible and meaningful for my beginning readers, meeting their individual needs through tactile and interactive learning.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly transformed our literacy instruction. These materials are used daily during small group sessions and individual practice, empowering my students to build confidence, improve communication, and engage more fully in their learning. Each time a student matches a letter to its sound or constructs a word with magnets, they move closer to becoming independent readers. Thank you for believing in their potential and for making a lasting impact on their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1747446184344,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-phonics-tools-for-students-with/9281583/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Phonics Tools for Students With Autism","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Looper","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10004484_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745544898039","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10004484"},{"teacherId":8678845,"projectId":9266094,"letterContent":"When our new Feelings in Focus materials arrived, my students were immediately drawn to them. Their eyes lit up with excitement as they explored the bright colors and interactive pieces. One student eagerly picked up the emotions mirror and began practicing different facial expressions, proudly sharing them with peers. Another gravitated toward the stack and build emotions toy, carefully stacking pieces while labeling each feeling as we talked through what those emotions might look or feel like.\r\n\r\nWe have been using these resources in small-group lessons focused on emotional learning. For example, during a recent activity, students took turns using the emotions coin drop to identify how they were feeling that day. This provided a hands-on, visual way to check in with emotions and sparked meaningful conversation among peers. The therapy putty has also become a favorite tool during calming breaks, helping students self-regulate and return to learning with focus.\r\n\r\nThese materials have quickly become an engaging part of our classroom routine, supporting both emotional growth and positive social interactions.","fullyFundedDate":1745931076890,"projectUrl":"project/feelings-in-focus-building-brighter-fut/9266094/","projectTitle":"Feelings in Focus: Building Brighter Futures Through Emotional Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Paulsen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8678845_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669759485182","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8678845"},{"teacherId":10004484,"projectId":9268394,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous support of our DonorsChoose community, our self-contained classroom for students with autism is now equipped with the hands-on math tools our learners need to thrive. With visual number lines, counting manipulatives, adapted workbooks, and interactive math centers, students are engaging with math in new and meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThese materials have helped turn abstract concepts into concrete, visual learning experiences. Students who once struggled with number sense are now confidently exploring patterns, solving problems, and building foundational skills at their own pace. The structured, sensory-friendly tools have made math more accessible—and even fun—for every learner in our room. While we have been easing into instruction as school starts up again - the students are loving playing \"Bingo!\" and don't even realize they are practicing their math skills! The individual 10 frames also allow students to be more hands on during whole group math meetings, so everyone has been more engaged in learning!\r\n\r\nYour donation has created lasting opportunities for growth, confidence, and success. Thank you for believing in our students and their potential!","fullyFundedDate":1745523693968,"projectUrl":"project/increasing-number-sense-through-hands-on/9268394/","projectTitle":"Increasing Number Sense through Hands-on Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Looper","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10004484_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745544898039","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10004484"},{"teacherId":8620276,"projectId":9315639,"letterContent":"When the TPT resources arrived and I began printing and preparing materials, my students were instantly engaged. They were excited to see new, colorful, and interactive learning tools that felt more like games than worksheets. One of the highlights was using laminated task cards during small group reading rotations—students eagerly took turns matching vocabulary words with pictures and using dry-erase markers to complete comprehension tasks. These reusable materials have become a staple in our daily routines and allow for consistent, hands-on learning experiences that meet my students exactly where they are.\r\n\r\nWith the help of lamination, I've been able to preserve high-quality visuals and activities from TPT that would otherwise wear out quickly. Now, my students have access to durable, individualized supports like visual schedules, communication boards, and math center games they can use again and again. These tools are especially beneficial for my learners who rely on structure and repetition to build confidence and skills. The classroom feels more dynamic and tailored to their needs, and it's made instruction more efficient and impactful.","fullyFundedDate":1746881536649,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-that-lasts/9315639/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning That Lasts!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. VanOstrand","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8620276_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712614273231","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8620276"},{"teacherId":8620276,"projectId":9262232,"letterContent":"When the materials arrived, my students' faces lit up with joy and curiosity. The trampoline and sensory swivel chair quickly became favorites, giving students a much-needed outlet for movement and helping them return to class activities with better focus and regulation. One student who often struggles with staying seated during lessons now uses the swivel chair during our morning meeting, and it's made a noticeable difference in his engagement and comfort level. Another student who was previously overwhelmed by classroom noise now uses the noise-canceling headphones during independent work time, allowing him to complete tasks with greater confidence and fewer distractions.\r\n\r\nThe sequin bulletin board has become a calming and interactive corner where students can take a break and re-center themselves. Light covers have completely transformed the atmosphere of our classroom, creating a more peaceful environment that students often describe as \"relaxing\" or \"cozy.\" It's incredible to see how these thoughtful changes have impacted not just individual students, but our entire classroom culture. Students are more focused, less anxious, and better able to express their needs in a space that supports their sensory differences.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we are using these tools to support our social-emotional learning lessons, where students learn to identify their feelings and choose tools to help manage them. We're also working on a class project about \"What Helps Me Learn,\" where students will create visual presentations sharing which tools they use and why. Your support didn't just provide supplies—it gave my students a voice, a sense of belonging, and a classroom where they feel safe and ready to learn. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1745347181787,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-sanctuary-a-space-to-thrive/9262232/","projectTitle":"Sensory Sanctuary: A Space to Thrive","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. VanOstrand","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8620276_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712614273231","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8620276"},{"teacherId":8620276,"projectId":9222758,"letterContent":"The new organizational resources have made a remarkable difference in my classroom. The two 4-drawer cube bookcases and bins have completely transformed our class store, making it easier for students to practice money skills with clearly labeled denominations. The hanging file folders and storage bins now keep my ULS and Reading A-Z materials in order, making it easier for both myself and paraprofessionals to pull lessons, plan groups, and stay on track throughout the day.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their faces lit up with curiosity and excitement. One student immediately walked over to the class store, pointing to the new bins and asking, \"Can I shop now?\" Since implementing the new setup, students have taken greater ownership of their learning environment. They now know exactly where to find their materials, binders, and independent work folders, which has boosted their confidence and independence. For me and my staff, it has created a more efficient, calm space where instruction flows more smoothly, and transitions are quicker. The materials haven't just improved organization—they've enhanced learning and empowered every member of our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1745053544741,"projectUrl":"project/transform-our-classroom-with-the-power-o/9222758/","projectTitle":"Transform Our Classroom with the Power of Organization!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. VanOstrand","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8620276_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712614273231","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8620276"},{"teacherId":8620276,"projectId":9222808,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my classroom has been transformed into a more organized, interactive, and engaging learning space. With the new laminator and spiral book binder, I've been able to create durable, hands-on learning materials that are used daily in small groups, centers, and independent work time. From math fact practice books to reading comprehension flip charts, students now have access to sturdy, customized resources that support their individual learning goals and allow for repeated use without wear and tear. The calculators and whiteboards have become staples in our math lessons, giving every student the opportunity to participate actively and build confidence in problem-solving.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is being able to use materials that feel special—laminated task cards that wipe clean, interactive books they can flip through, and whiteboards they use to share ideas with the class. One student, who typically struggles with staying engaged during lessons, has shown incredible progress when using her spiral-bound reading task book. She enjoys the structure and routine of flipping through the pages and completing activities at her own pace. Another student, who is working on basic addition, now eagerly uses his whiteboard and calculator during math centers and proudly shares his answers with the group. The new tools have not only supported academic growth but have helped create a more independent and motivated classroom culture.\r\n\r\nBy incorporating these resources into our daily routine, I've also made the classroom more accessible for guest teachers and support staff—materials are clearly organized, reusable, and ready to go. Thank you again for helping me give my students the gift of hands-on learning and organization. Your contribution has had a lasting impact on their confidence, independence, and love of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1744397227412,"projectUrl":"project/laminating-binding-and-learningoh-my/9222808/","projectTitle":"Laminating, Binding, and Learning—Oh My! Help Us Stay Organized!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. VanOstrand","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8620276_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712614273231","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8620276"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_27099","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":393,"numTeachers":43,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":30,"percentWhite":16,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":41,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.3,"schoolId":27099,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kenneth L Hermansen Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kenneth L Hermansen Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/illinois/valley-view-cmty-sd-365-u/hermansen-elementary-school/27099"}