{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Valley Mills Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5971514,"projectId":9660484,"letterContent":"Being able to give students the opportunity to find a new favorite book is an amazing feeling! I would say that most of my students are reading a full book in one or two days at this point in the year. Many of them have been able to use their time reading to identify the type of genre, which author, and what types of books they prefer. This type of exploration with reading has lead to so many more opportunities for my students to enjoy what they are reading.\r\n\r\nAlong with being able to identify their own personal reading preferences, most students are now able to hold meaningful conversations with their peers about what they are reading. Thank you for helping to inspire minds.","fullyFundedDate":1758248963609,"projectUrl":"project/giving-the-gift-of-reading/9660484/","projectTitle":"Giving the Gift of Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Banks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5971514_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1541796574651","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/helpinguslearnwithflexibleseating"},{"teacherId":5971514,"projectId":9576152,"letterContent":"In the fourth grade, prizes are everything! Being able to reward my students with small tokens of my appreciation for the hard work they put into their everyday learning means the world to them. From small pieces of candy to a quarter to use in the machine, my students do their best work in hopes to be rewarded for it. \r\n\r\nWhen students earn a ticket for their good choices with their behavior, they enjoy getting to add their ticket to the ticket drum. It adds more appeal to earning the ticket when they get to spin the drum. Students are also able to be more organized with their daily work with their desk clipboards. I have noticed that there are less students with missing work when we use the clipboards.\r\n\r\nThank you for donating to our classroom and for helping us all grow!","fullyFundedDate":1756320194009,"projectUrl":"project/eye-on-the-prize/9576152/","projectTitle":"Eye On The Prize","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Banks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5971514_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1541796574651","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/helpinguslearnwithflexibleseating"},{"teacherId":2591910,"projectId":9615198,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my DonorsChoose project! Because of you, my 6th graders now have the snacks they actually want — the kind that make them smile and keep our classroom energy positive.\r\n\r\nYour donations made it possible for me to fill our snack bin with favorites that help students get through the day with full bellies and happy attitudes. Something as simple as a bag of chips or a granola bar can truly turn a day around, and my students are so grateful for that.\r\n\r\nThank you for caring about our classroom and for giving my students a reason to feel seen, supported, and appreciated. Your kindness means more than you know!","fullyFundedDate":1755800896313,"projectUrl":"project/6th-graders-love-snacks/9615198/","projectTitle":"6th Graders Love Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Heath","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2591910_orig.jpg?crop=420,420,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1554819029810","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/amanda-heath"},{"teacherId":9598026,"projectId":9325447,"letterContent":"The addition of several sets of books and bilingual texts has completely transformed the way my students experience reading in our classroom. These new books allow us to build skills far beyond simply decoding words. Students are learning how to make predictions, identify character traits, discuss themes, and connect the text to their own lives. With the bilingual selections, students are also able to strengthen vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence by seeing their home language represented in the classroom. This has created natural opportunities for peer discussions, where students share perspectives and make connections across languages and cultures.\r\n\r\nReading time has become one of the most exciting parts of our day. Students gather with books in small groups, partner up to read aloud, or curl up with their own copy for independent reading. The room buzzes with quiet energy as students lean over pages, point out favorite parts, and even debate what a character should have done differently. The new texts provide variety and choice, which has encouraged reluctant readers to take risks and discover books they truly enjoy.\r\n\r\nSome of my students who previously struggled to find interest in reading have especially blossomed with these additions. One student who is bilingual lights up every time he selects a book in both English and Spanish. He proudly reads it to classmates, translating and helping others understand. Another student, who had been hesitant to participate in group discussions, now eagerly shares her thoughts after reading stories that resonate with her own experiences. These moments remind me that your generosity has done more than just fill shelves with books. It has opened doors for students to see themselves as readers, thinkers, and contributors to our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1746786418421,"projectUrl":"project/reviving-our-library-books-kids-love/9325447/","projectTitle":"Reviving Our Library: Books Kids Love","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bushee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9598026_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728351823413","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/stephaniebushee"},{"teacherId":2591910,"projectId":9178894,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our students are thriving with IXL in both math and ELA. The program gives instant feedback, helping them learn from mistakes, build confidence, and grow at their own pace. Students especially love tracking their SmartScores and earning digital awards, which makes practice feel fun and rewarding.\r\n\r\nIXL has also helped me better meet the needs of all learners in my classroom. Whether students need extra practice or are ready for a challenge, the program adapts to each child and keeps them engaged. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1742948088959,"projectUrl":"project/tailored-math-and-ela-learning-with-ixl/9178894/","projectTitle":"Tailored Math and ELA Learning with IXL","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Heath","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2591910_orig.jpg?crop=420,420,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1554819029810","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/amanda-heath"},{"teacherId":9598026,"projectId":9320544,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generous support of my project, Fueling Future Minds with Everyday Supplies! Because of you, my students now have the tools and comfort they need to be more successful and engaged in their learning. The addition of the flexible seating and colorful cushion pillows has transformed our classroom into a more flexible and inviting learning environment. My students love having the option to sit comfortably during small-group lessons or our reading unplugged time. It has truly increased their focus and motivation.\r\n\r\nYour donations also provided everyday essentials like clipboards, dry erase markers, and sharpies which are being used daily for hands-on learning and interactive activities. On top of that, the wide variety of snacks, such as fruit pouches, granola bars, and snack packs have help ensure that no student has to struggle to learn on an empty stomach. The excitement on their faces when they saw the snacks was priceless, and it immediately made them feel cared for and supported.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, my classroom is not only better supplied but also more comfortable, welcoming, and student-centered. These resources have made an immediate impact, and I know their benefits will continue to grow throughout the school year. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for investing in my students' learning and for reminding them that their education matters!","fullyFundedDate":1746786488734,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-future-minds-with-everyday-suppl/9320544/","projectTitle":"Fueling Future Minds with Everyday Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bushee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9598026_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728351823413","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/stephaniebushee"},{"teacherId":4233267,"projectId":9333080,"letterContent":"The strings have arrived! Thank you for helping to update and keep our ukuleles in good working condition. Our students are very excited to jump in and play this fall. When they saw the old strings cut off, they were very concerned our playing days were over. It gave me an excellent opportunity to teach them about how string instruments work, and how replacing the strings extends the life of the instrument. \r\n\r\nWhen our students strum along to their favorite songs, we will have your generosity to remind us that music education has a valued place in our schools. Thank you for being a part of my students' music making journey!","fullyFundedDate":1747292826470,"projectUrl":"project/no-strings-attached-ukulele-strings/9333080/","projectTitle":"No Strings Attached: Ukulele Strings","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rees","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4233267_orig.png?crop=693,694,x0,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724722614132","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4233267"},{"teacherId":5971514,"projectId":8741356,"letterContent":"In our classroom, we are one to one with an ipad. This means that each student in my classroom has an ipad to use with our daily work. I try to incorporate as much multi media as possible into our lessons, but when students don't have earphones to use then our classroom can get quite noisy. With the purchase of the headphones in this project, we are able to continue the use of different types of media, while the classroom volume can remain at a manageable level. \r\n\r\nFrom watching and analyzing commercials and Ads, to listening to online podcasts and audio books, students are getting the most from their listening experience. Students are able to use the time critically and gain the most from this learning. Anther technology item that was purchased in this project was the presentation clicker. \r\n\r\nWith the use of the project clicker, I am able to present my lesson content seamlessly. There are no interruptions of me having to walk back to my laptop and switch the slides. The lesson pace is able to continue. When I was spending time going back to my laptop, students had more opportunities to become distracted and off take,","fullyFundedDate":1734713006506,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-uplift/8741356/","projectTitle":"Classroom Uplift","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Banks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5971514_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1541796574651","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/helpinguslearnwithflexibleseating"},{"teacherId":9598026,"projectId":8505122,"letterContent":"The impact that this reading nook has had on my students has been tremendous! This space has given them the ability to have a wide variety of books to choose from as well as a cozy space to do so. They are using the resources daily by choosing a book first thing in the morning that they are interested in reading throughout the day. We have used several of the resources when doing literary scavenger hunts, which excites them to read!\r\n\r\nWhen they first saw the reading nook, they were so excited! The space had limited space for students to sit comfortably, which changed when the rug and two bean bags were added. This has also been a great behavioral tool as well. They have followed classroom and hallway expectations better since putting the reading nook together. They want to earn a designated spot in the nook during their free time and this has been a reward that they love to earn.\r\n\r\nThe students will continue to use these resources for their lessons and literary projects, as well as independent reading time. The area is setup to invite them and their minds to lay back and read. To dive into a literary world of adventure. My students use this area to shut off their minds from the electronics that they use frequently in class. We are working on IREAD right now and have put together another project where students can have access to laptops to be able to practice their typing abilities which is crucial for the IREAD. The reading nook is a great balance for our next project!","fullyFundedDate":1728312616395,"projectUrl":"project/the-reading-nook-no-ipads-allowed/8505122/","projectTitle":"The Reading Nook, No iPads Allowed!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bushee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9598026_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728351823413","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/stephaniebushee"},{"teacherId":2591910,"projectId":8443635,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous contribution to our DonorsChoose project, which has allowed my 6th-grade classes to receive Time for Kids on a monthly basis. Your support has made an incredible impact on my students and their learning experience.\r\n\r\nIn today's fast-paced world, staying informed and understanding current events is more important than ever. Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to high-quality, age-appropriate journalism that not only engages them but also inspires critical thinking and curiosity about the world around them. Each issue of Time for Kids provides my students with the opportunity to explore diverse topics, from science and technology to culture and global issues, helping them become informed and thoughtful citizens.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generous donations!","fullyFundedDate":1727966920772,"projectUrl":"project/time-magazine-for-6th-graders/8443635/","projectTitle":"Time Magazine for 6th Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Heath","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2591910_orig.jpg?crop=420,420,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1554819029810","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/amanda-heath"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_19457","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":554,"numTeachers":31,"percentFrplEligible":83,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":27,"percentWhite":49,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":14,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"17.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.9,"schoolId":19457,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Valley Mills Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Valley Mills Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/indiana/msd-of-decatur-twp/valley-mills-elementary-school/19457"}