{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Northeast East Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":8.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1327675,"projectId":10265996,"letterContent":"Our new classroom table has made an incredible impact on our students by creating a learning environment that is more inclusive, comfortable, and supportive of the diverse needs within our classroom community. Before receiving this table, we were limited in how many students could comfortably work together at one time. Now, more students can participate side-by-side in small group instruction, collaborative projects, sensory activities, and hands-on learning experiences.\r\n\r\nOne of the most meaningful features of this table is its adjustability. The ability to accommodate wheelchairs has allowed all students to fully participate in classroom activities without feeling separated from their peers. Every child deserves a place at the table, and this resource has helped us create exactly that. Students who benefit from clearly defined personal space are also more successful because the table naturally creates individual work areas while still encouraging collaboration and social interaction.\r\n\r\nOur students were immediately excited when the table arrived. They noticed right away that there was more room to spread out their materials, work comfortably, and interact with classmates. Several students commented that it felt \"bigger\" and \"more comfortable,\" and many were eager to choose a spot and begin working together. For some students, especially those with sensory needs, the additional space has made a tremendous difference in their ability to focus and regulate. The table also allows room for movement supports such as rocking, bouncing, or shifting positions while still remaining engaged in learning activities.\r\n\r\nThis table has already become an important part of our daily classroom routines. We use it for guided reading groups, writing activities, collaborative STEM projects, sensory-based learning, and social skill development. One especially meaningful moment was watching students of all abilities comfortably work together during center time, sharing materials, communicating, and helping one another in ways that felt natural and inclusive.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, this table will continue to support our students as we build independence, collaboration, and confidence in the classroom. We are excited to use it for future hands-on learning projects, cooperative activities, and inclusive group lessons where every child has the space and support they need to succeed. Your generosity has helped create a classroom environment where all learners feel welcomed, valued, and included.","fullyFundedDate":1778062605844,"projectUrl":"project/room-to-learn-a-table-that-brings-every/10265996/","projectTitle":"Room to Learn: A Table That Brings Every Student Together","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ficklin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1327675_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1557107593248","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ficklin"},{"teacherId":1327675,"projectId":10250818,"letterContent":"Your generosity has truly transformed our classroom in ways both big and small. One of the greatest impacts has come through organization and purposeful play. Before receiving these materials, our Potato Head toys were stored together in one large tote. Pieces were mismatched, many parts were missing, and it often created frustration and chaos during playtime.\r\n\r\nWith the new storage organizers and sorting trays, everything now has a place. We were able to remove old materials, add new Potato Heads, and organize all the pieces so students can independently find what they need. The difference has been incredible. When play materials are organized, students are more focused, creative, and engaged. These resources have helped create an environment where children can truly learn through play, collaboration, and imagination.\r\n\r\nThe students were so excited when they first saw the new materials. They immediately began exploring, sorting, creating characters, and engaging in conversations with one another. The whiteboards have also become a favorite tool during small group lessons and interactive learning activities, allowing students to practice writing, drawing, and sharing ideas in a hands-on way.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments connected to this project happened during our end-of-the-school-year celebration. Inclusion is something we work hard to foster in our classroom community, and these materials helped make that possible in a meaningful way. A student from our Life Skills classroom, Michael, joined us for the celebration. Michael communicates using a communication device and uses a wheelchair for mobility, but his joy and personality light up our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe reusable magnetic water balloons became the highlight of his day. Each time we filled one and handed it to him, he grasped it tightly with both hands and squeezed with excitement. He squealed with pure delight as water splashed everywhere—his clothes were soaked, his glasses were dripping, and his smile was absolutely contagious. Watching his classmates laugh and celebrate alongside him was a beautiful reminder that meaningful learning and connection happen when every child has opportunities to participate fully.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our classroom is more organized, more engaging, and more inclusive. These resources will continue to support hands-on learning, imaginative play, collaborative activities, and joyful experiences for our students every single day. Thank you for making moments like these possible.","fullyFundedDate":1777981921646,"projectUrl":"project/finishing-strong-hands-on-learning-ce/10250818/","projectTitle":"Finishing Strong: Hands-On Learning & Celebration in Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ficklin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1327675_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1557107593248","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ficklin"},{"teacherId":1327675,"projectId":10143726,"letterContent":"This funded project turned reading into a full literacy experience—one that blended informational text, decision-making, writing, speaking, and imaginative play. Using National Geographic Kids Cats vs. Dogs, students learned how to compare and contrast, gather information from nonfiction text features, ask questions, and use evidence to make choices. As they explored whether they would adopt a dog or a cat, students practiced early research skills while engaging with photographs, captions, headings, and facts in meaningful ways. Reading in our classroom often looks active and joyful, and this project reflected that completely. Students were not simply listening to a book—they were living inside the book experience.\r\n\r\nOur classroom transformed into an adoption center where literacy came alive. Miniature stuffed pets waited in baskets for adoption as students excitedly called out names like Sparky, Pepper, and Blue while considering which buddy was right for them. After making their decisions, each child completed an official birth certificate for their adopted pet, designed a take-home pet carrier, and moved through hands-on \"pet care\" stations that included first shots, bathing, grooming, and blankets. These activities strengthened oral language, vocabulary, sequencing, fine motor skills, and purposeful writing, while also reinforcing the connection between books and real-world experiences.\r\n\r\nThe enthusiasm this project generated reached every student, including some of our most hesitant learners. Students who may not always speak up during traditional lessons eagerly participated in discussions, shared facts from the book, and took tremendous pride in planning for their adoptions. Many continued talking about their pets and rereading their books long after the project ended. For many children, this was not just receiving a book—it was a forever memory tied to the joy of reading. Thank you for immersing our students in a hands-on book experience that is helping promote a lifelong love of books.","fullyFundedDate":1773832530161,"projectUrl":"project/adopt-a-book-adopt-a-buddy/10143726/","projectTitle":"Adopt a Book, Adopt a Buddy!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ficklin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1327675_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1557107593248","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ficklin"},{"teacherId":1327675,"projectId":9793302,"letterContent":"This project has brought so much joy and engagement into our Kindergarten classroom. While many people are familiar with using technology and materials at home, the way we use them in school creates meaningful learning moments for young children. Our new Qball+ wireless microphone has quickly become a class favorite. Students love hearing their voices amplified, and it has transformed our interactive alphabet games—especially when we toss the Qball around the room to take turns answering. It has encouraged even our quietest learners to speak up with confidence and participate more fully.\r\n\r\nThe sensory and musical items you provided have also made an incredible impact. The rainbow hand kites and egg shakers are used during movement breaks, music time, and transitions, and our students absolutely light up when they see them come out. Our students who attend LifeSkills and are mainstreamed into kindergarten have shown the most excitement. One student with significantly weak hand strength is now able to grasp and shake both the hand kites and the egg shakers—something that wasn't possible for him before. These tools allow him to participate alongside his peers with pride, movement, and rhythm.\r\n\r\nFinally, the large 11\" x 17\" cardstock has supported our classroom in countless ways—from creating vibrant posters to printing durable learning materials that little hands can use again and again. Your donations have given our students opportunities to move, speak, create, and connect in ways that truly enrich their school experience. We are so grateful for your generosity and the meaningful difference it continues to make each day.","fullyFundedDate":1759770249884,"projectUrl":"project/move-create-and-connect-inclusive-mus/9793302/","projectTitle":"Move, Create, and Connect! Inclusive Music & Art Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ficklin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1327675_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1557107593248","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ficklin"},{"teacherId":1327675,"projectId":9694203,"letterContent":"When our Ellie the Elephant resources arrived, my students lit up with excitement! These whimsical materials quickly became the centerpiece of our classroom. We've been using the elephants in storytelling, counting games, and even small world play to build imagination and early math skills.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was seeing each student working on their own wooden puzzle provided through DonorsChoose. The room was filled with focus, pride, and little cheers as they celebrated finishing their puzzles—building both confidence and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nBecause many of my students didn't attend preschool, these materials give them engaging ways to practice sharing, role-play, and problem-solving while still having fun. The next step is weaving Ellie into our literacy lessons, where she'll help introduce new vocabulary and inspire students to create their own illustrated elephant adventures.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our classroom feels a little more magical and a lot more connected.","fullyFundedDate":1757534196903,"projectUrl":"project/ellies-trunk-of-surprises-a-steam-adve/9694203/","projectTitle":"Ellie’s Trunk of Surprises: A STEAM Adventure","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ficklin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1327675_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1557107593248","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ficklin"},{"teacherId":1327675,"projectId":9281649,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to my kindergarten classroom! The items you provided have had a meaningful and immediate impact on my students, especially given the varied levels of learners I serve. From advanced thinkers who crave new challenges, to students who need a little extra support to make academic gains, and even to those who benefit from hands-on, sensory-rich experiences, these materials have become vital tools in meeting everyone's needs.\r\n\r\nOne specific moment stands out: when my students first saw the Lincoln Logs and Playmags people, their eyes absolutely lit up. My advanced thinkers quickly began planning complex train routes and structures, incorporating storylines and teamwork into their builds. At the same time, students who require more guided interaction were able to use these same materials to work alongside peers, practicing turn-taking, problem-solving, and language skills in a very natural and engaging way. Our students who benefit from sensory input have found the Play-Doh accessories and Mr. Potato Head parts especially enjoyable; these tools allow them to express creativity while strengthening fine motor skills and regulation strategies. The Sterilite containers and shelf organizers have been invaluable in keeping these materials accessible and tidy, encouraging independence and responsibility in our young learners.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, these resources will continue to play a key role in both structured lessons and free-choice centers. For example, during our upcoming unit on community helpers, the Playmags figures and Lincoln Logs will help students create towns and stories that deepen their understanding of roles in the community. The dry-erase sleeves have already been put to great use for literacy and math practice, allowing for repeated use and quick corrections without the waste of paper. Thanks to your kindness, my students have more opportunities to collaborate, imagine, and learn in ways that meet their unique developmental needs.","fullyFundedDate":1746463364444,"projectUrl":"project/little-builders-big-dreams-lincoln-log/9281649/","projectTitle":"Little Builders, Big Dreams: Lincoln Logs and More!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ficklin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1327675_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1557107593248","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ficklin"},{"teacherId":1327675,"projectId":9334329,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to my kindergarten classroom! The items you provided have had a meaningful and immediate impact on my students, especially given the varied levels of learners I serve. From advanced thinkers who crave new challenges, to students who need a little extra support to make academic gains, and even to those who benefit from hands-on, sensory-rich experiences, these materials have become vital tools in meeting everyone's needs.\r\n\r\nOne specific moment stands out: when my students first saw the Lincoln Logs and Playmags people, their eyes absolutely lit up. My advanced thinkers quickly began planning complex train routes and structures, incorporating storylines and teamwork into their builds. At the same time, students who require more guided interaction were able to use these same materials to work alongside peers, practicing turn-taking, problem-solving, and language skills in a very natural and engaging way. Our students who benefit from sensory input have found the Play-Doh accessories and Mr. Potato Head parts especially enjoyable; these tools allow them to express creativity while strengthening fine motor skills and regulation strategies. The Sterilite containers and shelf organizers have been invaluable in keeping these materials accessible and tidy, encouraging independence and responsibility in our young learners.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, these resources will continue to play a key role in both structured lessons and free-choice centers. For example, during our upcoming unit on community helpers, the Playmags figures and Lincoln Logs will help students create towns and stories that deepen their understanding of roles in the community. The dry-erase sleeves have already been put to great use for literacy and math practice, allowing for repeated use and quick corrections without the waste of paper. Thanks to your kindness, my students have more opportunities to collaborate, imagine, and learn in ways that meet their unique developmental needs.","fullyFundedDate":1746895445664,"projectUrl":"project/powered-by-air-clean-breaths-and-balloo/9334329/","projectTitle":"Powered by Air: Clean Breaths and Balloon Cars","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ficklin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1327675_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1557107593248","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ficklin"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_20088","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":167,"numTeachers":6,"percentFrplEligible":76,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":97,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"27.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":91.3,"schoolId":20088,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Northeast East Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Northeast East Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/indiana/northeast-school-corporation/hymera-elementary-school/20088"}