{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Van Buren Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9684792,"projectId":10054911,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom project and helping me continue providing meaningful celebrations for my students. Your generosity has made an immediate and joyful difference in our school community.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, students from Kindergarten through 5th grade are able to continue earning the celebration items that motivate them to work hard, follow directions, and practice positive behaviors. The snacks you provided—Goldfish and fruit snacks—remain some of their favorite choices, and they bring genuine excitement and pride when students earn them. The Scotch tape has also been a huge hit, allowing students to create the paper animals, buildings, and imaginative 3D projects they love choosing as their reward.\r\n\r\nThese celebration items have had a powerful impact on student learning. When students have meaningful, preferred rewards to work toward, challenging behaviors decrease, engagement increases, and the overall atmosphere of the school becomes calmer and more positive. This creates a learning environment where students feel successful, supported, and eager to participate.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has allowed me to maintain consistent reinforcement systems that help students stay motivated throughout the day. With your support, I've been able to strengthen routines, encourage independence, and help students build confidence in their ability to meet expectations.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for helping create a school environment where every child can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1777978862953,"projectUrl":"project/student-earned-celebration/10054911/","projectTitle":"Student Earned Celebration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Galus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9684792_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741046475563","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-galus"},{"teacherId":9684792,"projectId":10070666,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generosity and support of my lamination classroom project. Your donation has made a meaningful and immediate difference for my elementary special education students.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students will have durable, laminated learning materials that they can use every single day. These tools will transform our routines and strengthen their independence. Visual schedules help students understand what comes next, reducing anxiety and creating smoother transitions. Token boards and behavior charts have boosted positive behaviors and given students a sense of ownership over their progress.\r\n\r\nThe laminated task cards, file‑folder activities, and reusable worksheets will allow students to practice reading, math, writing, and life‑skills goals repeatedly without fear of tearing or damaging materials. This has increased their confidence and willingness to try challenging tasks.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has provided tools that make learning accessible, engaging, and empowering for every student. You've helped create a classroom where students feel capable, supported, and proud of their growth.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1777978861378,"projectUrl":"project/making-learning-last-laminated-visuals/10070666/","projectTitle":"Making Learning Last: Laminated Visuals for My Special Education Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Galus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9684792_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741046475563","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-galus"},{"teacherId":4858810,"projectId":10111899,"letterContent":"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for contributing to our music classroom! We were able to purchase two brand new ukuleles, and the students truly enjoyed playing them. My fifth graders even performed a super fun song on their spring concert with ukulele accompaniment! Third graders were beyond excited when I gave them a sneak peek of ukulele playing in the last weeks of school. They are definitely looking forward to playing them again in the fall.\r\n\r\nOur music room would not be nearly as well-stocked as it is without your generous donations. Thank you so much for holding us in your hearts and helping us have just as much as our sister schools with fewer economic barriers. These kids are amazing, and they truly deserve it. We are so grateful for you!","fullyFundedDate":1776089393645,"projectUrl":"project/strumming-fun/10111899/","projectTitle":"Strumming Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barnes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4858810_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1506970591530","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/vbmusic"},{"teacherId":9559100,"projectId":10159424,"letterContent":"In kindergarten my focus is to make learning engaging, fun and form personal connections. Kindergarten isn't about sitting in front of a screen, sitting quietly on a carpet or being told of a concept. It is about learning, doing, engaging, creating and conversational learning. This project allows me to expand on curriculum and provide an outlet to students to show what they have learned and will continue to build on.\r\n Thank you for giving me this opportunity to allow students to have a love of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1777978861226,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-memorable-kindergarten-experi/10159424/","projectTitle":"Creating a Memorable Kindergarten Experience","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Halligan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9559100_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717027872274","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9559100"},{"teacherId":9559100,"projectId":10123029,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting Spring Fun. I am always looking for opportunities to embed play into learning experiences. This project provides me with many chances to use art to supplement or expand on reading/math concepts.\r\n Students are overjoyed to use their hands to be creative or express in their own words how a story is played out or provide additional details forming personal connections to their learning. Thank you for supporting what is developmentally appropriate for my students. We are thankful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1777978860054,"projectUrl":"project/spring-fun/10123029/","projectTitle":"Spring FUN","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Halligan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9559100_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717027872274","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9559100"},{"teacherId":9559100,"projectId":10041852,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of my Back to Basics project. My hope for this project is to provide students with hands-on opportunities to learn. As a second year kindergarten teacher I am continuing to build my classroom with enriching materials.\r\n I am so thankful for this funded project. Previously I had plain whiteboard which left my students lacking boundaries when composing their handwriting. The lined whiteboards will help build a foundation for them. Also, the unifix cubes will aid in addition/subtraction/counting activities.\r\nThank you!","fullyFundedDate":1777978859720,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-basics/10041852/","projectTitle":"Back to Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Halligan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9559100_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717027872274","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9559100"},{"teacherId":6888408,"projectId":10076473,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my \"Gum, Glow, and Good Choices!\" PBIS project. Your donation helped make our monthly PBIS celebrations meaningful, engaging, and exciting for all students.\r\n\r\nWe used the materials—such as gum, glow sticks, glow glasses, highlighters, and small games—during our schoolwide celebrations. All students participated, and these items helped create fun, motivating experiences that reinforced positive behavior in a tangible way.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were very excited and eager to participate. It quickly built motivation as they connected their daily choices with the opportunity to enjoy the celebration. Students felt proud and recognized for making safe, respectful, and responsible decisions.\r\n\r\nThese celebrations supported our PBIS goals by reinforcing positive behavior expectations and building a strong sense of community. Moving forward, we will continue using PBIS data and classroom discussions to help students reflect on their choices and strengthen positive habits.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping create a positive school culture where students feel encouraged, celebrated, and proud of their success!","fullyFundedDate":1770999778420,"projectUrl":"project/gum-glow-and-good-choices/10076473/","projectTitle":"Gum, Glow, and Good Choices!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dvorak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6888408_orig.jpg?crop=918,918,x98,y14&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628716170257","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missdvorak"},{"teacherId":6888408,"projectId":9924031,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my Safe and Ready to Learn project. Your donation is helping create a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom where students can stay healthy, focused, and ready to learn every day.\r\n\r\nThese resources are already being used in meaningful ways throughout our classroom. We use Clorox wipes daily to clean student workspaces and reduce the spread of germs, especially during small group instruction. Students use hand sanitizer throughout the day to help stay healthy and minimize missed learning time. Tissues are readily available so students can stay comfortable and focused when dealing with colds or allergies. Ziploc bags are helping us organize math manipulatives and learning materials, making it easier for students to access and store supplies independently. Magic Eraser sheets are keeping whiteboards, tables, and other surfaces clean so students always have a fresh, organized space for learning.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new supplies, they were excited and proud to know that people in the community care about their classroom and well-being. It helped them see that their learning environment matters to others, which created a strong sense of appreciation and responsibility.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, students will continue using these materials as part of our daily routines to build independence and responsibility. These resources help support a structured, organized environment where students can collaborate, stay focused, and do their best learning.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is making a lasting impact by helping ensure students have a safe, healthy, and supportive place to learn and grow. Thank you for investing in their success!","fullyFundedDate":1769177124872,"projectUrl":"project/safe-and-ready-to-learn/9924031/","projectTitle":"Safe and Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dvorak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6888408_orig.jpg?crop=918,918,x98,y14&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628716170257","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missdvorak"},{"teacherId":9966835,"projectId":9910865,"letterContent":"My students were very excited to get our new materials. They love getting to work on the carpet, have the fidget bands at their desks, and new stools for our table. The fidget bands were extra helpful when we took our state tests. The fidget bands helped them focus on the test and try their best.\r\nNext in our room, we are finishing up our units before the end of the school year. My students will go to middle school next year, so we are focused on preparing them for that. Thank you again for your donation!","fullyFundedDate":1769177126786,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seatinglearning-for-all/9910865/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating=Learning for All","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9966835"},{"teacherId":4672531,"projectId":10009351,"letterContent":"Wow! This is one of those projects that seems small when you make it, but instantly makes a big impact! The packs of Valentines were ALL needed and used by my students this year, and it made them feel so included! I have more left-handed students this year than I think I ever had, and they have been SO excited to cut now that we have some left-handed scissors to use. We are fighting off all the different germs and viruses with the help of your donation that gave us Lysol wipes and hand sanitizer. Thank you for choosing our classroom, these students, and helping make each day at school a little bit better!","fullyFundedDate":1769130992661,"projectUrl":"project/wiping-away-winter-germs/10009351/","projectTitle":"Wiping Away Winter Germs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McLaughlin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4672531_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1504314370625","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4672531"},{"teacherId":9559100,"projectId":10055800,"letterContent":"My kindergartens are so excited for this project to be funded. During WIN (What, I, Need) groups I am constantly practicing foundational skills. I love that this project allows us to practice in a new hands-on way.\r\nI plan to use the bags to have Bridges math curriculum ready to go for next fall. Our curriculum has the class using multiple game stations with each chapter. Currently, I have nowhere to recreate this activities and scrabble to gather pieces weekly for students. I am so thankful for an organized, neat and easy to use area for these materials.\r\nThank you!","fullyFundedDate":1771455342007,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-mathreading-practice/10055800/","projectTitle":"Hands on Math/Reading Practice","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Halligan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9559100_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717027872274","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9559100"},{"teacherId":4120816,"projectId":9980815,"letterContent":"I can't thank each of you enough for your kindness and generosity. These items will make such a difference for my students. I can not wait to see their faces when the supplies arrive, but more importantly, I can not wait to see the excitement on their faces when they meet their goals! Thank you again for helping to give my students the tools they need to be as successful as possible. I could not do this work without your support each and every day. You make such a difference in my students' lives.","fullyFundedDate":1769177123986,"projectUrl":"project/getting-rowdy-with-reading/9980815/","projectTitle":"Getting Rowdy with Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kuennen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4120816_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1540335325640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4120816"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_51658","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":424,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":46,"percentWhite":22,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":25,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":1,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":63.2,"schoolId":51658,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Van Buren Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Van Buren Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/iowa/cedar-rapids-community-school-district/van-buren-elementary-school/51658"}