{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Crestview School of Inquiry","outOfStateSupporters":32.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10053485,"projectId":9796784,"letterContent":"As we reflect on this school year, I wanted to share just how meaningful our novel studies have been in our 5th grade classroom. The books we read together did far more than strengthen reading skills — they built resilience, empathy, leadership, and critical thinking. My students and I truly loved these stories and are incredibly thankful for the powerful learning that took place because of them.\r\n\r\nWe began with Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. Brian's survival story sparked rich discussions about perseverance, problem-solving, and growth through adversity. Students analyzed how the author built tension and developed character over time. We explored figurative language, symbolism, and theme, while also discussing the importance of mental strength and adaptability. Many students connected personally to Brian's determination, and it inspired conversations about resilience in their own lives.\r\n\r\nNext, we read The President of the Fifth Grade by Sherri Winston. This novel encouraged students to think about leadership, responsibility, and standing up for what they believe in. We examined character motivations, point of view, and theme while discussing what it truly means to be a positive role model. The story led to thoughtful conversations about goal-setting and using your voice to create change within a community.\r\n\r\nWe also enjoyed The Gollywhopper Games by Jody Feldman. This fast-paced novel kept students engaged as they analyzed problem-solving strategies, sequencing of events, and plot development. We focused on inferencing and how the author builds suspense and excitement. The competitive setting created wonderful opportunities to discuss honesty, integrity, and perseverance when facing challenges.\r\n\r\nFinally, we read The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies. This story sparked meaningful conversations about sibling relationships, communication, and handling conflict. Students practiced identifying theme, analyzing character development, and examining how the author uses dialogue to reveal emotions. It also tied beautifully into real-world math and economics connections, as students explored profit, loss, and business strategies.\r\n\r\nAcross all of our novel studies, students strengthened their ability to determine main ideas, analyze author's craft, identify figurative language, and support their thinking with strong text evidence. Our discussions became deeper and more respectful, and students grew more confident sharing their ideas. Their writing improved, their comprehension skills expanded, and their love of reading flourished.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these books created shared experiences that brought our classroom together. There were moments of laughter, suspense, friendly debate, and heartfelt reflection. Watching students connect with characters, cheer for their successes, and learn from their struggles has been one of the greatest joys of this year.\r\n\r\nThese novels impacted our class in a truly positive way, and we are so thankful for the learning, growth, and memories they provided.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMallory Pence","fullyFundedDate":1764644225918,"projectUrl":"project/novel-study/9796784/","projectTitle":"Novel Study","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10053485_orig.jpg?crop=854,855,x0,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759844767566","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10053485"},{"teacherId":10316413,"projectId":9951969,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students are able to explore World War II through powerful stories told from the perspectives of children their own age. These texts introduce important literacy and social-emotional skills such as analyzing character perspectives, identifying themes, and making inferences using evidence from the text. By connecting fictional narratives to real historical events, students are building historical understanding while learning lessons about kindness, courage, responsibility, and resilience in a developmentally appropriate way.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is active and student-centered. Students participate in read-alouds, small-group discussions, and partner conversations where they ask questions, share reflections, and make connections to their own lives. We frequently pause to discuss character emotions, motivations, and the historical context, which has led to deeper thinking and rich conversations. These books have increased student engagement and encouraged critical thinking as students reflect on how choices impact others.\r\n\r\nThese stories have been especially meaningful for students who were previously hesitant to participate, including English Language Learners and quieter readers. Because the narratives are accessible and relatable, students feel more confident sharing their ideas and perspectives. Many students have shown increased interest in reading by asking to reread sections or continue discussions during free reading time. Through these books, students are not only learning about history but also developing empathy and compassion for others.","fullyFundedDate":1766586720435,"projectUrl":"project/building-empathy-and-historical-understa/9951969/","projectTitle":"Building Empathy and Historical Understanding Through Literature","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garcia Palomino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10316413"},{"teacherId":9816068,"projectId":9938765,"letterContent":"When I was a kid, there was nothing more exciting than a book or spending time roller-blading around the block. I didn't have a phone, I didn't have cable TV, and if I wanted to play a game online, I had to make sure my parents weren't expecting a phone call because we had dial-up (cue the dial-up sound... if you know, you know.) \r\n\r\nI believe that the less screen time kids have, the more they are \"forced\" to engage with the world around them. The more time they have to naturally problem-solve and get curious about the what's, why's and how's of life. \r\n\r\nIn an effort to rebuild a sense of wonder and curiosity at school, I have asked for donations for what I'm calling The Curiosity Collection, a long list of fun, engaging science books for kids. I myself have fallen in love with Science Comics (I've shamelessly read Bats, Wild Weather, and Polar Bears on my own time). I love asking my students who they think would win - a killer whale or a shark- and not tell them what the answer is but instead point them to \"Who Would Win?\" by Jerry Pallota. And who can resist anything published by National Geographic? (Did you know that the Draco Lizard can fly/jump 30 feet? See \"The Coolest Stuff on Earth\"). \r\n\r\nYour donation helps teachers like me keep our libraries fresh, fun, and interesting. It helps us advertise the benefits of reading to our students and get kids excited about books in an age where media competes for their attention at rates that we cannot believe. \r\n\r\nI am excited for my kids to argue over who gets to read the Science Comics Solar System book next (this actually happened) and I am excited to have them ask me for more books. I can't wait for them to tell me what they learned. \r\n\r\nThank you for your generous donation and for valuing reading, for prioritizing curiosity, and helping make reading \"cool.\"","fullyFundedDate":1767231345219,"projectUrl":"project/the-curiosity-collection-science-books/9938765/","projectTitle":"The Curiosity Collection: Science Books for Students' Independent Reading!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9816068"},{"teacherId":10238028,"projectId":9677204,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom library. Because of your kindness, our students now have new books they are excited to read. These books help students practice important skills like understanding the story, learning new words, and thinking about the characters and their choices.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is a happy and busy time. Students read on their own, read with a partner, and talk about books with classmates. They enjoy sharing their favorite parts and recommending books to each other. The new books have helped students feel more confident and excited about reading.\r\n\r\nSome students who did not enjoy reading before are now choosing books more often. They are proud to talk about the stories they read and are spending more time reading each day. These books have helped all students feel successful and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a big difference in our classroom and helping our students grow as readers.","fullyFundedDate":1759840158990,"projectUrl":"project/adventurous-readers/9677204/","projectTitle":"Adventurous Readers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cowan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10238028"},{"teacherId":10000344,"projectId":9896277,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom literacy project. Because of you, my students now have access to engaging, high-quality books that are already making a meaningful difference in their learning. These new texts are helping students strengthen essential reading skills such as comprehension, vocabulary development, and critical thinking. Many of the books also expose students to diverse perspectives and genres, encouraging them to think deeply, ask questions, and make connections to their own lives.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is active, purposeful, and joyful. Students read independently, work in small groups, and engage in thoughtful discussions where they share ideas and challenge one another's thinking. Your support has helped build confidence, motivation, and a love of reading that will extend far beyond our classroom. Thank you for investing in our students and helping create meaningful learning experiences every day.","fullyFundedDate":1766884445370,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-a-love-for-reading-one-book/9896277/","projectTitle":"“Unlocking a Love for Reading, One Book at a Time”","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Chase","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10000344_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746505496275","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10000344"},{"teacherId":9816068,"projectId":9832896,"letterContent":"I cannot begin to describe to you the excitement in seeing reluctant readers pick up a book to read. In today's day and age, kids are inundated with technology and frequently on their phones. Providing high-interest books helps kids find enjoyment in reading. \r\n\r\nOne of my students, B, was really excited to read the SpongeBob graphic novel. She took it with her to every class and even took good care of the book. She finished it! My goal is to have her read 1-2 more graphic novels and then get her into some texts without pictures. \r\n\r\nMy goal is to persuade my students of the power and joy in reading for fun. My goal is that they develop habits after school that allow them to enjoy a variety of texts that they are individually interested in. \r\n\r\nThank you for joining me in promoting positive reading experiences for reluctant readers!","fullyFundedDate":1761070326981,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-reluctant-readers/9832896/","projectTitle":"Engaging Reluctant Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9816068"},{"teacherId":10230297,"projectId":9661486,"letterContent":"We want to thank you for the donations to my special education classroom. We have enjoyed using the candy and gadgets to reward students. The students love getting something a little special to encourage progress. \r\n\r\nWe have used some of the games, such as the sight word jinga and bingo, to help increase students' knowledge of sight words. We tend to this on Fridays, where we have a fun Friday celebration. \r\n\r\nThe students have enjoyed making posters and doing writing projects on the large Post-it notes! This has been a fun way for them to be creative and work on writing. We can not tell you how thankful to have these tools. You have encouraged student progress in my room, and students are loving it!","fullyFundedDate":1757882091055,"projectUrl":"project/special-education-rocks/9661486/","projectTitle":"Special Education Rocks!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10230297"},{"teacherId":10316413,"projectId":9839490,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students have been deeply engaged in reading I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001: The Graphic Novel. This book has opened powerful learning opportunities and meaningful discussions in our classroom.\r\n\r\nBuilding Reading Skills and Empathy\r\nThrough this text, students are learning how to analyze graphic novels—understanding how visuals and words work together to tell a story. They are also practicing key comprehension skills such as identifying the main idea, analyzing characters' emotions, and connecting historical events to personal experiences. Beyond literacy skills, this book has helped students build empathy and perspective-taking as they learn about a difficult moment in U.S. history through the eyes of a young character.\r\n\r\nWhat Reading Looks Like in Our Classroom\r\nReading in our classroom is an interactive and reflective experience. Students read in small groups, discuss illustrations that show emotion and action, and use graphic organizers to track how the main character changes over time. We also hold \"discussion circles\" where students share their thoughts about courage, fear, and hope—connecting the story's themes to their own lives.\r\n\r\nStudent Impact\r\nSeveral students who previously struggled to stay engaged during reading time are now eagerly waiting to continue the story each day. One student shared, \"I didn't know history could feel this real.\" Another said, \"I like how I can see what's happening—it makes me feel like I'm there.\" These moments remind me that your support has not only provided books, but also inspired curiosity, compassion, and confidence in young readers.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping us bring meaningful stories and powerful lessons into our classroom. You have truly made a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1761097752912,"projectUrl":"project/i-survived-911-graphic-novel-book-study/9839490/","projectTitle":"I Survived 9/11 Graphic Novel Book Study","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garcia Palomino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10316413"},{"teacherId":9816068,"projectId":9350755,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity towards my project, \"Math for Multilingual Learners.\" I co-teach math for three classes and your donation has provided materials and supplies that enhance the services I provide. \r\n\r\nFirst of all, the math games book was a big hit. I shared this book with my co-teacher who loved the idea and ran with it. The kids now have a box of challenging, problem-solving games based on this book. \r\n\r\nNext, the counters and number lines have been a big help for my students who are still building concrete to abstract understanding of mathematics. Being able to provide them with a range of visuals and manipulatives to work with supports their understanding of complex math skills. \r\n\r\nI am so grateful for your support of the multilingual learners and their math experience.","fullyFundedDate":1748880407865,"projectUrl":"project/math-for-multilingual-learners/9350755/","projectTitle":"Math for Multilingual Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9816068"},{"teacherId":9442715,"projectId":9390467,"letterContent":"My students were thrilled each time a package arrived in the mail, eager to discover the treasures inside. The Spanish dictionaries have already made an incredible difference for my English Language Learners, giving them the tools they need to feel more confident and participate more fully in class. With the gift card, we were able to purchase novel studies, SEL resources, and additional reading and writing materials that are enriching our daily work and sparking new excitement for learning.\r\nOne of the biggest surprises has been the birthday treats—what a joyful addition to our classroom community! The smiles and celebrations have helped build connections and create lasting memories for our 6th graders.\r\nWe are so grateful for your generosity in supporting our classroom. Your kindness has made a visible impact on our students' learning and well-being, and we appreciate all you have done to make this project possible.","fullyFundedDate":1755883335090,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-kickoff-bilingual-support/9390467/","projectTitle":"Classroom Kickoff & Bilingual Support","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chase","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9442715_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719017253608","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9442715"},{"teacherId":9442715,"projectId":9332545,"letterContent":"The generous donations from this project has made a meaningful impact in our classroom. With the addition of Spanish books resources that highlight belonging, and SCL materials students now have greater opportunities to see themselves representative, build empathy, and strengthen their social emotional skills. These resources have created a more inclusive and welcoming environment, where students feel supported both academically and personally helping us out as a classroom community. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1747889139032,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-readers-enhancing-library-sp/9332545/","projectTitle":"Empowering Readers- Enhancing Library Spaces with Spanish Books, SEL Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chase","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9442715_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719017253608","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9442715"},{"teacherId":9442715,"projectId":9208989,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of your kindness, my 6th grade students now have access to Spanish books, novel study materials, and much-needed supplies. Your donation is opening doors for them-helping them discover the joy of reading, explore new cultures, and build their language skills.\r\n\r\nYour contribution is making a real difference in their educational journey. The excitement on their faces as they dive into new stories and activities is truly priceless. We are deeply grateful for your belief in our students and your investment in their future.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a vibrant, engaging, and inspiring learning environment!\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation","fullyFundedDate":1744214795993,"projectUrl":"project/equal-opportunities-for-bilingual-studen/9208989/","projectTitle":"Equal Opportunities for Bilingual Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Chase","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9442715_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719017253608","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9442715"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_51959","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":558,"numTeachers":43,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":14,"percentBlack":10,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":51,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"13.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.4,"schoolId":51959,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Crestview School of Inquiry on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Crestview School of Inquiry","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/iowa/west-des-moines-community-school-district/crestview-elementary-school/51959"}