{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ocean Ave Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":32.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9076133,"projectId":10020055,"letterContent":"Having an organized system for storing headphones in our classroom has made a bigger difference than you might expect. Students use iPads for a variety of learning opportunities, often accessing individualized practice to meet their needs, and headphones are an essential part of that process. In the past, we shared headphones, and the system quickly became disorganized. Now, each student has their own set, which they take ownership of, and it has helped keep this part of our classroom running smoothly. Thank you so much, from all of us, for your kindness and care in supporting my students and our classroom. My students felt so lucky and grateful to receive the materials!","fullyFundedDate":1772565020294,"projectUrl":"project/helping-second-graders-tune-in/10020055/","projectTitle":"Helping Second Graders Tune In","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Libby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9076133_orig.png?crop=803,804,x0,y109&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689709380513","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-libby"},{"teacherId":1456359,"projectId":9961626,"letterContent":"Perseverance can be such a tricky thing for our littlest learners. Working through those big challenges that are often accompanied with uncomfortable feelings takes a great deal of practice and encouragement from those around you. These picture books will allow myself and the other teachers in the building to talk through this social emotional skills during moments of times when students are regulated and able to think critically about how to tackle these moments. I appreciate the support in getting these picture books that accompany our social emotional curriculum. The more opportunities adults in the building have to present this topic to students to ponder and the more students hear what other students are using for successful skills the better. \r\nThank you again for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1771716958326,"projectUrl":"project/turning-pages-into-perseverance/9961626/","projectTitle":"Turning Pages Into Perseverance","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thompson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1456359_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y64&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1603461194311","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/epartridge"},{"teacherId":1456359,"projectId":9896282,"letterContent":"These books are incredible!!! I've already been able to get into a second grade classroom to support the work they've done around empathy and respect. The kids loved the books and giggled along with me as the adventure unfolded. The conversation that was spurred from the books was thoughtful and left the kids wondering more about their impact. This is exactly what I was hoping for! I'm looking forward to getting into more classroom and loaning these picture books out to further the social emotional growth in our students here. Thank you again for your help in supporting this work.","fullyFundedDate":1765830077756,"projectUrl":"project/reading-for-respect-fostering-empathy-o/9896282/","projectTitle":"Reading for Respect: Fostering Empathy One Book at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thompson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1456359_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y64&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1603461194311","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/epartridge"},{"teacherId":8611186,"projectId":9961112,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my 4th graders are using their new flexible seating every single day, and it has already transformed our classroom environment. Students now have access to bouncing chairs that allow those who struggle to sit still to move in a way that actually helps them focus. We also added cozy, flexible seating to our rug area, complete with built-in storage, which has made our whole-class lessons and small-group work more comfortable and organized.\r\n\r\nWhen the seating first arrived, the excitement was contagious. Students couldn't wait to try everything out, and many of them immediately noticed how much better they could focus. One student shared, \"I can listen longer when I can bounce,\" while another said the new rug seating made reading time feel calm and relaxing. Seeing their smiles and engagement confirmed just how impactful these resources are.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our next steps include using these seating options during daily reading, math, and collaborative lessons. Students are learning to make thoughtful choices about where and how they learn best, building independence and self-awareness. These seating options will continue to support a positive, inclusive learning environment where every student feels comfortable, supported, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students a classroom that truly works for them. Your generosity has made a lasting difference in how they learn and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1766923633079,"projectUrl":"project/seats-that-support-success/9961112/","projectTitle":"Seats That Support Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Weeks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8611186_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706291722115","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8611186"},{"teacherId":4777179,"projectId":9763881,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to the Legos for All Project at Ocean Avenue Elementary. Your funding has covered the cost of LEGO kits and building supplies, bringing joy to many students. Every Thursday, our 2nd graders gather for Lego Club during recess, and we have an impressive turnout of forty kids signed up this year. Thanks to your support, we have amazing new LEGO kits, organizing trays, and building plates!\r\n\r\nWe've also received several donations of used LEGO, but when the students saw the new kits, they eagerly gathered around to explore all the exciting building possibilities. They worked in groups of two or three, as well as independently, carefully organizing the new kit pieces into the trays and meticulously following the LEGO building instructions page by page.\r\n\r\nThe students will take turns assembling and disassembling the kits, which can be reused by different groups. Since many of the kits we purchased are designed as 3-in-1 sets, there are 21 different possible designs for the students to create, trade, and experiment with. Some students are even discussing using their creations for LEGO animation projects!\r\n\r\nYour support has truly brought us great joy!","fullyFundedDate":1761542916293,"projectUrl":"project/lego-success-for-all-students/9763881/","projectTitle":"Lego Success for All Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reising","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4777179_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1506793887719","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/andrea-reising"},{"teacherId":135802,"projectId":9336588,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project. Because of your gift, our kindergarten scientists now have a rich collection of engaging science text. We especially love them because they are connected to our weather unit of studey. The three classrooms are excited to engage with them and make discoveries about the naturaly worlkd. The materials will help spark new questions and conversations every day!\r\n\r\nIn each classroom impacted by your donation, reading these books looks like curiosity in action. We begin with read-alouds that invite students to wonder, predict, and connect the story to their own experiences. Then, children turn to a partner and revisit the book together, pointing out details in the pictures or retelling the story in their own words. This repeated exposure not only strengthens early literacy but also builds important skills like observing, comparing, and asking \"why\" and \"how\" questions—the very heart of science.\r\n\r\nTeaching students about the natural world is such a joy! The unit has not been taught yet, but the goal is to inspire children to track our own classroom weather data. They will create simple weather charts and the goal is for students to use the science rich vocabulary introduced in the text.\r\n\r\nWhen I deliverd the texts I had the pleasure of seeing the way the students lit up with these new materials. For example, one child who is usually quiet during group lessons became animated and immediately asked when we would read them! Another student asked to look through the new books at free choice time and was excited to explain what's happening in the illustrations. These texts have already sparked curiosity!\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just put books on our shelves, it created opportunities for discovery, collaboration, and joy. Thank you for believing in our young scientists and for helping us ignite a lifelong love of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1753114108071,"projectUrl":"project/little-minds-big-wonders-sparking-a-lo/9336588/","projectTitle":"Little Minds, Big Wonders: Sparking a Love for Science","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Soule","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp135802_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1535678653765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/soulec"},{"teacherId":8616757,"projectId":9196354,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us replace our class rug! The new rug has truly transformed our classroom. When my students first saw it, they were so excited to have a fresh, comfortable space to sit during lessons and group activities. It has become the central gathering spot where we share stories, collaborate, and learn together. The cozy, inviting feel encourages more participation and helps students feel safe and focused. Having this new rug has made a big difference in creating a warm, welcoming environment that supports both learning and community. We're so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1742849907631,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-get-a-rug-for-a-comfortable-lear/9196354/","projectTitle":"Help Us Get a Rug for a Comfortable Learning Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mohamed","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8616757_orig.jpg?crop=1774,1774,x0,y53&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660694390028","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/oaesgr1"},{"teacherId":9905926,"projectId":9077529,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom full of young learners. It is hard to see students struggle to remain attentive and on task while their stomachs aren't full. The snacks allowed for ALL students to have a solid source of nourishment which allowed them to follow through with the entire school day. With managing behaviors, teaching curriculum with fidelity, and embracing my students' creativity, the job of ensuring their basic needs are met is another heavy weight. I am grateful, as I know they are as well.","fullyFundedDate":1740531505451,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-to-fuel-young-learners/9077529/","projectTitle":"Snacks to Fuel Young Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Molina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9905926_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737648405113","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9905926"},{"teacherId":9076133,"projectId":9036815,"letterContent":"Despite the fact that these materials may seem small and insignificant, the reality is quite the opposite. This project was named classroom essentials because our learning is dependent on having them! Having each of these materials available to them gives students the chance to express their thinking, get creative, learn from their mistakes, and so much more. I am so grateful, as are each of my students, for your kindness and support of our success. Your donation makes such a positive impact on each child in my classroom, and supports my ability to teach. Thank you, thank you, thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1746499144261,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials-for-our-learning-sp/9036815/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials for Our Learning Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Libby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9076133_orig.png?crop=803,804,x0,y109&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689709380513","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-libby"},{"teacherId":9076133,"projectId":9077492,"letterContent":"Wow, it is hard to put into words how grateful our class is for this project being funded! We have talked about having one of these shelves in our classroom all year after we saw the idea in another room. As soon as the package came in we opened it up and I put it together, and students' faces lit up at the vision coming to life! Thank you for your generosity for our classroom and for making such an impact on our organization, learning, and fun! We are each appreciative from the bottoms of our hearts! \r\n\r\nThank you, thank you, thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1746491160717,"projectUrl":"project/double-win-a-reading-bench-and-storage/9077492/","projectTitle":"Double Win: A Reading Bench and Storage Space!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Libby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9076133_orig.png?crop=803,804,x0,y109&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689709380513","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-libby"},{"teacherId":9076133,"projectId":9142377,"letterContent":"My students were absolutely overjoyed to receive such beautiful books with wonderful stories to tell. We have already looked through them all and it makes my teacher heart so full to see students eager to read each one of them! These books are not only enjoyable to read, but they also convey such meaningful messages and support young students in grasping more difficult topics within the umbrellas of social emotional education, equity, diversity, and more. I feel so fortunate to have been given these materials to support my students' learning, growth, and to watch them flourish as their own people. Thank you, thank you, thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1746785500982,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-read-alouds-for-little-minds/9142377/","projectTitle":"Empowering Read Alouds for Little Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Libby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9076133_orig.png?crop=803,804,x0,y109&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689709380513","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-libby"},{"teacherId":8611186,"projectId":8993359,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing snacks for my 18 fourth-grade students! Your kindness has brought comfort, energy, and joy into our classroom in such a meaningful way. It's amazing what a difference a simple snack can make in a student's day—your gift has helped create a more focused and nurturing learning environment for every child.\r\n\r\nThe impact was immediate. As soon as the snacks arrived, my students were so excited and grateful. For many, having something to eat mid-morning or in the afternoon has helped them stay alert and ready to learn. We've noticed more engagement during lessons, better moods throughout the day, and fewer distractions caused by hunger. One student said, \"I feel like I can think better now,\" and that really captured how powerful this small act of care has been.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our classroom feels even more like a community—a place where students know they are cared for and supported. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of that. You've made a real and lasting difference in the lives of 18 growing, curious, and grateful kids.","fullyFundedDate":1737057084980,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-snack-for-growing-4th-graders/8993359/","projectTitle":"Healthy Snack for Growing 4th Graders!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Weeks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8611186_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1706291722115","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8611186"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_101468","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":357,"numTeachers":36,"percentFrplEligible":37,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":23,"percentWhite":57,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":67.9,"schoolId":101468,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ocean Ave Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ocean Ave Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maine/portland-public-schools/ocean-avenue-elementary-school/101468"}