{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ocean Ave Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":32.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1456359,"projectId":10258951,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project and helping provide reinforcers for our students! These materials have already made a meaningful impact on our school community, especially for students participating in Check-In Check-Out and other social-emotional supports.\r\n\r\nStudents use these reinforcers throughout the school day as encouragement for demonstrating positive behaviors, meeting goals, showing kindness, and making responsible choices. One of the most rewarding moments has been watching students light up with pride when earning a small reward after working hard on self-regulation or problem-solving skills. The excitement and motivation these items bring have helped create more positive interactions and stronger student engagement.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new materials, they were incredibly excited and eager to work toward their goals. Many students immediately began talking about the behaviors they wanted to improve and encouraging one another to earn rewards as well. It has helped create a more supportive and encouraging environment throughout the school.\r\n\r\nAs we continue building our positive behavior supports, students will keep practicing skills like responsibility, emotional regulation, cooperation, and perseverance. These reinforcers help us celebrate growth along the way and remind students that their hard work matters. Thank you again for helping us create a positive and motivating environment where students can thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1778521586799,"projectUrl":"project/motivating-growth-through-positive-reinf/10258951/","projectTitle":"Motivating Growth Through Positive Reinforcement","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":10259065,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Kindness Starts With a Story. These new picture books have helped our students learn important social-emotional skills like empathy, inclusion, compassion, and how to treat others with kindness and respect.\r\n\r\nReading in our classrooms is interactive and discussion-based, giving students opportunities to connect the stories to their own lives and relationships. Many students especially enjoy sharing moments when they have shown kindness or when someone has shown kindness to them. Some of our quieter students have even begun participating more during discussions because they connect so strongly with the stories and characters.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped us create meaningful learning experiences and build a more caring classroom community. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students!","fullyFundedDate":1778017440198,"projectUrl":"project/kindness-starts-with-a-story/10259065/","projectTitle":"Kindness Starts With a Story","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":10258160,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Finding Courage Through Picture Books. Because of your generosity, our students now have access to meaningful stories that help them explore bravery, resilience, perseverance, and self-confidence in ways that truly connect to their everyday lives.\r\n\r\nThese books have opened the door to important conversations and learning opportunities in our classrooms. Through the stories, students are learning skills such as problem-solving, standing up for themselves and others, trying new things even when they feel nervous, and understanding that courage can look different for everyone. Many of our discussions center around recognizing emotions, developing empathy, and building a growth mindset when facing challenges.\r\n\r\nReading in our classrooms is interactive, reflective, and engaging. Students participate in read-alouds, partner discussions, and activities that help them make personal connections to the characters and lessons in each story. They are excited to share moments when they showed courage themselves, whether it was raising their hand in class, making a new friend, or persevering through a difficult task.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have especially connected with these books. Some of our quieter or more hesitant students have found comfort in seeing characters work through fears and challenges similar to their own. We have noticed students becoming more willing to participate, speak up, and encourage one another after hearing these stories. It has been incredibly meaningful to watch students realize that courage is not about never being afraid—it is about continuing even when something feels hard.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and support have made a lasting impact on our students and our school community. Thank you for helping us build confident, courageous learners through the power of books.","fullyFundedDate":1778109372612,"projectUrl":"project/finding-courage-through-stories/10258160/","projectTitle":"Finding Courage Through Stories","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":9936005,"letterContent":"Our new books go beyond building reading skills—they help students develop important life skills like responsibility, empathy, and self-awareness. Through these stories, students learn to recognize emotions, understand how their actions affect others, and make thoughtful choices. The books give us a way to turn big ideas into real, relatable moments that students can see and practice in their everyday lives.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive and discussion-based. Students listen, think, and share their ideas, often making connections between the story and their own experiences. Many students, especially those who are typically quieter, are really engaging with these books—eager to share, relate to characters, and participate in conversations. It's been exciting to see students connect with the stories and grow both socially and emotionally.","fullyFundedDate":1773833522234,"projectUrl":"project/building-responsible-kids-one-picture-b/9936005/","projectTitle":"Building Responsible Kids, One Picture 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":1456359,"projectId":9966526,"letterContent":"Our new picture books are doing far more than building literacy—they are helping students develop essential social-emotional skills. Through these texts, we introduce and practice perspective-taking, empathy, respectful communication, and self-awareness. Students learn how to recognize emotions in themselves and others, make thoughtful choices, and reflect on how their actions impact a community. The stories provide natural entry points for discussing real-life situations, allowing us to turn abstract ideas like respect and inclusion into concrete, relatable lessons. Reading in our classroom is interactive and reflective—students actively listen, turn and talk with peers, share their thinking, and connect the stories to their own experiences.\r\n\r\nThese moments are especially powerful for students who may struggle with expressing emotions or navigating social situations. We have seen students light up during discussions, eager to share their thoughts or relate to a character's experience. Some who are typically quieter are finding their voice through these conversations, while others are becoming more mindful and inclusive in their interactions. The books create a shared language and understanding that helps all students feel more connected, supported, and engaged.","fullyFundedDate":1773862624882,"projectUrl":"project/reading-with-respect-building-kind-clas/9966526/","projectTitle":"Reading with Respect: Building Kind Classrooms","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":9966403,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, something meaningful is taking root in our classrooms—something that extends far beyond books on a shelf. You have helped bring the power of empathy, understanding, and respect directly into the hands of our youngest learners, and the impact is already being felt each day.\r\n\r\nYour support has provided high-quality picture books to our K–5 students, giving them access to stories that reflect diverse experiences and perspectives. These books do more than tell stories—they create opportunities. Students are able to step into someone else's shoes, ask thoughtful questions, and engage in meaningful conversations about how we treat one another.\r\n\r\nThrough these shared reading experiences, abstract ideas like respect, kindness, and inclusion become real. A character's experience becomes a classroom discussion. A moment in a story becomes a chance to reflect, connect, and grow. These are powerful learning moments that support not only academic development, but social-emotional growth as well.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is doing more than funding books—it is helping shape a culture of dignity, empathy, and belonging. Thank you for investing in our students and for helping us create a kinder, more connected school community.","fullyFundedDate":1776188248756,"projectUrl":"project/purposefull-pages-opening-doors-to-hone/9966403/","projectTitle":"PurposeFull Pages: Opening Doors to Honesty","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":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"}],"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","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":67.8,"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"}