{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ballenger Creek Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":698562,"projectId":10530488,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us bring this project to life for our 5th grade students! Because of your generosity, our team now has a wonderful supply of colored paper and cardstock that we can use across our classrooms throughout the school year.\r\n\r\nThese supplies have given us the ability to create more hands-on learning experiences without worrying about using up our limited classroom paper supplies. We are using the paper to create math games, task cards, projects, and other activities that get students away from their screens and actively engaged in their learning. The cardstock allows us to create materials that are durable enough to be used again and again with multiple groups of students.\r\n\r\nYour donation is also helping support our school-wide positive behavior program through our Bobcat Bucks. Students earn Bobcat Bucks for demonstrating positive behaviors and making great choices throughout the school day. Having cardstock available to print our Bobcat Bucks helps us keep this incentive going and celebrate students for the positive contributions they make to our school community.\r\n\r\nOne of the things we especially appreciate about this project is that its impact extends beyond a single classroom. These materials are supporting our entire 5th grade team, which means your generosity is reaching so many students and teachers.\r\n\r\nThank you for recognizing that sometimes the simplest classroom supplies can have a tremendous impact. Whether a piece of cardstock becomes a math game, a student project, or a Bobcat Buck earned for a great choice, these materials are helping us create engaging and positive experiences for our 5th graders every day.","fullyFundedDate":1788359251653,"projectUrl":"project/paper-for-possibilities-stocking-our-5t/10530488/","projectTitle":"Paper for Possibilities: Stocking Our 5th Grade Team","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Llewellyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp698562_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x907,y967&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778110055551","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-llewellyn"},{"teacherId":698562,"projectId":10318200,"letterContent":"Thank you for making our classroom project a reality! Our new stools have been such a wonderful addition to our small group learning space. We were able to say goodbye to the old stools that were falling apart and replace them with safe, sturdy seating that our students can enjoy every day.\r\n\r\nOur small group table is one of the busiest places in our classroom. Students gather there for targeted math instruction, extra support, collaborative activities, and small group practice. Having reliable seating may seem like a small change, but it has made this important learning space more comfortable, functional, and inviting.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your generosity showed my students that others care about their education and want them to have a classroom where they can be successful. We are so grateful for your investment in our students and for helping us improve a space that is used throughout every school day.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our classroom and making a lasting impact on our students!","fullyFundedDate":1787138908704,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-small-group-success/10318200/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Small Group Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Llewellyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp698562_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x907,y967&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778110055551","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-llewellyn"},{"teacherId":3006124,"projectId":10234201,"letterContent":"Students are enjoying more accessible, engaging, and efficient small-group instruction with our new rolling whiteboard! I am able to bring instruction directly to students at their collaborative workspaces instead of having groups move across the classroom. This makes transitions smoother, maximizes our instructional time, and helps students stay focused and engaged.\r\n\r\n The whiteboard gives each small group a large, visible space where we can model strategies, analyze texts, brainstorm ideas, and work through concepts together. I can easily move it wherever it is needed, allowing me to meet students where they are—both physically and academically.\r\n\r\n This rolling whiteboard has quickly become an important part of our daily small-group instruction. Thank you for giving my students a flexible learning tool that helps us spend less time transitioning and more time learning, collaborating, and growing!","fullyFundedDate":1778110596454,"projectUrl":"project/the-learning-hub-bringing-instruction-t/10234201/","projectTitle":"The Learning Hub: Bringing Instruction to Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schlossberg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3006124_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x205,y544&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762198085479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3006124"},{"teacherId":3006124,"projectId":10191506,"letterContent":"These materials are bringing learning to life in our fifth-grade classroom! My students are using the cardstock, colorful paper, markers, clipboards, Post-it easel pads, and other supplies to turn what they are learning into meaningful, creative projects that demonstrate their understanding in ways that go beyond a traditional test.\r\n\r\nHaving these materials readily available allows students to take greater ownership of their learning. They are able to plan, create, collaborate, revise, and proudly display their finished work. The clipboards make it easier for students to move around the classroom and work with peers, while our art supplies give every student access to the materials they need to express their ideas creatively. Laminating pouches allow us to preserve their hard work and showcase it throughout our classroom.\r\n\r\nThese resources are helping me provide more hands-on learning experiences where students can connect reading, writing, critical thinking, and creativity. Most importantly, students are excited to create something that represents what they have learned, and they take tremendous pride in seeing their ideas come to life. Thank you for helping us make learning more engaging, collaborative, and memorable!","fullyFundedDate":1778108371383,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-learning-to-life-creative-end-/10191506/","projectTitle":"Bringing Learning to Life: Creative End-of-Unit Projects!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Schlossberg","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3006124_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x205,y544&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762198085479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3006124"},{"teacherId":9745191,"projectId":10141088,"letterContent":"my students and I have had so much fun being able to spend time outside getting fresh air during our academic time.\r\n\r\nDue to scheduling student recess is only 20 minutes every day instead of 30. Recess is a critial time for students to get fresh air and be out of the traditional classroom setting. Being able to get them outside more has increased their focus and over all productivity in class. I cannot wait to use these materials for years to come and continue builidng my students love for learning outside.","fullyFundedDate":1776964306925,"projectUrl":"project/teaching-outside/10141088/","projectTitle":"Teaching Outside","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lucas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9745191_orig.png?crop=383,383,x321,y250&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1783716067891","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9745191"},{"teacherId":2223859,"projectId":10025164,"letterContent":"Thank you so much to everyone who purchased books for our first grade classroom! Your generosity means more than you know. Because of your kindness, our students will have new stories to explore, characters to connect with, and opportunities to grow their love of reading. Every book you donated is helping create a richer, more engaging classroom library for children who may not otherwise have access to many books. We are incredibly grateful for your support and for investing in our students and their futures. Thank you for helping put books into the hands of young readers and making a lasting difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1774849150216,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-refresh-our-library-with-engagin/10025164/","projectTitle":"Help us Refresh our Library with Engaging Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gentzler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2223859_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1489521731582","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2223859"},{"teacherId":698562,"projectId":10362380,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping bring our Tiny Target Classroom Economy to life! Because of your generosity, our classroom store is stocked with fun, high-interest rewards that our students are incredibly excited to earn.\r\n\r\nOur Tiny Target is so much more than a prize box. Students earn classroom currency through their hard work, responsibility, positive choices, and contributions to our classroom community. When it is time to shop, they have to decide whether they want to spend their money right away or save for something they really want. The variety of erasers, squishies, bookmarks, pens, highlighters, pencil sharpeners, and other fun rewards has made those decisions even more meaningful!\r\n\r\nThrough something as simple and exciting as shopping at Tiny Target, our fifth graders are practicing budgeting, saving, decision-making, delayed gratification, and financial responsibility. They are learning that their choices matter and that working toward a goal can be incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, Tiny Target has added another layer of excitement and ownership to our classroom community. Students love earning their Creek Cash, checking their savings, planning future purchases, and finally getting to shop for something they have worked toward.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping us turn financial literacy into a hands-on experience they can enjoy and understand. Your support has made Tiny Target a special part of our classroom, and we are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1785289926758,"projectUrl":"project/a-student-run-classroom-store-for-financ/10362380/","projectTitle":"A Student-Run Classroom Store for Financial Literacy & Leadership","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Llewellyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp698562_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x907,y967&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778110055551","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-llewellyn"},{"teacherId":698562,"projectId":10272464,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping us replace our broken classroom chair with a new, comfortable upholstered armchair! Your generosity has helped us continue creating the warm, welcoming, home-like classroom environment that we want our students to experience each day.\r\n\r\nOur students spend so much of their day at school, and I believe their classroom should be a place where they feel comfortable, safe, and excited to learn. The new chair has given students a cozy alternative to traditional classroom seating and has quickly become a favorite place to read, complete independent work, or simply settle in and focus.\r\n\r\nFlexible seating gives students opportunities to make choices about where they learn best. Having a comfortable armchair available may seem like a small thing, but it adds so much to the feeling of our classroom. Students love having a space that feels less like a traditional classroom and a little more like home.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, we were able to replace a chair that was broken and could no longer safely be used. Thanks to your support, our students once again have a comfortable and inviting place to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and helping us create a space where students feel like they belong. We are incredibly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1778110937161,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-corner-for-learning-replacing-ou/10272464/","projectTitle":"A Cozy Corner for Learning: Replacing Our Classroom Chair","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Llewellyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp698562_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x907,y967&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778110055551","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-llewellyn"},{"teacherId":698562,"projectId":10214711,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping bring our Tiny Target Classroom Store to life! Your generosity has made it possible for my students to experience a classroom economy that is fun, engaging, and full of real-world learning opportunities.\r\n\r\nOur new Creek Cash has quickly become an exciting part of our classroom. Students earn money throughout the week and are learning to make decisions about whether they want to spend their earnings or save for something they really want. The cardstock you provided allows us to create durable Creek Cash that we can collect, organize, and reuse throughout the year.\r\n\r\nThe cash box has also helped turn Tiny Target into a true student-run experience. Students are able to take on jobs as bankers and cashiers, giving them opportunities to count money, make change, organize the bank, communicate with their classmates, and take responsibility for an important classroom job. They are practicing math and financial literacy skills without even realizing how much learning is happening!\r\n\r\nOf course, the new Tiny Target merchandise has been a huge hit! The fun erasers, pencils, bookmarks, fidgets, squishies, and other prizes give students something exciting to work toward while also encouraging them to think carefully about how they use their Creek Cash.\r\n\r\nWhat I love most about this project is that it goes far beyond rewards. Students are practicing saving, spending, budgeting, responsibility, leadership, and decision-making in an authentic way. They are proud to earn their money, excited to run the store, and learning that sometimes saving for something you really want is worth the wait.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping me create experiences that make learning meaningful and memorable. Your support has made Tiny Target an exciting part of our classroom community, and we are incredibly grateful!\r\n\r\nWith appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1778103266468,"projectUrl":"project/mini-store-major-skills-the-tiny-targe/10214711/","projectTitle":"Mini Store, Major Skills: The Tiny Target Economy Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Llewellyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp698562_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x907,y967&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778110055551","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-llewellyn"},{"teacherId":1560891,"projectId":10241975,"letterContent":"The stools and yoga mats have improved the flexibility in our classroom. Their impact is evident each day—in how students move, focus, and engage with their learning.\r\n\r\nThe stools have created new opportunities for collaborative seating, allowing students to gather quickly for small‑group discussions, peer editing, or shared reading. They make transitions smoother and give students a sense of ownership over how they participate. \r\nThe yoga mats have added an extension to that flexibility. Students use them for independent reading, partner reading, and other tasks where sitting on the floor is compfortable for them. \r\nTogether, these donations have helped build a classroom environment that is more flexible, collaborative, and student‑centered. They have made our space feel like a place where students can choose how they learn best—whether that means gathering with peers or finding a quiet corner to think. Your generosity has had a real and lasting impact on our daily learning community.","fullyFundedDate":1778002569213,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seats-for-flexible-minds/10241975/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seats for Flexible Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Murray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1560891_orig.jpg?crop=2711,2711,x60,y211&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731445172686","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hmurray"},{"teacherId":9784681,"projectId":10156278,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in bringing a wonderful new collection of chapter books into our first-grade classroom! Moving from picture books to early chapter books is a huge milestone for young readers, and these books have brought so much excitement to our daily routine. Transitioning to chapter books allows us to teach important foundational reading skills: tracking character development over longer plot arcs, using context clues to decode multi-syllable words, and building reading stamina. My students are learning how to make predictions across chapter breaks and infer characters' motives—skills that lay the groundwork for a lifelong love of reading.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is an energetic, joyful, and focused time. Every day during independent and partner reading, you can find students spread out across our room—curled up on the rug, tucked into cozy corners, or reading side-by-side with a classmate. Holding a \"big kid\" chapter book gives them a tremendous sense of pride. They love using sticky notes to mark their favorite parts or write quick reactions to share during our wrap-up sharing time.\r\n\r\nThese new books have had an immediate impact, especially on my developing readers who were ready for a new challenge. Several students who previously struggled to stay engaged during independent reading now eagerly reach for these books the moment reading time starts. One student, who used to feel intimidated by longer text, recently came up to me with wide eyes after finishing their very first chapter book to ask, \"Can I read the next one in the series tomorrow?\" Seeing that spark of confidence and pride in six- and seven-year-olds is entirely thanks to your support.","fullyFundedDate":1773848539842,"projectUrl":"project/chapter-books/10156278/","projectTitle":"Chapter Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wisner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9784681_orig.jpg?crop=240,240,x0,y16&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737760364485","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9784681"},{"teacherId":10359993,"projectId":10163829,"letterContent":"The DonorsChoose seat sacks have had a tremendous impact on my third-grade classroom by helping students stay organized, independent, and prepared for learning during small-group instruction. Each student has quick and easy access to the materials they need, allowing valuable instructional time to be spent learning rather than searching for supplies.\r\n\r\nThe seat sacks conveniently store students' math, reading, and writing materials, including notebooks, workbooks, pencils, and other classroom resources. Because everything is organized and within reach, students transition smoothly between subjects and small-group rotations with greater confidence and responsibility.\r\n\r\nThe seat sacks have been especially beneficial for two of my students with special needs. Having a designated place for their individualized routine materials, instructional strategies, visual supports, and sensory tools provides consistency and predictability throughout the school day. They know exactly where to find the resources they need to stay focused, self-regulate, and successfully participate in classroom activities. This structured system reduces anxiety during transitions, promotes independence, and helps them remain engaged in learning.\r\n\r\nOverall, the seat sacks have created a more organized, inclusive, and efficient classroom environment. By reducing clutter and ensuring every student has immediate access to their learning materials, these donations have strengthened classroom routines, increased student independence, and allowed all learners—including those with unique learning needs—to thrive academically and socially.","fullyFundedDate":1778269071484,"projectUrl":"project/seat-sacks-a-simple-solution-for-classr/10163829/","projectTitle":"Seat Sacks: A Simple Solution for Classroom Management","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jansen van Vuuren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10359993"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_56112","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":731,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":57,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":26,"percentWhite":22,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":13,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":76.3,"schoolId":56112,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ballenger Creek Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ballenger Creek Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maryland/frederick-county-public-school-district/ballenger-creek-elementary-school/56112"}