{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ballenger Creek Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":24.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":10359993,"projectId":10154500,"letterContent":"The donated animal research books and dictionaries had a meaningful impact on our third-grade classroom by giving students the resources they needed to become more independent readers, writers, and researchers.\r\n\r\nStudents used the donated animal research books to investigate an animal of their choice and learn how it survives in a harsh habitat. They gathered facts about the animal's adaptations, environment, food sources, and behaviors, then used this information to complete a research project and write informative pieces. Having access to a variety of engaging nonfiction texts increased student interest and encouraged deeper learning through inquiry.\r\n\r\nThe donated dictionaries also became an essential classroom resource. Students used them daily during our reading module to determine the meanings of unfamiliar vocabulary, strengthen their comprehension of complex texts, and expand their academic language. While researching and writing, students independently looked up the spelling, definitions, and correct usage of words, helping them build stronger vocabulary skills and improve the quality of their writing.\r\n\r\nThese donated materials supported literacy, research, and critical thinking while fostering student independence and confidence. By providing access to high-quality reference materials, the donations enriched classroom instruction and helped students develop skills that will benefit them across all subject areas.","fullyFundedDate":1775238300790,"projectUrl":"project/dictionaries-and-research-for-curious-th/10154500/","projectTitle":"Dictionaries and Research for Curious Third-Grade Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jansen van Vuuren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10359993"},{"teacherId":10222487,"projectId":10008144,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when our new classroom materials arrived! The birthday pencils, bracelets, and special birthday chair covers have already become a favorite in our classroom. Celebrating birthdays is such an important way to help students feel valued, and their faces light up when they get to enjoy these special birthday surprises.\r\n\r\nThe storage bins and bookshelf have helped us create a more organized and inviting learning environment. Students are able to easily access materials and books independently, which helps our classroom run more smoothly and encourages responsibility.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting additions was our large double-sided whiteboard. Students were eager to use it right away during math and literacy activities. They love having the opportunity to share their thinking, solve problems, and work together in a larger space. It has made our lessons more interactive and engaging.\r\n\r\nThe construction paper has already been put to great use in classroom projects, allowing students to be creative while demonstrating their learning. Seeing their excitement as they create and share their work has been wonderful.\r\n\r\nAs we finish the school year and prepare for future learning, these resources will continue to support hands-on activities, classroom organization, student celebrations, and collaborative learning opportunities. Thank you for helping create a classroom where students feel supported, engaged, and excited to learn each day. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in the lives of my second graders!","fullyFundedDate":1778109709492,"projectUrl":"project/everything-has-a-home-initiative/10008144/","projectTitle":"\"Everything Has a Home\" Initiative","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10222487_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758834832829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10222487"},{"teacherId":3006124,"projectId":9981535,"letterContent":"The impact of 'Hear Our Voices' has been nothing short of magical. In 5th grade, students often begin to feel self-conscious, but this professional stage setup has created a safe, celebratory space for everyone. I have watched some of my quietest, most reserved students completely blossom when they step onto the \"stage\". It has leveled the playing field, ensuring that every student—regardless of their starting confidence level—has a platform to shine. Thank you for investing in their self-esteem and future.","fullyFundedDate":1770786955900,"projectUrl":"project/hear-our-voices-a-professional-stage-fo/9981535/","projectTitle":"Hear Our Voices: A Professional Stage for 5th Graders","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":698562,"projectId":10135283,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our \"Sparking Creativity & Celebration in Math and History\" project has made a meaningful difference in our classroom. My students now have the tools they need to fully engage in their learning, and the impact has been immediate.\r\n\r\nWith new pencils readily available, students are able to focus on solving problems and showing their thinking in math without interruption. The scented markers have brought excitement and creativity into our history projects, allowing students to design colorful timelines, maps, and presentations that help deepen their understanding.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful impacts has come from the use of smelly stickers. These small rewards have become a big motivator—encouraging effort, celebrating growth, and helping students take pride in their work. I've seen increased confidence, especially in students who may have previously felt unsure about their abilities.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the laminating pouches have allowed us to create durable, reusable learning tools such as math reference sheets, vocabulary cards, and activity materials that we will use all year long.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom is more organized, more engaging, and filled with positive energy. My students feel supported, motivated, and excited to learn each day.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible and for investing in the success of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1775337476301,"projectUrl":"project/sparking-creativity-and-celebration-in-m/10135283/","projectTitle":"Sparking Creativity and Celebration in Math and History!","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":10189604,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our math classroom has been transformed into an engaging, organized, and student-centered learning environment. Your support provided essential supplies that allow students to actively participate in their learning and truly see their growth over time.\r\n\r\nWith the new materials, students are using their data folders daily to track goals, monitor progress, and reflect on their learning. This has helped them take ownership of their work and build confidence in their abilities as mathematicians. The folders and organizational tools have made it easy for students to keep their work structured and meaningful throughout the year.\r\n\r\nThe dry erase markers and erasers have made math more interactive, allowing students to practice skills, collaborate with peers, and receive immediate feedback during lessons. Meanwhile, colored pencils and markers have given students the opportunity to visually represent their thinking, highlight strategies, and make connections in their learning.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom runs more smoothly, and students are more engaged, confident, and excited about math. Your kindness has made a lasting impact not only on their academic growth but also on their mindset as learners.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping them build the skills and confidence they need for success!","fullyFundedDate":1776880461824,"projectUrl":"project/building-math-minds-with-data-color-an/10189604/","projectTitle":"Building Math Minds with Data, Color, and Creativity","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":10135292,"letterContent":"The headphones provided through this project have made a meaningful difference in our classroom by giving students the ability to fully engage in their i-Ready lessons and digital history activities without distraction. Many of our students rely on audio support for reading comprehension, directions, and interactive learning, and these headphones ensure they can hear clearly and focus on their individual progress.\r\n\r\nWith access to their own set of headphones, students are more independent, confident, and motivated. They can work at their own pace, revisit instructions as needed, and stay immersed in learning without disrupting others. During history lessons, the headphones also allow students to experience videos, primary sources, and storytelling in a more personal and impactful way.\r\n\r\nThis resource has helped create a more focused, equitable, and engaging learning environment where every student can succeed. Your support has directly enhanced both academic growth and student confidence in our classroom—thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1775334986848,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-focused-learning-in-math/10135292/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Focused Learning in Math and History","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":9976940,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to share that the headphones from our project, \"Tune in to Success: Headphones for Focus & Accessibility,\" have officially arrived and are already making a massive impact!\r\n\r\nThese couldn't have come at a better time. We put them to work immediately during state testing, where they provided the quiet, focused environment our students needed to do their very best. Beyond the serious work, they've also been a hit during \"fin\" breaks and independent time, allowing students to recharge and engage with their favorite learning programs.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has provided more than just a piece of technology; you've given my students the tools to handle both the pressure of testing and the importance of a well-earned break with ease. Seeing them so focused and empowered is a direct result of your support.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and for helping our fifth graders \"tune in\" to their full potential!","fullyFundedDate":1767332893242,"projectUrl":"project/tune-in-to-success-headphones-for-focus/9976940/","projectTitle":"Tune in to Success: Headphones for Focus & Accessibility","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":10043602,"projectId":9854947,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to thank you for creating such a thoughtful and flexible seating environment in our classroom. It may seem like a small change, but it has honestly made a big difference in how we learn and feel each day.\r\n\r\nHaving the option to choose where and how we sit has helped many of us become more comfortable and focused. Everyone learns differently, and the flexible seating gave us the chance to figure out what works best for us. Whether it's sitting at a table, using a different type of chair, or moving around when needed, it helped us stay engaged and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nBecause of this, I feel like our class has been able to branch out more in our learning. We've become more independent, more responsible, and more willing to try new things. The environment you created made it easier to participate, collaborate with classmates, and really concentrate on our work. It also made the classroom feel more welcoming and less stressful, which helped us do better overall.\r\n\r\nThank you for putting so much thought into making our classroom a place where we can succeed. Your effort has not gone unnoticed, and it truly made a positive impact on all of us.","fullyFundedDate":1766788450803,"projectUrl":"project/grow-our-minds/9854947/","projectTitle":"Grow our Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ferguson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10043602_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748179482152","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10043602"},{"teacherId":3006124,"projectId":9981667,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for \"pulling up a chair\" to support our classroom! My fifth graders were beyond excited when the new resources arrived. There was a collective cheer in the room, and they couldn't wait to test out their new designated spots for small-group learning. Since these arrived, it has quickly become the students' absolute favorite spot to sit whenever we have flexible seating open. Seeing them so eager to settle into this space to read or work has been such a joy.\r\nWe are currently putting these new resources to great use during our literacy blocks as we work through our poetry unit. Having a comfortable, structured space for small groups has allowed me to sit closely with my students to facilitate deeper discussions about perseverance and innovation. It has made our peer-editing sessions and research collaboration much more effective, as students now have a professional-feeling \"meeting space\" to share their ideas and refine their inventor profiles.\r\nLooking ahead, these resources will be a staple in our classroom as we prepare for our \"Voices of Fifth Grade\" writing showcase. This dedicated small-group area will serve as our primary \"editing station,\" where students will gather to finalize their creative projects and prepare to share their learning with their families and the community. Your generosity has not only provided physical materials but has also fostered a sense of value and pride in my students' academic journey. Thank you for making our classroom a better place!","fullyFundedDate":1768851149522,"projectUrl":"project/small-group-success-pulling-up-a-chair/9981667/","projectTitle":"Small Group Success: Pulling Up a Chair to Learn","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":3029531,"projectId":9986878,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to the Movement Matters project. My students and I are incredibly grateful. They were overjoyed to receive the new fidgets, kick bands, and wobble stools.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the items, students have continuously used these tools to help regulate their bodies and emotions while learning. Every day, a student is using a fidget, a wobble stool, or a kick band to keep their hands or body busy and their minds engaged. Adding these tools to the classroom has led to fewer distractions on the rug during group time and fewer interruptions during independent work.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generous support.","fullyFundedDate":1768851149805,"projectUrl":"project/motion-matters/9986878/","projectTitle":"Motion Matters","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3029531"},{"teacherId":3006124,"projectId":9910140,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the incredible impact your generosity has had on our school community. Thanks to your support of \"You're a Star! Celebrating Student Success,\" our quarterly \"Bobcat Best\" celebrations have been transformed into a highlight of the school year.\r\n\r\nThe Vision: Celebrating the Whole Child\r\nEvery quarter, our teaching team has the difficult but rewarding task of selecting six students who have gone above and beyond in their character, effort, and leadership. These \"Bobcat Best\" recipients are students who show up, work hard, and treat others with kindness.\r\n\r\nYour donation provided the materials for high-quality prize bags that serve as a tangible \"thank you\" for their dedication. By the end of this school year, 100 different students will have walked away with one of these bags, feeling the pride of being recognized by their teachers and peers.\r\n\r\nWhy These Prize Bags Matter\r\nFor many of our students, these celebrations are a powerful motivator. I've seen firsthand how:\r\n\r\nConsistency is Rewarded: Students who may not always get the highest test scores, but who show up and give 100% every day, finally feel \"seen.\"\r\n\r\nA School-Wide Culture: When other students see their peers carrying these prize bags, it sparks positive conversations about what it means to be a \"Bobcat Best\" student.\r\n\r\nThe \"End-of-Year\" Goal: Knowing that we have enough resources to celebrate 100 students ensures that the momentum stays high from fall all the way through June.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, there is nothing better than seeing a student's face light up when their name is called. These bags aren't just filled with \"items\"—they are filled with the message that hard work and character matter. Thank you for being a partner in our mission to celebrate every student's potential. Your investment is making a difference in the lives of 100 Bobcats this year!","fullyFundedDate":1767238676014,"projectUrl":"project/youre-a-star-celebrating-student-succe/9910140/","projectTitle":"You’re a Star! Celebrating Student Success","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"}],"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":75.8,"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"}