{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ballenger Creek Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":698562,"projectId":10087951,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom is filled with excitement, confidence, and opportunity. Your support of our Tiny Target classroom store project is making a meaningful difference in the daily lives of my students.\r\n\r\nMy students are curious, creative problem-solvers who thrive on hands-on math and science learning. In our classroom, we focus not only on academic growth, but also on building confidence, responsibility, and independence. Thanks to you, we are able to continue strengthening all of these skills in engaging and practical ways.\r\n\r\nWith the new Ticonderoga pencils, pastel packs, fun erasers, and colorful pens, students are fully equipped for math problem-solving, science journals, lab reflections, and model sketching. Having reliable, high-quality supplies means less time worrying about broken pencils and more time focused on learning.\r\n\r\nThe electric pencil sharpeners and portable stapler are already helping our classroom run more smoothly. Students can quickly prepare their materials and stay organized, which keeps our lessons flowing and maximizes instructional time.\r\n\r\nMost exciting of all, our Tiny Target classroom store is thriving! Students earn classroom \"money\" by demonstrating positive choices, teamwork, and academic effort. They practice real-world financial literacy skills like saving and budgeting as they choose rewards such as colorful pens, special erasers, and other fun supplies. Your donation keeps our store stocked and gives students meaningful incentives to work toward their goals.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is doing more than providing supplies — it is building confidence, encouraging responsibility, and empowering students to take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our young scholars and helping them shine brighter every day.","fullyFundedDate":1771018655046,"projectUrl":"project/making-math-visible-hands-on-tools-for/10087951/","projectTitle":"Making Math Visible: Hands-On Tools for Thinking, Solving, and Explaining","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Llewellyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp698562_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1502126948278","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-llewellyn"},{"teacherId":10359993,"projectId":9918758,"letterContent":"I want to personally thank you for your generous donation of headphones, an electric pencil sharpener, and drawing tablets to our classroom. What may seem like simple tools have made a powerful difference in both teaching and learning.\r\n\r\nThe headphones have transformed how students engage with lessons. They allow for focused, individualized learning without distractions. Students can listen to audiobooks, instructional videos, and digital lessons at their own pace. For some of my learners—especially those who need extra support with reading or language development—this has been a game changer. The classroom is now calmer, more productive, and more inclusive because each student can fully concentrate.The electric pencil sharpener may sound small, but it has saved valuable instructional time every single day. No more long lines or broken handheld sharpeners. Transitions are smoother, and we can focus on learning instead of interruptions. It has helped create a more efficient and less stressful environment for everyone.\r\nThe drawing tablets have opened up an entirely new world of creativity and engagement. Students are excited to complete assignments digitally, illustrate their ideas, and explore interactive learning tools. I am able to provide more dynamic instruction, incorporate visual learning strategies, and give real-time feedback. The tablets have increased participation, motivation, and confidence—especially for students who express themselves best through art and design.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students have access to tools that support diverse learning styles and help me teach more effectively. You have directly impacted their daily experience in the classroom, and for that, we are deeply grateful.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students' growth.","fullyFundedDate":1764708663815,"projectUrl":"project/quiet-focus-organized-spaces-learnin/9918758/","projectTitle":"Quiet Focus + Organized Spaces = Learning Magic!","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":9948500,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our 3rd grade classroom has been transformed in ways that go far beyond simply adding new technology. The Apple tablets you helped provide have become powerful tools for independence, collaboration, and deeper learning every single day.\r\n\r\nIndividually, students are now able to take ownership of their learning in ways that were not previously possible. During reading time, students access digital books at their personalized levels, use built-in tools such as highlighting and audio support, and complete comprehension activities independently. In math, they practice targeted skills through adaptive programs that adjust to their pace, giving immediate feedback and allowing them to correct mistakes on their own. This has built confidence, especially for students who may hesitate to ask for help. They can now try, revise, and succeed independently.\r\n\r\nThe tablets have also strengthened whole-group instruction. During lessons, students actively participate by responding to questions, completing quick checks for understanding, and collaborating on shared documents. We can analyze class responses in real time, allowing me to reteach or extend learning immediately. Engagement has increased dramatically—students are excited to contribute, and every voice is heard.\r\n\r\nIn writing, students draft, revise, and publish their work digitally. They use tools to check spelling and grammar, add illustrations, and share their writing with peers for feedback. This process has made them more invested in producing quality work. In science and social studies, students research topics, watch educational videos, and create presentations that demonstrate their understanding in creative ways.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the tablets have helped students build critical 21st-century skills such as responsibility, digital citizenship, collaboration, and problem-solving. They are learning how to use technology thoughtfully and productively—skills that will benefit them for years to come.\r\n\r\nYour support has empowered my students to become more independent learners while also strengthening our classroom community. The impact of your generosity is visible every day in their confidence, engagement, and academic growth.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their future.","fullyFundedDate":1766788564177,"projectUrl":"project/touch-explore-learn-making-our-classr/9948500/","projectTitle":"Touch, Explore, Learn: Making Our Classroom Interactive","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":9845020,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom! The Pokémon cards and stickers have been a wonderful addition to our prize bin and have been a great motivator for students who follow classroom rules. They have truly helped reduce behavior outbursts and allowed us to spend more time learning. \r\nWe are also so thankful for the ten-drawer cart. It has made a huge difference in helping us organize our supplies and keep everything easily accessible for students.\r\n\r\nThank you as well for the broom. It has been a great tool for keeping our classroom clean and for teaching students responsibility by cleaning up after their own messes.\r\n\r\nAnd thank you for everything else you donated—everything has been amazing and has truly helped transform my classroom into a space my students and I both love.","fullyFundedDate":1763567579639,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-positive-and-organized-classr/9845020/","projectTitle":"Building a Positive and Organized Classroom","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":1560891,"projectId":9398102,"letterContent":"On behalf of my fifth-grade students, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donation to our classroom. Your support has provided us with more than just supplies; you've given my students a professional-grade toolkit to explore their creativity, master new technology, and see their stories come to life.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, our classroom is now equipped with:\r\n\r\n*A Digital Camera: Allowing students to capture high-quality frames and learn the basics of photography and stop motion animation.\r\n*Animation Essentials: The clay, sculpting materials, and a comprehensive instructional manual that will turn our desks into a functioning animation studio.\r\n*Classroom Magazines and Books: Providing multiple copies of relevant text for all students allows us to have engaging materials in hand to provide variety and complexity at this level. \r\n\r\nFifth grade is a pivotal year for building confidence. By combining traditional art (clay sculpting) with modern technology (digital photography and stop-motion animation), my students are developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. They aren't just \"playing\" with clay—they are becoming directors, editors, and digital storytellers.\r\n\r\nYour kindness ensures that every student, regardless of their background, has access to the same high-quality resources and the opportunity to feel the pride of a finished \"big screen\" production.\r\n\r\nWe are genuinely excited to get started!\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and for believing in the potential of these young creators. You are making a tangible difference in their education by providing unique learning experiences that will last beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1764011486115,"projectUrl":"project/comprehension-through-claymation/9398102/","projectTitle":"Comprehension through Claymation","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":3006124,"projectId":9871599,"letterContent":"During reading time one afternoon, a student rolled a stool up to our small-group table, opened a book about children who lived in the Wild West, and said, \"I didn't know kids my age had to help run the family farm.\" That moment captures exactly why these new books matter.\r\nThe informational books about the Wild West and natural disasters are helping my fifth graders move beyond simply reading words to truly understanding history and science. Students are learning how to find the main idea, use photographs and captions to gather information, and make sense of new vocabulary by using context clues. They're discovering that nonfiction texts tell powerful stories about real people and real events.\r\nReading in our classroom now looks active and collaborative. Students gather in small groups, pull up their stools, and lean into conversations about pioneer life, westward expansion, earthquakes, and volcanoes. They reread sections to answer questions, compare life in the past to their own lives, and share surprising facts with their classmates.\r\nSeveral students who used to avoid informational text are now choosing these books on their own. Learning about children who lived long ago helps them see themselves in history, making reading feel more personal and meaningful. Other students are excited to share what they've learned, recommend books to friends, and ask thoughtful questions that lead to deeper discussions.\r\nBecause of you, reading in our classroom feels less intimidating and much more engaging. Thank you for helping create a learning environment where curiosity grows and every student feels included and supported.","fullyFundedDate":1763568840789,"projectUrl":"project/informational-books-that-spark-curiosity/9871599/","projectTitle":"Informational Books That Spark Curiosity","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":10359993,"projectId":9918809,"letterContent":"This project has truly changed the feel of our classroom in the best way. The stretchy kickbands, sequin sensory pillow, and wobble seat cushions have become everyday tools that help my students stay focused, calm, and ready to learn.\r\nHow we're using the new resources\r\nThese supports are used all throughout the day, especially during reading, writing, and independent work time. One moment that really stood out happened during a reading lesson. A student who often struggles to sit still and stay engaged was using a wobble cushion and gently pushing against a kickband while we read a nonfiction article. Instead of getting up repeatedly or distracting others, he stayed in his seat, followed along in the text, and even raised his hand to answer questions. The sensory input helped him regulate his body so his brain could focus on learning.\r\nThe sequin pillow has been especially helpful in our calm-down corner. When students feel overwhelmed or frustrated, they can take a short break, flip the sequins, and reset. I've seen students return to their work more quickly and with a better attitude after using it.\r\nStudent reactions\r\nWhen the materials were first introduced, the excitement was immediate. Students were curious and eager to try everything. We spent time learning how to use each item responsibly and talking about how these tools help our brains and bodies. What's been amazing is how quickly students understood that these are learning tools, not toys. They take ownership of using them appropriately, and some even remind each other of the expectations.\r\nWhat's next in our classroom\r\nRight now, we are working on strengthening reading comprehension and written responses to text. These flexible seating and sensory supports are helping students build stamina during longer reading and writing tasks. As we move into our next unit, students will be completing small research projects and writing informational pieces. The ability to stay regulated and focused for longer periods will be key, and these resources are already making a difference in helping them do just that.\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students have more access to the tools they need to succeed—not just academically, but socially and emotionally too. Our classroom is calmer, more focused, and more supportive of every learner. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1764688420282,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-calm-for-our-neurodiverse-lear/9918809/","projectTitle":"Comfort & Calm for Our Neurodiverse Learners","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":698562,"projectId":9811654,"letterContent":"Thank You for Supporting Our Bead Bar Project!\r\n\r\nWe are so incredibly grateful for your generous support of our Bead Bar project! Thanks to you, our classroom will now have a hands-on, creative space where students can strengthen their fine motor skills, practice patterns, and express their creativity through beadwork.\r\n\r\nYour donation is helping make learning more engaging and joyful. The students are already so excited to get started and can't wait to see their designs come to life. Projects like this remind us how powerful it is when a community comes together to support education — your kindness truly makes a difference every day.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our classroom and for investing in our students' growth and imagination!","fullyFundedDate":1760636708991,"projectUrl":"project/beads-keychains-and-stickers-for-our-i/9811654/","projectTitle":"Beads, Keychains, and Stickers for Our i-Ready Incentive!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Llewellyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp698562_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1502126948278","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-llewellyn"},{"teacherId":10222487,"projectId":9706469,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is more organized, cheerful, and efficient than ever! The file organizers, zipper pouches, birthday pencils, hanging file folders, and laminating sheets have made a huge difference in how our day runs. Students are using the pouches and folders to keep their materials neat, which has helped them stay focused and independent during lessons. The laminated activities allow them to revisit their work, self-assess their progress, and see how much they've grown over time. It's been wonderful to watch them take more responsibility for their learning!\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw all the new supplies, they were thrilled! They especially loved the birthday pencils—something small but meaningful that makes each child feel celebrated and special. It was heartwarming to see how something so simple brought so many smiles to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758997198280,"projectUrl":"project/growth-ignites-greatness/9706469/","projectTitle":"Growth Ignites Greatness","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":10222487,"projectId":9706545,"letterContent":"My students are using the new stress toys, sensory tools, and hug balls as part of our calming corner and throughout the day when they need a break or a moment to reset. These materials have helped create a peaceful, focused learning environment and have made a big difference in managing emotions and maintaining a calm classroom.\r\nThey were so excited! Many students immediately gravitated toward the new items, exploring the textures and finding their favorites. You could see the joy and curiosity on their faces—it was such a special moment to watch them realize these tools were meant just for them.\r\nWe're continuing to build emotional regulation skills by practicing how to use the calming tools appropriately during our daily routines. Students are learning to recognize their feelings and independently choose a sensory item when they need help calming down, which supports both their emotional growth and focus during lessons.","fullyFundedDate":1760733424514,"projectUrl":"project/the-zen-zone-a-calm-corner-for-growing/9706545/","projectTitle":"The Zen Zone: A Calm Corner for Growing Minds","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":10063718,"projectId":9432789,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generosity and support in helping bring our \"Take a Break\" SEL area to life. Because of your kindness, my students now have a safe, calming space where they can pause, reset, and refocus, something that has already made a noticeable impact in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThe day we unboxed and set up the materials, you could see the excitement on my students' faces. They were curious and genuinely intrigued by the tools and sensory items now available to them. One student softly said, \"This feels like a little home in the classroom,\" while another asked if they could take turns visiting the space just to \"feel calm.\"\r\n\r\nSince then, our Take a Break area has become an essential part of our daily routine. We've introduced mindfulness activities, breathing exercises, and journaling prompts. One specific moment that stood out was during a particularly energetic morning: a student who was feeling overwhelmed asked if they could use the area. After a few minutes with a sensory tool and a breathing card, they rejoined the class with a smile, ready to learn. That one moment validated how powerful this space can be.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our classroom is not just a place of academic learning, but a space where students can grow emotionally and thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1755708609605,"projectUrl":"project/take-a-break-station/9432789/","projectTitle":"Take a Break Station","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shanz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10063718_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760808527777","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10063718"},{"teacherId":10222487,"projectId":9648524,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our classroom! My students and I are already putting the new materials—Legos, books, laminating sheets, dry erase markers, cardstock, and magnetic tiles—to great use. The Legos and magnetic tiles have been especially helpful during STEM centers, where students collaborate to design creative structures and explore engineering concepts. The new books have also become instant favorites during our independent reading time!\r\nOur next steps include using the laminated learning materials and cardstock for hands-on literacy and math activities. The dry erase markers are helping us make the most of small-group lessons, where students can easily practice skills and get immediate feedback. These tools are helping create a more engaging, organized, and interactive classroom environment every single day.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting my students and helping make our classroom a place filled with creativity, learning, and joy!","fullyFundedDate":1758804002313,"projectUrl":"project/providing-equity-and-scaffolding-to-all/9648524/","projectTitle":"Providing Equity and Scaffolding to All Students to Reach Success","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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_56112","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":715,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":50,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":23,"percentWhite":23,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":32,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":76.6,"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"}