{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Running Brook Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":27.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2721552,"projectId":9787928,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my project! My class has had so much fun practicing letters and numbers in a hands-on way. We have been using these games and puzzles daily during our reading rotations when my students visit the Word Work station. I have heard students talking about how \"cool\" the new materials are and having great conversations with their peers about letters and sounds. The ice cream and popsicle puzzles have even been a hit at center time, where they match letters and numbers while making an ice cream stand and \"sell\" ice cream to the teachers and other students. It has been so much fun.\r\nThe sensory items have also been very useful for several of my students. The chair bands are a great way for them to get some energy out while still participating in group and staying in their seats. With all of the snow days, we have had to find creative ways for students to stay engaged, and these chair bands have really helped. We have also used the fidgets very often during learning time to give students something to do with their hands while still staying focused. \r\nI am so excited to continue using these items in my kindergarten classroom. Thank you so much for your help with making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1764710212651,"projectUrl":"project/all-hands-on-learning/9787928/","projectTitle":"All Hands On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Scible","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2721552_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1480522875909","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsscible"},{"teacherId":10358884,"projectId":9913221,"letterContent":"Gratitude is a powerful emotion, and this year I feel it more deeply than ever because of the generous donors on DonorsChoose who helped fund our classroom rug. What may seem like a simple item—just a rug—has transformed our classroom environment in ways that go far beyond décor. It has become the heart of our room, a place where learning, collaboration, and community truly come alive.\r\n\r\nBefore receiving the rug, gathering my students together for instruction or discussion was a challenge. We made do with limited space, and students often sat at their desks or on the hard floor. It was difficult to create a sense of closeness or shared focus. Now, thanks to the kindness of strangers who believe in supporting teachers and students, we have a clean, inviting space where everyone can come together comfortably. The rug immediately changed the atmosphere of our classroom. It signaled that this is a place where students belong, where their comfort matters, and where meaningful learning happens.\r\n\r\nMy students are noticeably more comfortable coming to the rug for instruction. Instead of fidgeting or feeling distracted by discomfort, they settle in quickly and focus their attention. The soft surface provides a sense of warmth and security that a cold, hard floor simply cannot. I see it in the way they sit a little closer, lean in a little more attentively, and participate more eagerly. It has made whole-group lessons more engaging and interactive because students feel physically and emotionally at ease.\r\n\r\nThe rug has also become an essential space for partner projects and collaborative work. When students move to the rug to work together, there is a shift in energy. The open space encourages conversation, teamwork, and creativity. They spread out their materials, share ideas freely, and problem-solve side by side. The rug provides enough room for them to gather without feeling cramped, which allows their ideas to flow more naturally. It fosters a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. Watching them collaborate in that shared space reminds me why flexible learning environments are so important.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the most meaningful impact of the rug has been on our community circles. The rug has become the place where we come together to reconnect after different ordeals—whether that is a challenging day, a conflict between classmates, or even larger events that affect our school community. Sitting in a circle on the rug removes barriers. There are no desks between us, no physical divisions. We can see one another clearly. We can listen fully. We can speak honestly.\r\n\r\nDuring community circle, we share feelings, celebrate successes, and work through misunderstandings. The rug grounds us—literally and figuratively. It provides a consistent, safe space where students know their voices will be heard. After a difficult moment, returning to the rug signals that we are coming back together as a team. It helps restore trust and unity. In those moments, I am especially aware that this simple donation has had a profound emotional impact on my students.\r\n\r\nI am deeply grateful to the donors who chose to invest in our classroom. Their generosity demonstrates a belief in education and in the power of small changes to make a big difference. They may never see the daily smiles, hear the laughter during partner work, or witness the thoughtful conversations during community circle, but their impact is felt in every one of those moments.\r\n\r\nBecause of them, my students have a comfortable, clean space where they can learn, collaborate, and grow together. The rug is more than a classroom accessory—it is a foundation for connection, instruction, and community. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the donors on DonorsChoose for helping create a space where my students feel supported, valued, and ready to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1764955012826,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-rug/9913221/","projectTitle":"Classroom Rug","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Parkash","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10358884"},{"teacherId":1914961,"projectId":9799736,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to support our classroom. The students were so excited to see the large packages that were delivered with our new stools for the reading table. Many of them helped unpack the boxes and put together the stools. They loved seeing the variety of colors included and were excited to choose one to use at the reading table.\r\n\r\nWe have been using these stools multiple times a day. During math, my mathematicians love coming to the table to play math games with a partner or complete a group task. During reading, each reading group is able to sit comfortably around the table and not have to waste time dragging chairs around. During writing, we use the stools to meet with a small group of students who need some extra support. I have even had a few students who ask to use a stool at their desk for a change of seating.\r\n\r\nSuch a small change in our classroom has made a big difference. We appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1762379469385,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-seating/9799736/","projectTitle":"Classroom Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Seigel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1914961_orig.jpg?crop=877,877,x0,y20&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1681844649650","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1914961"},{"teacherId":8501933,"projectId":9462604,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generosity and kindness in helping bring a new classroom carpet into our learning space. Your support has made a meaningful and immediate difference, not only in the environment of our room but in the daily experiences of each student who walks through our door.\r\n\r\nA classroom carpet may seem like a simple item, but for my students it has become the heart of our community—a place where learning, collaboration, and connection happen every single day. Because of your donation, we now have a warm, welcoming space that invites students to gather together with excitement and purpose. The carpet has quickly become our meeting place for morning routines, read-alouds, small-group activities, and reflective discussions. Its presence sets the tone for comfort, curiosity, and belonging.\r\n\r\nBefore the carpet arrived, many students struggled to find a defined space where they felt grounded and included. Now, each of them has a designated spot that helps create structure and security. This simple change has had a powerful impact on classroom behavior, teamwork, and overall engagement. Students settle in more quickly, listen more attentively, and participate with greater confidence. They know this space was created with them in mind—and the pride they feel in caring for it is beautiful to see.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your support, and we hope you know how truly appreciated you are. Thank you for helping our classroom grow, learn, and shine a little brighter.","fullyFundedDate":1756743453646,"projectUrl":"project/a-carpet-for-our-classroom/9462604/","projectTitle":"A Carpet for our Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tunkel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8501933_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y302&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752515369108","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8501933"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_64703","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":407,"numTeachers":51,"percentFrplEligible":70,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":48,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":13,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"8.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":72.9,"schoolId":64703,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Running Brook Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Running Brook Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maryland/howard-county-public-school-system/running-brook-elementary-school/64703"}