{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"East Silver Spring Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":22.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8855480,"projectId":10360405,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\nThank you so much for your generosity and support in funding our new classroom carpet! Teaching kindergarten at a Title I school is a true joy, but our resources can often be limited. Many of my students are first-generation Americans who are stepping into a formal classroom setting for the very first time. Creating a warm, welcoming, and comfortable space is essential to helping them feel safe, confident, and excited to learn every single day, and your gift has made a world of difference.\r\nThis new carpet has quickly become the heart of our classroom. It serves as our main gathering spot where we come together each morning for community circle, read-alouds, phonics lessons, and class discussions. For young learners, having a designated and comfortable space to sit helps improve focus, encourages active participation, and fosters a strong sense of community. My students were absolutely thrilled when they walked in and saw it for the first time, and it has already transformed how we move through our day.\r\nYour kindness extends far beyond the physical carpet—you have shown my students that there is a community of people outside our school who care deeply about their education and future. On behalf of myself and my amazing kindergarteners, thank you for investing in our classroom and making a lasting impact on their learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1783622491366,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-carpet-for-big-kindergarten-dream/10360405/","projectTitle":"A Cozy Carpet for Big Kindergarten Dreams!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8855480"},{"teacherId":10437104,"projectId":10129337,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and providing my students with the materials they need to express themselves, build friendships, and dream about their futures. Your generosity has given us much more than poster boards, glitter, markers, pens, paper, and journals—you have given my students opportunities to create, reflect, connect, and believe in themselves.\r\n\r\nWe will be using these materials for a variety of hands-on projects throughout the year. One of our upcoming projects is creating vision boards. My students will use the poster boards and art supplies to think about their goals, dreams, interests, and the people and experiences that are important to them. I want them to have a visual reminder that their dreams are worth pursuing and that they have the ability to set goals for their futures.\r\n\r\nWe will also be learning the art of journaling. The journals will give students a safe and creative space to write about their thoughts, feelings, experiences, goals, and things they are grateful for. For many students, having a journal can be an important outlet for self-expression and reflection.\r\n\r\nAnother project I am especially excited about is using the materials to teach students about friendship and positive relationships. We will make friendship bracelets while talking about what it means to be a good friend, how to show kindness, how to communicate with others, and how to build healthy friendships. I love that a simple creative activity can become an opportunity for students to learn important life skills.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, they were immediately excited. The colorful supplies sparked their curiosity, and they began imagining all of the things they could create. Their excitement reminded me that creativity does not have to be complicated—sometimes simply having the right materials can open the door to an entirely new learning experience.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to begin our vision boards and journaling activities and then build toward our friendship-bracelet project. As we work, my goal is for students to leave with more than something they created. I want them to develop confidence, learn how to express themselves, understand the importance of positive friendships, and begin thinking about the people they want to become.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping me create a classroom where they can dream, create, connect, and grow. Your generosity is helping turn simple supplies into meaningful experiences and memories that my students will carry with them long after the projects are finished.","fullyFundedDate":1776523043431,"projectUrl":"project/from-dreams-to-degrees-empowering-shini/10129337/","projectTitle":"From Dreams to Degrees: Empowering Shining Stars","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dunn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10437104"},{"teacherId":10489601,"projectId":10246461,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations. I can not emphasize how far these donations have gone in providing equitable education to my students. I have been able to use my personal laminator to create visual cards, first-then boards, AAC boards, name tags, and so much more for my students. These help them learn and recognize their names, regulate their emotions, and stay on task through completion, and give non-verbal students a way to communicate.\r\n\r\nFor young students, hands-on learning is very beneficial for helping them connect concepts to real-life abilities. Having these math tools to help them understand weight, counting, more/less, and addition/subtraction will give my students a foundational understanding of math concepts that they will build on for the rest of their educational career.","fullyFundedDate":1779292204893,"projectUrl":"project/special-educationearly-education/10246461/","projectTitle":"Special Education/Early Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. K","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10489601_orig.jpg?crop=1179,1179,x0,y290&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1777600856755","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10489601"},{"teacherId":2641216,"projectId":9582608,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing our classroom transformation to life! Your incredible generosity provided the exact tools my students needed to thrive, directly impacting our daily routines, independence, and enthusiasm for learning.\r\n\r\nThe materials completely revitalized our daily learning environment. We used the soft classroom rug as our gathering space for the library and the kitchen. The dry-erase markers, number lines, and vibrant learning posters turned math and literacy lessons into interactive, collaborative games. Meanwhile, the 30-slot mailbox, individual folders, and organizing trays established a structured, calm routine where students managed their own paperwork \r\n\r\nA special moment occurred during a storytelling project. The students used the new Play-Doh, paints, and markers on our specialized art trays to sculpt and paint symbols that represented the story. Because the art supplies gave them an alternative way to express themselves, they confidently shared the story.\r\n\r\nBecause our classroom was structured and organized, the students used their individual folders and the mailbox system to keep track of their belongings. They learned responsibility through these organizational tools and were fully prepared to manage their own spaces. Thank you for giving my eager learners a joyful, structured space where they can truly belong and grow every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1756314788413,"projectUrl":"project/bright-beginnings-a-creative-and-welcom/9582608/","projectTitle":"Bright Beginnings: A Creative and Welcoming Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2641216_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1469475991306","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/amandaerra"},{"teacherId":4505699,"projectId":8528365,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the rug! The students have loved sitting on it during a lesson, but it has also become the hot spot during free work time. They love how soft and comfy it is. I know that students will love this for years to come.\r\n\r\nI am also very grateful that many of you donated. I know that this time of year can be a lot with all the teacher wish lists being published, and it is nice knowing that there are people out there who care. \r\n\r\nI look forward to many other campaigns where we can grow my classroom into a safe space for all.","fullyFundedDate":1722876700966,"projectUrl":"project/ms-dorneys-community-rug/8528365/","projectTitle":"Ms. Dorney's Community Rug","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dorney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4505699_orig.jpg?crop=721,721,x0,y384&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722344930505","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4505699"},{"teacherId":10186530,"projectId":9805988,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of our classroom. Your donation means more than words can express. Because of your kindness, my students have achieved so much in their learning and engagement thanks to the brain fuel boost you provided.\r\n\r\nYour support helps create a classroom where every child feels valued and has the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed. Whether it's flexible seating, hands-on learning materials, or essential classroom supplies, your gift will make a meaningful difference in our students' daily experiences.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for believing in our classroom and investing in their future. Your generosity inspires us, and we are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1772071929084,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-snacks-for-growing-minds/9805988/","projectTitle":"Healthy Snacks for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mikell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10186530_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759863993057","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10186530"},{"teacherId":10437104,"projectId":10100884,"letterContent":"Our project focused on sharing kindness and fighting hunger within our school community. With the generous support of our donors, my mentees were able to pack food bags filled with nutritional snacks, granola bars, Nutella snack packs, and cereal boxes for classmates before a long holiday weekend to help ensure that no student would go without meals during the break. The students also organized a breakfast giveaway for their peers, providing additional food items, support, and encouragement to classmates in need. This project became more than just distributing food; it became an opportunity for students to show compassion, leadership, and care for others in a meaningful way.\r\nThe resources we received allowed students to engage in a powerful service-learning experience while also developing empathy, teamwork, leadership, and responsibility. One of the most memorable moments occurred while the students assembled the food bags together. They carefully sorted items, organized supplies, packed bags with care, and even created encouraging notes for classmates receiving the items. During the process, students discussed the importance of helping others in their community and reflected on how acts of kindness can positively impact someone's life. Watching the students take ownership of the project and show genuine concern for their classmates was truly inspiring.\r\nOne mentee shared, \"It made me feel so good to know I was helping a friend who may not have had food to eat over the weekend.\" Another student expressed that the project helped them realize that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. These conversations demonstrated how the experience helped students become more aware of the challenges others may face while also empowering them to be part of the solution.\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials arrive, they were excited, grateful, and eager to begin. Many students immediately started brainstorming ways to organize the food bags and make the giveaway special for their peers. They understood that the donations were not simply supplies, but a way to provide comfort, encouragement, and support to students who may be struggling. The experience gave the students a strong sense of pride and purpose as they worked together toward a common goal.\r\nThe impact of this project continues beyond the initial food distributions. Our next steps include continuing classroom discussions about community service, food insecurity, leadership, and the importance of giving back. Students are now brainstorming additional outreach activities and new ways they can continue supporting classmates throughout the school year. They have expressed interest in organizing future food drives, community partnerships, and additional school-based service projects.\r\nThis experience has inspired students to become more active, compassionate leaders within our school and community. They learned that helping others does not always require grand gestures; sometimes simply showing kindness, support, and compassion can make a lasting difference. Thank you again for your generosity and for making this meaningful project possible. Your support helped create an experience that not only addressed an immediate need but also left a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1772551415660,"projectUrl":"project/kindness-and-fighting-hunger/10100884/","projectTitle":"Kindness and Fighting Hunger","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dunn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10437104"},{"teacherId":10253084,"projectId":9798445,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the generous donations to my classroom! This year was my first year of teaching and it has truly flown by, it feels just like yesterday when I was compiling my list of materials to get together at the beginning of the year. As a first year teacher, it can feel incredibly overwhelming to set up your first classroom, there's so much to consider. In special education specifically, until you meet your students, you have no idea what visuals you will need to make or what adaptations to the curriculum you may need to design. When I received my materials from Donors Choose, I was so overcome with relief. Many of the supplies I had been asking for from other teachers or buying on Amazon or looking for at the thrift store was now in my classroom. One of the key things I created was adapted communication books for my students. Many of my students use communication devices known as AAC, or Augmented Alternative Communication. For learners who are just starting out, it is critical to have access to visual forms of communication. \r\n\r\nHaving increased access to communication has been quite transformative for my students. Some of my students have begun forming multi-word word phrases utilizing the model of the communication board. They are able to communicate their needs to me such as \"I want eat/drink\" or \"I want bathroom.\" For students with behavioral problems, oftentimes access to visuals that allow them to communicate their wants and needs, lowers their behavior and assists them in functioning in the classroom space. \r\n\r\nAs I look ahead to next year, I am constantly re-evaluating what I can improve in my practice. One of the things I want to provide my students with next year is more practical hands on experiences such as in-school field trips, sensory play, and access to projects such as growing butterflies. I am so eternally grateful for the support that the Donors Choose community has given me. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1766698582772,"projectUrl":"project/creating-an-adaptive-inclusive-special/9798445/","projectTitle":"Creating an Adaptive, Inclusive Special Ed Pre-K Room for All","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Addie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10253084"},{"teacherId":10113601,"projectId":9948224,"letterContent":"I am filled with gratitude as I write this message to thank you for your incredible generosity in supporting our DonorsChoose project. Because of your kindness, our classroom has been enriched with Level 1 and Level 2 reading books, along with engaging read-along books and their accompanying CDs. Your support has made a meaningful and lasting impact on my kindergarten students, and I am truly thankful for every one of you.\r\n\r\nAt this early stage in their education, learning to read is one of the most important milestones my students will experience. Reading is the foundation for all future learning. It builds vocabulary, strengthens comprehension, sparks imagination, and fosters confidence. Thanks to your contributions, my students now have access to a wider variety of developmentally appropriate books that meet them exactly where they are in their reading journeys. This allows each child to grow at their own pace while feeling successful and supported.\r\n\r\nThe addition of Level 1 and Level 2 books has made guided reading and independent practice much more effective. Students can now choose books that match their abilities, which has increased both their confidence and enthusiasm for reading. It is truly heartwarming to see their excitement as they recognize words, sound out sentences, and proudly share stories with their classmates.\r\n\r\nThe read-along books and CDs have created an entirely new dimension of learning in our classroom. These resources provide students with the opportunity to hear fluent reading modeled while following along in their books. This strengthens their listening skills, improves pronunciation, and helps them develop a natural sense of rhythm and expression in reading. It has also been especially beneficial for students who may need extra support, giving them the chance to practice independently while still feeling guided.\r\n\r\nBeyond skill development, these materials have opened the door to more opportunities for reading throughout our day. We are now able to incorporate literacy into center time, small group instruction, and even quiet independent moments. Students are choosing to spend more time reading, exploring stories, and engaging with books in ways that were not previously possible. Your donation has helped create a classroom environment where reading is not just a task, but a joyful and meaningful experience.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, you have helped instill a love of reading in young learners. This love will stay with them far beyond kindergarten, influencing their academic success and lifelong curiosity. Your generosity has given my students tools they will use every single day, and opportunities that will shape their futures in powerful ways.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for investing in their education. Your support has made a difference that words can hardly capture, but please know it is deeply appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1767176010201,"projectUrl":"project/growing-confident-readers-one-book-at-a/9948224/","projectTitle":"Growing Confident Readers, One Book at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKnight","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10113601_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x156,y246&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759718624857","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10113601"},{"teacherId":2641216,"projectId":9860054,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. Your donation has truly made a difference in our daily routines.\r\n\r\nWe are already using these materials all throughout the day. Students keep their folders and papers in their pocket chair organizers, which has helped them stay organized and take ownership of their space. During centers, the bins and table organizers make it easy for students to find what they need and get started right away. One moment that really stood out was during art. With the organizers, students were able to get their supplies, create, and clean up with very little help. It felt calm, smooth, and the students were so proud of themselves.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students could not wait to set everything up. They loved organizing their chairs and tables, and many of them kept saying how much easier it was to find their things. There was a real sense of pride in our room.\r\n\r\nNext, we are continuing to build independence. Students are taking on small classroom jobs like organizing supplies, managing materials during centers, and helping keep our space clean. As we move into new lessons and projects, these systems are helping everything run more smoothly so we can spend more time learning and less time searching for materials.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom feels more calm, organized, and ready for learning. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1763999512168,"projectUrl":"project/staying-organized-so-we-can-focus-on-lea/9860054/","projectTitle":"Staying Organized So We Can Focus on Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2641216_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1469475991306","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/amandaerra"},{"teacherId":10113601,"projectId":9810970,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting our project, \"Filling Buckets, Fueling Smiles.\" Your generosity has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our classroom, and I am so grateful for each and every one of you! Because of your contribution, we are able to create a positive, encouraging classroom environment where students feel seen, valued, and motivated. The bucket-filling system isn't just a reward system; it's a powerful classroom management tool that promotes responsibility, kindness, and a genuine love for learning.\r\n\r\nYour donation allows us to consistently reinforce positive behaviors in a structured and meaningful way. Students earn pompoms to fill their buckets by demonstrating respect, teamwork, perseverance, and academic effort. This clear, positive system reduces disruptions and increases accountability because students are actively working toward a goal they can see and track. Instead of focusing on consequences, we focus on growth, and that shift has been transformational!\r\n\r\nThere is something incredibly powerful about watching a student light up when their bucket becomes full. Students who may struggle with confidence are now eager to participate, try new strategies, and challenge themselves. They know their efforts matter. They know they are being noticed. Your generosity fuels that motivation every single day!\r\n\r\nThe most magical moment comes when students get to \"dump their bucket.\" When a bucket fills up, they earn a special reward, and the anticipation is contagious! Students cheer for one another. They celebrate each other's successes. The room fills with pride and excitement when the prize cart comes out!\r\n\r\nYour donation helps build a culture where students encourage each other to do the right thing. They remind classmates to make good choices. They celebrate growth. They feel ownership of our classroom community. When a student proudly announces, \"I get to dump my bucket today!\" the smiles that follow are priceless. That excitement is because of you! Please know that your support extends far beyond supplies or materials. You are helping build confidence. You are helping create motivation. You are helping turn everyday classroom moments into celebrations of growth.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students. Thank you for investing in their success. And thank you for helping us fill buckets and fuel smiles every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1764637449933,"projectUrl":"project/filling-buckets-fueling-smiles-/9810970/","projectTitle":"Filling Buckets, Fueling Smiles! :)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKnight","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10113601_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x156,y246&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759718624857","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10113601"},{"teacherId":10326874,"projectId":9852919,"letterContent":"The materials that we received for our school display case has been a hit with the faculty and students. I started by completely covering the inside of the display case with mirrors. Since there were some issues with the mirrors sticking to the unlevel surface, I had to cut the mirrors. This cutting created a disco ball or funhouse type of effect that the students enjoyed.\r\n I tried putting up the reflective film but had problems with adhesion so I used the display for a 5th grade art project about Robert Rauschenberg. This project involved making transparent self portraits using packing tape transfers from magazines. It looks amazing because the mirrors amplify the light and backlight the portraits , illuminating them. I will take pictures and block out parts of the faces with sticky notes. I plan on trying the infinity room design again at the beginning of next year. This display case has never looked good until your donation!","fullyFundedDate":1762568898105,"projectUrl":"project/yayoi-kusama-infinity-room-display-case/9852919/","projectTitle":"Yayoi Kusama infinity room display case!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10326874"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_64798","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":516,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":81,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":52,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":19,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.6,"schoolId":64798,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about East Silver Spring Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"East Silver Spring Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maryland/montgomery-county-public-schools/east-silver-spring-elementary-school/64798"}