{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ridgecrest Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":39.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":402575,"projectId":9656015,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my clarinet students now have the dependable reeds they need to play with confidence and grow as young musicians. We began using the new reeds right away during our warm-ups and scale practice, and the difference was immediate—students were able to produce clearer, stronger sounds and stay focused on learning rather than fighting with worn-out materials. \r\n\r\nWith reliable materials in hand, the next steps for our class include preparing for our upcoming concert and working on reading simple melodies independently. Students are now able to practice more consistently, explore new notes, and take on slightly more challenging pieces. Your support has opened doors for these young musicians, and they are thrilled to keep learning, improving, and making music together. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in their musical journey.","fullyFundedDate":1757256600794,"projectUrl":"project/tone-starts-with-a-good-reed/9656015/","projectTitle":"Tone Starts with a Good Reed!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fung","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp402575_orig.jpg?crop=1152,1152,x36,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696204743112","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/fung"},{"teacherId":402575,"projectId":9708006,"letterContent":"The new flute cases have already made a tremendous difference for my young musicians. Before they arrived, students were carrying their flutes in worn or incomplete cases, and many worried about damaging their instruments on the bus or on the walk to school. Now, each flutist has a secure, sturdy case that keeps their instrument protected every day. One of the first things we did was a \"care and maintenance\" mini-lesson, where students practiced opening the latches, assembling their flutes safely, and returning each part to its proper place. It was such a meaningful moment to watch them handle their instruments with confidence and pride.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new cases, the room lit up. Several of them hugged their cases or held them up proudly to show their classmates. Students are now bringing their flutes to school more consistently and feel a new sense of ownership in our band community.\r\n\r\nThese resources are also supporting our current unit on tone production and beginner music literacy. With their flutes now protected, students can take them home each night for practice without fear of damage. Thanks to your support, they can focus on learning, practicing, and making music—not on whether their instruments will survive the trip.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has strengthened our program in a lasting way, and my students are truly grateful. Thank you for believing in their potential and helping keep their musical journeys safe.","fullyFundedDate":1757900043335,"projectUrl":"project/a-case-for-playing-the-flute/9708006/","projectTitle":"A CASE for Playing the FLUTE","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fung","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp402575_orig.jpg?crop=1152,1152,x36,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696204743112","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/fung"},{"teacherId":2418662,"projectId":9095830,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous donations. Most people underestimate the importance of small tools such as headphones. But for my students, this tool is essential to learning. My students with special needs can use headphones in all subject areas and learning activities. The headphones with a microphone allow them to use the speech-to-text tool when working on writing assignments. This feature is essential for my students who have difficulty with writing due to fine-motor skill delays.\r\n\r\nDuring school, some interventions are provided on the computer. Headphones help students stay focused on their computer screen, reducing distractions from other classroom activities. My students also use an app that displays picture captions and other small text on the screen and reads them aloud. The use of headphones also reduces distractions for others in the class while my students receive vital learning accommodations. So this simple tool you helped my students with will give them access to many of the accommodations they need to support their learning. Many thanks to you; we are grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1746699649824,"projectUrl":"project/let-me-hear-you/9095830/","projectTitle":"Let Me Hear You!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Rice","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2418662_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565786545290","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/srice"},{"teacherId":9896516,"projectId":9408512,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the items shared with my kiddos. During testing students love having the what I call study buddies. It gives them confidence to do their best on work. The LCD writing tablets are loved. We use them in small groups, math instruction and different games we play to learn. Helping students is the most important thing people like my donors can do. Unfortunately the phonics books were misplaced when delivered and have not been found yet. But I guess another class is enjoying those. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1749945136923,"projectUrl":"project/getting-our-learning-on/9408512/","projectTitle":"Getting Our Learning On!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ricketts","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9896516_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749932657187","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9896516"},{"teacherId":90237,"projectId":9300656,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation to support my students in Reading. I was able to purchase a variety of books to support my students in gaining knowledge about our world with non fictional books, using their imagination while reading fictional books and falling in love with read overall. We were not able to get what I truly needed, however, your donation provided a good start. \r\nThe last part of the donation was used to purchased and create end of the year celebration packets. My students did so well in Reading this year. They were able to increase in Reading by more than 30 percent! I wanted them to be able to celebrate. We created memory books that included writings about their year and how they have grown in reading g and autographs from their classmates. \r\nThank you again for your donation.","fullyFundedDate":1746787261336,"projectUrl":"project/read-for-life/9300656/","projectTitle":"Read For Life","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jarrett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp90237_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x44,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687007978607","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/90237"},{"teacherId":90237,"projectId":8502778,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation to support the learning needs of all of my students. I purchased Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards to find instructional resources which will impact my students. Teachers Pay Teachers is a resources developed for teachers by teachers. They take the stress out of planning engaging activities and provide time to find the resources needed. \r\nThis school year, I was able to incorporate a valuable resource related to sounds students use in reading. I found the resource on TPT. This resources was extremely impactful in my classroom. I used it every day. My students learned all 250 graphemes and 44 phonemes. Test scores soared! \r\nThank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1722691529844,"projectUrl":"project/adressing-my-students-needs/8502778/","projectTitle":"Adressing My Students Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jarrett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp90237_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x44,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687007978607","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/90237"},{"teacherId":90237,"projectId":8785512,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation of Teacher Pay Teacher gift cards , spinning wheel and laminating machine. The Teachers Pay Teachers gift card was used to improve instruction in my classroom. Thanks to you, my students scores improved by more than 30 percent from the beginning of the school year.\r\nUnfortunately, the spinning wheel was missing some parts and I am working to get it replaced before next school year. The laminating machine was used to keep resources purchased from Teachers Pay Teachers preserved for others students who enter my classroom for years to come. \r\n\r\nThank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1736268796251,"projectUrl":"project/a-chance-for-every-child-to-learn/8785512/","projectTitle":"A Chance for Every Child to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jarrett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp90237_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x44,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687007978607","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/90237"},{"teacherId":2418662,"projectId":8822151,"letterContent":"Our class would like to take the opportunity to thank you again for your sincere generosity. The students are able to practice and learn skills using sensory items that you provided by funding this project. When we received the items, students were instantly drawn to the materials. They are able to practice self-care skills such as zipping, buttons, and snaps with one of the materials. The other material helps them with the foundational skill of counting and adding using pop-its. The sorting game has helped students practice identifying and grouping objects by two attributes: shape and color.\r\nAs a special educator, supporting students with varying possibilities and skills, understanding the unique need of each child can be difficult. Your donation helped us provide our students to learn through multiple modalities, and allowed my team to offer our students the opportunity to engage in sensory learning, which is appealing to most but especially to our students who are on the autism spectrum. Our teaching team and our students are thankful for you sincere interest and generosity for our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1738436637694,"projectUrl":"project/it-all-makes-sense/8822151/","projectTitle":"It All Makes Sense","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Rice","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2418662_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565786545290","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/srice"},{"teacherId":647413,"projectId":8596219,"letterContent":"Illuminating Young Minds\r\n\r\nIlluminating Young Minds: A Transformative Learning Experience\r\n\r\nThanks to the generous support of our donors, Illuminating Young Minds has brought an exciting, hands-on learning experience to our PreK classroom. With the addition of the light table and sensory materials, we have created a dynamic space where young learners can explore, experiment, and develop foundational skills in a way that is both engaging and meaningful.\r\n\r\nEnhancing Our Curriculum Through Play and Exploration\r\n\r\nThe light table has become an essential part of our daily classroom activities. It has provided an innovative way for students to develop early literacy, math, and science skills through sensory-based learning. Some of the ways we have integrated the light table into our curriculum include:\r\n\t•\tLiteracy Development: Students have used transparent letter tiles to build their names, recognize sight words, and explore letter sounds. This multisensory approach has been especially beneficial for English language learners, reinforcing letter recognition through visual and tactile engagement.\r\n\t•\tMathematical Thinking: By manipulating translucent counting bears, pattern blocks, and number tiles, students have practiced sorting, patterning, and basic addition concepts. The illuminated surface has made these activities more engaging, fostering curiosity and deeper understanding.\r\n\t•\tScience Exploration: We have incorporated x-rays of animals and leaves, allowing students to investigate the natural world in a new and exciting way. These experiences have sparked conversations about skeletal structures, plant life, and the world around us.\r\n\t•\tSocial-Emotional Growth: The light table has also become a collaborative space where students work together, take turns, and engage in cooperative play. This has strengthened their communication skills and ability to work as a team.\r\n\r\nImpact on Student Engagement and Learning\r\n\r\nSince introducing the light table, I have observed a noticeable increase in student engagement and enthusiasm for learning. Children who were previously hesitant to participate in literacy or math activities are now eager to explore, demonstrating newfound confidence in their abilities. The hands-on, sensory-rich experience has made abstract concepts more concrete and accessible for all learners.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, this project has supported our goal of fostering a language-rich and inclusive classroom environment. Students naturally engage in conversations as they explore, strengthening their vocabulary and expressive language skills. The light table has also provided an opportunity for differentiated instruction, allowing students to explore concepts at their own developmental level.\r\n\r\nGratitude and Looking Forward\r\n\r\nThis project has truly illuminated not just our classroom but the minds of our young learners. The excitement and engagement I see every day reaffirm the importance of hands-on, play-based learning in early childhood education. I am incredibly grateful for the support that made this possible, and I look forward to continuing to use these resources to inspire curiosity and creativity in my students.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of early childhood education and for making a lasting impact on our classroom.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\nBeth","fullyFundedDate":1733152423878,"projectUrl":"project/illuminating-young-minds/8596219/","projectTitle":"Illuminating Young Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moore","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp647413_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746729700642","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/647413"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_64968","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":631,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":87,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":19,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":78,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.2,"schoolId":64968,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ridgecrest Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ridgecrest Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maryland/prince-george-s-county-public-schools/ridgecrest-elementary-school/64968"}