{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hancock Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":22.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9717585,"projectId":9702310,"letterContent":"These sensory books are helping students build early reading foundations by turning stories into hands-on, multi-sensory experiences that are accessible and fun, especially for young learners and students with disabilities. They support attention, comprehension, language, and engagement in ways that traditional print alone often cannot.​\r\n\r\nSkills these books build\r\n\r\nPrint and book awareness: Students practice turning pages, tracking from left to right, and matching pictures to simple text or symbols on each page.​\r\n\r\nVocabulary and language: Tactile pieces and photos give concrete examples for new words, so students can touch, label, and act out story events, which supports expressive and receptive language.​\r\n\r\nComprehension and sequencing: Many of the sensory books include clear routines or story steps (first/then/next), so students retell events by manipulating pieces in order, acting out what happened in the story.​\r\n\r\nSocial-emotional skills: Several texts model sharing, turn-taking, feelings, and coping strategies; students practice \"reading\" faces and body language and using the language from the book during role-play.\r\n\r\nFine-motor and sensory regulation: Velcro pieces, flaps, and textures give a built‑in way to work on grasp, finger strength, and sensory needs while still being anchored in literacy.​\r\n\r\nWhat reading looks like in class\r\nIn this classroom, reading is active, noisy, and collaborative rather than silent and sit‑still. Students often sit in a small group on the rug, each with a sensory book or taking turns with shared ones, and engage through touching, pointing, matching pictures, and acting out parts as the adult reads or paraphrases text aloud. For some students, \"reading\" means matching object-to-picture, choosing a symbol to finish a repeated line, or using a core board or sentence strip (e.g., \"I see ___\") while exploring the pages.​\r\n\r\nReading also happens in very short, intentional bursts throughout the day. A student may use a sensory book as a structured break, as part of a morning routine, or during a one‑to‑one lesson targeting specific goals such as \"answers who/what questions about a story with picture choices\" or \"uses a sentence starter to request a page or character.\" The books help bridge center time, OT/SLP activities, and whole‑group circle, so literacy is woven into movement, play, and regulation rather than isolated.​\r\n\r\nStudents who especially love them\r\nSeveral students who previously avoided books are now seeking these out because they feel successful and in control when using them. For example:​\r\n\r\nA highly active student who used to race around during story time now stays engaged by being the \"page turner\" and \"piece helper,\" moving Velcro pictures to show what happens next and taking movement breaks built right into the story (e.g., \"jump,\" \"push,\" \"stretch\").\r\n\r\nA minimally verbal student consistently chooses a favorite sensory book during choice time and uses simple sentence starters (\"I want ___,\" \"More ___\") paired with picture choices from the book to request characters or actions, giving authentic communication practice in a meaningful context.​\r\n\r\nA student with significant sensory needs who often becomes overwhelmed by traditional paper books is able to explore thicker pages, textures, and clear routines in these books to stay regulated long enough to complete a beginning‑to‑end \"reading\" experience.\r\n\r\nBecause of these materials, students who might not yet access typical picture books are actively participating in stories, communicating more during reading, and building the confidence that \"books are for me,\" which is a powerful first step toward lifelong literacy.​","fullyFundedDate":1763508571393,"projectUrl":"project/touch-see-learn-sensory-books-for-eve/9702310/","projectTitle":"Touch, See, Learn: Sensory Books for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Costa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9717585_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725618400538","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9717585"},{"teacherId":2355231,"projectId":9797670,"letterContent":"When I thought about what would have the largest impact on my students I first thought about the technology in our schools. I have taught for many years and can remember a time when we were without and far behind the surrounding towns.Slowly, through grants and state funding we caught up. Now I cannot imagine a day without the technological advancements we have in our classrooms. From the desktop computer, smart board and document cameras, we have come so far. \r\n Technology is great.....when it works. I remember thinking how lucky we were to get laptops for every student during the pandemic. Previous to this we shared 5 computers for every 30 students, having every student empowered with a computer was amazing. Six years later these computers are the same but we have not advanced with the times. While it seems silly to think a computer mouse would make a difference it truly does. The mouse prevents the multiple clicking that slows the computer, an unusable touchpad have an alternative function and the internet and apps respond better. We were able to access our writing app and research our latest writing project with ease. Students were excited for this gift and appreciate it daily. Thank you for your donation. It truly makes a difference in our daily classroom studies.","fullyFundedDate":1760656024835,"projectUrl":"project/computer-mice-to-help-us-with-our-writin/9797670/","projectTitle":"Computer Mice to Help Us With Our Writing!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Simon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2355231_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723511850070","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2355231"},{"teacherId":9821780,"projectId":9033475,"letterContent":"Our tape recorders were met with excitment. Who doesn't like to hear their own voice? Although my students were excited and a little nervous because they're not sure they always pronounce English correctly, they soon got over their anxiety and smiles were everywhere. We averaged speaking within the tape recorders three times a week, and students became more willing and confident in their speech. In a world often trying to silence voices, it's wonderful to hear nine year olds use their voices with joy and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1746467630635,"projectUrl":"project/oracy-in-the-classroom/9033475/","projectTitle":"Oracy in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Winston","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9821780"},{"teacherId":9886377,"projectId":9027546,"letterContent":"On behalf of my preschool classroom, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our \"Learning to Love Literacy\" project. Your kindness has made it possible for us to explore a whole new world through books and literacy. It has also enabled us to create an \"All About Me\" unit in which our little learners were able to explore their identities, share their unique stories, and celebrate what makes each of them special. The project has also allowed us to enhance our classroom library to put books in the hands of our little learners and will allow us to enhance and develop units on transportation, feelings and seasons.\r\n\r\nThrough the \"All About Me\" unit, our students have been able to engage in meaningful activities that foster self-confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging. Seeing their faces light up as they share their favorite things, family traditions, and dreams for the future has been truly heartwarming.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a lasting impact on our classroom, and we are so grateful for your belief in the power of early education. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for helping us create a space where every child feels seen, valued and loved.","fullyFundedDate":1736448338341,"projectUrl":"project/learning-to-love-literacy/9027546/","projectTitle":"Learning to Love Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zalinsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9886377"},{"teacherId":9596816,"projectId":9031481,"letterContent":"Our classroom is one happy place!! Thanks to the privacy folders, students stay focused on their work and LOVE to block out distractions with the colorful, inspiring sentiments written on them! \r\n\r\nThe EXPO markers provide colorful whiteboard writing and just has a happy, spring feeling to it! When the students read each subject's objective, they are now color coded and easy to tell which objective goes with which subject. \r\n\r\nWe feel nice and cozy with our door window blocked from distractions using the sticky covering that catches the light just perfect and displays rainbows in the room!\r\nWe are one happy, lucky classroom. Thank you for giving us such happiness!","fullyFundedDate":1736469413535,"projectUrl":"project/clean-calm-learning-world/9031481/","projectTitle":"Clean, Calm Learning World","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Quill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9596816_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721323168992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9596816"},{"teacherId":9821780,"projectId":8913163,"letterContent":"You are beyond incredible, and you are helping my students become beyond incredible. It is important for them to find their voices, so they can contribute to their communities. Your help in providing materials that allow me to model what I am asking them to do surely helps them gain confidence to write what they are learning.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, you are modeling how community works together. We are grateful for your participation in the education of our struggling students. Without you, we would not be able to make the progress we are. Thank you does not do justice for your contribution.\r\n\r\nWe are blessed to have learned about Donor's Choice and the remarkable people like you who contribute.","fullyFundedDate":1735657743061,"projectUrl":"project/critical-thinking-writing-through-mode/8913163/","projectTitle":"Critical Thinking & Writing Through Modeling","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Winston","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9821780"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_62739","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":680,"numTeachers":33,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":51,"percentWhite":17,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"20.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.1,"schoolId":62739,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hancock Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hancock Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/brockton-school-district/hancock-elementary-school/62739"}