{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Chester Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3177033,"projectId":9707020,"letterContent":"The addition of vibrant dress-up clothes served as the final, essential ingredient in bridging the gap between the printed page and the physical stage, allowing the classic literature we studied to truly breathe. These costumes transformed our classroom into a living theater, turning foundational fairy tales like The Princess and the Pea, Cinderella, and Snow White into immersive experiences that helped the students fully inhabit their roles. Over a dedicated two-month rehearsal period, the children moved beyond simple memorization to master the nuances of character development and stage presence, working tirelessly to ensure every cue was met with confidence. When the long-awaited performance finally arrived, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation as families gathered to witness the results of this creative journey. The audience was captivated from start to finish, and seeing the students perform with such poise and pride made it clear that the project was not just a play, but a profound celebration of their hard work, imagination, and artistic growth.","fullyFundedDate":1767456991900,"projectUrl":"project/bring-play-back-to-the-classroom/9707020/","projectTitle":"Bring Play Back to the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Therrien","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3177033_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470531248784","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/therrien"},{"teacherId":6497959,"projectId":9926504,"letterContent":"My students were overjoyed when the materials from this project arrived! The 4th and 5th graders have been working hard in music and STEAM to get ready for our Finding Nemo Kids School Musical! They were really looking forward to creating the sets and props so these materials arrived at the perfect time! \r\n\r\nThey have been having SO much fun creating sea creatures out of the stretch tubes, pipe cleaners, foam noodles, and colored cups! They have been so creative in how they have made each sea creature and have already given most of them names!\r\n\r\nThe other materials in this project have been a huge help in making the coral reef backdrop out of pool noodles structurally sound! We were able to hot glue the wooden dowels to the cardboard base to help our coral stand tall! Students threaded cut pool noodles on the wire to create wavy sea weed and put more on the thinner wood dowels to make huge ones! SO far we have one reef just about complete and we have 2 more to go before the show! \r\n\r\nThank you for making this such an enjoyable and creative experience for my students! They keep saying how happy they are that we are not just buying props or using a backdrop because they are so proud of the sets that they are making themselves! Thank you so much for making this possible for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1774312437691,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-build-the-great-barrier-reef-on/9926504/","projectTitle":"Help Us Build the Great Barrier Reef (on Stage!)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nicholson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6497959_orig.jpg?crop=622,622,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1569687330111","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6497959"},{"teacherId":6497959,"projectId":9440718,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing my 5th grade students with this Hummingbird Robotics Kit! We started our robotics unit later in the school year than I initially expected but it is now off to a great start! My students were so excited to find out they would be using a new robot this year! The past two years (when they were in 3rd and 4th grade) they used a different robot from the same company, and they were so excited to try the more advanced Hummingbird Robot! \r\n\r\nWe began by learning about all of the different things that the Hummingbird can do and the students were so amazed! This kit is the perfect for our STEAM class as it uses components from each of the subjects! \r\n\r\nSo far students have learned how to set up their Hummingbird, connect it to a LED light and a position servo motor. Next class we will put all of these individual skills together to make our first moving/coded robot! \r\n\r\nThank you for bringing this experience to my students and we can't wait to continue doing these robotics lessons and making our movable cardboard animal robots soon!","fullyFundedDate":1753999512010,"projectUrl":"project/welcome-to-the-robot-petting-zoo/9440718/","projectTitle":"Welcome to the Robot Petting Zoo!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nicholson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6497959_orig.jpg?crop=622,622,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1569687330111","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6497959"},{"teacherId":6497959,"projectId":9705183,"letterContent":"My students were so excited to be able to use clay this year in our STEAM class! Every grade level Kindergarten through 5th grade was able to learn different skills and create some 3D art! \r\n\r\nKindergarten learned how to create and shape clay slabs by making clay cookies based on the story \"If You Give A Mouse a Cookie\". They explored color mixing as they created their brown \"cookie dough\" and made some super cute and creative cookies! \r\n\r\nFirst and second grade explored how to make pinch pots by making pinch pot creatures. Their creativity blew me away! Students made snakes in bowls, a variety of animals, and creatures from their own imaginations! \r\n\r\n3rd grade made \"pop tarts with personalities\" where they designed a pop tart and created it to show its interests with details and decorations! \r\n\r\n4th and 5th grade went deeper and created a miniature food sculptures based on a memory that they have. Students were able to share about and create a food that is culturally significant or personal to them! \r\n\r\nNone of these projects would be possible without your support! Thank you so much for supporting the creativity of my students in STEAM!","fullyFundedDate":1763592682694,"projectUrl":"project/hooray-its-time-to-use-clay/9705183/","projectTitle":"Hooray! It's Time To Use Clay!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nicholson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6497959_orig.jpg?crop=622,622,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1569687330111","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6497959"},{"teacherId":4538301,"projectId":9959158,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all of the generous donations to our project! My students were so thrilled when I told them about the Donors Choose project, and they were even more excited when the materials finally came.\r\n\r\nThe recess games, snacks, and art supplies have helped to make sure my students have the supplies and fuel they need. In addition, the Teachers Pay Teachers gift card has been used to purchase more classroom materials, including games and supplemental material. My students absolutely love all of the materials, and I'm so thankful for all of your support in getting these materials for my class!","fullyFundedDate":1768429049864,"projectUrl":"project/third-grade-essentials/9959158/","projectTitle":"Third Grade Essentials!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hamaoui","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4538301_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1499825929508","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrshamaoui"},{"teacherId":3177033,"projectId":9874384,"letterContent":"The students absolutely love all of the materials from this project. They have increased their hand dexterity and strength so much. \r\nThe students' handwriting has improved and they love writing now. They have just finished writing about what they would do if they ruled the school. Their responses have been so cute!\r\nThe project has really helped them become more independent in zipping their coats and tying their own shoes too! Now the students proudly say \"I can do it by myself.\" The kindergarten staff is very thankful for that.","fullyFundedDate":1770838997290,"projectUrl":"project/first-step-to-handwriting/9874384/","projectTitle":"First Step to Handwriting","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Therrien","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3177033_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470531248784","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/therrien"},{"teacherId":10237207,"projectId":9673963,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our quiet math corner has become the safe and inviting space I always envisioned for my students.\r\n\r\nAs a math interventionist, I work one-on-one and in small groups with students K-5. For some children, being asked to leave the comfort of their classroom can feel stressful or even overwhelming. Your support has helped transform that transition into something positive.\r\n\r\nThe colorful room divider creates a clearly defined space that feels separate, special, and secure. Instead of feeling like they are being pulled away, students now enter a space designed just for them. The soft lighting immediately changes the tone of the room, helping students relax and settle more quickly.\r\n\r\nWhat began as a vision for a quiet corner has become a powerful space for emotional regulation, confidence building, and early mathematical development. Your generosity has positively impacted the mindset and learning experience of every child who enters it.","fullyFundedDate":1767456990013,"projectUrl":"project/getting-cozy-in-the-math-corner/9673963/","projectTitle":"Getting Cozy in the Math Corner!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cabral","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10237207_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756821242117","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10237207"},{"teacherId":10237207,"projectId":9673849,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project! Because of your generosity, our math intervention room now has a bright and welcoming rug that transforms our small-group learning corner into a calm, comfortable space where students in grades K-5 can thrive. The first time students saw the carpet, their eyes widened. One student said, \"It looks like the ocean!\"\r\n\r\nThe carpet has already begun to make a meaningful difference. Students settle onto the soft, defined space ready to focus, explore math manipulative, and engage in hands-on math center games without distractions. For many of our learners, especially those who need additional support, having a cozy, structured environment helps them feel safe, confident, and eager to participate.\r\n\r\nYour gift didn't just add a carpet--it created a true math \"home base.\" It encourages collaboration, reduces anxiety, and helps students stay engaged during small-group\r\nlessons. Every day, children walk into our intervention room with smiles, excited to\r\nlearn in a space that feels special and just for them. \r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for helping us build an environment where\r\nall learners can grow. Your kindness will impact their confidence and achievement all year long.","fullyFundedDate":1757539194410,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-and-calming-carpet-for-math-cor/9673849/","projectTitle":"Colorful and Calming Carpet for Math Corner!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cabral","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10237207_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756821242117","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10237207"},{"teacherId":4538301,"projectId":9471541,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students at Chester Elementary School, I want to extend our sincerest gratitude for your generous donation to our project, \"Hands-on Math Tools.\" Thanks to your generous donations we received hands on math tools and a Teachers Pay Teacher gift card to purchase math materials. \r\n\r\nWe have already begun using the Splash multiplication game, Target math game, color tiles, and centimeter cubes! It has been wonderful to see the 'aha!' moments as students build numbers to add or represent a multiplication problem. \r\n\r\nYour contribution is not just a monetary gift; it is an investment in the future success and intellectual curiosity of my students. You are helping to shape a generation of confident mathematical thinkers.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in my students and supporting innovative education.","fullyFundedDate":1757548775106,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-math-tools/9471541/","projectTitle":"Hands on Math Tools!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hamaoui","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4538301_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1499825929508","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrshamaoui"},{"teacherId":3177033,"projectId":9329440,"letterContent":"Kindergarten is a transformational year. They come in and they don't know how to express their ideas in the written form. They leave writing paragraphs! The first step when learning to write is...coloring! The students have enjoyed the coloring especially the multicultural crayons. They can now create art pieces that represent themselves and feel seen and heard. \r\nWe have been using the glue sticks for learning activities as well as for fun. The students love having all these resources at their finger tips!","fullyFundedDate":1754436083201,"projectUrl":"project/visually-expressing-our-learning/9329440/","projectTitle":"Visually Expressing Our Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Therrien","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3177033_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470531248784","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/therrien"},{"teacherId":3177033,"projectId":9329579,"letterContent":"Your donation has helped my students manage their time and help them regulate their feelings. The visual timers have helped answer the age old question \"How much longer?\"\r\nStudents love the timers so much that they actually ask me to set them so that they know how long they have to complete their work.\r\nThe speaker is so much louder than the ones on my computer. It has truly been a game changer. Did I mention that it lights up and changes color?! The kids love seeing it glow and it seems to have a very calming affect on the class.","fullyFundedDate":1753626425622,"projectUrl":"project/time-to-learn/9329579/","projectTitle":"Time to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Therrien","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3177033_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470531248784","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/therrien"},{"teacherId":3177033,"projectId":9329519,"letterContent":"Thank you for the headphones. Your generous donation, I have enough headphones to help all the classroom teachers offer headphones to students who do not have the resources to buy them. Students love the colorful choices and love to decorate them and make them their own. \r\nThey are fully ready for learning on their specialized learning instruction, coding, and making projects on-line. In kindergarten, students have started the basics of coding and have just finished their iReady diagnostic. They are beginning to embark on their own tailored learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1752758448159,"projectUrl":"project/hook-us-up-with-heaphones/9329519/","projectTitle":"Hook Us Up with Heaphones!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Therrien","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3177033_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470531248784","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/therrien"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_60963","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":114,"numTeachers":11,"percentFrplEligible":75,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":96,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":69.1,"schoolId":60963,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Chester Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Chester Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/gateway-regional-school-district/chester-elementary-school/60963"}