{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Margaret C. Ells School","outOfStateSupporters":26.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10171345,"projectId":10148412,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generous support in helping bring our classroom project to life. Because of your kindness, my students now have an incredible collection of books and resources that are already making a meaningful impact on their learning and emotional growth. My students love to sit at the carpet to listen to new stories as well as enjoying them in the carpet. \r\n\r\nThe On Strike Book Set (Books 1–8) has quickly become a classroom favorite. My students love the humor and creativity in each story, and these books have sparked many thoughtful conversations about teamwork, fairness, and responsibility.\r\nThe Community Workers Book Set has helped my students learn about the important roles people play in our community. They are more aware and excited about the helpers around them, and many have even started talking about what they want to be when they grow up.\r\n\r\nThe Mini Emotion Plush Toys with A Little SPOT of Feelings Book Set have been especially powerful in supporting social-emotional learning. Students use them during our calm-down time and classroom discussions about feelings. \r\nWe have also enjoyed reading The Kids' Book of Diversity: Empathy, Kindness and Respect for Differences, which has helped students better understand and appreciate what makes each of us unique. It has encouraged thoughtful discussions about empathy, inclusion, and respect in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nAnother beloved addition is The Very Hungry Caterpillar. We read this book several times while learning about butterflies and critters. This classic story continues to engage students while also supporting learning about growth, change, and sequencing. It is a favorite during read-aloud time and helps build early literacy skills in an exciting and memorable way.\r\n\r\nI also appreciate the addition of meaningful titles such as Only for a Little While, Empowering Stories for Black Children, and A Butterfly Is Patient. These books help us explore themes of family, culture, kindness, patience, and change. They have enriched our classroom library and helped students see themselves and others in new and important ways. We read the book a butterfly is patient while learning about butterflies and the students loved the pictures.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students are not only growing as readers, but also as thoughtful, empathetic, and confident individuals. They are excited during reading time, engaged in discussions, and proud when they complete activities together. It is truly special to see their faces light up as they explore these new books.\r\nThank you again for investing in my classroom and believing in my students. Your support is making a lasting difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1773845013058,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-learning-through-the-po/10148412/","projectTitle":"Social-Emotional Learning Through the Power of Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feliciano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10171345_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y378&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755626010577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171345"},{"teacherId":10171345,"projectId":10094945,"letterContent":"The playdough center has quickly become a favorite learning area in our classroom. The children truly enjoy rolling, flattening, pinching, and cutting the playdough as they explore and create. We have successfully incorporated these materials across multiple themes. During our *On the Go* theme, the children constructed construction vehicles, cars, planes, and boats. For our *Critter* theme, they created bugs, butterflies, and homes for their critters. The children have also enjoyed using the tools to make stamps and to form their names with playdough.\r\n\r\nThe silicone mats have been especially valuable in helping us keep our classroom clean and organized. The students now understand that the playdough stays on their individual mats, helping them develop responsibility and respect for materials. They take great pride in helping to set up the playdough center and independently cleaning up by returning all tools and materials to their designated baskets.\r\n\r\nThese resources have significantly enhanced creativity, fine motor development, independence, and engagement through hands-on learning. Your generous support has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our students' learning experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1771448347928,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-cutting-creating-play-doh-too/10094945/","projectTitle":"Rolling, Cutting, Creating: Play-Doh Tools Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feliciano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10171345_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y378&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755626010577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171345"},{"teacherId":10171345,"projectId":9925458,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom! Because of your kindness, our students now have access to a wide variety of engaging, hands-on puzzles that make learning both fun and meaningful.\r\n\r\nMy students absolutely LOVE the puzzles. We use them during centers, free time, and even recess. They've quickly become a daily favorite in our classroom. The Bluey puzzles, in particular, are the biggest hit! I have one student who is especially talented with puzzles, and he is always excited to work on the Bluey ones. They truly bring him so much joy.\r\n\r\nWhat's been even more special to see is the growth in students who had never completed a puzzle before. Some didn't know where to start at first, but now they are learning, trying, and succeeding. Their excitement is priceless. They have big smiles, proud moments, and even clap when they finish a puzzle. It's such a beautiful thing to witness their confidence grow.\r\n\r\nThese materials are helping develop not only academic skills like problem-solving and early literacy, but also perseverance, independence, and joy in learning. Your support is making a real difference in our classroom every single day.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and for bringing so much happiness into our learning environment!","fullyFundedDate":1770838996434,"projectUrl":"project/piece-by-piece-new-puzzles-for-growing/9925458/","projectTitle":"Piece by Piece: New Puzzles for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feliciano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10171345_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y378&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755626010577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171345"},{"teacherId":10171345,"projectId":9925388,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom! My students absolutely LOVE the new games, and their excitement was evident the moment they arrived. Their faces truly lit up when they saw everything you made possible.\r\n\r\nThe fan favorites have quickly become the Alphabet Box, Don't Break the Ice and Hungry Hungry Hippos, but every game has been a huge hit. We enjoy playing Candy Land: Bluey Edition and building creatively with the Magnetic Tile Building Block Set. These games have become an important part of our daily routine! We use the games during recess and as a special game center in the classroom.\r\n\r\nThrough these games, students are learning valuable social skills such as taking turns, accepting both winning and losing, and practicing patience and sportsmanship while also having fun. The large plastic zipper pouches gave also been an incredible resource, helping us keep games and puzzles organized and easily accessible.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has made a meaningful difference in my students' learning and social development. Thank you for investing in our classroom and bringing so much joy, learning, and laughter to our days. We are very grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1770246454723,"projectUrl":"project/little-learners-big-fun/9925388/","projectTitle":"Little Learners, Big Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feliciano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10171345_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y378&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755626010577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171345"},{"teacherId":9097574,"projectId":9948431,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generosity and support of our classroom project, \"Listening, Learning, and Literacy for Little Learners.\" Because of you, my Pre-K students now have access to engaging resources that are helping them grow in their language, literacy, and social development every single day.\r\nThe materials you provided have made a huge difference in how my students learn. At this early stage, children learn best through hands-on, interactive experiences. With these new resources, my students are more engaged during circle time, small group activities, and independent learning. They are excited to participate, listen to stories, explore sounds and letters, and build confidence as early learners. I have seen students who were previously shy or hesitant begin to actively join in, communicate more, and show enthusiasm for learning.\r\nWhat has been most exciting is seeing how much joy these materials bring to my students. They are especially drawn to activities that allow them to explore literacy in a fun and meaningful way. Some of my students with language delays and learning challenges have truly benefited from these supports, as they provide visuals, repetition, and opportunities to practice skills in a way that meets their individual needs. It has been beautiful to watch them grow more confident and independent.\r\nYour kindness is not just providing supplies—it is opening doors for my students and giving them the tools they need to succeed. Thank you for believing in my classroom and for making a lasting impact on these young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1769983405036,"projectUrl":"project/listening-learning-and-literacy-for-li/9948431/","projectTitle":"Listening, Learning, and Literacy for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Toro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9097574_orig.jpg?crop=1692,1692,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765025349489","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9097574"},{"teacherId":9780883,"projectId":9708088,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my amazing preschoolers! Your generosity has helped us bring creativity, confidence, and joy into our classroom. With the Cricut Joy and materials, my students ages 3 to 5 and on the autism spectrum are able to participate in hands-on projects that strengthen their fine motor skills and independence.\r\n We've used the Cricut to make classroom crafts, visual supports, and even personalized shirts for our field trips and gift bags for graduation celebration. Watching my students proudly wear their creations and these personalized gift bags for their graduation has been such a heartwarming reminder of how much your support means. You've helped make learning fun, meaningful, and full of smiles.\r\n Thank you for believing in our youngest learners and helping them build confidence one small creation at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1771448347843,"projectUrl":"project/cut-craft-and-creating-memories/9708088/","projectTitle":"Cut, Craft and Creating Memories!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. B","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9780883_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y25&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728934845642","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9780883"},{"teacherId":1810443,"projectId":9884682,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. Your generosity means the world to my students and to me.\r\n\r\nThis year I transitioned to teaching three-year-olds, and their needs are very different from the older students I previously worked with. My young learners are curious, energetic, and eager to explore their world through hands-on experiences. Because of your support, we will now have developmentally appropriate materials that truly meet their needs.\r\n\r\nThe light sensory tray and sensory materials will give my students a calming and engaging place to explore textures, colors, and early learning concepts. The tweezers and hand scoopers will help them strengthen their fine motor skills as they practice grasping, sorting, and scooping. These are important foundational skills that support early writing and independence.\r\n\r\nThe sensory bean bags and soft classroom light will also help create a peaceful and welcoming classroom environment. For many of my students, especially those with sensory needs, having calming spaces and materials makes a big difference in helping them feel comfortable, focused, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is helping create a classroom where children can explore, grow, and feel safe. Thank you for believing in my students and for helping provide the tools they need to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1769128374311,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-up-learning-for-little-hands/9884682/","projectTitle":"Lighting Up Learning for Little Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Knowlton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1810443_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701139834451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1810443"},{"teacherId":10171345,"projectId":9882543,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your incredible generosity! I wanted to share just how much my students are loving the new materials you provided.\r\n\r\nThe matching eggs have quickly become a classroom favorite. The students are excited to snap them together, match colors and shapes, and challenge themselves during center time. They work together to match all of the colors and the shapes! It has been wonderful to see them building their fine motor skills while having so much fun.\r\n\r\nThey also absolutely love to paint, and the aprons have made such a difference. Now they can fully enjoy creating without worrying about getting paint on their uniforms. It has allowed them to explore art more freely and confidently.\r\n\r\nAll of the toys have sparked curiosity and excitement. The students are constantly exploring, building, and discovering new ways to use the materials. Your generosity has truly enriched our classroom and created joyful, hands-on learning experiences every day.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting my students and helping our classroom grow!","fullyFundedDate":1763592682466,"projectUrl":"project/from-letters-to-paint-learning-through/9882543/","projectTitle":"From Letters to Paint: Learning Through Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feliciano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10171345_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y378&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755626010577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171345"},{"teacherId":9097574,"projectId":9450210,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project. Because of you, my Pre-K students now have access to high-quality, hands-on learning materials that support imaginative play, early problem-solving, and social-emotional development. We are using the Melissa & Doug baby care center, playhouse cleaning set, wooden vehicles, shape sorters, and stacking toys during our dramatic play, block, and fine-motor centers. One special moment was watching students work together in the baby care center—taking turns caring for dolls, using gentle language, and practicing responsibility as they pretended to feed, bathe, and put the babies to sleep. These moments may look like \"play,\" but they are powerful learning experiences that build empathy, communication, and independence.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate and joyful. Their eyes lit up as they explored the new toys, and many students eagerly asked questions or began narrating their play. Some students who are usually quiet became more engaged, using new words and gestures to express themselves. Others practiced sharing and cooperation as they worked together to build, sort, and pretend. These resources have helped create a warm, inclusive classroom environment where every child feels encouraged to participate, explore, and learn at their own pace.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our next steps include expanding learning through themed dramatic play (such as family, community helpers, and transportation), strengthening fine-motor skills through sorting and stacking activities, and supporting early math and language development during guided small-group instruction. Your donation has made a lasting impact on my students' daily learning experiences, helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We are truly grateful for your support and for believing in our classroom and our students.","fullyFundedDate":1764738075608,"projectUrl":"project/building-minds-with-pretend-play/9450210/","projectTitle":"Building Minds With Pretend Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Toro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9097574_orig.jpg?crop=1692,1692,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765025349489","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9097574"},{"teacherId":10171345,"projectId":9787229,"letterContent":"The students absolutely love when the sensory table is open. It has quickly become one of the most popular areas in the classroom, and students are always excited to explore and play while learning.\r\n\r\nThe scoopers for the sand table have been a huge hit. Students enjoy digging, scooping, and pouring, which has helped strengthen fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and focus. It has also encouraged cooperation as they take turns and share materials.\r\n\r\nThe water droppers have been especially engaging during our water activities. Students are eager to use them to squeeze, transfer, and experiment with water, building hand strength and early science skills while having fun.\r\n\r\nHaving the sand available has been incredibly helpful and allowed us to fully use our sand table. Because of your generosity, the sensory table is now a meaningful learning space where students can explore, create, and grow every day. Thank you for supporting our classroom and our students' learning through hands-on sensory play!","fullyFundedDate":1762266318972,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-play-adventures-with-sand-and-wa/9787229/","projectTitle":"Sensory Play Adventures With Sand and Water!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feliciano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10171345_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y378&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755626010577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171345"},{"teacherId":10171345,"projectId":9646963,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our *Bright Beginnings: Building Skills Through Creativity* project! Your generosity has had an immediate and positive impact on my students' learning and engagement.\r\n\r\nThe students absolutely loved the Find the Letter activity! It was exciting to see how motivated they were to search, identify letters, and practice early literacy skills in a fun, hands-on way. Many students asked to repeat the activity during center time, which helped strengthen letter recognition and confidence.\r\n\r\nThe magnetic tape has been incredibly helpful in improving our classroom routines. I was able to create a clearer and more effective choice board, allowing students to independently choose which center they want to participate in. This has supported student independence, decision-making, and smoother transitions throughout the day.\r\n\r\n Although the EZ Tracer was replaced with a pencil pouch, it has been a great addition to our classroom. The pouches help keep materials organized and easily accessible, for our weekly letter of the week activity.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom is more engaging, organized, and supportive of our students' growth. Thank you for investing in our learners and helping make their school experience more joyful and meaningful!","fullyFundedDate":1762128993701,"projectUrl":"project/bright-beginnings-building-skills-throu/9646963/","projectTitle":"Bright Beginnings: Building Skills Through Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feliciano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10171345_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y378&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755626010577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171345"},{"teacherId":10171345,"projectId":9802778,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my project. The supplies you provided have helped me create meaningful, engaging anchor charts for my students, and they have truly made a difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nMy students love working together on our shared writing experiences, letters of the week, and the various anchor charts we create both together and independently. These visual supports have become an essential tool in helping them understand new concepts, stay engaged, and take pride in their learning. As a first-year teacher, having these resources has made a tremendous impact on my ability to provide the rich, hands-on learning environment I envisioned.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has not only supported me but has inspired my students. They are excited to participate, eager to contribute, and proud to see their ideas displayed in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our classroom and for helping us grow.","fullyFundedDate":1760741643767,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-lessons-to-lifeone-poster-at-a/9802778/","projectTitle":"Bringing Lessons to Life—One Poster at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feliciano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10171345_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y378&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755626010577","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171345"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_60894","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":141,"numTeachers":15,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":68,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - Pre-K","studentTeacherRatio":"9.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":73.4,"schoolId":60894,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Margaret C. Ells School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Margaret C. Ells School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/springfield-public-school-district/margaret-c-ells-ecc/60894"}