{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kathleen M Cotter ECC","outOfStateSupporters":46.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4404734,"projectId":10135427,"letterContent":"I cannot begin to thank you enough for your support and generosity of my classroom project. Teaching the youngest learners is incredibly rewarding and I love to watch them thrive through engaging in real world scenarios. The addition of the new materials were well received by the children. We all sat together and made predictions about what was in each of the boxes. There were a lot of oohs and aahs! Once the engineer put together the pieces, a ton of new pretend play exploded!\r\n\r\nThe House Area became a hot commodity with the new washer and dryer. The children knew exactly what to do and mimicked things they witnessed in their own homes. The fruit salad bowl was helpful in encouraging healthy eating habits. I know we've got some amazing, future home makers! Another item they were excited about were the campfire materials. They pretended to go camping, problem solved how to build a fire and were rewarded with some delicious smores!\r\n\r\nYour donations helped incorporate more pretend play materials into our classroom. Children learn through play and these items have been essential in helping them build critical life skills. Thank you all for being a part of our journey and I look forward to having these items support all of my future learners! From the bottom of my heart: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1778029529933,"projectUrl":"project/home-sweet-home/10135427/","projectTitle":"Home Sweet Home","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ronchetto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4404734_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1491785889570","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4404734"},{"teacherId":4404734,"projectId":10194129,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generosity to help my young learners and their development. I had many ideas for the purchased materials but my students came up with even better ideas than I could have imagined. When we received the boxes from Donors Choose, we all sat together and they made predictions about what could be inside. After opening each individual box, the children were getting more and more excited! They couldn't wait to begin using our newest materials.\r\n\r\nThey came up with plan to plant some seeds: radishes and sunflowers. We talked about what was needed: soil, seeds, water, sun, air, and time. First, they had some weeding and digging to do with the pails and gardening tools. They all said it was hard work! Then, they were ready to put the seeds into the soil and watered almost every day. They learned about being patient and taking care of the plants. The children were rewarded with some VERY large radishes. The sunflowers didn't quite make it to bloom but maybe next time! \r\n\r\nDuring our field day, the children used the ribbons, parachute and hula hoops. The smiles on their faces made it quite clear they loved the donations as much as I did! Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart! You made it possible to add outside learning to our classroom and I will continue to utilize these materials with all of my future students!","fullyFundedDate":1776572765099,"projectUrl":"project/growing-up/10194129/","projectTitle":"GROWing UP","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ronchetto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4404734_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1491785889570","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4404734"},{"teacherId":3501828,"projectId":10036606,"letterContent":"The support you have each provided (along with the match opportunity from PNC Grow Up Great) has helped make transitioning into school for the first time ever such a positive experience in the lives of my 16 students.\r\nAll of the materials received have been added into my calming corner structure (see photos).\r\nThe children were naturally drawn to the area to use the materials to assist their bodies in either remaining in a calm, peaceful state... or in aiding them into calming down while missing the comfort of their homes. The children really enjoy flipping the sequins back and forth on the turtle as well as the sensory discs. They use these along with the stretchy fidgets the most often. They are also expanding their vocabulary with the \"spot of emotions\" plushies that came with the emotion detective story. (New words like 'anxiety' and 'confident' have been the most exciting to them!)\r\nThank you for helping to make the beginning of this school year (as well as many future school years) that much easier on the youngest of our learners.","fullyFundedDate":1778887596917,"projectUrl":"project/small-bodies-but-big-emotions/10036606/","projectTitle":"Small Bodies... but BIG Emotions!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Laurus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3501828_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1513705513575","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3501828"},{"teacherId":1643182,"projectId":10194302,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting our project, \"Play, Grow, Repeat: Physical Fun for 4-Year-Olds.\" The moment the box of outdoor play materials arrived, our classroom erupted with excitement! My four-year-olds could hardly contain their joy as we unpacked the colorful parachute and the cornhole sets. For young children, play is serious learning, and these vibrant new resources have immediately transformed our daily outdoor time into an active, engaging arena for growth.\r\n\r\nWhen we first brought the giant parachute outside, the children's eyes lit up with wonder. Working together to lift it high into the air and watching it float down created pure magic. One of our favorite moments so far was playing a game where students took turns running under the glowing canopy before it touched the ground—it was filled with laughter, teamwork, and giggles! Meanwhile, the cornhole games have quickly become a favorite for developing focus and patience. Watching a four-year-old carefully line up their target, toss a beanbag, and celebrate with their peers when it lands on the board has been incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nThese materials are doing so much more than just keeping our students active. Through the parachute, our class is learning essential social-emotional skills like cooperation, communication, and rhythm. With the cornhole games, they are building critical hand-eye coordination, fine and gross motor control, and early math skills like counting and taking turns. Moving forward, we plan to integrate these games into structured outdoor learning centers, using the beanbags for color sorting and counting challenges. Thank you for giving my students the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1776436104834,"projectUrl":"project/play-grow-repeat-physical-fun-for-4-/10194302/","projectTitle":"\"Play, Grow, Repeat: Physical Fun for 4-Year-Olds\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. E.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1643182_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1456872135685","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1643182"},{"teacherId":1643182,"projectId":9805022,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in providing new instruments for our music area! Because of your support, our classroom has been transformed into a space where every student has the opportunity to explore their musical creativity.\r\n\r\n We received guitars, tambourines, hand drums, rhythm sticks and bells, and the impact was immediate. Instead of having to wait for turns or share a single drum, my students can now participate in ensemble playing together. We have been using these tools to learn about using instruments in different ways, Keeping a steady beat, and for marching around the room in a marching band. Seeing the students' faces light up when we pull out the instruments for large group is priceless.\r\n\r\n I want to share a quick moment that stood out this week. One of my students, who is usually very quiet and hesitant to participate, was the first to pick up the hand drum. After a few minutes of experimenting, the student was able to keep a steady beat. We used her beat to have the rest of the class copy. It was a powerful moment of leadership and confidence that wouldn't have happened without these new resources.\r\n\r\nYour donation did more than just buy instruments; it provided a creative outlet and a sense of belonging for my students. We are so grateful for your belief in our classroom and the arts.","fullyFundedDate":1762267544408,"projectUrl":"project/an-instrument-inquest-request/9805022/","projectTitle":"An Instrument Inquest Request","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. E.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1643182_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1456872135685","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1643182"},{"teacherId":4068487,"projectId":9393634,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. When the students first saw the animal kingdom blocks, artificial grass and plants, toy animals, and toy bugs, they were amazed and eager to begin. They immediately started building habitats, arranging the plants, and placing animals and insects where they believed they belonged. One special moment was watching a small group work together to create a jungle scene, discussing which animals lived in trees, on the ground, or under leaves, and carefully adjusting their designs as they shared ideas.\r\n\r\nWe now use these materials during small-group and choice-time activities to support imaginative play, early science learning, and language development. The next steps for our students include learning more about habitats and living things through books, drawings, and conversations, as well as extending their play into storytelling and simple research. Because of your generosity, our students are deeply engaged, curious about the natural world, and learning through meaningful, hands-on exploration every day.","fullyFundedDate":1755713150540,"projectUrl":"project/a-home-for-our-animals/9393634/","projectTitle":"A Home for Our Animals!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lyons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4068487_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523315590862","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4068487"},{"teacherId":4068487,"projectId":9391500,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. When the students first saw the loose part materials and wooden trays, they were immediately curious and excited. They carefully explored the pieces, sorted them, and began creating their own designs. One special moment was watching a group of children use the trays to design patterns and structures, discussing their ideas and making thoughtful choices as they worked.\r\n\r\nWe now use these materials daily during small-group and choice-time activities to support creativity, problem-solving, and early math skills such as sorting, counting, and patterning. Next, students will use the loose parts to create more complex designs, represent their creations through drawing, and explain their thinking to peers. Because of your generosity, our classroom has become a space where children confidently explore, create, and learn through hands-on experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1755719949977,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-loose-parts-toolkit/9391500/","projectTitle":"Building a Loose Parts Toolkit","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lyons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4068487_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523315590862","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4068487"},{"teacherId":4068487,"projectId":9580496,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. When the students first saw the new toy cars, roads, dinosaur skeletons, and construction vehicles, they were thrilled and immediately began exploring. Children worked together to build road systems, drive cars to different destinations, and use the construction vehicles to \"build\" and \"repair\" their structures. One memorable moment was a group combining the dinosaur skeletons with the roads and trucks to create a museum and construction site, using rich language and teamwork as they shared ideas.\r\n\r\nWe now use these materials during small-group and choice-time activities to encourage problem-solving, creativity, and early STEM skills. The next steps for our students include mapping their road designs on paper, learning about how roads and buildings are made, and exploring dinosaurs through books, drawings, and hands-on discovery. Because of your generosity, our students are engaged, curious, and learning through meaningful play every day.","fullyFundedDate":1755713150295,"projectUrl":"project/vroom-vroom-things-that-go/9580496/","projectTitle":"Vroom Vroom: Things That Go!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lyons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4068487_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523315590862","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4068487"},{"teacherId":4068487,"projectId":9394806,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. When the students first saw the new dolls, pretend food, and toy animals, their faces lit up with excitement. They immediately began exploring the materials—feeding dolls, caring for animals, and creating stories together. One special moment was watching a group of children work cooperatively to set up a \"family dinner,\" practicing language, turn-taking, and social skills as they played.\r\n\r\nWe now use these materials daily during small-group and choice-time activities to support imaginative play, communication, and social-emotional development. Next, students will expand this play into storytelling, drawing, and discussions about families, animals, and healthy foods. Because of your generosity, our classroom is richer, more engaging, and full of meaningful learning experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1755719949691,"projectUrl":"project/lets-play-pretend/9394806/","projectTitle":"Let's Play Pretend!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lyons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4068487_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523315590862","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4068487"},{"teacherId":3494338,"projectId":9725804,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our Preschool Media Center. Your contribution has allowed us to transform a simple corner of our library into a dedicated \"Calming Space,\" specifically designed to meet the unique emotional and sensory needs of our youngest learners. By funding the new bookshelves, cozy couches, and the beautiful reading nook with its tree canopy, you have created a sanctuary where children feel safe, seen, and supported.\r\n\r\nThe impact of this space goes far beyond comfortable seating. With the addition of the sensory wall panel, tactile books, and weighted stuffed animals, our students now have access to vital tools for self-regulation. These resources, paired with our new collection of emotion-labeling books and the soothing textures of the new rug, help our preschoolers identify their feelings and navigate big emotions in a healthy way. It is heartening to watch a child move from a moment of overwhelm to one of peace simply by engaging with the environment you helped provide.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in the well-being and emotional intelligence of our children. You haven't just added furniture to a room; you've provided a foundation for lifelong learning and resilience. We are so grateful to have you as a partner in our mission to nurture the whole child.\r\n\r\nWarmly,","fullyFundedDate":1758823298950,"projectUrl":"project/home-sweet-media-center/9725804/","projectTitle":"Home Sweet Media Center","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. S.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3494338_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1515985124144","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-stafiej"},{"teacherId":3494338,"projectId":9725751,"letterContent":"We are writing to express our gratitude for your generous contribution of the Multicultural Homes and People Block Set. All forty of our preschool classrooms received the materials and introduced them to the students, who were instantly excited! The moment the children first saw the diverse figures and different styles of homes, their eyes lit up. We have noticed a tremendous, positive shift in our centers: the block set has helped students feel more connected to their play, and it has completely reinvigorated block play across our sites. The children are now building more elaborate and detailed structures than ever before, using the sets to represent their own families and communities.\r\n\r\nIn one of our classrooms, the students used the set to work on a project called \"Our Neighborhood.\" They used the variety of houses to build a town, carefully placing the figures in front of the homes they thought most resembled their own or their friends'. It was a powerful learning moment, as the children engaged in meaningful dialogue about what makes a family and a home unique, and what it means to be a friendly neighbor. The set naturally sparked conversations about diversity, belonging, and how different types of people and families come together to form a rich community.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for providing materials that reflect and celebrate our beautiful and diverse student body. Your support has enhanced learning in forty classrooms and counting!","fullyFundedDate":1758824144176,"projectUrl":"project/home-is-where-the-blocks-are/9725751/","projectTitle":"Home Is Where the Blocks Are","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. S.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3494338_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1515985124144","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-stafiej"},{"teacherId":3501828,"projectId":8149303,"letterContent":"Thank you for considering the children in my classroom to send your donations to. \r\nThey were so excited when they saw the boxes of materials arrive! They used their little hands and fingers to help me unbox everything!\r\nThey LOVE writing with chalk outside on the cement (as well as putting it on their faces like make up!) They were able to gain so much muscle strength in their hands squeezing the tubes of glitter glue as they created so many sparking pictures!\r\nThey also love the ability to write on the LED tablets and erase their writing at the touch of one button.\r\nThank you again! We look forward to our next project to help us learn how to control our big emotions.","fullyFundedDate":1713360331565,"projectUrl":"project/the-write-stuff/8149303/","projectTitle":"The Write Stuff!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Laurus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3501828_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1513705513575","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3501828"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_68484","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":528,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":77,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":84,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - Pre-K","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":53.6,"schoolId":68484,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kathleen M Cotter ECC on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kathleen M Cotter ECC","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/dearborn-public-school-district/kathleen-m-cotter-ecc/68484"}