{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hillside Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":24.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2412165,"projectId":9537600,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to help fund my 2nd grade students to have so many prizes to choose from when they earn 10 PAWS tickets! Students work hard to earn the tickets by being kind to others, being proactive, showing extra effort, etc. When they know they have a huge trove of enticing prizes to choose from, they are motivated even more! \r\nI was able to purchase a large variety of items and a new treasure box to store them. Students are especially interested in the pencil charms that were bought. These are dual purpose for me because students remember their charms and this helps them keep track of their pencil! When it falls on the ground, they know which one is theirs. Also, the spinning light-up bracelets and squishy balls are very popular. The best part is that there is something for everyone. \r\nStudents buy something from the prize box every time they have 10 tickets which is usually around twice a month. This large quantity of prizes will last us most of the school year. It's exactly what we needed! Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1755712409671,"projectUrl":"project/prizes-for-proactive-choices/9537600/","projectTitle":"Prizes for Proactive Choices","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lamott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2412165_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534364604525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emily-lamott"},{"teacherId":2260993,"projectId":9401907,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredibly generous gift to our Wit & Wisdom Book Tasting project!\r\n\r\nYour commitment to our students' literacy journey means the world. Your continued support is truly inspiring and makes a real difference in the hands-on learning experiences we have so often.\r\n\r\nYour contribution will specifically fund the \"culinary preview\" aspect of our event, allowing us to provide food that matches the themes of the books we'll be studying this year. This \"tasting\" will transform the way students are introduced to our upcoming Wit & Wisdom texts. Instead of just seeing the covers, they'll get to literally taste the literature, spark their curiosity, and hopefully get them excited about the reading that is coming soon.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and providing them with such a memorable and fun event. We can't wait to share photos and stories of the delicious book tasting!\r\n\r\nWith deepest gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1753997364104,"projectUrl":"project/book-tasting-with-wit-and-wisdom-year-2/9401907/","projectTitle":"Book Tasting With Wit and Wisdom Year 2","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dowd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2260993_orig.jpg?crop=2324,2324,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655900261538","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/darcy-dowd"},{"teacherId":2260993,"projectId":9506533,"letterContent":"October is here and we have already watched our mealworms transform through metamorphosis into Darkling Beetles. It was incredible to see the joy in the children holding and studying the mealworms, counting their segments, legs, and doing little experiments such as, \"Do they prefer dark or light?\" (dark). You can only imagine coming back after a weekend and seeing beetles mixed among the mealworms in our wheat germ containers!! Learning hands on is the experience, the gift, you have given these children.\r\n\r\nEarly in September, our Painted Lady caterpillars arrived. We patiently waited for nearly a month for the chrysalises to form. Upon leaving Friday, we could see how thin the outer layer of the chrysalises were becoming. You could even see the orange and black wings through the layer and that's when we realized they would probably emerge as butterflies Monday. Sure enough, they did. We released them on a gorgeous, sunny day last week.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generous contribution to our classroom, this is just the beginning. Next week means owl dissections. The following month, we will be getting Bullfrog tadpoles. We have crayfish, Bess Beetles, and fertilized chicken eggs coming, too. It feels like we are running \"STEM\" program all year long thanks to you! Trust me that these students love science. They are brave and truly embrace the opportunity to interact with every living life cycle they are interfaced with this year. \r\n\r\nYou are truly a champion for children and will leave a lasting impact on them.","fullyFundedDate":1753997363434,"projectUrl":"project/living-life-cycles/9506533/","projectTitle":"Living Life Cycles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dowd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2260993_orig.jpg?crop=2324,2324,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655900261538","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/darcy-dowd"},{"teacherId":9573700,"projectId":9075059,"letterContent":"These items have been such a hit in our classroom! The soccer fidget spinners have been the clear fan favorite—they're helping students be encouraged to earn more classroom currency as well as stay calm and focused during classtime. The invisible ink pens sparked tons of creativity and giggles as students wrote \"secret\" notes to each other that magically appeared under the special light. The magnetic drawing boards have been perfect for early finishers to doodle and practice spelling words in a fun, low-pressure way.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, these little tools are doing big work--helping students self-regulate, engage, and find joy in learning. Next, we'll continue using them as part of our reward system as students meet personal and academic goals.","fullyFundedDate":1741371370626,"projectUrl":"project/help-reward-my-5th-graders-hard-work/9075059/","projectTitle":"Help Reward My 5th Graders' Hard Work!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jaworski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9573700_orig.png?crop=1438,1438,x123,y331&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718936329224","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-jaworski"},{"teacherId":9573700,"projectId":9205755,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the boxes of Goldfish, Cheez-Its, and the mints, their faces lit up. \"Wait... these are for us?!\" one student asked, eyes wide with surprise. Testing season can be such a stressful time for 5th graders, and knowing they had snacks to keep them fueled and little mints to help them focus made a world of difference.\r\n\r\nWe used these snacks during our M-Step and NWEA testing days this spring. Before each session, I set out the Goldfish and Cheez-Its so students could grab a handful, and we passed out mints as a fun \"brain booster\" to help them concentrate. It quickly became a small but powerful routine. The kids felt cared for and supported, and it helped create a calmer, more positive testing environment.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students didn't have to worry about hungry tummies distracting them. Instead, they could give their best effort on these important assessments. As we move forward, we'll continue using small comforts like these to support our learners during challenging times.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart (and my students' too)—thank you for being a part of their success!","fullyFundedDate":1746535244385,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-focus-snacks-for-5th-grade-test/9205755/","projectTitle":"Fueling Focus: Snacks for 5th Grade Testing!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jaworski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9573700_orig.png?crop=1438,1438,x123,y331&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718936329224","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-jaworski"},{"teacherId":2260993,"projectId":9150987,"letterContent":"Having science books and living animals like tadpoles, crayfish, and fertilized eggs in the classroom has been so joyful this year!! Students have seen and experienced metamorphosis in ways they may never experience without your generous donation.\r\n\r\nIncorporating science books and living animals into the classroom created SO MUCH hands-on learning. The whole class was super engaged in science throughout the entire year.\r\n\r\nThe tadpoles and crayfish were well-fed, loved, and each one had a name. The chicks' hatch rate was 75 percent, which is good. You can only imagine how IN LOVE the class was with each fluffy chick. They were able to pet and hold them for a couple of weeks. The learning experience was incredible. \r\n\r\nYou have helped develop a LOVE for science that will last a lifetime.","fullyFundedDate":1746500022476,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-curiosity-fueling-future-scie/9150987/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Curiosity: Fueling Future Scientists with Books and Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dowd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2260993_orig.jpg?crop=2324,2324,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655900261538","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/darcy-dowd"},{"teacherId":2260993,"projectId":9293149,"letterContent":"Well, the class said our goodbyes to the baby chicks last week. It was sad, but we are happy the chicks will have more room to roam than our little bin. Our class counted down the days from 21 to hatching day. We candled them (checked for life) about half way through and were elated to see signs or growth!! Our chicks arrived a day early and we could now wait to remove them from the incubator. The class thought the baby chicks looked a little gross and were worried they might be dead because they just rested (for what seemed like long periods of time) and did not move.\r\n\r\nBy day two we put them in a bin complete with a heat lamp, bedding, food, and water. Some of these supplies were donated by YOU, Diane. So this entire experience can be thanks to your generous, kind support. Most of these students have never had this kind of experience, but will certainly never forget it. Everyone had the change to hold the chicks and watch them for two weeks. Two kids were terrified at first, but BEGGED to hold them again the next day. \r\n\r\nI also had students from previous years and other classes visiting me before school, after school, and at lunch. It kind of unified the whole school and reunited me with former children. They turned out to be \"therapy chicks\" for a student in another class who needed a sensory break, and this couldn't have been a better place in the world for him. He was in heaven.\r\n\r\nYou need to know that while kids observed this, we also had praying mantises that hatches, and tadpoles growing back legs on the way to bullfrogs. Your donation fed the tadpoles for the year, too. \r\n\r\nI think the chicks made a big impact on the children. Honestly, the night custodial staff grew very attached, too. One custodian nearly cried when she found they were going to a farm. She was hoping to adopt a couple, but did not make me aware of her plan. She watched them and held them every evening and it brought her pure joy. Not only did the students name each one, the custodians had names for them, too. (The favorite was \"Groucho\".\r\n\r\nI hope this gives you a little peek into the gifts you provided to our classroom. I am close to tears (or joy and a little sadness) writing this thank you to you.","fullyFundedDate":1746500022366,"projectUrl":"project/living-life-cycles/9293149/","projectTitle":"Living Life Cycles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dowd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2260993_orig.jpg?crop=2324,2324,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655900261538","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/darcy-dowd"},{"teacherId":2260993,"projectId":9102428,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of books and supplies for our partner reading in class. Your contribution is invaluable and truly enhances our students' learning in third grade.\r\n\r\nReading together not only improves their literacy skills but also fosters collaboration and builds confidence (and friendships)! Your support helps create a love for reading that will hopefully last a lifetime. Our class truly appreciates your kindness and commitment to our school family. They especially love the i Spy and Choose Your Own Adventure books. We had a few in the library already, but they have been LOVED so much that they are falling apart. These shiny, new books are irresistible to the kids this year.\r\n\r\nYou are once again a champion for children and we are BLESSED beyond measure because of you!","fullyFundedDate":1741641816908,"projectUrl":"project/books-with-buddies/9102428/","projectTitle":"Books with Buddies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dowd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2260993_orig.jpg?crop=2324,2324,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655900261538","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/darcy-dowd"},{"teacherId":2260993,"projectId":9083664,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your continued generosity in donating so many supplies to our classroom. We use so much glue, tape, paper, coloring utensils, highlighters, and cardstock making projects for class. Even though we have access to computers and use them daily, kids this age love to make and create things!\r\n\r\nYour support has a tremendous impact on our students and their learning experience. The pictures sent are just a few examples of work kids are producing all year.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your kindness and commitment to helping our classroom thrive! The class knows you by name and has been blessed by your interest in us! You are making a big impact on our future!","fullyFundedDate":1741641816960,"projectUrl":"project/sticky-but-basic-supplies/9083664/","projectTitle":"Sticky, but Basic Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dowd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2260993_orig.jpg?crop=2324,2324,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655900261538","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/darcy-dowd"},{"teacherId":9885586,"projectId":9025013,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the flexible seating items in my second grade classroom. When my students first saw huge packages being delivered, they were so curious and ready to predict what was inside them. Each time a package arrived, their excitement grew! The following day, students arrived at our classroom with new furniture, and were thrilled to find out their surprise was to be able to have new flexible seating. \r\n\r\nMy students enjoy choosing different color stools to sit on at the teacher table, or being able to sway while working and thinking on a wobble seat. They love doing partner work, and are great at sharing the wobble seats stationed in various areas around the room. Students especially love sitting to read on the comfortable padded floor chairs placed on our classroom rug. \r\n\r\nThese new options have given students the opportunity to find new comfortable work spaces around our classroom and lead their own learning. I look forward to working with the Donor's Choose organization again. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1736437952091,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-all/9025013/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating For All","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gersten","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9885586_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y92&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735855328365","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9885586"},{"teacherId":2260993,"projectId":9019121,"letterContent":"Each month our third grade class joins our first grade buddy classroom. We build relationships, learn about life and leadership skills, and do nifty projects together. The kids love connecting and frequently ask, \"When are we meeting our buddies again?\".\r\n\r\nLast year, thanks to YOU and Donors Choose, we sewed and decorated gingerbread puppets in December. Talk about learning, imagination, and cooperation... I felt like I was transported in a time machine to a one-room school house with the older children guiding the younger ones. Definitely 'mission accomplished' with that buddy experience! You could sense their pride and accomplishment seeing the results of their hard work. Not to mention the blast they had acting out the puppet show in class afterwards...\r\n\r\nThis year we are making Mother's Day (or other special person) frames, flower pens, personalized/decorated bags, and a special letter. Making handmade gifts teaches kids gratitude and helps them understand the importance of giving and the joy it brings to others. The kids show their creativity and individuality by using their imaginations to create something special and one-of-a-kind. We have scheduled this for next week and it will be amazing. \r\n\r\nThank you for providing this opportunity for both classes this year. Not only will this impact our classes, but I know the recipients of these will be feel emotions as well. There were a few extra supplies ordered for kids who may have more than one important woman in their lives. This project will be wonderful thank to YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1736962989317,"projectUrl":"project/gifting-and-gratitude-with-1st-grade-bud/9019121/","projectTitle":"Gifting and Gratitude with 1st Grade Buddies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dowd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2260993_orig.jpg?crop=2324,2324,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655900261538","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/darcy-dowd"},{"teacherId":2260993,"projectId":9021560,"letterContent":"Thank you for restocking our school supply store, class store, and \"Treasure Suitcases\"! The class was thrilled when the unboxed the new pens, fancy pencils, scratch n' sniff stickers, toy cars, small plush finger puppets, and even more! They wanted to touch and consider each and every new item! Your ears must have been ringing on Friday, because the class was amazed to hear that Miss Diane from Novi helped us AGAIN!!\r\n\r\nThe students and I set up a mini society and created currency. Early in the year, it meant creating currency and developing spending options (indoor lunch with friends, seat change for the day, pencils, erasers, free homework pass). As the year has progressed it now has expanded to a class store with \"real\" items to buy in addition to the previous choices. The class has been completing monthly job applications to secure class jobs (filer, stamper, paper passer, etc.) and paid with class currency at the end of the month. \r\n\r\nThe class thinks this is fun and love that they are able to have these choices. Really, it is more about building good habits early that may serve them well throughout their lives. Many will understand the importance of saving and making spending decisions. Others may appreciate the work that goes into earning money, which might lead to smarter spending choices. I see kids that feel more empowered by having these opportunities, which is completely 100 percent because of YOU.\r\n\r\nThank you for making learning fun and helping kids love school and learning!","fullyFundedDate":1736962989361,"projectUrl":"project/economics-learning-about-financial-lite/9021560/","projectTitle":"Economics--Learning About Financial Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dowd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2260993_orig.jpg?crop=2324,2324,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1655900261538","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/darcy-dowd"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_55523","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":682,"numTeachers":34,"percentFrplEligible":21,"percentAsian":27,"percentBlack":21,"percentWhite":41,"percentIndigenous":2,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"20.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":75.3,"schoolId":55523,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hillside Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hillside Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/farmington-public-school-district/hillside-elementary-school/55523"}