{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Grand Rapids Montessori - Fountain","outOfStateSupporters":23.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8721613,"projectId":9681299,"letterContent":"Since the arrival of the materials in Safe Science, children have been using the towels, cutting boards and safety glasses as they have dissected parts of plants to see what is inside. Children have used the magnifying slides to place these parts under the microscope to see the details. \r\nStudents have been able to use the test tubes for a variety of experiments and have also used the cleaning tools to wash up afterward.\r\nBecause of your generosity, children have been engaged in their science work with not only a safe approach, but a new level of enthusiasm! \r\nMost recently the items were used to help students make soup! Cutting the vegetables on the cutting boards and using the heat safe pad to place the hot pot of soup was ideal. Again the towels were used to clean up all the drippings.","fullyFundedDate":1757621206734,"projectUrl":"project/safe-science/9681299/","projectTitle":"Safe Science","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Denise","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8721613"},{"teacherId":9723284,"projectId":9483419,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! The new science resources have already transformed the way my students explore and understand the world. \r\n\r\nWe recently launched our Timeline of Life study, and these materials have been the perfect addition. Students compared fossils to the illustrations on our timeline, trying to figure out where each creature might belong. Their curiosity exploded—questions, theories, and discoveries filled the room. This hands-on connection to history has helped them see themselves as real scientists.\r\n\r\nThe volcano model has been a huge hit as well. We introduced it during a lesson on plate tectonics, and when the \"lava\" finally erupted, the entire class cheered! For many of them, this was the first time Earth science felt truly alive. They've already asked when we can run the next experiment so they can test new predictions.\r\n\r\nHere's how each resource is already helping our learning:\r\n\r\nAnimal Specimens:\r\nThese preserved plant and animal specimens allow students to observe real biological structures—wings, roots, exoskeletons, and more—up close. They support our lessons on classification, anatomy, and the diversity of life while inviting students to touch, examine, and question.\r\n\r\nFossils:\r\nHolding fossils makes Earth's history tangible. Students have used them to practice inquiry-based thinking: What was this? How did it live? What clues does this fossil hold about ancient environments? They bring life to our Timeline of Life and evolution studies.\r\n\r\nVolcano Model:\r\nThis model has become a centerpiece for our geology investigations. It helps students visualize Earth's layers, understand how volcanoes form, and explore cause-and-effect relationships through hands-on experimentation.\r\n\r\nTogether, these resources have ignited a sense of wonder and empowered my students to be curious, confident learners. In the coming weeks, we'll be diving deeper into life cycles, early Earth, and natural processes using these materials as anchors for exploration.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping create a classroom where children can see, touch, and experience real science. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on all of us.","fullyFundedDate":1757630149502,"projectUrl":"project/curious-minds-exploring-the-world-throu/9483419/","projectTitle":"Curious Minds: Exploring the World Through Science","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sarah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9723284_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x157,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725196131546","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9723284"},{"teacherId":9207535,"projectId":9216467,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your generous donation of materials to my classroom. The clipboards, letter magnet tiles, dot markers, pens, and dry erase markers will be incredibly valuable in supporting the literacy development of my students. These resources will enable me to provide hands-on, engaging activities that make learning both enjoyable and effective. I can already envision how these tools will help struggling readers build confidence and strengthen their foundational skills.\r\n\r\n Your support means so much to me and my students, and I truly appreciate your commitment to enhancing our learning environment. Thanks to your thoughtful contribution, I'll be able to create even more interactive and creative lessons that cater to the diverse needs of my students. It's gifts like these that make a real difference in the lives of children, and I am deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1746478368075,"projectUrl":"project/make-reading-fun-with-materials/9216467/","projectTitle":"Make Reading Fun with Materials!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carbaugh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9207535_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1709575062598","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9207535"},{"teacherId":9509119,"projectId":9256906,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my little mathematicians. My scholars love the new math works on the shelves. They have been using them non stop and love how interactive the works are. They are learning their numbers one through ten. They are getting the hang if it, I don't put all the new works out at the same time but I will rotate through them every month so they don't get bored. \r\nMy next steps for the material is to expand it for numbers ten through nineteen. So that they can learn and understand those ones as well. I expect them to know at least numbers 1-5 by the end of this year.","fullyFundedDate":1746495869247,"projectUrl":"project/little-mathematicians/9256906/","projectTitle":"Little Mathematicians","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hope","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9509119_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731358237351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9509119"},{"teacherId":9509119,"projectId":9155343,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to our classroom environment. The beginning of the school year has been really great getting to know each scholar. They all love how the classroom feels as well. My returning students have noticed the changes and have said how much cooler it is in the classroom now. It has help them by creating a calming and welcoming environment, especially to the three year old. They use the peace corner a lot and find it very helpful with the lighting choices that I have made. They just love it. So thank you from me and my students.","fullyFundedDate":1744638945921,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-environment/9155343/","projectTitle":"Classroom Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hope","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9509119_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731358237351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9509119"},{"teacherId":2371165,"projectId":9676535,"letterContent":"The students were overjoyed when they saw the new tank for our classroom Plecostomus, Sucky. \"Mrs. Liza, we are going to actually see him swim!\" one student exclaimed with excitement. Another shouted, \"Look, he loves his new tank!\" as Sucky swam from one side to the other.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our class can now observe and enjoy our beloved fish throughout the day. The students love gathering to watch him glide across the tank, and their cheers and laughter fill the classroom each time he moves. This new environment has brought so much joy and wonder to our learning community.\r\n\r\nAs Maria Montessori reminds us, \"The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.\" Thank you for nurturing that hope by supporting our classroom and helping create meaningful experiences for our students.\r\n\r\nFrom: Room 306","fullyFundedDate":1757525908801,"projectUrl":"project/fish-tank/9676535/","projectTitle":"Fish Tank","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Liza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2371165_orig.jpg?crop=283,283,x0,y84&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625705426728","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2371165"},{"teacherId":7462721,"projectId":9263118,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for investing in our classroom. The students LOVE the botany shelf that now displays our botany materials and books. This shelf is easy to access and large enough to store the many books we have about plants. It even has a few plants on it as well. \r\nI have several students that just sit by the shelf to have quicker access to the cool books that are there.\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for making a difference in our classroom community. We feel so blessed by your gift.","fullyFundedDate":1746063103834,"projectUrl":"project/botany-shelf/9263118/","projectTitle":"Botany Shelf","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. G.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7462721_orig.jpg?crop=3120,3120,x0,y520&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673299584292","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-g-montessori"},{"teacherId":2371165,"projectId":9543112,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom through Donors Choose. Your support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of my students. Because of your kindness, our classroom is better prepared to foster curiosity, independence, and a love of learning. \r\n\r\nAs Maria Montessori so beautifully said, \"Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world.\" Your contribution helps us do just that every day. \r\n\r\nTHANK YOU for all of your support towards this project. It will be a great year of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1755690453349,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-supplies/9543112/","projectTitle":"Classroom Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Liza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2371165_orig.jpg?crop=283,283,x0,y84&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625705426728","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2371165"},{"teacherId":2710852,"projectId":9192332,"letterContent":"Thank you again for donating to this project! The children have had a lot of fun on the playground with the balls and jump ropes. These items have been essential for reteaching how to share, cooperate, and play games together.\r\n\r\nThe journals have been introduced this school year and will help the students keep their writing samples neat and organized! The students love the half size notebooks! The observation journals are small and allow for easy transporting outside. The students then can observe the world around them and use the journal to record what they see!\r\n\r\nThe Who Will Win? Book series has been an excellent addition to my classroom library! The students love to read about animals and collect all the fun facts they can!","fullyFundedDate":1742923811846,"projectUrl":"project/outdoor-fun/9192332/","projectTitle":"Outdoor Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Evans","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2710852"},{"teacherId":2710852,"projectId":9289733,"letterContent":"Thank you again for donating to my project! The students were so curious and excited on the first day of school when they saw all the beautiful picture frames lining the hallway. Once I explained to them what the picture frames will be used for this year, they became even more excited! On the first day of school the students drew self portraits and they are displayed in the frames for all to see! They certainly showed an extra amount of pride having their work framed!\r\n The clay will be used to create extensions of Montessori lessons the students receive this year. This will allow students to show their learning in a different way. The Peace Rose book is at our peace table and is teaching the children how to peacefully problem solve in the classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1746483861164,"projectUrl":"project/project-materials/9289733/","projectTitle":"Project Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Evans","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2710852"},{"teacherId":2371165,"projectId":9191489,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project! Because of you, our classroom is now filled with new opportunities for creative exploration and joyful learning. The materials you've helped provide—clay, paint, and picture frames—are already inspiring a wealth of ideas for how we can deepen our artistic expression and showcase our hard work.\r\n\r\nIn our Montessori classroom, hands-on learning is at the heart of everything we do. Maria Montessori believed that \"The hands are the instruments of man's intelligence.\" These new materials will allow our students to engage both their hands and minds as they bring their ideas to life. Clay offers a rich sensory experience and opens the door to imaginative creations while also strengthening fine motor skills. Paint allows students to express their thoughts and feelings through color, texture, and movement—adding depth and meaning to our thematic work across content areas.","fullyFundedDate":1747492104553,"projectUrl":"project/arts-crafts-in-the-classroom/9191489/","projectTitle":"Arts & Crafts in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Liza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2371165_orig.jpg?crop=283,283,x0,y84&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625705426728","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2371165"},{"teacherId":2371165,"projectId":9134158,"letterContent":"I am beyond grateful for your generosity in supporting The Montessori Classroom Environment through DonorsChoose. Your contribution is helping to create a thoughtfully prepared space where students can explore, learn, and grow with independence and joy.\r\n\r\nMaria Montessori said, \"The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experiences.\" Thanks to you, my students will have an environment that nurtures their curiosity, fosters deep learning, and empowers them to take ownership of their education.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and support mean the world to our classroom community. Thank you for believing in the power of a well-prepared environment and the potential of every child.","fullyFundedDate":1742925724767,"projectUrl":"project/montessori-classroom-environment/9134158/","projectTitle":"Montessori Classroom Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Liza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2371165_orig.jpg?crop=283,283,x0,y84&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625705426728","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2371165"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_52970","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":297,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":60,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":65,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":12,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"12.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":76.2,"schoolId":52970,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Grand Rapids Montessori - Fountain on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Grand Rapids Montessori - Fountain","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/grand-rapids-public-school-district/grand-rapids-montessori-ps/52970"}