{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Grant Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9117163,"projectId":9392458,"letterContent":"I'm writing with a full heart and deep gratitude to thank you for supporting our DonorsChoose project for a brand-new classroom rug. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a more welcoming, engaging, and organized learning space—and it's all because of you!\r\n\r\nThe rug arrived and has quickly become the heart of our classroom. From morning meetings to read-alouds, and small group lessons, it's where we gather as a community each day. The colors and layout help my students know where to sit, promoting a sense of structure and belonging. For many of them, this rug has become a safe and comforting place where learning feels more personal and connected.\r\n\r\nWhat might seem like a simple classroom item has had a big impact:\r\n\r\n- Students are more focused during carpet time activities.\r\n\r\n- We're able to have smoother transitions and better routines.\r\n\r\n- Most importantly, the classroom feels more like a home.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just provide a rug—you gave my students a space where they feel seen, supported, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in this project and in my students. You've made a lasting difference in our learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1754665586011,"projectUrl":"project/color-comfort-and-classroom-community/9392458/","projectTitle":"Color, Comfort, and Classroom Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bull","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9117163_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691624483755","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9117163"},{"teacherId":8510182,"projectId":9383290,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, something powerful is happening in the lives of our students.\r\nBecause of your support, we were able to provide a collection of carefully chosen character development books to Grant Elementary and Primary Center reaching 500+ eager young minds. These books aren't just stories—they're tools for shaping empathy, resilience, honesty, courage, and kindness.\r\nYou didn't just give books. You gave students the opportunity to grow not just academically, but emotionally and ethically—to become the kind of people who will lead with integrity and compassion.\r\nThank you for believing in this mission. You're helping us build not just better readers, but better people.","fullyFundedDate":1758324136321,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-build-brighter-hearts-and-min/9383290/","projectTitle":"Books That Build Brighter Hearts and Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Powers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8510182_orig.jpg?crop=321,321,x0,y17&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1656383739903","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8510182"},{"teacherId":9338920,"projectId":9368177,"letterContent":"I am so pleased to share that our new recycling system has already made a visible difference in our classroom. Within two weeks, students started placing recyclables into the blue bins and now they are often filled to the top by the end of the day!\r\n\r\nDuring lunch duty in the cafeteria, students eagerly brought me their milk cartons, plastic lunchable containers, and styrofoam bowls so I could take them back to our room to be rinsed and repurposed. It was such a joy to witness their excitement and see how quickly they are embracing sustainable habits both inside and outside of the classroom.\r\n\r\nWhat began as a simple addition of bins has quickly grown into a meaningful part of our STEAM routines. Students are not only recycling but also repurposing items for projects, creating sailboats, towers, and other imaginative builds out of materials that would have otherwise been thrown away.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided more than just containers, you've given our students daily reminders that small actions can have a big impact. Thank you for helping them see that they can make responsible choices for the environment and use their creativity to reimagine what's possible.","fullyFundedDate":1750255545919,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-cleaner-greener-steam-space/9368177/","projectTitle":"Creating a Cleaner, Greener STEAM Space and Hallway","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carlson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338920_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712712046592","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338920"},{"teacherId":9338920,"projectId":9333973,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Building Futures with ChompSaws project! These tools have quickly become a student favorite, making cardboard cutting safer and easier while unlocking new levels of creativity. Already, students have built projects like a sail with a heart cutout that reads I Love America, and one class is designing a tiny town complete with a hospital—featuring cardboard wheelchairs and hospital beds!\r\n\r\nAt our Title I school, students rarely have access to specialized tools like these. Thanks to your generosity, they are transforming recycled cardboard into models, sculptures, and prototypes while building problem-solving, teamwork, and trades-related skills. They are so excited as they collaborate, innovate, and discover how design and craftsmanship can create new things.\r\n\r\nI can't wait to see what they create next!","fullyFundedDate":1747444379571,"projectUrl":"project/building-futures-with-chompsaws-craftin/9333973/","projectTitle":"Building Futures with ChompSaws: Crafting Trades Skills with Cardboard","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carlson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338920_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712712046592","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338920"},{"teacherId":9338920,"projectId":9325377,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project! With your generosity, our students are having the opportunity to design, build, and race solar-powered boats while learning about renewable energy, engineering, and sustainability.\r\n\r\nAlthough this project was originally written for 3rd and 4th graders, we were thrilled to include our 1st and 2nd grade students as well. For many of our students, this was their very first time seeing solar power in action. We set out both electric fans and solar-powered fans to launch the sailboats. The students compared the wind force from the electric fans versus the solar-powered fans, and they were amazed at how much power the solar fans produced when the sun was shining. Watching their boats race forward using only the energy of the sun was an experience they will remember! \r\n\r\nWe had a very sunny day for our regatta, and the Quik Shade Sun Shelter came in handy. It gave students a comfortable space to focus at the improvement table underneath, where they collaborated, redesigned their boats, and tested new ideas. The watering cans were also very useful, making sure our regatta gutters stayed filled to the same height. This gave students the responsibility of maintaining fairness in the water levels and added another layer of engagement to the project.\r\n\r\nThis was an awesome lesson and a wonderful way for students to experience the engineering design process: define the problem, imagine, plan, create, and improve.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of approximately 400 students, thank you for providing the tools, inspiration, and opportunity to connect classroom learning to the real world. Your generosity is helping us nurture the next generation of problem solvers and innovators.","fullyFundedDate":1746785846861,"projectUrl":"project/solar-powered-fun-exploring-renewable-e/9325377/","projectTitle":"Solar-Powered Fun: Exploring Renewable Energy Outdoors","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carlson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338920_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712712046592","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338920"},{"teacherId":9338920,"projectId":9072758,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding the Indi robots for our STEAM lab! The students have been captivated by the way these robots read color tiles to determine their direction. They've quickly learned that each color represents a specific command, for example, green for \"go,\" red for \"stop,\" and blue for \"turn.\" During instruction, they listen so intently, eager to test how their coding sequences guide Indi through the course.\r\n\r\nThis hands-on experience has promoted critical thinking, sequencing, and problem solving in powerful ways. Most importantly, the students are learning through play, discovering that exploration, mistakes, and perseverance are all part of coding. When the robots don't follow the path as planned, they collaborate to debug, adjust, and try again.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made this joyful, play-based coding possible, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities you've opened up for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1741528278024,"projectUrl":"project/inspiring-inclusivity-exploring-coding/9072758/","projectTitle":"Inspiring Inclusivity: Exploring Coding Through Indi Robots","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carlson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338920_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712712046592","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338920"},{"teacherId":9338920,"projectId":9515028,"letterContent":"The amount of interaction among students using these materials has far exceeded my expectations. The magnetic marble runs have quickly become one of the favorite stations in our STEAM lab, and I've witnessed groups working together to problem-solve in ways that are both creative and compassionate.\r\n\r\nI placed one of the sets near the exit door, and the first students who finish cleaning up their work area appropriately get the privilege of exploring the marble runs. Their excitement is contagious and every day I see them experimenting with new designs, changing and improving what a classmate has already built. This has opened up wonderful opportunities to coach students in showing grace and compassion, especially when the next run doesn't work as well as the one before it. They are also learning that with so many hands moving pieces around, it's important to be understanding when a new setup doesn't work as smoothly as the original build.\r\n\r\nThe National Geographic marble run set has added another layer of challenge. With this set, if even one piece is moved slightly, the marble can fall to the floor. What could feel like a setback has actually turned into one of the most valuable lessons in perseverance. Students are discovering that precision and patience matter, and when things don't work, they encourage one another to keep trying. These moments are when compassion and problem-solving meet and are exactly what I hoped these materials would inspire.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students a space to experience the joy of building, the challenge of problem-solving, and the growth that comes from showing kindness when things don't go as planned. Your generosity is helping more than 560 young learners see that compassion is just as important as creativity.","fullyFundedDate":1755201864767,"projectUrl":"project/compassion-in-motion-learning-through-m/9515028/","projectTitle":"Compassion in Motion: Learning Through Magnetic Marble Runs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carlson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338920_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712712046592","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338920"},{"teacherId":9338920,"projectId":9275464,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project \"Sustainable Maker Space: Tools for Creativity and Innovation\"! Because of your generosity, our students were able to bring their ideas to life using recycled materials in creative and meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nOne of the most special highlights was the collection of handmade purses for Mother's Day. Students used cardboard, paper, tissue, and colorful tape to design beautiful, thoughtful gifts for loved ones. Having tape dispensers available made a huge difference as students were able to work more independently and efficiently, which boosted both their confidence and their excitement to create.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the purses, students designed wearable costumes, robots, flower vases, and imaginative structures using the materials provided. Every project reflected not only their creativity but also their growing awareness of how reusing and repurposing items can help our planet.\r\n\r\nYour support transformed our Maker Space into a hub of innovation, joy, and hands-on learning. We're so grateful for your help in empowering our young makers.","fullyFundedDate":1746785662878,"projectUrl":"project/sustainable-maker-space-tools-for-creat/9275464/","projectTitle":"Sustainable Maker Space: Tools for Creativity and Innovation","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carlson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338920_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712712046592","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338920"},{"teacherId":9338920,"projectId":9176225,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our Makerspace project! The supplies you provided, such as the CANARY cardboard cutters and scissors, colorful duct and masking tapes, hot glue, Elmer's glue, and wooden craft sticks brought energy and creativity to our classroom.\r\n\r\nOur students used these materials to bring recycled creations to life in meaningful and imaginative ways. They engineered a full-sized cardboard cat house, designed slushy cup binoculars for an outdoor explorer kit, and even created a handmade storybook featuring labeled glasses to help teach vocabulary. These projects showcased not only their problem-solving and building skills, but also their ability to combine art, storytelling, and engineering in thoughtful and inventive ways.\r\n\r\nBy using recycled and upcycled materials, students developed an understanding of how repurposing items reduces waste and minimizes their environmental footprint. They saw firsthand how creativity and sustainability go hand in hand and how their ideas can make a difference.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our young makers. Your support truly makes a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1742540181895,"projectUrl":"project/repurpose-reimagine-sustainable-steam/9176225/","projectTitle":"Repurpose & Reimagine: Sustainable STEAM Creations with Makerspace.","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carlson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338920_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712712046592","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338920"},{"teacherId":9338920,"projectId":9149368,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! As soon as the supplies arrived, our students jumped right into learning. The Hot Wheels tracks and cars became exciting tools for exploring chain reactions and discovering the science behind potential and kinetic energy through hands-on experimentation.\r\n\r\nYour gift of additional Magna-Tiles brought our building projects to life. With more shapes and pieces, students were able to create everything from space ships to zoo habitats. It was truly inspiring to watch their imaginations soar!\r\n\r\nWith both of these projects, I witnessed our students practicing the 4 Cs: creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking through rich, hands-on STEAM experiences that sparked curiosity and deepened their understanding of science and engineering concepts.\r\n\r\nWe're so grateful for your generosity. Your support is making a lasting impact in our STEAM classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1742079684144,"projectUrl":"project/revving-up-steam-learning-with-hot-wheel/9149368/","projectTitle":"Revving Up STEAM Learning with Hot Wheels & Magna-Tiles!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carlson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338920_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712712046592","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338920"},{"teacherId":8826101,"projectId":8923345,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! Your donation has brought new life into our classroom library, especially with the addition of more books in Spanish about animals. My students and I are incredibly grateful for the opportunities these books have opened up for deeper learning and joyful reading.\r\n\r\nMany of our students are bilingual, and having access to books in Spanish allows them to strengthen their language skills while exploring topics they love. The new animal books, in particular, have sparked excitement and curiosity. Students are now able to read about habitats, adaptations, and behaviors in their native language, which makes the information more accessible and meaningful. They're also learning how to ask better questions, take notes, and conduct simple research projects based on what they read. These are important literacy skills that will serve them well across subjects.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is a vibrant, daily routine. You'll find students cozy sitting on a pillow with picture books, gathered in small groups having lively discussions, or flipping through pages with pencils in hand, eager to jot down facts they've just discovered. We focus not only on reading fluency, but also on comprehension, critical thinking, and the joy of discovery. Our lessons encourage students to connect texts to their own experiences and the world around them.\r\n\r\nYour gift has truly expanded our world and made reading more inclusive, exciting, and empowering. Thank you again for making a difference in the lives of our young readers.","fullyFundedDate":1740768355440,"projectUrl":"project/dolphins-sharks-and-wolves-oh-my/8923345/","projectTitle":"Dolphins, Sharks, and Wolves, Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Russell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8826101_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692056962554","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sra-russell"},{"teacherId":8510182,"projectId":9141674,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose. Your donation helped us acquire a class set of headphones for our computer lab — and the impact has been immediate and meaningful.\r\n\r\nBefore we received the headphones, students often struggled to focus during computer-based lessons due to the noise from multiple devices playing audio at once. Now, with their own pair of quality headphones, each student can fully engage in interactive learning platforms like abaya or IXL, without distractions. This has drastically improved both concentration and comprehension.\r\n\r\nWhether they're working on literacy or math enrichment, these headphones give our students the quiet space they need to succeed. It's a small tool, but it's had a huge impact.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart — and on behalf of all my students — thank you for believing in our classroom and making a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1741361912693,"projectUrl":"project/can-you-hear-me-now/9141674/","projectTitle":"Can You Hear Me Now?","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Powers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8510182_orig.jpg?crop=321,321,x0,y17&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1656383739903","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8510182"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_71597","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":332,"numTeachers":17,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":77,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":20,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"2 - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"19.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":81.9,"schoolId":71597,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Grant Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Grant Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/grant-public-school-district/grant-elementary-school/71597"}