{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Laurus Academy","outOfStateSupporters":36.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4997182,"projectId":7004288,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Gift Cards for Students\" project! Your generosity brought smiles, surprise, and a strong sense of pride to our classroom. The gift cards were used as positive reinforcement and recognition for students who demonstrated growth, perseverance, leadership, or kindness throughout the semester. When I first announced the reward, students were shocked and excited—one said, \"Wait, we really get to use this?\" It was a moment that made them feel truly seen and valued.\r\n\r\nThese gift cards have done more than provide tangible rewards—they've motivated students to work harder, show responsibility, and support their peers. During a recent academic challenge, one student who had been struggling put in extra effort just to earn the opportunity. The boost in morale has been incredible, and students are already asking about the next incentive opportunity. Your donation helped us create a culture of recognition and celebration in our classroom.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we'll continue tying these rewards to academic achievement, character development, and goal-setting. You helped us show students that hard work and good character are worth celebrating. Thank you again for investing in our classroom community—you made a real difference!\r\n\r\nWith appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1669749434098,"projectUrl":"project/gift-cards-for-students/7004288/","projectTitle":"Gift Cards for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wheeler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4997182"},{"teacherId":4997182,"projectId":8470914,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our \"Supplies and Snacks\" project! Your donation made an immediate and meaningful impact in our classroom. When the supplies and snacks arrived, the students were thrilled. Their eyes lit up when they saw the new pencils, crayons, notebooks, and especially the snacks! One student excitedly asked, \"Can we really use these?\" It was a beautiful moment of joy and appreciation.\r\n\r\nThe snacks have become a vital part of our daily routine—especially during long lessons and testing days—helping students stay focused and energized. The classroom supplies have helped students complete assignments more confidently and independently. No longer are they distracted by broken pencils or missing materials. Recently, we used the new crayons and paper to complete a creative writing and illustration project, and it was so rewarding to see how proud they were of their work.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we'll be using the remaining supplies for our upcoming science unit, where students will keep observation journals and complete hands-on experiments. Your support has helped us build a more prepared, supported, and joyful learning environment. Thank you for being a part of our classroom and making a real difference in the lives of my students!","fullyFundedDate":1723642883738,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-and-snacks/8470914/","projectTitle":"Supplies and Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wheeler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4997182"},{"teacherId":4997182,"projectId":6914266,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Basic Supplies\" project! Your generosity provided us with essential classroom materials—like pencils, notebooks, crayons, glue sticks, and folders—that students need every single day. When the boxes arrived, my students were excited to unpack the supplies. There were big smiles and gasps of joy as they realized they each had access to tools that would help them learn, create, and succeed. One student proudly held up their new notebook and said, \"Now I can finally write my story!\"\r\n\r\nThese basic supplies have made a big difference in how smoothly our day runs. Students are now able to start their work on time, stay organized, and participate in lessons without worrying about not having what they need. We recently completed a writing unit where students created their own illustrated books, and having brand-new crayons, paper, and pencils made the experience even more special.\r\n\r\nAs we continue the year, we'll be using these supplies for upcoming STEM projects, journal writing, and group learning activities. Your donation helped meet a fundamental need—and created an environment where learning is more accessible, productive, and joyful for everyone.","fullyFundedDate":1669745384035,"projectUrl":"project/basic-supplies/6914266/","projectTitle":"Basic Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wheeler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4997182"},{"teacherId":4997182,"projectId":7057235,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Germ and Clean Free Environment\" project! Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is now cleaner, safer, and better equipped to keep germs at bay. The arrival of disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues, and cleaning sprays brought instant excitement—and relief. My students were thrilled to see the supplies and immediately began offering to help keep their desks and shared spaces clean. One student said, \"Now we won't get sick as much,\" which really showed me how much they understood the value of your gift.\r\n\r\nWe've established daily routines using these materials—students take pride in wiping down their desks and sanitizing their hands before lunch and after transitions. It's created not only a healthier environment but also a stronger sense of responsibility and ownership in our classroom. The supplies have already helped us reduce absences, and the students are more focused and comfortable knowing their learning space is cared for.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we're tying this project into a health and science unit on hygiene and germs. Students are learning how viruses spread and how their daily habits can keep themselves and others safe. Your contribution didn't just stock our shelves—it helped build lasting habits that will benefit them far beyond our classroom walls. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact!","fullyFundedDate":1679341537410,"projectUrl":"project/germ-and-clean-free-environment/7057235/","projectTitle":"Germ and Clean Free Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wheeler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4997182"},{"teacherId":4997182,"projectId":6840066,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting \"The Hygiene Project.\" Your generosity made a meaningful difference in our classroom and in the lives of our students. When the hygiene products arrived—things like toothpaste, deodorant, soap, and sanitary supplies—my students were not only excited but genuinely relieved. Many of them whispered, \"I really needed this,\" and one student quietly said, \"Now I won't be embarrassed anymore.\" Your support gave them more than just supplies—you gave them comfort, dignity, and confidence.\r\n\r\nWe've set up a discreet hygiene station in the classroom where students can privately access the items they need, whenever they need them. This small but powerful addition has helped reduce absenteeism and boosted self-esteem, especially among our older students. They are now more comfortable participating in group work and class discussions, without feeling distracted by personal hygiene concerns.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our students are better prepared to focus on learning. Next, we're incorporating a health and self-care mini-unit where students will learn about personal hygiene, routines, and self-respect. Your donation has helped us create not just a cleaner classroom, but a more inclusive and respectful learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1663687485991,"projectUrl":"project/the-hygiene-project/6840066/","projectTitle":"The Hygiene Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wheeler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4997182"},{"teacherId":4997182,"projectId":7275587,"letterContent":"Thank You So Much! Here's How Your Support Is Helping Us Thrive\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our classroom is brighter, more engaged, and full of excitement for learning! The materials you helped provide have made a meaningful difference in the way my students experience their lessons each day.\r\n\r\nWe've fully integrated the new resources into our daily learning routines. For example, during our math block, students rotate through hands-on stations using manipulatives, games, and tools you helped fund. These materials allow them to practice concepts like place value, number operations, and problem-solving in a fun and interactive way. One of our favorite activities has been the \"Math Mission Challenge,\" where students collaborate in teams to complete learning tasks using the new tools.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe day we unboxed the materials was unforgettable—students were so excited, asking, \"Are those really for us?\" and \"Can we use them today?!\" Their eyes lit up as they explored the colorful items and immediately started brainstorming how they could use them in class. It was a moment of pure joy and curiosity that reminded me how impactful these resources truly are.\r\n\r\nCurrently, we're diving deeper into building math fluency and critical thinking. These tools will continue to support small-group work and individualized instruction as we prepare for our end-of-year assessments. Students are gaining confidence and independence with every activity, and it's all thanks to your kindness.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made a lasting impact—not just on our classroom materials, but on how my students feel about learning. They feel seen, supported, and excited to grow.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in us!","fullyFundedDate":1683679148350,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-supplies/7275587/","projectTitle":"Classroom Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wheeler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4997182"},{"teacherId":9811771,"projectId":8895208,"letterContent":"This donation has truly helped my classroom. this donation helped give students added fun to our classroom. This donation has added a layer of excitment for students when coming to music class. I am truly grateful for your help in this project and i pray you donate to more to come. I am aiming to add more for our students to grow musically. when the students saw the new equipment they were stunned and so happy to have something new in the class. I taught them proper etiquette when it comes to using the boomwhackers and they tke care of them with care so that they last. this has not only taught them a new musical skill but also discipline.","fullyFundedDate":1733251133431,"projectUrl":"project/revitalize-the-music-department/8895208/","projectTitle":"Revitalize the Music Department","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Z","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9811771_orig.jpg?crop=1365,1365,x0,y136&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729567698749","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9811771"},{"teacherId":4997182,"projectId":4840692,"letterContent":"The new math station supplies have made a huge impact in our classroom! My students are now rotating through engaging, hands-on centers that allow them to explore math concepts in small groups at their own pace. The materials have helped us create a structured yet fun learning environment where students are excited to tackle math each day. We've used the resources to strengthen our understanding of place value, number operations, and problem-solving strategies through games, manipulatives, and interactive activities\r\n\r\nOne of the highlights so far was our \"Math Olympics\" station challenge. Students worked in teams to complete a series of math tasks using the new supplies, including place value puzzles, dice games, and measurement activities. The room was full of energy, collaboration, and so much learning. One student, who normally struggles with confidence in math, lit up when her team finished a challenge first—she said, \"I didn't know math could be this fun!\"\r\n\r\n\r\nTheir faces lit up with excitement! There were lots of \"oohs\" and \"wows\" as they explored the colorful tools and games. Many of them asked if we could start using the stations right away, and several students stayed in during recess just to try out the new materials. It was so heartwarming to see their curiosity and joy.\r\n\r\nRight now, we're working on developing stronger number sense and fluency with addition and subtraction. The next step will be incorporating more critical thinking and word problem-solving tasks into our stations using the new tools. As the year continues, we'll also use these materials to prepare for state assessments and build math confidence in every student.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping make math come alive in our classroom. Your generosity truly made a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1588716681028,"projectUrl":"project/math-stations-supplies/4840692/","projectTitle":"Math Station's Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wheeler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4997182"},{"teacherId":4997182,"projectId":5767285,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project, \"Dry Erase Boards for Everyone!\" The moment the materials arrived, my students' faces lit up with excitement. They could hardly wait to open the box and hold their very own dry erase boards, markers, and erasers. For many of them, it was the first time they had learning tools that were just for them—and it truly made them feel special and empowered.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the boards daily during our math and literacy blocks. During math lessons, students show their work step-by-step as we solve problems together, and I can quickly scan the room to provide immediate feedback or reteach when needed. During reading, students use the boards to write sight words, decode phonics patterns, and respond to comprehension questions. One of my favorite moments so far was during a spelling game—we turned our classroom into a mini \"game show\" where students wrote answers on their boards and excitedly held them up to \"buzz in.\" It made learning both fun and impactful!\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students are more engaged, confident, and eager to participate in lessons. Next, we'll be using the boards to support our writing unit by brainstorming ideas and organizing details before drafting on paper. Your support made a lasting difference in our classroom, and I cannot thank you enough for helping bring energy and interactivity into our learning environment!","fullyFundedDate":1638322996295,"projectUrl":"project/dry-erase-boards-for-everyone/5767285/","projectTitle":"Dry Erase Boards For Everyone!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wheeler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4997182"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_30818","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":791,"numTeachers":37,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":86,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"21.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":63.4,"schoolId":30818,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Laurus Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Laurus Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/michigan-department-of-education/laurus-academy/30818"}