{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Custer Elementary Campus","outOfStateSupporters":41.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10038601,"projectId":9793264,"letterContent":"How the technology is helping students learn:\r\nOur new projector has completely transformed the way students engage with lessons. Instead of simply listening, students can now see concepts come to life—whether it's interactive phonics activities, math demonstrations, science videos, or real-time modeling of their work. This visual support helps all learners, but especially my emerging readers and students who benefit from seeing examples rather than only hearing instructions. It has also allowed me to use more interactive tools, such as digital manipulatives and whole-class games, which keep students actively involved and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nThe electronic whistles have improved safety and clarity during physical education and outdoor activities. They provide a consistent, clear signal that all students can hear, even in noisy environments, which helps transitions run smoother and ensures students stay focused and safe.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most:\r\nStudents are especially thrilled about the projector's ability to turn our classroom into an interactive space. They love coming up to the board to solve problems, participate in digital games, and watch learning videos that tie directly into our lessons. It has made routine activities feel new and engaging. The electronic whistles add a sense of \"official\" excitement during PE—students say it feels like being in a \"real game.\"\r\n\r\nStudents who have especially warmed to this technology:\r\nA few of my quieter students, who don't always feel confident speaking up, have really blossomed with the projector. They're more willing to participate when they can come up and interact with the screen instead of sharing verbally in front of the whole class. I also have a student who struggles with auditory processing; being able to visually follow along with instructions projected clearly has helped him stay on track and feel more successful.","fullyFundedDate":1760221083986,"projectUrl":"project/tech-tools-for-smarter-teaching/9793264/","projectTitle":"Tech Tools for Smarter Teaching","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bussell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10038601"},{"teacherId":10038601,"projectId":9384051,"letterContent":"The Let's Gather Books collection has quickly become a cherished resource in my first-grade classroom. My students and I use the new books daily during our reading and circle time to explore stories that celebrate diversity, community, and kindness. One special moment was when we read a story about different family traditions from around the world. The students were fascinated and eager to share about their own families, which sparked a meaningful classroom discussion about similarities and differences. This project helped my students develop empathy and an appreciation for different cultures in a way that felt personal and engaging.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the Let's Gather Books, their faces lit up with excitement. They were curious about the colorful covers and the new characters they hadn't met before. Many immediately chose a book to explore, often returning to the reading area to dive deeper into the stories. It was clear that having access to such diverse and thoughtfully curated books made them feel seen and inspired a love of reading.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, the next steps for our classroom involve using the books as a springboard for writing and art projects where students can reflect on their own experiences and communities. We will also continue to build our classroom library with books that represent a wide range of voices and stories. This ongoing work helps foster a classroom culture of inclusion and respect, while also developing literacy skills. I'm incredibly grateful to our donors for making this possible—your support is helping us nurture curious, compassionate, and confident young readers every day.","fullyFundedDate":1748722196165,"projectUrl":"project/1st-grade-lets-gather-books/9384051/","projectTitle":"1st Grade Let’s Gather Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bussell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10038601"},{"teacherId":10038601,"projectId":9364695,"letterContent":"The Self-Regulation Cozy Corner has become an invaluable part of our first-grade classroom routine. My students and I use the space daily as a calming area where they can practice mindfulness and emotional regulation skills using the new resources provided. For example, we have been incorporating breathing exercises and sensory tools from the Cozy Corner during moments when students feel overwhelmed or need a quiet break. One memorable moment was when a student, who typically struggles with frustration during group work, independently chose to visit the Cozy Corner. After a few minutes with the calming tools, they returned to the group with renewed focus and a smile, which was a huge success for both the student and me.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the Cozy Corner, their reaction was one of curiosity and excitement. Many were eager to explore the new materials and asked thoughtful questions about how and when they could use them. It was heartwarming to see them understand that the corner is a supportive space designed just for them to feel safe and calm. Moving forward, our next steps involve integrating the Cozy Corner into our social-emotional learning curriculum more formally. We plan to use it as a tool to support lessons on empathy, self-awareness, and conflict resolution. Additionally, we will encourage students to reflect on their feelings after using the space, helping them develop stronger self-regulation skills throughout the school year.","fullyFundedDate":1748364872530,"projectUrl":"project/self-regulation-cozy-corner/9364695/","projectTitle":"Self-Regulation Cozy Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bussell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10038601"},{"teacherId":7759628,"projectId":5415979,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your generosity in donating an extra monitor during the height of COVID. Looking back now, it is incredible to realize just how much a single act of kindness like yours impacted my ability to work, connect, and adapt during such an uncertain time. I don't think I will ever forget the stress and challenges of those months, but I also won't forget the moments of support, compassion, and community that helped me keep going—and your donation stands out as one of those moments.\r\n\r\nWhen the pandemic began, everything in life seemed to change overnight. Homes suddenly became classrooms, offices, meeting spaces, and sometimes even gyms. Like so many others, I was trying to juggle multiple responsibilities while also learning how to make technology work for me in ways I had never needed before. The transition to remote work and remote learning placed a heavy demand on all of us, and one of the biggest challenges was simply having the right tools. Something as simple as a second monitor became the difference between constant frustration and a smoother, more organized day.\r\n\r\nYour generosity meant that I didn't have to struggle quite as much. With the extra monitor, I could see more at once, multitask effectively, and keep track of the endless meetings, emails, and documents that flooded in each day. It might sound like a small thing, but in practice it gave me a sense of control and balance at a time when everything else felt unstable. It allowed me to feel more professional and prepared, even though I was sitting in my home office instead of a traditional workspace.\r\n\r\nBeyond the practical benefits, your donation was also a reminder that people were looking out for one another. During COVID, isolation was one of the hardest parts. The feeling of being cut off from coworkers, friends, and even family was heavy. Acts of generosity like yours were more than just helpful—they were uplifting. They reminded me that there was still a sense of community, even when we were physically apart. Knowing that someone cared enough to make that donation was a source of encouragement and motivation for me on the harder days.","fullyFundedDate":1614964331005,"projectUrl":"project/with-an-extra-monitor-for-online-learnin/5415979/","projectTitle":"With an Extra Monitor For Online Learning Can Be Enhanced","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lewandowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7759628"},{"teacherId":8486225,"projectId":9220608,"letterContent":"My second-grade students absolutely adored the opportunity to publish their own hardcover books! Many students found great joy in collaborating with friends to co-illustrate each other's books. It was a delightful experience to witness their teamwork and shared passion for writing and reading each other's creations.\r\n\r\nWe celebrated this milestone with popcorn while each student shared their book aloud. The students were engaged and attentive during their peers' readings. It was a truly wonderful and rewarding experience to know that these young minds had the potential to become authors or illustrators in the future!","fullyFundedDate":1746486987614,"projectUrl":"project/publishing-party/9220608/","projectTitle":"Publishing Party!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Quisenberry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8486225_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753103055014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8486225"},{"teacherId":8486225,"projectId":8872472,"letterContent":"Thank you immensely for your generous donation to our cause! Our students have thoroughly enjoyed using both \"old school\" hand sharpeners and new electric ones to sharpen their pencils.\r\n\r\nAmong the sharpeners, the crayon sharpener has been particularly popular. However, I've had to occasionally \"fix\" it because the crayon wax tends to accumulate around the blade.\r\n\r\nThese sharpeners have truly transformed our writing center, fostering a new level of creativity among our students. I'm astounded by how much they've utilized the crayon and colored pencil sharpeners. It's hard to imagine going back to using just one sharpener for pencils only. Once again, thank you so much for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1734592500853,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-sharpen-our-minds-pencils-and/8872472/","projectTitle":"Help Us Sharpen Our Minds, Pencils, and Crayons!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Quisenberry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8486225_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753103055014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8486225"},{"teacherId":8486225,"projectId":8423226,"letterContent":"My students use the calm down space regularly and often multiple times a day. They have been so thankful to have the new fidgets, breathing bears, chairs, and the weighted elephants. When students have big emotions and just need quiet they go over to our calm down space and hug the elephants. \r\n\r\nI am so blessed and thankful to have an amazing community that helped provide this great space for my second graders. \r\n\r\nThank you again! We all need to remember it is okay, to not be okay! We love this new space. ❤️","fullyFundedDate":1726702963857,"projectUrl":"project/calm-down-nook/8423226/","projectTitle":"Calm Down Nook","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Quisenberry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8486225_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753103055014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8486225"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_59835","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":745,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":9,"percentWhite":74,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"17.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":58.4,"schoolId":59835,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Custer Elementary Campus on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Custer Elementary Campus","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/monroe-public-schools/custer-ii-elementary-school/59835"}