{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Garfield Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":56.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3735108,"projectId":10058461,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of a Teachers Pay Teachers gift card for our first-grade classroom! Your support is helping us enhance learning in so many ways, from art projects to social-emotional lessons and engaging classroom activities.\r\n\r\nWith your gift, we are able to explore new resources that make learning more hands-on and meaningful. Students are excited to try new activities, create colorful art projects, and participate in lessons that help them understand their feelings and build kindness and empathy toward others. One special moment was when a student said, \"I love that we get to make something that helps us practice being kind!\" — it really shows the impact your generosity has on both their learning and their hearts.\r\n\r\nNext, we plan to use the gift card to continue adding fresh activities and resources that will support creativity, literacy, and social-emotional growth. Your contribution is giving our students tools to explore, create, and grow in ways that make learning joyful and memorable.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a difference in our classroom and for helping our first graders thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1771007381348,"projectUrl":"project/continuing-to-enhance-our-learning/10058461/","projectTitle":"Continuing to Enhance Our Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Olson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3735108_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470769372451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3735108"},{"teacherId":3735108,"projectId":10058312,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project and providing art supplies for our first graders. Because of your generosity, our classroom has been filled with creativity, excitement, and most importantly, kindness.\r\n\r\nWe are using the new materials to create special art projects designed to spread joy beyond our classroom walls. One of our favorite projects so far has been making cheerful cards and bright watercolor paintings to share with patients at our local hospital and with members of our community. The students carefully chose uplifting messages, colorful designs, and happy images like rainbows, flowers, and hearts. One special moment was when a student said, \"I want to make mine extra bright so someone who feels sick can feel happy.\" That simple comment truly captured the heart of this project.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new art supplies, their eyes lit up. They were especially excited about the variety of vibrant paints, sturdy paper, and new markers. Many of them immediately began talking about what they could create. There was a real sense of pride knowing that these weren't just art materials—they were tools to help make a difference.\r\n\r\nNext, we will be starting a \"Share the Joy\" community art unit. Students will brainstorm ways art can encourage others and plan collaborative pieces to display in community spaces. We will also focus on writing thoughtful notes to go along with their artwork, tying in literacy skills while practicing empathy and kindness. This project is helping us blend creativity with character education in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our students the opportunity to learn that even at six and seven years old, they have the power to brighten someone's day. Your generosity is making a lasting impact in our classroom and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1769721493510,"projectUrl":"project/creating-kindness-through-art/10058312/","projectTitle":"Creating Kindness Through Art","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Olson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3735108_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470769372451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3735108"},{"teacherId":3735108,"projectId":9757797,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our first-grade classroom! Because of you, our students now have big magnetic letters that have quickly become one of our most-loved learning tools.\r\n\r\nWe use these magnetic letters throughout the day, especially during our literacy block. Students use them to build words, practice phonics skills, segment and blend sounds, and explore spelling patterns in a hands-on way. Being able to physically move and manipulate the letters has made a huge difference for our young learners, helping abstract reading concepts feel concrete and fun.\r\n\r\nThe excitement these letters bring is contagious—students are eager to participate, collaborate with classmates, and challenge themselves to build new words. Learning feels like play, and engagement has soared as a result. These materials have allowed me to provide more interactive, meaningful instruction and better meet the needs of all learners in my classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you, DonorsChoose Community, for making such a positive impact on our students' learning and love of literacy. Your kindness and support truly make a difference every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1760222154916,"projectUrl":"project/big-letters-trinkets/9757797/","projectTitle":"Big Letters & Trinkets","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Olson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3735108_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470769372451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3735108"},{"teacherId":3735108,"projectId":9532466,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom treasure box project! Because of your kindness, my students now have exciting prizes to work toward and look forward to each week.\r\n\r\nThe treasure box is filled with wonderful items like stuffed animals, fun crayon pencils, mini notebooks, and other special little trinkets. These prizes may seem small, but to my students they are a big deal! They bring so much joy and motivation into our classroom.\r\n\r\nYour donation has helped create a positive and encouraging learning environment where students feel recognized for their hard work, good choices, and effort. The treasure box has become a meaningful way to celebrate achievements and build excitement about learning.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping make our classroom a more fun and supportive place. Your generosity truly made an impact, and my students and I are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1763598340341,"projectUrl":"project/treasure-box-trinkets/9532466/","projectTitle":"Treasure Box Trinkets","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Olson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3735108_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470769372451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3735108"},{"teacherId":10050849,"projectId":9399007,"letterContent":"Thank you for the opportunity to give students a new experience! Some of the students who participated in this project had used watercolor paints before, but none of the students were given the opportunity to explore with watercolor. \r\nWe started out with a specific plan (Christmas trees) and after students were taught some guidelines for using watercolor, they were able to go off on their own and experiment. Some students came out with some pretty cool projects and some students came out with brown paper! Regardless of the outcome, they all learned how to manipulate watercolor and were happy with the experience. \r\nOur next opportunity will be to incorporate watercolor and tempera paint sticks!","fullyFundedDate":1757423926651,"projectUrl":"project/experience-art/9399007/","projectTitle":"Experience Art!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hunter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10050849"},{"teacherId":4820790,"projectId":9467038,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support. Our students were lucky to be able to use the puppies to take home to encourage reading. It was so fun for them to adopt their puppy, name their puppy, and create a house for their puppy. They know they must love their puppy, take care of their puppy and most of all...READ to their puppy. The magic that happens through this process is so amazing. With donors like you , I am able to create memories to last a lifetime. I am able to create smiles and joy both for school and reading.Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1756929991829,"projectUrl":"project/reading-puppy/9467038/","projectTitle":"Reading Puppy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4820790_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1506538210717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4820790"},{"teacherId":4879839,"projectId":9395007,"letterContent":"We are using these legos and lego people after we are done with handwriting or name writing. My student were so excited about the legos and most especially the lego guys.\r\n\r\nThe legos allow students to play and create together. The legos have helped students work togerher and learn to share. \r\n\r\nBuilding and working with the legos have also helped students get better at taking the legos apart and build their fine motor skills. \r\n\r\nIn the future, I would love to get more hands on options for students to use, like putty.","fullyFundedDate":1754566322060,"projectUrl":"project/fun-after-work-is-done/9395007/","projectTitle":"Fun After Work Is Done","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zerwas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4879839"},{"teacherId":4820790,"projectId":9397238,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support. Art supplies are hard to come across in elementary schools with so many budget cuts. The art supplies that were donated have given my students the ability to create, express, and explore throughout our school year. Currently we have used the magic beads to start off the school year right. Students have also been able to use the tempera paint sticks to create and draw. It is so fun to see the creates they make. \r\nMy students are so excited when they see \"art\" on our schedule. They can't wait to see what tool we use that day to create a fun activity! The cardstock gives me the opportunity to copy fun crafts on paper to enhance the art. \r\nThank you for supporting the classroom with art supplies. We are excited to continue to use the variety throughout the school year.","fullyFundedDate":1752586480117,"projectUrl":"project/art-supplies-for-the-year/9397238/","projectTitle":"Art Supplies for the Year","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4820790_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1506538210717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4820790"},{"teacherId":4820790,"projectId":9204565,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting the classroom. In today's classroom, many students are needing a few moments to stop and regroup. We offer an area in the classroom with supplies where students can independently take a break. They set their own timer and use the tool of their choice to regroup. Some of the tools for the break offer students the opportunity to stay at the carpet and continue to hear the learning while working on a quiet fidget without distractions. These things are simple and easy! I have noticed my students are able to use these tools quickly. They have become a normal part of our learning in our school day.\r\nThank you for all your support.","fullyFundedDate":1752841612241,"projectUrl":"project/lets-take-a-break/9204565/","projectTitle":"Let's Take a Break","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4820790_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1506538210717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4820790"},{"teacherId":3735108,"projectId":9488268,"letterContent":"Wow! Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project. Because of your generosity, our learning space is now brighter, more organized, and even more engaging for our first graders.\r\n\r\nOur new rainbow rug spots help students know exactly where to sit during lessons, creating a cozy and colorful gathering area. The ABC rainbow arcs bring fun and hands-on learning to our literacy lessons, helping students explore letters, sounds, and word building in an interactive way. The plastic organizing boxes are already helping us keep materials neat and easy to find—making transitions smoother and giving students more time to focus on learning!\r\n\r\nYour kindness truly makes a difference in our day-to-day classroom life. Thank you for helping us create a joyful, organized, and inspiring space for our young learners!","fullyFundedDate":1756919501276,"projectUrl":"project/learning-is-fun/9488268/","projectTitle":"Learning Is Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Olson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3735108_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470769372451","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3735108"},{"teacherId":4820790,"projectId":9008786,"letterContent":"Block it out gave my students the opportunity to have quiet work space. The privacy folders are used every week for our spelling test. We will use them for any other whole group assessment whether its at their tables or at the small group reading table. Students also have the opportunity to use the privacy folders any time while working. \r\nThe headphones offer students the ability to have quiet work time so they don't hear other distractions. Sometimes students just like quiet noise. \r\nThe jumbo alphabet letters are amazing for our phonics lessons. They are able to see the letters from the easel. They no longer have to squint to see the typical small alphabet letters. I love how big they are! We can move letters around to build new words. \r\nTHANK YOU for your support! Education is lucky to have people like you!","fullyFundedDate":1746650725246,"projectUrl":"project/block-it-out/9008786/","projectTitle":"Block it Out!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4820790_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1506538210717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4820790"},{"teacherId":4820790,"projectId":9223946,"letterContent":"Thank you for your support. My students are so lucky to have supplies to keep us organized. The zipper pouches are the best invention for a classroom. They are durable and easy to use. I no longer have pieces from matching games laying on the floor because students had trouble zipping a ziplock bag. There is NO MESS! My students can independently go get a bag, use the tool inside it and return it in it's home. It's the best!\r\nThe totes have been very helpful to keep our morning bin steam activities organized. Again, students can independently go get a bin and clean it up with zero mess! That is a teacher's dream!\r\nTHANK YOU for all you do to support education. When we have organizational systems in place a classroom runs smoothly.","fullyFundedDate":1745262374947,"projectUrl":"project/organized-for-success/9223946/","projectTitle":"Organized for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4820790_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1506538210717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4820790"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_74504","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":250,"numTeachers":28,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":84,"percentIndigenous":3,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"8.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":43.6,"schoolId":74504,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Garfield Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Garfield Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/brainerd-independent-school-district-181/garfield-elementary-school/74504"}