{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"West Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":33.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6794043,"projectId":9947633,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to new resources that are already making a meaningful difference in their learning experience.\r\n\r\nWe have been using the materials during small group instruction, independent practice, and collaborative classroom projects. One especially memorable moment was watching students eagerly work together on a hands-on activity using the new resources. They were engaged, asking thoughtful questions, and excited to participate in ways that truly brought the lesson to life.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their reactions were priceless. There were smiles, cheers, and lots of excitement as they explored everything that had arrived for them. Many students immediately began talking about how they wanted to use the resources and were genuinely motivated to learn.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our current lessons and projects, these materials will help students build confidence, strengthen critical thinking skills, and deepen their understanding through active learning experiences. Our next steps include incorporating the resources into partner activities, creative projects, and skill-building centers that encourage collaboration and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nYour support has created opportunities that will continue to impact our classroom every day. Thank you for investing in my students and believing in their potential. Your generosity is truly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1768222019597,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-turn-i-cant-into-i-did/9947633/","projectTitle":"Help Us Turn ‘I Can’t’ Into ‘I Did!'","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Messner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6794043_orig.jpg?crop=2033,2033,x0,y216&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762659684566","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6794043"},{"teacherId":2866511,"projectId":10185812,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom mornings have become more engaging and meaningful. Instead of traditional morning work, students now begin their day with hands-on morning bins filled with building blocks, magnetic tiles, games, marble runs, and creative materials. These resources help students settle in, collaborate, think creatively, and build independence right from the start of the day.\r\n\r\nMy students were so excited when they first saw the materials and could not wait to explore them. One of my favorite moments was watching students work together to build a marble run, testing ideas and making changes until it worked. These activities have encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity in a fun and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nWe will continue using these materials during morning time as well as for collaborative classroom projects. Thank you for helping create a positive and exciting learning environment for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1776686381811,"projectUrl":"project/play-create-learn-first-grade-fun/10185812/","projectTitle":"Play, Create, Learn: First Grade Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Boehme","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2866511_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708531046771","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2866511"},{"teacherId":10239769,"projectId":9678008,"letterContent":"Your generosity has made a meaningful impact in our K–1 EBD special education classroom. The new materials for our sensory table have quickly become a favorite part of our day and an important tool for supporting regulation, engagement, and social skill development.\r\n\r\nStudents were so excited when they first saw the new items—there were big smiles, lots of curiosity, and an immediate eagerness to explore. For many of my students, hands-on sensory experiences help them feel calm and ready to learn. We are using the sensory table as both a structured and flexible support throughout the day. Students practice sharing, taking turns, and engaging in cooperative play while also using the materials as a calming strategy when they begin to feel overwhelmed.\r\n\r\nOne especially meaningful moment was seeing a student who typically struggles with transitions independently choose the sensory table, use the materials to regulate, and then successfully return to a learning activity. Moments like that show just how powerful these resources are.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue to incorporate the sensory table into social skills instruction, using it to model and practice communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. We also plan to rotate materials to keep students engaged and introduce new themes that connect to classroom learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping create a supportive, engaging environment where our students can build the skills they need to be successful. Your generosity truly makes a difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1768569282463,"projectUrl":"project/calm-minds-ready-to-learn-sensory-supp/9678008/","projectTitle":"Calm Minds, Ready to Learn: Sensory Support for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kramer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10239769_orig.jpg?crop=2852,2852,x0,y171&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768239938955","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10239769"},{"teacherId":568017,"projectId":10006725,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of our classroom! Because of your generosity, my students have loved watching our bullfrog tadpoles grow and change right before their eyes.\r\n\r\nA few of our tadpoles have already grown their hind legs, and we are eagerly waiting for them to develop their front legs next. Every morning, students rush in excited to check on the aquarium you funded and see what has changed overnight. It has quickly become a favorite part of our day.\r\n\r\nWe have been learning all about the bullfrog life cycle and using our observations to support our writing. Students are working on reports, using what they see in real life to deepen their understanding.\r\n\r\nStudents have even started researching on their own and sharing interesting facts with the class. For example, we learned that bullfrogs have two eyelids—one that is clear so they can see underwater and another for when they are out of the water!\r\n\r\nYour donation has brought so much excitement into our classroom—even families are involved. Parents have been asking for updates and are just as eager as the students to hear which tadpoles are growing legs.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this unforgettable learning experience possible. Your support truly makes a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1768221920547,"projectUrl":"project/a-front-row-seat-to-metamorphosis-tadpo/10006725/","projectTitle":"A Front-Row Seat to Metamorphosis: Tadpoles in Our Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Becker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp568017_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722451651980","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jen-becker"},{"teacherId":2866511,"projectId":9921355,"letterContent":"Our new whiteboards, markers, and books have made learning more engaging for our students. The whiteboards give students a chance to actively participate and share their thinking. The new books help teach key reading skills like making predictions, understanding characters, and finding the main idea. Students are also practicing asking questions and making connections while they read.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is now more interactive and enjoyable. Students read on their own, with partners, and together as a class. Many are excited to choose books they enjoy and share them with others. Even some hesitant readers are now more confident and eager to read, showing great growth. These resources have helped create a positive classroom environment where students feel excited and supported as they learn.","fullyFundedDate":1768221945836,"projectUrl":"project/ready-to-read-write-and-shine/9921355/","projectTitle":"Ready to Read, Write, and Shine","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Boehme","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2866511_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1708531046771","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2866511"},{"teacherId":6794043,"projectId":9885347,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting our classroom with whiteboard markers, paper, stickers, and other supplies. These everyday materials make a huge difference in the learning experiences I'm able to provide for my first graders. From practicing phonics on the whiteboard to writing stories and completing hands-on activities, these supplies help bring our lessons to life and keep students actively engaged.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, students use whiteboard markers daily to practice letters, sounds, and words as part of our reading instruction. Paper allows them to write, draw, and share their ideas, while stickers are a fun and motivating way to celebrate effort, progress, and positive behavior. These small tools create big moments of excitement and pride as students grow in their confidence as readers, writers, and learners.\r\n\r\nYour support helps create a classroom environment where students feel encouraged to try their best, take risks, and celebrate their learning. I am truly grateful for your kindness and investment in our students' success. Thank you for helping make our classroom a place where learning is joyful and meaningful every day.","fullyFundedDate":1763497205925,"projectUrl":"project/reading-counting-and-confidence-in-fir/9885347/","projectTitle":"Reading, Counting, and Confidence in First Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Messner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6794043_orig.jpg?crop=2033,2033,x0,y216&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762659684566","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6794043"},{"teacherId":568017,"projectId":9607787,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping provide these wonderful new resources for my students.\r\n\r\nWe use the portable easel every day during both small-group and whole-group instruction, and even in the hallway when students receive specialized instruction. The flexibility has been incredibly helpful. In fact, neighboring teachers have also been able to use the easel in the hallway when they needed to temporarily leave their classrooms due to student emotional needs. It has truly become a shared, valuable tool for our grade level.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new flexible seating and easel, they were so excited. They especially love having different seating options during small-group lessons at our short tables. Many of them also enjoy writing on the easel and taking turns \"teaching\" their classmates, which has been a wonderful way to build confidence and engagement.\r\n\r\nNext, we will continue using these materials to support our daily reading and writing lessons. Students will be using the easel to model their thinking, share their writing, and collaborate during small-group instruction. The ability to move the easel anywhere in the room allows us to adjust our space to fit the needs of each lesson and each group of learners in the moment.\r\n\r\nI truly appreciate the flexible seating and the mobility of the easel. These resources will continue to support my students—and even neighboring classrooms—for many years to come. Thank you for giving our students such meaningful tools to learn, grow, and share their ideas.","fullyFundedDate":1763497227622,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-learning-anywhere-mobile-white/9607787/","projectTitle":"Flexible Learning Anywhere: Mobile Whiteboard & Cushions for First Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Becker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp568017_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722451651980","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jen-becker"},{"teacherId":5803605,"projectId":9787181,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous support of my grant request. I shared in my proposal how much I love how curious, creative, and eager to learn my kindergarten students are. They come to school each day excited to try new things, even when tasks feel tricky, and their bright personalities and determination truly make our classroom a joyful place. Because of your generosity, I have been able to provide them with meaningful hands-on opportunities that match their enthusiasm for learning.\r\n\r\nThe fine motor resources you helped fund — including playdough, tweezers, lacing activities, building manipulatives, and organized storage bins — are already making a positive impact. At this age, so much of their learning is hands-on, and they truly thrive when given opportunities to explore and practice with real tools. These materials are strengthening the small muscles in their hands while keeping learning fun and engaging.\r\n\r\nJust as I described in my request, each resource is helping students grow in independence, build perseverance, and prepare for the more advanced skills they will need throughout their education. I am seeing increased confidence as they tackle tasks that once felt challenging. It is rewarding to watch them stick with an activity, solve problems, and feel proud of their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and believing in the importance of strong foundational skills in early childhood. Your generosity is helping create a classroom environment where curiosity, creativity, and growth flourish every day.","fullyFundedDate":1768221972279,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-skills/9787181/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McLain","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5803605_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1656559493605","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5803605"},{"teacherId":6794043,"projectId":9208303,"letterContent":"My students were so excited to see the materials that were given! \r\nThank you so much for your generous donation to our fundraiser. Your support means more than words can express, and it allows us to provide essential math and literacy tools that our learners truly need. Because of you, we can place high-quality resources directly in their hands—materials that spark curiosity, build confidence, and open the door to new skills.\r\n\r\nThese tools will play a major role in helping our students grow academically and personally. Math games, manipulatives, leveled readers, and literacy supports all create hands-on learning experiences that make challenging concepts accessible and engaging. Thanks to your kindness, our learners will have the opportunity to strengthen their foundational skills, discover new interests, and feel proud of what they can accomplish. Your contribution is creating real, lasting change—thank you for being part of their journey. \r\n```","fullyFundedDate":1744730973332,"projectUrl":"project/growing-my-classroom-first-year-teacher/9208303/","projectTitle":"Growing My Classroom- First Year Teacher","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Messner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6794043_orig.jpg?crop=2033,2033,x0,y216&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762659684566","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6794043"},{"teacherId":6794043,"projectId":9276049,"letterContent":"We have been using these resources almost everyday last year and the start of this year. From the chair bands for busy bodies, to the markers, snacks, games, etc. I cannot express how grateful I am for your donation to my classroom. From fine-motor activities and movement-based learning tools to engaging books and math manipulatives, these materials help children build confidence as they grow academically and physically.\r\n\r\nEven more importantly, these resources create opportunities for teamwork, peer interaction, and relationship building in the classroom. When students work together to solve math problems, read with partners, or use movement tools in group activities, they learn how to communicate, collaborate, and support one another. Your kindness is helping our young learners develop essential skills that will support them far beyond first grade. Thank you for making such a positive, lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1745867517011,"projectUrl":"project/first-year-teacher/9276049/","projectTitle":"First year teacher!!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Messner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6794043_orig.jpg?crop=2033,2033,x0,y216&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762659684566","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6794043"},{"teacherId":568017,"projectId":9022771,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to my classroom project.\r\n\r\nThe materials you provided have been used daily during our Number Corner. The Judy Clock became part of our everyday routine as children learned to tell time to the hour and half hour. They especially enjoyed being the \"helper\" who moved the clock hands.\r\n\r\nThe base ten magnetic set was a staple in our morning routine, helping students build a strong foundation in the base 10 system—the central idea of Number Corner. The Magna-Tiles were another favorite, allowing children to use both engineering and math skills as they created and explored.\r\n\r\nAll of these supplies have made a big impact on both my teaching and the children's learning. As we begin a brand new school year, I know my new students will be so excited to discover and learn with these manipulatives as well.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only enriched this past year, but it will continue to benefit many students for years to come. Thank you again for your support—it is deeply appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1740760450597,"projectUrl":"project/math-meeting-manipulatives/9022771/","projectTitle":"Math Meeting Manipulatives","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Becker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp568017_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722451651980","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jen-becker"},{"teacherId":9477874,"projectId":9258466,"letterContent":"All of my students loved the new books that we got to add to our classroom library! They truly enjoyed getting to choose a new book each day for our whole group read aloud! It is so fun getting to read an entire book series with them as they get to really love the characters involved!\r\nThese new books were not only loved by my current kindergarten class but will be enjoyed by many classes in the future as well! Reading is such a fun way to connect with my students and is a great way to open up avenues for wonderful conversations.","fullyFundedDate":1745507562509,"projectUrl":"project/cool-new-read-aloud-books/9258466/","projectTitle":"Cool New Read Aloud Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Plowman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9477874"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_53436","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":431,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":44,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":83,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":11,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"K - 1","studentTeacherRatio":"14.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":67.0,"schoolId":53436,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about West Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"West Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/hutchinson-independent-school-district-423/west-elementary-school/53436"}