{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Higher Ground Academy","outOfStateSupporters":36.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2855146,"projectId":6249731,"letterContent":"Books open the door to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives that help young learners grow both academically and personally. In our first-grade classroom, books spark curiosity, build vocabulary, strengthen reading skills, and encourage students to ask questions about the world around them. Whether we are reading together during a read-aloud or students are exploring books independently, each story provides opportunities to develop comprehension, imagination, and a lifelong love of reading. Having a variety of engaging, age-appropriate books ensures that every child can discover stories that capture their interests and inspire them to become confident readers.\r\n\r\nThe impact of books extends far beyond literacy instruction. Stories help students build empathy by introducing them to different cultures, experiences, and emotions, while also teaching valuable lessons about kindness, perseverance, and friendship. A well-stocked classroom library creates a welcoming environment where every student feels represented and encouraged to explore. By providing access to high-quality books, we are giving children the tools to dream bigger, think critically, and develop the confidence to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1649362719215,"projectUrl":"project/building-fluent-readers/6249731/","projectTitle":"Building Fluent Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Saye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2855146"},{"teacherId":10481529,"projectId":10202443,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your thoughtful donation of sensory books for our kindergarten classroom. Your generosity has brought so much joy and excitement to our young learners.\r\n\r\nThe new sensory books help introduce important early literacy skills such as letter and word recognition, vocabulary development, listening, comprehension, and storytelling. The interactive textures and features also encourage students to explore with their senses, helping them stay engaged while building language and fine motor skills.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is an active and enjoyable experience. We read together during circle time, ask questions about the stories, make predictions, and encourage students to talk about the pictures and characters. During independent and small group reading, the sensory books invite children to touch, explore, and interact with the pages, making reading both fun and meaningful.\r\n\r\nSeveral of our students especially enjoy the new books, particularly those who learn best through hands-on experiences. Our emerging readers and students who benefit from sensory activities are more engaged, eager to participate, and excited to choose books during reading time. Seeing their smiles and growing confidence has been wonderful.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and generosity. Your support is helping foster a love of reading while giving our kindergarten students meaningful learning experiences they will remember.","fullyFundedDate":1779911937440,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-discoveries/10202443/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Discoveries","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Joe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10481529"},{"teacherId":10481529,"projectId":10206137,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our kindergarten classroom! Your donation of numeracy materials, copy paper, and supplemental learning supplies has made a meaningful impact on our students' learning every day.\r\n\r\nWe are using these resources during math centers, problem-solving activities, and writing lessons. One memorable moment was watching students work together to solve hands-on math challenges using the new materials, then proudly record and explain their thinking on the copy paper. Their confidence and excitement continue to grow with each activity.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies arrived, the students were thrilled! They were eager to explore the new materials and couldn't wait to use them during math and writing time. Their enthusiasm reminded us how much quality classroom resources inspire young learners.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our learning, these materials will support students as they strengthen their problem-solving, critical thinking, and writing skills through engaging math investigations, journal writing, and other hands-on activities. Your generosity is helping build a strong foundation for their future success.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their education. Your kindness is truly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1778584757003,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-that-shape-success/10206137/","projectTitle":"Supplies That Shape Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Joe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10481529"},{"teacherId":9746264,"projectId":10226873,"letterContent":"The \"Hands-On Phonics and Writing Tools to Build Confident Young Readers\" project has made a tremendous impact in my kindergarten classroom. The materials have provided my students with engaging, hands-on opportunities to practice phonics, letter formation, and early writing skills in meaningful ways.\r\nWith these tools, students are more motivated to participate during literacy centers and small-group instruction. They are developing stronger letter-sound recognition, improving their handwriting, and gaining confidence as emerging readers and writers. The interactive nature of the materials allows students to learn through exploration and practice, making literacy instruction both effective and enjoyable.\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students have access to resources that support different learning styles and help build a strong foundation for future academic success. Thank you for investing in my classroom and for helping my young learners become more confident, capable readers and writers each day.","fullyFundedDate":1779370491955,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-phonics-and-writing-tools-to-bu/10226873/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Phonics and Writing Tools to Build Confident Young Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9746264_orig.png?crop=762,762,x0,y53&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1776808284957","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9746264"},{"teacherId":9737613,"projectId":10289439,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, **\"Creating a Fresh and Interactive Learning Space.\"** Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom environment and in the daily learning experiences of my students.\r\n\r\nThe items you provided, including the air freshener and Smart Board clicker, have helped create a more comfortable and engaging classroom. While the air freshener may seem like a small addition, it has helped maintain a fresh, welcoming atmosphere where students can focus and feel more at ease throughout the school day. A positive classroom environment plays an important role in helping students stay attentive and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe Smart Board clicker has been especially impactful. It allows me to move freely around the classroom while teaching, rather than being tied to my desk or the front of the room. This means I can provide immediate support to students, monitor understanding more effectively, and keep lessons moving smoothly. The technology helps make instruction more interactive and allows students to stay engaged during presentations, demonstrations, and classroom discussions.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting aspects for students is the increased interaction during lessons. They enjoy participating in activities displayed on the Smart Board and appreciate the faster pace and smoother transitions the clicker provides. Several students who are typically hesitant to participate have become more engaged because I can easily move closer to them, offer encouragement, and check in while continuing instruction.\r\n\r\nA favorite classroom moment occurred during a review game when students eagerly answered questions displayed on the Smart Board. The ability to move throughout the room with the clicker allowed me to interact with every group, celebrate successes, and support students who needed extra guidance. The energy and enthusiasm during that lesson highlighted just how valuable these resources have become.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping create a classroom that is both welcoming and interactive. Your support has enhanced our learning environment and provided tools that help students stay engaged, focused, and excited about learning every day.","fullyFundedDate":1779370489772,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-fresh-and-interactive-learnin/10289439/","projectTitle":"Creating a Fresh and Interactive Learning Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Krish","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9737613_orig.jpg?crop=1340,1340,x0,y17&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771039312525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9737613"},{"teacherId":9737613,"projectId":10133817,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our project, **\"Learning Through Play: Board Games for Third Grade Thinkers.\"** Your generosity has brought exciting new learning opportunities into our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nThe board games have become a valuable part of our daily learning routines. We use them during small-group instruction, enrichment activities, and learning centers to reinforce important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, strategy, communication, and teamwork. By incorporating play into learning, students are able to practice academic and social skills in an engaging and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nWhen the games first arrived, the students were thrilled. Their excitement was contagious as they eagerly explored the new materials and asked when they could start playing. One memorable moment occurred during a math enrichment center when students worked together to solve challenges within a strategy game. They were discussing possible moves, explaining their reasoning, and encouraging one another as they played. It was wonderful to see students applying classroom skills while having fun and building confidence.\r\n\r\nThe board games have also helped foster collaboration and perseverance. Students are learning how to take turns, think ahead, solve problems independently, and handle both successes and setbacks with a positive attitude. These experiences are helping them grow not only as learners but also as thoughtful classmates.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our students will continue developing their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills as we move into more complex math concepts and collaborative classroom projects. We are excited to use these games to strengthen strategic thinking, communication, and teamwork throughout the school year. The skills students are practicing through play will support their success across all subject areas.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping create a classroom where learning is engaging, interactive, and fun. Your generosity has provided opportunities that will benefit our third graders for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1779370489376,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-play-board-games-for-t/10133817/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Play: Board Games for Third Grade Thinkers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Krish","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9737613_orig.jpg?crop=1340,1340,x0,y17&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771039312525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9737613"},{"teacherId":9737613,"projectId":10129700,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Rolling Into Learning: A Mobile Whiteboard for Active Third Graders.\" Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom, and I am excited to share the impact your gift has had on my students and my teaching.\r\nThe mobile whiteboard has transformed the way I deliver instruction and engage students throughout the day. Instead of being tied to the front of the room, I can now move easily around the classroom, bringing lessons directly to students wherever they are working. This flexibility has helped me provide more immediate feedback, facilitate small-group instruction, and create more interactive learning experiences. As a teacher, I have been able to refine my instructional practices by making lessons more student-centered and responsive to individual needs.\r\nOne of my favorite classroom moments occurred during a math lesson on problem-solving strategies. Students worked in teams to solve multi-step problems, and the mobile whiteboard became a collaborative hub. Groups eagerly shared their thinking, explained their strategies, and built upon one another's ideas. Even some of my quieter students volunteered to come up and demonstrate their work. Watching their confidence grow as they engaged in meaningful mathematical discussions was incredibly rewarding.\r\nYour support has also encouraged a more active and collaborative learning environment. Students are excited whenever the whiteboard is incorporated into a lesson, and they are more willing to participate, ask questions, and take academic risks. The increased engagement has helped strengthen both their understanding of content and their confidence as learners.\r\nLooking ahead, I am excited to continue growing as an educator by incorporating even more collaborative and hands-on learning opportunities into our classroom. We will soon be exploring informational writing and science investigations, and I look forward to using the mobile whiteboard to help students brainstorm ideas, organize their thinking, and share discoveries with their classmates.\r\nThank you for investing in our students and believing in the power of education. Your kindness has provided a resource that will benefit many learners for years to come. We are deeply grateful for your support and for helping make our classroom a place where all students can learn, collaborate, and thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1779370490908,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-into-learning-a-mobile-whiteboa/10129700/","projectTitle":"Rolling Into Learning: A Mobile Whiteboard for Active Third Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Krish","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9737613_orig.jpg?crop=1340,1340,x0,y17&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771039312525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9737613"},{"teacherId":9737613,"projectId":10098384,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you for providing ink and pencils for our classroom! These essential supplies have allowed my students to fully participate in daily learning activities, writing assignments, and classroom projects. When the materials arrived, students were excited to have fresh supplies ready to use and appreciated knowing they had the tools needed to do their best work.\r\n\r\nRecently, students used the pencils and printed materials to complete a writing project where they drafted, revised, and published their work. Having reliable supplies helped them stay focused on learning rather than worrying about limited materials. As we move forward, students will continue using these resources for reading, writing, research, and creative projects. Your generosity has helped create a productive learning environment where every student has the tools needed to succeed. Thank you for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1772164883661,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-learning-ink-and-pencils-for/10098384/","projectTitle":"Tools for Learning: Ink and Pencils for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Krish","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9737613_orig.jpg?crop=1340,1340,x0,y17&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771039312525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9737613"},{"teacherId":9737613,"projectId":10098376,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom by providing a wiggle seat! This resource has already made a difference for my students. We use the wiggle seat during independent work, reading, and small-group lessons to help students stay focused while meeting their movement needs. When students first saw it, they were excited and eager to try it. One student who often struggles to remain seated was able to stay engaged throughout an entire lesson while using the seat. As we continue our learning, students will use the wiggle seat during literacy and math activities to support concentration and academic success. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1772553906359,"projectUrl":"project/power-up-our-playground/10098376/","projectTitle":"Power Up Our Playground","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Krish","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9737613_orig.jpg?crop=1340,1340,x0,y17&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771039312525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9737613"},{"teacherId":10472543,"projectId":10174891,"letterContent":"I am deeply grateful for the iPad provided through this project. This technology has made a meaningful impact on my students' learning and has contributed to improved MCA results by allowing for more engaging, personalized, and interactive instruction.\r\n\r\nWith the materials provided, I was able to better monitor student progress, provide targeted interventions, and offer learning opportunities that met the diverse needs of my learners. The iPad helped students stay motivated, practice essential skills, and access educational resources that supported their academic growth.","fullyFundedDate":1776190247075,"projectUrl":"project/ipad-for-mca-results/10174891/","projectTitle":"iPad for MCA Results","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Napoles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10472543_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y7&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1776194788246","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10472543"},{"teacherId":10377452,"projectId":10136051,"letterContent":"My students were thrilled when the new classroom supplies arrived! The excitement on their faces was priceless as they explored the new pencils, dry erase materials, storage drawers, and reward items. They immediately began using the dry erase boards during our math lessons to solve problems, explain their thinking, and receive immediate feedback. Having enough pencils for everyone has also ensured that every student is ready to learn each day without worrying about missing supplies.\r\n\r\nThe storage drawers have helped create a more organized classroom, allowing students to independently access and return materials. The reward items have motivated students to stay engaged, work hard, and celebrate their academic growth and positive behavior. As we continue learning new math concepts, these resources will support hands-on activities, collaborative problem-solving, and meaningful classroom discussions. Thank you for providing the tools that help my students build confidence, stay motivated, and grow as learners. Your generosity has made a lasting difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1774138229546,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-learning-and-growth/10136051/","projectTitle":"Tools for Learning and Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Marjonh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10377452_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765074265755","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10377452"},{"teacherId":9641163,"projectId":9292074,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, families, and school community, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for funding our project, \"Incentives That Inspire: Building Positive Behavior Through Rewards.\" Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom, and we are incredibly thankful for your support and belief in our students.\r\n\r\nTeaching is about so much more than academics. Every day, students come into the classroom carrying different experiences, emotions, and challenges. For many children, school is not only a place to learn math, reading, and science—it is also a place where they learn responsibility, kindness, perseverance, and self-confidence. Because of your support, we are now able to create a more positive and encouraging environment that celebrates these important behaviors and motivates students to continue making positive choices.\r\n\r\nThe resources provided through this project will help us implement a reward-based positive behavior system that encourages students to stay engaged, respectful, and focused throughout the school day. Incentives may seem simple on the surface, but for students, recognition and encouragement can have a tremendous impact. A small reward for demonstrating kindness, teamwork, responsibility, or perseverance can boost confidence and reinforce behaviors that lead to long-term success both inside and outside the classroom.\r\n\r\nYour generosity allows us to recognize students for their hard work and growth in ways that are exciting and meaningful to them. These incentives will help students feel seen, valued, and motivated to do their best every day. When students feel supported and celebrated, they are more likely to participate in learning, build stronger relationships with peers, and develop a greater sense of belonging within the classroom community.\r\n\r\nThis project is especially important because positive reinforcement creates a classroom culture where students feel safe, respected, and inspired. Instead of focusing only on correcting negative behavior, we can now spend more time highlighting successes and encouraging students to continue making positive choices. This shift helps students understand that their actions matter and that their efforts are appreciated.\r\n\r\nYour contribution also supports social-emotional learning by teaching students valuable life skills such as self-control, empathy, accountability, and perseverance. These are lessons that extend far beyond the classroom walls. The positive habits students build now will help them become confident learners, compassionate friends, and responsible future leaders.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your kindness reminds our students that there are people beyond their school community who genuinely care about their success. Many students are amazed to learn that individuals they may never meet personally chose to invest in their education and happiness. That realization alone is powerful. It teaches them that generosity exists in the world and inspires them to one day give back to others as well.\r\n\r\nAs educators, we often dream of creating learning environments where every child feels motivated and encouraged, but achieving that vision requires support from caring people like you. Because of your generosity, our classroom will become a more joyful, positive, and engaging place where students are excited to learn and proud of their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for recognizing the importance of creating positive learning experiences. Your support has provided more than just supplies and incentives—it has provided encouragement, opportunity, and hope. The impact of your donation will be felt each day as students work toward goals, celebrate achievements, and grow into the best versions of themselves.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your compassion, generosity, and commitment to education. Thank you for helping us inspire positive behavior, strengthen classroom relationships, and create an environment where every student can thrive.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation and gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1747620973838,"projectUrl":"project/incentives-that-inspire-building-positi/9292074/","projectTitle":"Incentives That Inspire: Building Positive Behavior Through Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Bart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9641163_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723218669238","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9641163"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_68886","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1177,"numTeachers":14,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":92,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":0,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"K - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"84.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.8,"schoolId":68886,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Higher Ground Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Higher Ground Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/minnesota-department-of-education/higher-ground-academy/68886"}