{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Higher Ground Academy","outOfStateSupporters":36.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10231104,"projectId":10038349,"letterContent":"When our new materials arrived, my students were immediately filled with excitement and curiosity. They could not wait to explore everything. The reusable LCD writing tablets and magnetic drawing boards were the first items they reached for, and I instantly saw students experimenting with writing, drawing, and sharing their ideas. There were smiles, laughter, and a real sense of pride as they realized these tools were now part of their classroom. The giant classroom timer quickly became a favorite during transitions and activities, helping students stay focused and take ownership of their learning time.\r\n\r\nWe are now using these resources every day during literacy and math centers. Students practice writing and letter formation with the magnetic alphabet tracing boards, build fine motor skills and creativity with the stacking rocks, and engage in interactive games using bingo daubers. One of our recent activities involved students using the writing tablets to respond to a story, then sharing their thinking with a partner. Something that felt both fun and meaningful for them. The Germ-Sleuthing science kit has also sparked great conversations about germs, health, and how we can care for ourselves and others.\r\n\r\nNext, we will be using these tools to deepen our learning during our literacy and science units. Students will continue building early writing skills, exploring scientific thinking through hands-on investigation, and strengthening their ability to collaborate and explain their ideas. These materials are already transforming how my students learn. They are more engaged, more confident, and more excited to participate. Because of your support, our classroom is a place where students truly learn by doing, exploring, and discovering together.","fullyFundedDate":1773604986296,"projectUrl":"project/write-draw-build-discover-fueling/10038349/","projectTitle":"Write, Draw, Build, & Discover: Fueling Curiosity in Young Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10231104_orig.jpg?crop=424,424,x134,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768616452270","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10231104"},{"teacherId":9742889,"projectId":9815322,"letterContent":"Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in my classroom, and I am so excited to share the impact it has had on my students. Since receiving these phonics tools, my students have been actively using Elkonin boxes, magnetic letters, and sound segmenting trays during our daily small-group reading instruction. \r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were immediately engaged—eager to explore and use each item. Their excitement has transformed our lessons into interactive, confidence-building experiences, and even my most hesitant learners are now volunteering and taking risks.\r\n\r\nThese resources are especially impactful for my English Language Learners, helping them connect sounds to letters in a concrete, multisensory way while building both literacy and language skills. Students are strengthening their phonemic awareness, expanding vocabulary, and growing more confident as readers every day. Looking ahead, we will continue using these tools to support more advanced word work, including blending, segmenting longer words, and building sentences. My goal is to help students transfer these foundational skills into fluent reading and confident communication across all areas of learning. Thank you for giving my students the tools they need to succeed—your support is truly making a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1770415701275,"projectUrl":"project/sound-it-out-phonics-tools-for-growing/9815322/","projectTitle":"Sound It Out! Phonics Tools for Growing Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shela","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9742889_orig.jpg?crop=1983,1983,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726067172249","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/shela-sabang"},{"teacherId":9167220,"projectId":10095626,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom. The materials you provided have made an immediate and meaningful difference in how my students learn, collaborate, and take pride in their environment.\r\n\r\nWe've been actively using the new rolling dry erase board and dry erase paddles during daily lessons to boost participation and engagement. One of our favorite moments so far has been during a review game where every student used their own paddle to solve problems and share answers at the same time. It gave every student a voice, and I could instantly check for understanding across the whole class. The excitement was contagious, students were eager to participate, and even those who are usually hesitant were confidently holding up their answers.\r\n\r\nThe positive behavior jar has also become a powerful tool in building classroom community. Students love seeing their efforts recognized, and they work together to earn rewards, creating a more supportive and encouraging atmosphere. The lanyards and hall passes have helped us stay organized and responsible, while the abundance of markers and erasers ensures students always have what they need without interruption.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the room filled with curiosity and joy. Students were especially excited about having their own individual whiteboards and colorful supplies it made learning feel interactive and fun. The live pothos plants were a surprising favorite; students immediately took interest in caring for them, and they've helped make our classroom feel calmer and more welcoming.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are beginning a student led project where groups will research topics, create visual displays using the photo paper and clips, and present their findings using the rolling whiteboard. Students will also take on responsibility for maintaining different parts of the classroom, including caring for the plants and managing shared supplies, helping them build ownership and teamwork skills.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only provided us with materials it has created opportunities for deeper engagement, confidence, and joy in learning. Thank you for investing in my students and helping make our classroom a place where every child can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1771109654880,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-that-spark-student-participatio/10095626/","projectTitle":"Supplies That Spark Student Participation","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. CRISTOPHER","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9167220_orig.jpg?crop=1610,1609,x0,y26&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691446268422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9167220"},{"teacherId":10075897,"projectId":9456895,"letterContent":"Words are not enough to express our heartfelt gratitude to your generous donors for funding our art project. Because of your kindness and support, our students were given a truly meaningful and joyful learning experience. They loved every moment of the activity and were incredibly focused, engaged, and inspired as they worked.\r\n\r\nThis would not have been possible without you. Your generosity made it possible for my students and me to bring this vision to life in such a special way.\r\n\r\nOne of the most touching moments was when the students didn't want me to keep their work—they wanted to take their creations home and have their very own exhibits! That sense of pride and ownership is something truly priceless.\r\n\r\nThank you for making such an amazing experience possible for our students. Your support has made a lasting impact that they will carry with them.","fullyFundedDate":1757423960070,"projectUrl":"project/powder-to-power/9456895/","projectTitle":"Powder to Power","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Joyce","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10075897"},{"teacherId":10331462,"projectId":10124675,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with the donation of headphones. Your generosity has made a big difference in helping our students stay focused and engaged during their learning time. We primarily use the headphones when students are working on IXL and during science lab simulations. The headphones allow students to clearly hear instructions, explanations, and feedback without distractions, which helps them concentrate and better understand the material.\r\n\r\nStudents especially enjoy using the headphones during science lab simulations because it makes the experience feel more interactive and immersive. They can follow the steps of experiments, listen to explanations, and observe virtual demonstrations while staying focused on their tasks. During IXL practice, the headphones help students work independently and at their own pace as they listen to directions and problem explanations.\r\n\r\nI have also noticed that some students who normally struggle to stay focused during independent work are more engaged when using the headphones. Being able to block out background noise helps them concentrate and feel more confident as they complete their work. Thank you again for your support and for helping create a learning environment where our students can succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1772422141273,"projectUrl":"project/quiet-ears-busy-minds/10124675/","projectTitle":"Quiet Ears, Busy Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. John Rick Melo Domingo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10331462_orig.jpg?crop=2529,2529,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761837559686","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10331462"},{"teacherId":10231104,"projectId":10033809,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom library now reflects the beautiful diversity of the children who sit on our carpet each day. These books have allowed us to intentionally teach lessons on identity, inclusion, empathy, and courage. When we read stories like The Proudest Blue, Hair Love, Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, Just Ask!, and All the Way to the Top, students are learning to celebrate differences, ask thoughtful questions, and stand up for themselves and others. With books such as The Invisible String and A Family Full of Love, we also explore connection, belonging, and the many ways families are formed. These texts help us build vocabulary around fairness, disability, immigration, culture, and kindness, big ideas taught in developmentally appropriate, meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive and reflective. We pause often to notice illustrations, think about characters' feelings, and make text-to-self connections. Students turn and talk, share stories from their own families, and practice respectful listening. During our neurodivergent and inclusion-focused read-alouds, like All the Ways Sterling Communicates, students learn that everyone communicates and experiences the world differently, and that different does not mean less. These books spark rich conversations that go far beyond the page, shaping how students treat one another during play, problem-solving, and group work.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful moments came when a student excitedly pointed out that a character in The Proudest Blue wore a hijab just like she does. She beamed with pride and said, \"That's like me!\" That small moment of recognition meant everything. Other students have eagerly shared about their hair, their languages, their traditions, and their families after seeing themselves reflected in stories like Hair Love, Mama, What's an Immigrant?, and I Am Whole. These books have helped my students feel seen, valued, and proud of who they are, while also learning to honor and uplift others. Your support has helped us build not just readers, but compassionate and confident human beings. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1769260140719,"projectUrl":"project/picture-books-that-help-every-child-feel/10033809/","projectTitle":"Picture Books That Help Every Child Feel Seen","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10231104_orig.jpg?crop=424,424,x134,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768616452270","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10231104"},{"teacherId":10231104,"projectId":9690366,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my kindergarteners now have daily opportunities to build the social-emotional skills that are just as important as learning letters and numbers. Our new A Little SPOT of Emotion book sets, the Pete the Cat stories, The Kids' Book of Diversity, Making Good Choices Match-Ups, and It's Okay To Not Be Okay have allowed us to explicitly teach skills like identifying emotions, practicing empathy, making responsible choices, and celebrating differences. When we read these books, we pause to model thinking aloud (\"How is this character feeling?\" \"What could they do instead?\"), practice turn-and-talk conversations, and connect the stories to real classroom situations. Students are learning to name their feelings, use calming strategies, and problem-solve with peers, tools that will stay with them far beyond kindergarten.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive and joyful. We gather together on the carpet, often with a plush character in hand, and students eagerly participate by acting out emotions, matching scenarios to \"good choice\" cards, and sharing personal connections. The books have helped us build a common language around feelings; words like \"frustrated,\" \"proud,\" \"lonely,\" and \"brave\" are now part of our everyday conversations. For many of my students, especially those from low-income or new-to-the-country families, these discussions create space to process experiences they may not always have words for at home. Our classroom feels safer and more connected because of it.\r\n\r\nSeveral students, in particular, have blossomed through these stories. One student who often struggled with big emotions now independently asks for a \"calm-down minute\" after we read about managing anger. Another student, who is newer to the country and still building English skills, lights up during our emotion lessons. The visuals, repetition, and plush characters help bridge language gaps and give them confidence to participate. Watching my students hug the plush characters, reference the books during conflicts, and remind one another to \"make a good choice\" has shown me that your donation did more than provide books; it helped build a kinder, more emotionally aware classroom community. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1766953715365,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-tools-needed/9690366/","projectTitle":"Social-Emotional Tools Needed!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10231104_orig.jpg?crop=424,424,x134,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768616452270","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10231104"},{"teacherId":10331462,"projectId":10091265,"letterContent":"My students absolutely love reading, and the new books have quickly become a meaningful part of their daily routines. It's common to see them carrying books everywhere — from lunch to recess — because they genuinely want to keep reading. Favorites like Dog Man and The Chronicles of Narnia have sparked excitement and motivation in even reluctant readers.\r\n\r\nThese texts allow me to teach important literacy skills in an engaging way. Students practice comprehension strategies such as predicting, visualizing, and summarizing while reading stories they care about. We also work on character traits, problem-and-solution, vocabulary development, and understanding theme. Because the books vary in style and difficulty, students can read at their level while still participating in shared discussions, which builds both confidence and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom looks active and joyful. Students participate in independent reading, partner discussions, and small-group conversations where they share favorite parts, make connections, and ask questions. Some of my quieter students have especially connected with the new books — they are eager to talk about characters and proudly recommend titles to classmates. The books have helped transform reading from an assignment into a habit.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, my students now see themselves as readers, not just students learning to read.","fullyFundedDate":1771011974694,"projectUrl":"project/expanding-our-classroom-library-fantasy/10091265/","projectTitle":"Expanding Our Classroom Library: Fantasy Favorites of Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. John Rick Melo Domingo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10331462_orig.jpg?crop=2529,2529,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761837559686","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10331462"},{"teacherId":9700431,"projectId":8936835,"letterContent":"I'm reaching out to invite you to be part of something very special in my 2nd grade classroom.\r\n\r\nMy students are eager learners who thrive when they feel comfortable, supported, and excited about reading. I am currently seeking donations for classroom mats and a cozy reading chair to create a warm and engaging learning environment for them.\r\n\r\nThe classroom mats will give each child a designated space during lessons and group discussions, helping improve focus, organization, and classroom routines. The reading chair will provide a special, comfortable spot that encourages students to develop a love for reading and build confidence as independent readers.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, school is where they discover their strengths and feel a sense of belonging. These simple resources will make a meaningful difference in their daily learning experience.\r\n\r\nIf you are able to donate, no amount is too small. Every contribution brings us closer to creating a classroom where students feel safe, motivated, and inspired to learn.\r\nThank you for considering supporting our 2nd graders. Your generosity will directly impact their growth, comfort, and love for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1741055117518,"projectUrl":"project/project-ese-enhance-students-engageme/8936835/","projectTitle":"Project E.S.E Enhance Students Engagement","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. JOSEPHINE MANGALINO","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9700431_orig.jpg?crop=996,996,x0,y338&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725938182193","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9700431"},{"teacherId":9737613,"projectId":9573144,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, reading in our classroom has become more meaningful, engaging, and skill-focused than ever before.\r\n\r\nWhile many of our donors love reading books (we do too!), teaching reading goes far beyond simply enjoying a story. These new texts have allowed us to explicitly teach important third-grade skills such as:\r\n\r\nIdentifying the main idea and supporting details\r\nMaking inferences using text evidence\r\nComparing characters, settings, and themes\r\nUnderstanding vocabulary in context\r\nAnalyzing nonfiction text features like headings, captions, and diagrams\r\nBuilding fluency and reading stamina\r\n\r\nWith these new books, reading in our classroom is active and student-centered. You would see students highlighting evidence, discussing ideas with partners, annotating in the margins, and participating in small-group guided reading. Some students read independently while others work with me in targeted skill groups to strengthen comprehension and fluency. The classroom buzzes with meaningful conversations about characters' choices, big ideas, and real-world connections.\r\n\r\nOur diverse classroom includes students at many different reading levels. These new texts have made it possible to meet students where they are. Struggling readers feel more confident because they have access to books that are both engaging and appropriately challenging. On-level and advanced readers are diving deeper into complex themes and critical thinking discussions.\r\n\r\nOne student who previously avoided reading now eagerly volunteers to read aloud during small group. Another student, who is typically quiet, lights up during partner discussions and confidently shares her inferences with the class. Several of my English learners have especially benefited from the rich vocabulary and visual supports in the nonfiction texts, helping them grow both academically and socially.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these books have helped build a community of readers. Students are recommending books to one another, asking thoughtful questions, and seeing themselves reflected in stories. Reading is no longer just an assignment — it is becoming a habit and a joy.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students' literacy growth. Your support is not just providing books; it is building confident, capable readers who are learning how to think deeply about the world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1763917112957,"projectUrl":"project/books-to-brighten-young-readers-futures/9573144/","projectTitle":"Books to Brighten Young Readers’ Futures","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":10331462,"projectId":9866495,"letterContent":"My students were immediately excited when the new printer, laminator, and supply cart arrived in our classroom. These tools may seem simple at home, but in a school setting they make a huge difference in how students access learning materials every day.\r\n\r\nThe printer has allowed me to create colorful anchor charts, engaging bulletin boards, and differentiated worksheets right when students need them. Instead of waiting days or weeks for materials, I can quickly respond to student misunderstandings and print new supports the same day. This means lessons stay relevant, visual, and easier for students to understand — especially for learners who benefit from clear visuals and step-by-step examples.\r\n\r\nThe laminator has had an especially powerful impact. Many of my students are not able to purchase personal learning tools, so I used it to create individual math whiteboards for each child. We now use these boards during every math lesson. Students can practice strategies, make mistakes safely, and try again without fear because they can simply erase and redo their work. Participation has increased dramatically because every student has an equal opportunity to engage.\r\n\r\nStudents who are typically hesitant to share answers have become more confident using the boards — they are willing to attempt problems and show their thinking. The most exciting part for them is being able to interact with the lesson instead of just watching it. They feel like active learners rather than observers.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our classroom runs more smoothly, transitions are quicker, and students have hands-on tools that help them practice skills repeatedly. What once required expensive individual supplies is now available to everyone, every day. Thank you for helping create a more equitable and engaging learning environment for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1770647772303,"projectUrl":"project/from-print-to-shine-enhancing-classroom/9866495/","projectTitle":"From Print to Shine: Enhancing Classroom Effectivity","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. John Rick Melo Domingo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10331462_orig.jpg?crop=2529,2529,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761837559686","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10331462"},{"teacherId":9746330,"projectId":9525936,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity, my first graders are enjoying their new toys during learning and play time. We use them in the classroom to practice sharing, problem-solving, and working together. One special moment was seeing students take turns and cheer each other on while playing—skills we practice every day in first grade.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the toys, they were so excited! Big smiles, happy gasps, and lots of \"Wow!\" filled the room. They felt proud knowing the toys were just for them.\r\n\r\nNext, students will keep using these toys during choice time and lessons to build social skills, creativity, and cooperation. Thank you for helping make our classroom a joyful place to learn and grow! 🧸💛","fullyFundedDate":1764161053497,"projectUrl":"project/clean-active-and-ready-to-learn/9525936/","projectTitle":"Clean, Active, and Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bontong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9746330_orig.jpg?crop=827,827,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726183883515","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9746330"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_68886","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1163,"numTeachers":14,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":97,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":0,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 7","studentTeacherRatio":"83.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.7,"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"}