{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Round Lake - Brewster Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":9770551,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students have been able to dive into class piano in a way that has completely transformed our music room. We began by exploring simple melodies and learning proper hand position, and it's been incredible to watch students who have never touched a keyboard before suddenly light up with confidence.\r\n\r\nWhen the keyboards arrived, the excitement was overwhelming. Students were buzzing with curiosity, asking if they could start playing immediately, and several told me it felt like \"a real music classroom.\" The keyboards have allowed every student to participate hands-on, instead of waiting turns or sharing limited equipment.\r\nRight now, my classes are working on a mini-unit where students learn how to read and play simple chord progressions. Their next steps include composing their own short piece using the chords they've learned—something that wouldn't have been possible without these new resources. Because of you, they're not just learning about music—they're creating it.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the chance to grow, explore, and discover their musical voices. Your support is making a lasting difference in our classroom every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1760693728286,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-creativity-with-class-piano/9770551/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Creativity with Class Piano","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":9770544,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students have been able to dive into class piano in a way that has completely transformed our music room. We began by exploring simple melodies and learning proper hand position, and it's been incredible to watch students who have never touched a keyboard before suddenly light up with confidence. \r\n\r\nWhen the keyboards arrived, the excitement was overwhelming. Students were buzzing with curiosity, asking if they could start playing immediately, and several told me it felt like \"a real music classroom.\" The keyboards have allowed every student to participate hands-on, instead of waiting turns or sharing limited equipment.\r\n\r\nRight now, my classes are working on a mini-unit where students learn how to read and play simple chord progressions. Their next steps include composing their own short piece using the chords they've learned—something that wouldn't have been possible without these new resources. Because of you, they're not just learning about music—they're creating it.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the chance to grow, explore, and discover their musical voices. Your support is making a lasting difference in our classroom every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1760693728786,"projectUrl":"project/every-child-deserves-a-piano-to-play/9770544/","projectTitle":"Every Child Deserves a Piano to Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":9770527,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students have been able to dive into class piano in a way that has completely transformed our music room. We began by exploring simple melodies and learning proper hand position, and it's been incredible to watch students who have never touched a keyboard before suddenly light up with confidence.\r\n\r\nWhen the keyboards arrived, the excitement was overwhelming. Students were buzzing with curiosity, asking if they could start playing immediately, and several told me it felt like \"a real music classroom.\" The keyboards have allowed every student to participate hands-on, instead of waiting turns or sharing limited equipment.\r\n\r\nRight now, my classes are working on a mini-unit where students learn how to read and play simple chord progressions. Their next steps include composing their own short piece using the chords they've learned—something that wouldn't have been possible without these new resources. Because of you, they're not just learning about music—they're creating it.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the chance to grow, explore, and discover their musical voices. Your support is making a lasting difference in our classroom every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1760693729021,"projectUrl":"project/keys-to-success-building-our-class-pian/9770527/","projectTitle":"Keys to Success: Building Our Class Piano Program","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":9770563,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students have been able to dive into class piano in a way that has completely transformed our music room. We began by exploring simple melodies and learning proper hand position, and it's been incredible to watch students who have never touched a keyboard before suddenly light up with confidence. \r\n\r\nWhen the keyboards arrived, the excitement was overwhelming. Students were buzzing with curiosity, asking if they could start playing immediately, and several told me it felt like \"a real music classroom.\" The keyboards have allowed every student to participate hands-on, instead of waiting turns or sharing limited equipment.\r\n\r\nRight now, my classes are working on a mini-unit where students learn how to read and play simple chord progressions. Their next steps include composing their own short piece using the chords they've learned—something that wouldn't have been possible without these new resources. Because of you, they're not just learning about music—they're creating it.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the chance to grow, explore, and discover their musical voices. Your support is making a lasting difference in our classroom every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1760693729248,"projectUrl":"project/88-keys-to-inspire-young-musicians/9770563/","projectTitle":"88 Keys to Inspire Young Musicians","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":9534463,"projectId":9189454,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, my elementary art students have had the incredible opportunity to work with real ceramic glazes—something that was previously out of reach for our program. The excitement when they first saw the colorful jars of glaze was unforgettable. One student gasped and said, \"We get to use the real stuff?\" It made them feel like true artists.\r\n\r\nWe used the glazes during our recent clay unit, where students created pinch pots, shoeprint turtles, fish and reef sculptures, aquarium relief sculptures, and koi ponds. In the past, we could only paint the clay with tempera, which often chipped or faded. Now, thanks to the glazes, students are experiencing the full ceramic process—from forming the clay to glazing and firing it in the kiln—and seeing their pieces come out glossy, vibrant, and permanent.\r\n\r\nThe pride and confidence your gift has sparked is something I wish everyone could witness. Your support made this possible, and we are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1743196541543,"projectUrl":"project/creating-art-that-lasts-forever-help-us/9189454/","projectTitle":"Creating Art That Lasts Forever: Help Us Glaze Our Clay!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Busman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9534463_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742404296818","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9534463"},{"teacherId":9990077,"projectId":9224072,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity in purchasing this beautiful bookshelf for my classroom. Students have been so excited to find books in series so much easier because we can organize the bookshelf. \r\n\r\nStudents were overjoyed when they saw the bookshelf and how all books were organized by series! Students no longer have to ask if there are anymore books in the I Survived or Captain Unerpants series. Now they can easily access them and read the next book of the series. \r\n\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1746486573380,"projectUrl":"project/creating-an-organized-haven-for-learning/9224072/","projectTitle":"Creating an Organized Haven for Learning:A Bookcase to Inspire Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Voss","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9990077"},{"teacherId":9908973,"projectId":9156709,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom. Your support made it possible for us to purchase new books that teach our special education students about emotions, feelings, and safe ways to express them.\r\n\r\nThese books have quickly become favorites in our classroom library. The students are excited to read them, and they are already learning how to better understand their own feelings and the feelings of others. We are seeing wonderful growth as students practice identifying emotions, talking about their experiences, and using healthy strategies to express themselves.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has given our students not only engaging stories to enjoy but also important tools for building confidence, empathy, and social skills. We are so grateful for your generosity and the positive impact it has had on our classroom community.\r\n\r\nWith appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1743281553351,"projectUrl":"project/little-kids-with-big-emotions/9156709/","projectTitle":"Little Kids with Big Emotions","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Teunissen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9908973"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":9189000,"letterContent":"When our new saxophone reeds arrived, the excitement in the band room was immediate—you could see it on my students' faces. Many of them had been struggling with worn-out or mismatched reeds, which made producing a clear sound frustrating and discouraging. Having high-quality, consistent reeds available has given them the chance to finally hear the improvement in their own tone and feel proud of their progress.\r\n\r\nOne specific moment that stood out was during our first full band rehearsal with the new reeds. The saxophone section started playing, and for the first time, their sound blended beautifully—full, warm, and confident. The rest of the band noticed too, and it sparked a sense of pride across the group. Students began encouraging each other, excited that they were \"really sounding like a band.\"\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only helped my saxophone players play with more ease but has also lifted their confidence and motivation. These reeds have turned what used to be a struggle into a joyful part of music-making. As we move forward, my students will be preparing for our upcoming concert, and I know they'll carry that same excitement and pride into their performance—all thanks to the support of donors like you.","fullyFundedDate":1752586494391,"projectUrl":"project/stronger-sounds-brighter-futures-quali/9189000/","projectTitle":"Stronger Sounds, Brighter Futures: Quality Reeds for Young Musicians","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":9188944,"letterContent":"When the new clarinet reeds arrived, my students were thrilled to finally have reliable equipment that would allow them to play at their best. In the past, many of them had been struggling with worn or borrowed reeds, which made producing a good sound very challenging. The moment they tried the new reeds, the improvement in tone quality and ease of playing was immediate. The excitement and pride on their faces was wonderful to see.\r\n\r\nThese reeds are now being used daily in rehearsals, and they have already made a noticeable difference in both individual practice and full ensemble playing. My clarinet players are able to focus on learning new notes, improving their technique, and blending with the group, rather than worrying about their reeds breaking mid-class. One student shared that for the first time, they felt like they truly \"sounded like a clarinet player,\" which was an incredible confidence boost.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students are well-prepared for our upcoming concert, where they will showcase their progress and hard work. These resources have not only improved their sound, but have also given them the tools they need to participate fully and feel successful. Your support has had a lasting impact on my classroom, and I am deeply grateful for your investment in my students' musical journey.","fullyFundedDate":1752586540568,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-musicians-with-quality/9188944/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Musicians with Quality Clarinet Reeds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":9779190,"projectId":9067320,"letterContent":"I want to say Thank You again for your generous donation towards the books for my classroom! With these books I am opening up the opportunity for students to try different genres or types of books that they may not normally pull off the library shelf. With The Outsiders and Freak the Mighty I want to open up the students eyes to the differences that others have and that although someone may be different from you you can help each other out and to show empathy in different situations. \r\n\r\nWhen we do class novels we read in a variety of ways. I will often read portions of the text to the students and many will come to me and say that they enjoy when I read to them because of the expression that I give. We also will read in small groups, on our own, and sometimes we listen to it being read by someone else. We do the variety of ways to reach all levels of students. We also discuss what is going in the book together and the students have to answer some questions on their own to check for comprehension. At the completion of novel we do some sort of project to bring it altogether and if there is a movie we will watch the movie. \r\n\r\nAgain I want to say Thank You and your kindness is much appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1737598212198,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-novel-sets/9067320/","projectTitle":"Classroom Novel Sets","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9779190"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":8489689,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in making our guitar project a reality! The arrival of the guitars has transformed our music program and created an incredible buzz in the classroom. When the students first saw the instruments, their faces lit up with joy and amazement. Many of them had never even held a guitar before, so the excitement was palpable. It was a truly heartwarming moment to witness.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the guitars, we've been diving into the basics of playing—learning simple chords, strumming techniques, and even composing our own short songs. One specific highlight was when a group of students worked together to play \"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star\" in sync. The pride they felt after performing for their peers was immeasurable, and it was amazing to see their confidence grow.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, the students are preparing for a class recital where they will perform pieces they've been practicing. This project has not only given them access to instruments but also a chance to explore creativity, teamwork, and discipline. Your support has opened up a world of musical possibilities for these young learners, and I can't thank you enough for making this experience possible!","fullyFundedDate":1729184245119,"projectUrl":"project/strumming-for-success/8489689/","projectTitle":"Strumming for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"},{"teacherId":8930364,"projectId":8489697,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity and music exploration! The guitars you provided have not only brought joy and excitement to my students but have also opened doors to new skills, confidence, and self-expression.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the students walked into the classroom and saw the guitars, their faces lit up with awe and curiosity. One student exclaimed, \"I've always wanted to play the guitar, but I never thought I'd get the chance!\" Since then, we've dived into the basics of playing chords and learning simple melodies, and the progress they've made in such a short time has been incredible. A highlight so far has been a small group project where students worked together to compose their own song. Watching them collaborate, share ideas, and proudly perform their creations was truly inspiring.\r\n\r\nThese guitars have also sparked a deeper interest in music and teamwork. Many students are practicing daily, eager to build on their skills. Our next steps include integrating the guitars into broader lessons, like using music to complement storytelling and performing at a school showcase. This experience is helping students discover talents they didn't know they had and fostering a lifelong love for music.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students this amazing opportunity to learn, grow, and shine. Your support has truly made a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1726403785941,"projectUrl":"project/strumming-for-success-left-handed-editi/8489697/","projectTitle":"Strumming for Success: Left Handed Edition","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erpelding","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8930364_orig.jpg?crop=945,945,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673897404640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8930364"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_75964","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":495,"numTeachers":16,"percentFrplEligible":71,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":24,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":71,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"30.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":61.5,"schoolId":75964,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Round Lake - Brewster Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Round Lake - Brewster Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/round-lake-brewster-school-district/brewster-school/75964"}