{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Olive Branch Intermediate School","outOfStateSupporters":42.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3616925,"projectId":9552800,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my classroom. I teach gifted students. We often use thinking games to build and challenge thinking and problem solving skills. Since many of my students are neurodivergent, these games also help with communication and social skills. \r\n\r\nThese games give opportunities for leadership as well. Since many of the games that I purchased are unfamiliar to the students, students are assigned a game to read and learn how to play with the task of teaching others.\r\n\r\nYour donation allowed be to add to my collection of classroom thinking games. This gives more students the opportunity to play at one time and gives students more choice in what games they would like to play. \r\n\r\nWe (my students and I) greatly appreciate your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1757715358039,"projectUrl":"project/games-for-the-brain/9552800/","projectTitle":"Games for the Brain","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Plunk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3616925_orig.jpg?crop=2048,2048,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718510907472","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lplunk"},{"teacherId":9426852,"projectId":9776631,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for your generous support in helping bring our classroom treasure box project to life! My students have been thrilled to see the new incentives and rewards for their positive behavior and academic growth. From the moment they saw the treasure box filled with fun items like stickers, small toys, and school supplies, their eyes lit up with excitement. They couldn't wait to start earning their way toward a prize, and it has truly motivated them to stay focused, work hard, and show kindness toward one another.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the treasure box as part of our classroom management and positive behavior system. Students earn points and tickets for showing responsibility, following classroom expectations, completing assignments on time, and demonstrating our class values of respect and teamwork. Each Friday, students have the chance to visit the treasure box, and it's quickly become one of the most anticipated parts of our week. I've noticed an increase in participation, effort, and overall enthusiasm for learning since introducing these rewards.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our lessons in English Language Arts and Social Studies, I can see how these incentives are helping build a stronger classroom community. Students are more engaged and eager to support one another, which has created a positive and encouraging learning environment. Thanks to your kindness, my students are not only learning academics—they are learning that effort, perseverance, and good character truly pay","fullyFundedDate":1760921552374,"projectUrl":"project/incentives-for-grades-and-positive-behav/9776631/","projectTitle":"Incentives for Grades and Positive Behavior!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Drury","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9426852_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704846752747","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-adrury"},{"teacherId":9575297,"projectId":9012292,"letterContent":"Our class has been so excited to dive into the new resources! Recently, we used them during a hands-on project where students worked in small groups to explore real-world applications of what we've been learning. The materials gave them the chance to not only practice skills but also to collaborate and think creatively. For example, one group used the new tools to design a mini-presentation, while another group built models to show their understanding. It help the students to different impact. They will see.","fullyFundedDate":1746480919768,"projectUrl":"project/interactive-games-for-engaged-minds/9012292/","projectTitle":"Interactive Games for Engaged Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Warren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9575297_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721237210706","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9575297"},{"teacherId":3616925,"projectId":9039213,"letterContent":"My students were so excited to see that we had books about chess. They absolutely love the game and always want to know how to be better players. It has been so much fun watching them find new strategies and try them out when we practice in the classroom. I have also learned a few new strategies that have helped me become better as I teach them to play this wonderful game. \r\n\r\nThe chess timers we received are very nice. My students continue to comment about how nice they are compared to what we have had in the past. Chess timers are what help us to prepare for our school district's chess tournament. Since timers are used in competition, the students must get used to using them as they play. Having reliable chess timers that work consistently helps us to mimic the tournament environment in the classroom. They will feel so much more confident as they participate in this high stress environment.\r\n\r\nChess is a game that prepares students for life long after they graduate from school. They are learning to make strategic decisions and think under pressure. We are all so thankful to each of you who donated to my classroom. Your kindness has made an impact that will be remembered for a lifetime.","fullyFundedDate":1746498006631,"projectUrl":"project/check-mate-using-chess-to-challenge-lea/9039213/","projectTitle":"Check Mate: Using Chess to Challenge Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Plunk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3616925_orig.jpg?crop=2048,2048,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718510907472","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lplunk"},{"teacherId":9426852,"projectId":9337752,"letterContent":"Thank you for all of your loyal support to my classroom. The support goes a long way in making my classroom successful. The more successful my classroom the more successful I am as a teacher. All the treasure box items will be used to help encourage my student to strive for success. Students will earn these items for positive behavior, good grades, and hard work. When students earn rewards they work harder, and strive to make better grades and work hard for positive behavior. Thank you again for all of your support!","fullyFundedDate":1749601820635,"projectUrl":"project/happys-for-hard-work/9337752/","projectTitle":"Happy’s for Hard Work!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Drury","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9426852_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704846752747","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-adrury"},{"teacherId":5617690,"projectId":8766345,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the donation to my project. It was hugely impactful and beneficial toward my students. Students often use technology in the classroom; and it is an awesome way to help students learn. My students use technology to code, create, graphic design and so much more. This project was not only technology based but also some of that old-fashioned, yet awesome learning. I was able to purchase logic puzzles and units with this project. I was able to purchase amazing resources about Egypt and Flight. This added to the rich learning in my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1727203643966,"projectUrl":"project/resources-for-units/8766345/","projectTitle":"Resources for Units","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stephanie Montgomery","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5617690_orig.jpg?crop=278,278,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741299837361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/stephanie-montgomery"},{"teacherId":5617690,"projectId":8844377,"letterContent":"I was in great need of more book options for my classroom. The books that were purchased from this project were books that my students actually requested. That makes me and my students so happy that I was able to fulfill the need through Donors Choose. My students really enjoy reading books about a variety of topics and that need was met. My students are allowed to read at their tables, on rugs and on a bench I have in the classroom. Reading is done everyday in my room when students finish assignments early. This gave my students so many needed options. I am grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1734316818945,"projectUrl":"project/books-galore-for-my-students/8844377/","projectTitle":"Books Galore for my Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stephanie Montgomery","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5617690_orig.jpg?crop=278,278,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741299837361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/stephanie-montgomery"},{"teacherId":9426852,"projectId":8988464,"letterContent":"The Impact of Indoor Games on My Classroom\r\n\r\nAs a first-year educator teaching 5th-grade ELA and Social Studies, I have quickly learned that engaging students requires creativity, intentional planning, and strategies that support both learning and classroom community. Incorporating indoor games into the classroom has had, and will continue to have, a profound impact on my students' academic success, social development, and overall enthusiasm for learning.\r\n\r\nOne of the most notable benefits of indoor games is their ability to create a sense of excitement and engagement in the classroom. Many students thrive when lessons are presented in an interactive, hands-on format. For instance, using games like vocabulary bingo or \"Jeopardy\" for reviewing Social Studies content allows students to practice essential skills in a fun, low-stakes environment. These games not only reinforce learning but also help students to retain information more effectively by associating it with enjoyable experiences. This approach shifts the classroom dynamic from passive to active learning, as students eagerly participate, collaborate, and compete in ways that deepen their understanding of the material.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, indoor games foster social skills and teamwork, which are essential for 5th graders' personal and academic development. Many of my students are at a stage where they are learning to navigate relationships with peers and work effectively in groups. By incorporating games that require teamwork—such as trivia challenges or escape-room-style puzzles—I have noticed students becoming more comfortable communicating, negotiating, and solving problems collaboratively. These skills are especially important as they prepare for the transition to middle school and beyond. Games encourage students to practice active listening, share their ideas, and celebrate each other's contributions, building a stronger classroom community.\r\n\r\nIndoor games also serve as a tool for differentiation. In a classroom with diverse learners, games provide opportunities to meet students where they are. For example, word-building games like Scrabble or Boggle can be tailored to different skill levels, allowing advanced students to challenge themselves while providing struggling students with manageable entry points. Similarly, history-based role-playing games can bring Social Studies content to life for students who might otherwise find traditional lectures less engaging. This flexibility ensures that all students feel included and supported, fostering confidence in their abilities.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, I plan to continue expanding the use of indoor games to address areas such as critical thinking and emotional regulation. Strategy-based games, like chess or logic puzzles, can teach students to think critically, plan ahead, and persevere through challenges. Since my son Isaac has found success with chess, I believe incorporating it into my classroom can inspire students to develop similar skills while fostering a love for the game. Additionally, games with mindfulness elements, like \"Feelings Charades,\" can help students better understand and manage their emotions, contributing to a positive and supportive classroom culture.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, indoor games are more than just a way to pass time—they are an essential tool for promoting academic growth, social development, and emotional well-being. By continuing to integrate games into my teaching practices, I aim to create an environment where students are motivated, engaged, and equipped with the skills they need to succeed inside and outside the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1736987248812,"projectUrl":"project/games-for-indoor-recess/8988464/","projectTitle":"Games for Indoor Recess","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Drury","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9426852_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704846752747","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-adrury"},{"teacherId":9426852,"projectId":9014582,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping build my classroom library! I was able to add book my students wanted along with books my students don't normally want to read. I appreciate your help for my classroom as well as my students! Thank you for you support! These books will not only branch my students knowledge but encourage them to read outside their comfort zone! Many students are drawn to graphic novels, and this project allowed me to bring other books to my library for my students. It also allowed me to bring my students bookmarks to properly place in book so they are not turning pages to mark places. Thank you again for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1735421984427,"projectUrl":"project/expanding-classroom-library/9014582/","projectTitle":"Expanding Classroom Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Drury","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9426852_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704846752747","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-adrury"},{"teacherId":9575297,"projectId":8709660,"letterContent":"My students have thoroughly enjoyed using the whiteboard as part of our daily classroom activities. It has quickly become one of the most engaging tools for learning, transforming lessons into dynamic, interactive experiences. The whiteboard allows students to actively participate in their education while fostering collaboration with their peers. Whether they are solving math problems, brainstorming ideas, or explaining their thought processes, this hands-on tool encourages them to take ownership of their learning. Students love coming up to the board to demonstrate their knowledge, and it has helped build their confidence in ways that traditional methods cannot replicate. The excitement and enthusiasm they show when using the whiteboard are contagious, creating a lively and energetic classroom environment that enhances their engagement and productivity.","fullyFundedDate":1729953285100,"projectUrl":"project/math-material/8709660/","projectTitle":"Math Material","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Warren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9575297_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721237210706","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9575297"},{"teacherId":9426852,"projectId":8810157,"letterContent":"I hope this letter finds you well and surrounded by the joy that comes from knowing the difference you've made in the lives of others. As a first-year teacher, I entered my 5th-grade classroom filled with excitement, determination, and a vision to create an environment that fosters curiosity, growth, and a lifelong love of learning. Thanks to your incredible generosity, I am one step closer to realizing this dream.\r\n\r\nExpanding my classroom library has been a goal since I began my teaching journey. Books are more than just words on a page; they are keys that unlock doors to new worlds, ideas, and opportunities. They encourage my students to dream big, think critically, and see themselves in stories that reflect their own lives. With your support, my students now have access to a wealth of literature that sparks their imaginations and encourages them to explore the world beyond the classroom walls.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has made a tangible and immediate impact. Watching my students' faces light up as they browse the new additions to our library has been one of the most rewarding moments of my teaching career. For some, these books represent their first opportunity to discover characters and stories they can relate to. For others, they are a chance to delve into genres they've never explored before. Every single book you've helped provide is a steppingstone on my students' journey toward greater literacy and self-confidence.\r\n\r\nIn today's digital world, fostering a love for reading is more important than ever. Strong reading skills are the foundation for academic success and lifelong learning, and the books you've helped provide are the building blocks of that foundation. Beyond academics, reading helps children develop empathy, resilience, and a broader understanding of the world. By expanding my classroom library, you have given my students the tools to grow both intellectually and emotionally.\r\n\r\nYour support also reminds my students of the kindness and generosity that exist in the world. When I explain to them that these books were made possible by people who care about their education and future, they are filled with gratitude. They understand that they are part of a larger community that values them and believes in their potential, which is a powerful motivator for young minds.\r\n\r\nAs I continue to grow in my teaching career, I will carry this experience with me as a reminder of the incredible difference that thoughtful, compassionate individuals can make. Please know that your contribution has not only enriched my classroom but has also inspired me to strive for excellence in all that I do for my students.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your kindness and generosity. You have planted seeds of curiosity and knowledge that will grow for years to come. My students and I are forever grateful, and we hope you take pride in knowing the profound impact you've made.","fullyFundedDate":1733298221797,"projectUrl":"project/expand-our-classroom-library/8810157/","projectTitle":"Expand Our Classroom Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Drury","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9426852_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704846752747","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-adrury"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_9919","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":439,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":61,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":44,"percentWhite":33,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":5,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"4 - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":57.6,"schoolId":9919,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Olive Branch Intermediate School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Olive Branch Intermediate School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/mississippi/desoto-co-school-district/olive-branch-intermediate-school/9919"}