{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Oak Forest Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":57.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9701820,"projectId":10258501,"letterContent":"Our students have been so excited to use the new sensory resources in our classroom! The sensory tent has become a special calming space where students can take a break, reset, and regulate their emotions when they are feeling overwhelmed. The jellyfish lamp creates a peaceful and inviting atmosphere that students enjoy watching and using as part of their calming routine. The fidget toys have also been a wonderful support for students who benefit from having something to hold or manipulate while listening, working, or transitioning between activities.\r\n\r\nThe sensory tracing pad has been especially exciting because it gives students an engaging, hands-on way to explore different textures while practicing focus and fine-motor skills. We have seen students become more comfortable communicating when they need a break or some sensory input, and they are learning to recognize the tools that help them feel ready to participate. These resources are more than classroom items—they are helping our students feel safe, understood, and confident as they learn and connect with others.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our students access to tools that support their individual sensory and emotional needs. Your generosity has helped us create a classroom where students can learn in ways that work best for them and where every learner has the opportunity to feel successful, included, and valued.","fullyFundedDate":1782621698846,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-unique-learners-through-comfo/10258501/","projectTitle":"Supporting Unique Learners Through Comfort, Communication, and Connection","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rice-Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9701820"},{"teacherId":5151285,"projectId":10174157,"letterContent":"The donations to our \"Nourish to Flourish: A Community Service Project for Student Success\" project have made a wonderful difference in our classroom. The new resources have given my students an opportunity to learn about the importance of helping others while participating in meaningful acts of service. We have used the materials to discuss kindness, compassion, teamwork, and the different ways we can support people in our community. My students were extremely excited when they first saw the donated materials. They immediately began asking questions and sharing ideas about how we could use the resources to help others. Seeing their excitement reminded me that some of the most meaningful learning experiences happen when students can connect what they learn in the classroom to the world around them.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue using this project to help students understand that even at a young age, they can make a positive difference in their community. Students will work together to prepare and organize items for our community service efforts while practicing important skills such as cooperation, responsibility, communication, and problem-solving. We will also reflect on our experiences through classroom discussions and writing activities so students can explain what they learned and how serving others made them feel. Because of your generosity, my students are not only receiving valuable resources—they are learning lifelong lessons about giving, gratitude, and caring for others. Thank you for helping us nourish young minds so they can flourish in the classroom and beyond!","fullyFundedDate":1775075966535,"projectUrl":"project/nourish-to-flourish-a-community-service/10174157/","projectTitle":"Nourish to Flourish: A Community Service Project for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ballinger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5151285_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641189877260","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5151285"},{"teacherId":8538817,"projectId":10174128,"letterContent":"This opportunity gave my students the ability too provide for others. They were able to help and give back to the community they live in. That sense of belonging and pride is something they will hold on to. Within the community scholars see a lot but they don't often get to see themselves as the change needed. However in that moment it was made clear they are the change and what's needed. This simple act can help to changes lives and helps make better human beings for us all. This opportunity wouldn't have been possible had it not been for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1775074180805,"projectUrl":"project/snack-strong-students-serving-students/10174128/","projectTitle":"Snack Strong: Students Serving Students in their School Community","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bell-McReynolds","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8538817_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673197847497","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8538817"},{"teacherId":8607649,"projectId":10174202,"letterContent":"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Our students have enjoyed creating snack bags for those in the community. They were very excited to see all that had been donated to help them complete this activity. They were even more excited to know that the amount of people they would be able to help had increased to more than they expected because of your donation! \r\n As the students were creating the Snack Packs, they expressed how happy the person would be when they received their snacks. They felt good about being able to help others, and they were anxious to know when we would do the activity again. When students return for the next school year, I plan to implement this community service activity again, and to see if we can work in a second one before the next school year ends. \r\n Thank you again for your donations, and for supporting our scholars at Oak Forest Elementary School!","fullyFundedDate":1775076388192,"projectUrl":"project/bites-of-kindness-a-community-service-p/10174202/","projectTitle":"Bites of Kindness: A Community Service Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ates","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8607649_orig.jpg?crop=455,455,x0,y118&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662944202270","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8607649"},{"teacherId":6813177,"projectId":10202955,"letterContent":"I am so grateful to you for your consideration. This project really brought the classroom together by giving students a chance to step up and take the lead. They worked as a team to plan, organize, and put together snack packs, which built their communication, responsibility, and teamwork skills. It also helped them become more aware of others' needs and show more kindness and respect to their peers. Overall, it created a more positive, student-driven classroom environment while helping scholars grow as confident, caring leaders.","fullyFundedDate":1777388153780,"projectUrl":"project/student-leaders-in-community-sevice-fee/10202955/","projectTitle":"Student Leaders in Community Sevice: Feeding Our School Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Steverson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6813177_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748387832511","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6813177"},{"teacherId":7377549,"projectId":9932531,"letterContent":"My gifted scholars completed an innovative unit on creating their own Board Game. This activity was centered around the students using their creative and thinking skills to create their very own board game. Students were extremely excited to use the resources provided to them. \r\n The gifted scholars used the crayola model magic clay to make their game tokens or other game pieces for the board game. The 100 CT WASHABLE SUPER TIPS MARKERS were also utilized to make the landmarks and other features to enhance the visual aspect of their board game. Some students used the chart paper as a blueprint during the planning phase of their creation. \r\n During center time, students used the A&R CO. 3000+ Pcs Arts and Crafts Supplies & Materials for Kids - Ultimate Bulk Craft Kit for Boys & Girls with 99 Activities to create different game prizes for the winners. They also enjoyed the RAINBOW TOYFROG Interlocking Gears Toys for Kids - 100 Piece Kit with Tote - Colorful Manipulatives and Magna tiles for the creation of different structures. \r\n I would love to utilize these materials again to create a marketplace for my gifted scholars, where they can create innovative merchandise to sell and unlock their full potential as entrepreneurs.","fullyFundedDate":1768165257381,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-go-racing-towards-new-innov/9932531/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Go! Racing Towards New Innovations","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7377549_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725337730717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7377549"},{"teacherId":8481750,"projectId":9421580,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of my classroom. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in the daily lives of my students, and I am truly grateful. Because of you, my students have a safe, comfortable, and supportive learning environment where they can feel calm, confident, and ready to learn. Your belief in my students means more than words can express, and your contribution helps them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Thank you for investing in their growth and for helping create a classroom where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to succeed each day.","fullyFundedDate":1758202986752,"projectUrl":"project/refill-the-relaxation-zone/9421580/","projectTitle":"Refill the Relaxation Zone","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jurden-McMullan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8481750_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1681257978483","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8481750"},{"teacherId":5151285,"projectId":9758755,"letterContent":"I want to extend my sincere gratitude for providing our class with the Ninja Slushi experience. What may have seemed like a simple treat quickly became a powerful motivator and a source of joy that truly transformed our classroom environment.\r\nSince introducing the Ninja Slushi, I've seen a remarkable increase in positive behavior. Students are more eager to follow expectations, support one another, and take responsibility for their actions. The excitement surrounding the reward helped reinforce the idea that good choices matter, and it encouraged students to hold themselves to a higher standard.\r\n\r\nEven more meaningful has been the boost in kindness. The Ninja Slushi became more than a fun incentive—it became a shared celebration. Students began cheering for each other, offering help more freely, and showing genuine pride in their classmates' successes. It strengthened our sense of community in a way that was both unexpected and heartwarming.\r\n\r\nAcademically, the impact has been just as impressive. Students have shown increased focus, effort, and perseverance. The promise of earning a Ninja Slushi helped them push through challenges, set goals, and take ownership of their learning. I've watched students who once hesitated now approach their work with confidence and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students something that brought joy, motivation, and unity into our classroom. Your generosity made a real difference, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1759244073503,"projectUrl":"project/ninja-moves-slushie-grooves-a-cool-w/9758755/","projectTitle":"“Ninja Moves & Slushie Grooves: a Cool Way to Learn”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ballinger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5151285_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641189877260","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5151285"},{"teacherId":6813177,"projectId":9379330,"letterContent":"I extend my heartfelt appreciation for your donation to purchase slush syrups for our school. Because of your support, we are able to provide a fun, exciting reward for our scholars through positive behavior incentives.\r\n\r\nYour contribution helps us celebrate students who work hard, make great choices, and positively represent our school community. Something as simple as a sweet slush treat goes a long way—encouraging smiles, building motivation, and reinforcing the belief that great behavior matters.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a culture of respect, responsibility, and joy. Together, we are making great behavior something worth celebrating!","fullyFundedDate":1758202914750,"projectUrl":"project/cool-treats-for-cool-kids-iv/9379330/","projectTitle":"Cool Treats for Cool Kids IV","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Steverson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6813177_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748387832511","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6813177"},{"teacherId":6813177,"projectId":9075208,"letterContent":"Thank you! You have provided the opportunity to fully fund this project, \"Building Confidence\". These incentives will create a love for critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and patience.\r\n\r\nBuilding with building blocks will help with the development of fine motor skills, coordination, spatial awareness, and problem-solving.\r\nAs they manipulate the pieces, they have improved their hand-eye coordination. Constructing various structures also encourages creativity and imaginative play. It also came with a guide to help begin the creative process. I can't thank you enough!","fullyFundedDate":1746699686517,"projectUrl":"project/building-confidence/9075208/","projectTitle":"Building Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Steverson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6813177_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748387832511","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6813177"},{"teacherId":6813177,"projectId":9397346,"letterContent":"I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation that allowed us to purchase a JBL speaker. This gift has already brought so much joy to our scholars and has enhanced the energy and excitement in our school.\r\n\r\n It has made a difference in the way we learn and celebrate together, adding both fun and connection to our school culture.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided more than just equipment—it has given our scholars moments of joy, creativity, and community. Thank you for supporting our school and for helping us create memorable experiences for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1754329203579,"projectUrl":"project/boomn-behavior/9397346/","projectTitle":"Boom’n Behavior","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Steverson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6813177_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748387832511","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6813177"},{"teacherId":6813177,"projectId":9093742,"letterContent":"On behalf of our class, I would like to sincerely thank you for your generous donation to provide books to our classroom library. Your support means so much to our students, as it gives them access to a wider variety of stories, characters, and ideas that inspire a love of reading.\r\n\r\n These books not only spark their imaginations but also help them build confidence as readers and learners. Your kindness has truly made a lasting impact on our classroom, and we are deeply grateful.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and their future. Your contribution will continue to encourage curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for reading.","fullyFundedDate":1742903960441,"projectUrl":"project/catch-creative-imaginations/9093742/","projectTitle":"Catch Creative Imaginations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Steverson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6813177_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748387832511","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6813177"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_14640","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":348,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":97,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":42.1,"schoolId":14640,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Oak Forest Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Oak Forest Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/mississippi/jackson-public-school-district/oak-forest-elementary-school/14640"}