{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Cherokee Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":46.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8513700,"projectId":9687918,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generosity in supporting our Pre-K classroom library. Because of your thoughtful contributions, our students now have access to magnetic tiles, magnetic people, DUPLO blocks, and gear-building sets that have truly transformed our learning environment. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in the daily experiences of our young learners.\r\n\r\nSince receiving these materials, our library has been filled with excitement, creativity, and collaboration. Students are using the magnetic tiles and people to build imaginative structures such as homes, schools, and even entire little towns. During one particularly special moment, a small group of students worked together to design a \"community,\" complete with roads, buildings, and families represented by the magnetic figures. They took turns explaining their ideas, solving problems together, and expanding their creation throughout the week. This not only strengthened their creativity but also supported important social and language development skills.\r\n\r\nThe DUPLO blocks have become a favorite during our center time. Students are exploring early engineering concepts as they stack, balance, and design towers and structures. We've incorporated them into lessons by challenging students to build the tallest structure they can or create something that can \"hold\" a small object. These hands-on experiences are helping them understand foundational math and science concepts in a way that feels like play.\r\n\r\nThe gear sets have sparked curiosity and discovery in an entirely new way. Students are fascinated by how the gears connect and move. We've used them during small group instruction to explore cause and effect, as well as simple mechanics. Watching their faces light up when they realize how turning one gear moves another has been a truly rewarding experience.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their reactions were priceless. There were gasps, smiles, and immediate excitement as they eagerly asked, \"Can we play with those?\" and \"What can we build?\" Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it created an instant sense of wonder in the classroom. Many students who are typically quieter became more engaged and eager to participate.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to build on this momentum by incorporating these materials into more structured learning experiences. We are beginning a unit on communities and will use the magnetic tiles and figures to design and discuss different types of buildings and roles within a community. The gears will continue to support our exploration of movement and simple machines, while the DUPLO blocks will be used for collaborative building challenges that encourage teamwork and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only provided materials but has also opened the door to deeper learning, creativity, and joy in our classroom. Thank you for investing in our students and for giving them opportunities to explore, imagine, and grow. Your support truly makes a lasting impact, and we are so thankful for your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1767122627961,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-creations/9687918/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Creations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8513700_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659741937094","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8513700"},{"teacherId":2445900,"projectId":10090891,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping us purchase the Chomp Saw for our classroom STEM projects! Because of you, our students are now able to safely and independently cut cardboard for their engineering designs. The Chomp Saw has completely transformed the way we build and prototype. Instead of waiting for an adult to cut materials, students are confidently measuring, cutting, and adjusting their own pieces as they problem-solve. Recently, during a bridge-building challenge, one group realized their structure was unstable. They eagerly returned to their workspace, re-measured their supports, and used the Chomp Saw to create reinforced beams—demonstrating real-world engineering thinking in action.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the Chomp Saw, their excitement was immediate. Many had never used a classroom tool designed specifically for safe cutting. They were amazed that they could cut cardboard \"all by themselves\" while still following safety guidelines. You could hear the pride in their voices as they carefully lined up their measurements and created clean, straight cuts. It empowered them to take ownership of their projects and boosted their confidence as young engineers.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our next steps include moving into a community-themed design project where students will create small-scale models of playgrounds and community spaces. They will apply measurement, geometry, and design principles while collaborating in teams to solve real-world problems. The Chomp Saw will continue to be an essential tool as they refine prototypes and bring their ideas to life. Thank you for giving our students the opportunity to safely explore, create, and innovate. Your support is making a lasting impact in our STEM classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1770993642080,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-stem-creativity-with-safe-hand/10090891/","projectTitle":"Enhancing STEM Creativity with Safe Hands-On Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hillhouse","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2445900_orig.jpg?crop=446,446,x1,y82&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1564338475651","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kphillipsideas"},{"teacherId":1542428,"projectId":9366450,"letterContent":"On behalf of our preschool class, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support in funding our basic supplies request. Thanks to you, our students now have the essential tools they need to explore, create, and learn each day.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, our classroom is filled with foundational items that are truly necessary in early childhood education. These supplies may seem simple, but they play a powerful role in helping children develop fine motor skills, express their creativity, build early literacy, and engage in hands-on, joyful learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the importance of early childhood education. We are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1757512344619,"projectUrl":"project/teacher-basics/9366450/","projectTitle":"Teacher Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Parker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kparker-muirhead"},{"teacherId":4266194,"projectId":9181419,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of Crayola Color Sticks, bold and fine line markers, Ticonderoga pencils, and cap erasers. Your contribution has made a significant and immediate impact in our classroom. The day the materials arrived, the students were buzzing with excitement. There were audible gasps of delight as they saw the vibrant colors and sharp, new pencils. The Ticonderoga pencils and erasers were a huge help and allowed students to get their ideas out first, allowing them to make changes and refine their work before committing with the colorful markers. This new level of artistic freedom and quality has truly elevated their creative expression.\r\n\r\nThe new supplies have not only brought a renewed sense of creativity but have also deepened our classroom lessons. These types of cross-curricular projects and integration of art into lessons wouldn't be possible without your support, which has given my students the high-quality tools they need to express themselves. On behalf of my entire class, thank you again for being a vital part of our learning journey and helping to foster a love for both learning and art.\r\n\r\nSincerely,","fullyFundedDate":1746787210112,"projectUrl":"project/color-our-world/9181419/","projectTitle":"Color Our World!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cumbest","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4266194_orig.jpg?crop=2556,2556,x0,y579&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632407799631","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4266194"},{"teacherId":4266194,"projectId":5852726,"letterContent":"My students and I are immensely grateful for your generous support, which will brought a Flashforge 3D printer into our classroom and opened up a world of possibilities for students. Many of you are familiar with technology in a home setting, but may wonder how it translates to educational impact. In our classroom, this 3D printer isn't just a machine; it's a catalyst for deep learning. It allows students to visualize abstract concepts, transforming digital designs into tangible objects. They learn by doing, applying critical thinking to problem-solve design challenges, and collaborate to refine their creations. The sheer excitement surrounding the 3D printer is palpable. Students are thrilled by the ability to bring their ideas to life. Your donation is not just providing a tool; it's providing a pathway to empowerment and future success.","fullyFundedDate":1637792458864,"projectUrl":"project/forging-head-on-into-the-future/5852726/","projectTitle":"Forging Head On Into the Future","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cumbest","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4266194_orig.jpg?crop=2556,2556,x0,y579&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632407799631","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4266194"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_15691","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":185,"numTeachers":19,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":39,"percentWhite":30,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":21,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"9.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":53.7,"schoolId":15691,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Cherokee Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Cherokee Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/mississippi/pascagoula-gautier-school-district/cherokee-elementary-school/15691"}