{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"The Learning Center","outOfStateSupporters":56.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9747957,"projectId":9371830,"letterContent":"Flexible chairs in classrooms have improved student engagement, focus, and collaboration by giving students choice in their seating, which increases their sense of ownership and allows them to find a learning environment that suits their needs. They also promote physical health through movement and develop essential skills like problem-solving, autonomy, and empathy. \r\n\r\nSince the implementation of flexible chairs, students have had control over their learning space, which seemed to increase their motivation, responsibility, and sense of ownership over their education.\r\n\r\nI can't thank you enough for your generous gift to the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758202900263,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-chair-seating/9371830/","projectTitle":"Flexible Chair Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blair","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9747957_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726516367256","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9747957"},{"teacherId":9747957,"projectId":9688365,"letterContent":"It's with profound gratitude that my students and I thank you for your generosity in giving to our biology classroom. As the teacher, I've made sure students can experience lessons where they've used their hands and applied the knowledge they learned about specific science concepts. Engaging students in the learning process helped them understand concepts more thoroughly and helped them retain the information. My class has really enjoyed engaging in hands-on lessons and activities, and students' formal and summative assessment scores have drastically increased since incorporating them into lesson planning. I can't thank you enough for your generosity in donating. Again, thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1758202779591,"projectUrl":"project/osmosis-stem-activities/9688365/","projectTitle":"Osmosis STEM Activities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blair","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9747957_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726516367256","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9747957"},{"teacherId":9747957,"projectId":9292037,"letterContent":"My science classes are extremely grateful for your support and for filling our classroom with a wealth of materials that enable visual representations, hands-on labs, and demonstrations. \r\nBefore your donation, students were unable to grasp many science concepts. For example, during our unit on chemical reactions, students were unable to understand pH levels in acids and bases. They struggled to understand the differences in pH levels and methods of indicating whether a substance was an acid or a base.\r\nWith the resources you donated, our class was able to complete a hands-on lab where we were able to directly work with acids and bases, and use the pH indicators to determine the level of 7 substances: soap, lemon juice, ammonia, water, milk, vinegar, and Sprite. Red cabbage juice was used as the indicator.\r\nAfter this lab, students were excited. and were able to successfully answer questions related to the concepts. They asked, \"When can we do another lab?\" \r\nWe can not thank you enough for your generous support that helped brighten my students way of learning and thinking.","fullyFundedDate":1755702123495,"projectUrl":"project/got-science-it-matters/9292037/","projectTitle":"Got Science? It Matters!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blair","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9747957_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726516367256","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9747957"},{"teacherId":10009710,"projectId":9306209,"letterContent":"The generous grant from the Donors Choose has had a profound impact on my physical education classroom. It has transformed it into a more engaging, energized, and supportive environment for all my students. Before receiving the donation, many of our activities were limited by a lack of proper equipment and resources. Now, with the wide variety of materials provided, I can offer a richer, more well-rounded experience that meets not only the physical needs of my students but also their social and emotional development.\r\nThe nutritional snacks such as chips, cookies, water, and juices have given my students a sense of care and encouragement. For many of them, these snacks serve as a simple but powerful motivator to participate fully in class, while also addressing the very real issue of hunger that can distract them from learning and activity. It has been remarkable to see the way a small snack after class or during a break can lift their spirits, recharge their energy, and make them feel valued.\r\nThe addition of playground balls and equipment has completely changed the dynamic of our physical activities. Footballs, kickballs, and soccer balls allow us to rotate through a variety of games, keeping students excited and preventing monotony. With the new storage bag, these items are easy to organize and protect, which ensures they last longer and remain accessible. The ability to offer different sports and activities has also allowed me to teach important skills like teamwork, communication, and strategy in ways that were not possible before.\r\nBeyond physical activity, the inclusion of games like Connect 4 has provided a unique way to incorporate teamwork and critical thinking into the classroom. These activities give students opportunities to bond outside of traditional sports, building relationships and encouraging friendly competition in a positive environment. Additionally the posters have added a finishing touch by brightening our space with motivating and educational visuals, creating a more welcoming and inspiring atmosphere that students are proud to walk into.\r\nOverall, this grant has made my classroom more than just a place for exercise—it has become a space where students can grow, feel supported, and develop healthy habits. The donor's generosity has enriched our program in countless ways, and the positive effects are visible in the energy, smiles, and enthusiasm my students now bring to every class.","fullyFundedDate":1746786147793,"projectUrl":"project/pass-the-ball/9306209/","projectTitle":"Pass The Ball!","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10009710"},{"teacherId":10007593,"projectId":9290741,"letterContent":"The students and I are using the new resources to help learn more effective ways to handle the challenges they face at school and in their personal life.\r\nThe fish aquarium provides a soothing environment. Students enjoy watching the fish swim, it provides a calming way to help students regulate their breathing. The aquarium helps my students manage feelings of anxiety, frustration, and overstimulation. \r\nThe futon, rug, and fidget manipulatives, and coloring book provide a non-verbal relaxing experience that helps my students regulate their emotions when they are feeling overwhelmed.","fullyFundedDate":1745971309146,"projectUrl":"project/a-soft-place-to-land/9290741/","projectTitle":"A Soft Place To Land","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10007593"},{"teacherId":4948066,"projectId":9302332,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding my project. As a Special Education teacher, I have limited resources to assess my students' needs, academically. Currently, I work in an alternative school. The enrollment is low (right now), but will increase within the year. When that happens, I will be prepared to collect baseline data, using the materials that you funded.\r\n\r\nWith the few IEP students that I have, the materials have allowed me to assess them, academically, as well as provide them reading materials during their down time. My students with learning disabilities can work independently with little to no distractions through the use of the headphones.","fullyFundedDate":1747598055694,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-new-look/9302332/","projectTitle":"New Year, New Look!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. GILLESPIE","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4948066_orig.jpg?crop=1243,1243,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746556948944","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4948066"},{"teacherId":546485,"projectId":9307375,"letterContent":"Representation matters in many places, but it especially matters in a classroom library. My students really enjoy finding themselves in a book. I have overheard students talking about characters that remind them of their friends and family or even themselves. \r\n\r\nI give my students time to read their independent choice books everyday, and this practice has lead to students reading more outside of school because they were invested in the story and didn't want to stop reading. There are plenty of things that we have to read, but allowing my students to read books of their own choosing makes during class, has made them less reluctant about reading the mandatory texts. \r\n\r\nAll of my students appreciate the wide variety of books in our classroom, from genre and style of writing to subject matter that really hits home. Having more book options to chose from makes for empathetic, well-rounded readers.","fullyFundedDate":1747497456577,"projectUrl":"project/books-like-me/9307375/","projectTitle":"Books Like Me","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Willis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp546485_orig.jpg?crop=979,979,x127,y349&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1702926350422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/546485"},{"teacherId":9714005,"projectId":9285845,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to Snack Corner. Students used to come in class complaining about being hungry, but now they can request a snack from me. No student should come to school hungry. Being hungry prevented the students from focusing in class and completing assignments. A couple of students are cranky in the morning because they are hungry. One student said that he was glad that I had Pops, Frost Flakes, Apple Jacks cereal for breakfast since he does not eat pork. He knows that he can come to my classroom to get breakfast. Breakfast is the most important mean of the day. Again, thank you so much.","fullyFundedDate":1746787053557,"projectUrl":"project/snack-corner/9285845/","projectTitle":"Snack Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Doyle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9714005"},{"teacherId":9714005,"projectId":9260650,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to the Bright Readers book club. My students were so excited. Since the students were able to select the books to read, it made it more personal. The club gave the students the opportunity to enhance their reading comprehension, critical thinking, and social skills. They can articulate their thoughts and ideas. Discussing with their peers helped each one to clarify confusing points. It also exposed them to new vocabulary words to expand their word knowledge. The book \"Try Out\" is the book the students are reading. The students suggested to do a poem with their name and write down words that describe their personality. The shy students expressed their opinions, asked questions, and engaged in dialogue. The students suggested new activities to do along with the book. Since the book is about trying out for cheerleading, a few students suggested that they come up with a cheer to perform. Others suggested to bring in different types of food to try from different culture. Another student shared how she felt coming to Starkville and a new school. She explained that she was scared and miss her friends. She explained that she has new friends, and she enjoyed being in Starkville school. Again, thank you so much.","fullyFundedDate":1745677786359,"projectUrl":"project/bright-readers/9260650/","projectTitle":"Bright Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Doyle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9714005"},{"teacherId":546485,"projectId":9291426,"letterContent":"Our Fresh Start Station and Snack Shack are an enormous hit at our school. Our students know where they can go for emergency personal hygiene supplies and that has made all the difference for them. One student even told how being able to go to one of our stations for deodorant or a snack makes it easier to relax at school. \r\n\r\nStudents are mindful of only taking what they need and remind one another to not be greedy with the snacks. Learning is hard on an empty stomach, the Snack Shack really allows students to lean into their assignments while enjoying a Poptart or a bowl of cereal.\r\n\r\nWe are all thankful for your kind and generous contributions, and we will find ways to keep our storage cabinets filled with treasures for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1746787180378,"projectUrl":"project/storing-up-treasures/9291426/","projectTitle":"Storing Up Treasures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Willis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp546485_orig.jpg?crop=979,979,x127,y349&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1702926350422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/546485"},{"teacherId":546485,"projectId":9235542,"letterContent":"A lot of times in English classrooms we have no say in the texts we read. We are assigned to read novels, plays, memoirs, and speeches that we have no true connection with. In my classroom, I try to help my students make book connections before I ask them to read the mandatory texts. Students in the alternative school setting are placed with us for 45 to 90 days and many of them have already made up their minds that they are not readers, that reading is boring, that they just don't like to read. My theory is if you don't like to read, maybe you just haven't read the right book or found the right genre. For that reason, I attempt to have the largest possible variety of books possible. Our library has picture books, cookbooks, comic books, graphic novels, books in a series, banned books, novels in verse, and books written by authors from all walks of life. I ask my students to trust me to help them find a book that they can enjoy, and when that connection is made, it is something akin to magic. \r\nWe've been back in school since July 23rd, we are in our 4th week together and most of my students are on their second independent reading novel. My students are talking to one another and to other teachers about the books they are reading. Reading is becoming a part of our culture. Book connections are being made.","fullyFundedDate":1743861514705,"projectUrl":"project/the-book-connection/9235542/","projectTitle":"The Book Connection","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Willis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp546485_orig.jpg?crop=979,979,x127,y349&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1702926350422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/546485"},{"teacherId":546485,"projectId":9221975,"letterContent":"Thanks to you, my students and I have four new bookcases in our classroom library. Our library is the focal point of our classroom. When guests enter our room, they always compliment our incredible library. Other teachers come to our room and talk about wanting to stay and read with us because the atmosphere is so inviting and really makes you want to choose a book and sit awhile. \r\nMy students came back from summer break and they could not believe the transformation. When they left for summer break most of our books were in boxes or stacked on top of our other bookshelves because there simply was no more room on the shelves. They were floored, and impressed that my family and I spend part of our summer putting together bookshelves and organizing books. \r\nWe are reading, writing, and thinking every day, and we are so grateful to be able to do it surrounded by such a beautiful library. One of my students made a beeline for the sports section on the first day of school and he has already read two books, one on Kareem Adul-Jabbar and another on Muhammad Ali. Our library is well organized now, and it is so much easier for students to find what they are looking for.","fullyFundedDate":1744676863885,"projectUrl":"project/were-overbooked-a-library-project/9221975/","projectTitle":"We're Over'book'ed (a Library Project)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Willis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp546485_orig.jpg?crop=979,979,x127,y349&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1702926350422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/546485"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_8631","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":100,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":66,"percentWhite":29,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":43.1,"schoolId":8631,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about The Learning Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"The Learning Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/mississippi/starkville-oktibbeha-school-district/overstreet-elementary-school/8631"}