{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Orchard Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7594854,"projectId":10062813,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of unit building blocks, garages, cars, and people to our preschool classroom. Your kindness has already made a meaningful impact on my students and their learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement in the room was immediate. The students gathered around as we opened the boxes, and their eyes lit up when they saw the blocks and accessories. Many of them immediately began talking about what they wanted to build houses, tall towers, roads, and entire cities. It was wonderful to see their creativity spark right away.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the materials, our block center has become one of the most active areas in the classroom. Students have been working together to build neighborhoods with garages for the cars and homes for the people. One day, a small group of students worked together to build a \"city.\" They carefully stacked the unit blocks to make buildings and then used the cars to drive along the \"roads\" they created between them. They even added people into their structures and began acting out stories about where the people were going and what they were doing in the city. Moments like this show how these materials encourage imagination, cooperation, and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nYour donation has truly enriched our classroom and provided meaningful opportunities for play-based learning. Thank you for giving my students materials that inspire creativity, collaboration, and joyful learning every day.","fullyFundedDate":1769627237917,"projectUrl":"project/construct-create-collaborate/10062813/","projectTitle":"Construct, Create, Collaborate","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hexum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7594854_orig.jpg?crop=881,881,x1200,y233&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747775874818","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7594854"},{"teacherId":9704307,"projectId":9738857,"letterContent":"The implementation of math slides has fundamentally transformed the visual clarity and pacing of our daily lessons. By using meticulously designed slides, I can present complex geometric proofs and algebraic transformations with a precision that hand-drawn diagrams simply cannot match. This consistency allows students to focus their cognitive energy on the mathematical concepts themselves rather than deciphering handwriting. The ability to use color-coding to highlight like terms or specific variables has proven especially effective for my visual learners, making the abstract nature of math feel much more tangible and organized.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, these slides have significantly increased student engagement through interactive and multimodal elements. Instead of a static lecture, our lessons now feature embedded digital manipulatives and step-by-step animations that \"unfold\" a problem in real-time. This layered approach prevents students from feeling overwhelmed, as they are only processed one piece of information at a time. The integration of quick checks and \"stop and think\" prompts within the slide deck has fostered a more participatory environment, where students feel more confident contributing to discussions and showing their work to the class.\r\n\r\nFinally, the use of math slides has provided a vital scaffold for independent learning and accessibility. Because these decks are shared digitally after the lesson, students who struggle with processing speed or those who were absent can revisit the material at their own pace. This creates a reliable reference point for homework and exam preparation, reducing math anxiety across the board. By streamlining the delivery of information, I have been able to reclaim valuable class time for small-group interventions and hands-on problem-solving, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and high-achieving mathematical community.","fullyFundedDate":1764788484285,"projectUrl":"project/engaging-math-for-busy-second-graders/9738857/","projectTitle":"Engaging Math for Busy Second Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Levandoski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9704307"},{"teacherId":9555764,"projectId":9943034,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and our entire classroom, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of the LED boards and stools. Your kindness has already made a meaningful difference in our daily learning experience.\r\nThe stools have quickly become a favorite in our classroom. Students are using them frequently during lessons, small group activities, and independent work time. They've added both comfort and flexibility to our learning environment, helping students stay engaged and focused.\r\nThe LED boards have also been an incredible resource. Students have been using them to practice writing their letters and building words, and the excitement they bring to literacy activities has been wonderful to see. The boards make learning interactive and fun, encouraging students to participate and take pride in their progress.\r\nYour generosity is directly supporting our students' growth and confidence, and we are truly grateful for your investment in their education. Thank you for helping us create a more engaging and supportive classroom environment.","fullyFundedDate":1765559888093,"projectUrl":"project/ready-to-sit-ready-to-write-ready-to-l/9943034/","projectTitle":"Ready to Sit, Ready to Write, Ready to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vennes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9555764_orig.jpg?crop=2045,2045,x7,y331&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764777799475","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/s-vennes"},{"teacherId":5390475,"projectId":9925823,"letterContent":"I want to extent a special thank you for helping make Christmas so magical for my students at Orchard Elementary. With your support I was able to gift all of my K-5 students a book for Christmas to go with thier stuffed animal. The joy in their eyes spoke volumes!\r\n\r\nThe majority of my students do not have books at home and many have not been read to at home. Leaving for the holiday break is often stressful for many of our students at Orchard Elementary. Allowing them to take a book home and keep them busy over the holiday was such a gift. We spent time reading around the Christmas tree the day before break and it truly was so magical.\r\n\r\nIt is such a blessing to have donors like you who support education. It really is the people who value and support education that help shape our future. Thank you so much for your donation and everything you do. It means so much!","fullyFundedDate":1764699492305,"projectUrl":"project/the-christmas-gift-of-joy-reading/9925823/","projectTitle":"The Christmas Gift of Joy: Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Welch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5390475_orig.jpg?crop=2664,2664,x0,y443&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741800065065","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5390475"},{"teacherId":9704307,"projectId":8698757,"letterContent":"I wanted to share a heartfelt thank you for your generous donation of whiteboards to our classroom. In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, having a physical space to brainstorm, sketch, and collaborate has made a world of difference for my students.\r\n\r\nHow we are using them:\r\n\r\nCollaborative Problem Solving: The boards have become a hub for small groups to work through math problems and coding logic together, fostering teamwork and communication.\r\n\r\nRisk-Free Learning: There is something magical about a dry-erase marker; it gives students the freedom to make mistakes, erase them, and try again without the \"permanence\" of paper.\r\n\r\nYour support doesn't just provide us with supplies; it provides my students with the tools to think like engineers and innovators. Thank you for investing in our classroom and our future.","fullyFundedDate":1724624969791,"projectUrl":"project/showing-our-learning/8698757/","projectTitle":"Showing Our Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Levandoski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9704307"},{"teacherId":5390475,"projectId":9556843,"letterContent":"I want to send a special thank you to let you know how much your donation and support to my classroom means! As a Title teacher I only have each K-5 group for 30 minutes to work on foundational reading and writing skills. I thrive to make my classroom an enjoyable space for students. Reading and writing are areas in which my students already stuggle, so having an enjoyable, cozy and inviting space to come is key.\r\n\r\nMy students were overjoyed to have new seating options. I have worked with many of the same students for several years, so having something different in our space was so fun! These stools not only rock side to side, back and forth but can also be turned upside down to use as a solid stool that does not move. They are perfection!\r\n\r\nHaving donors like you who appreciate education truly makes the difference for our future. Your kindness and willingness to give does not go unnoticed and means more to us educators than you know. It was the best early Christmas gift I could have recieved for our classroom.Thank you so much for all your continued support. Merry Christmas!","fullyFundedDate":1764036908315,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-readers-and-writers/9556843/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Readers and Writers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Welch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5390475_orig.jpg?crop=2664,2664,x0,y443&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741800065065","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5390475"},{"teacherId":9555764,"projectId":9406625,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom. Your donation enabled us to add a new rug to our learning space, and it has truly made a difference!\r\n\r\nThe students absolutely love gathering on the rug during small group time. It has created a comfortable, inviting area where each student can have their own space to focus, learn, and connect with peers. Whether we're reading together, sharing ideas, or practicing new skills, the rug has quickly become a favorite spot in our classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped make our classroom a more welcoming and engaging environment for learning. We are so grateful for your kindness and investment in our students' success.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt thanks,","fullyFundedDate":1750293950573,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-create-a-cozy-learning-space/9406625/","projectTitle":"Help Us Create a Cozy Learning Space!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vennes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9555764_orig.jpg?crop=2045,2045,x7,y331&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764777799475","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/s-vennes"},{"teacherId":5390475,"projectId":9158362,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping fund this project for my classroom! It is amazing to have people who value and support education. Seeing this project funded was the best gift to end Teacher Appreciation week.\r\n\r\nHaving a Cricut has been able to help organize and label our classroom. So far I have used it to create a Birthday Bulletin Board and a space for our Learning Intensions. I can not wait to use the Cricut to customize student materials and create personalized gifts for holidays, incentives and other celebrations. I appreciate you making a difference and helping support teachers and students!","fullyFundedDate":1746787004380,"projectUrl":"project/cricut-explosion-student-organization-/9158362/","projectTitle":"Cricut Explosion! Student Organization + Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Welch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5390475_orig.jpg?crop=2664,2664,x0,y443&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741800065065","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5390475"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_78793","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":290,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":44,"percentIndigenous":20,"percentLatinx":19,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":65.3,"schoolId":78793,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Orchard Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Orchard Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/montana/billings-school-district-2/orchard-elementary-school/78793"}