{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Shepherd Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":27.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9732168,"projectId":9196783,"letterContent":"Thank You So Much for Supporting Our Multisensory Learning Cabinet!\r\n\r\nWhen our new multisensory materials arrived, my small reading groups could hardly wait to dive in! The excitement was immediate students were drawn to the colorful letter tiles, tactile word cards, and sensory items like the magnets. Now, each day, our K–5 intervention groups use these tools to bring reading to life. Whether tracing letters on our sandpaper flashcards, building words with magnetic tiles, or tapping out sounds on textured mats, every child is actively engaged in learning through sight, sound, and touch.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was watching a first grader proudly spell and read a tricky word using the letter tiles something that used to bring tears now brought a huge smile. Across all grade levels, my students are showing more confidence, focus, and joy during reading time. These hands-on tools are helping them make connections that finally \"click.\"\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my small group lessons have transformed into exciting, multisensory experiences where struggling readers can feel successful. We'll continue using these materials to reinforce phonics, decoding, and fluency skills through our UFLI Foundations lessons. The next step is helping students apply those same strategies to reading connected text and building comprehension. Your support has made a lasting difference in how our youngest learners see themselves as readers thank you for believing in them!","fullyFundedDate":1746786349150,"projectUrl":"project/multisensory-learning-cabinet-for-readin/9196783/","projectTitle":"Multisensory Learning Cabinet for Reading Intervention","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ogden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9732168_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725565933837","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9732168"},{"teacherId":9777506,"projectId":8819629,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing my class with the flexible seating options! My students were very curious when several large boxes appeared in my classroom. As a class, we had a big unboxing. Once I explained what they were, my students could not wait to start using them! \r\n\r\nIn order to give each student a chance to use the different seating options, I have been drawing sticks to see who gets to use them for the week. Once I have a better idea as to who could ultimately benefit from them, I will have set students use them on a daily basis. Overall, I have seen that most students benefit from using them. Being a first grade teacher, my kiddos have a lot of energy. These seating options allow them to wiggle while completing their work.\r\n\r\nMy students and I cannot thank you enough for your generosity. We appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1733345527749,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating/8819629/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thayer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9777506"},{"teacherId":9732168,"projectId":8744656,"letterContent":"Funding this project has transformed the atmosphere of learning in my classroom. The students are enjoying the reading nook, complete with a cozy rug and cushions. They often express a desire to read \"around the campfire.\" The fidget toys have been particularly helpful for several students who struggle with social-emotional challenges, allowing them to remain grounded while working through their feelings during reading intervention. Intervention can be tough, but all the items you funded have made the experience more enjoyable for these children. Many of my students wish they could stay in this space all day because it feels so calming. There's no better way to express my deepest gratitude than to say a huge thank you for making a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1725803319339,"projectUrl":"project/reading-intervention-rooms-cozy-reading/8744656/","projectTitle":"Reading Intervention Room's Cozy Reading Nook","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ogden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9732168_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725565933837","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9732168"},{"teacherId":9786178,"projectId":8846076,"letterContent":"This is to extend my heartfelt gratitude and respect to you for providing us with such a kind donation to update our classroom library. I have no words to express on the behalf of our entire class the gratitude we feel with receiving our new books. Reading is vital academic standard in First Grade. Our new books will be well used, valued and loved. We appreciate and are genuinely grateful to you for support of our reading education. \r\nOnce again, thank you for your generous donation and for helping foster a love of reading in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1728005870498,"projectUrl":"project/upgrade-our-classroom-library/8846076/","projectTitle":"Upgrade our Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McCann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9786178"},{"teacherId":9715428,"projectId":8778954,"letterContent":"My students and I have been loving all of the materials that were donated to our classroom. When we first received the materials they couldn't wait to help me open the boxes to see what was inside. \r\n Some of the books I received are specifically for back-to-school time, so I haven't read them all to this group of students yet. The few that I have read have been an instant hit! The headphones that were purchased have been a life saver for students to borrow when their personal pair stop working (which is a lot in first grade). \r\n The new personal whiteboards with writing lines on them have been a game changer for my small reading groups. The lines help the students practice correct penmanship and writing in a smaller space. I plan to eventually replace all of my whiteboards with these towards the end of the year. \r\n The item that has been the biggest hit are the weighted stuffed animals. The kids can use the weighted stuffed animals during instructional time to help with their wiggles. I also let the kids read with the stuffed animals during independent reading time in order to let all kids have an opportunity to use the animals. \r\n Thank you again for the very generous donation to my current and future students!","fullyFundedDate":1727461646246,"projectUrl":"project/books-headphones-whiteboards-oh-my/8778954/","projectTitle":"Books, Headphones, Whiteboards, Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Grover","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9715428"},{"teacherId":9732362,"projectId":8909964,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of the whiteboards, markers, erasers, math card games, and laminator. The new materials have truly transformed our classroom, making it easier for students to show and share their work. The excitement when the box arrived was contagious, and they couldn't wait to dive in! We look forward to incorporating the card games into our lessons, as they will provide a fun way to review skills and connect learning to real-world scenarios. Your support is helping us create a more engaging and dynamic learning environment where students take ownership of their knowledge.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for the laminator! I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness. It will make it so much easier to preserve the task cards and worksheets that my students love, allowing us to reuse them in future classes. I'm excited about the convenience it will bring for reviews and for when I have a substitute teacher, ensuring that everyone can continue to enjoy the fun learning activities.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous donation! Your support has truly brought some magic into my math classroom. The resources will make a significant difference in my students' learning experiences, and I can't express how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Thank you again for making a positive impact!","fullyFundedDate":1733345527595,"projectUrl":"project/math-and-movement/8909964/","projectTitle":"Math and Movement","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9732362"},{"teacherId":9732362,"projectId":8861555,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation which funded a full set of Wonder by R.J. Palacio for our fifth grade classroom. The students are absolutely thrilled with the new additions to our library!\r\n\r\nThese books provide a wonderful opportunity to teach the children about empathy and kindness, which aligns perfectly with our school's mission to promote kindness and combat bullying. Your contribution is making a meaningful impact on our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generous donation of books to our fifth grade classroom. Your thoughtful contribution will inspire our students to embrace kindness and empathy as they explore this wonderful story. We truly appreciate your support in fostering a love for reading and learning in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1730733500554,"projectUrl":"project/wonderful-magic-of-reading/8861555/","projectTitle":"Wonderful Magic of Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9732362"},{"teacherId":9715471,"projectId":8840238,"letterContent":"Gratitude for New Books\r\n\r\nI would like to express my sincere appreciation for the purchase of these new books. As we welcome the New Year, students will have the opportunity to engage deeply with their reading goals. These books will facilitate their journey, allowing them to select titles that genuinely interest them rather than simply reading for the sake of it.\r\n\r\nIt is understandable to consider that our library may have housed many of these titles; however, school libraries can often feel overwhelming for students. By having access to a curated teacher's shelf, they can feel more at ease with fewer options to choose from.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for making this initiative possible. Your support is instrumental in fostering a love for reading among young learners. This year marks a crucial transition for them, shifting from the phase of learning to read to reading to learn and appreciate engaging narratives. I believe this is a pivotal year that can significantly influence a student's academic trajectory in reading. Your contribution in providing these beloved books to students is greatly valued.","fullyFundedDate":1733345527699,"projectUrl":"project/did-somebody-say-more-books/8840238/","projectTitle":"Did Somebody Say More Books?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Goodell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9715471"},{"teacherId":9733638,"projectId":8777221,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding the books for two different units in our 3rd grade ELA class at Shepherd Elementary school. The students love the books and are excited to be using both What Was Hurricane Katrina?, as well as the set of National Geographic leveled readers. \r\nThe class set of What Was Hurricane Katrina? is being used as a nonfiction book to help support our weather and climate research unit. The students love being able to follow along while I read. They are then able to go back and use the text to support their answers to questions. \r\nStudents also love National Geographic Readers! They are an incredible resource for teaching both our main idea and details unit, as well as nonfiction text features. Third graders thoroughly enjoy learning facts and information about all of the different topics covered through this series. \r\nAgain, thank you so much for supporting our amazing 3rd graders in their journey through nonfiction books!","fullyFundedDate":1726449777411,"projectUrl":"project/incredible-informational-investigation/8777221/","projectTitle":"Incredible Informational Investigation!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Matthews","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9733638"},{"teacherId":9710955,"projectId":8710071,"letterContent":"Our class loves their pop to find letters, it is one of their favorite activities. The literature books for reading and math have also actively engaged them during independent reading time. The students love the counters and were excited to explore with them, other than just using a typical round one. Our 2D and 3D magnetic shapes also fit in perfectly with our number corner for the month of November. The students learn best by hands on experience. \r\nThe great thing about the materials we received is how we can implement all year through review and small group activities. As a new teacher, I am thankful for being able to provide more materials to my students through hands on experience.","fullyFundedDate":1725370396386,"projectUrl":"project/read-it-count-it/8710071/","projectTitle":"Read It, Count It!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Berens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9710955"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_78806","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":371,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":36,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":91,"percentIndigenous":4,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"15.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":72.9,"schoolId":78806,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Shepherd Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Shepherd Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/montana/shepherd-school-district-37/shepherd-elementary-school/78806"}