{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ernest May Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9636573,"projectId":8875952,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project! Your donation brought joy, engagement, and meaningful learning opportunities into our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe fidget toys have been a game changer for students who need sensory support to stay focused and calm during learning activities. These tools help them regulate their emotions and maintain attention, especially during group lessons and independent work time.\r\n\r\nThe magnetic tiles and gears have sparked so much creativity during center time. Students work together to build imaginative structures, which encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning. It's amazing to see their confidence grow as they explore and test their ideas.\r\n\r\nOur toy telephones are being used in our dramatic play area to build communication and social skills. Students love pretending to make calls and have conversations, which helps develop language and turn-taking in a playful, low-pressure way.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, learning is more hands-on, inclusive, and fun. You've made a lasting impact on our classroom, and we are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1739367640941,"projectUrl":"project/building-independence-essential-tools/8875952/","projectTitle":"Building Independence: Essential Tools for Special Needs Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Romine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9636573_orig.jpg?crop=1544,1544,x0,y123&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728858675078","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9636573"},{"teacherId":6609786,"projectId":9061028,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has become a more organized, engaging, and joyful place to learn! The items you helped fund have made a noticeable difference in how students interact, stay organized, and build both academic and social-emotional skills within the library.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the baskets to put some of our favorite books in which has made it easier to find the books they love! We're using the games not just for fun, but also for building collaboration and critical thinking. We're currently working on a unit about teamwork and problem-solving, and these resources are helping us connect those lessons to real-life practice in a fun, hands-on way.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom is more dynamic, organized, and full of energy. Your support is helping create a learning environment where students can thrive — and we are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1737135788052,"projectUrl":"project/library-odds-and-ends/9061028/","projectTitle":"Library Odds and Ends","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Snider","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6609786"},{"teacherId":6609786,"projectId":8821682,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has come alive with stories that reflect the rich, diverse voices of Hispanic and Latinx culture. These new books have become more than just stories — they're powerful tools for building empathy, identity, and understanding.\r\n\r\nIn reading these texts, my students have been introduced to important skills such as analyzing cultural context, identifying themes of heritage and resilience, and discussing how characters navigate their dual identities. We've had deep conversations about family traditions, immigration, language, and what it means to belong — all sparked by the stories you helped provide.","fullyFundedDate":1736974092676,"projectUrl":"project/hispanic-heritage-books/8821682/","projectTitle":"Hispanic Heritage Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Snider","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6609786"},{"teacherId":3095059,"projectId":9038300,"letterContent":"Dear Supporters,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous donation of painting supplies to our art classroom! These resources have made a world of difference for my students, allowing them to explore new techniques, express their creativity, and develop confidence in their artistic abilities.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting projects we've completed using these materials was an abstract painting activity where students experimented with neon paints, glitter, and unconventional tools like marbles inside ziplock bags. This project encouraged them to embrace spontaneity and explore texture, movement, and color in a completely new way. The results were stunning, and our classroom walls are now filled with vibrant, one-of-a-kind masterpieces!\r\n\r\nAnother highlight was our surreal eye painting project, where students used the new paints to create imaginative and expressive eye-themed artworks. This lesson helped them dive into symbolism, blending techniques, and surrealism while giving them the freedom to make each piece deeply personal.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new painting supplies, their faces lit up with excitement. Many of them had never worked with such high-quality materials before, and they were eager to dive in. Watching their creativity flourish as they explored the possibilities was truly inspiring.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are planning a mixed-media portrait project where students will combine painting, collage, and drawing techniques to create layered, expressive self-portraits. Thanks to your support, they will have the tools they need to continue pushing artistic boundaries and building confidence in their creative voices.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has provided more than just supplies—you've given my students the opportunity to dream, create, and believe in their abilities. Thank you for being a part of our artistic journey!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMrs. Ariel\r\nArt Teacher","fullyFundedDate":1737227462541,"projectUrl":"project/brushes-of-brilliance-supporting-young/9038300/","projectTitle":"Brushes of Brilliance: Supporting Young Artists with Painting Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ariel Duell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3095059_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726253554204","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/artduellduran"},{"teacherId":6609786,"projectId":8712384,"letterContent":"Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Our students love visiting the library. They especially love visiting the library when we have creative items and/or things that get them excited about books. The bookmarks have been a big hit for all of our grade levels. I have to put them out a little at a time otherwise they are gone all at once. The pixel picture has been completed. The students also loved putting that together each time they visited the library. We even discussed the artist Van Gogh. Our library is so grateful to our donors.","fullyFundedDate":1725658244529,"projectUrl":"project/library-creativity/8712384/","projectTitle":"Library Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Snider","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6609786"},{"teacherId":3095059,"projectId":8690730,"letterContent":"Using sensory items in the classroom has a profound impact on elementary students' education by supporting their emotional, cognitive, and social development. Here's how:\r\n\r\n1. Enhances Focus and Engagement\r\nSensory tools like fidget toys, textured items, or weighted objects help students stay calm and focused, particularly those with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing needs.\r\nTactile activities, such as using kinetic sand or squishy balls, keep students engaged during lessons.\r\n2. Promotes Emotional Regulation\r\nSensory items provide a soothing outlet for stress or anxiety, helping students manage emotions and maintain self-control.\r\nAccess to these tools fosters a sense of security and comfort, improving their readiness to learn.\r\n3. Supports Diverse Learning Styles\r\nSensory activities cater to kinesthetic learners by making lessons more hands-on and interactive.\r\nThey allow students to process information through touch, movement, and exploration, deepening understanding.\r\n4. Encourages Inclusion\r\nSensory tools create an inclusive environment for students with special needs, ensuring everyone has the resources to succeed.\r\nThey promote empathy and awareness among peers by normalizing diverse needs in the classroom.\r\n5. Builds Fine Motor and Cognitive Skills\r\nManipulating sensory items strengthens fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities.\r\nActivities like sorting textures or building with sensory blocks develop critical thinking and creativity.\r\nIncorporating sensory items empowers students to regulate emotions, stay engaged, and thrive in an inclusive and stimulating learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1726779764031,"projectUrl":"project/brightening-futures-one-sensory-tool-at/8690730/","projectTitle":"Brightening Futures, One Sensory Tool at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ariel Duell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3095059_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726253554204","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/artduellduran"},{"teacherId":3095059,"projectId":8771546,"letterContent":"When cleaning supplies are donated for use in an elementary art classroom, the impact on students' education is both practical and significant:\r\n\r\n1. Encourages Responsibility\r\nStudents learn the importance of maintaining a clean workspace, fostering responsibility and accountability for their environment.\r\nCleaning their tools and areas teaches them respect for shared spaces and materials.\r\n2. Promotes Organization and Safety\r\nA clean classroom reduces clutter, creating an organized space that enhances focus and creativity.\r\nProper cleaning minimizes health risks by addressing spills, dust, and allergens, ensuring a safe environment.\r\n3. Reinforces Life Skills\r\nCleaning tasks introduce practical life skills like wiping surfaces, rinsing brushes, and tidying up, which are transferable beyond the classroom.\r\nStudents build teamwork skills by working together to keep the art space clean.\r\n4. Extends Resource Longevity\r\nProper cleaning and maintenance of supplies, like brushes and palettes, ensure materials last longer, reducing waste and teaching sustainability.\r\n5. Supports Creative Freedom\r\nKnowing cleaning supplies are available allows students to explore messier, hands-on projects (e.g., painting, sculpting) without fear of leaving a mess, encouraging creativity.\r\nIn summary, donated cleaning supplies enhance the art classroom by teaching responsibility, ensuring safety, and supporting creative exploration while fostering a sense of pride in maintaining their learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1730311216887,"projectUrl":"project/cleanliness-supports-health-and-focus/8771546/","projectTitle":"Cleanliness Supports Health and Focus","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ariel Duell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3095059_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726253554204","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/artduellduran"},{"teacherId":3095059,"projectId":8623942,"letterContent":"The impact of providing elementary students with basic art supplies for creative activities is profound and multifaceted. It goes beyond just the creation of artwork, influencing cognitive, emotional, social, and motor skill development in meaningful ways. Here's a breakdown of the educational impact:\r\n\r\n1. Cognitive Development\r\nProblem-Solving Skills: Creating art encourages students to think critically, experiment, and find solutions when faced with challenges, such as blending colors or deciding on the best layout for their design.\r\nCreativity and Imagination: Basic art supplies like crayons, markers, paper, and glue stimulate creativity, allowing students to express their ideas and explore new concepts.\r\nFine Motor Skills: Using supplies like scissors, paintbrushes, or pencils develops dexterity and hand-eye coordination, skills that are crucial for writing and other daily tasks.\r\n2. Emotional Benefits\r\nSelf-Expression: Art provides a safe space for children to express their emotions, thoughts, and individuality, fostering self-confidence and emotional intelligence.\r\nStress Relief: Engaging in artistic activities can be therapeutic, helping students manage stress or anxiety by focusing on the present moment.\r\nSense of Achievement: Completing a piece of art gives students a sense of accomplishment, boosting their self-esteem.\r\n3. Social Skills\r\nCollaboration: Group art projects encourage teamwork, communication, and the ability to share ideas and resources.\r\nRespect for Diversity: When students see the variety in their classmates' creations, they learn to appreciate different perspectives and cultural influences.\r\n4. Academic Enhancement\r\nConnection to Other Subjects: Art can be integrated with other disciplines, such as math (geometry in shapes), science (color mixing), and history (studying cultural art forms), making learning more engaging and interdisciplinary.\r\nFocus and Patience: The process of creating art requires concentration, teaching students the value of persistence and attention to detail.\r\n5. Accessibility and Equity\r\nInclusion: Providing basic art supplies ensures that all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, have the tools to explore their creativity.\r\nUniversal Appeal: Art is a universal language that all children can engage in, regardless of their academic abilities or language skills, making it an inclusive way to support diverse learners.\r\nBy giving elementary students access to even the most basic art supplies, educators create opportunities for holistic growth. Art becomes a bridge that connects academic learning, emotional well-being, and creative exploration, laying a strong foundation for lifelong skills and a love for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1726762476612,"projectUrl":"project/transform-imagination-into-masterpieces/8623942/","projectTitle":"Transform Imagination Into Masterpieces With Basic Art Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ariel Duell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3095059_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726253554204","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/artduellduran"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_56238","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":580,"numTeachers":33,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":30,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":41,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.4,"schoolId":56238,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ernest May Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ernest May Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/clark-county-school-district/ernest-may-elementary-school/56238"}