{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mark L. Fine Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":45.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1865186,"projectId":9404291,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donations towards our Expressive Art Work project. Our students' faces lit up once I introduced the new art materials. Shades of paper faces and people were the highlights of their art experiences. Students had the opportunity to feel represented through their art. I observed many students holding different shades of art materials to their skin to find the best matching colors.\r\n Your donations also enabled my students to become storytellers through their art. I've listened to stories about grandparents, parents, siblings, musicians, and gingerbread men. My students share their art, stories, and thoughts with teachers and peers to strengthen relationships in the classroom setting. Thank you for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1752508662604,"projectUrl":"project/expressive-art-in-early-childhood/9404291/","projectTitle":"Expressive Art in Early Childhood!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1865186_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x0,y453&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673928448756","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lori-gutierrez"},{"teacherId":5648385,"projectId":9330107,"letterContent":"September 10, 2025\r\n\r\n This gift of old-fashioned slinky's came during the summer. My 4th graders are now 5th graders. I had to wait till school started to share this gift with them. \r\n One by one, or by two, students stopped by my classroom, on the way to their new 5th grade classroom to say hi. I asked them what they remembered from our last science unit, about how dolphins communicate. They got that look in their eyes that said....maybe. I pulled out a slinky and then asked again, how about now? How does energy travel?\r\n Big lightbulbs popped out of their brains! Ohh yes, Ms. Utzinger, particles! Energy travels like particles in a sound wave. YES!! They are ready for the 5th grade Science SBAC. \r\n Thank you again for supporting Donor's Choose! I always know who I can count on to help me make learning come to life!","fullyFundedDate":1752671492720,"projectUrl":"project/dolphin-talk/9330107/","projectTitle":"Dolphin Talk","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Utzinger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5648385_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533786497931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/utzinger-1"},{"teacherId":8131946,"projectId":9258795,"letterContent":"Since our classroom is limited in space, the tabletop easel has been absolutely perfect. It allows my students to enjoy watercoloring and painting in a way that feels comfortable and accessible. For many of my preschoolers with autism, art is a safe way to express feelings they can't always put into words—and watching them so engaged and joyful reminded me how powerful these tools truly are.\r\n\r\nWe've already used the craft tape center during individual art projects, where students built something wonderful that brought their creative minds to life. This activity encouraged independence, creativity, and self-expression. The new materials have opened up wonderful opportunities for my students to strengthen fine motor skills, build confidence, and take pride in their work.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we'll continue integrating these resources into our daily lessons, connecting art to themes about community, emotions, and storytelling. These materials help my students use art as both a learning tool and a means of self-expression, which is especially meaningful for children still developing their communication skills.","fullyFundedDate":1746785825094,"projectUrl":"project/mini-artists-big-imaginations/9258795/","projectTitle":"Mini Artists, Big Imaginations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Menchie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8131946"},{"teacherId":8131946,"projectId":9257455,"letterContent":"On our meet-and-greet day, the students were instantly drawn to the new kitchen set. As they arrived, many of them went straight to the dramatic play area and began exploring—pretending to cook, washing dishes, and tucking little dolls into bed. For many of my students with autism, play can sometimes feel overwhelming, but these materials provided clear, welcoming ways to join in.\r\n\r\nWe are already seeing these resources open doors for communication and social-emotional growth. During our first week, students took turns \"cooking dinner\" and proudly offered plates of pretend food to friends and teachers. Most importantly, they were able to imitate real-life routines in a safe, calm space—gaining confidence in skills they'll carry with them far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we'll continue building on this play in our lessons, tying it to themes about home, community, and daily routines. These materials will remain at the heart of helping my students practice independence, cooperation, and problem-solving through meaningful, hands-on play.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us grow through play.","fullyFundedDate":1746786216261,"projectUrl":"project/play-with-purpose-building-social-lif/9257455/","projectTitle":"Play with Purpose: Building Social & Life Skills Through Imaginative Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Menchie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8131946"},{"teacherId":1865186,"projectId":9111377,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations towards our Simple Machines. When I introduced these materials into our Block Interest Area, students' faces lit up. They were so excited to use these materials, and they continue to work together to understand how they work and help their building. I feel fortunate to be able to offer fun and engaging learning materials in my learning centers, and it is all thanks to your donations. \r\n Support and partnerships from community members are one of the many reasons I continue to love teaching after so many years. It may be challenging to meet the needs and interests of my students, but donors such as yourself help make it possible. Thank you for your continued support in education and my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1749245342896,"projectUrl":"project/simple-machines-make-marvelous-play-in-e/9111377/","projectTitle":"Simple Machines Make Marvelous Play in Early Childhood!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1865186_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x0,y453&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673928448756","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lori-gutierrez"},{"teacherId":1865186,"projectId":8993635,"letterContent":"Your donations towards our art materials mean a lot to our classroom. Students lit up when they saw the craft tape and especially the paint bottles. They could not resist squeezing the paint onto their hands and creating some sensory art. The day I introduced the art materials in our learning centers, not one art project looked the same.\r\n Students used the art they created with the materials you donated to tell a story, express themselves creatively, to tell a friend they care about them, or to tell a teacher or family member that someone cares about them. Your donations helped my student creatively express themselves in many ways, and we are forever grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1739367641680,"projectUrl":"project/magnificant-masterpieces-in-early-childh/8993635/","projectTitle":"Magnificant Masterpieces in Early Childhood!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1865186_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x0,y453&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673928448756","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lori-gutierrez"},{"teacherId":1865186,"projectId":8976471,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations towards art materials for our students. Our students were thrilled to see new materials in our art interest area, and their excitement fueled their creativity. Masterpieces have been created left and right thanks to your donations, and they continue to be made. We have been able to practice and reinforce shapes and patterns with the foam shapes and gems for patterns. Students have built vocabulary and confidence as they explain the story behind the creations they have made using all the art materials. Thank you for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1733260367452,"projectUrl":"project/making-masterpieces-in-early-childhood/8976471/","projectTitle":"Making Masterpieces in Early Childhood!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1865186_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x0,y453&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673928448756","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lori-gutierrez"},{"teacherId":1865186,"projectId":8931839,"letterContent":"Watching so many of my students show interest in the STEM materials you have graciously donated to our classroom has been wonderful. I've watched students collaborate to build remarkable structures, animals, and inventions. Their creations are also paired with a story and the process of creating it. It has been a treat to see in class. \r\n When students first saw the magnetic STEM materials in the classroom, their eyes lit up with excitement and curiosity. Your donations made this possible, and we thank you for all you do for students teachers, and classrooms.","fullyFundedDate":1732633012638,"projectUrl":"project/stem-in-early-childhood/8931839/","projectTitle":"STEM in Early Childhood!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1865186_orig.jpg?crop=1512,1512,x0,y453&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673928448756","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lori-gutierrez"},{"teacherId":5648385,"projectId":8769356,"letterContent":"Dear Donors, \t\t\t\t\t\tDecember 2, 2024\r\nBefore I open any gift from our Donor's I always remind them about the power of writing. No matter what we request, words are powerful. Even words on a shirt. The day that Eva wore her Beatles shirt gave me an idea to help us really understand the science unit we were studying, Electrical Conversions. During our writing block, I can now put on a Beethoven record to help us concentrate better. The learning connections are endless. Thank you Donors for being a part of this amazing opportunity for teachers. \r\nThe portable record player came right away. They immediately knew what it was since the picture of it was on the outside of the box. I added some science questions into our conversation. \"How many inputs and outputs does this record player have?\" \"It has one input, the plug that goes to the wall and then through the wires, the electrical grid, and finally the power plant.\" several students responded with excitement. \r\nWhen the second box arrived, it looked a lot bigger and the picture on the box wasn't as obvious. The best part of opening this gift were the questions my fourth graders asked. I had to write them down, I couldn't stop smiling. \r\n\"Is that an igloo for drinks?\"\r\n\"Is that a microwave for our classroom?\"\r\nOf course I explained what it was. We took a few extra moments to look at all the outputs, bluetooth, radio, CD Player, and record player. The radio seemed strange to them. I had to explain it was like the music you listen to on YouTube, only you use the turn button to find the station you want to listen to. You can even call the radio station and request a special song. I think I might do that on the last day before Winter vacation! \r\n\tThese fourth graders are amazing! They learn how to use new technology quickly. Soon, I am sure, I will catch one of my students changing the station or putting on a record by themselves. Right now we are learning not to bump it when the record is playing. We don't want to scratch the record.\r\n\tThank you again for being a part of my classroom. Thank you for giving us the \"Help\" that we needed! \r\n\tSincerely, \r\nMs. Utzinger","fullyFundedDate":1726865789791,"projectUrl":"project/help-i-need-some-science-music/8769356/","projectTitle":"Help! I Need Some Science & Music!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Utzinger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5648385_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533786497931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/utzinger-1"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_98332","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":723,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":23,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":15,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":27,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":55.0,"schoolId":98332,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mark L. Fine Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mark L. Fine Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/clark-county-school-district/mark-l-fine-elementary-school/98332"}