{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Octavius V Catto Family School","outOfStateSupporters":57.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4864940,"projectId":9664757,"letterContent":"My students and I have been using the new math resources daily during our small-group rotations. The hands-on manipulatives games have helped my 16 third graders deepen their understanding of multiplication and place value concepts. One specific moment that stood out was during our \"Math Lab Stations\" project: students rotated through activities where they used number tiles, fraction circles, and dry-erase task boards to solve problems at their own pace. I watched several students who usually hesitate during math suddenly lean in, experiment, and explain their strategies confidently to their groups. These resources have made it possible for them to connect abstract math concepts to concrete models, and their independence has grown tremendously.\r\nMy students were thrilled when they first saw the new materials, several of them immediately asked, \"Do we get to use all of this today?\" They were especially excited to explore the hands-on tools, and many quickly began sorting, building, and testing ideas before I even finished the directions. For students who often feel anxious during math, the materials created a sense of curiosity instead of stress. Their enthusiasm set the tone for the rest of the day—and honestly, for the rest of the unit.\r\nOur next step is to move from guided practice to more student-led problem-solving. Now that the class has become comfortable using the materials to model equations and explain their thinking, we're beginning a project called \"Math in Real Life.\" Students will work in pairs to solve multi-step word problems connected to real-world scenarios, such as planning and budgeting for a class dinner. They will choose which manipulatives or visual tools help them best, and then present their strategy to the class. This project will push them toward true mastery of the standards by helping them articulate why their solutions work, not just how to get the answer. I'm excited to see how far they'll grow with these new supports. This is all thanks to your generous donation!","fullyFundedDate":1757527256241,"projectUrl":"project/game-of-sums/9664757/","projectTitle":"Game of Sums","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Buffalo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4864940_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1632871793946","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4864940"},{"teacherId":3110906,"projectId":9219707,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire school community, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous contribution toward our new smoothie machine. Because of your support, our students in this underserved community will now have a fun, healthy, and exciting addition to school events—something that brings joy, nourishment, and a sense of pride to our campus.\r\n\r\nYour donation is more than a piece of equipment; it's an investment in experiences that make our students feel seen, supported, and valued. Whether it's a family night, a fundraiser, or a celebration of student achievement, your generosity will be felt for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our school, believing in our kids, and helping us create moments that matter.","fullyFundedDate":1749215588080,"projectUrl":"project/frozen-goodness/9219707/","projectTitle":"Frozen Goodness","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Masciantonio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3110906"},{"teacherId":4234516,"projectId":9493040,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! Because of your kindness, our classroom is now stocked with tissues, antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, mints, and disinfecting wipes. These supplies help keep our learning space clean, comfortable, and healthy—especially during the busy school days when students need to stay focused and feeling their best.\r\n\r\nYour donation may seem simple, but it makes a big difference in our daily routine. The mints provide a small but meaningful boost for students during lessons and testing, while the sanitizing supplies help us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.\r\n\r\nWe're so grateful for your thoughtfulness and for investing in our students' well-being. Thank you for helping us create a classroom where learning can thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1757946013552,"projectUrl":"project/wipe-out-germs-the-science-behind-every/9493040/","projectTitle":"Wipe Out Germs: The Science Behind Everyday Cleanliness.","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. CHUKWUEKE","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4234516"},{"teacherId":9277713,"projectId":9214007,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation toward our new volleyball equipment. Your support has made a meaningful impact in the lives of our middle school students, providing them with opportunities to learn teamwork, build confidence, and stay active through a sport they truly enjoy. With the items you provided, we were able to make it to the end of year tournament and enjoy the experience of participating and competing against other teams in the district. \r\n\r\nAs an underserved school district, resources like these are not always easy to come by. Your generosity ensures that our students can experience the same quality athletic opportunities as their peers, fostering both physical well-being and school pride.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our mission and investing in our students' growth—on and off the court. Your contribution serves as an inspiration to our young athletes and to our community as a whole.","fullyFundedDate":1746545792424,"projectUrl":"project/volleyball/9214007/","projectTitle":"Volleyball","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smartt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9277713"},{"teacherId":9865631,"projectId":9208089,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our track team has been able to train harder, smarter, and with more pride than ever before! The new equipment and supplies you helped provide have truly elevated our practices and boosted the confidence of every student-athlete on the team. When the students first saw the new materials, their faces lit up with excitement .\r\n It gave them not just tools to train, but a sense of pride in being part of something that people outside our school believe in too.\r\nThank you for believing in our students and supporting their dreams. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on their athletic journey and their self-belief.\r\n\r\nWarmly ,\r\nMs. B","fullyFundedDate":1746699573494,"projectUrl":"project/hydration-creativity-and-school-spirit/9208089/","projectTitle":"Hydration, Creativity, and School Spirit: A Holistic Student Engagement Initiative","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brittingham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9865631"},{"teacherId":6835139,"projectId":9207771,"letterContent":"The iPad Mini includes built-in accessibility features that support students with a range of needs: voiceover (screen reader) for visually impaired students, speak screen and speech-to-Text (dictation) for students with reading/writing difficulties, assistive touch and switch control for physical/motor challenges, guided access to keep students focused on one app at a time. These features can level the playing field, allowing students with disabilities to access and engage with content independently.\r\n\r\n The most exciting feature for my students is the writing capability. It is helpful for students who struggle with writing: the ability to proofread, summarize, get help rewriting can scaffold writing tasks.\r\n\r\n My students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have truly gravitated towards using the ipad mini. They benefit from using ipads to work on communication, social interaction, behavior, and engagement.","fullyFundedDate":1749215575182,"projectUrl":"project/caring-for-every-learner-enhancing-acce/9207771/","projectTitle":"Caring for Every Learner: Enhancing Accessibility With iPad Mini","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6835139_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742905495230","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6835139"},{"teacherId":3110906,"projectId":9196776,"letterContent":"On behalf of all the students in my class, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation to our project. Your donation is more than a gift-it's an investment in the future of young people who are full of promise, creativity and determination.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity we were able to provide snacks to 50 students. Every opportunity we create is made possible by supporters like you who believe that all children are deserving, regardless of their zip code.\r\n\r\nYour kindness reminds our students that their community cares about them and their potential. The difference you make today will continue to ripple through their lives for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1742823884517,"projectUrl":"project/snack-break/9196776/","projectTitle":"Snack Break!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Masciantonio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3110906"},{"teacherId":9986995,"projectId":9363171,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our 5th grade carnival was an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, teamwork, and joy. The prizes, water bottles, and resources you funded created a positive atmosphere where every student felt included and celebrated. We used the prizes to build fun, skill-based games that encouraged students to problem-solve, work together, and cheer each other on. The reusable water bottles were especially meaningful because they not only kept our students hydrated throughout the event but also reinforced the importance of healthy habits.\r\n\r\nThe students' reactions were priceless the moment they saw the materials. Their eyes lit up as they realized they were going to have a real carnival experience right in their school. For many of them, this was the first time they had been part of such an event. They were eager to participate, and the excitement carried into the classroom afterward. Several students even mentioned how the carnival made them feel \"special\" and how much they appreciated having something designed just for them.\r\n\r\nThis project has left a lasting impact on our classroom community. The sense of joy and accomplishment my students experienced has carried into their learning, inspiring them to take risks, encourage one another, and show more confidence in their abilities. Moving forward, we plan to continue using these prizes and resources as motivators and celebrations for academic and social milestones. Because of your support, my students not only had a day of fun but also gained memories and lessons that will last far beyond the carnival.","fullyFundedDate":1747543151624,"projectUrl":"project/caring-through-carnival-prizes-water-b/9363171/","projectTitle":"Caring Through Carnival: Prizes, Water Bottles & Joy!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9986995"},{"teacherId":10039286,"projectId":9366420,"letterContent":"I want to take the time to sincerely thank you for blessing our school and classroom with the supplies we needed to make a lending library. This library has a wide variety of skill based books. Our Scholars can read in small groups or alone. Teachers from other classrooms may also borrow a book or books to read with their class. \r\nWe cannot thank you enough for your support and generosity.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has given my students the gift of imagination, curiosity, and knowledge. These books will not only strengthen their reading skills but also spark a love for learning that will carry them far beyond this school year.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of myself, my students, and their families—thank you for believing in the power of education and for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1748967457044,"projectUrl":"project/the-just-right-book-for-our-classroom-no/9366420/","projectTitle":"The Just Right Book for Our Classroom Nook","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stevens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10039286"},{"teacherId":2260821,"projectId":9159716,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our learning space has been transformed into a safe and welcoming place where student attendance is high and children are excited to learn each day. The hanging lanterns give students a calming environment for mind breaks, while the curtains create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that makes our classroom feel like a second home. The tennis balls on chair legs help reduce noise, allowing for smoother movement and greater focus. Our parts of speech bulletin board and calendar flip chart provide engaging, hands-on tools that strengthen language and math skills in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThese resources have made learning flexible, interactive, and enjoyable. Because of your support, my students are not only building their academic skills but also developing a love for school that will carry them forward. We are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1742823885146,"projectUrl":"project/snack-bowls-to-fuel-learning/9159716/","projectTitle":"Snack Bowls to Fuel Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Golden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2260821_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1675938566783","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-legolden"},{"teacherId":7058173,"projectId":9091620,"letterContent":"As a dedicated teacher, I strive to create an organized, clean, and productive classroom environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. However, essential supplies—such as staples, disinfecting wipes, sticky notes, paper towels, paper clips, tissues, copy paper, and index cards—can be costly and are often beyond our school's limited budget.\r\n\r\nThese everyday items play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy, efficient, and engaging learning space. From keeping the classroom clean to helping students stay organized and focused, these supplies support the kind of learning environment where students can truly succeed.\r\n\r\nWith your generous support, I will be able to provide my students with the resources they need to stay healthy, prepared, and engaged in their learning each day. Your donation will help ensure that every student enters a classroom that is comfortable, well-equipped, and conducive to learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for considering my project and for supporting education in such a meaningful way. Your contribution makes a real difference!","fullyFundedDate":1746699711774,"projectUrl":"project/essential-classroom-supplies-for-a-produ/9091620/","projectTitle":"Essential Classroom Supplies for a Productive Learning Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Collier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7058173"},{"teacherId":6290684,"projectId":9337315,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom project!\r\nYour support means the world to us and will have a lasting impact on our students' learning experience. We are especially grateful for the translators—your contributions help create a more inclusive and accessible environment for all of our learners.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, we're able to provide resources that inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, and make every student feel seen and supported. Your generosity truly makes a difference, and we can't thank you enough for being part of our journey.","fullyFundedDate":1749215595298,"projectUrl":"project/mission-translation/9337315/","projectTitle":"Mission Translation","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Bell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6290684"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_42078","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":601,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":22,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":74,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":42.6,"schoolId":42078,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Octavius V Catto Family School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Octavius V Catto Family School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/camden-city-school-district/catto-community-school/42078"}