{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Joseph C Caruso Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":31.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1465152,"projectId":10028415,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to our classroom snack project! Because of your kindness, my third graders now have access to snacks that help keep them focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nFor many students, a simple snack can make a huge difference. Your support helps create a classroom where students feel cared for, comfortable, and prepared to do their best. Whether we are solving math problems, reading new stories, or working together on projects, your generosity helps my students stay engaged and successful.\r\n\r\nMy students were so excited and grateful to receive these snacks. Seeing their smiles and knowing that others care about their learning means so much to all of us. Your compassion and support truly make a positive impact in our classroom every single day.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in my students and helping our classroom community thrive. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and support.","fullyFundedDate":1778718682362,"projectUrl":"project/full-bellies-bright-minds-fueling-focu/10028415/","projectTitle":"Full Bellies, Bright Minds: Fueling Focus for Third Grade Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Szotak","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1465152_orig.jpg?crop=2189,2189,x115,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1555422597601","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1465152"},{"teacherId":10414663,"projectId":10047451,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students now have access to healthy snacks that help them stay focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the school day. These snacks have already made a meaningful difference in our classroom. Many of my students come to school hungry or need an extra boost during the day, and having healthy options available has helped improve their concentration, participation, and overall mood.\r\n\r\nOne special moment was seeing the excitement on my students' faces when they first saw the snack selection. They were genuinely grateful and eager to try the different healthy choices. Students immediately began talking about their favorite snacks and encouraging one another to make healthy choices. It created such a positive and caring classroom atmosphere.\r\n\r\nWe are using the snacks during snack breaks, testing days, and moments when students need a little extra energy to stay engaged in learning. Having these resources available has helped students remain more focused during lessons and has reduced distractions caused by hunger. It has also opened conversations about healthy habits, nutrition, and taking care of our bodies so we can do our best learning.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, these healthy snacks will continue to support our students both academically and emotionally. By helping students feel nourished and cared for, they are better able to participate in classroom activities, collaborate with peers, and build confidence in their learning. Your generosity has made a direct impact on my students every single day, and we are incredibly thankful for your support and kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1778605456469,"projectUrl":"project/warmth-care-and-hunger/10047451/","projectTitle":"Warmth, Care, and Hunger!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bartucci","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10414663"},{"teacherId":2313559,"projectId":10071252,"letterContent":"I am writing to sincerely thank you for your generous contributions to our classroom. Because of your support, my third grade students now have access to a charging station, headphones, and a class tablet—resources that have already made a meaningful difference in our daily learning.\r\n\r\nThese tools have helped create a more organized, focused, and engaging environment for my students. The charging station ensures that our devices are always ready for use, allowing us to maximize instructional time without interruptions. The headphones have been especially impactful, giving students the ability to concentrate during independent work, listen to audio texts, and fully engage with educational programs at their own pace. For many of my students, this has increased both confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nThe addition of the class tablet has opened up new opportunities for interactive learning. Students are now able to access educational apps, conduct research, and collaborate in ways that make lessons more dynamic and meaningful. It has also allowed me to better differentiate instruction and meet the diverse needs of my learners.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only provided essential tools, but it has also shown my students that there are people who believe in their success and care about their education. That message is powerful and lasting.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and support. You have truly made a difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1770339276659,"projectUrl":"project/tech-for-teaching/10071252/","projectTitle":"Tech for Teaching","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zimmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2313559"},{"teacherId":2313559,"projectId":10047169,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of snacks to our third grade classroom. Your kindness and thoughtfulness have made a meaningful difference in our students' daily experience at school. Having access to snacks ensures that students can stay focused, energized, and ready to learn throughout the day.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, these snacks provide more than just nourishment—they offer comfort, consistency, and a sense of care. When students are not distracted by hunger, they are better able to participate in lessons, collaborate with their peers, and do their very best work. Your contribution helps create a positive and supportive learning environment where every child can thrive.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support and commitment to our students. Your generosity does not go unnoticed, and it has a lasting impact on both their academic success and overall well-being.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1769135608248,"projectUrl":"project/food-for-fuel/10047169/","projectTitle":"Food for Fuel!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Zimmer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2313559"},{"teacherId":1731250,"projectId":10022811,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous donation to my classroom. Your support has made a meaningful difference in the daily lives of my students.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, I was able to purchase snacks, incentives to encourage positive behavior, and essential clothing items such as underwear and pants for children who need them most. These items may seem small, but they have a powerful impact—helping my students feel warm, cared for, and ready to learn each day.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has not only met important physical needs, but it has also helped create a more supportive and nurturing classroom environment where every child feels valued and comfortable.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for helping make a difference in the lives of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1769016751049,"projectUrl":"project/helping-my-students-feel-warm-and-cared/10022811/","projectTitle":"Helping My Students Feel Warm and Cared For","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Giebler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1731250_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747238136407","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jgiebler"},{"teacherId":10405293,"projectId":10026192,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kindness and support of our classroom. Your generosity has truly made a meaningful difference in our students' daily experiences.\r\n\r\nThe hats, gloves, and scarves have helped our students stay warm and comfortable, especially during these colder months. The breakfast items and snacks have also been incredibly helpful in supporting a smooth and focused start to each day. Having these resources readily available allows students to settle in, feel at ease, and be ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe educational games have quickly become a favorite in our classroom. Students are enjoying learning in new ways, working together, and building both academic and social skills.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create a classroom environment that feels welcoming, supportive, and full of opportunity. We are so grateful for your generosity and for thinking of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1768741086151,"projectUrl":"project/nourishing-kind-hearts-and-growing-minds/10026192/","projectTitle":"Nourishing Kind Hearts and Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Comey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10405293"},{"teacherId":6490004,"projectId":10100427,"letterContent":"My students enjoyed their \"new\" snacks and it helped with their morning/afternoon hunger. Once the kids are hungry, they would usually act up in class or not want to participate however, having the snacks has truly helped and we are so thankful.\r\nWhen the snacks arrived, we gathered in our circle group, I opened the boxes and shared the excited news as to how this wonderful donation came about. Some of the girls covered their mouth with their hands in excitement, a few jumped up and down and seeing their happy faces means so much.\r\nThis donation was snacks to help their hungry minds, along with clean-up wipes that I use daily. We are thinking about our next project; we have a few ideas so I will keep you posted.\r\nThank you again to our donor(s) and we appreciate every item we received.\r\nRegards,\r\nLori Ryan","fullyFundedDate":1772056029502,"projectUrl":"project/food-snacks-for-my-students/10100427/","projectTitle":"Food, Snacks for My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ryan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6490004"},{"teacherId":3788635,"projectId":9978715,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous donation to my deserving students. Because of your kindness, my hard workers have the opportunity to sustain the long morning until lunch. With full bellies, my learners can be attentive and give their best effort to reach their fullest potential. \r\n\r\nWords cannot express how grateful I am for your thoughtfulness. My students and I truly appreciate you. Your generosity means more to us than you will ever know! \r\n\r\nMuch gratitude,\r\nMelissa Iacouzzi","fullyFundedDate":1768330721581,"projectUrl":"project/full-bellies-bright-minds-fueling-foc/9978715/","projectTitle":"Full Bellies, Bright Minds: Fueling Focus for Third Grade Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Iacouzzi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3788635_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1528725294840","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-iacouzzi"},{"teacherId":6854932,"projectId":10047141,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has become a place where students can focus, engage, and truly enjoy learning without the distraction of hunger. The resources you provided have made an immediate and meaningful impact.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the new supplies during our morning literacy block, which is often when students previously struggled most with focus. Now, with access to snacks and a more supportive environment, students are able to settle in and fully participate. One moment that stands out was during a small-group reading session: a student who usually had trouble concentrating was not only engaged but eager to read aloud and discuss the story. It was a powerful reminder of how meeting basic needs unlocks academic potential.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their reactions were a mix of excitement and relief. Some expressed gratitude right away, while others quietly dove into their work with a new level of calm and confidence. It was clear that they felt cared for, and that feeling has carried into their daily learning.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are building on this momentum with a collaborative writing project where students are creating their own short stories. They're brainstorming, drafting, and sharing ideas with more enthusiasm than ever before. With their basic needs supported, they're able to take creative risks and support one another in ways that weren't possible before.\r\n\r\nYour support has done more than provide resources; it has helped create a classroom where students feel secure, valued, and ready to learn. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.","fullyFundedDate":1769141623229,"projectUrl":"project/helping-second-graders-learn-without-hun/10047141/","projectTitle":"Helping Second Graders Learn Without Hunger","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pigott","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6854932_orig.png?crop=316,316,x70,y90&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710638997134","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6854932"},{"teacherId":9546409,"projectId":10043760,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all of your generous donations for my first grade classroom. My students were thrilled with all of the new snack options. I explained to them that these snacks were donated and we are so lucky to have people in this world who are willing to help us out. These snacks are helpful to my students who are not provided with a daily snack. The day can be long for my students having lunch so late in the day, therefore having snack has become a necessity for my students to take a break in the morning and have snack in order to get through the rest of our daily activties.","fullyFundedDate":1768940994099,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-littles/10043760/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Littles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Scobie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/scobiegrade1"},{"teacherId":9546409,"projectId":10055536,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the supplies! My first grade students were thrilled to see such a large variety of snack options! I explained to them that we are very lucky to have had someone fill our request of supplies in order for us to enjoy these snacks. They were also excited to use some of the new materials we got as well. During snack, my students often enjoy drawing, but unfortunately we had run out of white drawing paper. The students were so excited to see he new pile of fresh white paper for them to draw on!","fullyFundedDate":1769545227112,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-first-graders/10055536/","projectTitle":"Cozy First Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Scobie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/scobiegrade1"},{"teacherId":7231181,"projectId":10048925,"letterContent":"I am deeply grateful for your generous contribution to my Donors Choose project. Your support in providing coats and gloves is invaluable, enabling students who lack winter apparel to enjoy outdoor recess even in chilly weather. The water bottles you donated ensure that students can stay hydrated, as they can easily bring them to school each day.\r\n\r\nIn New Jersey, where the frigid temperatures can be quite challenging, the students have found great joy in engaging with the new educational toys you've provided. They have delighted in constructing with Lincoln Logs, exploring with magnets, solving puzzles, and participating in various BINGO games. These activities not only entertain but also enhance their learning experience.\r\n\r\nArt remains a cherished activity, with students eagerly using the construction paper to unleash their creativity and imagination. Your generosity has truly enriched their educational environment. I cannot express enough gratitude for fulfilling my Donors Choose project, as you have significantly impacted the lives of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1769544808857,"projectUrl":"project/1st-grade-warmth-hygiene-and-educationa/10048925/","projectTitle":"1st Grade Warmth, Hygiene and Educational Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Torres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7231181"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_59129","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":638,"numTeachers":82,"percentFrplEligible":82,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":17,"percentWhite":41,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":30,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":8,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"7.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.7,"schoolId":59129,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Joseph C Caruso Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Joseph C Caruso Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/keansburg-school-district/joseph-c-caruso-elementary-school/59129"}