{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School","outOfStateSupporters":20.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4629190,"projectId":9606075,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our classroom's flexible seating fundraiser! The students were absolutely thrilled to receive our new flexible seating options and couldn't wait to try them out.\r\n\r\nWe've been incorporating the flexible seating in a variety of ways: using them as positive reinforcement, for early finishers, and through random selections to give everyone a chance. The students truly enjoy having the opportunity to learn in a comfortable space beyond their traditional desks.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a lasting impact on our classroom community. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and for helping make this school year an unforgettable one!","fullyFundedDate":1758854500964,"projectUrl":"project/not-just-a-seat-a-choice/9606075/","projectTitle":"Not Just a Seat - A Choice!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Orchard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4629190_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1502384012592","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/melissa-callahan"},{"teacherId":5966965,"projectId":8923768,"letterContent":"First let me start off by saying thank you again for all your generosity! Our students have been loving the new seats we've been implementing. They saw the boxes starting to arrive and we let them guess what it was going to be, it took them almost a full week to guess that they were seats of some sort but they still weren't quite sure. We decided to show them a video of other classrooms that have implemented flexible seating and they were thrilled! The excitement was definitely built up so by the time we opened the boxes, the could barely contain themselves! Everybody was excited to see the different things we got and to start testing them out! The first day, we let everyone try EVERYTHING, it was a mad house but there wasn't a single face without a smile from ear to ear with laughter and giggles being heard down the hall!\r\n\r\nWe started to use these seats the next week! In our classroom, we have a respect raffle every week for students who show respect, positivity, support for their classmates and community and so on. We decided that these students would get first choice on seats for the week! The rest of the order is randomized and every week a new set of students will get to pick first to keep things fair. This type of system was widely accepted and the students were on board because it helps keep them accountable and reinforces spreading kindness. After the first DAY, we noticed a HUGE difference in our kids! They were more engaged, more focused, and had a much more positive outlook on school. We had set up the expectations explicitly so they knew the purpose for these, as much fun as they are, were to help them in school. They know they're always able to switch back to a normal seat if the fun one gets too tiring or distracting and then they can move back after a quick break. Both myself and my co-teacher were surprised at how the students took this opportunity and ran with it. I think if I had to pick something that stood out the most with this new addition, it would be the pride our students show when they talk about the new seats and being the \"test class\" for the entire school. We did a presentation to the entire school on the seats, how they work, what their purpose is and how we will use them. We've also had many faculty members and visitors pop in out of curiosity. The joy and pride in their eyes as they show and explain how to use each seat to visitors is the reason that I became a teacher and solidifies that this was an incredible choice!\r\n\r\nThe next steps for this project are to watch it in action! We will be observing our students and informally tracking any differences we notice. Thus far, we've realized that just having the option to find a space that works for them has already increased their focus and the distractions have decreased significantly. We will also be looking at any academic improvements to make sure it is benefiting our students across the board. If we continue to see these positive changes, we have some ideas in mind for our next steps. We would love to get more seating options based off what our students seem to respond to the most. Our vision is to make our classroom community feel as \"homey\" as possible. We want our students to feel excitement coming to school and a sense of pride in their room and what we make of it. We have a great start and none of it would be possible without the kindness in your hearts. 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Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School

Join the 103 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School is a suburban public school in Somerset, New Jersey that is part of New Jersey Department of Education. It serves 608 students in grades K - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 25.3:1. Its teachers have had 13 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Grades K - 12

608 Students

24 Teachers

150 Pierce St 2nd Fl

Somerset, NJ 08873 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Mrs. Ghosh( Ayyasamy)

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Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School Demographics

12%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

80%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.

Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School

$8,808

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

103

donors

project for books

project for art supplies

Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School has received support from 82 individuals from New Jersey and 21 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School

About this school

Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School Demographics

Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.