{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Virgil Grissom Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9058159,"projectId":10734924,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations. The students were so excited to see the colorful center bins that aligned with their colored groups that they work in. It was also great that they come with lids to keep all the materials inside. \r\nThe students use the play doh to roll out and make some letters and sight words. This helps them build their fine motor skills while learning letter recognition. The student love working with hands on materials. Again, thank you so much for your generous donations for our kindergarten class!","fullyFundedDate":1792023700228,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-center-based-instruction/10734924/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Center-Based Instruction","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Abate","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9058159_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1791894254764","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9058159"},{"teacherId":3941894,"projectId":10602313,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my project, \"Science Essentials for Stellar Students!\" Your kindness is helping bring science to life for my students by providing the supplies we need to explore, experiment, and discover the world around us! These wonderful materials will be used during our regular science classes and in our after-school science club during the winter months, giving students exciting opportunities to participate in hands-on experiments. With protective goggles, plant grow lights, planting cups, seeds to grow the fascinating \"Moving Mary\" plant, a volcano kit, vinegar to create our own erupting volcanoes, balloons, batteries for flashlights, science experiment books, and so much more, our classroom will be filled with curiosity and discovery! Instead of simply reading about scientific concepts, students will be able to test ideas, make predictions, observe results, and learn through firsthand experiences. These activities will help develop critical-thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and a lifelong love of science!\r\n\r\nOur students are going to have so much fun exploring the wonders of science with these amazing supplies! Imagine their excitement as they watch a volcano erupt with homemade lava, observe the fascinating movements of the \"Moving Mary\" plant, or investigate how batteries and light work through their own experiments. These hands-on activities will encourage students to ask questions, work together, make discoveries, and build confidence as young scientists. The materials will allow me to offer engaging and memorable learning experiences throughout the school year, especially during the winter months when outdoor exploration is more limited. Thank you for investing in our students and helping make science an exciting adventure filled with exploration, wonder, and discovery. Your generosity is making a meaningful difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1790951300509,"projectUrl":"project/science-essentials-for-steller-students/10602313/","projectTitle":"Science Essentials for Steller Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ahmemulic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3941894"},{"teacherId":3941894,"projectId":10330120,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my project, \"Lucky Ladybugs, Curious Minds!\" Your kindness is helping bring science to life for my students in a truly special way! With these wonderful materials, we will be able to welcome live ladybugs into our classroom this spring when the weather is warm enough. Our students will have the exciting opportunity to observe these amazing little creatures up close, learn about their needs, and discover how they grow and change. Having live ladybugs in the classroom will make learning about life cycles, living things, and the natural world much more meaningful than simply reading about them in a textbook. These hands-on experiences encourage curiosity, careful observation, scientific thinking, and a genuine love of learning!\r\n\r\nOur students will be so excited to become little scientists as we prepare for our ladybug visitors! Thanks to your generosity, we now have the supplies needed to care for our ladybugs and help students learn about their life cycle as we get closer to spring. They will be able to make observations, ask questions, share discoveries, and develop a deeper appreciation for the living things around them. To make this experience even more memorable, each student will receive a little rubber ladybug to take home as a keepsake of this special science project. This small gift will help them remember the excitement of exploring science firsthand and the amazing things they learned along the way. Thank you for making these wonderful learning opportunities possible and helping us create lasting classroom memories!","fullyFundedDate":1790687047752,"projectUrl":"project/lucky-ladybugs-curious-minds/10330120/","projectTitle":"Lucky Ladybugs, Curious Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ahmemulic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3941894"},{"teacherId":3941894,"projectId":10324832,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my project, \"Smart Move, Games That Grow Young Minds!\" Your kindness is helping bring the excitement of learning through play to our students. With these wonderful materials, I will be creating a game club during recess and after school where students can learn and enjoy playing Chess, Scrabble, and Mancala. In an age when so much of children's time is spent using technology, it is more important than ever to introduce them to the fun and value of traditional board games. These games encourage students to think critically, develop problem-solving skills, strengthen vocabulary, recognize patterns, plan strategies, and exercise their minds in meaningful and engaging ways.\r\n\r\nThe excitement on our students' faces when we received the games was absolutely priceless! They were thrilled to see the new materials and couldn't wait to learn how to play. They are so excited to be part of something new, fun, and special! Your generosity is giving our students more than just games; you are providing opportunities to build friendships, practice patience, learn good sportsmanship, and develop confidence while challenging their minds. Thank you for helping make this game club possible and for investing in experiences that will inspire our students to learn, grow, and have fun together. Your support truly makes a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1790687038618,"projectUrl":"project/smart-moves-games-that-grow-young-minds/10324832/","projectTitle":"Smart Moves, Games That Grow Young Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ahmemulic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3941894"},{"teacherId":3941894,"projectId":10020579,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Fantastic Fossils science project! Your generosity is giving my students an exciting hands-on learning experience that will bring science to life in our classroom. Because of your donation, students will be able to explore and observe real fossil artifacts up close, helping them make meaningful connections to what they are learning about Earth's history and prehistoric life. They will also enjoy reading engaging fossil-themed books that will build their knowledge, curiosity, and love of science through literacy connections.\r\n\r\nYour thoughtful contribution will also allow students to become young paleontologists by creating their very own fossils using Model Magic and fossil molds. These interactive activities will encourage creativity, critical thinking, and deeper understanding through hands-on exploration. Thank you for helping create memorable learning opportunities that will inspire curiosity, excitement, and a lasting appreciation for science in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1778281687752,"projectUrl":"project/fantastic-fossils/10020579/","projectTitle":"Fantastic Fossils","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ahmemulic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3941894"},{"teacherId":3941894,"projectId":10019670,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Sharpeners for Sharp Kids! Your generosity in providing two heavy-duty pencil sharpeners and 24 boxes of colored pencils is already making a big difference in our classroom. These supplies are used every single day, and having reliable sharpeners ensures that students can quickly and independently maintain their materials without interrupting learning time.\r\n\r\nThe addition of fresh colored pencils allows students to fully engage in creative and academic tasks, from illustrating their writing to completing math and science activities. With these essential tools readily available, our classroom runs more smoothly, transitions are quicker, and students are better prepared to focus on learning. Your support helps create an organized, efficient, and engaging environment where all students can do their best work. Thank you for helping keep our students \"sharp\" and ready to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1773658742742,"projectUrl":"project/sharpeners-for-sharp-kids/10019670/","projectTitle":"Sharpeners for Sharp Kids!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ahmemulic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3941894"},{"teacherId":10303958,"projectId":10056993,"letterContent":"Your generosity has made an immediate and meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Because of your support, we are able to provide essential items like snacks, drinks, and classroom supplies to children who need them most. These simple yet powerful resources help remove barriers to learning, allowing students to focus, participate, and feel confident throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nMore importantly, your donation helps create a classroom environment where every child feels safe, cared for, and valued. When students know their basic needs are met, they are better able to engage, take risks in their learning, and build positive relationships with their peers.\r\n\r\nDuring colder months and times of need, your kindness brings comfort, dignity, and stability to our students. You are not just providing supplies—you are helping to build a stronger foundation for their success.\r\n\r\nThank you for making our classroom a place where every child can walk in feeling supported, ready to learn, and excited to grow.","fullyFundedDate":1769390564533,"projectUrl":"project/stocking-success-for-every-student/10056993/","projectTitle":"Stocking Success for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alpert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10303958_orig.jpg?crop=381,381,x0,y67&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773677149171","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10303958"},{"teacherId":3941894,"projectId":10022252,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Basic Supplies for the Best Start. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom. The snacks, hats and scarves, bookbags filled with school supplies, tissues, hand wipes, glue sticks, pencils, and pencil pouches are already helping students on a daily basis. These items ensure that every child has what they need to feel prepared, comfortable, and ready to learn from the moment they walk through the door.\r\n\r\nYour donations have had an especially powerful impact on our neediest students. Many of our children rely on free and reduced lunch and may not always have access to basic supplies or enough food throughout the day. Having snacks available helps keep them focused, energized, and ready to participate in learning without the distraction of hunger. Providing essential school supplies removes barriers and allows all students to fully engage, build confidence, and take pride in their work. Because of your kindness, our classroom is a more equitable, supportive, and successful learning environment for every student.","fullyFundedDate":1768624849084,"projectUrl":"project/basic-supplies-for-the-best-start/10022252/","projectTitle":"Basic Supplies for the Best Start!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ahmemulic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3941894"},{"teacherId":3941894,"projectId":9756993,"letterContent":"The This Is How We Roll project has brought a powerful and versatile new learning tool into our classroom with the addition of a rolling chart paper holder and whiteboard. This multi-use resource is used across every subject to display anchor charts, posters, vocabulary words, sample math problems, and step-by-step directions, making learning more visible and accessible for all students. The ability to easily roll it to different areas of the classroom—or move it out of the way when not needed—has made our lessons more flexible, interactive, and efficient. Its compact, round base also makes our classroom safer by reducing the risk of tripping over bulky legs or stands. Thanks to this project, instruction is more engaging, organized, and adaptable to students' needs every day.","fullyFundedDate":1768516916088,"projectUrl":"project/this-is-how-we-roll-rolling-white-boar/9756993/","projectTitle":"This is How We Roll, Rolling White Board/Chart Holder.","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ahmemulic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3941894"},{"teacherId":3941894,"projectId":9757235,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project. Because of your kindness, my students will be able to experience an unforgettable, hands-on science unit using ladybug kits and vouchers to receive live ladybug larvae when the weather warms in the spring. Your donation is helping bring science to life in a way that textbooks simply cannot.\r\n\r\nWatching the ladybug life cycle unfold in real time will allow students to observe, question, and discover as true scientists. From tiny larvae to fully grown ladybugs, students will witness each stage of the life cycle firsthand, strengthening their understanding of growth, change, and the natural world. This experience will spark curiosity, build excitement for learning, and create lasting memories connected to science.\r\n\r\nYour support makes meaningful learning experiences possible in our classroom, and I am truly grateful for your investment in my students' education. Thank you for helping us turn curiosity into discovery and learning into an experience they will never forget.","fullyFundedDate":1763595118229,"projectUrl":"project/ladybug-ladybug-fly-to-our-classroo/9757235/","projectTitle":"Ladybug, Ladybug . . Fly to Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ahmemulic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3941894"},{"teacherId":3941894,"projectId":9480477,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my DonorsChoose project, \"Basic Supplies for Our Classroom.\" Your donations have truly made a difference in our daily learning environment. The Clorox wipes, Lysol spray, and Goo Gone have helped us maintain a clean and healthy classroom, which is so important for keeping students focused and ready to learn. The laminating sheets have allowed me to preserve important classroom materials and center activities so they can be reused throughout the year. These supplies may seem simple, but they play a huge role in helping our classroom run smoothly and stay organized.\r\n\r\nThe addition of fidget toys to our calm corner has been especially meaningful for students who need a quick break to refocus and manage their emotions. The Science and Social Studies posters have brightened our walls and sparked curiosity during our lessons. Because of your kindness, my students have a cleaner, more engaging, and welcoming place to learn each day. Thank you again for investing in our classroom and supporting both the academic and emotional growth of my students — your generosity truly makes a lasting impact!","fullyFundedDate":1757683137021,"projectUrl":"project/basic-supplies-for-3rd-grade/9480477/","projectTitle":"Basic Supplies for 3rd Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ahmemulic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3941894"},{"teacherId":3941894,"projectId":9455449,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to my Donors Choose project, \"Books for Bins, Drawers for Storage.\" Your support has made a meaningful difference in our classroom! Because of you, my students now have access to new bins for their supplies and an organizational drawer cart that helps keep our math centers running smoothly. The excitement on their faces when the materials arrived was priceless — they couldn't wait to help set everything up and take ownership of their learning space.\r\n\r\nThe organizational drawer cart has been an incredible addition to our math center rotations. Each drawer is now dedicated to specific math activities, manipulatives, and games, making transitions smoother and saving valuable instructional time. Students are able to work more independently and efficiently because they can easily find the materials they need. \r\nThe new bins have also made a huge impact on our daily routine. Students now have a designated space to store their supplies, which has reduced clutter and increased responsibility for keeping their materials organized. This small change has had a big effect on our classroom culture — we are learning that being organized helps us learn better and feel proud of our space.","fullyFundedDate":1757683132155,"projectUrl":"project/bins-for-books-drawers-for-storage/9455449/","projectTitle":"Bins for Books, Drawers for Storage!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ahmemulic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3941894"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_81541","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":211,"numTeachers":17,"percentFrplEligible":27,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":9,"percentWhite":54,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":20,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.5,"schoolId":81541,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Virgil Grissom Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Virgil Grissom Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/old-bridge-township-school-district/virgil-grissom-elementary-school/81541"}