{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Elementary School 21","outOfStateSupporters":37.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3599262,"projectId":9758887,"letterContent":"This project has really made a difference in the lives of my students. In total sixty students from two different grades travel to this room throughout the day to receive Math, Science and Health lessons. \r\n The best part of my day is when I see my kids smiling and learning. And still, the greatest part of the day is when they are excited to come to the classroom and tell me they love the colorful room they get to learn in. \r\n We are now fully organized, and it is going exceedingly beautiful as the teams are taking care of their spaces, know where everything is located and are at ease with the calmness of knowing that there is enough of anything they may need to finish a project in class or at school. \r\n Both groups said to send their donor today a huge hug! I opened the crayon case and was it exciting to have brand new crayons to draw the observation from our newest Science experiments. Afterwards, each team was able to organize their space to ready themselves for tomorrow's lessons.","fullyFundedDate":1762265289425,"projectUrl":"project/happy-and-shiny/9758887/","projectTitle":"Happy and Shiny","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3599262_orig.png?crop=815,815,x61,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763439682762","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3599262"},{"teacherId":5881952,"projectId":9531695,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our classroom has a brand-new juicer—and it has already made a remarkable difference in our students' habits, confidence, and connection to healthy living.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, many of our students would throw away the fruits and vegetables provided during breakfast and lunch. Several students are English Language Learners, and many struggle with unfamiliar foods or textures. The juicer changed everything. Instead of ending up in the trash, these fruits and vegetables are now transformed into colorful, delicious juices that students are excited to try.\r\n\r\nThe first day we unpacked the juicer, students crowded around the table, amazed at how the apples, oranges, carrots, and spinach turned into bright, refreshing drinks within seconds. For some, it was their first time tasting fresh juice that wasn't from a bottle. Students began asking questions about ingredients, flavor combinations, and nutrition in ways I've never seen before.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, the juicer has helped reduce food waste in our classroom and cafeteria. Students who once refused whole fruit now line up eagerly to turn it into something new. They experiment with recipes, share ideas with classmates, and encourage one another to try \"just one sip\"—a small act of bravery that means so much for students building language, confidence, and healthy habits.\r\n\r\nOne 9th-grade ELL student proudly told me, \"I didn't like spinach, but in the juice, it tastes good!\" Another student who normally avoids breakfast asked if he could make a \"green power juice\" before class to help him stay focused. These moments show how having the right tools can change behaviors and open up new experiences for students who need them most.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped us:\r\n\t•\tReduce daily food waste\r\n\t•\tPromote healthy habits in a way that feels fun, not forced\r\n\t•\tCreate hands-on learning moments about nutrition and sustainability\r\n\t•\tGive ELL students meaningful opportunities to practice English while exploring flavors, textures, and descriptive vocabulary\r\n\t•\tBuild classroom community as students work together to create recipes\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping us turn something ordinary—leftover fruit—into something extraordinary: excitement, curiosity, and a healthier school day. Your gift made an immediate, meaningful difference, and we are so grateful.\r\n\r\nWith appreciation,\r\n[Your Name]\r\n[Your School]","fullyFundedDate":1757876505856,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-minds-with-critical-thi/9531695/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Minds with Critical Thinking Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lewis-Francis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5881952_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747376122194","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5881952"},{"teacherId":8632292,"projectId":9706517,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom is buzzing with excitement and motivation! The positive reinforcements you helped fund—like stickers, stamps, squishies, snacks, and fidget toys—have become powerful tools that drive learning and positive behavior. These rewards are more than just fun items—they're part of an evidence-based system that helps students understand expectations, stay engaged, and celebrate their progress.\r\nThe kids are thrilled by the new choices. One student who used to avoid tasks now eagerly finishes his work to earn a squishy. Another proudly requests to use the bathroom on his own to receive stickers. These small rewards have made a huge impact in building confidence, encouraging independence, and making learning joyful.\r\nYou've truly made a difference in their daily lives and we are so grateful. Thank you for believing in our students and helping them thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1758815694947,"projectUrl":"project/positive-reinforcements/9706517/","projectTitle":"Positive Reinforcements","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Veronica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8632292_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724130697657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msveronicasclass"},{"teacherId":8632292,"projectId":9734000,"letterContent":"Since receiving your support, the materials for our ABA‑based activity centers (file folders, Velcro dots, visual schedules) have transformed how students engage with learning. Though not high‑tech gadgets, they are technology in the sense that they bring structure, visual clarity, and self‑management tools into our lessons. Students now see their steps, track their progress, and move more independently through tasks. What excites them most is choice and control: they can pick the next activity, \"check off\" steps themselves, and feel ownership over their work. Additionally, the students are supported through first/then tools, visual supports, and visual cues. These materials allow students (many who are not communicating using words) to have the option to share their knowledge with various communication methods. For example, the students now have a concrete way to respond and participate. Your generosity is giving these children tools to grow, not just do work. Thank you for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1758506031535,"projectUrl":"project/implementing-aba/9734000/","projectTitle":"Implementing ABA","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Veronica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8632292_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724130697657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msveronicasclass"},{"teacherId":9967508,"projectId":9681490,"letterContent":"My students are loving our new ukulele storage racks! They are an amazing addition to our classroom and have become part of our daily classroom routine. Initially, there were lots of questions about the addition to the classroom and why they were being used. But, once the students started using the new storage system and saw how much time it saved when preparing to play, they loved it!\r\n\tThe storage racks have been crucial to our learning environment. In past lessons, it took some time to hand out the instruments and really took away from our engagement time and time with the music. Now that the instruments are readily available and can remain tuned, we have so much more time with our hands on the instruments. As the year progresses, we hope to continue to utilize these storage racks and are excited as to how much more effective our classroom has become. \r\n\tI want to thank you again for your support and we cannot wait to continue to make awesome music with your help!","fullyFundedDate":1758835279146,"projectUrl":"project/learning-ukulele/9681490/","projectTitle":"Learning Ukulele","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Phillippe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9967508_orig.jpg?crop=716,716,x324,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758740527148","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9967508"},{"teacherId":5881952,"projectId":9361787,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has a brand-new juicer—and it has already made a remarkable difference in our students' habits, confidence, and connection to healthy living.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, many of our students would throw away the fruits and vegetables provided during breakfast and lunch. Several students are English Language Learners, and many struggle with unfamiliar foods or textures. The juicer changed everything. Instead of ending up in the trash, these fruits and vegetables are now transformed into colorful, delicious juices that students are excited to try.\r\n\r\nThe first day we unpacked the juicer, students crowded around the table, amazed at how the apples, oranges, carrots, and spinach turned into bright, refreshing drinks within seconds. For some, it was their first time tasting fresh juice that wasn't from a bottle. Students began asking questions about ingredients, flavor combinations, and nutrition in ways I've never seen before.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, the juicer has helped reduce food waste in our classroom and cafeteria. Students who once refused whole fruit now line up eagerly to turn it into something new. They experiment with recipes, share ideas with classmates, and encourage one another to try \"just one sip\"—a small act of bravery that means so much for students building language, confidence, and healthy habits.\r\n\r\nOne 9th-grade ELL student proudly told me, \"I didn't like spinach, but in the juice, it tastes good!\" Another student who normally avoids breakfast asked if he could make a \"green power juice\" before class to help him stay focused. These moments show how having the right tools can change behaviors and open up new experiences for students who need them most.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped us:\r\n\t•\tReduce daily food waste\r\n\t•\tPromote healthy habits in a way that feels fun, not forced\r\n\t•\tCreate hands-on learning moments about nutrition and sustainability\r\n\t•\tGive ELL students meaningful opportunities to practice English while exploring flavors, textures, and descriptive vocabulary\r\n\t•\tBuild classroom community as students work together to create recipes\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping us turn something ordinary—leftover fruit—into something extraordinary: excitement, curiosity, and a healthier school day. Your gift made an immediate, meaningful difference, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1750682574764,"projectUrl":"project/fruit-to-fuel/9361787/","projectTitle":"Fruit to Fuel","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lewis-Francis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5881952_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747376122194","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5881952"},{"teacherId":8632292,"projectId":9575821,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your time and support. Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to a variety of craft materials that have transformed our classroom. When the supplies arrived, their faces lit up with excitement as they explored cotton balls, yarn, and clay. We are already using the items to learn about our body parts and work one-on-one with the students to create projects! We are using the materials for hands-on projects like \"pasta suns.\" We are continuing to use the items during small group instruction and choice time as well!","fullyFundedDate":1757554473322,"projectUrl":"project/hand-to-mind-crafts-for-preschoolers-wit/9575821/","projectTitle":"Hand to Mind Crafts for Preschoolers With Special Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Veronica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8632292_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724130697657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msveronicasclass"},{"teacherId":8632292,"projectId":9342323,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to our a clean sensory sand table, and it has quickly become one of the most engaging areas in our classroom—again! Along with the sand table, we also added kinetic sand bins to our discovery area. When they first saw the kinetic sand, their faces lit up with excitement, and they eagerly began exploring, digging, and creating. When I added the ice cream cone set to it, they could not get enough of it! The students learned to scoop and even offered the teachers \"ice cream.\" That said, we are using the sand activities to support vocabulary, social-emotional skills, and fine motor development. Students are learning to share tools, describe textures, and collaborate on imaginative projects. It has also encouraged focus and engagement for students who often struggle with attention.","fullyFundedDate":1757680663342,"projectUrl":"project/sandy-hands/9342323/","projectTitle":"Sandy Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Veronica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8632292_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724130697657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msveronicasclass"},{"teacherId":8632292,"projectId":9207359,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project, Your generosity has provided my student with snacks they need to stay focused, engaged, and ready to learn. Many of my students struggle with sensory sensitivities and selective eating, and without these familiar snacks, they often displayed big feelings. Thanks to you, I see students participating more fully, showing improved attention, and approaching learning with joy. Your support has truly nourished their growth, confidence, and enthusiasm for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1742889507183,"projectUrl":"project/a-happy-tummy-leads-to-a-growing-brain/9207359/","projectTitle":"A Happy Tummy Leads to a Growing Brain","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Veronica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8632292_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724130697657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msveronicasclass"},{"teacherId":8632292,"projectId":9077891,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for transforming our preschool special education classroom with the gift of sensory tiles. Because of your generosity, our students now have a safe and engaging way to explore, regulate, and express themselves. Each day, we see them step, jump, crawl, and glide across the colorful textures, learning more about their bodies, their emotions, and their abilities. Our students, ages three to five, experience a wide range of developmental delays, communication challenges, and sensory processing needs. Before your donation, calming spaces were limited. The arrival of these sensory tiles has given our classroom a dynamic new environment—one that helps children manage big feelings and practice self-regulation skills. Our students are so grateful for this donation and love to explore it to regulate their emotions.","fullyFundedDate":1746785489560,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-tiles/9077891/","projectTitle":"Sensory Tiles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Veronica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8632292_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724130697657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msveronicasclass"},{"teacherId":8632292,"projectId":9101387,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project! With your generosity, my students now have access to engaging and diverse books that are helping them strengthen their speech, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. We've been using these texts to practice retelling stories, asking and answering questions, and expanding our use of descriptive language—all skills that directly support their communication growth.\r\n\r\nReading time in our classroom has become one of the most exciting parts of the day. Students gather in small groups, listen intently, and actively participate by clicking buttons or repeating words. Your contribution has not only provided books but also opened doors to self-expression and confidence. We are so grateful for your kindness and the opportunities you've made possible.","fullyFundedDate":1746785571118,"projectUrl":"project/developing-speech-through-books/9101387/","projectTitle":"Developing Speech Through Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Veronica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8632292_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724130697657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msveronicasclass"},{"teacherId":8632292,"projectId":9576084,"letterContent":"I'm thrilled to share how The Missing Piece is already making a difference thanks to you! Your support provided a rich set of Montessori‑inspired puzzles (letters, animals, transportation, sound puzzles) that are doing far more than \"fun play.\" These puzzles help students develop problem-solving, fine motor skills, persistence, pattern recognition, and early literacy concepts. They're tangible \"interfaces\" students manipulate, explore, and think through. Our students are delighted by the element of discovery: picking a puzzle, exploring how the pieces click, listening for the matching sounds, and completing a picture.\r\nBecause of you, our classroom has grown more joyful, more resilient, and more inventive. We're eager to keep using and expanding these resources—and to watch our students' confidence and curiosity flourish every day. Thank you so much for supporting my students and students to come.","fullyFundedDate":1758065051904,"projectUrl":"project/the-missing-piece/9576084/","projectTitle":"The Missing Piece","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Veronica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8632292_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724130697657","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msveronicasclass"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_82066","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":642,"numTeachers":53,"percentFrplEligible":52,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":21,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":78,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"12.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":62.8,"schoolId":82066,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Elementary School 21 on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Elementary School 21","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/paterson-public-schools/elementary-school-21/82066"}