{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Billingsport Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":43.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10502867,"projectId":10275041,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! The new materials have made a wonderful difference in the way my students learn, explore, and work together. The play dough has become a favorite hands-on learning tool, allowing students to practice fine-motor skills while also using their creativity and imagination. We use the dry-erase markers on our laminated materials for writing, practicing letters and numbers, solving problems, and showing what we know. My students were especially excited to see the new classroom rug because it created a comfortable and welcoming space where we can gather together for lessons, read-alouds, discussions, and learning activities. Seeing their excitement when they first saw the new materials reminded me how meaningful even simple classroom resources can be to young learners.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, I am able to provide more engaging and interactive learning experiences for my students. Instead of simply completing a worksheet, students can practice skills repeatedly on laminated activities using dry-erase markers, build and create with play dough, and gather together a ball on our new rug to participate in whole-group lessons. These resources have helped me create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, being creative, and learning through hands-on experiences. Our next steps are to continue using these materials during literacy, math, and small-group activities while encouraging students to work independently and with their classmates. Thank you for helping make our classroom a place where learning can be active, joyful, and engaging!","fullyFundedDate":1781881805895,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-cares/10275041/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Cares","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Severino","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10502867"},{"teacherId":8009917,"projectId":10060545,"letterContent":"The generous donation of food and snacks to our kindergarten classroom has made an incredible difference for our students. We are so thankful to everyone who helped provide these much-needed items. To some, a snack may seem like a small thing, but for a young child who comes to school hungry, having food available can make an enormous difference in their entire day.\r\n\r\nOur kindergarteners are only five and six years old, and they come to school each morning ready to learn, play, grow, and be loved. Unfortunately, not every child has the same resources or experiences outside of school. There are days when students arrive in our classroom hungry and unsure of when they will have their next meal or snack. When a child's basic needs are not met, it can be incredibly difficult for them to focus on learning. It is hard to practice letters, numbers, reading, writing, or problem-solving when your stomach is empty.\r\n\r\nBecause of these donations, we are able to provide our students with something to eat when they need it. Having food readily available in our classroom means that a child does not have to spend the day distracted by hunger. Instead, they can have a snack, feel more comfortable, and return their attention to learning and being a child.\r\n\r\nMore importantly, these donations help us continue to make our classroom and school a safe and welcoming space for our students. We want every child who walks through our classroom door to know that they are cared for. School is more than a place where our students learn academics. For many children, school provides consistency, routines, encouragement, friendships, trusted adults, and a sense of security. We work hard to create an environment where our kindergarteners know that they belong and that there are people here who care about their needs.\r\n\r\nHaving food available also helps protect the dignity of our students. If a child is hungry, we want to be able to quietly meet that need without making them feel embarrassed or different from their classmates. The donated snacks allow us to simply say, \"Of course, we have something for you,\" when a student tells us they are hungry. That small moment can communicate something very important to a young child: You are safe here. You are cared for here. Your needs matter here.\r\n\r\nThe impact can be seen throughout our school day. When students are not focused on being hungry, they have more energy to participate in lessons, interact with their classmates, complete activities, and enjoy the many experiences kindergarten has to offer. They are better able to concentrate during our reading and math lessons, participate in centers, create during art activities, and play with their friends.\r\n\r\nThese donations have also helped us build a classroom community centered around kindness and caring for one another. Our students are learning that a classroom is a community where we help each other and make sure everyone feels included and supported.\r\n\r\nWe cannot thank our donors enough for helping us provide this additional layer of comfort and care for our kindergarteners. Your generosity goes far beyond filling a snack bin. You are helping us create a classroom where children can feel secure, cared for, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for recognizing that sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest impact. Because of your generosity, when one of our little learners comes to school hungry, we have something to offer them. Most importantly, we can remind them through our actions that their classroom is a place where they are welcomed, supported, and cared for. Your donation has helped make our school the safe, nurturing space that every child deserves.","fullyFundedDate":1777978005308,"projectUrl":"project/full-bellies/10060545/","projectTitle":"Full Bellies!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Relation","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8009917"},{"teacherId":8009917,"projectId":10074648,"letterContent":"The donation of butterfly kits to our kindergarten classroom has created an unforgettable hands-on learning experience for our young students. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our kindergarteners were able to do much more than simply read about the life cycle of a butterfly in a book. They were able to observe it happening right before their eyes!\r\n\r\nWhen the caterpillars first arrived in our classroom, the students were immediately filled with excitement, curiosity, and questions. Each day, they eagerly checked on the caterpillars to see how much they had grown and whether anything had changed. The butterfly kits gave our students the opportunity to become young scientists as they observed, compared, discussed, and recorded the changes they noticed. Watching the tiny caterpillars grow larger each day helped bring our science lessons to life in a way that a worksheet or picture could never accomplish.\r\n\r\nAs the caterpillars grew and eventually formed their chrysalises, the students were amazed by the transformation. They learned about each stage of the butterfly life cycle—egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly—and were able to connect the vocabulary we learned in class to a real living example. Every morning became an opportunity for discovery. Students would enter the classroom excited to see if a butterfly had emerged overnight or if they could notice a new change.\r\n\r\nThis project also helped our students develop important skills beyond science. Our kindergarteners practiced patience as they waited for each stage of the life cycle to occur. They learned responsibility and compassion as we discussed how to carefully observe and care for living things. The experience encouraged meaningful conversations, new vocabulary, questioning, prediction, and critical thinking. Students practiced describing what they saw, making predictions about what might happen next, and sharing their observations with classmates.\r\n\r\nThe butterfly kits also supported learning across several subject areas. Students were able to draw and write about the different stages of the butterfly life cycle, sequence events in the correct order, count and compare the caterpillars, and listen to stories and nonfiction books about butterflies. Because they had a real-life experience to connect to these lessons, the concepts became much more meaningful and memorable.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting moments was watching the butterflies finally emerge. The joy and amazement on the students' faces made this project incredibly special. After spending days watching and caring for the caterpillars, the children were able to see the complete transformation into beautiful butterflies. Eventually, releasing the butterflies gave students another opportunity to appreciate nature and understand that the living things we had cared for belonged in their natural environment.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, opportunities to experience science and nature this closely may not always be available outside of school. Having these materials in our classroom helped provide every child with the same opportunity to participate in an engaging, hands-on science experience. Instead of simply being told how a butterfly changes, our students experienced the process for themselves.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this project possible through DonorsChoose. Your generosity provided our kindergarteners with more than butterfly kits—you provided them with curiosity, excitement, discovery, and memories that they will carry with them long after kindergarten. These hands-on experiences help our youngest learners see that science is all around them and that learning can be exciting, meaningful, and full of wonder.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us bring the magic of the butterfly life cycle into our classroom and for giving our kindergarteners the opportunity to learn, explore, and grow alongside our caterpillars and butterflies!","fullyFundedDate":1773870722090,"projectUrl":"project/kinders-and-butterflies/10074648/","projectTitle":"Kinders and Butterflies!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Relation","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8009917"},{"teacherId":8009917,"projectId":10374155,"letterContent":"The cork panels we received through DonorsChoose have made such a wonderful impact on our kindergarten classroom. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to use these panels to create bulletin boards throughout our classroom where we can proudly display student work, projects, artwork, and examples of everything our kindergarteners are learning.\r\n\r\nIn kindergarten, students work incredibly hard as they begin developing important skills in reading, writing, math, science, and so much more. Every piece of work represents growth, effort, creativity, and learning. Having dedicated bulletin board spaces gives us the opportunity to celebrate those accomplishments and show our students that their work is important and worthy of being displayed.\r\n\r\nOne of the greatest impacts of these cork panels has been the excitement and pride our students feel when they see their work hanging in the classroom. They love finding their own papers on the bulletin boards and showing their work to their classmates, teachers, and visitors. For young children, these moments of recognition can be incredibly meaningful. Seeing their work displayed helps build confidence and encourages them to continue trying their best.\r\n\r\nThe bulletin boards have also helped transform our classroom into a more colorful, welcoming, and student-centered learning environment. Instead of simply decorating our walls, we are able to fill them with work created by the children themselves. Our classroom now tells the story of what our students are learning and accomplishing throughout the school year. As we move from one unit or skill to another, we can update the boards and continue celebrating new learning and progress.\r\n\r\nThese spaces are also valuable learning tools. We can display writing samples, letters, numbers, vocabulary, seasonal projects, artwork, and classroom activities. Students are able to look around the room and see reminders of concepts we have learned together. The boards provide opportunities for conversations, reflection, and sharing while making our classroom feel like a space that truly belongs to our students.\r\n\r\nFor many of our kindergarteners, school is one of the first places outside of their homes where they begin developing a sense of independence and pride in their accomplishments. Something as simple as seeing their name and work displayed can make a child feel special, successful, and valued. Thanks to these cork panels, we now have the space to recognize every student and celebrate the unique contributions they bring to our classroom.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly thankful to everyone who donated to our DonorsChoose project. Your generosity provided much more than cork panels—you helped us create spaces where our students can proudly see their hard work and growth celebrated every day. These bulletin boards will continue to be used for years to come, benefiting many future kindergarten students and helping make our classroom a warm, engaging, and joyful place to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting our students, believing in their potential, and helping us create a classroom where their hard work can truly shine!","fullyFundedDate":1784396136272,"projectUrl":"project/art-for-the-heart/10374155/","projectTitle":"Art for the Heart","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Relation","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8009917"},{"teacherId":8009917,"projectId":10355887,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous donations to our kindergarten classroom! Our new classroom rug has been such a wonderful addition to our learning space.\r\n\r\nThe rug has quickly become the heart of our classroom. Each day, my students gather there for morning meetings, read-alouds, lessons, songs, classroom discussions, and special moments together. It has given us a comfortable and inviting place where students can learn, share, and feel connected as a classroom family.\r\n\r\nMy kindergarteners are so excited to have a bright, cozy space that belongs to them. Your generosity has helped make our classroom feel even more welcoming and has created a special gathering place that we will use every single day.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping give them a classroom environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. We are incredibly grateful for your kindness and support!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nA Very Thankful Kindergarten Class","fullyFundedDate":1782697967989,"projectUrl":"project/gather-learn-shine/10355887/","projectTitle":"Gather, Learn, Shine!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Relation","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8009917"},{"teacherId":10501536,"projectId":10273169,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity! Because of your thoughtful gift, our classroom carpet is officially funded! My kindergartners now have a cozy, colorful, and comfortable spot to gather every day for storytime, morning meetings, and learning together. Your kindness has made a massive difference in our classroom, and we are so grateful for your support!\r\n\r\nWhen teaching five- and six-year-olds, the physical environment plays a massive role in how well students learn, regulate their emotions, and build social connections. Before your support, our floor space lacked a clear, comfortable central hub. Gathering together for group lessons often meant sitting on a cold, hard floor where students struggled to find their personal boundaries, frequently got restless, and found it difficult to focus on instructions.\r\n\r\nThis new carpet has completely transformed our daily classroom rhythm and student engagement. It serves as the anchor of our entire room. It is a vibrant, welcoming home base where every child knows they have a designated place to sit, learn, and belong. The bright design and comfortable padding instantly make our classroom feel warmer, safer, and more inviting.\r\n\r\nHaving a dedicated space on the rug has made a noticeable difference in my students' social-emotional growth and classroom focus. Kindergarten is a vital year for learning how to share space, listen actively, and respect peers. The visual boundaries on our new carpet naturally teach my students how to maintain personal space without constant verbal reminders. During our morning meetings, they sit comfortably face-to-face, learning to make eye contact, share their thoughts, and listen attentively to one another. During read-alouds, they are no longer shifting uncomfortably on the hard floor; instead, they are fully immersed in the stories, asking thoughtful questions, and reacting to the pictures with pure excitement.\r\n\r\nFrom a teaching perspective, this funded project has unlocked brand-new instructional possibilities. Transitions that used to consume precious learning time are now seamless. I can call students to the rug in seconds, allowing us to jump straight into active phonics drills, interactive read-alouds, and math mini-lessons. We use the carpet constantly for partner work, small-group collaboration, math manipulative sorting, and hands-on literacy games. Having a central space big enough for our whole community ensures every single child has a front-row seat to learning, making whole-group instruction significantly more effective and engaging.\r\n\r\nBeyond academic growth, this carpet has given my kindergartners a true sense of pride in their classroom. They love pointing out the bright colors, gathering for quiet reading time during independent centers, and resting comfortably during read-alouds. It has turned our group area from a bare floor into a cozy sanctuary where young minds feel excited to gather every single day.\r\n\r\nGenerous supporters like you make a profound impact on early childhood education. By providing us with this fundamental resource, you haven't just bought a piece of classroom furniture, you have created a joyful, supportive space where five-year-olds are developing a lifelong love of learning. On behalf of myself, my students, and our entire school community, thank you for believing in my classroom and investing in these wonderful young learners. Your generosity will be felt every day for years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1780433220480,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-kindergarteners-gather-and-grow/10273169/","projectTitle":"Help My Kindergarteners Gather and Grow!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hurst","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10501536"},{"teacherId":10500048,"projectId":10271046,"letterContent":"I want to send a heartfelt thank you for donating to my classroom. Included in your donations were a new classroom rug, three rainbow rolling carts and letter magnet tiles. My new rug matches my room perfectly and the rainbow carts will be utilized daily as mailboxes for the students. Not only that, but you've helped in our learning with the letter magnet tiles. Since we are a Kindergarten classroom, we learn all letters and in turn, we learn how the letters come together to make words. Now, my students have a fun, engaging way to build their letter knowledge, and it is thanks to you! \r\n\r\nI am so excited for an organized, fun, engaging, learning filled school year!","fullyFundedDate":1780433360733,"projectUrl":"project/lets-build-colorful-kindergarten-conne/10271046/","projectTitle":"Let's Build Colorful, Kindergarten Connections with Carpets and Carts!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Canal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10500048"},{"teacherId":10167036,"projectId":9571145,"letterContent":"Thanks to this generous donation, my students now have a classroom library space that feels welcoming, comfortable, and exciting to visit each day. The flexible seating options, including bean bags and other cozy choices, have completely changed the atmosphere during independent reading time. Students who were previously reluctant to read are now eager to grab a book and settle into a comfortable spot. Creating a space where students feel relaxed and supported has helped build stronger reading stamina, focus, and enthusiasm for books.\r\n\r\nThe addition of new inclusive stories has also had a meaningful impact on our classroom community. My students are able to see themselves reflected in the books we read while also learning about experiences and perspectives different from their own. These stories have sparked thoughtful conversations, encouraged empathy, and helped students feel seen and valued. Having access to a more diverse classroom library has strengthened both literacy skills and our sense of belonging as a class.\r\n\r\nThis project has truly helped transform reading from simply an academic task into an experience my students look forward to every day. Your generosity has created a more engaging, inclusive, and supportive learning environment, and I am incredibly grateful for the positive difference it has made for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1758841679298,"projectUrl":"project/cool-kids-read-books/9571145/","projectTitle":"Cool Kids Read Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Doran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10167036_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1787008647281","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10167036"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_81265","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":296,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":75,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":38,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":31,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":11,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 2","studentTeacherRatio":"12.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":56.3,"schoolId":81265,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Billingsport Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Billingsport Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/paulsboro-public-schools/billingsport-elementary-school/81265"}