{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Downing Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":15.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9571140,"projectId":10437118,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with these wonderful dramatic play materials! Our farmers market, ice cream shop, coffee and tea shop, pastries, cookies, and other pretend-play items have transformed our classroom into a place where students can learn through imagination and hands-on experiences.\r\n\r\nThrough dramatic play, our students practice important skills while having fun. They use new vocabulary, communicate with their classmates, take on different roles, practice counting and sorting, and even explore early writing as they create menus, shopping lists, signs, and pretend orders.\r\n\r\nThese materials also encourage students to cooperate, problem-solve, take turns, and build confidence as they act out familiar real-world experiences. Whether they are pretending to be a cashier at the farmers market, serving ice cream, or hosting a tea party, they are developing skills that extend far beyond play.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped us create engaging, meaningful learning experiences where our little learners can imagine, create, communicate, and grow. We are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1787162444479,"projectUrl":"project/bring-learning-to-life-with-dramatic-pla/10437118/","projectTitle":"Bring Learning to Life with Dramatic Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fitzgerald","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9571140_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754414075754","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9571140"},{"teacherId":9571140,"projectId":10257975,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through DonorsChoose! Your generosity has provided our students with lab desks, clipboards, storage bins, building toys, and other classroom supplies that are making a meaningful difference in our everyday learning.\r\n\r\nOur new lab desks and clipboards have given students more opportunities to work independently, collaborate with classmates, and take their learning to different areas of the classroom. The building toys have also opened up so many opportunities for creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning. Students can build, create, experiment, and use their imaginations while developing important early learning skills.\r\n\r\nThe new bins and organizational supplies have helped us create inviting, accessible centers where students can easily find the materials they need and take ownership of their learning. Having these resources available allows our classroom to feel more like a place where students can explore, make choices, and learn through play.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these materials have helped create a classroom where learning feels exciting and engaging. Instead of simply completing an assignment, students can build, create, explore, practice, and work together. Your support has helped us provide experiences that meet students where they are while encouraging them to grow and challenge themselves.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your generosity and the opportunities you have provided our little learners!","fullyFundedDate":1778038481808,"projectUrl":"project/creating-an-organized-calm-and-engagin/10257975/","projectTitle":"Creating an Organized, Calm, and Engaging Kindergarten Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fitzgerald","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9571140_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754414075754","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9571140"},{"teacherId":8033353,"projectId":9950167,"letterContent":"The sensory paths have provided my students with a dedicated, structured space to regulate their nervous systems, process excess energy, and rebuild focus through targeted physical movement.The sensory paths provide movement breaks which helps lower stress, improves motor coordination, and allows students to return to the classroom emotionally balanced, ready to engage, and better prepared to learn. Movement primes the brain for learning by triggering a cascade of biological changes that boost attention, memory formation, and emotional regulation. This path and your generosity have given my students chances to do all the important things above and more! Thank so so much!!!","fullyFundedDate":1776436582330,"projectUrl":"project/movement-that-matters-sensory-walks-for/9950167/","projectTitle":"Movement That Matters: Sensory Walks for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Callahan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8033353_orig.png?crop=800,800,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784741390208","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8033353"},{"teacherId":10248005,"projectId":9940471,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of Glow Big or Go Home! Your donations of glow paint, black lights, and other materials made it possible for us to create two unforgettable Deep Sea Glow rooms that became a true spectacle for students and families.\r\n\r\nWith your help, our Special Art team and STEAM Club joined forces to build larger-than-life cardboard creations that truly popped under the black lights. Students designed the details, and together we added moving parts programmed from LEGO STEM kits—including a glowing anglerfish with a moving light and a submarine with a spinning propeller. The walls were filled from top to bottom with student artwork from every grade level: dolphins, sharks, turtles, starfish, shells, and submarines. A giant octopus and a life-size hammerhead shark hung from the ceiling, making everyone feel immersed at the bottom of the ocean.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, hundreds of students experienced the magic of art, STEAM, and collaboration in a way they won't soon forget. Thank you for helping us create memories that continue to glow.","fullyFundedDate":1775014395726,"projectUrl":"project/glow-big-or-go-home-school-wide-glow-ar/9940471/","projectTitle":"Glow Big or Go Home: School-Wide Glow Art Expo","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Monico","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10248005_orig.jpg?crop=583,583,x829,y460&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757515520964","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10248005"},{"teacherId":3026601,"projectId":9922418,"letterContent":"Your generous support made our Bot Battle Showdown one of the most exciting events of the year for our students. Although we received two of the newer Sphero Bolt+ robots, those upgraded bots became the stars of our school-wide finals. Sixteen of our top student inventors competed in front of the entire school for the Bot Battles 3D-printed championship title belt. The faster, more responsive Bolt+ robots helped the matches run smoothly and gave every competitor a fair, high-energy experience.\r\n\r\nThe same two robots then powered the ultimate showdown at our annual Field Day, where the champion from each school battled outdoors for the first-ever Bot Battles 3D-printed Undisputed Championship Title Belt. The event felt like a true pep rally—students held signs for their favorites, music blasted, LED lights pulsed with the beat, and larger-than-life robot props with glowing eyes lined the field. The newer, faster Sphero Bolt+ robots kept every match exciting and reliable from start to finish.\r\n\r\nBecause of your gift, our young engineers got to design, battle, rebuild, and celebrate on a bigger stage than ever before. Thank you for helping us turn their big ideas into an unforgettable championship experience!","fullyFundedDate":1775014395625,"projectUrl":"project/bot-battle-showdown/9922418/","projectTitle":"Bot Battle Showdown","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Michell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3026601_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y248&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736788305035","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrmichell"},{"teacherId":9571140,"projectId":10269497,"letterContent":"These new classroom items have helped me build a more engaging, welcoming, and flexible classroom environment for my students. Having access to these resources allows me to create hands-on learning opportunities, provide students with different ways to participate, and make our classroom a space where everyone can feel comfortable and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nThe flexibility these items provide has made it easier for me to adapt lessons and activities to meet the different needs, interests, and learning styles of my students. My students are able to collaborate, explore, create, and learn in ways that feel meaningful to them. I am incredibly grateful to the generous donors who supported my classroom and helped make these opportunities possible!","fullyFundedDate":1779252380760,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-flexible-comfortable-and-en/10269497/","projectTitle":"Building a Flexible, Comfortable, and Engaging Learning Space","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fitzgerald","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9571140_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754414075754","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9571140"},{"teacherId":5478345,"projectId":10192251,"letterContent":"Thank you for making this project possible and bringing more color, creativity, and hands-on learning into our classroom! My students were so excited when they first saw the new materials. Their smiles and enthusiasm showed how much they value having opportunities to create, explore, and express their ideas in new ways.\r\n\r\nWe have been using these resources during creative classroom projects that allow students to learn through doing. Whether they are designing artwork, completing hands-on activities, or adding their own personal touches to assignments, students have been able to build confidence while strengthening important skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and self-expression. One of my favorite moments has been watching students proudly share their finished work and celebrate each other's creativity.\r\n\r\nAs we continue learning, these materials will support upcoming projects that combine creativity with academic skills. Students will continue using these resources to bring their ideas to life, explore new concepts, and develop a deeper love for learning. Thank you for helping create a classroom where every student has the chance to imagine, create, and succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1778038481953,"projectUrl":"project/color-creativity-and-hands-on-learning/10192251/","projectTitle":"Color, Creativity, and Hands-On Learning in Every Classroom Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5478345_orig.jpg?crop=954,954,x93,y266&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718932865291","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-michell"},{"teacherId":5478345,"projectId":10177847,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students have been given new opportunities to learn, explore, and grow. The resources from this project have helped create a classroom environment where students feel encouraged to take risks, stay curious, and believe in their own abilities.\r\n\r\nMy students were excited to see the new materials and immediately began using them during lessons, activities, and independent learning time. These resources have helped make learning more engaging and hands-on while supporting students as they build important academic and social skills.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding moments has been watching students become more confident as they work through challenges, collaborate with classmates, and celebrate their progress. As we continue our learning journey, students will use these tools to deepen their understanding, complete new projects, and continue reaching toward their goals.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping my students grow their minds, dream big, and see all that they are capable of achieving. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1776129423865,"projectUrl":"project/growing-minds-soaring-dreams/10177847/","projectTitle":"Growing Minds & Soaring Dreams","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5478345_orig.jpg?crop=954,954,x93,y266&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718932865291","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-michell"},{"teacherId":5478345,"projectId":9942407,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students had the opportunity to combine art and writing in a meaningful way. They were so excited to use the new materials to create self-portraits and write personal narratives that shared their unique stories, interests, and dreams. It was wonderful to watch their confidence grow as they expressed themselves both creatively and through writing.\r\n\r\nThe art supplies helped students bring their portraits to life with vibrant colors and thoughtful details, while the writing materials supported them as they planned, drafted, and revised their narratives. One of my favorite moments was seeing students proudly share their finished work with classmates, celebrating both their artistic talents and their voices as writers.\r\n\r\nAs we continue building our writing skills, students will use these experiences to strengthen future narrative, opinion, and informational writing projects. Your generosity gave them the tools to express themselves creatively and helped make learning both memorable and meaningful. Thank you for investing in my students and encouraging their creativity!","fullyFundedDate":1775014395379,"projectUrl":"project/art-meets-writing-portraits-and-persona/9942407/","projectTitle":"Art Meets Writing: Portraits and Personal Narratives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5478345_orig.jpg?crop=954,954,x93,y266&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718932865291","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-michell"},{"teacherId":5478345,"projectId":9942253,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom has become an even more positive, engaging, and welcoming place to learn! My students were thrilled when they saw the new incentives, classroom supplies, and hands-on materials. The excitement was contagious as they eagerly asked when they could start earning stickers, pencils, and other rewards for showing kindness, responsibility, and perseverance.\r\n\r\nWe use these resources every day to celebrate student effort, encourage positive behavior, and make learning more interactive. One of my favorite moments was watching students cheer each other on as classmates earned incentives for meeting classroom goals. It has helped build a supportive classroom community where students encourage one another to do their best.\r\n\r\nThe sensory and classroom materials have also become part of our daily routines, helping students stay engaged and focused during lessons. As we continue through the school year, we'll use these resources to support collaborative projects, celebrate academic growth, and create meaningful learning experiences. Your generosity has made a lasting impact, and my students are grateful for your support. Thank you for helping make our classroom a place where every child feels motivated, valued, and excited to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1775014395407,"projectUrl":"project/incentives-imagination-and-a-little-fu/9942253/","projectTitle":"Incentives, Imagination, and a Little Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5478345_orig.jpg?crop=954,954,x93,y266&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718932865291","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-michell"},{"teacherId":9571140,"projectId":9534818,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom! Because of you, my students have been able to dive into hands-on learning experiences that truly bring our lessons to life.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the new materials during our literacy centers, especially in our word-building and creation stations. One of my favorite moments was watching a student who has been struggling with reading confidently build and read a simple CVC word using the magnetic letters for the first time. The excitement on their face—and the cheers from their classmates—was something I won't forget. These resources are helping make learning feel accessible and fun for all of my students.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were beyond excited. Their eyes lit up as we unpacked everything together, and they couldn't wait to start exploring. Even students who sometimes struggle to stay engaged were eager to participate and try something new.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we're continuing to build on these foundational skills. Students will be using the materials to create more complex words and sentences, work on sight word recognition, and collaborate during centers. We're also beginning to incorporate more writing activities where students can apply what they've built and read, helping them grow as confident readers and writers.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a meaningful impact in our classroom, and we are so grateful. Thank you for helping create a space where students feel excited, supported, and successful in their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1756148532182,"projectUrl":"project/morning-stem-bins-an-incredible-way-to/9534818/","projectTitle":"Morning STEM Bins: an Incredible Way to Start the Day!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fitzgerald","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9571140_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754414075754","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9571140"},{"teacherId":9571140,"projectId":9540536,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom! Because of you, my students have been able to dive into hands-on learning experiences that truly bring our lessons to life.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the new materials during our literacy centers, especially in our word-building and creation stations. One of my favorite moments was watching a student who has been struggling with reading confidently build and read a simple CVC word using the magnetic letters for the first time. The excitement on their face—and the cheers from their classmates—was something I won't forget. These resources are helping make learning feel accessible and fun for all of my students.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were beyond excited. Their eyes lit up as we unpacked everything together, and they couldn't wait to start exploring. Even students who sometimes struggle to stay engaged were eager to participate and try something new.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we're continuing to build on these foundational skills. Students will be using the materials to create more complex words and sentences, work on sight word recognition, and collaborate during centers. We're also beginning to incorporate more writing activities where students can apply what they've built and read, helping them grow as confident readers and writers.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a meaningful impact in our classroom, and we are so grateful. Thank you for helping create a space where students feel excited, supported, and successful in their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1756148532166,"projectUrl":"project/brave-calm-and-kindergarten-strong/9540536/","projectTitle":"Brave, Calm, and Kindergarten Strong!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fitzgerald","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9571140_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754414075754","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9571140"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_80957","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":149,"numTeachers":11,"percentFrplEligible":46,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":10,"percentWhite":57,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":17,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":6,"gradesServed":"K - 3","studentTeacherRatio":"13.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":84.3,"schoolId":80957,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Downing Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Downing Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/runnemede-public-school-district/downing-elementary-school/80957"}