{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Colin Powell Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":40.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10424385,"projectId":10073582,"letterContent":"I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for your generosity and support. The resources you donated have made such a meaningful difference in our classroom. My students have truly enjoyed using them—they've sparked curiosity, creativity, and so much excitement for learning.\r\n\r\nOne of our favorite times of the week is something we call \"Build It Friday,\" where students get to collaborate with each other to design, build, and create using fun manipulatives. The materials you provided have made these moments even more special—giving students new ways to explore their ideas and work together.\r\n\r\nThey genuinely look forward to using these resources, and it's been so special to see their huge, beaming smiles from ear to ear as they dive into activities. I truly can't thank you enough for helping my students enjoy coming to school and feel excited about learning each day.\r\n\r\nIt's clear that these resources were given with care, and they've helped create a more engaging and enriching environment for everyone. Your kindness has had a direct impact on my students' experiences, and I'm so grateful.\r\n\r\nThank you again for thinking of our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1770647632512,"projectUrl":"project/bring-back-the-joy-making-school-fun-ag/10073582/","projectTitle":"Bring Back the Joy: Making School Fun Again","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cartas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10424385"},{"teacherId":9639394,"projectId":10065079,"letterContent":"We've been using the new resources every day in our classroom, and they've made a big difference in how smoothly things run. The boards are especially helpful during centers, review time, Kahoot activities, and group work. Students are more engaged because they can actively participate and collaborate with their classmates. One great moment was during a review session when every group was working on their boards at the same time—everyone was involved, and it made learning feel more interactive and fun.\r\n\r\nThe electric sharpener has also been a huge help. Students can sharpen their pencils quickly and get right back to work without losing instructional time. We've also created a classroom system with the pencils—each student gets a new one every month, labeled with tape so they know which one is theirs. This has helped with organization and responsibility.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, they were very excited and grateful. They even took ownership by helping to create classroom rules for how to use and care for everything. It was great to see them feel a sense of pride and responsibility.\r\n\r\nRight now, we're using these materials as part of a mid-year refresher, giving students a fresh start with new supplies and routines. Our next steps are to continue building strong habits with these tools while focusing on small group instruction and review activities to strengthen key skills. These resources are helping us stay organized, engaged, and ready to learn every day.","fullyFundedDate":1770224368725,"projectUrl":"project/refresh-the-classroom/10065079/","projectTitle":"Refresh the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bermudez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9639394"},{"teacherId":10073736,"projectId":9742998,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation of 25 headphones to our Kindergarten classroom! The support has empowered students to explore new ideas and materials. These have been a game-changer for managing classroom noise. My students now have a dedicated way to enjoy quiet time, allowing them to focus without becoming over stimulated by bustling activities around them. You have created a peaceful learning environment where everyone can thrive. \r\nThank you again for investing in their future and making an incredible learning experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1761830294690,"projectUrl":"project/noise-level-reduction/9742998/","projectTitle":"Noise Level Reduction","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morsella","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10073736"},{"teacherId":6004982,"projectId":9842981,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank you once again for your kindness and generosity. Your contribution to my classroom, benefiting approximately 500 students, is truly a precious gift. We have been exploring different types of movement using yoga mats for comfortable seating and spacing. We enjoy using kaleidoscopes during our restful and relaxing times, as well as ribbons and scarves to discover creative movement patterns. Additionally, we use stretchy bands for various strength and rhythm activities. These resources have been a wonderful addition to our educational activities, and all the children are excited and appreciative of the materials you provided.\r\n\r\nThank you! Thank you! Thank you! \r\n\r\n\r\nMay your generosity return to you in many wonderful forms!","fullyFundedDate":1761854601576,"projectUrl":"project/play-and-learn/9842981/","projectTitle":"Play and Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Voropanova","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6004982_orig.jpg?crop=1999,1999,x173,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751337505339","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/anna-voropanova"},{"teacherId":3683024,"projectId":9715595,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Art Basics project. Your generosity made sure my students had the most essential supplies to create freely. The paper, drawing tools, and basic materials you helped provide are already being used every single day.\r\n\r\nThe first day the boxes arrived, students crowded around as I opened everything. They were especially excited to see the variety of paper because we often have to ration it. One of my fourth graders said, \"Now we can keep practicing until we get it right.\" That comment stayed with me. Having enough basic supplies gives students permission to explore, make mistakes, and try again without fear of wasting materials.\r\n\r\nWe have already used these resources in sketching warm ups, watercolor lessons, and a mixed media fall art project. I noticed students taking more care in their work simply because they had fresh materials that felt special and meant for them. It has shifted the tone in the room. They feel valued, and they know this project came from people who believe their creativity matters.\r\n\r\nThank you for being part of our classroom. Your support reaches every student who walks through our art room door.","fullyFundedDate":1761854601210,"projectUrl":"project/art-basics/9715595/","projectTitle":"Art Basics?","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Woods","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3683024_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468890535045","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3683024"},{"teacherId":3683024,"projectId":9715635,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Leveling Up Recess with Interactive Gaming.\" Your contribution has already made a noticeable difference. The interactive console has become a new gathering spot during recess, especially for students who sometimes feel unsure about where they fit in outside.\r\n\r\nThe first day we introduced it, I watched a group of students who usually stand on the sidelines begin to play together and cheer each other on. They were teaching one another how to use the console, taking turns without being prompted, and celebrating every small win. It was such a genuine moment of connection. You could feel the shift in the space.\r\n\r\nThis new activity is helping students socialize in ways that feel natural and comfortable. It offers movement, teamwork, and positive interaction. We are planning to introduce small grade-level tournaments next, which the students are already asking about.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping create a playful and welcoming recess environment. Your generosity is felt every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1761854602204,"projectUrl":"project/leveling-up-recess-with-interactive-gami/9715635/","projectTitle":"Leveling Up Recess with Interactive Gaming","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Woods","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3683024_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468890535045","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3683024"},{"teacherId":3683024,"projectId":9715647,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project. The students were so excited when they saw the new board games. Recess can be a tricky time in our school because many students are still learning how to work together, handle frustration, and include others. These games have opened up new ways for students to connect. I watched a group of fourth graders teach a first grader how to play Connect Four, and they stuck with her patiently until she understood. Moments like that do not always happen on their own. The games gave them a way to practice kindness and teamwork without it feeling forced.\r\n\r\nSince adding these games to recess, I have seen fewer conflicts and a lot more laughter. Students who used to stand on the sidelines now have something they feel comfortable joining. They are learning to take turns, communicate, and problem solve in real time. It has changed the tone of our recess space in the best way possible. We will continue encouraging students to rotate through games, welcome new players, and challenge themselves with different choices each week.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making a difference. Something as simple as board games has had a real impact on our school community, and we appreciate your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1761854601646,"projectUrl":"project/games-to-spark-fun-and-friendship-during/9715647/","projectTitle":"Games to Spark Fun and Friendship During Recess","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Woods","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3683024_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468890535045","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3683024"},{"teacherId":6004982,"projectId":9427021,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nI cannot express how truly grateful I am for your generous gift to my classroom, which impacts hundreds of children from kindergarten to sixth grade. Our round green rug is wonderful and has become the centerpiece of our classroom! It is where we gather every day for discussions, breathing practices, yoga exercises, dancing, and playing games.\r\n\r\nThank you for your kindness and for donating your hard-earned money to help create a welcoming, comfortable, and cozy space where my students can relax and connect with themselves and each other. Your generosity is appreciated by every single student and me.\r\n\r\nMay everything you have given to us return to you tenfold. Your kindness is a gift we will not soon forget.","fullyFundedDate":1753299634614,"projectUrl":"project/gather-around/9427021/","projectTitle":"Gather Around!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Voropanova","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6004982_orig.jpg?crop=1999,1999,x173,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751337505339","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/anna-voropanova"},{"teacherId":9888155,"projectId":9252700,"letterContent":"On behalf of myself, I want to thank you for the donation of school materials that you sent to my third grade classroom. The students are very grateful and I can see the impact it is having on their learning. \r\nMany of my students are learning English as their second language and the science vocabulary can be quite difficult to read and understand. The magnetic tiles have become a favorite among the students who use these tiles as a tool for learning. They use the tiles to build and practice the difficult multisyllabic vocabulary, arranging and rearranging words. This hands-on approach makes the abstract concepts more concrete. These letters have also helped my students with reading difficulties. Physically manipulating the letters helps them connect the sounds to the meanings. It has truly been a game-changer!\r\nAnother highlight is the galaxy projector. We use this projector when we are writing. With the lights turned off and the projector on, the room transforms into a peaceful and inspiring place. The students remain calm and focused, which helps them get their thoughts down on paper. It helps to relax me as well, which is very much appreciated. \r\nYour donations are more then just school supplies, they are resources that help make my daily routine better. We are grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1749215534990,"projectUrl":"project/third-grade-scientists-in-the-making/9252700/","projectTitle":"Third Grade Scientists in the Making","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shaw","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9888155"},{"teacherId":3683024,"projectId":9248900,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our art room has transformed into a more calming and welcoming space. The blankets and aromatherapy essentials you helped provide are now an important part of our daily routine. Students are able to wrap themselves in a blanket during independent work or sketchbook reflections, and the gentle scent of the diffuser helps create an atmosphere where they feel safe and focused. During a recent self-portrait project, one student shared that the cozy setup \"made it feel easier to slow down and really think about what I wanted to draw.\" Moments like that show how much these resources matter.\r\n\r\nWhen the items first arrived, the students were surprised that art class could feel so comfortable and peaceful. Many of them had never experienced something like an oil diffuser in a classroom before, and they immediately asked which scents we would try first. Their excitement showed that they understood these materials were not just supplies, but a sign that their emotions and comfort are valued here.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our work, these tools are now part of a larger initiative for social-emotional growth in the art room. Students are learning that art is not only about skill, but also about self-care, mindfulness, and expression. Our next steps include guided relaxation sketchbook prompts and collaborative projects that encourage empathy and reflection. Your support has helped us build an environment where students can create, grow, and feel cared for,and for that, we are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1749215587070,"projectUrl":"project/oil-we-need-is-love-in-the-art-room/9248900/","projectTitle":"Oil We Need Is Love in the Art Room","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Woods","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3683024_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468890535045","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3683024"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_106003","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":702,"numTeachers":55,"percentFrplEligible":81,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":94,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":59.3,"schoolId":106003,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Colin Powell Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Colin Powell Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/union-city-public-schools/colin-powell-elementary-school/106003"}