{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Colin Powell Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":42.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":7761001,"projectId":6238270,"letterContent":"It has been three years and my students continue to enjoy the cool graphic novels we received through the generous donations made by you! For many of my students, reading is challenging, so these books, in particular, are accessible and motivating. \r\n\r\nI look back at the beginning of this school year and I can see one of my students literally jump from a sitting position on the floor, Dog Man in hand, triumphantly declaring, \"I finished my first chapter book!\"\r\n\r\nThat student has since finished the very popular Dog Man series. It is one of many magic moments and a beautiful testament to the power of reading.\r\n\r\nSo, thank you for your support and the support given to countless other classrooms throughout the country. Now, more than ever, we have to show each other how much we care.","fullyFundedDate":1648240292179,"projectUrl":"project/cool-comics-for-my-reluctant-readers/6238270/","projectTitle":"Cool Comics For My Reluctant Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cifarelli","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7761001_orig.jpg?crop=1837,1838,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1636776326141","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7761001"},{"teacherId":3683024,"projectId":9127896,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project! Because of you, our elementary art room feels more like a creative sanctuary, filled with soft floor pillows and yoga mats that have transformed how my students experience art, movement, and mindfulness.\r\n\r\nWhen my students entered the room and saw the new materials, their eyes lit up. Several of them immediately asked, \"Can we sit on these today?\" within minutes, the pillows and mats became part of their learning space. We've been using them daily, whether during our opening mindfulness routine, sketchbook reflections, or collaborative group projects. They allow students to work comfortably on the floor, stretch out, or find a quiet moment to self-regulate.\r\n\r\nOne decisive moment came during a recent art + SEL lesson where students explored the theme of \"inner peace\" through watercolor painting. Before beginning, we practiced a short guided breathing exercise on the mats, followed by journaling while seated on the pillows. The shift in mood was immediate—students were calm, grounded, and fully immersed in their creative process. One student said, \"It feels like we're in a real art studio now.\"\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, I've created an inclusive, comforting space where students feel safe to express themselves and take creative risks. These materials support more than just physical comfort—they give students tools to navigate emotions and build confidence in their ideas.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll start a unit on storytelling through visual art, where students will explore their personal narratives. The mats and pillows will continue to serve as safe spaces for sketching, group sharing, and reflecting as they dive deeper into their identities and experiences.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom. Your kindness is helping to build not only better artists but also stronger, more emotionally aware young people.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1742823872905,"projectUrl":"project/zen-space-for-anxious-artists/9127896/","projectTitle":"Zen Space For Anxious Artists","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":9128539,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of a JBL speaker to our elementary art classroom! Your kindness has brought more than sound into our space—energy, focus, and a more profound connection to our students' creative and emotional lives.\r\n\r\nIn our inner-city school, many students come to class carrying the weight of challenges beyond their years. The art room is one of the few places where they can truly express themselves, and thanks to your support, we've created a more emotionally supportive and inspiring environment.\r\n\r\nThe speaker is now part of our daily rhythm. We use it to play calming music during mindfulness moments, upbeat tunes during collaborative projects, and guided SEL meditations that help students ground themselves before or after a stressful day. It's amazing how much of a difference music makes—students walk in and immediately feel the positive tone we've set. They're more engaged, more focused, and more open to expressing their ideas and emotions through art.\r\n\r\nYour donation has helped transform our classroom into a space where creativity and emotional well-being go hand in hand. Thank you for investing in not only their education but also their hearts and minds. Your impact will be felt long after the music fades.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1742823879959,"projectUrl":"project/music-sings-creativity/9128539/","projectTitle":"Music Sings Creativity!","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":4613856,"projectId":8764025,"letterContent":"Thnk you so much for your donation. The printer has been a helpful tool in our first grade classroom because it allows for making quick copies of worksheets, drawings, and other learning materials for the students. It prints colorful pictures, letters, and fun activities that help the children learn in a fun way. The printer also helps students by printing their work so they can take it home and share what they've learned with their families. It's a great way to make learning easier and more exciting!\r\n\r\n\r\nThe printer is very helpful for projects in our first grade classroom because it allows students to create colorful and neat materials for their work. For example, they can print pictures, letters, or even simple word lists to use in their projects. The printer came just in time for the holidays so students have been able to create fun activities for the holidays. We have also used the printer to help make things like charts, posters, or simple books that the students can work on and share with others. This makes learning fun and gives the students something special to take home or display in the classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1731854623183,"projectUrl":"project/print-for-success-help-equip-our-classr/8764025/","projectTitle":"Print for Success: Help Equip Our Classroom with a Printer!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. S.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4613856_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1501895836922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-sansevere"},{"teacherId":5814352,"projectId":8753619,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to my DonorsChoose project. Thanks to your support, I was able to provide my students with a copy og Because of Winn Dixie, that will inspire their imaginations, foster their love for reading, and enhance their learning experience in the classroom. I wanted to share just how much of an impact these new resources are already making in our classroom.\r\nIn addition, these books are perfect for helping students with different reading levels engage with the material. I've seen students who once struggled with reading come to life with excitement as they explore these stories. \r\n\r\nFor instance, Benjamin, who has always been a reluctant reader, is now eagerly finishing books and participating in class discussions, something I hadn't seen before! They're excited to come to class each day and share their thoughts with peers, and it's been wonderful to see their confidence grow.\r\n\r\nOur classroom is a place where books come alive—whether it's through independent reading time, book clubs, or group read-alouds. Because of Winn Dixie appeals to my animal loving students gentle and caring hearts which makes all of this even more meaningful. The excitement and engagement have been contagious, and I'm seeing that my students are starting to view reading not just as a classroom activity, but as something they truly enjoy.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your incredible generosity. You've helped to create a richer, more dynamic reading experience for my students, and for that, I am truly grateful. Your contribution is making a lasting difference, and I can't wait to continue watching my students grow as readers, thinkers, learners and dog lovers! :) We are so grateful for your belief in the power of education and reading. Thanks to you, my students are not only gaining knowledge but are also developing a lifelong love of books.","fullyFundedDate":1726429296378,"projectUrl":"project/for-the-love-of-books-and-dogs/8753619/","projectTitle":"For the Love of Books and Dogs!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Comas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5814352_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1551105948554","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-comas"}],"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":57.4,"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"}