{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Veterans Memorial Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":39.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6543299,"projectId":10048517,"letterContent":"Your support has completely reshaped the energy of our SEL Calm and Guidance Room. The addition of the comfy chairs did more than fill a space. It signaled to our students that this is a place designed for them, where their feelings matter and their voices are heard.\r\n\r\nWhen the chairs arrived, students immediately noticed the difference. Instead of standing stiffly during conversations, they settled in comfortably, shoulders relaxed, and began speaking more openly. One moment that stood out was during a small restorative conversation between two students. Sitting face to face in the new seating helped lower defenses, and they were able to express their feelings calmly and respectfully. That kind of growth is powerful.\r\n\r\nWe now use the seating during guided mindfulness exercises, one on one check ins, and small group SEL lessons focused on emotional regulation and peer relationships. The comfort of the environment helps students slow down, reflect, and practice coping strategies in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we are expanding our use of the space by incorporating student reflection journals and peer mediation circles. The chairs have helped create an atmosphere of trust and calm that allows real learning to happen on an emotional level. Because of you, our students have a dedicated space to reset, refocus, and return to class ready to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1769220871481,"projectUrl":"project/soft-seating-for-our-sel-calm-and-guidan/10048517/","projectTitle":"Soft Seating for Our SEL Calm and Guidance Room","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Campodonico","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6543299_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1702384535355","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6543299"},{"teacherId":6543299,"projectId":10077689,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our cheerleaders now have uniforms they can wear with pride. The moment we handed them out was unforgettable. The girls immediately gathered around, helping each other try them on, adjusting bows, and cheering for one another. For many of our students in our Title I community, this was their first time wearing an official team uniform. You could see their confidence grow instantly.\r\n\r\nWe are already putting the uniforms to great use. The team has been practicing routines after school, focusing on teamwork, timing, and leadership. One powerful moment came during practice when a normally quiet student stepped forward to lead a chant. She later shared that wearing the uniform made her feel like she truly belonged. That sense of belonging is something every child deserves.\r\n\r\nBeyond cheering at games, we are connecting this experience to lessons about commitment, responsibility, and school pride. Our students are learning that being part of a team means showing up prepared, supporting one another, and representing our school positively.\r\n\r\nNext, we are preparing for upcoming performances at school events and community games. The girls are working hard on new routines and strengthening their skills, and now they can do so looking and feeling like a unified team. Your support has given them more than uniforms. You have given them confidence, pride, and smiles that shine just as brightly as their spirit. Thank you for believing in our cheerleaders.","fullyFundedDate":1770239035669,"projectUrl":"project/uniforms-spirit-and-smiles-supporting/10077689/","projectTitle":"Uniforms, Spirit, and Smiles: Supporting Our Cheer Team","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Campodonico","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6543299_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1702384535355","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6543299"},{"teacherId":6543299,"projectId":10049676,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students are walking into school warm, comfortable, and ready to learn. The new coats were distributed during a special community moment where each child was able to choose a coat that fit their size and personality. Watching their faces light up as they tried them on was unforgettable. For some students, this was the first brand-new coat they have ever owned.\r\n\r\nAlmost immediately, we noticed a difference. Students are arriving on time, staying focused in class, and participating more confidently during recess and dismissal without worrying about the cold. One moment that truly stood out was a student who quietly shared, \"Now I don't have to wear three hoodies anymore.\" That simple statement reminded us how deeply your support impacts their daily lives.\r\n\r\nBeyond warmth, this project has strengthened our classroom community. We connected the coat distribution to lessons about compassion, gratitude, and service. Students reflected on how communities come together to support one another, and many expressed a desire to \"pay it forward\" one day.\r\n\r\nNext, we plan to build on this experience by organizing a student-led kindness initiative where our classes will write thank-you letters and brainstorm ways they can serve others in our Union City community. Your generosity has not only kept our kids warm, but it has also inspired them to think about how they can make a difference too.\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for keeping our kids warm, safe, and ready to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1769456434334,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-our-kids-warm-one-coat-at-a-tim/10049676/","projectTitle":"Keeping Our Kids Warm, One Coat at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Campodonico","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6543299_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1702384535355","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6543299"},{"teacherId":10341268,"projectId":10058934,"letterContent":"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting \"Every Player Deserves a Pair.\" Because of your generosity, our students now have the basketball shoes they need to step onto the court with confidence and pride. For many of our players, this was more than just footwear. It was a reminder that someone believes in them.\r\n\r\nWhen the shoes arrived, the excitement in the room was unforgettable. Students immediately tried them on, compared styles, and could not stop smiling. What stood out most was the boost in confidence. They walked a little taller, practiced a little harder, and truly felt like a team.\r\n\r\nIn our Title I community, resources like this are not always easily accessible. Your kindness has removed a barrier and allowed our athletes to focus on teamwork, discipline, and growth rather than what they are missing. These shoes represent opportunity, equity, and belief.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and showing them that every player truly does deserve a pair.","fullyFundedDate":1770421084748,"projectUrl":"project/every-player-deserves-a-pair/10058934/","projectTitle":"Every Player Deserves a Pair","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lauren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10341268_orig.jpg?crop=902,902,x0,y15&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771438672274","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrslauren"},{"teacherId":10341268,"projectId":9954914,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students were able to take ownership of a Student-Led Community Board Game Night designed to strengthen family connections and create a welcoming school environment. Using the new board games and materials, students worked together to plan game stations, explain rules to families, and model positive teamwork and sportsmanship. One powerful moment was watching students confidently teach parents and younger siblings how to play games they had practiced in class, turning our school space into a place of laughter, collaboration, and shared learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. They eagerly explored the games, debated strategies, and began assigning roles for game night. Many students who are usually quiet in class became leaders, volunteering to run tables, organize materials, and support families during the event. The sense of pride they felt knowing they were responsible for hosting their community was truly special and empowering.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, students will continue using these games during small group activities to build communication, problem-solving, and social skills. We also plan to make this board game night a recurring family event, allowing students to refine their leadership skills while strengthening the home-school connection. Because of you, our students experienced learning that extended beyond the classroom and into their community, creating memories that will last far beyond one evening.","fullyFundedDate":1765558830287,"projectUrl":"project/student-led-community-board-game-night-f/9954914/","projectTitle":"Student-Led Community Board Game Night for Family Connection","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lauren","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10341268_orig.jpg?crop=902,902,x0,y15&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1771438672274","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrslauren"},{"teacherId":6543299,"projectId":9933781,"letterContent":"This project allowed us to host a meaningful community event where students and their families could come together in a welcoming, supportive school environment. For many of our families, school events can feel intimidating or inaccessible. By providing materials, supplies, and a comfortable setup, we were able to create an experience where families felt invited, valued, and connected to their children's learning.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for our students was sharing their school space with their families in a positive and joyful way. Students were proud to participate alongside parents and siblings, whether through activities, conversations, or shared experiences. Several students who are typically quiet or reserved at school became more confident and engaged when their families were present, showing growth in communication and self expression.\r\n\r\nThis project especially benefited students who thrive on strong home school connections. Families left feeling more informed, connected, and comfortable engaging with the school community. Because of your support, our students experienced learning beyond the classroom and saw firsthand that their school is a place where families belong. Thank you for helping us strengthen these important relationships that support both student success and well being.","fullyFundedDate":1765396766461,"projectUrl":"project/community-event-with-family/9933781/","projectTitle":"Community Event with Family","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Campodonico","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6543299_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1702384535355","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6543299"},{"teacherId":6543299,"projectId":9867007,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our Next-Gen E-Sports Lab: Nintendo Switch 2 Competitive Initiative has created meaningful learning and leadership opportunities for our students. While many donors may view gaming technology as entertainment at home, in our school it is a structured educational tool. Students are developing critical skills such as strategic thinking, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. They analyze gameplay, reflect on performance, and learn the importance of preparation, sportsmanship, and accountability, all of which transfer directly into the classroom and beyond.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is competing with cutting-edge technology in an organized, team-based environment. The enhanced performance and immersive experience of the Nintendo Switch 2 keep students focused and motivated. Our teams have already begun competing in tournaments, earning wins and placements that have boosted confidence, school pride, and student engagement. Representing their school in competitive play has given students a strong sense of belonging and purpose.\r\n\r\nPerhaps most impactful is the pathway this initiative creates for future opportunities. As high school and collegiate esports continue to expand, students are learning that strong performance, teamwork, and character can lead to being noticed by programs offering esports scholarships. Several students who once struggled to engage in traditional settings are now thriving as leaders and role models in the lab. Because of you, students are not just playing games, they are winning tournaments, building confidence, and envisioning a future filled with possibility. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1765812452526,"projectUrl":"project/next-gen-e-sports-lab-nintendo-switch-2/9867007/","projectTitle":"Next-Gen E-Sports Lab: Nintendo Switch 2 Competitive Initiative","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Campodonico","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6543299_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1702384535355","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6543299"},{"teacherId":9047900,"projectId":9352765,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my students! The day the supplies arrived felt like Christmas morning in our classroom. My kids were so excited to see the boxes of colored pencils, markers, and brand-new headphones. A few of them couldn't stop sniffing the Mr. Sketch markers, while others immediately wanted to test out the headphones.\r\n\r\nThese supplies are already being used every single day. The headphones have made a huge difference during small-group lessons—every student can finally hear clearly and stay focused. The pencils and sharpeners have saved us so much class time, and the grid paper has been a big help in keeping math work neat and organized. The sticky chart paper has quickly become a favorite, letting students proudly share their ideas during science lessons.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was during our energy unit when groups worked together to make colorful posters with the new markers and chart paper. The pride on their faces when they presented their work was unforgettable.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students feel prepared, supported, and excited to learn. Thank you for making such a real difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1749215599069,"projectUrl":"project/pencils-paper-possibilities/9352765/","projectTitle":"Pencils, Paper & Possibilities","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Walsh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9047900_orig.png?crop=616,616,x0,y127&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1686745757349","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9047900"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_73980","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":531,"numTeachers":37,"percentFrplEligible":88,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":96,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.5,"schoolId":73980,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Veterans Memorial Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Veterans Memorial Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/union-city-public-schools/veterans-memorial-elementary-school/73980"}