{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Thomas Jefferson Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10411794,"projectId":10039162,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible generosity toward our school and my students. As a Health educator at a Title I school, I have the privilege of teaching a diverse group of learners from Kindergarten through 5th Grade, including both general education students and those with special needs. Your support has provided us with essential resources that make our lessons on nutrition, germ prevention, and hygiene truly come to life. The doctors and dentist kits you provided have allowed my students to practice brushing teeth and hand washing in a hands-on way, while the magnetic shapes and healthy food sets have turned nutrition lessons into an interactive experience. My students especially love using these materials to \"recreate\" fruits and vegetables or participate in our \"create a healthy sandwich\" activities, which helps them visualize healthy choices in a way a textbook simply cannot.\r\nBeyond physical health, your donation of books has been essential in supporting our social-emotional and mental health curriculum. These stories provide a vital foundation for my students to explore their emotions and develop the tools they need for long-term well-being. In a high-needs environment like ours, having access to quality tactile materials and engaging literature is transformative. Your kindness has not only equipped my classroom with the supplies we need but has also shown my students that their education and health are valued by the community. Thank you for making our Health room a place of discovery, growth, and empowerment for every child who walks through my door.","fullyFundedDate":1768769003871,"projectUrl":"project/nourishing-with-care-an-inclusion-k-5-h/10039162/","projectTitle":"Nourishing With Care: An Inclusion K-5 Health & Nutrition Program","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Passante","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10411794"},{"teacherId":10051174,"projectId":10039254,"letterContent":"I can't thank The Tepper Foundation enough for their contribution to my classroom project, Happy, Healthy Firsties. My students were very excited to see new prizes for our prize box and really like the \"calm down corner\" additions. A few have used the wiggle seats, and they do help the kids who like to get up out their seats a lot stay put a bit better! The extra time in their seats and having the students attention helps so much over the course of the school day. \r\n\r\nTheir favorite new item was definitely the alphabet carpet squares. We didn't have enough room on our rug before, and now they argue to have a square!\r\nAs a mom and teacher, it's the Lysol wipes and disinfectant spray that I appreciate. I use it every single day and I really feel it makes a difference. Our room smells clean and it is clean for my friendly little guys. \r\n\r\nThank you for this opportunity and support, it means a lot to teachers, students and families.","fullyFundedDate":1769045839156,"projectUrl":"project/happy-healthy-firsties/10039254/","projectTitle":"Happy, Healthy Firsties!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vacca","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10051174_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754954894202","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10051174"},{"teacherId":10415647,"projectId":10050966,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in fully funding my DonorsChoose project. I am truly grateful and excited to share the impact your contribution has had on my students and our classroom.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our classroom environment has been transformed into a more organized, engaging, and student-centered space. The new library bins and shelves have made our classroom library much more organized and accessible. Students are now able to easily find books that interest them, which has increased their motivation and excitement for reading.\r\n\r\nThe new carpet has completely brightened our room, making it feel more cheerful and welcoming. It has also provided each student with a designated spot to sit, helping them better understand personal space while creating a structured and comfortable meeting area for lessons and discussions.\r\n\r\nThe fidget cushions have been incredibly beneficial for my more energetic learners. They now have an appropriate outlet to get their wiggles out while still remaining focused and engaged during instruction, which has made a noticeable difference in their ability to participate in lessons.\r\n\r\nThe seat sacks are helping students stay organized and take responsibility for their materials. With everything easily accessible, students are spending more time focused on learning and less time managing their supplies.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the lamination sheets have allowed me to create sturdy, durable materials that can withstand daily classroom use. This ensures that our resources last longer and continue to support student learning over time.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is making a meaningful and lasting difference. My students are more engaged, more organized, and more excited to learn each day because of your support. Thank you for believing in them and for investing in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1769293501689,"projectUrl":"project/mrs-funks-wishlist/10050966/","projectTitle":"Mrs. Funk’s Wishlist","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Funk","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10415647_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769054850472","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10415647"},{"teacherId":9997304,"projectId":10050036,"letterContent":"We have enjoyed the times that were purchased with donated funds for our classroom. We are so thankful and grateful for the kindness and generosity that has been extended to our classroom through your donations.\r\nOur students are enjoying the times during our small group instruction. \r\nThe stools and floor seats have made small groups more fun and engaging. The students also needed headphones for individualized lessons as well as enjoying stories online. \r\nWe look forward to utilizing these items for years to come. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1769267265739,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-and-care-for-first-grade/10050036/","projectTitle":"Comfort and Care for First Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. DiCastelnuovo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9997304"},{"teacherId":10418917,"projectId":10060404,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding my fidgets and flexible seating project! The items received have made a memorable impact. As an educator, I strive to create a space where all students feel comfortable, focused and ready to learn. Through your funding, I have been able to achieve these goals to help improve concentration, reduce anxiety and support different learning styles , especially for students who need movement to stay engaged.\r\n The students love the wobble stools and seat cushions! They rush to the classroom daily so they can have access to them. The fidgets have also been very helpful, as students can squish and squeeze at their seats and fully participate in the lesson. These students receiving the sensory input that they need in order to learn. The desk timer has been a game changer as well. For those who are visual learners, they can easily track the remaining time for an activity. The dry erase markers have been another fantastic resource. They allow each student to participate in the lesson and I can easily see who understands and who may still need some help.\r\n Your generosity directly impacted my student's success by increasing focus and on task behavior, supporting sensory and emotional needs and creating a more inclusive and comfortable environment. Thank you so much for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1769460155502,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-fidgets/10060404/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating & Fidgets","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Buono","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10418917"},{"teacherId":10405073,"projectId":10053864,"letterContent":"Your kindness has truly transformed our classroom through the \"Peace + Pastels for Little Learners\" project. From the moment the materials arrived, our room felt different in the best way. The soft pastel colors and our beautiful new rug have created such a cozy, peaceful space where students feel safe, happy, and ready to learn. We gather on the rug each day for morning meetings, stories, and sharing time, and it has quickly become our favorite place to be together. Watching them sit side by side, calm and comfortable, has been such a special moment for me as their teacher.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first walked in and saw the updated classroom, their eyes lit up with excitement. So many of them said how \"pretty\" and \"nice\" it felt, and a few even paused just to take it all in. It may seem like a small change, but it has made such a big difference in how they start their day. The gentle colors and cozy space help them feel relaxed and cared for, and I have already seen more focus, smoother transitions, and more positive interactions with one another.\r\n\r\nAs we continue learning and growing together, this peaceful environment will support us every step of the way. We will keep using our special rug as a place to build community, share ideas, and practice kindness each day. Your generosity did not just give us new classroom items. It created a warm, loving space where little learners can truly thrive. Thank you for making our classroom feel like a home. 💛","fullyFundedDate":1772550525308,"projectUrl":"project/peace-pastels-for-little-learners/10053864/","projectTitle":"Peace + Pastels for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ross","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10405073_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x623,y366&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768356013807","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10405073"},{"teacherId":10405073,"projectId":10024972,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us \"Wrap Little Hearts in Warmth + Care.\" Because of your generosity, our classroom has become an even cozier, more comforting place where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. From the moment the materials arrived, the excitement was contagious. Little eyes lit up, big smiles spread across faces, and students couldn't wait to use and explore everything. It was truly a special moment to see them feel so cared for.\r\n\r\nWe've been using these resources every day, and they have already made such a meaningful difference. The new shelves have helped us stay organized and made it easier for students to independently access the materials they need. Whether we are settling in with a good book, working together during small group time, or simply taking a quiet moment to reset, these items have helped create a calm and welcoming environment. One of my favorite moments was watching students naturally share and help one another get comfortable. It showed just how much this sense of warmth and care is spreading throughout our classroom community.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we are excited to continue building on this positive environment while focusing on our learning goals. These resources will support us as we grow our independence, strengthen our routines, and dive deeper into our lessons with confidence and joy. Your kindness has truly made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful for your support in helping our students feel valued and ready to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1768671042829,"projectUrl":"project/wrapping-little-hearts-in-warmth-care/10024972/","projectTitle":"Wrapping Little Hearts in Warmth + Care","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ross","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10405073_orig.jpg?crop=646,646,x623,y366&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768356013807","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10405073"},{"teacherId":10415888,"projectId":10051734,"letterContent":"As the packages began arriving, each delivery brought a new wave of curiosity and excitement. My students could hardly wait to unbox everything together. One of the most impactful additions has been our flexible seating. Students are now able to choose seating options that help them focus and feel comfortable, and it has truly transformed our classroom environment. We also added fluorescent light covers and are making the most of natural sunlight, which has created a calm and welcoming atmosphere. The digital clock and LED lights have added a cozy touch that makes students feel safe and at home in our space.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their reactions were priceless—wide eyes, huge smiles, and so many questions! They immediately began imagining how we would use everything. The excitement was especially high around our upcoming spring projects. After learning all about life cycles this fall, students are eagerly anticipating hatching ladybugs and growing fruits and vegetables. They are thrilled to experience firsthand what we have previously only read about and studied through pictures and videos.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps include preparing our planting stations and observation journals for the spring. Students will document the life cycles of both insects and plants, recording growth, changes, and observations along the way. They will compare what they learned in the fall to what they observe in real time. This hands-on learning experience will deepen their understanding of science concepts while fostering responsibility, patience, and wonder. Thank you for giving my students the opportunity to learn in a space that feels engaging, comfortable, and inspiring every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1769297616247,"projectUrl":"project/active-bodies-active-minds/10051734/","projectTitle":"Active Bodies, Active Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tanner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10415888_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769083825421","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10415888"},{"teacherId":9017308,"projectId":10022513,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project. Because of your kindness and generosity, our students now have access to materials that will truly make a difference in their learning experience every single day. The new colorful book bins from Lakeshore Learning Materials will help us organize our classroom library so students can easily find and care for their books. Having clearly organized, accessible materials encourages independence and builds responsibility. The additional cubby bins and paper organizers will also help create a structured, welcoming learning environment where everything has a place.\r\n\r\nOur students are especially excited about the GeoSafari® Motorized Solar System model from Nasco. This hands-on resource will bring science to life as students explore planets and space in an engaging and memorable way. The class set of earbuds will allow students to participate in technology-based learning without distractions, supporting individualized instruction and digital literacy.\r\nThe laminating sheets, dry erase markers, and colorful pens will help us create durable learning materials and make daily lessons more interactive and creative. The reward items and sensory fidgets will provide positive behavior incentives and tools to help students regulate and refocus when needed.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, the full collection of the Mr. Putter & Tabby series by Cynthia Rylant will enrich our classroom library and inspire a love of reading. These heartwarming stories will support literacy development while bringing joy and laughter to our students.\r\n\r\nYour generosity goes far beyond supplies, you are investing in curiosity, creativity, organization, and a love of learning. My students and I are incredibly grateful for your support. Thank you for believing in our classroom and in our students' potential.","fullyFundedDate":1768619365895,"projectUrl":"project/a-classroom-built-for-student-success/10022513/","projectTitle":"A Classroom Built for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Callan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9017308_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759287970643","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9017308"},{"teacherId":3653898,"projectId":10053798,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of our Kindergarten and 1st grade classroom. Because of you, our learning space has been transformed into a warm, engaging, and supportive environment where every child feels excited to learn.\r\n\r\nWhen we rolled out our new classroom rug, the students gasped with excitement. Each child eagerly found their own special spot, and it has quickly become the heart of our classroom. We use it every day for morning meetings, phonics lessons, shared reading, and math mini-lessons. Having clearly defined spaces has helped my young learners stay focused, feel safe, and build a strong sense of community.\r\n\r\nThe literacy and math games have brought so much joy to our small group rotations. Students are practicing letter recognition, letter sounds, blending words, counting, and early addition through hands-on play. Watching a student proudly read a word independently or solve a math problem with confidence has been such a rewarding moment. The sensory tools and calming space have also helped students manage their emotions and return to learning ready to try their best.\r\n\r\nBeyond the materials themselves, your kindness has taught my students an important lesson about gratitude and community. They now understand that there are people who believe in them and care about their success. That realization has meant more than you can imagine.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and in the bright futures of these young learners. Your support is making a difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1769361407012,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-cozy-classroom-for-learning-a/10053798/","projectTitle":"Creating a Cozy Classroom for Learning and Care","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sheridan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3653898_orig.jpg?crop=170,170,x0,y54&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1769128728245","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3653898"},{"teacherId":2955497,"projectId":9068791,"letterContent":"My students are loving the new rug and stools. They have more space for learning, listening, and comfy reading! We use the carpet daily for our morning meeting, learning new skills in reading and partner reading. The class loves to lay on their belly to read to each other on a plush carpet. The stools have provided us a place to sit when at the small table for small group work but allow us to tuck the stool underneath so we have more room around our classroom. Thank you so much for your donation to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1742927201873,"projectUrl":"project/improve-our-classroom-environment-for-le/9068791/","projectTitle":"Improve our Classroom Environment for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fordyce","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2955497_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525688923085","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsfordyce"},{"teacherId":9977919,"projectId":9587218,"letterContent":"When the new library materials arrived, my students' faces lit up with excitement. They gathered around the rotating bookshelf in awe, amazed that they could spin it and easily see so many books at once. The cozy lounger and soft seating were an instant favorite, and students eagerly waited for their turn to curl up with a book. The cubby bins and chair pockets helped us organize our space in a way that felt special and \"just for them,\" giving each child ownership of their reading materials. It was such a joyful moment watching them explore their new library and proudly choose books on their own.\r\n\r\nWe are already using these resources daily during independent reading, small groups, and quiet choice time. The rotating bookshelf makes it simple for students to browse and select stories that interest them, building independence and confidence. The bins keep our books organized by theme and level, helping students return books responsibly and learn how to care for our classroom. The A Little SPOT of Learning books have become a meaningful part of our calming corner, helping students talk about feelings, kindness, and friendship while building emotional awareness alongside literacy skills.\r\n\r\nNext, we will be working on building reading stamina and strengthening our book-handling and book-choice skills. Students will practice reading longer, sharing favorite stories with classmates, and using our library as a peaceful place to reset and refocus. Thanks to this project, our classroom library is no longer just a space with books—it is a warm, inviting environment that encourages imagination, independence, and a lifelong love of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1757952343778,"projectUrl":"project/books-within-reach-for-every-reader/9587218/","projectTitle":"Books Within Reach for Every Reader!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rossi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9977919_orig.jpg?crop=542,542,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742915952534","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9977919"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_48935","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":482,"numTeachers":51,"percentFrplEligible":27,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":65,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":6,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":81.5,"schoolId":48935,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Thomas Jefferson Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Thomas Jefferson Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-jersey/washington-twp-school-district-gloucester/thomas-jefferson-elementary-school/48935"}