{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Union Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":28.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10165711,"projectId":9568154,"letterContent":"The new stools, carpet circles, and rugs have completely transformed our classroom! Students are using the carpet circles for small group discussions and read-aloud time, and the stools give them flexible seating for writing, art, and independent work. Just last week, during our science project on plant growth, students gathered on the carpet for instructions, then moved to the stools to record observations and sketch diagrams—making learning smoother and more engaging.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their excitement was contagious! They immediately explored the spaces, claimed favorite spots, and enjoyed the freedom to sit where they learned best. This enthusiasm has translated into more focus, participation, and collaboration during lessons.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generous support, our donors got a peek into our classroom, and your contributions are making a real difference. Next up, students will rotate between the rugs for small group math problem-solving and the stools for independent reflection—continuing to make learning hands-on, flexible, and fun.","fullyFundedDate":1755624602368,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-corners-for-big-ideas/9568154/","projectTitle":"Cozy Corners for Big Ideas!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lockner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10165711_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754764156479","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10165711"},{"teacherId":10081293,"projectId":9467097,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our kindergarten classroom. Because of your donation, our dramatic play area has transformed into a vibrant, joyful space where imagination leads the way.\r\n\r\nThe moment the new items arrived, the children were instantly drawn to them. Each day, I watch my students collaborate to create stories, assign roles, and build entire worlds together.\r\n\r\nBeyond the fun, these materials are having a remarkable impact on their growth. I'm seeing students who were once shy eagerly step into leadership roles, guiding their peers through scenarios they invent. Others are developing stronger social skills as they negotiate, share, and communicate their ideas. Creativity is flourishing—students are thinking more deeply, taking imaginative risks, and expressing themselves in new ways.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has given my students more than play materials; you've provided opportunities for connection, confidence-building, and learning that will stay with them far beyond kindergarten. We are all deeply grateful.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1755624602030,"projectUrl":"project/play-today-lead-tomorrow-kindergarten/9467097/","projectTitle":"Play Today, Lead Tomorrow: Kindergarten Dramatic Play Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Allen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10081293"},{"teacherId":10263113,"projectId":9716736,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom by providing the Little Spots curriculum and sensory tools for my students. Your generosity is helping create a learning environment where every child feels safe, supported, and ready to engage. These resources allow my students to access behavioral supports throughout the day, helping them manage emotions, stay focused, and participate confidently in classroom activities. Your gift is making a real difference in their ability to succeed academically and socially.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the Little Spots curriculum and sensory tools, I have seen my students make remarkable progress. They are able to use the strategies to calm themselves, manage frustration, and approach challenges with confidence. This has allowed them to engage fully with their lessons, build independence, and feel proud of their accomplishments. Your support is giving these amazing learners the tools they need to thrive every day, and it is inspiring to watch them grow, learn, and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1758650279469,"projectUrl":"project/help-give-students-access-to-behavioral/9716736/","projectTitle":"Help Give Students Access to Behavioral Supports Throughout Their Day!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Salerno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10263113"},{"teacherId":8080339,"projectId":9577172,"letterContent":"My class and I are absolutely thrilled to extend our deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous support in funding a brand-new classroom rug for our learning space! This wonderful addition has already transformed our classroom space. It provides a cozy, designated area for our daily group time and read-alouds more engaging and comfortable for everyone. Seeing the students gather on the colorful design, excited to share and learn together, is truly a joy, and it enhances the sense of community we strive to build every day.\r\n\r\nThis rug isn't just a decoration; it's an essential learning tool that directly impacts the students' development, especially in literacy. The soft surface offers a comfortable spot for students to spread out and engage in independent reading and partner work in a relaxed setting. Your contribution shows a deep commitment to enhancing our students' educational environment and experiences. Thank you again for investing in my classroom and making a difference in the daily lives of these young learners!","fullyFundedDate":1755624602201,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-corner-with-flexible-seating/9577172/","projectTitle":"Cozy Corner with Flexible Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lewis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8080339_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x26,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754951745143","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8080339"},{"teacherId":9301302,"projectId":9481690,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with a new whiteboard easel! This easel will make a tremendous difference in our daily learning. It is the heart of our classroom. We have used it for morning meetings, small group instruction, phonics lessons, and interactive writing activities.\r\n\r\nMy first graders love coming to the carpet to learn, and now they are able to clearly see and participate as we sound out words, build sentences, and solve math problems together. Having a sturdy, mobile easel also means I can easily move our learning space anywhere in the room to keep students engaged and involved.\r\n\r\nYour generosity helps create a hands-on, student-centered learning environment where every child can see, interact, and take part in lessons. Thank you for giving us a tool that will support literacy, collaboration, and joyful learning every single day.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students will have a clear view of their learning and the confidence to stand up and share their ideas with the class!","fullyFundedDate":1755690716822,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-lessons-to-life-anywhere-in-th/9481690/","projectTitle":"Bringing Lessons to Life, Anywhere in the Room!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bradsher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9301302_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695517863000","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9301302"},{"teacherId":6918317,"projectId":9650790,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a hub of creativity and exploration! The new resources have opened doors to learning opportunities that were previously out of reach. Here's a glimpse into how these materials have made a difference:\r\nHow We're Using the Resources\r\nThe students and I have been diving into hands-on activities using the new materials. For example, the aprons allowed us to use our imaginations as we did a book tasting in a restaurant setting. Just last week, we explored community helpers which led to students wanting to dress as a chef using the chef hats and aprons.\r\nA Memorable Classroom Moment\r\nI'll never forget the moment the students first saw the classroom set up for our book tasting. Their eyes lit up with excitement, and there was a collective \"Wow!\" as they realized the possibilities. One student exclaimed, \"This is like being in a real restaurant \" That moment of pure joy and curiosity was priceless.\r\nNext Steps for Our Learning Journey\r\nCurrently, we're beginning to explore fractions and students will use these chef outfits again as they explore pizza cutting. \r\nYour support has truly made a lasting impact on our classroom. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for giving my students the tools to dream bigger and achieve more!t","fullyFundedDate":1757545089717,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-and-creative-learning-keep-stud/9650790/","projectTitle":"Hands-on and Creative Learning Keep Students Engaged in Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Phillippe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6918317_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716068387341","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6918317"},{"teacherId":9330118,"projectId":9220629,"letterContent":"My students use these books in very valuable ways. They each take home 2 books each night to practice skills with their family. They also each have a book bin that I stuff with these books for them to read during independent literacy groups. Since these books are decodable, I know they are able to read specific phonics patterns which means whatever books I give them they will be able to read. There are so manny different books with different spelling patters. This makes it so easy to reach each of my students because each of them are working on different phonics patterns.","fullyFundedDate":1746474681851,"projectUrl":"project/little-minds-that-read/9220629/","projectTitle":"Little Minds that Read!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rhea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9330118_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697154853145","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rheak"},{"teacherId":9330118,"projectId":9220649,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough. These books serve in many different ways in my first grade classroom. Each student takes home 2 books a night to practice their reading skills with their families. They also each have a book bin that they collect books for the week and read them throughout the week. I use these books for that! Since these books are decodable, I can easily assign specific books to specific students based on the phonics skill they are currently working on. My students LOVE books. I let them each open the boxes and their eyes lit up for new, shiny books. These books already have been so useful in the first month of school. I will continue using them the same way and also adding them into my small group lessons.","fullyFundedDate":1746786284487,"projectUrl":"project/safe-organized-learning-environment/9220649/","projectTitle":"Safe, Organized Learning Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rhea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9330118_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697154853145","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rheak"},{"teacherId":3462306,"projectId":9180810,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping us receive our new sets of decodable readers! These books have already made a noticeable difference in our classroom. They are now a daily part of our reading routine—used both in small group instruction and as take-home practice books. These texts are carefully designed to align with the phonics skills my students are learning, so they get to apply what they know about letter sounds, blends, and sight words in a meaningful way. It's incredible to watch them build confidence as they decode words and realize, \"I can read this!\"\r\n\r\nReading time in our classroom is now filled with excitement and purpose. During small groups, I'm able to tailor instruction to each student's reading level using these books, helping them move from sounding out simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words to reading full sentences and short stories. The students are so proud to bring these books home and read to their families. For many of them, it's the first time they've had a book they can successfully read on their own, and that sense of ownership is powerful.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular, who was hesitant to participate in reading at the start of the year, now asks to read aloud from her decodable book every day. She recently said, \"I like these books because I can read every word!\" Her smile says it all. Thank you again for making such an important impact—you are helping create confident, joyful readers in my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1744198307993,"projectUrl":"project/learning-to-read-one-sound-at-a-time/9180810/","projectTitle":"Learning to Read One Sound at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cutrell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3462306_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1498496972094","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3462306"},{"teacherId":2967358,"projectId":9399676,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for giving my students the opportunity to explore and learn with sensory stations. These items help us start our mornings start off with a soft launch that allows them to be creative and use their hands and imagination. They love being able to work collaboratively and to make connections with their classmates through the use of sensory materials. \r\nThank you helping our classroom by donating these items. The students will benefit academically and socially from having these materials. Thank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1754154961275,"projectUrl":"project/sensational-sensory-stations/9399676/","projectTitle":"Sensational Sensory Stations","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oakes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2967358"},{"teacherId":2967358,"projectId":9576546,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the classroom rug. It has been a game changer in my room. Now my students have an area to come together to receive instruction in a comfortable setting. They are able to work in stations or with partners in on the rug instead of at their desks. \r\nIt has made our room an inviting place and has added color to our room too. We love our new area for learning. You have made a difference in the day to day movement in our classroom. This rug gave us the learning space that we needed. I am so thankful for this gift.","fullyFundedDate":1755624602515,"projectUrl":"project/a-cozy-rug-for-our-2nd-grade-classroom-c/9576546/","projectTitle":"A Cozy Rug for Our 2nd Grade Classroom Community","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oakes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2967358"},{"teacherId":2967358,"projectId":9397070,"letterContent":"My students are so excited about our seating options. We have a small classroom so they love grabbing a cushion and being able to work with a partner or in groups on class activities in Math and Reading. It's great to see the excitement on their faces and watching them work in a space other than a desk. This seating gives them freedom and choices that are flexible. \r\nThank you for allowing them to enjoy our classroom with this alternative seating. The cushion seating gives them choices for a work space. Your help and support of education makes a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1750957527063,"projectUrl":"project/optional-seating/9397070/","projectTitle":"Optional Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Oakes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2967358"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_2315","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":661,"numTeachers":37,"percentFrplEligible":80,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":9,"percentWhite":66,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":16,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":71.2,"schoolId":2315,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Union Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Union Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/brunswick-county-school-district/union-elementary-school/2315"}