{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hickory Grove Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":44.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9692234,"projectId":9546673,"letterContent":"Using visual supports in speech therapy had a big impact on how children learned and communicated. Tools like picture cards, charts, and visual schedules made language easier to understand because they showed students what words and ideas looked like. This helped children remember new vocabulary and follow directions more easily. For many students, seeing the words and pictures together made learning less stressful and more enjoyable.\r\n\r\nVisual supports also helped children feel more confident and independent. When they had pictures or charts to look at, they could ask for what they needed, join in classroom activities, and communicate without feeling frustrated. These tools were used by teachers and speech therapists in different settings, so students had the same support everywhere. Overall, visual supports made learning smoother and helped children reach their speech and language goals faster.","fullyFundedDate":1758220746044,"projectUrl":"project/picture-this-speech-success/9546673/","projectTitle":"Picture This: Speech Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bartley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9692234_orig.jpg?crop=2384,2384,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746461731794","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9692234"},{"teacherId":10171909,"projectId":9674378,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for your continued support of our Exceptional Children Preschool program. Your commitment has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.\r\n In our classrooms, sensory materials have become an essential part of daily learning. These tools—ranging from textured toys and feelings tubes to fidget objects and sensory bins—are helping our young learners explore their environment in ways that are both engaging and developmentally appropriate. Through sensory play, students are building foundational skills in communication, motor development, emotional regulation, and social interaction.\r\n The students were absolutely delighted to explore the new items, and their reactions were filled with curiosity and joy. Many of them immediately engaged with the materials, showing increased focus, calmness, and enthusiasm during activities. It was truly heartwarming to see how these resources positively impacted their learning environment.\r\n Thank you again for your support and dedication to our program. We look forward to continuing this important work together.","fullyFundedDate":1758220647781,"projectUrl":"project/calm-minds-busy-hands-sensory-tools-fo/9674378/","projectTitle":"Calm Minds, Busy Hands: Sensory Tools for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171909"},{"teacherId":7512308,"projectId":9503362,"letterContent":"Your generosity has truly transformed my classroom and the learning experience for my kindergarten and first-grade multilingual learners! When my students first saw the realia toys you provided, their faces lit up with excitement! These materials have allowed us to have meaningful, hands on learning that connects language to real life objects. Before they were able to play with them, I told them that we would be using all of these wonderful items to learn words and create writing masterpieces.\r\nOne of our first activities was writing about our favorite things. Students brought items from home that represented their culture and life outside of school, and for those who couldn't, they chose one of the many items of interest. We described the items that the students chose, and talked about its characteristics. For instance, we talked about some of the their favorite foods. Many of my students chose the realistic, colorful donut toys. We used words to describe why they loved the donuts and they were encouraged to use words such as sweet, delicious, or soft, or other words to describe why they liked it. They also described how the donut looked, describing the color or if it had sprinkles. After we verbally discussed why they liked donuts, or other items, their next activity was to complete a writing activity to write about all of their favorite things. Some students wrote things like, I like donuts because they are sweet and delicious! Many of them also chose favorite animals. They wrote about cheetahs, elephants, butterflies, and so much more! Students wrote words describing why they loved their animal, whether they loved the colors or because it was fast or cute. \r\n\r\nThis activity helped my students learn valuable vocabulary to describe things they see, or learn about everyday. It led to wonderful writing pieces where students expressed themselves in English with confidence. Your donation made this possible. It gave my learners the tools to connect words to their world and build essential language skills.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and supporting their journey. Your kindness has not only provided materials but has also created joyful, engaging learning moments that will stay with them for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1755743575265,"projectUrl":"project/play-with-purpose-real-life-toys-for-re/9503362/","projectTitle":"Play with Purpose: Real Life Toys for Real Language Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cody","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7512308_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1599407512742","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7512308"},{"teacherId":9340729,"projectId":9417716,"letterContent":"Dear Friends and Supporters,\r\nI want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your generous donations that made it possible for our class to receive a beautiful colored square rug. This addition to our classroom has created a vibrant and welcoming space where students can gather, learn, and grow together.\r\nYour kindness has truly made a difference in our learning environment. The rug is already being used for group activities, story time, and collaborative learning, and the children absolutely love it!\r\nThank you for believing in our students and supporting their educational journey. Your contribution has brought joy and comfort to our classroom, and we are deeply appreciative.\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nTiffany N. Marche\r\nK-6 Teacher","fullyFundedDate":1755731342924,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-colored-square-rug-to-match-th/9417716/","projectTitle":"Classroom Colored Square Rug to Match the Colored Tables!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Marche","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9340729_orig.jpg?crop=915,915,x0,y45&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698178887330","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9340729"},{"teacherId":9491428,"projectId":9752838,"letterContent":"Thank You for Supporting Our Diverse Learners!\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, we serve a vibrant group of students with a wide range of learning needs, including gifted learners, English language learners, and students working below grade level. Each student has personalized academic goals, and we are committed to helping them achieve success through research-based educational technology.\r\n\r\nChromebooks serve as powerful learning amplifiers in our classroom. With access to adaptive programs, each student receives lessons tailored to their individual needs. Headphones play a critical role in this process, allowing students to engage with these tools discreetly and independently, whether they're practicing reading fluency, receiving language support, or working through enrichment activities.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generous donation, our students now have consistent access to these engaging and effective resources. Your support has made a meaningful difference in their learning experience, and we are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1759243640558,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-diverse-learners/9752838/","projectTitle":"Headphones for Diverse Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pullian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9491428_orig.jpg?crop=1220,1220,x59,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710535342400","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9491428"},{"teacherId":6822053,"projectId":9228771,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our students at Hickory Grove Elementary now have a unique and exciting way to learn—through caring for chickens in our brand-new coop! This project has transformed our outdoor learning space into a living classroom where science, responsibility, and compassion come together.\r\nHow We're Using the Chicken Coop:\r\nStudents are actively involved in daily care routines—feeding, watering, cleaning, and observing the chickens. They've learned about animal behavior, life cycles, and sustainable food practices. One special moment was when our fourth graders collected their first eggs and proudly shared them with the cafeteria staff. It was a powerful lesson in farm-to-table awareness.\r\nStudent Reactions:\r\nThe excitement was off the charts when the chickens arrived! Students rushed to name them, observe their personalities, and ask questions about their care. One student said, \"This is the coolest thing we've ever done at school!\" The coop has sparked curiosity and joy, especially among students who thrive with hands-on learning.\r\nNext Steps:\r\nWe're planning a \"Chicken Journal\" project where students will document their observations and learn about egg production, nutrition, and animal care. We also hope to expand the coop area and introduce composting with chicken waste to teach about environmental responsibility.\r\nYour support has helped us create a space where students learn by doing, connect with nature, and build lifelong skills. Thank you for helping us bring this incredible experience to life!","fullyFundedDate":1746562030479,"projectUrl":"project/hatching-learning-a-chicken-coop-for-hg/9228771/","projectTitle":"Hatching Learning: a Chicken Coop for HG","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Byrd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6822053_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y78&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705948127931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6822053"},{"teacherId":6822053,"projectId":9190028,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our students at Hickory Grove Elementary now have access to a fully functioning greenhouse—a space where learning comes alive through nature, science, and hands-on exploration.\r\nHow We're Using the Greenhouse:\r\nOur greenhouse has become a vibrant extension of the classroom. Students are learning about plant life cycles, ecosystems, and sustainability by growing herbs, vegetables, and flowers. One standout moment was when our fifth graders successfully germinated tomato seeds and tracked their growth using digital journals. The greenhouse has also sparked cross-curricular learning, blending science with math, writing, and even art.\r\nStudent Reactions:\r\nWhen students first stepped into the greenhouse, their faces lit up with wonder. Many had never seen a greenhouse before, and they were amazed by the warmth, the smell of soil, and the sight of growing plants. One student said, \"It feels like we're in a science lab, but outside!\" The space has inspired curiosity and pride in their work.\r\nNext Steps:\r\nWe're now preparing for a fall harvest celebration, where students will share what they've grown with their families and the school community. They'll also begin experimenting with composting and learning about sustainable gardening practices. Our goal is to make the greenhouse a year-round learning hub.\r\nYour support has helped us cultivate not just plants, but a deeper love for learning. Thank you for helping our students grow—in every sense of the word.","fullyFundedDate":1745847004524,"projectUrl":"project/growing-minds-a-greenhouse-for-outdoor/9190028/","projectTitle":"Growing Minds: A Greenhouse for Outdoor Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Byrd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6822053_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y78&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705948127931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6822053"},{"teacherId":6822053,"projectId":9172586,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our students at Hickory Grove Elementary have been able to dive hands-first into learning—literally! The garden gloves you helped provide have become an essential part of our outdoor learning experience.\r\nHow We're Using the Gloves:\r\nWe launched a hands-on science and sustainability project where students are cultivating a small vegetable and flower garden on campus. With their new gloves, students are confidently digging, planting, and weeding without hesitation. One memorable moment was when a group of third graders planted marigolds and carrots together, proudly showing off their gloves and teamwork.\r\nStudent Reactions:\r\nWhen the gloves arrived, the excitement was contagious! Students eagerly picked out their pairs, comparing colors and sizes, and couldn't wait to get outside. One student exclaimed, \"Now I feel like a real gardener!\" The gloves gave them a sense of ownership and professionalism in their work.\r\nNext Steps:\r\nOur next goal is to track plant growth and introduce journaling into the project. Students will observe changes, record data, and reflect on their gardening experiences. We're also planning a \"Garden Day\" where families can visit and see the progress firsthand.\r\nYour contribution didn't just provide gloves—it planted seeds of curiosity, responsibility, and pride. Thank you for being part of our journey!","fullyFundedDate":1745019251665,"projectUrl":"project/hands-in-the-dirt-minds-in-the-growth/9172586/","projectTitle":"Hands in the Dirt , Minds in the Growth!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Byrd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6822053_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y78&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705948127931","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6822053"},{"teacherId":311850,"projectId":9241951,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to our project. My students that love to listen to stories really enjoyed hearing the \"Pigeon stories\". After I read the stories the children enjoyed the books being placed in the library center for the children to explore. They are able to learn beginning print concepts by having the books available.\r\n My Beginning readers really enjoyed the decodable books. The children were motivated to read with a minimal amount of words on the page with pictures to use as prompts. My children were able to use skills such as decoding and phonemic awareness to help them read the books. \r\n Thank you again for giving my class the opportunity to receive early learning experiences and exposure to books. I feel that because of the books donated that my class will have a literacy rich learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1746490258274,"projectUrl":"project/reading-with-my-friends/9241951/","projectTitle":"Reading With My Friends","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp311850_orig.jpg?crop=374,374,x0,y189&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731873625912","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/311850"},{"teacherId":9847897,"projectId":9225981,"letterContent":"I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your generous donation to our classroom and book tasting event at Hickory Grove Elementary. Your support made a huge impact on our students, and I'm excited to share just how special the experience turned out to be. When students walked into the media center and saw the setup, their faces lit up with excitement and joy. Many were overwhelmed (in the best way) by the cozy setup, decorated tables, and the wide selection of books waiting to be explored. They were treated to a special lunch while browsing different genres, and it truly felt like a celebration of reading.\r\n\r\nOne of the most meaningful parts was that students were able to choose books to keep and take home. For many, this was their very first book to call their own. That moment of ownership lit a spark in them that we know will carry into the summer and beyond. Thanks to you, students are not only more engaged, but they're more motivated to continue their reading journeys even outside the classroom. Your kindness has planted seeds that will keep growing every time they open a book.","fullyFundedDate":1746785666028,"projectUrl":"project/chapter-chowdown-feast-on-stories-take/9225981/","projectTitle":"Chapter Chowdown: Feast on Stories, Take One Home!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wells","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9847897_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y93&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733325339241","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9847897"},{"teacherId":9847897,"projectId":9225521,"letterContent":"I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your generous donation to our classroom and book tasting event at Hickory Grove Elementary. Your support made a huge impact on our students, and I'm excited to share just how special the experience turned out to be. When students walked into the media center and saw the setup, their faces lit up with excitement and joy. Many were overwhelmed (in the best way) by the cozy setup, decorated tables, and the wide selection of books waiting to be explored. They were treated to a special lunch while browsing different genres, and it truly felt like a celebration of reading.\r\n\r\nOne of the most meaningful parts was that students were able to choose books to keep and take home. For many, this was their very first book to call their own. That moment of ownership lit a spark in them that we know will carry into the summer and beyond. Thanks to you, students are not only more engaged, but they're more motivated to continue their reading journeys even outside the classroom. Your kindness has planted seeds that will keep growing every time they open a book.","fullyFundedDate":1746785635946,"projectUrl":"project/chapter-chowdown-feast-on-stories-take/9225521/","projectTitle":"Chapter Chowdown: Feast on Stories, Take One Home!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wells","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9847897_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y93&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733325339241","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9847897"},{"teacherId":9847897,"projectId":8967196,"letterContent":"I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your generous donation to our classroom and book tasting event at Hickory Grove Elementary. Your support made a huge impact on our students, and I'm excited to share just how special the experience turned out to be. When students walked into the media center and saw the setup, their faces lit up with excitement and joy. Many were overwhelmed (in the best way) by the cozy setup, decorated tables, and the wide selection of books waiting to be explored. They were treated to a special lunch while browsing different genres, and it truly felt like a celebration of reading.\r\n\r\nOne of the most meaningful parts was that students were able to choose books to keep and take home. For many, this was their very first book to call their own. That moment of ownership lit a spark in them that we know will carry into the summer and beyond. Thanks to you, students are not only more engaged, but they're more motivated to continue their reading journeys even outside the classroom. Your kindness has planted seeds that will keep growing every time they open a book.","fullyFundedDate":1742922929867,"projectUrl":"project/hickory-groves-3rd-annual-book-tasting/8967196/","projectTitle":"Hickory Grove's 3rd Annual Book Tasting at The Wildcat Café","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wells","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9847897_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y93&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733325339241","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9847897"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1610","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":534,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":37,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":48,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":55.6,"schoolId":1610,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hickory Grove Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hickory Grove Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/charlotte-mecklenburg-school-district/hickory-grove-elementary-school/1610"}