{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Merry Oaks International Academy of Learning","outOfStateSupporters":35.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9509154,"projectId":9523780,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the books you gave to my students! Reading and listening to stories about people who have feelings like they do and how to cope with those feelings in a healthy way is such an amazing resource to have for students. \r\n\r\nThank you also for all the wonderful things you gave to our Therapy Dog, Finley! Having training treats and a new uniform keep him at the top of his game. Students love time with Finley, who understands and accepts everyone unconditionally, no matter what language they speak.","fullyFundedDate":1754588323727,"projectUrl":"project/teach-students-about-feelings/9523780/","projectTitle":"Teach Students About Feelings!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bumgarner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9509154_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756228549986","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9509154"},{"teacherId":6212872,"projectId":9834037,"letterContent":"Because of the donations you gave, my students now have some reading material that they have interest in. It's very exciting to see the students reading and engaged in the books.\r\n\r\nBy having the titles they have been asking for, students are now wanting to check out books and are more excited for media time. With the graphic novels, they are able to see the pictures and, if struggling with the text, are now able to see what the story is about. This greatly helps with our multi-language population.","fullyFundedDate":1762283480178,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-growing-bookworms/9834037/","projectTitle":"Books for Growing Bookworms","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vincent","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6212872"},{"teacherId":6483144,"projectId":9420926,"letterContent":"My students and I were very delighted to receive the whiteboards and markers! They have had a great impact on students' learning, especially in developing their writing skills. I am so pleased to have these materials at the beginning of the school year. The students use them every day during our literacy and math lessons to practice writing letters, sight words, and numbers.\r\nAt the start of the school year, many students had difficulty holding writing tools and forming letters, words, and numbers on paper. Having dry-erase boards and markers has built their confidence and motivation to write. One student proudly shared, \"Mrs. Bizri, I like how you keep us busy. I love writing and learning my sight words and letters!\" Another student excitedly said, \"Look, Mrs. Bizri, I did it! I know how to write a, and, for, I, is, of, the, to, was, you!\" Now, most of my students are enjoying writing and confidently participating in dictation sessions using pencils and paper, forming neat and legible handwriting.\r\nThe masking tape has also been amazing for labeling tables, student desks, and carpet spots. When the labels get dirty, I replace them, and everything looks brand new again! My students have enjoyed playing with sight word and silly word cards printed on the sentence strips. They use their whiteboards to practice reading and writing the words, letters, and numbers.\r\nAlthough some materials were replaced with hula hoops, they have brought extra joy to recess time! The students love playing and staying active with them.\r\nThank you so much for your generous donations! You have helped my students develop a love for reading and writing while also giving them the joy of play. Your support will continue to make a difference for many students in the years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1754588323241,"projectUrl":"project/personal-whiteboards-for-powerful-learni/9420926/","projectTitle":"Personal Whiteboards for Powerful Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bizri","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6483144_orig.jpg?crop=752,752,x0,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1622251448104","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6483144"},{"teacherId":6212872,"projectId":9671615,"letterContent":"Because of the donations you gave, my students now have some reading material that they have interest in. It's very exciting to see the students reading and engaged in the books.\r\n\r\nBy having the titles they have been asking for, students are now wanting to check out books and are more excited for media time. With the graphic novels, they are able to see the pictures and, if struggling with the text, are now able to see what the story is about. This greatly helps with our multi-language population.","fullyFundedDate":1759243637355,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-growing-bookworms/9671615/","projectTitle":"Books for Growing Bookworms","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vincent","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6212872"},{"teacherId":9509154,"projectId":8642415,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting me and my Therapy Dog in our roles as School Counselors! The books really help me teach practical life and coping skills to students, in ways they can understand and then apply. The students especially love the books about Therapy Dogs. They want to read them and use them to imagine others' feelings. \r\n\r\nYour donations also help support Finley's needs, my Therapy Dog. Training treats, uniforms, and toys really make his day fun at work. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your support of my program, which supports students in my Title 1 school!","fullyFundedDate":1727314272933,"projectUrl":"project/mentally-healthy-mentally-strong-i-can/8642415/","projectTitle":"Mentally Healthy, Mentally Strong: I Can Do It!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bumgarner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9509154_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756228549986","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9509154"},{"teacherId":6212872,"projectId":9269723,"letterContent":"Because of the donations you gave, my students now have some reading material that they have interest in. It's very exciting to see the students reading and engaged in the books.\r\n\r\nBy having the titles they have been asking for, students are now wanting to check out books and are more excited for media time. With the graphic novels, they are able to see the pictures and, if struggling with the text, are now able to see what the story is about. This greatly helps with our multi-language population.","fullyFundedDate":1746787015458,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-growing-bookworms/9269723/","projectTitle":"Books for Growing Bookworms","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vincent","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6212872"},{"teacherId":6212872,"projectId":9229372,"letterContent":"Because of the donations you gave, my students now have some reading material that they have interest in. It's very exciting to see the students reading and engaged in the books.\r\n\r\nBy having the titles they have been asking for, students are now wanting to check out books and are more excited for media time. With the graphic novels, they are able to see the pictures and, if struggling with the text, are now able to see what the story is about. This greatly helps with our multi-language population.","fullyFundedDate":1744142779866,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-growing-bookworms/9229372/","projectTitle":"Books for Growing Bookworms","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vincent","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6212872"},{"teacherId":8476664,"projectId":9174080,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making my James and the Giant Peach book club for 3rd grade multilingual learners a reality. I started with just 5 books to share among 20 students, and your funding helped me put a book in each student's hands! \r\n\r\nWe learned all about Roald Dahl and his life and work, and learned lots of vocabulary and reading comprehension as we read the chapters about James, Aunt Sponge & Aunt Spiker, and all the insect-friends in the flying giant peach! The students were truly delighted with the book and were always asking to read more.\r\n\r\nWe read in many different ways: teacher-reading, popcorn reading (student by student), partner reading (in pairs), and independent reading. Students answered comprehension questions verbally and in writing, found their own unfamiliar vocabulary words, and used context clues to guess their meaning. Students also worked in small groups to write quiz questions for their classmates. I wanted to do a Kahoot (online quiz game) about the book, but ran out of time at the end of the year. Maybe next year, now that we have a class set of the books! \r\n\r\nThanks again!","fullyFundedDate":1742954371290,"projectUrl":"project/giant-peaches-for-all/9174080/","projectTitle":"Giant Peaches for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Payne-Wiens","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8476664_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y195&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690930292831","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8476664"},{"teacherId":9921940,"projectId":9109995,"letterContent":"You have no idea the dignity, safety, and comfort you have provided to our students. While these were a variety of supplies and used in a variety of ways, each contributes to a healthy student, ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe gloves have made our Extensions teachers overjoyed! Having gloves (consistently), brings a sense of security to the teachers and allows them to safely care for the children. While parents are supposed to provide these for the teachers, many struggle to afford their daily needs, and gloves just aren't part of the budget. Thank you for keeping our teachers and students safe!\r\n\r\nThe bathroom supplies are used all day, every day. The students use the stools to reach the toilet and sink and the chair when they are changing clothes after a spill, fall, or accident. It is wonderful to not need to place their items on the floor or sit on the floor while they change. The period cart has given our older girls dignity and privacy as they navigate the transition to adolescence.\r\n\r\nFinally, the counselors have expressed gratitude for the thermometers. One student had an average monthly absence count of 12. After giving mom a thermometer, her average monthly absences have decreased to three. \r\n\r\nYour donations have allowed these students to focus on learning and health, rather than being confronted with barriers. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1739569729680,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-students-eager-learners/9109995/","projectTitle":"Healthy Students = Eager Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Grace","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9921940_orig.jpg?crop=961,961,x0,y99&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739370796335","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9921940"},{"teacherId":8180335,"projectId":8923906,"letterContent":"I am so appreciative of your generosity this past winter holiday season. My students were so excited to receive their winter break goody bag. There was immediate joy when they opened their goody bag to find cozy socks and a cute Squishmallow. \r\n\r\nMost impactful was seeing their reactions to their brand new chess sets. Students that had not shown an interests in their peers' chess matches were suddenly pairing up and asking others to show them how to play. I am so thankful that you felt led to donate and allowed me the opportunity to gift my students with a special \"screen-time free\" activity to enjoy with their families and friends.","fullyFundedDate":1733268141069,"projectUrl":"project/winter-games-to-beat-and-a-sweet-treat/8923906/","projectTitle":"Winter Games to Beat and a Sweet Treat!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cartee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8180335_orig.jpg?crop=1125,1125,x0,y93&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1637548040181","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8180335"},{"teacherId":8109644,"projectId":8863401,"letterContent":"Thank you for the valuable impact your donations have made on my students at Merry Oaks International Academy! At Merry Oaks we love reading even in the ART ROOM!\r\n\r\nYou can SEE the joy on my students faces as they settled into our NEW cozy literacy corner to look at some art books. Taking turns testing out the comfortable seating cubes students gathered around our reading table.\r\n\r\nThe amazing storage cubbies are quickly filling up with organizational bins to keep all of our sensory materials in the right place for students to keep materials tidy. Our cozy literacy corner is quickly becoming a favorite spot!\r\n\r\nPlease keep an out for more exciting news in the Merry Oaks Art Room coming soon!","fullyFundedDate":1730984909736,"projectUrl":"project/art-literacy-corner/8863401/","projectTitle":"Art Literacy Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Goodman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8109644_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724628867036","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8109644"},{"teacherId":6212872,"projectId":8917827,"letterContent":"Because of the donations YOU gave, my students now have some reading material that they WANT to read. It's very exciting to see the students reading and engaged in the books.\r\n\r\nBy having the titles they have been asking for, students are now wanting to check out books and are more excited for media time. With the graphic novels, they are able to see the pictures and, if struggling with the text, are now able to \"see\" what the story is about. This greatly helps with out multi-language population.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMs. Vincent","fullyFundedDate":1735623267896,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-growing-bookworms/8917827/","projectTitle":"Books for Growing Bookworms","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vincent","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6212872"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1638","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":568,"numTeachers":44,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":25,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":67,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.4,"schoolId":1638,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Merry Oaks International Academy of Learning on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Merry Oaks International Academy of Learning","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/charlotte-mecklenburg-school-district/merry-oaks-int-l-academy-of-lrng/1638"}