{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"University Meadows Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":40.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7867292,"projectId":9697663,"letterContent":"My students were ecstatic to see the materials! The joy on their faces said it all! They were able to work with a peace of mind. One student almost overused the sanitizer lol but it was ok because thanks to you, it was plenty with no sign of running out any time soon. I was able to use the treats on Friday as a part of my reward system. They were able to choose the one they wanted and they were happy about this as well. Thank you so very much again and again for adding joy to my students and peace of mind to them as well as me!","fullyFundedDate":1758202936940,"projectUrl":"project/basic-supplies-for-outstanding-scholars/9697663/","projectTitle":"Basic Supplies for Outstanding Scholars!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7867292_orig.jpg?crop=716,716,x281,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1629206949301","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7867292"},{"teacherId":7240347,"projectId":9553912,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of ponchos to the students at University Meadows, a Title I school where many of our learners attend classes in mobile units. Because our students transition between buildings several times a day, they are often exposed to rain and unpredictable weather. For families already facing the challenges of purchasing proper rain gear—and with students sometimes forgetting their gear, not checking the weather forecast, or simply dealing with North Carolina's sudden weather changes—many children arrive to class cold, wet, and uncomfortable. This not only affects their physical well-being but also makes it difficult for them to stay focused and fully engaged in learning.\r\n\r\nYour support has made an immediate and meaningful difference. With the ponchos, students can now move confidently and comfortably between mobile classrooms and the main building for their Special Area classes and lunch while staying dry and ready to learn. Teachers have seen improved focus and fewer interruptions caused by students arriving soaked or needing to change clothes. Most importantly, our students feel cared for—they know their community values their well-being and wants to remove barriers to their success.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your kindness and commitment to our students. Your donation has provided more than protection from the rain—it has offered dignity, comfort, and the ability to learn without unnecessary obstacles. Thank you for helping our children thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1755723755888,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-students-dry-during-our-daily-tr/9553912/","projectTitle":"Keeping Students Dry During Our Daily Transitions on Rainy Days","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hayes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7240347_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754596357203","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7240347"},{"teacherId":9917381,"projectId":9100976,"letterContent":"My students last year loved the materials. I gained some new students who needed them to participate in my lessons. In my intervention class, they used the white boards and markers to sort words and practice Phonics. They used the binders to hold all their work and I added work for the day in it. It helped them keep their work organized. As a result of this and my teaching, their reading scores increased and this contributed to an overall growth of University Meadows Elementary. We thank you for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1741364862605,"projectUrl":"project/help-me-get-more-students-reading-on-gra/9100976/","projectTitle":"Help Me Get More Students Reading on Grade Level!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Overing","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9917381"},{"teacherId":9972871,"projectId":9192550,"letterContent":"As a school social worker, one of my greatest joys is watching my students grow, not just academically, but in confidence, determination, and self-belief. Thanks to your generous contributions, our \"Boosting EOG Success\" initiative has become a tangible source of motivation and encouragement for our students as they prepare for their End-of-Grade (EOG) assessments.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the new resources arrived, there was a buzz of excitement throughout the school. The students' faces lit up when they realized that their consistent attendance, hard work, and positive attitudes could earn them meaningful rewards. For many of our students—especially those facing daily challenges outside of school—this recognition means far more than a simple prize; it is a reminder that their effort matters, that we see them, and that they have a supportive community cheering them on.\r\n\r\nWe immediately incorporated the rewards into a \"Success and Effort Tracker\" system. Every student now has a visible, personalized chart that celebrates their daily attendance and active participation in class. At the end of each week, students meeting their goals have the opportunity to choose a reward, whether it's a new set of school supplies, a favorite snack, a reading corner privilege, or a small game to take home. The process has transformed our classroom culture into one filled with anticipation, encouragement, and healthy peer support.\r\n\r\nOne memorable moment happened during our first week of implementation. A student who has historically struggled with consistent attendance and sometimes seemed disengaged began showing up on time every day. By the end of that week, when she earned her very first reward, her smile was infectious. She proudly told her classmates, \"I did this myself,\" and even asked for extra practice work to make sure she was ready for the next week's EOG prep sessions. Moments like these confirm that small, consistent incentives can have a big emotional and academic impact.\r\n\r\nAcademically, these resources have allowed us to create a positive and focused environment during EOG prep lessons. Our students are practicing test-taking strategies through interactive games, peer challenges, and review activities. Knowing that their effort will be recognized keeps them engaged even when the work gets tough. The \"effort over perfection\" mindset is taking root—students are beginning to see mistakes as opportunities to grow rather than reasons to give up.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for our students are clear: continue building academic stamina, mastering key skills, and developing confidence ahead of the EOG tests. We'll be increasing our small group review sessions, incorporating more practice questions, and using rewards to celebrate milestones along the way—such as improved practice test scores, consistent attendance, and collaborative teamwork. Your donations are directly fueling this momentum, and as a result, we are seeing higher participation rates, stronger peer encouragement, and a noticeable improvement in classroom morale.\r\n\r\nYour support has done more than just provide materials—it has given our students a visible, tangible reason to believe in themselves and their ability to succeed. Every reward, every chart sticker, every proud smile is a testament to the difference you have made in our school community.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for believing in them. Your generosity has helped create an environment where effort is celebrated, success is attainable, and every child knows they matter.","fullyFundedDate":1746753689025,"projectUrl":"project/boosting-eog-success-rewards-for-attend/9192550/","projectTitle":"Boosting EOG Success: Rewards for Attendance & Effort","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Waller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9972871_orig.jpg?crop=1919,1920,x0,y102&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742478050162","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9972871"},{"teacherId":3872096,"projectId":9066093,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, our first-grade classroom has blossomed—literally and figuratively. The new planting tools and fish tank have transformed our room into a small but thriving ecosystem where curiosity, responsibility, and wonder grow every single day. What began as a simple idea to help students learn about nature has turned into an unforgettable hands-on experience that teaches science, teamwork, and care for living things.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the boxes arrived, excitement filled the classroom. My students' eyes lit up as we unpacked the bright gardening tools, tiny gloves, watering can, and the beautiful new fish tank. Their squeals of joy echoed through the room as they took turns holding each tool, imagining all the things they could grow. When the fish tank began bubbling with water and light, the whole class gathered around in awe, whispering guesses about which fish we might add and how we could take care of them. It was a magical moment—one where learning felt alive.\r\n\r\nWe began our first big project by using our new planting tools to prepare small pots for Mother's Day flowers. Each student carefully filled their pot with soil, planted donated flower seeds, and placed a handmade name tag next to it. Every morning, they raced in to check on their sprouts, watering and talking to them as if they were little friends. Watching the first buds appear brought a wave of excitement and pride—especially when they realized they had grown these flowers with their own hands. On Mother's Day, the students proudly carried their plants home as gifts, telling their families all about how they used the new tools and what they learned about taking care of living things.\r\n\r\nAfter our success with flowers, we decided to take our gardening to the next level. Using the donated seeds, we started a strawberry and vegetable patch. The students learned how to measure soil depth, plant in rows, and label each section. They've been fascinated by how plants grow differently depending on sunlight and water. Every new leaf or sprout brings another round of cheers and celebration. It has become a daily ritual for them to check on the plants, record changes in their journals, and predict what will happen next. They're not just learning science—they're learning patience, observation, and responsibility.\r\n\r\nNow, we're preparing for our next exciting step: creating a self-sustaining system by growing plants on top of our fish tank. The students are learning about aquaponics—the amazing way plants and fish can help each other grow. The plan is to grow herbs and small vegetables on top while the fish live and swim below. The plants will help filter and clean the water for the fish, and the fish will provide nutrients for the plants. My students love the idea that \"the fish feed the plants, and the plants feed the fish.\" They can't wait to see this beautiful cycle of life come full circle in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, my students are not only learning about science—they are experiencing it firsthand. They are becoming caretakers of nature, eager to explore and understand how living things depend on one another. The planting tools and fish tank have inspired countless questions, discoveries, and smiles. You've given them more than materials—you've given them a living, breathing way to learn and connect with the world around them.\r\n\r\nOur classroom garden and fish tank continue to grow, just like my students. Every new leaf, every swim of a fish, and every sparkle of curiosity in their eyes is a reminder of how your generosity has made a lasting impact. Thank you for helping us bring learning to life!","fullyFundedDate":1744029821963,"projectUrl":"project/learn-through-exploring/9066093/","projectTitle":"Learn Through Exploring","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walden","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3872096_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1473482011192","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-waldenk-6"},{"teacherId":9692222,"projectId":8680595,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all who donated to my classroom. I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible support I received from your donations regarding our recent issue with more lighting in our classroom. Your prompt donations, helpful guidance, and efficient resolution of the problem have truly gone above and beyond my expectation. The lights in class add a homie touch when coming in the morning instead of the harsh fluorescent lights. Thank you once again for your outstanding help. Your dedication to my students is a testament to the quality of Donors Choose and how this platform has helped so many teachers.","fullyFundedDate":1733281787106,"projectUrl":"project/ms-mascoll-and-the-fourth-grade-crew/8680595/","projectTitle":"Ms. Mascoll and the Fourth Grade Crew!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mascoll","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9692222_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724164361623","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9692222"},{"teacherId":9336560,"projectId":8997363,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! Our 1st graders were thrilled when they saw the new dry erase board and hot glue gun. Their eyes lit up with excitement, and they couldn't wait to start using the materials. For many of them, this was their first time seeing how a hot glue gun works—and they were amazed!\r\n\r\nOne of our favorite classroom projects so far has been creating storyboards during writing time. Students use the dry erase board to plan out their stories by drawing characters, settings, and beginning-middle-end parts before writing them in their journals. It's helped them stay organized and express their ideas with confidence. We also used the hot glue gun for a fun art and science activity where students built 3D animal habitats using cardboard, felt, and craft sticks. The glue helped make their creations strong and long-lasting, and they were so proud to share their work with classmates and families.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be using the materials to build simple models in our science unit about weather and seasons. Students will be working in small groups to create weather tools like wind vanes and rain gauges. Your donation has truly brought learning to life in our classroom, and we're so grateful to you for making that possible!","fullyFundedDate":1734099401286,"projectUrl":"project/adding-wonder-to-our-1st-grade-room/8997363/","projectTitle":"Adding Wonder to Our 1st Grade Room","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9336560_orig.jpg?crop=1244,1244,x0,y481&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724436302243","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9336560"},{"teacherId":9336560,"projectId":8943810,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed in ways that are already making a significant impact on my students' learning and well-being! The laminator has been a game-changer for creating durable, reusable materials like worksheets and games for our learning centers. Students are excited to use these interactive tools, which are now more engaging and long-lasting. By laminating these resources, I can ensure they remain in excellent condition for repeated use, saving valuable time and resources while enriching hands-on learning. \r\n\r\nThe plastic water bottles have been equally impactful, especially since our classroom is in a trailer without easy access to water fountains. Each student now has their own bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day, which has greatly improved their focus and comfort. This simple addition has made a noticeable difference, particularly during warm days, when staying hydrated is crucial to their learning and overall well-being. \r\n\r\nThe excitement and gratitude my students feel for these new resources are heartwarming. They love using their sturdy laminated games during centers and take pride in having their personal water bottles. Thank you for making these meaningful changes possible—your support has truly brightened our classroom and helped my students thrive!","fullyFundedDate":1731556775815,"projectUrl":"project/long-lasting-impact-on-1st-graders/8943810/","projectTitle":"Long-lasting Impact on 1st Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9336560_orig.jpg?crop=1244,1244,x0,y481&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724436302243","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9336560"},{"teacherId":9336560,"projectId":8942150,"letterContent":"am so grateful for your generous contribution, which has made a tremendous impact on my classroom. The place value magnets have been an invaluable resource for my students. Every morning during our math time, they eagerly use the magnets to practice and reinforce their understanding of place value. The hands-on experience has made learning so much more engaging and meaningful for them. They even use their book baggies to carry the materials to and from our class to skills classes, and the magnets fit perfectly in their desks, making them easy to access throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThe excitement in the classroom was evident when the students first saw the new materials. Their faces lit up as they realized they could actively interact with the content they were learning. One memorable moment was when they used the magnets to work together on a group problem during math time—seeing them collaborate so enthusiastically was truly rewarding. These materials have helped foster teamwork and confidence in their learning.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, my students will continue to explore and deepen their understanding of place value in future lessons. These magnets will remain an essential tool for reinforcing key concepts, and I'm excited to watch their growth as they tackle more complex math problems. Your donation is helping create an environment where my students are more engaged, confident, and excited about learning. Thank you again for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1731546562551,"projectUrl":"project/super-items-in-1st-grade/8942150/","projectTitle":"Super Items in 1st Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9336560_orig.jpg?crop=1244,1244,x0,y481&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724436302243","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9336560"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1692","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":624,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":62,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"16.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":59.8,"schoolId":1692,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about University Meadows Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"University Meadows Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/charlotte-mecklenburg-school-district/university-meadows-elementary-school/1692"}