{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Villa Heights Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8338393,"projectId":9448056,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that allowed us to enrich our morning bins with Legos, magnetic tiles, puzzles, fine-motor tools, and a wide variety of engaging manipulatives. These materials have completely transformed the way our students begin their day. Instead of rushing in or feeling anxious, students now enter the classroom excited to explore, build, and create. The bins encourage problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and imaginative thinking, all before our first lesson even begins. This calm, joyful routine has helped students feel more grounded and connected, setting a positive tone for the entire day. Your support has brought so much excitement and growth to our classroom, and we are truly, deeply grateful for the lasting impact you've made.\"","fullyFundedDate":1753137830016,"projectUrl":"project/morning-minds-in-motion-help-us-build-b/9448056/","projectTitle":"Morning Minds in Motion: Help Us Build Bright Beginnings!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Culler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8338393_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x125,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660830184584","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8338393"},{"teacherId":8338393,"projectId":9480909,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that allowed us to bring a beautiful new rug into our classroom. This rug has truly transformed our learning environment. It gives students a comfortable, welcoming space to gather for lessons, reading time, group discussions, and moments of calm throughout the day. Having this shared space has strengthened our sense of community and made the classroom feel more inviting and supportive. Your kindness has had a lasting, positive impact, and we are deeply grateful for your contribution.","fullyFundedDate":1753898118371,"projectUrl":"project/room-to-grow-a-rug-for-morning-meetings/9480909/","projectTitle":"Room to Grow: A Rug for Morning Meetings and More","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Culler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8338393_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x125,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660830184584","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8338393"},{"teacherId":8338393,"projectId":9518150,"letterContent":"\"Thank you for your incredibly generous donation to our classroom's hygiene project. Your support has ensured that every student has access to essential items that help them feel clean, confident, and prepared for each school day. These supplies have made a meaningful difference for students who previously worried about having what they need. Because of your kindness, our classroom is healthier, more comfortable, and more welcoming for everyone. We are truly grateful for the positive, lasting impact you've made.","fullyFundedDate":1754588322013,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-habits-start-here-hygiene-suppl/9518150/","projectTitle":"Healthy Habits Start Here: Hygiene Supplies for My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Culler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8338393_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x125,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660830184584","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8338393"},{"teacherId":9058770,"projectId":9389317,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in providing the items that have brightened and transformed our classroom! The wobble chairs, comfy floor seats, sensory floor tiles, wiggle cushions, and fidget bands have become daily favorites among our students. Each of these items has given every student flexible seating options, comfort, and movement that help them stay engaged and focused.\r\n\r\nThe organizational pouches have also been a huge help in keeping our classroom materials tidy and accessible, and even the small decorative touches like the LEGO botanicals add warmth and personality to our learning space.\r\n\r\nEvery single item has had a positive impact and is used (and loved!) every day by our students. Your kindness and support have made our classroom a place where learning feels exciting, comfortable, and full of joy.","fullyFundedDate":1753985536881,"projectUrl":"project/building-our-happy-place/9389317/","projectTitle":"Building Our Happy Place!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kuykendall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9058770_orig.jpg?crop=1290,1290,x0,y51&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748731904564","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9058770"},{"teacherId":6489242,"projectId":9428347,"letterContent":"I am writing with immense gratitude and excitement to thank you for your generous donation to my DonorsChoose project, \"A New Rug for Our Cozy, Collaborative Learning Space.\"\r\nBecause of your kindness and support, our classroom is a happy and joyful place with our new classroom rug! This isn't just a piece of fabric; it is the heart of our classroom—the designated space where we gather every single day to learn, share, and connect.\r\nThe new rug has impacted my students in several important ways:\r\n * Circle Time and Collaboration: The rug area is where we hold our daily morning meeting, read alouds, and group discussions. This new rug is where we build our classroom community.\r\n * Organization and Focus: Many educational rugs have built-in spots or rows, which are invaluable for helping students learn how to find their \"personal bubble\" and keep a focused, calm body during large group instruction. We sing our Sit still song about having self control and keeping our bodies calm every day on our flower spots. Many parents tell me they sing it to themselves at home too!\r\n * A Sense of Home: Especially for my youngest learners, having a beautiful, soft gathering spot helps our classroom feel cozy and welcoming, which is crucial for building a positive learning environment.\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and my students. You have invested in their comfort, their focus, and the joy they feel when they gather together to learn. Your generosity has provided a beautiful foundation—both literally and figuratively—for the amazing things we will accomplish this school year.\r\nHere are some photos of us enjoying our phonics song and using our rug as a space to complete our social studies work with our flexible seating!","fullyFundedDate":1753294039210,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-collaborative-space-a-new-rug-fo/9428347/","projectTitle":"Cozy & Collaborative Space: a New Rug for Engaged Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holub","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6489242_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750203674187","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6489242"},{"teacherId":6489242,"projectId":9419372,"letterContent":"Our goal was to step away from the traditional classroom where student are often expected to sit still in a hard chair for log periods for time. For active five and six-year-olds, this can lead to distraction, discomfort, and a decreased ability to focus on learning. \r\nYour generous donations had completely transformed this years learning environment. \r\nOur Measurable Impact\r\nThe introduction of flexible seating options (like surfer tables, floor cushions, pencil boxes, and lap trays) directly impacts student success by:\r\n * Boosting Engagement and Focus: When students are given the choice to sit in a way that best supports their body's need for movement, they can sustain their attention for longer periods. This leads to deeper engagement during lessons and a reduction in off-task behavior.\r\n * Developing Self-Regulation and Ownership: Allowing students to choose their seat empowers them. They learn to identify what environment they need to succeed at a given moment—a foundational skill for self-regulation. We are not just teaching them to read; we are teaching them how to learn.\r\n * Fostering Collaboration and Community: Flexible seating naturally encourages students to move, work together, and share space, leading to a more collaborative and dynamic classroom community where every student feels comfortable and included.\r\nIn summary, your donation is not just funding alternative seating choices; it is investing in the developmental and academic success of our youngest learners. Thank you for empowering these young minds to be active, engaged, and focused learners right from the start!","fullyFundedDate":1750656876603,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-minds-flexible-seating/9419372/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Minds: Flexible Seating for a Dynamic Kindergarten Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holub","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6489242_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750203674187","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6489242"},{"teacherId":8338393,"projectId":9268195,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations! Your support made our 5th Grade Week unforgettable. From exciting activity days to creative activities and special treats, every moment was filled with joy and laughter thanks to you. Your kindness helped create lasting memories for our students as they celebrated the end of their elementary journey. We are truly grateful for your contribution and the love you've shown our kids! This week filled with fun would not have been possible without your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1746786313819,"projectUrl":"project/last-week-of-elementary-school/9268195/","projectTitle":"Last Week of Elementary School!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Culler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8338393_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x125,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660830184584","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8338393"},{"teacherId":8338393,"projectId":8832701,"letterContent":"The donation of the round table has significantly enhanced collaboration among my students by transforming the way they interact and engage with one another during group activities. Unlike traditional desks arranged in rows, the round table encourages face-to-face interaction, making it easier for students to share ideas, communicate openly, and work together on projects. This setup has created a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, where every student feels seen and heard.\r\n\r\nSince incorporating the round table into our classroom, I've noticed a marked improvement in teamwork and problem-solving skills. Students are more eager to participate, offer input, and build off each other's ideas. The physical layout naturally fosters equal participation, eliminating any sense of hierarchy and encouraging a sense of unity and shared responsibility. This simple yet powerful change has not only boosted collaboration but has also contributed to stronger classroom relationships and a more positive overall learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1734652364408,"projectUrl":"project/gather-round-a-space-for-collaborative/8832701/","projectTitle":"Gather 'Round: A Space for Collaborative Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Culler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8338393_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x125,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660830184584","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8338393"},{"teacherId":5302819,"projectId":8488909,"letterContent":"We extend our sincere gratitude for your generous donation of tennis balls for our classroom project. Each classroom has an ample supply of tennis balls, sufficiently accommodating placement beneath chairs and desks, enabling both students and teachers to rearrange furniture without disrupting adjacent classrooms.\r\n\r\nOur educators and students greatly appreciated the donation. They collaborated to organize the tennis balls by positioning them on the chairs and desks. Anticipation grew as they awaited the custodial staff to facilitate their distribution.","fullyFundedDate":1728432317850,"projectUrl":"project/tennis-balls-for-students/8488909/","projectTitle":"Tennis Balls for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Buncum","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5302819_orig.jpg?crop=168,168,x0,y111&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760466345239","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5302819"},{"teacherId":9553627,"projectId":8418182,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity for the summer surprise bags. All of my students were able to make a summer goodie bags. I was able to set up a station for each item. The students were able to pick out what items they wanted to add to their bags. Their faces and smiles are priceless. They all are very thankful for all of the items include in the summer goodie bags.\r\n This was all possible because of your generosity. Thank you for making their summer amazing, as well for allowing them to take apart of school home with them. These items they used just about daily in the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1716911614531,"projectUrl":"project/summer-surprise/8418182/","projectTitle":"Summer Surprise!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. S","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9553627_orig.jpg?crop=1074,1074,x0,y53&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716471129176","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9553627"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1693","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":148,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":53,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":19,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.3,"schoolId":1693,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Villa Heights Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Villa Heights Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/charlotte-mecklenburg-school-district/villa-heights-elementary-school/1693"}