{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Virginia Cross Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":58.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8727658,"projectId":9767908,"letterContent":"Words cannot express how much me and the kids appreciate your generosity. From the moment the items came in they were immediately put into use and are so helpful. We let the kids help us open the boxes and the looks on their faces said it all.\r\nWe are using the tools and gifts to help increase communication and provide unique learning opportunities for our kids. Many of them are non verbal and learning is different for them. We will be creating an environment for them that they will grow and adapt in.","fullyFundedDate":1759154854709,"projectUrl":"project/autism-angels/9767908/","projectTitle":"Autism Angels","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Melgar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8727658_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723896731701","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8727658"},{"teacherId":9055761,"projectId":9187479,"letterContent":"Some of our students, who require movement to concentrate, have found the discreet use of fidget tools to be a game-changer. These tools provide a physical outlet for their energy, significantly reducing their anxiety and the urge to move around. This has not only improved their focus but also their overall well-being.\r\nInitially, when the students saw these tools, they mistook them for toys. However, after a brief explanation, they quickly understood that these tools are not mere distractions, but rather, they are aids to manage their energy, anxiety, and sensory needs, allowing them to fully engage in the creative process. \r\nBy having a calming station and these tools available to my student population, they are empowered to choose a tool that helps them return to a state of 'just right' for learning. This not only improves their immediate focus and concentration but also builds crucial lifelong skills in emotional intelligence, which will benefit them in their future endeavors.","fullyFundedDate":1742937358069,"projectUrl":"project/neurodivergent-calm-tools/9187479/","projectTitle":"Neurodivergent Calm tools!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chevez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9055761_orig.jpg?crop=604,604,x83,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742955304683","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9055761"},{"teacherId":7817393,"projectId":9203137,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for giving back to my K-5 music classroom! Your generosity and thoughtfulness has touched both mine and my students life in numerous ways. By working in a low socioeconomic area, the opportunity to expose students to experiences through music is a passion and determination that drives my purpose as a music teacher. \r\n\r\nWith your funding I was able to introduce new and fun instruments like a steel tongue drum also known as a rain drum to a class of kindergartners. The day we explored this instrument it coincidentally was raining. So we took the instrument outside and placed it below a rain gutter runoff. The students were able to see and hear the instrument being played the way it was intended. This is an experience they will never forget. \r\n\r\nAs I gear up for this upcoming school year, these instruments and tools are things I can plan and prepare for my lessons that I could not do last year. So for that I am grateful and I know the students will be excited. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1745027177231,"projectUrl":"project/new-and-updated-music-room-instruments/9203137/","projectTitle":"New and Updated Music Room Instruments","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Courtney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7817393_orig.jpg?crop=406,406,x103,y160&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1674961013569","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7817393"},{"teacherId":9055761,"projectId":9187226,"letterContent":"I would like to start by thanking you for providing my students with the opportunity to foster their curiosity and experience by having access to various building blocks as part of their learning.\r\nStudents were able to use the different building blocks to enhance their creativity, fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative learning. Specifically integrating the lesson on being an architect and an engineer, they were able to see their 2D designs come to life in 3D form. The students' fearless experimentation and their ability to recognize shapes in various forms were a testament to their confidence and growth. \r\nStudents were brimming with excitement and joy as they explored the world of shapes, patterns, and balance through tactile experiences. The Tinker station, a versatile resource, will be available for use across different grade levels, depending on the topic or challenge of study during art class.","fullyFundedDate":1743005601662,"projectUrl":"project/tinker-brain-challenge-center/9187226/","projectTitle":"Tinker Brain Challenge Center","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chevez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9055761_orig.jpg?crop=604,604,x83,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742955304683","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9055761"},{"teacherId":7825981,"projectId":9047284,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring our cozy corner to life! With your support, we were able to add the Easy-Clean Comfy Couch—and it has made such a difference.\r\n\r\nThe couch gives students a soft, calming spot to take a break, reset, or just relax for a few quiet minutes. It's the perfect addition to a space that's all about supporting their emotional well-being. They absolutely love it, and it's already become one of the most used and appreciated areas in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWe're so grateful for your generosity. This little couch has had a big impact—and that's all thanks to you!","fullyFundedDate":1742079549092,"projectUrl":"project/comfy-couch-for-cozy-corner/9047284/","projectTitle":"Comfy Couch for Cozy Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7825981_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659374427225","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7825981"},{"teacherId":158699,"projectId":9199524,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation. This past week, I was able to give my students the books to help them be successful over the summer in reading and math. Many students wouldn't have access to books and math work at their level over the summer. These materials provide them with an opportunity to retain the skills they have learned this year. \r\n\r\nThe students were excited to look through the books. Having the materials in color is also engaging for the students. I was able to get different levels of text so all students can be successful and challenged when reading at home. I'm thankful they will have something to continue to work on over the summer. Thank you again for making a difference in the lives of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1743013551448,"projectUrl":"project/here-we-come-second-grade/9199524/","projectTitle":"Here We Come Second Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gaines","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp158699_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471917089160","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/heidi-gaines"},{"teacherId":9055761,"projectId":8879939,"letterContent":"First, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous gift. Your support has been instrumental in our educational program. \r\nThe organizers have been a big plus, making materials more accessible to their assigned tables. In each table, there is a student who is the monitor and is responsible for the caddy, making sure that the rest of the table team is accountable and taking care of the materials and also making sure through a checklist that all the needed materials are there for each art project. \r\nStudents are more independent and learn to be responsible and take care of their art materials.\r\n Your contribution has made a significant difference in our students' learning experiences. Thank you again for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1734543923657,"projectUrl":"project/my-fabulous-artcarry-organizers/8879939/","projectTitle":"My Fabulous Artcarry Organizers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chevez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9055761_orig.jpg?crop=604,604,x83,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742955304683","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9055761"},{"teacherId":6215725,"projectId":8593413,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of my students and giving them spaces to learn that fulfill their need to move around the class and seat comfortably. My students were so excited to see these seating options and they love using them. \r\nThese seating options have helped my students be more engaged and excited about learning. They have really improved my classroom environment and student collaboration. Students are excited to have the opportunity to sit in these flexible seating options and collaborate with friends and work on learning targets. Thank you again for helping my students find enjoyment in learning.","fullyFundedDate":1733149509075,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-options-for-students/8593413/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating Options For Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Womble","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6215725_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1552663274089","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6215725"},{"teacherId":8727658,"projectId":9007230,"letterContent":"My students have already begun to light up as we start receiving the packages. I enjoy watching their faces get so excited. They have begun building words and using their putty and special seats.\r\nNone of this would be possible without your amazing support. As teachers we try to do everything we can for our kiddos but sometimes we are unable to do some things. I appreciate your generosity and so do the kids.\r\nThere is so much I want to say but mainly just thank you so much. Thanks for helping our classroom. Thanks for helping our children.","fullyFundedDate":1740580542744,"projectUrl":"project/friendly-fun-explorers/9007230/","projectTitle":"Friendly Fun Explorers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Melgar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8727658_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723896731701","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8727658"},{"teacherId":7825981,"projectId":8928365,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, we were able to introduce the Can-Do Science Kits into our classroom. These hands-on resources have given our young scientists the opportunity to explore topics like magnets and magnification in a fun and engaging way. These materials have helped our students spark their curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world around them.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the science specimen sets have opened up a world of discovery, allowing students to explore birds and mammals. The children have loved learning about weather thanks to the changing seasons sensory tubes. \r\n\r\nThanks to your donations and these new materials, our students now have everything they need to explore science and nature at their own pace and level.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping make these exciting learning opportunities possible!","fullyFundedDate":1731958564906,"projectUrl":"project/pre-k-is-the-place-to-be/8928365/","projectTitle":"Pre-K is the Place to be!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7825981_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659374427225","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7825981"},{"teacherId":158699,"projectId":8781486,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for helping fund this project. My students use these supplies at least weekly, if not daily. The pencil pouches, colored pencils, and pencil sharpeners were used to make bags for the students to use at home. They help ensure they have the materials they need to complete their assignments. These bags are a great addition for the students to be successful. \r\n\r\nThe other resources have been used in the classroom. The sensory calming strips are a nice quiet way for the students to keep their hands to themselves. The students have enjoyed using the different sensory mats and squishy toys. It is nice to have things to help them stay focused and not distract their friends in the class.","fullyFundedDate":1726690166970,"projectUrl":"project/hocus-pocus-everybody-focus-and-organi/8781486/","projectTitle":"Hocus Pocus - Everybody Focus And Organize To Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gaines","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp158699_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471917089160","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/heidi-gaines"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_93634","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":461,"numTeachers":49,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":18,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":71,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":41.1,"schoolId":93634,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Virginia Cross Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Virginia Cross Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/chatham-county-school-district/virginia-cross-elementary-school/93634"}