{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Gallberry Farm Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":51.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8919551,"projectId":9988427,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students are gaining access to the kinds of books that truly help them grow from early readers into confident chapter book readers. This transition is a critical stage in reading development. Students are learning how to sustain their attention across longer texts, track characters and plot over multiple chapters, and use strategies like predicting, questioning, and summarizing. These new books provide the right balance of supportive text, engaging illustrations, and meaningful storylines, allowing students to practice fluency while also strengthening comprehension and vocabulary.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom and library looks active and purposeful. Students read independently, partner-read to build fluency and expression, and participate in small discussions where they talk about character choices, story problems, and lessons learned. We practice stopping at the end of a chapter to reflect and think about what might happen next. For many students, these new chapter books are the first time they feel ready to read a \"big kid book\" on their own, and that confidence shift is powerful.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who previously hesitated to check out longer books are now eagerly returning to the shelf for the next book in a series. One student who often said, \"I don't like reading,\" recently asked if there were more books like the one she just finished because she \"needed to know what happens next.\" Moments like that are exactly why this project matters. Your support is helping young readers see themselves as capable, growing readers — and that belief will carry with them far beyond this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1768781133079,"projectUrl":"project/helping-young-readers-become-chapter-boo/9988427/","projectTitle":"Helping Young Readers Become Chapter Book Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Keels","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8919551_orig.jpg?crop=952,953,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739986658993","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8919551"},{"teacherId":5211635,"projectId":10073122,"letterContent":"When the Snap Circuits kits arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students gathered around the tables before I even finished opening the boxes, already trying to predict what each piece might do. Our first challenge was simple: make a working circuit that could power a light. What surprised them most wasn't whether it worked — it was how many times it didn't. Instead of looking to me for answers, they began turning to their teammates. I heard students say things like, \"Let's troubleshoot,\" and \"Check the connection order again.\" They quickly understood that success depended on communication and patience, not speed.\r\n\r\nSince then, our classroom has run like a small engineering team. Students rotate through roles such as project lead, builder, tester, and presenter while working through increasingly complex builds. One group spent nearly an entire period redesigning their layout after realizing their sound circuit interfered with their motor. Rather than frustration, they showed persistence — discussing ideas, sketching adjustments, and encouraging one another. My role has shifted from giving directions to coaching conversations: asking questions, guiding reflection, and helping them analyze why a solution worked. Students now explain their thinking clearly and support teammates instead of competing.\r\n\r\nNext, students will begin designing their own original creations that solve a small real-world problem, such as a warning system or signal device. They will plan, test, revise, and present their prototypes while reflecting on teamwork strategies that helped them succeed. Because of your support, they are not just learning about engineering — they are practicing how professionals collaborate, adapt, and communicate.","fullyFundedDate":1770221713923,"projectUrl":"project/this-project-has-collaborative-teamwork/10073122/","projectTitle":"This Project Has Collaborative Teamwork Potential (And Voltage!)","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5211635_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1537770787437","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5211635"},{"teacherId":4977741,"projectId":9924544,"letterContent":"Because of this project, our classroom no longer slows down when materials run out — learning keeps moving.\r\n\r\nStudents now complete math and literacy \"scoot\" stations smoothly because every card is clear, color-coded, and easy to read. Instead of asking for help finding directions, they can work independently and stay engaged longer. That independence has increased participation and confidence, especially for visual learners who rely on organized visuals to understand tasks.\r\n\r\nColorful reading passages and graphic organizers have helped students focus on vocabulary, text evidence, and key ideas. They are finishing assignments more successfully and showing stronger comprehension because they can actually see how information is organized.\r\n\r\nWe have also been able to celebrate student success more often. Printed certificates and recognition awards are tangible reminders that effort matters, which has boosted motivation and classroom pride. Students are eager to earn them and excited to share their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, instruction time is no longer interrupted by missing or hard-to-read materials. Instead of troubleshooting copies, we spend our time learning. The classroom feels prepared, encouraging, and purposeful — a place where students can move, collaborate, and achieve.\r\n\r\nThis project didn't just provide ink.\r\nIt provided momentum.","fullyFundedDate":1766168763255,"projectUrl":"project/ink-prices-are-higher-than-my-blood-pres/9924544/","projectTitle":"Ink Prices Are Higher Than My Blood Pressure","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hickman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4977741_orig.png?crop=223,223,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764085234420","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4977741"},{"teacherId":8919551,"projectId":9913237,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, Walking, Reading, and Learning Together has transformed the way our students experience books. As students move through the Story, they practice close reading in short, manageable chunks, building stamina and comprehension without feeling overwhelmed. The format naturally encourages discussion, vocabulary development, and critical thinking as students talk with peers and teachers about what they notice, wonder, and infer.\r\n\r\nReading in our school now looks active and collaborative. Instead of sitting still for an entire lesson, students are reading while moving, discussing, pointing out illustrations, and making meaning together. Teachers pause between pages to model thinking strategies, ask higher-order questions, and invite students to turn and talk. Families who visit after school can experience the same story, reinforcing the connection between literacy, movement, and community. This project has made reading visible and shared.\r\n\r\nSome of our most reluctant readers have shown the greatest growth. Students who struggle to stay focused during traditional read-alouds are fully engaged when they can move from page to page. English language learners benefit from the visual supports and repeated exposure as classes revisit the walk throughout the week. Even our confident readers are stepping into leadership roles—helping younger students decode tricky words and explain story elements. Your support has created a space where every child can participate, build confidence, and experience the joy of reading together.","fullyFundedDate":1768781133423,"projectUrl":"project/walking-reading-and-learning-together/9913237/","projectTitle":"Walking, Reading, and Learning Together!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Keels","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8919551_orig.jpg?crop=952,953,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739986658993","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8919551"},{"teacherId":3304916,"projectId":9972356,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, learning about Lunar New Year moved far beyond stick-figure drawings on the whiteboard and questions about extra days off school. Through engaging picture books, students developed a clear understanding of the history, symbolism, and traditions behind Lunar New Year celebrations across multiple cultures. As we read and discussed stories like Chloe's Lunar New Year and How to Catch a Dragon, students strengthened reading comprehension, sequencing, and vocabulary while learning how stories and traditions reflect cultural values.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom became interactive and joyful. Students eagerly asked questions, made connections, and shared discoveries about lucky colors, lanterns, lion dances, and food symbolism. The books sparked meaningful conversations about similarities and differences between Chinese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and Korean celebrations, helping students build cultural awareness and respect. Even students who were hesitant readers were drawn in by the illustrations, storytelling, and hands-on extensions.\r\n\r\nThe plush buddies and celebration kits brought the learning to life. Students used them to retell stories, explore artifacts, and build paper dragons as part of integrated literacy and craft activities. These experiences helped students connect reading with creativity and curiosity, making the celebration memorable and meaningful. Thanks to your support, Lunar New Year became an engaging, inclusive learning experience that students will remember long after the decorations came down.","fullyFundedDate":1766775231082,"projectUrl":"project/dumplings-dragons-and-discoveries-not/9972356/","projectTitle":"Dumplings, Dragons, and Discoveries: Not Launching Fireworks—Promise","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3304916_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1455330270716","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-s-williams03"},{"teacherId":3304916,"projectId":10012473,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, Chinese New Year became a meaningful learning experience rather than just a date on the calendar. Through authentic picture books and hands-on cultural materials, students built literacy skills while developing a deeper understanding of global traditions. As we read and discussed stories like The Runaway Wok, Playing with Lanterns, and Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas, students practiced sequencing events, building vocabulary, and comparing folktales across cultures. These shared reading experiences helped students connect story elements to real-world traditions in a way that felt engaging and memorable.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom during this unit was interactive and collaborative. Students eagerly participated in discussions, retold stories using visual props, and made connections between the texts and the cultural symbols they saw around the room. The books sparked thoughtful conversations about family, gratitude, luck, and togetherness, helping students see how celebrations reflect shared human values across cultures.\r\n\r\nThe decorations and artifacts brought the learning to life. Students used lanterns, dragon garlands, and lucky coins during literacy centers and math activities—counting, sorting, retelling stories, and exploring symbolism. These hands-on experiences allowed students to learn through movement, visuals, and discussion, making the celebration accessible to all learners. Thanks to your support, our classroom became a space where cultural curiosity was encouraged, learning was joyful, and students gained respect for traditions beyond their own.","fullyFundedDate":1768502528136,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-chinese-new-year-through-sto/10012473/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Chinese New Year Through Stories, Symbols, and Hands-On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3304916_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1455330270716","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-s-williams03"},{"teacherId":10365141,"projectId":9974842,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, our library has become a place where students' curiosity about weather and Earth science can truly grow. The new nonfiction books give students access to clear, engaging explanations of complex topics like the water cycle, storms, climate, and natural disasters. As students explore these texts, they are building important skills such as asking research questions, identifying key ideas, using text features, and explaining scientific concepts with evidence from diagrams, maps, and photographs.\r\n\r\nReading in the library now looks like real investigation. Students browse with purpose, compare information across books, and pause to study visuals that help them make sense of what they're learning. During library visits and science units, students use these books to take notes, gather facts, and deepen their understanding before creating weather reports, models, and inquiry projects. The variety of reading levels and formats means that both emerging readers and advanced learners can find books that meet them where they are.\r\n\r\nThese resources have been especially exciting for students who are fascinated by extreme weather and natural disasters. Many students return to the same titles again and again, eager to share new facts they've discovered with classmates and teachers. Thanks to your support, our library now offers reliable, high-interest nonfiction that will serve hundreds of students for years to come—turning big questions about our planet into meaningful learning and lasting curiosity.","fullyFundedDate":1769540562205,"projectUrl":"project/wild-weather-rising-readers-a-science/9974842/","projectTitle":"Wild Weather, Rising Readers: A Science Library for Curious Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sibley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10365141"},{"teacherId":8947927,"projectId":9925437,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, learning in our classroom no longer stops when the printer runs out of ink. With reliable access to printed materials, my 3rd graders are able to fully participate in reading, writing, math, and small-group instruction every day. Students can print writing drafts, practice phonics and math skills, and receive materials that meet their individual learning needs. Having their work on paper helps students slow down, reflect, and take pride in what they've created.\r\n\r\nReading and learning in our classroom looks active and hands-on. Students work with printed passages, highlight important details, solve problems, and collaborate with classmates during partner and group activities. Being able to quickly print extra copies means lessons continue smoothly—even when papers get lost, spilled on, or need revising. Instead of waiting or sharing limited resources, students stay engaged and focused on learning.\r\n\r\nThis project has especially helped students who benefit from clear structure and consistent materials. Having access to printed supports allows them to feel confident, prepared, and successful throughout the school day. What may seem like a simple supply makes a big difference in keeping our classroom organized, flexible, and running efficiently. Thank you for supporting our students and helping ensure that learning keeps moving forward—one printed page at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1766374963932,"projectUrl":"project/our-printer-is-on-its-last-drop-literal/9925437/","projectTitle":"Our Printer Is On Its Last Drop… Literally","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mills","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8947927"},{"teacherId":8482658,"projectId":9974816,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, Lunar New Year became a celebration every student in our classroom could truly access and enjoy. The Little People sets allowed us to create a calm, small-world version of the holiday where students could explore traditions through play. Students practiced turn-taking, role-playing simple routines, and requesting pieces using devices, gestures, or verbal language. Acting out familiar scenes in a predictable setting helped students build understanding and confidence without the stress of loud noises or crowded activities.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom during this celebration was sensory-friendly and interactive. The tactile board books and Sesame Street story supported visual and hands-on learners by using simple language, familiar characters, and textures students could touch and explore. Students engaged with ideas like lanterns, red envelopes, food, and wishes for good luck in ways that felt comforting and manageable. Many students returned to these books multiple times, independently turning pages, pointing to pictures, or requesting favorite parts.\r\n\r\nThese materials created a space where students felt safe, included, and successful. For learners who need structure and predictability, this approach allowed them to participate fully in a cultural celebration at their own pace. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, students were calm, curious, and joyful. Thank you for helping us celebrate Lunar New Year in a way that honors every learner and sends a powerful message: everyone belongs.","fullyFundedDate":1767105060725,"projectUrl":"project/little-people-big-lunar-new-year-touch/9974816/","projectTitle":"Little People, Big Lunar New Year: Touch, See, Celebrate","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wike","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8482658"},{"teacherId":8482658,"projectId":9972607,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, our classroom now has a space that feels safe, predictable, and joyful—while also supporting real learning every single day. The playhouse and kitchen materials give students meaningful opportunities to practice essential life skills through structured play. Students are learning how to enter and exit a space appropriately, request items they need, follow simple routines, and complete guided tasks. These activities build communication, independence, and confidence in ways that worksheets simply cannot.\r\n\r\nCommunication is a major focus during play in this space. Students use gestures, picture supports, or verbal attempts to request items like \"pot,\" \"spoon,\" \"open,\" or \"help.\" Even small moments—handing a utensil to a peer or responding to a modeled request—are powerful steps forward. Fine motor skills are also strengthened as students grasp, stack, stir, and organize items in the playhouse kitchen. What looks like pretend play is actually purposeful instruction tailored to each student's needs.\r\n\r\nThe playhouse has quickly become a favorite part of our day. When we were assembling it, we pretended to be construction workers, and students were eager to help—holding pieces, handing tools, and proudly watching it come together. For our students, including those who are nonverbal, this space provides comfort, structure, and opportunities for social interaction at their own pace. It also serves as a calming environment for emotional regulation. Thank you for helping create a space where our students feel successful, included, and excited to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1766969069405,"projectUrl":"project/a-home-for-learning-building-life-skill/9972607/","projectTitle":"A Home for Learning: Building Life Skills Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wike","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8482658"},{"teacherId":1025629,"projectId":10034901,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, my students are no longer learning about Earth's spheres as isolated definitions—they are learning how our planet works as one connected system. These books have helped students build key science literacy skills such as understanding cause-and-effect relationships, using academic vocabulary correctly, and explaining scientific ideas with evidence from text features, diagrams, and visuals. Students can now clearly explain how the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere interact during events like erosion, storms, and changes in ecosystems.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom looks active, visual, and full of conversation. Students regularly pause to study diagrams, analyze photographs, and point out details they notice—especially animals and ecosystems. During read-alouds and small groups, students eagerly make connections between what they're reading and what they've learned in class, often saying things like, \"That shows how the water cycle affects animals!\" or \"This is part of the biosphere.\" The mix of informational text, storytelling, and hands-on activities helps all learners stay engaged and confident.\r\n\r\nThese books have been especially meaningful for students who are visual learners and those who don't have access to strong science texts at home. Many students are drawn to the detailed animal photographs and ecosystem visuals, which spark curiosity and lead to deeper questions and discussions. Students often return to these books independently, rereading sections and sharing new discoveries with classmates. Thanks to your support, learning about Earth and ecosystems feels exciting, accessible, and unforgettable for every student in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1768754137464,"projectUrl":"project/planet-puzzle-putting-earths-systems-t/10034901/","projectTitle":"Planet Puzzle: Putting Earth’s Systems Together","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McCoy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1025629_orig.jpg?crop=614,614,x1632,y1330&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768247480587","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1025629"},{"teacherId":5211635,"projectId":9939019,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, learning in our classroom feels joyful, hands-on, and full of curiosity. The Weird But True! National Geographic books have transformed how students interact with nonfiction text. As students read, they practice important skills like identifying main ideas, using text features, building vocabulary, and asking thoughtful questions about what they've learned. These books naturally invite discussion, research, and deeper thinking—students often stop reading just to share a surprising fact with a friend or ask, \"Did you know this?!\"\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom now looks active and social. Students choose books that match their interests, read independently or with a partner, and talk about what they discover. Reluctant readers who once avoided nonfiction are now eagerly flipping pages, laughing at strange facts, and checking out multiple books at a time. These texts have especially supported students who learn best through short bursts of information and visual supports, helping them build stamina and confidence as readers.\r\n\r\nThe puzzles have become an instant favorite and are used throughout the day. Students work together during STEM centers, indoor recess, and even free moments to problem-solve, persist, and collaborate. We've also set up puzzles in the media center, where students love adding pieces as they browse for books—turning the space into a shared, interactive experience. At recess, the puzzles are a huge hit, giving students a calm, engaging option that still builds critical thinking skills. Together, these materials have created a learning environment where students feel excited to explore, challenge themselves, and grow every day.","fullyFundedDate":1767653631202,"projectUrl":"project/weird-wonderful-and-ready-to-read-th/9939019/","projectTitle":"Weird, Wonderful, and Ready to Read & Think!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5211635_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1537770787437","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5211635"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1380","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":854,"numTeachers":62,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":26,"percentWhite":42,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":15,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":48.4,"schoolId":1380,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Gallberry Farm Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Gallberry Farm Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/cumberland-county-schools/gallberry-farms-elementary-school/1380"}