{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Walker - Spivey Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":66.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3866586,"projectId":9065945,"letterContent":"When our students first walked into the Media Center and saw the giant LEGO blocks, their faces lit up with excitement and wonder. Many of them rushed over immediately, eager to start building towers taller than themselves, castles with secret doors, and even imaginary vehicles that they could sit in. The energy and joy were contagious, and it was clear that these blocks were going to inspire not just play, but creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nSince then, the giant LEGOs have become a favorite resource for group projects and free exploration. Students have been working together to design structures, test out their engineering ideas, and even create \"challenge builds\" where they solve problems such as building the tallest structure that won't fall over or designing a space large enough for a classmate to fit inside. These activities have encouraged teamwork, communication, and perseverance, all while tying into our STEAM and media literacy goals.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are excited to integrate the blocks into larger project-based lessons. For example, in an upcoming unit, students will design and build \"mini cities\" using the LEGOs to represent communities, connecting it to lessons about neighborhoods, problem-solving, and collaboration. These resources are more than just toys—they are tools that open the door to innovation, imagination, and joyful learning. Thanks to your generosity, our students are experiencing hands-on, meaningful learning opportunities every day.","fullyFundedDate":1744032974616,"projectUrl":"project/brilliant-bricks/9065945/","projectTitle":"Brilliant Bricks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3866586_orig.jpg?crop=1821,1821,x0,y388&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1571246401244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3866586"},{"teacherId":4478696,"projectId":9576087,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project, \"Creating a Calming Corner for Big Feelings.\" Because of your generosity, my students will now have a safe and supportive space to regulate their emotions, practice coping strategies, and return to learning ready and focused.\r\n\r\nYour donation will make a real difference in the daily lives of our students. The calming corner will help them feel seen, valued, and empowered to manage their big feelings in healthy ways. I am deeply grateful for your kindness and commitment to helping children thrive both academically and emotionally.","fullyFundedDate":1755722682055,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-calming-corner-for-big-feelin/9576087/","projectTitle":"Creating a Calming Corner for Big Feelings","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Allman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4478696_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1601769148322","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4478696"},{"teacherId":3866586,"projectId":9134507,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support of our Chapter Chats project, our students now have access to powerful stories that reflect their own lives and challenges. The two sets of books we received have opened the door to deep conversations about poverty, resilience, identity, and hope. These aren't just books—they're mirrors for our students to see themselves and windows into experiences they may not have words for yet. We've used the books to introduce skills like making text-to-self connections, exploring character motivations, and analyzing how setting impacts choices. More importantly, we've learned how literature can build empathy and create a safe space for students to open up.\r\n\r\nIn our school, reading doesn't just mean sitting quietly with a book—it's active, collaborative, and filled with discussion. We hold weekly \"Chapter Chats\" where students circle up and reflect on what they've read. Some students, who usually shy away from participating, have been the first to raise their hands during these chats because the characters speak to something personal and real. One student said, \"This book gets me. It's like someone finally wrote about my life.\" That moment alone showed us how much this project matters.\r\n\r\nWe plan to keep building on these discussions by incorporating writing prompts, journaling, and creative responses like skits and visual art. The books have become a foundation for literacy and emotional growth—and we're incredibly grateful. Thank you for helping our students feel seen, heard, and inspired to keep turning the page.","fullyFundedDate":1743010883580,"projectUrl":"project/chapter-chats/9134507/","projectTitle":"Chapter Chats","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3866586_orig.jpg?crop=1821,1821,x0,y388&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1571246401244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3866586"},{"teacherId":3866586,"projectId":9059246,"letterContent":"When our \"Clothing Confidence\" project was funded, it immediately brought a wave of relief and joy—not just for me as an educator, but more importantly, for the students it touched. Many of our students come from families who face daily financial challenges, and often the basic necessities we take for granted—like socks that fit, a clean undershirt, or a belt to hold up pants—are out of reach. The moment students realized they could pick out what they needed, you could see the light in their eyes and a visible shift in posture. One student, who often kept to himself, quietly whispered, \"I finally have socks that aren't too small.\" That small statement carried a world of meaning.\r\n\r\nThese simple items have become powerful tools of empowerment. We've already seen a boost in classroom participation and self-esteem. Students are less distracted by discomfort or embarrassment and more focused on learning. During a recent classroom project, a group that included one of our newly confident students led a discussion for the first time all year. It was a beautiful reminder that when students feel secure and cared for, they are more willing to engage, lead, and grow.\r\n\r\nThe next steps are to continue creating a nurturing environment where students feel safe and supported. We are now working on a kindness and self-care journal project that encourages students to reflect on what makes them feel strong, valued, and capable. Thanks to your generous support, they're already on their way to understanding that their worth goes far beyond the classroom—and that they are worthy of dignity, respect, and confidence every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1737825614078,"projectUrl":"project/clothing-confidence/9059246/","projectTitle":"Clothing Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3866586_orig.jpg?crop=1821,1821,x0,y388&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1571246401244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3866586"},{"teacherId":3866586,"projectId":9007960,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our students now have access to the Simon and Chester graphic novel series, and the excitement in the library has been incredible! Graphic novels are a powerful tool for developing literacy skills, especially for reluctant and emerging readers. These books engage students with their visual storytelling, helping them improve comprehension, inferencing, and sequencing skills. The combination of text and images also supports students who struggle with traditional chapter books, making reading feel more accessible and enjoyable.\r\n\r\nIn our library, reading has taken on a new energy as students eagerly check out Simon and Chester books and discuss their favorite moments with classmates. Many of our students previously saw reading as a challenge, but now they are excited to engage with books that feel fun and approachable. I've seen students who rarely visited the library become frequent visitors, eager to see if the next book in the series is available. One student in particular, who often expressed frustration with reading, now proudly shares that they finished an entire book in one sitting—something they had never done before!\r\n\r\nThese new books have not only encouraged a love of reading but have also built confidence in our young readers. Thank you for helping us create a space where every student can find joy in books and build the skills they need to succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1735107270361,"projectUrl":"project/simon-and-chester/9007960/","projectTitle":"Simon and Chester","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3866586_orig.jpg?crop=1821,1821,x0,y388&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1571246401244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3866586"},{"teacherId":8379523,"projectId":8785302,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping to bring a bit of comfort and coziness to our classroom. My students are enjoying the emoji floor cushions on a daily basis. They utilize them during library and computer time. It helps to get them away from the normal sitting at the desks routines, and allows them to relax while working. It also motivates them to participate more in the classroom. Without your platform, it may be almost impossible to receive the necessary materials my students need. Thank you for all of your support. It's greatly appreciated!!!","fullyFundedDate":1734099431637,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-and-cozy-corner/8785302/","projectTitle":"Comfort and Cozy Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Currie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8379523"},{"teacherId":3866586,"projectId":8997073,"letterContent":"hanks to the generosity of our donors, the Mo Magic collection has brought an undeniable excitement to our library. These well-loved stories have not only refreshed our shelves but have also reignited a love of reading among our students.\r\n\r\nWith these books, students are building essential literacy skills, from comprehension and vocabulary growth to critical thinking and storytelling. Many of these texts lend themselves to discussions on character development, sequencing events, and making predictions—key skills that enhance overall reading fluency and confidence.\r\n\r\nReading in our library is now more dynamic than ever. Students eagerly browse the shelves, recommending books to each other and engaging in animated conversations about their favorite characters. Small group read-alouds and independent reading time have become moments of joy, where students feel empowered to choose stories that resonate with them.\r\n\r\nOne student, in particular, has found a new sense of belonging through these books. A reluctant reader at the start of the year, he now rushes in, excited to check out another title from the collection. He's even begun reading aloud to younger students—something he never would have done before!\r\n\r\nThis grant has truly created a magical transformation in our library, proving that the right books in the right hands can change a child's reading journey forever.","fullyFundedDate":1734461614621,"projectUrl":"project/mo-magic/8997073/","projectTitle":"Mo Magic!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3866586_orig.jpg?crop=1821,1821,x0,y388&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1571246401244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3866586"},{"teacherId":3866586,"projectId":9009649,"letterContent":"I am thrilled to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support in providing a set of Dork Diaries for our library. This beloved series has quickly become a favorite among our students, especially our girls, who have flocked to these books across all grade levels. Your donation has made an incredible impact, fostering a love of reading and strengthening literacy skills in an engaging and relatable way.\r\n\r\nWith these books now available, I have seen students develop critical reading skills such as comprehension, character analysis, and making text-to-self connections. Dork Diaries resonates with our readers through humor, real-life challenges, and diary-style storytelling, making reading feel personal and enjoyable. For many of our reluctant readers, this series has served as a gateway to a lifelong love of books.\r\n\r\nOne particular student, who previously struggled to find books she connected with, now eagerly checks out Dork Diaries and excitedly discusses the characters with her friends. Seeing her newfound enthusiasm for reading is a testament to the power of books and the generosity of donors like you. Thanks to your support, our library continues to be a place of excitement, discovery, and learning.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and commitment to fostering literacy. Your generosity is truly making a difference in the lives of our students!","fullyFundedDate":1734546196884,"projectUrl":"project/dork-diaries/9009649/","projectTitle":"Dork Diaries","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3866586_orig.jpg?crop=1821,1821,x0,y388&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1571246401244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3866586"},{"teacherId":3866586,"projectId":8988967,"letterContent":"When my students saw the new collection of SpongeBob books on the shelves, they were beyond excited! These books were some of the most highly requested in our library, and now students rush to check them out as soon as they become available. Having books that genuinely interest them has made a huge difference in their reading engagement. Many of my reluctant readers are now eager to pick up a book, and I've noticed them spending more time reading independently.\r\n\r\nThese books have also created new opportunities for learning. Students are building their comprehension skills by making predictions, identifying story elements, and discussing character motivations. Because SpongeBob is familiar and fun, students feel more confident tackling new vocabulary and reading longer passages. I've even seen students laughing and discussing their favorite parts with friends, reinforcing the idea that reading is not just educational but enjoyable.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular, who used to struggle with finding books he enjoyed, now comes in every week asking if there are any SpongeBob books available. Seeing his enthusiasm grow has been incredible! Thanks to this generous donation, my students are developing a love for reading that will stay with them for years to come. I'm so grateful for your support in making reading more accessible and exciting for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1734546200943,"projectUrl":"project/spongebob-reader-pants/8988967/","projectTitle":"Spongebob Reader Pants","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3866586_orig.jpg?crop=1821,1821,x0,y388&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1571246401244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3866586"},{"teacherId":3866586,"projectId":8788804,"letterContent":"When my students walked into the media center and saw the two large carpets, their faces lit up with excitement! These carpets have completely transformed our space, creating a warm and inviting area where students can gather for read-alouds, collaborative activities, and independent reading. Now, instead of sitting on the cold floor, students can comfortably engage in lessons and discussions, making our media center a true hub of learning.\r\n\r\nWe've already put these carpets to great use! During storytime, students eagerly find their spots and settle in, making it easier for them to focus and participate. Small groups use the space to work on research projects, book discussions, and hands-on learning activities. One of my favorite moments was seeing a group of students sprawled out on the carpet, deeply engaged in a book discussion, something that wasn't as easy to do before.\r\n\r\nThanks to these carpets, our media center feels more like a welcoming community space rather than just a classroom. The next steps for my students involve using this space for more interactive literacy centers, peer reading, and creative storytelling activities. I am incredibly grateful for this generous donation—your support has made a lasting impact on our students and their love for learning!","fullyFundedDate":1734099004006,"projectUrl":"project/reading-retreat/8788804/","projectTitle":"Reading Retreat","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3866586_orig.jpg?crop=1821,1821,x0,y388&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1571246401244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3866586"},{"teacherId":3866586,"projectId":8989077,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our library now has a fantastic set of Fly Guy books, and our students couldn't be more excited! These books are perfect for our emerging and reluctant readers, offering a fun and engaging way to develop literacy skills. With their humorous stories, accessible text, and dynamic illustrations, Fly Guy books help students build confidence in reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. Many of our students are just beginning to read independently, and these books provide the perfect bridge between picture books and early chapter books.\r\n\r\nSince adding Fly Guy to our shelves, reading in the library has become even more interactive and engaging. Students eagerly ask to check out these books, often returning with friends to share their favorite parts. Some of our reluctant readers, who previously struggled to find books they enjoyed, are now excited to read and discuss Fly Guy's silly adventures. One student, who rarely checked out books before, now proudly carries his Fly Guy book around all day, showing classmates his favorite pages.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a lasting impact on our students, helping them discover the joy of reading. Thank you for making a difference in their learning journey and for bringing so much excitement into our library!","fullyFundedDate":1733943108547,"projectUrl":"project/fly-guy/8989077/","projectTitle":"Fly Guy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3866586_orig.jpg?crop=1821,1821,x0,y388&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1571246401244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3866586"},{"teacherId":3866586,"projectId":8991553,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous donation for the set of \"Pookie\" board books, our youngest learners have been immersed in delightful stories that not only spark joy but also lay the foundation for essential early literacy skills. These books are perfect for developing pre-reading skills like recognizing patterns, understanding story sequencing, and expanding vocabulary. Each story fosters engagement and interaction, allowing students to predict what happens next or connect with Pookie's experiences, creating meaningful connections between their lives and the text.\r\n\r\nIn our library, reading has taken on a new level of excitement. Students eagerly gather to hear Pookie's adventures during read-aloud sessions, and the bright, durable board books are perfect for little hands to explore independently afterward. Some students, who were initially hesitant about books, have become captivated by Pookie's relatable and playful stories. One student in particular—a shy kindergartner—has started using Pookie's stories to interact more with their peers, often sharing their favorite parts and even \"reading\" the pictures to others.\r\n\r\nThe addition of the \"Pookie\" books has created a welcoming and inclusive reading environment, fostering a love for stories in even the most reluctant readers. Your support has made a lasting difference in their literacy journey, and we are deeply grateful for helping us ignite a lifelong love for reading.","fullyFundedDate":1734281219691,"projectUrl":"project/pookie-pages/8991553/","projectTitle":"Pookie Pages","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3866586_orig.jpg?crop=1821,1821,x0,y388&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1571246401244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3866586"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1419","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":319,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":83,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":33.8,"schoolId":1419,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Walker - Spivey Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Walker - Spivey Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/cumberland-county-schools/walker-spivey-school/1419"}