{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Spring Valley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":9985204,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our project, No More Hard Floors, Just Hard Work! The new comfy floor seats have made an immediate and meaningful difference in our classroom. We now use them daily during small-group instruction, reading time, and collaborative learning activities. One special moment that stands out was during a guided reading lesson when a student who often struggles to stay focused remained engaged for the entire session while sitting on a floor seat. He later shared, \"This makes learning easier,\" which truly captured the impact of your gift.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the floor seats, their excitement was contagious. They immediately wanted to try them and carefully chose their favorite spots around the room. Many students commented on how soft and comfortable they were, and several asked if we could use them \"every day.\" For students who find it difficult to sit for long periods, these seats have provided the comfort and support they need to stay calm, focused, and confident during lessons. Learning has become more relaxed and enjoyable, which has increased participation and positive behavior.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to continue using the floor seats as part of flexible seating stations for literacy groups, math problem-solving, and peer discussions. Students are beginning to take more ownership of their learning spaces and choose seating that helps them do their best work. Thanks to you, our classroom is now a place where comfort and learning work together, helping every student stay motivated, engaged, and ready to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1769192554324,"projectUrl":"project/no-more-hard-floors-just-hard-work/9985204/","projectTitle":"No More Hard Floors, Just Hard Work!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9916096_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738701998378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-morgandawkins"},{"teacherId":10403031,"projectId":10014090,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our Lightwave Leaders program. Because of you, our students are experiencing meaningful growth in leadership, character, and overall wellness.\r\n\r\nThrough our focus on the pillars of mind, body, and heart, students engage in social-emotional learning, movement, and hands-on activities that build confidence, connection, and leadership skills. Each session encourages students to lead, include, grow, honor, and think—while spreading wellness, awareness, vision, and empowerment throughout their school community.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made a direct impact from the very start of each meeting. Every session begins with social connection and nutritious snacks, giving students the opportunity to refuel and feel cared for. These snacks do more than fill tummies—they provide the energy and focus students need to fully participate in lessons, movement activities, and meaningful discussions about healthy choices and wellness.\r\nFor many students, this time together fosters a strong sense of belonging, emotional safety, and readiness to learn. Because of your generosity, students are not only learning leadership skills—they are practicing them in a supportive and nurturing environment.\r\n\r\nOur students were excited to see the snack orders arrive and eager to learn where they came from. Sharing with them that members of our community cared enough to donate and help take care of them became a powerful, real-life example of what it means to lead for others.\r\n\r\nThis moment went far beyond snacks—it showed students that leadership is rooted in care, kindness, and action. Knowing that people outside their classroom believe in them provides a lasting impression and reinforces the values we strive to teach through Lightwave Leaders.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your partnership in helping us invest in the whole child. Your support is helping shape confident, empowered leaders who are learning how to care for themselves and others.","fullyFundedDate":1768950919262,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-for-focus-snacks-for-student-leade/10014090/","projectTitle":"Fuel for Focus: Snacks for Student Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Uhrman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10403031_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y433&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768243577878","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lightwaveleaders"},{"teacherId":6313593,"projectId":4735069,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my classroom and students. Because of you, my students now have access to meaningful, hands-on reading resources that are helping them grow not only as readers, but as confident learners.\r\nI am a special education teacher at a Title I school, working with students who bring a wide range of abilities, disabilities, and learning needs into our classroom each day. Many of my students experience difficulties with attention and focus, while others have high sensory and emotional needs. What they all share, however, is the ability to succeed when provided with a positive environment, strong supports, and tools that meet them where they are.\r\nYour donation directly supports small-group reading instruction—an essential part of helping my students access the general education curriculum. These new resources allow me to provide engaging, level-appropriate practice in foundational reading skills such as letter recognition and fluency. Because the materials are hands-on and adaptable, I am able to meet multiple learning needs at once, keeping students engaged while targeting their individual goals.\r\nMost importantly, these resources are helping my students develop confidence and a love for reading. They come to small group lessons excited, motivated, and ready to work—despite the challenges they may face. Your generosity is helping create a classroom where students feel supported, capable, and proud of their progress.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their future. Your support truly makes a difference every single day.\r\nr","fullyFundedDate":1581271974268,"projectUrl":"project/reading-resources-for-exceptional-learne/4735069/","projectTitle":"Reading Resources for Exceptional Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Uhrman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6313593_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y60&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768241712261","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6313593"},{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":10006850,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our project, A Clean Classroom Is a Caring Classroom. The cleaning supplies you provided have made a meaningful difference in creating a healthy, safe, and welcoming learning environment for my students. We now use the disinfecting wipes, sanitizer, paper towels, and cleaning sprays throughout the day to clean desks, tables, learning tools, and shared materials. One special moment that stands out was when students helped wipe down their tables after a group activity and proudly said, \"We're taking care of our classroom.\" That moment showed how your gift is helping build responsibility and pride in our learning space.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies first arrived, students were excited to see boxes labeled just for our classroom. Many were eager to help unpack and organize the materials, and several asked questions about how the supplies help keep us healthy. It was a great opportunity to teach students about hygiene, safety, and caring for one another. Knowing that their classroom was well-equipped helped students feel more comfortable and secure, allowing them to focus better on learning.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue using these supplies as part of our daily classroom routines. Students are learning how to clean their spaces, wash their hands properly, and care for shared materials. These habits support our current lessons on responsibility, teamwork, and healthy choices. Thanks to you, our classroom remains a place where students feel protected, respected, and ready to learn every day.","fullyFundedDate":1769182672476,"projectUrl":"project/a-clean-classroom-is-a-caring-classroom/10006850/","projectTitle":"A Clean Classroom Is a Caring Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9916096_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738701998378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-morgandawkins"},{"teacherId":8560238,"projectId":9222276,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our Battle of the Books team has the resources they need to truly compete. With brand-new copies of all sixteen titles in students' hands, our readers can annotate, reread, and swap books freely without waiting in long checkout queues or sharing worn copies. That level of access is a major confidence-builder — it lets students prepare deeply, learn the tiny details competitions hinge on, and feel like real scholars showing up with the tools they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nEqually important, these books transformed how our students see themselves as readers. Many joined the team nervous about keeping up, reading longer novels, or tackling genres outside their comfort zone. Now they're recommending books to each other during practice, keeping personal reading logs, and celebrating quiz accuracy gains. Our school community is buzzing about the titles, and our team members are stepping into roles as ambassadors for reading — helping peers discover stories and cheering each other on.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just supply books; it fueled a culture of joyful, competitive reading and helped our young scholars believe that they belong on that stage. We can't wait to represent our school and show what a fully-equipped team can accomplish. Thank you for powering our readers to victory!","fullyFundedDate":1744230188167,"projectUrl":"project/power-our-readers-to-victory-books-for/9222276/","projectTitle":"Power Our Readers to Victory: Books for the Battle!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8560238_orig.jpg?crop=758,758,x0,y17&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743540656751","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msjamiesmith"},{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":9763066,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible generosity in supporting our project, Stick It, Laminate It, Learn It! The laminating machine and Velcro materials have truly transformed the way my students learn and engage with classroom activities. While these tools may seem simple, in an educational setting they are powerful learning technologies. By creating durable, reusable instructional materials, I am able to design interactive lessons that allow students to manipulate letters, numbers, pictures, and symbols; giving them hands-on practice that strengthens understanding and retention.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students is that learning has become more interactive and personal. They love being able to move pieces, build words, match pictures, and solve problems on their own boards and learning stations. One student who struggles with attention now remains focused much longer when using the Velcro activities, proudly rearranging pieces until he gets the answer just right. Another student who experiences anxiety with written tasks feels much more confident using laminated visuals that can be corrected easily, allowing her to take risks and keep trying without fear of making permanent mistakes.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have especially connected with this technology. One student with fine motor challenges has made noticeable progress in hand control by repeatedly placing and removing Velcro pieces. Another student with communication difficulties now uses laminated choice boards to express his needs and ideas more independently. Because of these materials, I am able to differentiate instruction more effectively, provide consistent practice, and support each child's unique learning needs in ways that paper alone never could. Thanks to you, my students are learning with confidence, joy, and a sense of ownership over their success.","fullyFundedDate":1765578545891,"projectUrl":"project/stick-it-laminate-it-learn-it/9763066/","projectTitle":"Stick It, Laminate It, Learn It!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9916096_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738701998378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-morgandawkins"},{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":9254890,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible generosity in supporting our project, Write On Track: Navigating the Grammar Express. These new resources have already made a powerful difference in how my students engage with writing and language development. We use the Lakeshore Ready to Write! Prompt Box during daily writing workshops to spark ideas and build sentence structure, while the Build the Letter Activity Center helps students strengthen letter formation, phonics, and fine motor skills. The LCD writing tablets have become a favorite tool for practicing writing in a low-pressure, high-confidence way. One of my favorite classroom moments was when a student who usually avoids writing eagerly used the prompt box to create a full sentence, practiced it on the tablet, and then proudly transferred it to paper for the first time.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, the excitement was immediate. They were especially thrilled with the writing tablets, calling them their \"magic boards\" and asking if they could use them every day. Students who often feel frustrated with pencil-and-paper tasks were suddenly willing to try again and again because mistakes could be erased with one button. That simple feature made writing feel safe and fun. The hands-on letter building tools also sparked enthusiasm, helping students visualize how letters are formed and boosting both confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps include expanding from sentence writing into short paragraphs, editing practice, and storytelling projects. Students will continue using the prompt box for idea generation, the letter center for phonics reinforcement, and the tablets for drafting before final writing. We are also beginning a \"Grammar Express Journal Project,\" where students write, revise, and illustrate their own mini books. Because of your support, my students are no longer just learning how to write; they are learning to believe in themselves as writers.","fullyFundedDate":1746699628538,"projectUrl":"project/write-on-track-navigating-the-grammar-e/9254890/","projectTitle":"Write On Track: Navigating the Grammar Express","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9916096_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738701998378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-morgandawkins"},{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":9377124,"letterContent":"Thank you for making our project, \"Name It to Tame It!\", possible. The SEL book sets and calming tools have become an essential part of our classroom, supporting students not only in reading but in understanding themselves and others. The A Little SPOT of... books introduce powerful lessons such as identifying emotions, using self-regulation strategies, managing anger and anxiety, showing empathy, building friendships, and making responsible choices. Each story gives students language for their feelings and practical strategies they can apply in real situations; skills that are just as important as academics.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive and meaningful. We don't simply read the books; we experience them together. During Social/Emotional Lessons, we read a story, discuss the characters' feelings, connect the situations to our own experiences, and practice calming strategies shown in the book. Students then use the mini plush \"SPOT\" toys and fidget tools to model emotions and practice coping skills in our calming corner. One of my favorite moments happened after reading A Little SPOT of Anger when a student raised his hand and said, \"I feel like the red SPOT when I don't get my turn.\" He then chose a breathing strategy from the book and successfully calmed himself; a huge step in self-awareness and emotional control.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have especially connected with these resources. One student who struggles with big emotions now independently goes to the calming corner, selects the appropriate SPOT plush, and names what he is feeling before returning to learning. Another student who previously had difficulty expressing emotions now uses phrases from the books, saying things like, \"I need a calm-down break,\" or \"I'm feeling nervous.\" Watching students grow in confidence as they learn to understand and manage their emotions has been incredibly rewarding. Thanks to you, our classroom is a safer, calmer, and more supportive learning environment where every student feels seen, heard, and empowered.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1752263032484,"projectUrl":"project/name-it-to-tame-it/9377124/","projectTitle":"Name It to Tame It!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9916096_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738701998378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-morgandawkins"},{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":9254978,"letterContent":"Thank you for making Tiny Tools, Mighty Skills: The Fine Motor Workshop possible. The new resources have already made a powerful difference in how my students develop their fine motor, problem-solving, and early learning skills. We use the dinosaur construction sets and the Montessori stacking food toys during small-group instruction, centers, and therapy-based activities. One of our favorite classroom moments happened during a \"Build a Dino\" challenge, where students worked together to assemble dinosaurs using the drill. Students practiced hand strength, coordination, following directions, and turn-takin; all while fully engaged and excited about learning. Another group used the wooden burger stacking set to create meals while describing the ingredients, building both motor skills and language at the same time.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement filled the room. Several students ran to the table and immediately asked, \"Can we start now?\" The bright colors, moving parts, and realistic tools instantly captured their attention. For many of my students who struggle with traditional fine-motor tasks like writing or cutting, these tools made skill practice feel like play. I watched students who typically avoid hand-work remain focused for long periods, carefully tightening screws, matching pieces, and proudly showing their completed creations to their classmates. Their confidence and persistence have grown in remarkable ways.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are expanding these activities into structured projects that combine fine motor development with early academic learning. Students will begin building models that match picture instructions, sequencing steps for construction, and even creating their own \"design plans\" through drawing and labeling. We are also incorporating the stacking food sets into math and language lessons, using them to practice counting, sorting, patterning, and storytelling. Thanks to your generosity, my students are strengthening the foundational skills they need for writing, self-help tasks, and academic success; all while experiencing the joy of learning through hands-on exploration.","fullyFundedDate":1746699592260,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-tools-mighty-skills-the-fine-moto/9254978/","projectTitle":"Tiny Tools, Mighty Skills: the Fine Motor Workshop\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9916096_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738701998378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-morgandawkins"},{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":9338048,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Developing Confidence in My Math Abilities. The new math workbooks and activity books have quickly become a central part of our daily instruction. These books introduce essential early math skills such as number recognition, counting, number relationships, addition and subtraction, problem solving, patterns, shapes, measurement, and logical thinking. Because the lessons are structured in small, manageable steps, students are able to build understanding gradually and with confidence. Each page provides opportunities for students to practice, apply, and reinforce what they are learning, which is especially important for my students with diverse learning needs.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading a math book is an interactive experience. We don't just \"read\" the page; we explore it together. Students talk about the numbers they see, explain their thinking, use manipulatives to model problems, and draw pictures to represent solutions. These books have helped create meaningful conversations around math where students are encouraged to ask questions, take risks, and support one another. During small-group lessons, I often see students pointing to the page and saying, \"I know this one!\" before eagerly working through the problem. Their confidence grows with each completed page, and they are beginning to view themselves as capable mathematicians.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have especially connected with these new books. One student who once avoided math now asks if we can \"do the workbook first.\" Another proudly shows me his finished pages and says, \"Look how much I did!\" For my younger learners, the bright visuals and hands-on activities make math feel less intimidating and more like a game. The books are not only improving academic skills; they are changing how students feel about learning. Because of your generosity, my students are building strong math foundations while developing confidence that will support them far beyond this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1748008911583,"projectUrl":"project/developing-confidence-in-my-math-abiliti/9338048/","projectTitle":"Developing Confidence in My Math Abilities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9916096_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738701998378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-morgandawkins"},{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":9254580,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, learning in our classroom has truly \"lit up.\" The Hot Dot math and reading resources have become one of our most powerful instructional tools, helping students practice foundational skills with confidence and excitement. We use the materials daily in small-group instruction and independent learning centers. One of our favorite moments happened during a reading group when a student who typically struggles with phonics completed an entire Hot Dot card independently and proudly said, \"I did it by myself!\" That simple sentence reflected the confidence your gift has helped build.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the Hot Dot pens and activity cards, their faces absolutely lit up. They were fascinated by the lights and sounds and immediately wanted to try them. What surprised me most was how quickly even my most hesitant learners became engaged. The instant feedback encourages them to self-correct and keep trying, which has significantly increased both motivation and perseverance. Students now view practice as a fun challenge instead of a frustrating task.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are expanding the use of these resources into more complex lessons by combining math and reading skills with problem-solving activities, partner work, and small-group challenges. Students are beginning to track their own progress and set personal learning goals using the Hot Dot activities as benchmarks. Thanks to you, our classroom is filled with brighter confidence, stronger skills, and a growing love for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1745847042645,"projectUrl":"project/dot-to-confidence-learning-that-lights/9254580/","projectTitle":"Dot to Confidence: Learning That Lights Up!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9916096_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738701998378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-morgandawkins"},{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":9254883,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has access to a tablet that has completely transformed the way I support my students' learning and track their progress toward their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. While many of us use technology daily at home, the way this device is used in our classroom is truly powerful. The tablet allows me to collect real-time progress data during lessons, record observations instantly, and adjust instruction on the spot to meet each student's needs. Instead of interrupting instruction to write notes later, I can stay fully engaged with my students while ensuring their growth is carefully documented. This means more time teaching and more time connecting with each child.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is that the tablet makes learning feel interactive and important. They love seeing their progress charts, digital stickers, and visual feedback after completing tasks. For many of them, especially those who struggle with traditional paper-and-pencil work, the tablet reduces anxiety and increases motivation. One student who typically avoids academic tasks now eagerly asks, \"Is this going in my chart?\" because he knows his efforts are being recognized. Another student beams with pride when she sees her reading progress displayed on the screen, and it has encouraged her to try harder, even when the work feels challenging.\r\n\r\nSeveral of my students with disabilities have especially connected with this technology. One student with attention difficulties stays focused longer when the tablet is incorporated into instruction, and another who struggles with communication has become more confident as we use visual data and pictures to talk about his goals. The tablet has helped them understand that learning is a journey and that their growth truly matters. Because of this tool, I am better able to personalize instruction, celebrate progress, and help each child build confidence in their abilities.\r\n\r\nYour gift is doing far more than providing technology; it is creating a supportive learning environment where students feel valued, motivated, and proud of their accomplishments. Thank you for helping us give every child the opportunity to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1746703307070,"projectUrl":"project/mission-data-possible-tracking-iep-pr/9254883/","projectTitle":"Mission: Data Possible – Tracking IEP Progress Like a Pro","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9916096_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738701998378","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-morgandawkins"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_96588","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":516,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":58,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":45,"percentWhite":13,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":29,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.4,"schoolId":96588,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Spring Valley Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Spring Valley Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/durham-public-schools/spring-valley-elementary-school/96588"}