{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Spring Valley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":10093333,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, A Place for Everything, Success for Everyone. The new storage cabinet has made a big difference in keeping our classroom organized and ready for learning. We now use it to store math manipulatives, reading materials, learning centers, and other classroom supplies that students use throughout the day. During a recent math center activity, students were able to quickly find the materials they needed and return them neatly when they were finished. This simple routine helped our class transition smoothly and spend more time focused on learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the cabinet first arrived, students were excited to see a special space for our classroom materials. They helped organize the shelves and were proud to see everything neatly stored and easy to access. Having an organized classroom helps students feel calm and focused, and it encourages them to take responsibility for caring for their learning space.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue using the cabinet to organize instructional materials for reading groups, math centers, and hands-on learning activities. Students are learning the importance of responsibility, organization, and teamwork as they care for our classroom resources. Because of your generosity, our classroom is now a more structured, efficient space where students can focus, learn, and succeed every day.","fullyFundedDate":1772633558737,"projectUrl":"project/a-place-for-everything-success-for-ever/10093333/","projectTitle":"A Place for Everything, Success for Everyone","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":10090423,"projectId":10037299,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating the headphones to our classroom—we truly appreciate your kindness and support! While many of our students use technology at home, these headphones have made a big difference in how they learn at school. They help students stay focused during lessons, especially when working on reading, math, and interactive programs, by allowing them to clearly hear instructions without distractions.\r\n\r\nThe students are especially excited to have their own headphones to use during computer time. It makes learning feel more personal and engaging, and they love being able to fully participate in videos, educational games, and activities. I've noticed that some of my quieter and easily distracted students have especially benefited—they are more focused, confident, and willing to engage in their learning.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making a meaningful impact in our classroom. Your generosity is helping our students succeed every day!","fullyFundedDate":1769191997086,"projectUrl":"project/listen-up-and-watch-me-progress/10037299/","projectTitle":"Listen Up and Watch Me Progress","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burns","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10090423"},{"teacherId":9916096,"projectId":10122866,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, Hands-On Math, Minds-On Learning. The hands-on math kits have quickly become one of the most engaging parts of our daily math lessons. My students now use the manipulatives to explore number sense, addition, subtraction, patterns, and problem-solving in meaningful ways. During a recent math lesson, students worked in small groups using the materials to build and solve addition problems. One student proudly said, \"I can see the math now!\" That moment showed how powerful hands-on learning can be for building understanding and confidence.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the math kits, their excitement was immediate. They were eager to explore the colorful tools and quickly began asking questions about how they could use them. Students who sometimes struggle with abstract math concepts became more engaged because they could touch, move, and visualize the numbers in front of them. The materials turned math practice into an interactive experience where students felt motivated to participate and share their thinking with their classmates.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue using these resources during math centers, small-group instruction, and collaborative problem-solving activities. Students will begin applying these tools to more complex concepts such as place value, multi-step problems, and explaining their reasoning to peers. Thanks to your generosity, my students are developing stronger math skills, greater confidence, and a deeper understanding of how math works in the world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1772633559523,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-math-minds-on-learning/10122866/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Math, Minds-On Learning","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":9985095,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, Think, Touch, Learn: Interactive Technology for Growing Minds. The interactive smart board has quickly become one of the most exciting and engaging tools in our classroom. Students now participate in lessons by touching, writing, and moving objects directly on the screen. During a recent math lesson, students took turns solving addition problems on the board while the rest of the class cheered them on. In reading, we build words, sort sounds, and highlight important parts of stories together. These interactive moments keep students focused and excited to participate.\r\n\r\nWhen the smart board was first introduced, the students were amazed. Many of them said it felt like \"learning on a giant tablet.\" They were eager to take turns exploring the screen, drawing letters, solving problems, and interacting with the lesson. Even students who are usually quiet or hesitant have become more confident raising their hands to participate. The technology has helped transform lessons into interactive experiences where every student feels included.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are using the smart board to expand collaborative learning activities, including group problem-solving, interactive reading lessons, and student presentations. Students are beginning to share their thinking by explaining their work on the board and teaching their peers. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has become a space where learning is dynamic, engaging, and accessible for every student. Your support is helping my students think deeply, touch their learning, and grow into confident learners.","fullyFundedDate":1772633561630,"projectUrl":"project/think-touch-learn-interactive-technol/9985095/","projectTitle":"Think, Touch, Learn: Interactive Technology for Growing Minds","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":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"}],"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":76.3,"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"}