{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Pleasant Ridge Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":44.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1541236,"projectId":9928365,"letterContent":"Having a vacuum cleaner in our classroom has made a much bigger impact than I ever anticipated.\r\n\r\nBecause we are very limited in custodial support, our classroom used to stay messy longer than I would have liked — especially after art projects, STEM builds, reading time on the carpet, and daily foot traffic. Dust, paper scraps, dirt, and crumbs would quickly pile up, and with so many responsibilities throughout the day, it was difficult to keep up.\r\n\r\nNow, having a vacuum readily available in our room has completely changed that.\r\n\r\nThe biggest impact has been:\r\n\t•\tA cleaner, healthier learning space. We're able to quickly vacuum after messy projects or at the end of the day. This keeps dust and allergens down and makes our classroom feel fresh and comfortable.\r\n\t•\tMore instructional time. Instead of waiting for help or trying to manage cleanup in pieces, we can quickly reset the room and move on.\r\n\t•\tStudent ownership and responsibility. My students actually help vacuum! They take turns being part of our \"Classroom Care Team.\" It has become part of our routine, and they take real pride in keeping their environment clean.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was watching students remind each other, \"Let's vacuum so it looks nice for tomorrow!\" That sense of shared responsibility has built teamwork and respect for our space.\r\n\r\nThe vacuum has also made hands-on learning feel more manageable. We can confidently do art, science experiments, and building activities knowing cleanup won't be overwhelming afterward.\r\n\r\nIn a classroom where support is limited, this simple tool has empowered us to take care of our own environment. It has created a cleaner space, strengthened student responsibility, and allowed us to focus more fully on learning.","fullyFundedDate":1765566674850,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-our-classroom-sparkling/9928365/","projectTitle":"Keeping Our Classroom Sparkling","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1541236_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717957773699","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/swhite3"},{"teacherId":1541236,"projectId":9845197,"letterContent":"☀️ How are we using the new resources?\r\n\r\nWe're using the hands-on models, informational texts, and interactive activities to bring our solar system unit to life. One standout project has been our \"Mission to Mars\" exploration challenge. Students worked in small teams to research a planet, create a scaled model, and design a mock space mission explaining why (or why not) humans could live there.\r\n\r\nUsing the new materials, students were able to\r\n\t•\tCompare planet sizes and distances\r\n\t•\tUse reference guides to gather facts about atmosphere, temperature, and moons\r\n\t•\tCreate presentations as if they were NASA scientists\r\n\r\nWatching them connect science and math in a real-world way was incredible.\r\n\r\n🚀 How did students react when they first saw the materials?\r\n\r\nTheir reaction was pure excitement! When I introduced the solar system kits and visuals, students immediately began pointing out planets they recognized. There were lots of \"That's Saturn!\" and \"Wait — Jupiter is THAT big?!\"\r\n\r\nThey were especially fascinated by:\r\n\t•\tThe detailed planet visuals\r\n\t•\tThe size comparison models\r\n\t•\tThe hands-on building components\r\n\r\nThe materials made space feel real and reachable instead of just something in a textbook.\r\n\r\n🌎 What are the next steps?\r\n\r\nWe're now moving into a collaborative \"Create Your Own Planet\" STEM project. Students will:\r\n\t•\tDesign an original planet with its own unique characteristics\r\n\t•\tDetermine its position in a model solar system\r\n\t•\tWrite an informational report describing its atmosphere, gravity, and ability to support life\r\n\t•\tPresent their planet to the class using scientific vocabulary\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just provide supplies — it opened up curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. My students are asking deeper questions, making connections across subjects, and seeing themselves as scientists. Thank you for helping us explore beyond our classroom walls! 🌟","fullyFundedDate":1764640150887,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-and-critical-thinking-through/9845197/","projectTitle":"Creativity and Critical Thinking Through STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1541236_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717957773699","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/swhite3"},{"teacherId":1541236,"projectId":9739463,"letterContent":"We are absolutely loving our new Ninja Slushie Machine! It has quickly become one of the most exciting and motivating additions to our classroom.\r\n\r\nHow are we using the new resource?\r\nWe're using the Ninja Slushie Machine as part of our positive behavior and academic incentive system. Students earn points through teamwork, meeting reading goals, completing assignments on time, and demonstrating kindness. Once they reach certain milestones, they get to help make a class slushie batch!\r\n\r\n\r\nHow did students react when they first saw the materials?\r\nThe reaction was priceless! When I revealed the Ninja Slushie Machine, there were gasps, cheers, and a lot of \"No way!\" and \"Is that really for us?!\" The excitement was immediate, but what surprised me most was how quickly they began asking what they could do to earn a slushie day. It instantly became a positive motivator tied to responsibility and effort.\r\n\r\nWhat are the next steps for our classroom?\r\nRight now, we're working on a collaborative math and entrepreneurship mini-project. Students are designing their own \"dream slushie flavor,\" calculating ingredient ratios, estimating costs, and even creating marketing posters. They're applying fractions, measurement conversions, and persuasive writing skills in a real-world way.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we plan to:\r\n\t•\tSet new academic milestone goals tied to our upcoming science unit.\r\n\t•\tIncorporate student-led celebrations where they help plan the reward event.\r\n\t•\tContinue reinforcing that hard work, teamwork, and perseverance lead to shared success.\r\n\r\nYour generosity didn't just bring a fun machine into our room—it created opportunities for motivation, hands-on learning, and stronger classroom community. Thank you for giving my students something to work toward and celebrate together!","fullyFundedDate":1759514951071,"projectUrl":"project/chill-out-with-stem-hands-on-tech-fun-w/9739463/","projectTitle":"Chill Out With STEM: Hands-On Tech Fun With Slushies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1541236_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717957773699","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/swhite3"},{"teacherId":559535,"projectId":9826911,"letterContent":"My students and I are so grateful for your support to our classroom. We would not be able to have the heat press to create projects in our STEM activities. The heat press and vinyl are great resources that have enhance our ability to be creative in a whole new way. Students are learning how to use the design space with the Cricut machine using heat transfer vinyl on projects. Students are using math to select the size of the design and adjust as needed. We are always amazed at the generous support from donors like you.","fullyFundedDate":1763561148114,"projectUrl":"project/stem-pressing-ideas/9826911/","projectTitle":"STEM Pressing Ideas","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp559535_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517884810266","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/559535"},{"teacherId":1541236,"projectId":9612008,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing hands-on resources for our classroom. Because of your kindness, my students are able to explore math in ways that are engaging, interactive, and meaningful. These materials help turn abstract ideas into concrete understanding, boosting students' confidence and excitement for learning.\r\n\r\nWithout donors like you, making learning truly fun and accessible for every student would be impossible. Your support has created opportunities that my students would not have otherwise—opportunities to discover, collaborate, and grow through hands-on exploration.\r\n\r\nI am deeply grateful for your generosity and the joy you've brought into my classroom. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1757423324532,"projectUrl":"project/help-give-my-students-access-to-highly-e/9612008/","projectTitle":"Help Give My Students Access to Highly Engaging Math Lessons!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1541236_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717957773699","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/swhite3"},{"teacherId":1541236,"projectId":9669222,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing hands-on resources for our classroom. Because of your kindness, my students are able to explore math in ways that are engaging, interactive, and meaningful. These materials help turn abstract ideas into concrete understanding, boosting students' confidence and excitement for learning.\r\n\r\nWithout donors like you, making learning truly fun and accessible for every student would be impossible. Your support has created opportunities that my students would not have otherwise—opportunities to discover, collaborate, and grow through hands-on exploration.\r\n\r\nI am deeply grateful for your generosity and the joy you've brought into my classroom. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1757602174100,"projectUrl":"project/stem-in-action-building-skills-sparkin/9669222/","projectTitle":"STEM in Action: Building Skills, Sparking Curiosity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1541236_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717957773699","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/swhite3"},{"teacherId":1541236,"projectId":9380608,"letterContent":"These materials have not only enhanced our lessons but have also made learning exciting, engaging, and fun for our students.\r\n\r\nYour support helps us create meaningful, interactive learning experiences that spark curiosity and inspire a love of learning. I deeply appreciate your commitment to education and the positive impact you have made in our classrooms.\r\n\r\nThe students love having the opportunity to learn using games, and with hands on experiments. \r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students' future and for making a difference in their learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1754093543203,"projectUrl":"project/future-ready-classrooms-equipping-stude/9380608/","projectTitle":"Future-Ready Classrooms: Equipping Students with Today’s Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. White","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1541236_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717957773699","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/swhite3"},{"teacherId":9633742,"projectId":9153374,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of playground equipment. Your contribution has brought tremendous joy to our students, and it has already begun to make a lasting impact on our classroom community. \r\nThis new equipment is much more than just toys but an avenue where children can learn, grow, and connect with one another. Through shared games, cooperative activities, and creative play, my students are developing essential social skills such as teamwork, communication, and empathy. Opportunities are provided for children to practice conflict resolution in a positive environment, helping them learn how to solve problems respectfully and build stronger relationships.\r\nYour generosity has helped us create a safe and engaging outdoor area that supports not only physical development but also emotional and social learning. We are deeply appreciative of your commitment to the well-being and growth of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1746118260695,"projectUrl":"project/recess-fun/9153374/","projectTitle":"Recess Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hovis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9633742"},{"teacherId":559535,"projectId":9648242,"letterContent":"We use a wide variety of supplies daily in our classroom each day. Supplies are used up quickly and need to be restocked throughout the year. We use the dry erase pouches to help in our math and reading centers to cut down on paper copies. We use the display stand signs for instructions in centers as easy resources for students. Ticonderoga pencils are the best for our classroom to use daily with all work. Astrobright paper is a great addition to any project or class work. Their colored paper makes everything look better. \r\n\r\nWe are thankful for your support for these supplies that we use daily in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1756506267221,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school-supplies/9648242/","projectTitle":"Back to School Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp559535_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517884810266","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/559535"},{"teacherId":559535,"projectId":9444042,"letterContent":"By getting this thermal printer and labels for our classroom will provide an unique way for us to create and label projects in our class. We do projects and the no ink thermal printer will give us the ability to quickly add labesl and details to all projects. In the past we added them by writing them and then gluing them. We can now make them look professional. \r\n\r\nThank for your support for my students. Donations to our projects can help us gain resources that are not provided by the school. We are forever grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1755688053816,"projectUrl":"project/a-printing-we-will-go/9444042/","projectTitle":"A Printing We Will Go","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp559535_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1517884810266","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/559535"},{"teacherId":6627782,"projectId":9249578,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project, Building Emotional Intelligence Through Books. Because of you, our classroom is now filled with powerful, engaging stories that do so much more than just entertain—they are teaching tools that are helping shape compassionate, thoughtful, and emotionally aware students.\r\n\r\nThese books introduce vital social-emotional skills in ways that are relatable and meaningful. Through characters who face challenges like managing anger, showing empathy, practicing kindness, or embracing differences, my students are learning how to identify and talk about their feelings. They are also developing strategies to navigate tough social situations—skills that are just as important as anything we teach in math or reading.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading time has become a favorite part of the day. Students gather in small groups or curl up with a book on their own, eager to dive into stories that reflect their own lives and open windows into others'. After reading, we often have discussions that connect the stories to real-life experiences. These conversations have become deeper and more meaningful since adding these books to our library.\r\n\r\nOne student, in particular, who often struggles with expressing emotions, has really connected with a story about a character who learns to manage anger. Now, this student not only asks to reread the book but has also begun using the strategies from the story in real life. Another student who used to shy away from reading is now excited to share her thoughts about a book on kindness—and is even recommending it to her classmates!\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, these books are not just helping students become better readers—they are helping them become better people. You've made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1744290624319,"projectUrl":"project/building-emotional-intelligence-through/9249578/","projectTitle":"Building Emotional Intelligence Through Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schieres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6627782"},{"teacherId":9633742,"projectId":9230152,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of books for our classroom library. Because of you, our shelves are filled with new books! I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation to our DonorsChoose project, Because of your support, our classroom received a wonderful collection of new books that has truly transformed our reading environment.\r\nSince adding these books to our classroom library, my students have been more excited than ever to read. Every day, I see them eagerly choosing new titles, sharing recommendations with one another, and diving into stories that spark their imagination and curiosity. For many of them, this is the first time they've had access to such a variety of engaging, high-quality books that reflect their interests and experiences.\r\nThese books have not only improved their reading skills but also built their confidence as readers. Our reading discussions are now full of enthusiasm and thoughtful insights. It's amazing to watch reluctant readers become passionate about finishing their next chapter or trying out a new genre.\r\nThank you for making this possible. Your generosity has had a lasting impact on our classroom and on each student's love for reading. We are so grateful for your kindness and belief in the power of books to inspire young minds.\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1746463601170,"projectUrl":"project/books-books-books/9230152/","projectTitle":"Books! Books! Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hovis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9633742"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_2721","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":897,"numTeachers":49,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":42,"percentWhite":20,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":28,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"18.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":55.6,"schoolId":2721,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Pleasant Ridge Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Pleasant Ridge Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/gaston-county-school-district/pleasant-ridge-elementary-school/2721"}