{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"South Smithfield Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":32.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9987408,"projectId":9473740,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been buzzing with excitement. Your contributions have brought resources that are already making a real difference for our students.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students could hardly contain their excitement. They immediately wanted to explore everything. Using the new line up numbers during lunch became a favorite activity. Each student enjoyed having their own number and taking turns in order, and it added a fun sense of responsibility to a daily routine that had previously felt ordinary. The brightly colored yellow pencil dispenser quickly became a classroom treasure. Students eagerly chose their pencils from it, and it has transformed a simple task into a small moment of joy and anticipation.\r\n\r\nOur cubbies, now filled with matching blue bins, have completely changed the look and feel of the classroom. They are so inviting and organized, and the students take immense pride in keeping them neat. Every day, they check and recheck their bins, making sure everything is in place. Adding the rainbow-colored tape to label areas and highlight supplies brought another layer of excitement. Students loved the bright, cheerful colors and quickly began using them to mark and organize their materials, which made the classroom feel even more vibrant and welcoming.\r\n\r\nThese materials are not only adding fun to our daily routines, but they are also enriching our lessons in meaningful ways. Students are more motivated, engaged, and eager to participate in classroom activities. Your support is helping cultivate their confidence, creativity, and a love of learning that will extend far beyond the classroom walls.\r\n\r\nThank you for being an essential part of our classroom journey and for giving our students the tools and inspiration to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1757423332555,"projectUrl":"project/independence-starts-with-strong-routines/9473740/","projectTitle":"Independence Starts With Strong Routines","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mullings","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9987408_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y368&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743257484990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9987408"},{"teacherId":9987408,"projectId":9218131,"letterContent":"The start of this new school year has been full of excitement, and thanks to your generosity, our classroom feels more welcoming, engaging, and better prepared for learning. The carpet, whiteboards, and copy paper you provided have already become a natural part of our daily routine, and the students are absolutely loving them.\r\n\r\nThe very first day the carpet was laid down, my students' faces lit up. Many of them rushed over and sat cross-legged in a circle, saying, \"This feels like home.\" It has quickly become our gathering spot for storytime and class discussions. During one of our recent lessons, we used the carpet space to form small groups where students shared their favorite book characters. The comfort of sitting together on the carpet allowed even my quieter students to open up and speak with confidence.\r\n\r\nThe whiteboards have also transformed how we do lessons. For example, during a math activity, I asked everyone to solve a problem at the same time and hold up their boards. The room filled with laughter, determination, and a little bit of friendly competition. One student who usually hesitates to answer questions at her desk was the first to proudly raise her board with the correct answer. That moment reminded me how powerful it is to give students tools that make them feel involved and capable.\r\n\r\nThe copy paper may seem simple, but it has been essential. We recently used it to print graphic organizers for a reading comprehension activity. The students were able to highlight key ideas and jot down notes in ways that helped them understand the text more deeply. Having enough paper on hand means I can always provide students with the resources they need to practice, create, and show their learning.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, these materials will continue to support collaborative projects, interactive lessons, and student creativity. My class is already looking forward to our upcoming unit where they will use their whiteboards to brainstorm ideas for writing and gather on the carpet to share their stories with peers. None of this would have been possible without your kindness and support.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the tools to feel comfortable, confident, and excited about learning. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on our classroom community, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746785420478,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-creates-a-positive-environment/9218131/","projectTitle":"Comfort Creates a Positive Environment. Please Help My Students.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mullings","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9987408_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y368&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743257484990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9987408"},{"teacherId":9987408,"projectId":9217882,"letterContent":"The new school year has only just begun, and already your generosity is making a world of difference in our classroom. From the very first day, my students and I have been putting the supplies you funded to use, and the impact is undeniable.\r\n\r\nWhen the students walked in and saw the new materials, their excitement was contagious. The colorful name tags and bulletin board set instantly made the room feel warm and inviting, and the flexible seating stools quickly became a favorite. Students love being able to choose where they sit, and I've already noticed how much more focused and engaged they are during group work.\r\n\r\nThe fraction manipulatives have also been a game-changer. We've started exploring fractions this year, and being able to physically hold and compare the pieces helped my students grasp concepts that would have been much harder to understand with just paper and pencil. The headphones are already proving invaluable during digital lessons, and the snacks provide that much-needed boost to keep students alert and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nOne of the most joyful moments has been using the small toys as rewards. My students are motivated, encouraged, and proud of themselves when they earn one, and this has fostered such a positive classroom environment.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, we've been able to start the year not only prepared, but excited. These resources have set the tone for a year filled with confidence, creativity, and collaboration. Our next steps include continuing hands-on math projects with the manipulatives and using our craft supplies for an upcoming teamwork poster project that highlights classroom values.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped us begin the year on the right foot, and we are so grateful for the encouragement and support you've given us.","fullyFundedDate":1746785770374,"projectUrl":"project/please-help-me-put-a-smile-on-my-student/9217882/","projectTitle":"Please Help Me Put a Smile on My Students' Faces","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mullings","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9987408_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y368&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743257484990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9987408"},{"teacherId":9485826,"projectId":9109758,"letterContent":"The classroom transformation supplies we received through DonorsChoose have completely elevated the learning experience for my second grade students. We've used the decorations, props, and materials to turn our classroom into exciting themed environments that make lessons more immersive and memorable. From a camping-themed reading day to a detective-themed math mystery, these transformations have helped bring our curriculum to life. One of our absolute favorite days was our glow day—we turned off the lights, used neon and blacklight materials, and created glowing math and literacy stations. It was an unforgettable experience that kept students engaged and excited from start to finish.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first walked into their newly transformed classroom, their reactions were priceless. Eyes wide, mouths open—they were in awe. One student said, \"I didn't think school could be this fun!\" The excitement and enthusiasm they showed translated directly into their participation and focus during lessons. During glow day, students wore glow sticks, used highlighters for word work, and solved math problems under blacklights. They were laughing, learning, and helping each other in a way that showed just how powerful hands-on, creative learning can be when supported with the right resources.\r\n\r\nThanks to these materials, our classroom has become a place of excitement and imagination where students look forward to learning every day. The transformation supplies have helped create experiences that students will remember long after they leave second grade. These lessons aren't just fun—they deepen understanding and make academic content more meaningful. I'm incredibly grateful to the donors who helped make this possible. Your generosity has brought joy, creativity, and lasting impact to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1747270275468,"projectUrl":"project/the-most-amazing-classroom-transformatio/9109758/","projectTitle":"The Most Amazing Classroom Transformations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9485826_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717390384595","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9485826"},{"teacherId":9485826,"projectId":9200282,"letterContent":"The class set of headphones we received through DonorsChoose has made a huge difference in the way my second grade students learn each day. We use them during independent reading time on digital platforms, small group rotations, and while completing interactive lessons on our laptops. With each student having their own pair of headphones, they can stay focused and engaged without being distracted by surrounding noise. It has created a calmer, more productive learning environment and allowed students to take more ownership over their work.\r\n\r\nWhen we first opened the box of headphones, my second graders were beyond excited. They were thrilled to see that each of them would have their very own pair, and many of them said they felt \"like real learners\" with their new gear. One memorable moment was during a reading fluency lesson when students recorded and listened to themselves read aloud using the headphones. They loved hearing their own voices and noticing their improvements, and it gave them a new sense of confidence and pride in their reading progress.\r\n\r\nRight now, our second grade class is working on a research project where students are exploring different animals and creating digital presentations. The headphones are a key part of this process—they use them to watch videos, listen to informational texts, and focus on their research without distractions. These materials have opened up new learning opportunities for my students and helped build skills they'll carry into third grade. I'm so grateful for this gift—it's made a lasting impact on our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1747267495705,"projectUrl":"project/hope-for-headphones/9200282/","projectTitle":"Hope for Headphones!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9485826_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717390384595","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9485826"},{"teacherId":9485826,"projectId":8952674,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous support of our DonorsChoose donors, my students and I have been using the new resources every single day. The cleaning supplies have become part of our routine—students wipe down their desks every afternoon and help keep our shared materials sanitized and organized. The Expo markers have made our whiteboard activities more fun and interactive. During our math centers, students use their markers to solve problems and show their thinking on mini whiteboards, which has really boosted their confidence and participation.\r\n\r\nI'll never forget the look on my students' faces when we unpacked the boxes together. They were so excited and couldn't believe the materials were just for our class. One student even said, \"It feels like Christmas!\" A particularly special moment happened during our \"Math Around the Room\" review activity. With their new markers in hand, students moved from station to station, eagerly solving problems and helping each other. It was one of the most engaged I've seen them all year, and it was made possible because we had the supplies we needed.\r\n\r\nRight now, we're working on a collaborative end-of-year project where students are creating memory books filled with writing, drawings, and reflections on their favorite moments from the school year. The new supplies are helping us stay organized and creative as we finish strong. Thanks to these donations, my students have the tools they need to be successful, stay healthy, and take pride in their work—and I couldn't be more grateful for the impact these materials have made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1739058484417,"projectUrl":"project/a-restocked-classroom/8952674/","projectTitle":"A Restocked Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9485826_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717390384595","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9485826"},{"teacherId":5854312,"projectId":8891680,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your willingness to help my classroom! With each of your contributions I was able to purchase a giftcard to a teacher specific website that is full of quality resources. The best thing is that every resource here is created by teachers for teachers! Each of the resources I have purchased -- and will purchase down the road -- will help supplement the curriculum I am required to use by my school. While it does come with a multitude of resources inside the curriculum, sometimes more is needed and this will help me easily obtain the additional things my students need. Thank you!!!","fullyFundedDate":1729603833061,"projectUrl":"project/more-than-a-gift-card/8891680/","projectTitle":"More than a Gift Card","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Raybon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5854312_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y584&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1594950863836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5854312"},{"teacherId":1652380,"projectId":8822410,"letterContent":"Being in a library where students are requesting books is amazing. I can't keep some books on the shelves and some never make it to the shelves. It's so hard to keep the most popular book in rotation because we only have so many Dog man or Pigeon books. With this project I am able to introduce students to other authors and add some of them ones they loved. \r\nI am so very grateful to have donors support my move from a special education classroom into being a librarian. I definitely am learning as I go and knowing that I have the support of donors makes it easier to be focused on my students.","fullyFundedDate":1731435969834,"projectUrl":"project/adding-to-the-shelves/8822410/","projectTitle":"Adding to the Shelves.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bennett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1652380_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1469667647220","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/nikolebennett"},{"teacherId":9485826,"projectId":8436606,"letterContent":"Our DonorsChoose project made a huge impact on our classroom environment this year. Thanks to the generous donations, we were able to stock up on essential cleaning supplies that helped keep our room fresh, safe, and organized every single day. Having wipes, sprays, and paper towels easily accessible allowed my students to take more responsibility for their learning space, and it truly helped build a culture of cleanliness and care in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe donation of Expo markers was another game-changer. Before, we often ran out or had to share limited supplies, but now each student can actively participate during lessons without interruption. Whether it was solving math problems on whiteboards, practicing spelling words, or brainstorming during group work, the markers kept learning hands-on and engaging. It made a noticeable difference in how confident and involved my students felt during instruction.\r\n\r\nBeyond just the cleaning supplies and markers, the additional donated materials supported our day-to-day routines in so many small but powerful ways. We were able to focus more on learning and less on logistics. The supplies made my job as a teacher smoother and more efficient, and they gave my students the tools they needed to succeed. I'm incredibly grateful for every donor who helped make this possible—it truly transformed our learning space into a cleaner, more energized, and better-equipped classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1727810956285,"projectUrl":"project/a-clean-creative-classroom/8436606/","projectTitle":"A Clean & Creative Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Miller","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9485826_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717390384595","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9485826"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1982","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":452,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":64,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":30,"percentWhite":18,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":43,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.5,"schoolId":1982,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about South Smithfield Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"South Smithfield Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/johnston-county-public-school-district/south-smithfield-elementary-school/1982"}