{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Banks Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":31.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4584658,"projectId":9544139,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generous support of our classroom. Your donations made it possible for us to purchase new seat cushions for floor learning, create a cozy reading nook, and even add a curtain rod to help define and brighten our space.\r\nBecause of you, our students now have a comfortable and inviting place to learn, read, and enjoy quiet moments throughout the day. The seat cushions are already making our floor lessons more engaging, and our new reading nook has quickly become a favorite spot in the room. Your kindness has truly helped transform our learning environment into a warm, welcoming space where students feel at home.\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and for investing in our students' comfort, happiness, and love of learning. We are incredibly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1754754331576,"projectUrl":"project/nurturing-readers-one-seat-at-a-time/9544139/","projectTitle":"Nurturing Readers, One Seat at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Huff","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4584658"},{"teacherId":9893550,"projectId":9770251,"letterContent":"My students that now have headphones to use during independent time has been a game changer. They are more engaged in their lessons, they are not worried about it distracting their neighbors.\r\n\r\nWhen I unboxed the headphones it felt like Christmas morning when I was a child. They loved they had the chance to choose which color headphones they get to use. \r\nI have enjoyed using my new math manipulates to help foster the love of hands on learning for math. We have played bingo for a review lesson and fun Fridays. My student loved our new book \" I am Trying to love Math\". \r\nThank you donors for this small but grateful donation you have given to me and my young learns.","fullyFundedDate":1760360767042,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-math-fun-for-our-little-bulldog/9770251/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Math Fun For Our Little Bulldogs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Artis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9893550_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y171&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1736805275095","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9893550"},{"teacherId":10245994,"projectId":9692898,"letterContent":"My students are loving their new Pop-It Multiplication Charts. They were so excited when I told them they were going to be able to use them. Not only does it help them to stay engaged during independent work, but it is exposing them to multiplication facts they may not have mastered. Most of my students have a diagnoses of ADHD or other forms of learning deficits. These fidgets are a great way to keep their attention while creating a fun learning environment. \r\n\r\nIn future lessons, students will have to demonstrate their abilities to use resources such as a multiplication chart to help them solve multiplication facts. These pop-its are preparing them for future lessons and will help them to master new learning objectives.","fullyFundedDate":1757371153588,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-multiplication-learning/9692898/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Multiplication Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10245994_orig.jpg?crop=2045,2045,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757203105953","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10245994"},{"teacherId":6576074,"projectId":9141081,"letterContent":"The resources you have provided to our classroom are invaluable. On open house night by students each received a special book to get ready for Kindergarten as well as a gift bag full of special surprises and resources to get them started. It was a special night and celebration of anticipation of our year. It meant so much to the parents to have a special, welcoming gift for their children. \r\n\r\nI have used the paper and laminating film to create colorful centers in our classroom that have provided engaging materials and activities as my students adapt to our routines, procedures, and daily schedule. The kids have absolutely loved it.","fullyFundedDate":1749476122028,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school-is-cool/9141081/","projectTitle":"Back to School Is Cool!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sloan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6576074_orig.png?crop=278,278,x0,y27&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660060665139","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6576074"},{"teacherId":7235842,"projectId":9227957,"letterContent":"As a teacher, there are few things more rewarding than watching the joy and excitement on a child's face when they receive a book that belongs to just them. Thanks to your incredible generosity, my Kindergarten students will have the privilege of experiencing this not once, but twice this school year. Thank you so much for providing my students with a book at both the beginning and end of the year. They absolutely loved receiving their personalized messages at BOY, and I cannot wait to give them the same joy at EOY. Your kindness makes such a difference and helps foster a true love of reading in my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1745427041790,"projectUrl":"project/a-book-at-both-ends/9227957/","projectTitle":"A Book at Both Ends","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Colie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7235842_orig.jpg?crop=750,750,x0,y75&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1616172107392","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7235842"},{"teacherId":9593638,"projectId":9535413,"letterContent":"When our new classroom couch arrived, my students were absolutely thrilled! They immediately gathered around it, excited to try out our new \"community spot.\" Already, the couch has become more than just a piece of furniture—it's a place where students come together to read, collaborate on projects, and share ideas.\r\n\r\nWhat I love most is how it has created a sense of belonging. Some students who were once hesitant to participate are now eager to join group discussions because they feel comfortable in this inviting space. It has also given us a cozy spot for morning meetings, where we build community and set the tone for the day.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made such a difference in our classroom. The couch is helping us foster collaboration, comfort, and confidence every single day. Thank you for believing in my students and for giving them a space that truly feels like home.","fullyFundedDate":1755751257875,"projectUrl":"project/a-couch-for-community-comfort-and-coll/9535413/","projectTitle":"A Couch for Community, Comfort, and Collaboration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harrison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9593638_orig.jpg?crop=426,426,x113,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721657181835","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9593638"},{"teacherId":9593638,"projectId":9534568,"letterContent":"When our new books arrived, my students were absolutely buzzing with excitement! They couldn't believe how many new titles were added to our shelves, and several students immediately grabbed books that matched their unique interests.\r\n\r\nThese books are doing more than filling shelves—they are helping us build lifelong readers. We are using them to practice comprehension strategies like making inferences, identifying themes, and comparing perspectives across different genres. During small group reading, students are also practicing fluency, expression, and accountable talk as they discuss their books with peers. Reading in our classroom now looks like a community of learners sprawled out on the carpet, at tables, and in cozy corners, completely absorbed in their stories.\r\n\r\nYour gift has gone beyond just providing books—it has given my students joy, confidence, and the chance to grow into readers who truly love what they're learning.","fullyFundedDate":1756462992762,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-go-beyond/9534568/","projectTitle":"Books That Go Beyond","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harrison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9593638_orig.jpg?crop=426,426,x113,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721657181835","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9593638"},{"teacherId":9593638,"projectId":9534211,"letterContent":"When the new carpet arrived, my students' excitement was contagious! The moment we rolled it out, they all rushed to find their \"spot\" and couldn't wait to gather together. One student said, \"this is the coolest thing ever!\" That single statement showed just how much this resource has meant to them.\r\n\r\nWe use the carpet daily for morning meetings, math talks, and read-alouds. Having a shared space allows us to learn side-by-side, build stronger connections, and practice active listening in a way that simply isn't possible at desks. During a recent math lesson, students gathered to solve a multi-step problem together. Instead of working in isolation, they leaned in, shared strategies, and celebrated each other's ideas—something that happens so naturally in this space.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, the carpet will continue to be the foundation for many of our projects. This week, we'll be launching a \"Book Club on the Carpet,\" where small groups will discuss novels, practice comprehension skills, and even act out scenes together. Having this cozy, inclusive space ensures that every student feels comfortable and part of our learning community.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped turn our classroom into more than just a room—it's now a place where learning and belonging go hand in hand.","fullyFundedDate":1755750687663,"projectUrl":"project/together-on-the-carpet-learning-beyond/9534211/","projectTitle":"Together on the Carpet: Learning Beyond the Desk","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harrison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9593638_orig.jpg?crop=426,426,x113,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721657181835","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9593638"},{"teacherId":9617427,"projectId":9320804,"letterContent":"As the kindergarten school year draws to a close, we wanted to find a meaningful way to celebrate our students' incredible growth, hard work, and perseverance. Thanks to the generous support from donors, we were able to create thoughtful end-of-year gift buckets for each child in our classroom. These buckets weren't just filled with fun surprises—they were intentionally designed to continue supporting our students' development and learning throughout the summer months. Each colorful summer bucket included items like straws, pencil sharpeners, watercolor paint sets, and sunglasses. While these may seem like simple gifts, every item was chosen with purpose to promote creativity, independence, and both fine and gross motor skill development.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the buckets, their excitement was absolutely contagious. Wide eyes, big smiles, and joyful exclamations filled the classroom. It felt like a mini celebration, and their genuine reactions reminded us just how impactful even small gestures can be. Students were immediately intrigued by the watercolor set, asking if we could paint right then and there. These reactions reaffirmed that this project was not only exciting but also meaningful to them. The joy they expressed was a beautiful reminder of how much they appreciate being seen and celebrated.\r\n\r\nThe items in the buckets serve multiple purposes. Tools like the watercolor paint sets and pencil sharpeners encourage children to refine their fine motor skills, which are essential for writing, drawing, and everyday tasks. As they practice gripping a paintbrush or turning a pencil sharpener, they're also building hand-eye coordination and dexterity. These are foundational skills that will help them succeed in first grade and beyond. At the same time, the inclusion of straws and buckets opens the door to open-ended outdoor play that supports gross motor development. Whether they are scooping sand, pouring water, or building in nature, these activities help strengthen larger muscle groups and coordination in a playful, natural way.\r\n\r\nBeyond motor development, each gift item provides an opportunity for continued learning. Watercolor paints allow children to express themselves creatively while reinforcing early writing strokes, color mixing, and visual planning. Sunglasses, often viewed as just a fun accessory, became a way for students to practice independence by learning how to put them on, take care of them, and use them appropriately. The versatility of items like straws and buckets also lends itself to sensory exploration and early science play. Children can experiment with floating and sinking, mixing materials, and engaging in imaginative play, all of which nurture curiosity and critical thinking skills.\r\n\r\nThese summer gift buckets became more than just end-of-year presents—they were joyful tools for continued growth. We wanted our students to leave kindergarten not only feeling proud of what they had accomplished but also excited about the learning that can happen outside the classroom. Thanks to your support, they are entering the summer months with resources that encourage exploration, creativity, and skill-building. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this moment possible, and we're excited to see how our students continue to learn and grow with these gifts in hand.","fullyFundedDate":1747419651315,"projectUrl":"project/building-our-summer-fun/9320804/","projectTitle":"Building Our Summer Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Harris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9617427_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722464406249","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9617427"},{"teacherId":4584658,"projectId":9484274,"letterContent":"I met my students last night and they were so excited when I told them about their gift. They are ready for school and told me they can't wait to open their gift the night before kindergarten. \r\nThank you for allowing my class to be able to participate in this awesome project. The parents appreciated having a part in this and it's just another way for parents to be engaged at home with their child's learning and excitement. \r\nThe students left my room last night with smiles on their faces and parents who felt more comfortable with the process. \r\nThank you!","fullyFundedDate":1753443718222,"projectUrl":"project/the-night-before-kindergarten/9484274/","projectTitle":"The Night Before Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Huff","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4584658"},{"teacherId":3698476,"projectId":8798891,"letterContent":"My students thoroughly enjoyed the items that this project included. It brightened up their day as well as sparked creativity and this is all thanks to you. Your donation was able to help spark the creativity in my students' minds when sometimes they didn't think they had any there. Students were able to play and create with the STEM Bin materials during early finishers time and during indoor recess. We were able to use the camera to capture memories and hang on the way to remember.\r\nAgain my class and I thank you for your donation towards our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1728150407015,"projectUrl":"project/stem-bin-frenzy/8798891/","projectTitle":"STEM Bin Frenzy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pridgen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3698476_orig.png?crop=944,944,x0,y119&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758060191407","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/heather-pridgen"},{"teacherId":6576074,"projectId":9137598,"letterContent":"Your generous donation to our end of year summer project are so appreciated! I was able to send each child home with a sand bucket, sunglasses, water bottle, book, and sweet treat! They were so amazed at the gift and truly showed so much gratitude. I know these resources will help impact their summer by encouraging them to get outside and soak up all of what nature has to offer as well as a book to continue fostering a love of reading. \r\n\r\nDonors like you make it possible for teachers to motivate and inspire their children to love school and love learning. I am truly grateful for this gift!","fullyFundedDate":1741094085326,"projectUrl":"project/summer-end-off/9137598/","projectTitle":"Summer End Off!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sloan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6576074_orig.png?crop=278,278,x0,y27&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660060665139","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6576074"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_3010","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":421,"numTeachers":35,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":36,"percentWhite":39,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.8,"schoolId":3010,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Banks Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Banks Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/lenoir-county-public-schools/banks-elementary-school/3010"}