{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"G.R. Whitfield Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":22.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10056246,"projectId":9413560,"letterContent":"Overview of Skills and Lessons Introduced\r\n\r\nThe new texts purchased through this grant have significantly expanded the literacy and social-emotional learning opportunities in our classroom. Academically, students are using these books to practice inferencing, determine central ideas, analyze characterization, and identify how authors develop tone and mood. Many of the novels address themes such as anxiety, depression, internal conflict, and resilience. This has allowed us to incorporate lessons on how authors portray mental health experiences, how characters navigate challenges, and how readers can make meaningful text-to-self connections. These texts have strengthened both academic reading skills and emotional awareness.\r\n\r\nWhat Reading Looks Like in the Classroom Now\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom has become more student-driven and authentic since adding these books to our library. I introduced each title and briefly explained its themes—especially those related to anxiety and depression—to reduce stigma and encourage curiosity. Initially, students were hesitant to pick up books dealing with mental health. However, over the past month I have watched them choose these titles more freely and confidently. Students now select them during independent reading, carry them to lunch, and discuss them openly with one another. Reading time feels focused, calm, and purposeful as students immerse themselves deeply in stories that reflect the real emotions and struggles many young people face.\r\n\r\nStudent Impact\r\n\r\nSeveral students have connected strongly with the new texts. One 8th-grade boy who typically avoids emotional content was recently fully engrossed in a novel about a character experiencing panic attacks. He read intently for the entire class period and returned the next day asking for more books by the same author.\r\n\r\nA girl who normally prefers graphic novels selected a story about a young teen navigating depression after hearing my introduction. By the end of the week, she was enthusiastically recommending it to peers and asking thoughtful questions during lessons on tone and internal conflict.\r\n\r\nStudents are now reading these books unashamedly, seeing their feelings reflected in literature and recognizing that they are not alone. This shift—toward openness, empathy, and genuine engagement—has been one of the most meaningful outcomes of the grant.","fullyFundedDate":1751116892076,"projectUrl":"project/excercising-mental-health-towards-learni/9413560/","projectTitle":"Excercising Mental Health Towards Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cherry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10056246"},{"teacherId":9803578,"projectId":8876490,"letterContent":"Thank you just doesn't seem like enough! My students have learned to love the bass drum again! It is truly the heartbeat of music, but we had lost ours for awhile.\r\n\r\nThe students were looking forward to its arrival....and when it came in, we had party in my entire building. I think they may have shared the good news with some of their \"closest\" friends! Everyone was curious about the size, shape and of course the SOUND of our new drum. We had it mounted on a suspended bass drum stand to make it sound totally beautiful. One student said, \"Is that really what a bass drum is supposed to sound like?\" \r\n\r\nOur old bass drum \"Thud the Dud\" is resting peacefully at the bottom of a landfill. We stripped it of all its salvageable hardware before saying goodbye. We are currently discussing/voting on a name for our newest addition to our Cougar Band Family thanks to wonderful donors like you! Thank you for keeping our students learning on high quality instruments! You have made a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1739736165648,"projectUrl":"project/just-give-us-a-beat/8876490/","projectTitle":"Just Give Us a Beat!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Haddock","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9803578"},{"teacherId":8799264,"projectId":9074552,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that helped us get a brand-new kitchen set for our Pre-K classroom! The children were absolutely thrilled when they saw it for the first time — their eyes lit up with excitement, and they jumped right into imaginative play.\r\n\r\nThis kitchen set is more than just a toy — it's a powerful learning tool. It helps our students develop important skills like communication, cooperation, problem-solving, and creativity. They take turns being chefs, customers, and family members, building not only their social skills but also expanding their vocabulary and understanding of everyday life.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly made a difference in our classroom. Thank you for helping us create a space where our youngest learners can grow, explore, and thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1742895853591,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-up-creativity-a-new-kitchen-for/9074552/","projectTitle":"Cooking Up Creativity: A New Kitchen for Our Pre-K Class!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lavin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8799264_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677333729415","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8799264"},{"teacherId":8799264,"projectId":9225053,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of a new refrigerator for our dramatic play center! Your support has made a wonderful difference in our Pre-K classroom.\r\n\r\nThe children were absolutely thrilled to see the new fridge in their play area. It's already inspired so much imaginative play — from cooking pretend meals to running their own \"restaurant.\" It's amazing to see how something like a fridge can open the door to creativity, collaboration, and learning through play.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is helping to create a joyful and enriching environment for our young learners. Thank you for investing in their growth.","fullyFundedDate":1744486623192,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-pre-k-learning-with-a-new-play/9225053/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Pre-K Learning With a New Play Fridge","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lavin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8799264_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677333729415","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8799264"},{"teacherId":8799264,"projectId":8871379,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nI cannot thank you enough for your generosity in helping fund a high chair for my preschool classroom! Your support has made a meaningful impact on our daily routines and learning experiences.\r\n\r\nWith the addition of this high chair, our youngest learners can now safely and comfortably participate in mealtime, sensory activities, and small group learning. It has provided a secure space for children who need extra support while eating, engaging in hands-on activities, and developing their independence. This simple yet essential piece of furniture has promoted inclusion, safety, and engagement, ensuring that every child in our classroom can fully take part in daily experiences.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has truly made a difference, and we are so grateful for your support in creating a nurturing and supportive learning environment. Thank you for investing in our students and their success!","fullyFundedDate":1733335067806,"projectUrl":"project/a-high-chair-for-baby-dolls/8871379/","projectTitle":"A High Chair for Baby Dolls","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lavin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8799264_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677333729415","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8799264"},{"teacherId":8799264,"projectId":7102380,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my classroom. When the packages came my students were so excited to see what they got! They live dramatic play and it helps build their imagination skills as well as life skills like cooking, cleaning and role playing. Home living is my students favorite play center and you helped bring it to life! My students and I appreciate everything you have done! Throughout the year we enhance this center to best meet my students learning needs!\r\n\r\n\r\nThank you for your generosity. It is so appreciated","fullyFundedDate":1675974978645,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-dramatic-play/7102380/","projectTitle":"Enhancing dramatic play!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lavin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8799264_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677333729415","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8799264"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_3239","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":543,"numTeachers":36,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":18,"percentWhite":54,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":20,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.5,"schoolId":3239,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about G.R. Whitfield Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"G.R. Whitfield Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/pitt-county-schools/g-r-whitfield-elementary-school/3239"}