{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Lakeforest Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":49.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7939134,"projectId":10380528,"letterContent":"New school year, new school, new classroom, new subject! Thank you for helping me to start over. Starting over is fun, yet stressful at the same time. Not only do I have to adjust to new students, but also a new building, new routine, and new subject as well, this year and your generous donations help make this possible and smooth for me.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping me get off to a great start as I plan to have a creative, engaging, rigorous classroom environment where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged.","fullyFundedDate":1785331583677,"projectUrl":"project/new-beginnings/10380528/","projectTitle":"New Beginnings","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watford","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7939134_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1785141874389","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/watford"},{"teacherId":9344581,"projectId":9543793,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my first graders are using their new binders to organize their reading, writing, and math activities. One of their favorite moments has been creating and personalizing their learning binders, proudly filling them with completed work and celebrating their progress. The excitement on their faces when they first received the materials was priceless—they couldn't wait to open them, decorate them, and start learning. These simple yet essential resources have helped my students feel more responsible, organized, and confident in their daily learning.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our school year, these binders will serve as valuable tools for guided reading, writing workshops, math practice, and student portfolios that showcase their growth. Your kindness has given my students more than classroom supplies—you've given them a sense of pride, ownership, and excitement for learning. Thank you for believing in my little learners and helping them build bright futures, one page at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1762266290306,"projectUrl":"project/big-binders-bright-pages-for-little-le/9543793/","projectTitle":"Big Binders & Bright Pages for Little Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Macapanas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9344581_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704760590310","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9344581"},{"teacherId":9344581,"projectId":9543520,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, my first graders have been using these new learning resources every day, and they have truly transformed our classroom! One of our favorite activities has been our hands-on literacy and math centers, where students work together to build words, practice reading skills, solve math problems, and explore new concepts through interactive learning. It has been amazing to watch their confidence grow as they eagerly participate, collaborate with classmates, and celebrate their successes. Seeing my students so engaged reminds me that meaningful learning happens when children have the right tools in their hands.\r\n\r\nThe excitement on my students' faces when they first saw the new materials was unforgettable. They couldn't wait to explore each resource and immediately began asking, \"Can we use these today?\" Their enthusiasm has continued every day since. As we move forward, these resources will continue to support our small-group instruction, literacy centers, math workshops, and project-based learning activities. My students will use them to strengthen foundational reading and math skills while developing creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their future. Your generosity has created opportunities for joyful learning and has shown my first graders that there are caring people who believe in their potential. Your kindness is making a lasting difference in our classroom every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1762266296001,"projectUrl":"project/bright-tools-for-bright-1st-grade-minds/9543520/","projectTitle":"Bright Tools for Bright 1st Grade Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Macapanas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9344581_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704760590310","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9344581"},{"teacherId":8615934,"projectId":9939523,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom library has come to life in exciting new ways. These new books have allowed us to dive deeper into important reading skills like comprehension, vocabulary development, and making connections between texts and real life. Students are practicing predicting, summarizing, and analyzing characters' actions and motivations—skills that help them become thoughtful, confident readers. The variety of engaging series and high-interest topics has also made it easier to differentiate instruction and meet students where they are.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is now a vibrant and collaborative experience. You'll often find students gathered in small groups discussing their favorite characters, laughing over funny moments, or working together to decode challenging words. Independent reading time has become something they truly look forward to, and many students are choosing to read even beyond our scheduled time. The hands-on materials, like the multiplication flash cards, have also helped reinforce foundational math skills in a fun and interactive way.","fullyFundedDate":1766977052386,"projectUrl":"project/winter-celebration-books-math-and-joy/9939523/","projectTitle":"Winter Celebration: Books, Math, and Joy for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Banks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8615934_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751252701617","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8615934"},{"teacherId":9277062,"projectId":9858517,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Toys That Motivate Young Minds!\" Your generosity has brought joy, excitement, and meaningful learning opportunities into our classroom. Because of you, my students now have access to engaging toys that spark their curiosity, creativity, and love for learning.\r\n\r\nThese materials have made a big difference in how my students learn and interact each day. Through hands-on play, they are building important skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and focus. I have seen students become more motivated, confident, and eager to participate, especially those who learn best through interactive and playful experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1762267578825,"projectUrl":"project/toys-that-motivate-young-minds/9858517/","projectTitle":"Toys That Motivate Young Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cabillan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9277062_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694653910496","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9277062"},{"teacherId":9277062,"projectId":9551489,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your support in funding our project, \"Motivated Minds: Sensory Tools and Rewards for Focused Learning.\" Because of your kindness, my students now have access to sensory tools and positive rewards that help them stay focused, calm, and ready to learn each day. These resources have already made a noticeable difference in our classroom environment, creating a space where students feel supported and motivated to do their best.\r\n\r\nWith the materials you provided, I have been able to better support my students' individual needs, especially those who benefit from movement breaks, fidgets, and positive reinforcement. Students who once struggled to stay on task are now more engaged and confident in their learning. These tools have helped reduce distractions and improve overall behavior, allowing more time for meaningful instruction and learning.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly impacted not only my teaching, but also my students' daily experiences in the classroom. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their success. Your support is helping build a positive, focused, and encouraging learning environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1762267597131,"projectUrl":"project/motivated-minds-sensory-tools-and-rewar/9551489/","projectTitle":"Motivated Minds: Sensory Tools and Rewards for Focused Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cabillan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9277062_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694653910496","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9277062"},{"teacherId":9277062,"projectId":9921059,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project, \"Paper for Learning: Supporting Daily Worksheets for First Grade!\" Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom. Because of your kindness, my students now have the materials they need to engage in daily learning activities, practice important skills, and build confidence in their work. These resources help create a more organized, interactive, and effective learning environment for all of my first graders.\r\n\r\nYour support goes beyond just providing paper—it empowers young learners to explore, grow, and succeed every single day. My students are excited to use these materials, and I can already see the positive impact on their learning and participation. On behalf of my class and myself, thank you for believing in our students and investing in their future. Your generosity truly makes a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1765537199495,"projectUrl":"project/paper-for-learning-supporting-daily-wor/9921059/","projectTitle":"Paper for Learning: Supporting Daily Worksheets for First Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cabillan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9277062_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694653910496","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9277062"},{"teacherId":8615934,"projectId":9439782,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for investing in our classroom and in my students. From the moment the new resources arrived, their excitement was contagious. When they first saw the carpet rolled out, they couldn't wait to gather together—smiling, sitting crisscrossed, and immediately engaging in discussion. That cozy space has already become the heart of our classroom, where we read, problem-solve, and share ideas. The binders and seat sacks were met with the same enthusiasm; students proudly organized their materials and took ownership of their learning spaces in a way that was both empowering and motivating to witness.\r\n\r\nThese resources are already making a meaningful impact on our daily learning. With organized binders and clearly stored supplies, students are more focused, independent, and responsible. Transitions are smoother, distractions are fewer, and more time is spent on learning. Having books easily accessible in seat sacks has encouraged consistent reading, and students are eagerly reaching for their books during independent and partner reading times. The sense of pride they feel in caring for their materials has strengthened our classroom community and set a positive tone for learning.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, these tools will support upcoming collaborative lessons, literacy centers, and project-based learning activities. Students will continue to use the carpet for group discussions and reflection, while their organized materials will help them manage longer-term assignments and projects with confidence. Because of your generosity, you've truly become a part of our classroom story—helping create a space where students feel supported, capable, and excited to learn every day. Thank you for making such a lasting difference. 💛","fullyFundedDate":1761240434626,"projectUrl":"project/4th-grade-scholars/9439782/","projectTitle":"4th Grade Scholars","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Banks","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8615934_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751252701617","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8615934"},{"teacherId":9277062,"projectId":9532465,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom will be more organized, engaging, and supportive of student learning every single day. The materials you funded will make a huge difference in creating a safe, comfortable, and motivating learning environment for my first graders.\r\n\r\nThe precut tennis balls for chair legs will help reduce noise, protect our floors, and create a calmer classroom where students can focus without constant distractions. The pencil dispenser will support student independence by giving children an easy, organized way to access pencils whenever they need them—no more interruptions or lost learning time.\r\n\r\nWith the orange pocket folders with prongs, my students will now have sturdy places to store their writing, reading passages, and important papers, helping them stay organized and responsible. The Clorox wipes will help us maintain a clean and healthy classroom, keeping our learning space safe throughout the school year.\r\n\r\nThe beautiful classroom rules posters and motivational banners will brighten our room and remind students of kindness, respect, and perseverance. The double-sided adhesive tape will help display student work and classroom visuals that support daily instruction and celebrate their achievements.\r\n\r\nYour support has brought structure, safety, and excitement to our learning environment. These essentials will be used every single day, helping my students stay focused, organized, and motivated to learn. Thank you for investing in our classroom and for believing in my students. Your generosity truly makes an impact!","fullyFundedDate":1755868034724,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-materialsessentials/9532465/","projectTitle":"Classroom Materials/Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cabillan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9277062_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694653910496","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9277062"},{"teacherId":9345323,"projectId":9546658,"letterContent":"Our new calming-corner materials have already made such a meaningful difference in our classroom. The students are using the cozy seating, sensory tools, and soothing visuals throughout the day to help regulate their bodies and emotions. One of my favorite moments so far was watching a student who typically has difficulty transitioning after recess independently choose the calming corner, take deep breaths while holding a sensory cushion, and then return to learning with a smile. It was such a small moment-but such a big victory.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our donors, our classroom has a more supportive environment where students feel safe, comfortable, and empowered to manage their emotions. Your generosity helped create a space that invites peace, comfort, and confidence-one that will continue making an impact every single day. Thank you for giving my students a place where they can reset, recharge, and be ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1755700482982,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-in-motion-cozying-up-the-calmin/9546658/","projectTitle":"Comfort in Motion: Cozying Up the Calming Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Larotin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9345323"},{"teacherId":4654372,"projectId":9296092,"letterContent":"In our 1st-grade classrooms, hydroponics has become a transformative tool for learning, engaging students in hands-on exploration of science, math, and literacy. By integrating hydroponic systems into our curriculum, students are not only learning about plant growth but also developing critical thinking, observation, and problem-solving skills that extend across subjects.\r\n\r\nFrom the start, students were introduced to the basic principles of hydroponics—growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water instead. This simple yet powerful concept captured their curiosity immediately. They were fascinated by the idea that plants could grow in water and observed the roots, stems, and leaves in ways that traditional soil-based gardening does not allow. Students asked questions, made predictions, and hypothesized about which plants would grow fastest or develop the healthiest leaves, supporting the Next Generation Science Standards for asking questions and carrying out investigations.\r\n\r\nMath skills were strengthened through daily monitoring of the hydroponic system. Students measured water levels, recorded plant growth, and graphed their observations. These tasks provided authentic practice with units of measurement, counting, and comparing data. For example, students would measure their lettuce plants each week, calculate differences in height, and represent their findings in simple charts. This allowed them to see patterns over time and make data-driven predictions, connecting abstract math concepts to real-world applications.\r\n\r\nHydroponics also supported literacy and communication skills. Students kept journals documenting their observations, reflections, and questions. They described plant growth, recorded changes in root structure, and explained their predictions. Teachers encouraged them to use descriptive language, make comparisons, and even write short explanations of how nutrients, light, and water contributed to plant health. These activities strengthened vocabulary, writing fluency, and comprehension in a meaningful context.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, hydroponics fostered collaboration, responsibility, and engagement. Students worked in small groups to care for their plants, rotate watering duties, and monitor system function. They developed teamwork skills, negotiated responsibilities, and learned to respect the needs of living organisms. The sense of ownership over their plants motivated students to be consistent in their observations and care, which directly supported growth in executive functioning and social-emotional skills.\r\n\r\nAs a Title I school, these hands-on experiences are especially impactful because they provide opportunities that may not be accessible to all students at home. Hydroponics levels the playing field, allowing every student to engage meaningfully with STEM concepts, make predictions, solve problems, and see immediate results from their actions. It cultivates confidence in their abilities to influence outcomes through effort and observation.\r\n\r\nIn summary, hydroponics in 1st grade is more than a gardening activity; it is a dynamic, cross-curricular learning tool. It supports science understanding, reinforces math skills, enhances literacy, and builds collaboration and responsibility. Students learn that their actions have direct consequences, that careful observation and recording matter, and that curiosity leads to discovery. Hydroponics transforms our classrooms into living laboratories where learning is active, engaging, and tangible. By providing students with this hands-on experience, we are equipping them with foundational skills and a love for science that will support their growth for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1747269643958,"projectUrl":"project/growing-minds-with-hydroponics-and-finan/9296092/","projectTitle":"Growing Minds with Hydroponics and Financial Literacy!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Scuron","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4654372_orig.jpg?crop=1576,1576,x0,y157&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745945441273","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4654372"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_101841","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":800,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":80,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":7,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":50.8,"schoolId":101841,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Lakeforest Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Lakeforest Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/pitt-county-schools/lakeforest-elementary/101841"}