{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Griffith Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6415764,"projectId":9697906,"letterContent":"This year, the role of our K–1 EC Resource classroom has changed significantly. We are no longer serving only as a short-term support space; instead, our classroom has become an informal curriculum-based learning environment for students who are with us for up to 89% of their school day. In many cases, when students are unable to remain successfully in their general education classrooms due to behavioral or regulatory needs, we also become their primary instructional setting. At the same time, we are supporting students who are not yet able to complete formal assessments while still being expected to access general education curriculum in addition to our regular EC Resource students. \r\n\r\nThe LEGO DUPLO STEM materials from this project have been essential in helping us meet these challenges. Through structured play with the Number Train, Alphabet Truck, and building sets, I was able to teach early math and literacy concepts in a developmentally appropriate way while also collecting meaningful, play-based assessment data. Observing how students counted, recognized numbers and letters, built structures, and problem-solved during play gave me insight into their understanding that traditional formative assessments simply cannot capture for these learners.\r\n\r\nBecause of this DonorsChoose project, my classroom now has a safe, accessible STEM center that supports both instruction and assessment for students with complex learning needs. These materials allow me to meet students where they are, identify instructional entry points, and continue moving learning forward despite the shifting demands placed on EC Resource classrooms. Thank you for helping make this kind of responsive, student-centered teaching possible.","fullyFundedDate":1758245700223,"projectUrl":"project/stem-building-and-learning-center-for-k/9697906/","projectTitle":"STEM Building and Learning Center for K–1 EC Resource Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Trillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6415764_orig.jpg?crop=2048,2048,x0,y430&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718641657829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ecresource"},{"teacherId":6415764,"projectId":9689700,"letterContent":"My students absolutely love the Numberblocks materials. They don't just see numbers—they identify with them. The characters help numbers feel familiar, friendly, and meaningful, which is especially powerful for my K–1 exceptional children who need concrete, relatable ways to build number sense. When students recognize a number as a \"friend,\" they engage longer, take risks, and feel proud of their learning.\r\n\r\nThe foam stacking number blocks are a standout favorite in our classroom. They make the abstract idea of numbers visible and touchable, helping students understand part-whole relationships and number bonds in a way that clicks. Students can physically build a number, break it apart, and put it back together—supporting deep understanding rather than memorization.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, these tools are the bridge between confusion and understanding. Your donation helps create joyful \"aha\" moments that lay the foundation for future math success—one block, one number, one confident learner at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1758726586526,"projectUrl":"project/stem-support-for-special-education-stars/9689700/","projectTitle":"STEM Support for Special Education Stars","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Trillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6415764_orig.jpg?crop=2048,2048,x0,y430&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718641657829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ecresource"},{"teacherId":112625,"projectId":9879095,"letterContent":"We want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generosity in providing cozy blankets and warm socks for our students. Cold weather—whether in the classroom or on the way to school—can leave children feeling uncomfortable and distracted. Thanks to your kindness, our students can stay warm, focused, and ready to learn.\r\nThese simple items do more than provide physical comfort—they send a powerful message of compassion and care. They show our students that their well-being matters and that they are valued members of our school community. This sense of security and belonging is essential for both academic success and personal growth.\r\nOur classroom reflects the rich diversity of our community, with students from many cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds. By supporting their physical and emotional needs, you help us create a space where every child feels seen, supported, and ready to thrive.\r\nThank you for making a difference in the lives of our students. Your generosity warms not only their bodies but also their hearts.","fullyFundedDate":1764725780935,"projectUrl":"project/warm-hearts-cozy-starts-winter-care-pa/9879095/","projectTitle":"Warm Hearts, Cozy Starts: Winter Care Packages for First Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fraas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp112625_orig.jpg?crop=396,396,x48,y446&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1574863505017","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/fraasd"},{"teacherId":9703645,"projectId":9396396,"letterContent":"The student impact from this project is hard to describe, but I will try. Since we introduced the animals to the classroom, the students have been incredibly interested in our science center. We have 2 aquariums set up (one includes the bullfrog tadpoles) and the terrarium which holds the tree frogs we had. All the different pieces have let us have a moist but not sopping wet terrarium. They handle the bugs (many catch the flightless fruit flies that escape) and understand they will be frog prey at some point. The isopods are cute but I don't think the students understand fully yet how they get their food. As each tadpole develops legs and the tail shrinks, it is moved to the terrarium. They watch as the froglet hangs out first in the bromeliad pools (where the leaves meet the stem) and they gradually works its way up the back wall to the hangout place at the tippy top. The kids help with misting the frogs (keeping them moist) but we don't allow touching (can't endanger their lives with our pathogens). It's fascinating. They fully understand the metamorphosis part and are working on the life cycle. The best part is just the liveliness of their interest. The children are endlessly fascinated by the tanks and terrarium. It's made for a lack of dead time - they can always check out the frogs!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for allowing us to have pets in the classroom. We will redeem the butterfly coupon later this year to continue learning about life cycles. This has been such an awesome experience!","fullyFundedDate":1758764926456,"projectUrl":"project/watching-our-hopping-awesome-class-pets/9396396/","projectTitle":"Watching Our Hopping Awesome Class Pets!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Kear","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9703645_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749091897080","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9703645"},{"teacherId":6415764,"projectId":9615394,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous support of my DonorsChoose project. Because of your kindness, we now have essential supplies—paper, ink, and an organizer stand—that are already making a meaningful impact in our classroom.\r\n\r\nHaving the ability to print materials has truly transformed the way I can support my special needs students. I'm now able to create individualized resources, visual supports, task cards, and communication tools that meet each child's unique learning goals. The look of excitement and engagement on their faces when they see materials designed just for them is priceless.\r\n\r\nYour contributions have given me the tools to meet my students where they are—helping them grow, learn, and feel successful every day. The organizer stand has also made our classroom more efficient and welcoming, keeping everything within reach and ready for learning adventures.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in my students and helping us build a classroom environment where every child can thrive. Your generosity and compassion are truly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1756912018625,"projectUrl":"project/from-paper-to-progress-supporting-excep/9615394/","projectTitle":"From Paper to Progress: Supporting Exceptional Learners, Despite Deep Cuts","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Trillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6415764_orig.jpg?crop=2048,2048,x0,y430&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718641657829","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ecresource"},{"teacherId":5899344,"projectId":9820531,"letterContent":"The new pencil and color-pencil sharpeners have already made a noticeable difference in our kindergarten classroom. Before, students often struggled with dull pencils and would have to wait for an adult to help them. When we opened the box together, the students were so excited—they took turns examining the sharpeners and immediately wanted to try them out. Now, they love being able to sharpen their own pencils independently. It has boosted their confidence and helped them take responsibility for their materials, which is an important skill at this age.\r\n\r\nWith sharp pencils and bright, freshly sharpened color pencils, students are more enthusiastic during writing, drawing, and center activities. Their handwriting is clearer, their drawings are more vibrant, and they stay more engaged because they don't have to stop working to find help. These sharpeners have made our classroom run more smoothly and have helped students feel proud of their work. Thanks to this project, our kindergarteners are \"staying sharp\" in every way—ready to write, create, and learn each day.","fullyFundedDate":1760734080917,"projectUrl":"project/stay-sharp-keeping-our-pencils-ready/9820531/","projectTitle":"Stay Sharp! Keeping Our Pencils Ready.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5899344_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742645965877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5899344"},{"teacherId":5899344,"projectId":9446190,"letterContent":"The arrival of the new 3-line ruled notebooks has already made a big impact on our kindergarten classroom. When the boxes arrived, the students were thrilled to help unbox everything. It felt like a classroom celebration—their faces lit up as the books were pulled out. It was pure joy to see the huge smiles. Many of them pointed out that we got new books for writing. We started using the notebooks right away for handwriting practice, morning work, and writing during centers. \r\n\r\nTheir excitement continues every day, especially when they reach for their new notebooks during lessons. The students are more eager to write, read, and share their work with their classmates. Our next steps include creating simple class books where each child writes a sentence in their notebook and then connects it to a story we read together. As well as writing various forms of writing. These new resources are helping our kindergarteners grow as readers and writers, build confidence, and strengthen the foundational literacy skills they'll use in every subject.","fullyFundedDate":1759946627201,"projectUrl":"project/writing-across-all-subjects/9446190/","projectTitle":"Writing Across All Subjects","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5899344_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742645965877","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5899344"},{"teacherId":112625,"projectId":9792811,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible support, our classroom has a whole new energy when it comes to math! The fidget tools you provided have become an essential part of our learning routine, helping students stay focused and engaged while building fluency.During math centers, students use the fidgets while practicing addition and subtraction facts. One memorable moment was during a timed fluency challenge—students were tapping, twisting, and squeezing their fidgets while solving problems, and the room was buzzing with concentration and confidence. These tools have turned what used to be stressful drills into fun, interactive sessions.The excitement was off the charts! Students couldn't believe these colorful, tactile tools were for math time. One child exclaimed, \"Math is going to be so much fun now!\" Their enthusiasm showed us that these resources are more than just tools—they're motivators.","fullyFundedDate":1760722301225,"projectUrl":"project/math-in-motion-fidgeting-toward-fluency/9792811/","projectTitle":"Math in Motion: Fidgeting Toward Fluency","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fraas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp112625_orig.jpg?crop=396,396,x48,y446&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1574863505017","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/fraasd"},{"teacherId":112625,"projectId":9431220,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been filled with excitement and joy! The birthday celebration resources you provided have transformed how we recognize and honor each child's special day.We've created a \"Birthday Spotlight\" corner where students get to wear a fun birthday crown, choose a special book from our new birthday library, and share a \"birthday wish\" during morning meeting. Recently, one of our students celebrated their birthday by reading their favorite story to the class while wearing their crown—it was a moment of pride and confidence that warmed everyone's hearts.The first time the birthday box came out, the room erupted in cheers! Students were amazed by the colorful decorations and the idea that birthdays would now be celebrated in such a special way. One child said, \"This feels like a party just for me!\" Their smiles said it all.","fullyFundedDate":1761392794421,"projectUrl":"project/brighten-a-birthday-gift-joy-to-our-stu/9431220/","projectTitle":"Brighten a Birthday: Gift Joy to Our Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fraas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp112625_orig.jpg?crop=396,396,x48,y446&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1574863505017","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/fraasd"},{"teacherId":8813881,"projectId":9290001,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to our school! Our library is the heart of our school. We have a completely open library, meaning there are no doors to separate the library from the hallway, classrooms, etc. I am so grateful for the fabulous decorations that you helped provide to us so every student can walk through and feel welcomed and excited to be here.\r\nWe have many students who feel the most comfortable and loved at school. Being able to provide them a safe, loving environment comes from the heart first, but it also helps to provide a visually pleasing place to be. I've put the posters up around the room and in the hallway. I've use the board paper to create awesome bulletin boards that the kids love. My favorite thing has been the tapestries. They help create a cozy atmosphere and have got me lots of compliments.\r\nThank you again for your donation and your support of public education.","fullyFundedDate":1746548016554,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-our-library-to-life/9290001/","projectTitle":"Bringing Our Library to Life!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wilson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8813881_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1667338655152","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8813881"},{"teacherId":4281560,"projectId":9435381,"letterContent":"I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your incredibly generous donation of school supplies to our kindergarten classroom. Your thoughtful contribution means so much to me and the children.\r\n\r\nWith your support, we now have the materials needed to create a vibrant, engaging, and enriching learning environment for our young students. The supplies you provided will help spark their creativity, support their growth, and make each day of learning even more special.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the importance of early education and for making a difference in the lives of these young learners. Your kindness will have a lasting impact on their journey and on our classroom as a whole.","fullyFundedDate":1752861848125,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-success-empower-our-kinderga/9435381/","projectTitle":"Supplies = Success: Empower Our Kindergarteners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Foote","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4281560"},{"teacherId":112625,"projectId":9228675,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping us create a calming area in our classroom. The moment my students saw the new resources—soft seating, sensory tools, and soothing visuals—their faces lit up with curiosity and joy. One student whispered, \"This feels like a safe place,\" and that simple phrase captured the impact your gift has already made. The calming area has quickly become a cherished space where students can regulate their emotions, take mindful breaks, and return to learning with renewed focus.\r\n\r\nWe recently integrated the calming area into a social-emotional learning project where students created \"peace journals.\" After spending time in the space, they reflected on their feelings and wrote about strategies that help them feel calm and centered. One student drew a picture of themselves sitting in the beanbag chair with noise-canceling headphones, saying it helped them \"feel like the world was quiet again.\" These moments have been powerful reminders of how environment shapes experience—and how your kindness has made that possible.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're building on this momentum by incorporating mindfulness routines into our daily schedule. Students will learn breathing techniques, gratitude practices, and ways to support one another emotionally. The calming area will continue to be a cornerstone of this journey, offering a safe haven for growth, reflection, and healing. Thank you for giving my students the gift of peace.","fullyFundedDate":1757369326664,"projectUrl":"project/calm-create-and-thrive/9228675/","projectTitle":"Calm, Create, and Thrive","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fraas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp112625_orig.jpg?crop=396,396,x48,y446&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1574863505017","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/fraasd"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_1488","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":575,"numTeachers":46,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":42,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":41,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.5,"schoolId":1488,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Griffith Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Griffith Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/north-carolina/winston-salem-forsyth-county-schools/griffith-elementary-school/1488"}