{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Old Fort Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":17.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10337657,"projectId":9868106,"letterContent":"My students can now access their math manipulatives seamlessly and independently whenever they need them. Before organizing our manipulatives in an accessible way, students often had to wait for me to locate and distribute the materials they needed. This could interrupt instruction, take valuable learning time away from the lesson, and make it more difficult for students to use manipulatives naturally as part of their learning process. Now, the manipulatives are clearly organized, visible, and available for students to access as needed.\r\n\r\nHaving the manipulatives within reach has made a significant difference in my classroom. Students are able to recognize when a manipulative might help them solve a problem, and they can get the appropriate tool without having to stop and ask for permission. This encourages students to become more independent learners and take greater ownership of their learning. Instead of viewing manipulatives as something that the teacher provides only when directed, students are beginning to see them as valuable mathematical tools that they can choose to support their thinking.\r\n\r\nThe organization also helps students become more responsible for classroom materials. Because everything has a designated location, students know where to find what they need and where to return it when they are finished. This creates a classroom routine that is simple, predictable, and easy for students to follow. It also helps keep our instructional time focused on mathematics rather than on finding, distributing, and putting away supplies.\r\n\r\nThis system has been especially helpful when I have a substitute teacher. Previously, a substitute might not know exactly where our math manipulatives were located, which materials students were accustomed to using, or when they should be provided. As a result, an important part of a lesson could be lost simply because the materials were difficult to locate or distribute. Now, everything is clearly visible and organized, making it much easier for a substitute teacher to understand our system and provide students with the tools they need.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, instruction does not have to stop when I need to take a day off. My students can continue using the same routines and resources they use every day. A substitute can walk into the classroom, quickly identify the manipulatives students need, and allow learning to continue without unnecessary interruptions.\r\nThis resource has helped create a classroom where students have greater independence, responsibility, and access to the tools that support their mathematical thinking. It has also made my classroom more manageable for guest teachers and helped ensure consistency in instruction. Something as simple as making manipulatives accessible has created a more student-centered environment where students are empowered to use the resources they need to be successful.","fullyFundedDate":1762055724391,"projectUrl":"project/math-manipulative-accessibility/9868106/","projectTitle":"Math Manipulative Accessibility","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ritzler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10337657_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761923791706","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10337657"},{"teacherId":10341894,"projectId":10132941,"letterContent":"Through the generosity of our donors and supporters, our school health clinic is now is becoming equipped to care for our students. From nourishing snacks that keep kids energized to essential medical equipment for daily care, your contributions directly impact the health, well-being, and academic success of every child who walks through our doors. We are profoundly grateful for your dedication to our community and for helping us create a safe, supportive environment where students can thrive.Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1778227223271,"projectUrl":"project/donate-to-school-health-clinic/10132941/","projectTitle":"Donate to School Health Clinic","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hartman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10341894"},{"teacherId":2830135,"projectId":9873951,"letterContent":"We are ao thankful that this project was funded. The items that we have received made such a difference in our room. One of the ways it has made a difference is organization. The pouches helped to organize our dry erase boards. We use them everyday.\r\n\r\nWe love to do art projects in our room. The glue sticks have been utilized very well with crafts in our classroom. My students also have a painting center where they can make their own paintings on an art easel. The paint has been amazing because they have had so many wonderful colors to use!\r\n\r\nThe students have had the most fun with the market stand which is in our dramatic play area. The students have loved playing pretend with it, especially using the fruits and vegetables to play house. We are so grateful for your donations and we thank you for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1762310541393,"projectUrl":"project/little-ones-learn-through-play-kinderga/9873951/","projectTitle":"Little Ones Learn Through Play: Kindergarten Social and Academic Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lamale","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2830135_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762279234836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missnikkikindergarten"},{"teacherId":10336942,"projectId":9866886,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing my class with the supplies provided. Not only was I able to use the supplies to help me get organized, but my students were also able to use some of the materials purchased as well. My class was provided with a CatKid series, a wiggly seat, some binders, sensory stickers and a box of snacks that was a huge help. \r\n\r\n I have a few students that are low on funds and often times do not eat breakfast. When they are hungry, they struggle to focus in class. Hangry students are not in a position to learn. I was able to use the box of bars provided as an opportunity to help them get a small bite to eat and regain their focus on whatever task is at hand. I was also able to use it during my small group as the students are often hungry towards the end of the day when lunch has worn off. The snacks are healthy which is a huge bonus and I very much appreciate that item. \r\n\r\n I am a special education teacher so the SPED materials I purchased were also put to good use. My students love using the wiggly feet, especially during testing. I have a few students with ADHD and this helps give them the opportunity to move their feet quietly while testing and they are still given the chance to move. Students need movement and this was an easy solution. The sensory stickers are also beneficial because I place them on a paper and the students can run their fingers over the sticker while in class and they do help ease some anxiety. I was able to use the binders to organize my reading intervention materials. \r\n\r\n This entire project was an amazing opportunity. I feel so incredibly grateful that I was able to have the chance to purchase these materials, as they only enhanced my classroom in a positive manner. I have nothing but good things to say about DonorsChoose and am often times telling teachers to try it out. Thank you again for supporting Room to Bloom. My students and I are eternally grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1762036751269,"projectUrl":"project/room-to-bloom/9866886/","projectTitle":"Room to Bloom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tarris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10336942_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761919961936","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10336942"},{"teacherId":10343346,"projectId":9879559,"letterContent":"I help my students learn to read through differentiated instruction by tailoring reading experiences to individual needs. Every learner makes meaningful progress instead of a \"one-size-fits-all\" lesson. I use o going assessments and observations to understand how my students learn that best fit their needs. For example, I use the leveled read e s that I purchased and blending puzzles to help students work on how they engage with the text and show what they understand. Students are able to read the leveled readers I dependents while I work with another student to support specific skill targets like phonics or comprehension. By varying content, instructional process, and learning products, differentiation creates multiple pathways for students to access grade-level reading goals while building confidence and motivation, ensuring all learners can grow as readers.","fullyFundedDate":1763135643026,"projectUrl":"project/fabulous-phonics-readers/9879559/","projectTitle":"Fabulous Phonics Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gyuras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10343346"},{"teacherId":4017179,"projectId":9868219,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to help make learning more fun and hands on in my classroom. My students have been so excited about the new materials and it has helped them try their best when working. Whenever I pulled out something new, the kids' interest peeked and they were more than happy to try out a new material.\r\n\r\nOne of the favorite things that you provided was the emotions tower. The kids enjoyed playing this game and started talking about their feelings and how different situations made them feel without even thinking about it. Another item they have really enjoyed are the whiteboards to map words and the letter cubes to make words. They feel like they are playing even though they are learning. \r\n\r\nI can't wait to see the growth in my students this year and these items are helping them learn and do better each day. Thank you for your generosity and helping to make learning more accessible to all my students.","fullyFundedDate":1762081662201,"projectUrl":"project/learning-to-read-and-succeed-in-the-clas/9868219/","projectTitle":"Learning to Read and Succeed in the Classroom and Beyond!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kistler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4017179_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y368&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761923489324","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4017179"},{"teacherId":10337282,"projectId":9867585,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating the wonderful Egypt-related items to our classroom! We are incredibly grateful for your kindness and generosity.\r\n\r\nThe books, pictures, and artifacts have made learning about ancient Egypt so much more exciting. Students especially enjoyed discovering facts about the pyramids, mummies, and the Nile River. Your donation has helped us explore this amazing civilization in a hands-on and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your support and your willingness to help make learning fun and engaging for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1762046688745,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-with-knowledge/9867585/","projectTitle":"Hands-On with Knowledge","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Seigley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10337282"},{"teacherId":10341460,"projectId":9874684,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous support of our classroom. Because of you, my students now have access to materials that have transformed the way they learn, create, and explore each day. The items you purchased have quickly become essential parts of our classroom environment.\r\n\r\nWe use these new resources across many areas of our day. The art supplies empowers the students to bring their ideas to life through art and hands-on projects. The Magna-Tiles and Bristol blocks have been especially popular during our exploration and building centers. Students are designing tall towers, bridges, and even imaginative structures, while learning about balance, shapes, and teamwork. The writing boards have also made a huge impact, giving students a special space to practice writing letters, drawing pictures, and expressing their ideas independently. They are also used often within our small groups. \r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were filled with excitement and curiosity. Their eyes lit up as they explored each item, and they could not wait to begin using them. Many students immediately began building and creating, proudly showing their friends and teachers what they made. The rolling drawer cart has helped us keep everything organized and accessible, allowing students to independently choose materials and take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nThese materials are already supporting our current lessons, and they will continue to play an important role as we move forward. Our next steps include using the building materials to support STEM challenges, where students will design and test different types of structures. We will also continue using the art supplies and writing boards to strengthen fine motor skills, creativity, and early writing development. Because of your generosity, my students have more opportunities to explore, imagine, and grow with confidence.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and their learning. Your kindness has made a meaningful and lasting impact in our classroom, and we are so grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1763135642942,"projectUrl":"project/creating-well-rounded-students/9874684/","projectTitle":"Creating Well Rounded Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ayers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10341460"},{"teacherId":9520213,"projectId":9868019,"letterContent":"Chair bands have had a significant positive impact on my students' focus and self-regulation. Many of my students benefit from movement, and the bands provide a quiet, non-disruptive way for them to release energy while staying seated and engaged.\r\n\r\nSince implementing chair bands:\r\n\r\nStudents demonstrate improved on-task behavior.\r\n\r\nThere are fewer disruptions related to fidgeting or leaving seats.\r\n\r\nStudents who struggle with attention are able to maintain focus for longer periods.\r\n\r\nAnxiety and restlessness have decreased for some learners.\r\n\r\nThe bands support sensory needs and allow students to move without distracting peers, creating a calmer and more productive classroom environment overall.","fullyFundedDate":1763135642829,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-into-creativity-inspiring-young/9868019/","projectTitle":"Rolling Into Creativity: Inspiring Young Writers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kingseed","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9520213"},{"teacherId":10337519,"projectId":9867913,"letterContent":"The cube organizers and shelves are now being used to store our everyday teaching supplies, and they've made a noticeable difference in how our classroom feels and functions. Having supplies clearly organized and easy to access helps lessons run more smoothly and keeps our focus on learning instead of searching for materials. A small but meaningful moment was seeing how quickly we could transition between activities because everything had a designated place.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new shelves, they were immediately drawn to the bright colors and fun look. Several students commented on how cheerful the classroom felt, and it sparked excitement about being in a space that looks cared for and inviting. Even though the cubes hold teaching supplies, the colorful setup adds energy to the room and helps create a positive learning environment.\r\n\r\nBecause of our donors' support, our classroom is now more organized and visually engaging. Our next steps are continuing with our current lessons knowing that instruction time is maximized and materials are always ready to go. The improved organization helps create a calmer, more efficient space where students can focus, participate, and enjoy learning each day. We're very grateful for the support that helped make this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1762065901487,"projectUrl":"project/a-place-for-everything-helping-my-2nd-g/9867913/","projectTitle":"A Place for Everything: Helping My 2nd Graders Stay Organized!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hilliker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10337519_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761923502262","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10337519"},{"teacherId":10337611,"projectId":9868041,"letterContent":"As a literacy teacher it is my responsibility to progress monitor my students each week. While I work one-on-one with students, I need engaging activities that align with the literacy skills we are practicing. These activities allow students to work independently while staying connected to our learning goals. \r\n\r\nThe materials I've purchased using the funds you donated have been fun, interactive and an independent option that my students genuinely look forward to using each week. Thank you for choosing to donate to my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1762379507813,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-literacy-experience/9868041/","projectTitle":"Hands On Literacy Experience","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Christman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10337611"},{"teacherId":10337067,"projectId":9867184,"letterContent":"I want to thank you again for your generous donation to my class. My students have been greatly impacted by the items that were donated. \r\n\r\nWith all the weather we have got my students took full advantage of the card games that were donated. Also, my students have loved the flexible seating options that have been provided to them. For Christmas, they were able to make their parents' ornaments that were very special. I had a lot of parents tell me how cute they were. In addition, I was able to use the colored paper to make my lessons more engaging for the students. \r\n\r\nOverall, I am very grateful for your donation to my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1762038550402,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials/9867184/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beickelman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10337067"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_85638","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":355,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":44,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":84,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":11,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"16.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":82.6,"schoolId":85638,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Old Fort Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Old Fort Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/ohio/old-fort-local-school-district/old-fort-elementary-school/85638"}