{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Seneca East Local Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10348402,"projectId":9890612,"letterContent":"The beautiful, large world rug in my classroom, decorated with a map of the United States, has become much more than just a gathering space — it has become an interactive learning tool that supports student understanding in meaningful and authentic ways. As we implement the CKLA curriculum and study regions of the world such as Asia, Europe, and North America, the rug provides a concrete visual reference that helps students connect abstract geographic concepts to something tangible right beneath their feet.\r\n\r\nSecond graders often struggle to conceptualize distance, direction, and relative location when looking only at a small map in a textbook. By sitting directly on a map of the United States each day, students are immersed in geography. They can physically point to states, trace coastlines, and identify bodies of water. During discussions, I frequently hear comments such as, \"Oh look, that's where the Atlantic Ocean is!\" or \"We are here in Ohio — that's in the Midwest!\" These spontaneous observations show that students are internalizing vocabulary and geographic concepts in an authentic way.\r\n\r\nThe rug has also strengthened their understanding of where we are located in comparison to the places we study in CKLA. When learning about Asia or Europe, students naturally begin asking questions about oceans, continents, and travel distance. We are able to physically stand on the eastern coast and discuss how someone might travel across the Atlantic Ocean to reach Europe. This spatial awareness deepens comprehension and makes global studies more meaningful.\r\n\r\nIn addition to geography skills, the rug creates a relaxed and inviting space for our CKLA Read-Aloud lessons. Students gather together comfortably, which fosters an enjoyable listening environment where they can fully engage in the stories and informational texts. Reading for enjoyment is always a positive in the classroom, and this shared space allows students to associate learning with comfort, curiosity, and excitement. The Read-Aloud books have given them not only knowledge, but also a love for listening and learning together.\r\n\r\nAlthough we have not yet reached the Human Body unit, I am confident that students will be incredibly excited to create the life-sized human body puzzle that was generously donated to our classroom. Based on their enthusiasm for hands-on learning with the map rug, I anticipate that this interactive activity will further deepen their engagement and understanding.\r\n\r\nOverall, the United States map rug has transformed an everyday classroom item into a powerful instructional tool. It supports engagement, reinforces CKLA content, encourages joyful reading experiences, and helps students develop a stronger sense of place — both within our country and in the wider world.","fullyFundedDate":1762912523546,"projectUrl":"project/worldly-education/9890612/","projectTitle":"Worldly Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chaffee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10348402"},{"teacherId":10355789,"projectId":9907781,"letterContent":"As soon my students saw the big box, they couldn't wait to see what was inside. When I opened the box, they unpacked the game boxes with excitement. Everyone had a pick they wanted to play first. \r\n\r\nWe picked a beginning sounds game to play. The game really reinforced the consonant sounds we have been working on in class. I was surprised by the focus of my kindergarten group. Sometimes they can be hard to keep on task but they love to play games and didn't really realize that they were learning too!\r\n\r\nNow we play games to reinforce lesson concepts almost everyday. They best part is that my kids are practicing lesson concepts in a fun way. We have actually been able to get through more lesson material because my kids know that when we finish the lesson for the day, we can play a learning game with the time that is left.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for placing educational games and activities in my classroom that I wouldn't have been able to purchase for myself. The kids and myself are so grateful to have these activities to make learning fun!","fullyFundedDate":1763745363013,"projectUrl":"project/help-struggling-readers-take-off-with-ph/9907781/","projectTitle":"Help Struggling Readers Take Off With Phonemic Awareness!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Margraf","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10355789"},{"teacherId":10353991,"projectId":9935930,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire class, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of a classroom couch. Your thoughtful gift has already made a meaningful difference in our learning environment, and we are so grateful for your support. It may seem like a simple piece of furniture, but to our students, it represents comfort, care, and a place where they feel valued.\r\n\r\nThe addition of the couch has helped transform our classroom into a warmer, more inviting space. Classrooms are not just places where students complete assignments—they are communities where children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Having a comfortable seating area creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages students to feel at ease. When students walk into a space that feels cozy and thoughtfully designed, they are more relaxed and ready to engage in learning.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your support and the positive impact you've made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1769539827758,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-corner-project/9935930/","projectTitle":"Comfort Corner Project","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ruffing","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10353991_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763562232145","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10353991"},{"teacherId":10348976,"projectId":9892159,"letterContent":"I am using my literacy cart for storage of my phonics first materials. I have two grades I use these materials for that require space. My students have their own folders and white boards now too. The whiteboard component of the cart is exactly what I needed for example use and for students to write example sentences. \r\nMy students immediately wanted to help me build my cart and help me organize my materials. They were very excited and love that I can easily display new red words and math problems.","fullyFundedDate":1764858761075,"projectUrl":"project/my-literacy-learning-station/9892159/","projectTitle":"My Literacy Learning Station!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Reed","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10348976"},{"teacherId":1520352,"projectId":9895345,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my classroom. With your donation, I was able to receive an ipad and case for my 2nd grade classroom. When I was asking for the donation, my main purpose for this iPad was to use it to complete assessments with my students in a more timely manner. Completing assessments on this ipad has certainly sped up the assessment process, which saves time and allows me to get through students quicker. This saves time on assessments and gives me back more instructional time - which is invaluable!\r\n\r\nAfter getting the ipad, I knew there would be other uses for it. Recently I started using the blending board from the UFLI website to complete interventions with students needing some extra help. I had been using a physical blending board - which was helpful, but took time to set up and reset after each student. Using the digital blending board on the ipad with students has been so much quicker and easier to use - but gives students the same benefit. It also allows me to complete this valuable intervention with more students. I know I will find additional uses for this ipad in my classroom and I am grateful for your help in obtaining it. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1764961123146,"projectUrl":"project/speed-up-those-assessments/9895345/","projectTitle":"Speed Up Those Assessments!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bozo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1520352"},{"teacherId":10353553,"projectId":9954734,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your very generous donation to our classroom. From the moment we enrolled our new rug students were ready to come to it to do their class work. They are truly so appreciative of a comfortable place to spread out to complete their work.\r\n When it was first delivered students were in class so we couldn't immediately unroll it and the suspense made the surprise even more exciting. I enrolled it after school and the students returned the next day to our new rug. It is very large and perfect for a lot of students to utilize!\r\nThe next steps to our classroom is to get a few bean chairs that are a co.fort spot for students ts to escape to and read, work independently, or just calm down for a moment.","fullyFundedDate":1769539827970,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-collaboration-carpet/9954734/","projectTitle":"Classroom Collaboration Carpet","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Aichholz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10353553_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765402237170","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10353553"},{"teacherId":806844,"projectId":9895914,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to our project for our classroom so we could get fun learning resources for our reading classroom. As soon as the boxes of materials started coming the students were so excited to open them and see what was inside.\r\n The students especially loved the learning cards and interactive pens as well as the finger trackers to keep them on track. Many of my students having reading difficulties and these trackers and interactive pens made it easier for them to stay focused. They also really enjoy the pop it's that are used for phonemic awareness skills as well as phonics word building skills.The 3M paper, sticky notes, and supplies have made it easier to be a more effective teacher as well. My students benefit greatly from every resource that you helped provide. Thank you very much! We appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1763262810512,"projectUrl":"project/word-wizards/9895914/","projectTitle":"Word Wizards","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kendrick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp806844_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1451192426552","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-scheid"},{"teacherId":10348776,"projectId":9891513,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for supporting our kindergarten classroom. Because of you, my students now have hands-on STEM materials and multisensory handwriting tools that make learning active, engaging, and fun every single day.\r\n\r\nWe use the materials daily during our literacy and STEM centers. Students practice letter formation using tactile tools like sensory trays, tracing boards, and hands-on manipulatives that strengthen their fine motor skills while making handwriting feel like play. During STEM time, they build, design, and problem-solve with the new construction and exploration materials. One special moment that stands out was watching a small group work together to build a bridge for our \"Three Billy Goats Gruff\" STEM challenge. After testing and improving their designs, they proudly labeled their creations using their new handwriting tools. Seeing them connect building, writing, and storytelling all in one activity was incredible.\r\n\r\nTheir excitement was immediate! There were lots of \"Wow!\" and \"Can we try this now?\" comments. They couldn't wait to touch everything and start exploring. Even students who sometimes feel unsure about writing were eager to jump in because the tools felt fun and inviting. The materials truly sparked curiosity and confidence right away.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll continue using these resources to support small-group learning and independent centers. We're beginning a classroom project where students will design and build simple structures, then write and illustrate about how they created them. This will help strengthen both their problem-solving skills and their ability to communicate their ideas through writing. Your support is helping us build strong foundations in both STEM thinking and early literacy.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my kindergarteners opportunities to learn through hands-on discovery. Your kindness is making a lasting difference in their confidence, creativity, and love of learning. We are so grateful for you!","fullyFundedDate":1763056615994,"projectUrl":"project/little-engineers-big-writers/9891513/","projectTitle":"Little Engineers, Big Writers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gilly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10348776"},{"teacherId":10348984,"projectId":9892178,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and generosity! Your donations have funded some wonderful new materials for my classroom that have made learning more engaging for my preschool students.\r\n\r\nI want to share how we used a few specific items in the classroom. The Pete the Cat game is loved by all my students. By playing this engaging game, my preschoolers learned about shapes while also learning how to take turns and cooperate with others. Another favorite was the mailbox. I turned our dramatic play area into a post office and the students loved mailing letters to each other. Dramatic plays helps students build their vocabulary, social-emotional skills and fosters creativity.\r\n \r\nThank you again for providing these experiences for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1763850306131,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-play/9892178/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Yost","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10348984"},{"teacherId":2395057,"projectId":9892226,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of you, my students now have access to high-quality books that perfectly align with our CKLA units, and the impact has been incredible.\r\n\r\nThe donated books were used throughout our CKLA lessons to build background knowledge, strengthen comprehension, and spark curiosity. Having the actual books in their hands made a huge difference—students were more engaged, more confident, and more excited to read. \r\n\r\nWe also used the books to create meaningful projects that extended learning beyond the text. Students completed research-based writing pieces, created visual projects, and participated in discussions that connected reading to science, history, and real-world topics. The books allowed us to dive deeper into CKLA units and encouraged students to ask thoughtful questions and make strong text-based connections.\r\n\r\nPerhaps most importantly, these books helped foster a love of reading. Students were eager to revisit texts, share facts they learned, and recommend books to classmates. The resources you provided turned reading into an active, hands-on experience rather than just an assignment.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their learning. Your generosity has made a lasting impact in our classroom, and we are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1763396008790,"projectUrl":"project/ckla-unit-books/9892226/","projectTitle":"CKLA Unit Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Perkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2395057_orig.jpg?crop=966,966,x0,y138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770309925710","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2395057"},{"teacherId":10356201,"projectId":9908289,"letterContent":"\"Lighting and Learning with an iPad\" has made a large impact in my classroom. My students love having a light by the carpet to make the room feel more homey and relaxing. They sit back there and read almost everyday. I also like to change the color of the light to match the holiday.\r\n\r\nThe iPad has really helped with testing. It allows me to go to students versus students coming to me. It really helps to speed things us. It is also much easier to use than a computer with a mouse attached. We use mClass progress monitoring, and it gets used every week.\r\n\r\nWe also use the iPad to practice facts, read books, and spin a random name wheel. The students get very excited when it is there turn to enjoy the touch screen.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for allowing me to have this wonderful things to use in my classroom. My students and I are very grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1763958281221,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-and-learning-with-an-ipad/9908289/","projectTitle":"Lighting and Learning With an iPad","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Robinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10356201"},{"teacherId":10348090,"projectId":9889637,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our Kindergarten classroom has been transformed with engaging, hands-on learning games and play-based materials that truly enhance student learning. These new items have provided my students with meaningful opportunities to learn through exploration, collaboration, and purposeful play.\r\n\r\nThe kids were so excited when I revealed our new surprises for the classroom! The games and materials purchased through this project encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and social interaction while reinforcing important academic skills. They look forward to using our new materials each day. My students are excited and motivated to learn, and their enthusiasm is evident each day as they actively engage with these new resources!\r\n\r\nThese hands-on learning tools have helped create a more dynamic and inclusive classroom environment where all students can learn in ways that best meet their needs. Thank you for investing in our classroom and helping make learning both meaningful and fun for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1763050791011,"projectUrl":"project/play-with-a-purpose-growing-kindergartn/9889637/","projectTitle":"Play with a Purpose: Growing Kindergartners Through Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rickel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10348090"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_85643","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":801,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":1,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":94,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":2,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"40.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":61.1,"schoolId":85643,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Seneca East Local Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Seneca East Local Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/ohio/seneca-east-local-school-district/seneca-east-local-school/85643"}