{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Deer Creek Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6053083,"projectId":10476220,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of a 3D printer to our elementary STEM program. As a Pre-K through fourth-grade STEM teacher, I have the opportunity to introduce hundreds of young students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on experiences. Your donation gives my students access to a technology that many of them have heard about or seen online but have never had the opportunity to experience for themselves. A 3D printer allows students to see how an idea on a computer can become a real, physical object they can hold in their hands. Throughout the school year, students will learn about the 3D printing process, including how objects are designed, how a digital model is prepared for printing, and how the printer builds an object one thin layer at a time. What makes this technology especially valuable in an elementary STEM classroom is that students are not simply watching a machine work. They are learning that technology can be a tool for designing, creating, problem-solving, and improving their own ideas. For many students, watching the printer create an object right in front of them feels almost like magic. Their excitement quickly turns into curiosity as they begin asking questions about how the printer works, how long an object will take to print, why certain designs work better than others, and what else they might be able to create.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting ways we will use your donated 3D printer is during my third-grade electricity and circuits unit. My students first learn how electricity travels through a complete circuit and experiment with coin-cell batteries and small LED Christmas lights. They then apply what they have learned by creating their own light-up night-light. The 3D printer allows us to take this project far beyond a traditional classroom circuit activity. Students will be introduced to 3D design and see how a digital design becomes the structure for their night-light. The printed design will work together with the coin battery and LED light to create a finished product that actually lights up. This project combines science, technology, engineering, and creativity into one meaningful learning experience. Instead of simply completing a worksheet about circuits, students build something that demonstrates their understanding of how a circuit works. They can troubleshoot when something does not work correctly, make adjustments, and experience the satisfaction of solving a real problem. The best part is that they will be able to take their finished night-light home and share what they learned with their families. Students who may not always see themselves as scientists or engineers often become especially engaged when they realize that STEM allows them to create something uniquely their own. A student who may hesitate to participate in a traditional science lesson can suddenly become the student who wants to know everything about the printer, helps troubleshoot a circuit, or eagerly explains to a classmate why an LED is not lighting.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping me provide experiences that my students will remember long after they leave my STEM classroom. At the elementary level, one of my most important goals is to expose students to technologies and careers they may not otherwise encounter and help them discover what excites them. They do not need to become experts in 3D printing in third grade; they simply need the opportunity to experience it, ask questions, create something, and begin imagining what they might be capable of doing in the future. This 3D printer will be used with students across multiple grade levels and for many projects for years to come, making the impact of your donation extend far beyond a single lesson or group of students. Because of your support, my students will have the opportunity to move from learning about technology to actually using technology as designers, problem-solvers, and creators. Thank you for investing in our students, supporting hands-on STEM education, and helping bring innovative technology into our classroom. Your generosity is giving young learners opportunities to explore, experiment, create, and discover that they are capable of doing amazing things with STEM.","fullyFundedDate":1787587668214,"projectUrl":"project/3d-printing-meets-circuits/10476220/","projectTitle":"3D Printing Meets Circuits","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cunningham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6053083_orig.jpg?crop=3648,3648,x0,y912&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723986554412","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6053083"},{"teacherId":7260204,"projectId":10292026,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our art classroom! Your generous donation has given my students the opportunity to work with clay, and they are absolutely loving it. Our 3rd graders are currently creating clay trays and pinch pots, using their imaginations to turn a simple piece of clay into something completely their own. It has been wonderful to see their excitement as they learn to shape, build, and problem-solve with this hands-on material.\r\n\r\nYour support will continue to make an impact throughout the school year as students in the other grade levels get their turn to work with clay. For many of my students, this is a unique opportunity to experience a three-dimensional art material that they may not otherwise have access to. Thank you for helping make our art room a place where students can explore, create, and discover what they are capable of making!","fullyFundedDate":1783960395351,"projectUrl":"project/from-clay-to-loom/10292026/","projectTitle":"From Clay to Loom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bigham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7260204_orig.jpg?crop=672,672,x89,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1591217379804","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7260204"},{"teacherId":7276647,"projectId":10691984,"letterContent":"I wish you could've seen my kids' faces when they saw these new books. They love the way they are organized and love that they look challenging! Most of the decodable books we have look like beginning reader books, but these look like they are so much more! \r\nOne of the biggest benefits is that students are able to apply the phonics skills they are learning in a text that feels fun and authentic. The combination of colorful illustrations, humor, and engaging characters help students stay motivated while practicing skills that can sometimes feel difficult to them.","fullyFundedDate":1790285020266,"projectUrl":"project/yak-it-up-building-readers-one-comic-at/10691984/","projectTitle":"Yak It Up! Building Readers One Comic at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7276647"},{"teacherId":10578008,"projectId":10451171,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom through DonorsChoose! Your generosity has already made a difference for my first-grade students, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to provide them with materials that make learning more hands-on, engaging, and meaningful.\r\n\r\nWhen some of the original items in my project became unavailable, I was able to use the funds to choose other resources that my students will benefit from throughout the school year, including math manipulatives such as counters and dice, as well as small storage containers to help keep our classroom materials organized and accessible.\r\n\r\nThe counters and dice will give my students opportunities to practice counting, addition, subtraction, and problem-solving with materials they can actually touch and move. With these items, my students can build numbers, show their thinking, and work together to solve problems.\r\n\r\nYour donation also provided a beautiful front facing bookshelf and a large bookshelf for storage of books and games. These two bookshelves help to add to the aesthetics of our classroom, as well as organize our classroom library and supplies. \r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping me create a classroom where they can explore, practice, and grow. Your support is helping give my first graders the tools they need to build a strong foundation in math and become confident learners. I truly appreciate your generosity and the difference you are making in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1786232189837,"projectUrl":"project/mrs-spains-reading-corner/10451171/","projectTitle":"Mrs. Spain’s Reading Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Spain","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10578008"},{"teacherId":7276647,"projectId":10215673,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with the Sticks and Rings, Hand2mind Essential Toolkit, and LCD Writing Tablets! These hands-on resources will give my students engaging and meaningful ways to practice important literacy and math skills while building confidence in their learning.\r\n\r\nThe Sticks and Rings and Hand2mind Essential Toolkit will provide students with opportunities to learn through hands-on activities, practice foundational skills, and work collaboratively with their classmates. The LCD writing tablets will be especially helpful for students to practice writing, spelling, word work, math problems, and other skills without the pressure of using paper and pencil.\r\n\r\nThese resources will make learning more interactive and fun while allowing students to practice skills in ways that meet their individual learning needs. Your generosity is helping us create a classroom where students can learn, explore, and grow.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping provide them with the tools they need to succeed. I truly appreciate your support!","fullyFundedDate":1777757619503,"projectUrl":"project/read-the-code/10215673/","projectTitle":"Read the Code!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7276647"},{"teacherId":4586386,"projectId":10215679,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping our kindergarteners get their wiggles out! The kids could not contain their excitement when I rolled the cart of new toys in our classroom! We love these toys for our hot Oklahoma afternoons. We have been using them to enjoy indoor recess as it has been much too hot to be outside. \r\nThe parachute has been a big favorite. Not only has it been a fun game, it is a great learning tool. We had to work on patience, turn taking, sharing the handles, and working together to keep the balls on the parachute. This one toy kept us entertained for quite some time!\r\nThe crayons have been perfect for back to school time with young students. Many students run through a box of crayons in a week, so having backup is great. All the school supplies have been used and will continue being used across our kindergarten team. All the items purchased are reaching almost 100 students in our school!\r\nThank you for supporting public education and having a positive impact on a child's day in kindergarten.","fullyFundedDate":1778549107674,"projectUrl":"project/get-your-body-moving/10215679/","projectTitle":"Get Your Body Moving!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Klein","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4586386_orig.jpg?crop=502,502,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1730735450690","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4586386"},{"teacherId":3550387,"projectId":10228763,"letterContent":"With these four new novel class sets, reading instruction and engagement has changed dramatically in my classroom. Simply having a physical books in students' hands makes learning immediately more engaging especially in today's technology-filled world. The senses of touch and sight combined with listening to the read-aloud brings more life to their reading. The students also love seeing the pictures up close.\r\n\r\nIn addition, students who were absent have a much easier time of catching up on the reading now that each student has a copy of the book. I am also able to engage students with comprehension activities, and the students can use the books to reread and look for answers. The books will also be great for novel projects and summarizing activities when we finish each book set.\r\n\r\nHopefully this helps you understand why having the \"whole book in our hands\" was so important and know that we are all grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1781125451175,"projectUrl":"project/we-want-the-whole-book-in-our-hands/10228763/","projectTitle":"We Want the Whole Book In Our Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. VanZandt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3550387_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689020219069","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jennifer-vanzandt"},{"teacherId":3602211,"projectId":10222104,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our fourth-grade students by providing two brand-new class sets of the book Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. Your generosity has given our students more than just new books - it has given them the opportunity to participate in a meaningful and impactful shared reading experience. This opportunity will strengthen students' reading and comprehension skills as well as inspire meaningful collaborative discussions about World War II, courage, friendship, bravery, resistance, and the ways ordinary people can make extraordinary choices. \r\n\r\nOur previous Number the Stars books had been used for many years and were worn, torn, taped, and glued together. Many copies even had sections of missing pages or were falling apart in students' hands. These new class sets will reduce damage-related distractions allowing students to fully engage with the story and class discussions - no more spending valuable learning time searching for missing pages, arguing over a shared copy of the book, or stressing about rips and pages that are barely hanging on!\r\n\r\nIn addition to being a distraction, the poor condition of our previous books did not make the book very appealing to students - who would be excited to read a book whose cover is long gone or a book that is missing a third of its pages? Not me and certainly not our young readers. They deserve better. Thanks to you, they now have better. These brand-new copies are appealing and exciting, but more importantly, they communicate an important message: their learning matters and they deserve high-quality resources.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students, our school, and the lasting value of literature. Your generosity has helped create a stronger, more engaging learning experience for every fourth-grade reader at Deer Creek Elementary now and in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1778691131123,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-all/10222104/","projectTitle":"Books for All!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Coultes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3602211_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740157146035","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3602211"},{"teacherId":6053083,"projectId":10243960,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our STEM program. Your donation has made a meaningful impact on my students by providing materials that allow them to learn science and engineering through hands-on experiences. Because of your generosity, students are able to use ChompSaws to safely build and create, conduct science experiments with quality supplies, use 3D printer filament to design and print working night lights, and build and test straw rockets as they explore flight and engineering.\r\n\r\nThese materials do much more than simply stock our STEM lab. They give students opportunities to ask questions, solve problems, test their ideas, make improvements, and experience the excitement of creating something themselves. For many of my students, these projects are the moments when science concepts truly come to life. They are building confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills while discovering that they can be scientists, engineers, designers, and inventors.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping provide learning experiences that they will remember long after they leave the STEM lab. Your generosity is truly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1783960603051,"projectUrl":"project/engineering-design-tool-kit/10243960/","projectTitle":"Engineering Design Tool Kit","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cunningham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6053083_orig.jpg?crop=3648,3648,x0,y912&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723986554412","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6053083"},{"teacherId":8556460,"projectId":10230760,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our pre-k playground project! Because of your support, our young learners now have access to engaging, developmentally appropriate equipment that is already transforming our outdoor learning time.\r\nThe tricycles, storage rack, hula hoops, foam pogo sticks, and sit scooter boards have become instant favorites. Every day we see children building coordination, balance, and strength as they ride, hop, scoot, and play. Just as importantly, these materials are sparking cooperation, turn-taking, and joyful imaginative play. Students who were once hesitant to join group activities are now confidently inviting friends to \"race\" or \"take a turn,\" practicing important social-emotional skills in the most natural way possible.\r\nHaving a proper storage rack has made a big difference, too. Our playground stays organized, and every child has consistent, reliable access to the equipment. No more lost pieces or uneven opportunities—everyone gets to play and grow.\r\nYour generosity has helped create an active, joyful learning environment where our pre-k students can develop healthy habits, grow their confidence, and build foundational skills that will support them for years to come. We are so grateful to you for believing in our students and in the power of play.\r\nWith heartfelt thanks from our entire classroom community,","fullyFundedDate":1778703325832,"projectUrl":"project/pedal-play-and-grow/10230760/","projectTitle":"Pedal, Play, and Grow!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Burke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8556460_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745668329865","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8556460"},{"teacherId":8816429,"projectId":9774754,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for funding my project! My students LOVE these new books. Each set has 20 decodable stories, both fiction and nonfiction. The stories are engaging and help us work on vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. The students are motivated to read each day in our small group. The students' self-confidence increases with each reading. The books are on their level and the students can apply newly learned phonics skills while reading these stories. These are the first decodable books I've found that students beg to read. \r\n\r\nThanks again for supporting my students! Your gift will impact students for years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1766726708921,"projectUrl":"project/developing-confident-skilled-readers/9774754/","projectTitle":"Developing Confident & Skilled Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dowler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8816429_orig.jpg?crop=805,805,x63,y124&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666988319207","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8816429"},{"teacherId":7276647,"projectId":9818121,"letterContent":"Since receiving these new resources, my students have been using them daily during literacy centers and small-group instruction. One of my favorite moments was during our rhyme sort activity when a student who typically struggles with reading confidently explained why two words rhymed and helped a classmate fix a mistake. Using the magnetic letter builder set, students are actively building words we've learned, changing one sound at a time, and reading their new words aloud with pride. The touch-and-read syllable match has been especially powerful, allowing students to clap, tap, and segment words while physically moving pieces—helping abstract skills become concrete.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. They couldn't wait to explore, asking, \"When do we get to use this?\" and \"Can I try that next?\" Learning instantly felt like play, and even my most hesitant learners jumped in with confidence. The letters and numbers pop-and-learn game quickly became a favorite, keeping students engaged while reinforcing essential skills.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our next steps include using these tools to deepen decoding, spelling, and early writing skills. Students will continue rotating through centers that focus on word building, syllable work, and letter formation, gradually moving from guided practice to independent application. Your support has not only enhanced our lessons but has created a classroom environment where students feel excited, capable, and proud of their learning. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to grow together—you've truly become part of our classroom story.","fullyFundedDate":1763177390009,"projectUrl":"project/rhyme-build-and-shine-growing-reader/9818121/","projectTitle":"“Rhyme, Build, and Shine: Growing Readers Through Playtime Design”","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7276647"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_86941","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":529,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":32,"percentAsian":15,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":50,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":13,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":11,"gradesServed":"K - 3","studentTeacherRatio":"20.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.3,"schoolId":86941,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Deer Creek Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Deer Creek Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oklahoma/deer-creek-public-schools/deer-creek-elementary-school/86941"}