{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Van Buren Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":46.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6619914,"projectId":9695341,"letterContent":"My first grade students are beyond excited when a box arrives in our classroom. I explain to them that a very nice person decided to donate these resources for all of you to use. We open the box together and their faces are so excited and they can't wait to use it. \r\n I usually request hands on activities that they can use during small group time. Play based learning is of course their favorite time. The stem activities ignite their creativity beyond anything I can teach them. They absolutely love building and creating all sorts of things with the stem activities. \r\n I also love the math games. They learn to count and recognize numbers. They also are adding and subtracting while playing a game. This is so much more fun than just completing a worksheet. The more they are hands on with an activity increases their learning far more than a worksheet.\r\n Thank you so much for your contribution. We are so grateful for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1757423207908,"projectUrl":"project/stem-and-play/9695341/","projectTitle":"STEM and Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Noel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6619914"},{"teacherId":9993933,"projectId":9545120,"letterContent":"We have yet to use all of our new resources as camp kindergarten is an end of the year camp week. However, I have let the students play with the peppa pig diplox camping blocks and they used the fishing poles and fish during our ocean unit to learn one to one correspondence, counting and measuring. \r\n I did also show my students all of the other resources that came with our camp kindergarten project and explained to them how much fun we would be having at the end of the year with our camping gear and they are so excited and keep asking when we will get to go camping. \r\n the next steps on our current classroom and project will be to get more resources for anchor chart learning like notepads, more colors and dry erase markers. our class learns so much by using anchor charts and then writing their own ideas after getting the main ingredients from our whole group instructional time.","fullyFundedDate":1755200381725,"projectUrl":"project/camp-kindergarten-where-imagination-mee/9545120/","projectTitle":"Camp Kindergarten: Where Imagination Meets the Great Outdoors","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leslie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9993933_orig.jpg?crop=2059,2059,x50,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744166535122","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9993933"},{"teacherId":5479294,"projectId":9866496,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our Helping Hands, Full Hearts: Thanksgiving Food Packs for Students project made an immediate and meaningful difference in our classroom and community. As soon as the food packs arrived, my students' faces lit up with relief and excitement. Many of them whispered things like, \"Now my family will have enough,\" or held the bags carefully like they were something precious. Your support provided more than food—it provided comfort, dignity, and security during a week that can be very difficult for many of our families.\r\n\r\nIn class, we used the food packs to spark meaningful conversations about gratitude, helping others, and what it means to take care of our community. Students talked about how they planned to cook with their families, share meals with siblings, or save items to make their break easier. One student proudly said, \"I get to help my mom this time.\" That moment captured exactly what this project was all about—giving kids the chance to feel supported, seen, and empowered.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just fill backpacks. It filled hearts.\r\nThe next steps for our class include continuing our lessons around kindness, community, and giving back. We're working on a writing activity where students reflect on gratitude and the importance of supporting one another. Your gift has set the tone for a season of care and compassion in our classroom, and it will stay with these children long after the food is gone. Thank you for being a part of their story—and for making sure no child in our classroom feels hungry or forgotten this Thanksgiving.","fullyFundedDate":1762526602234,"projectUrl":"project/helping-hands-full-hearts-thanksgiving/9866496/","projectTitle":"Helping Hands, Full Hearts: Thanksgiving Food Packs for Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5479294_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566180058174","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5479294"},{"teacherId":6619914,"projectId":9244727,"letterContent":"My first grade students love learning math skills. First graders must learn their numbers 0 to 100. You provided my students number boards which helps the students learn counting to 100 by ones, twos, fives and tens. \r\n\r\nAlso the number line boards are very helpful for teaching addition and subtraction skills. The number line boards are laminated so it is very helpful for writing equations and erasing. The number line boards are clearly my students favorite tool. They always want to use their number line boards to do their addition and subtraction.\r\n\r\nThe excitement on my student's faces is very touching when they see all the fun things that donors contribute. I absolutely love Donors Choose. You are a lifesaver to teachers!","fullyFundedDate":1755906025423,"projectUrl":"project/1st-grade-math-masters/9244727/","projectTitle":"1st Grade Math Masters","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Noel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6619914"},{"teacherId":4550128,"projectId":9631051,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the donation to our classroom! The items have been a huge blessing. The markers have been so helpful while we do math together, and the erasers have come in so handy!\r\n\r\nThe microphone has been wonderful for our morning announcements. It has made the students so much clearer and easier to understand. Plus they love it because they feel like professionals. \r\n\r\nThe math games are also so great! They are going to be a big part of small group time for the rest of this year, as well as years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1756151715762,"projectUrl":"project/a-little-boost/9631051/","projectTitle":"A Little Boost","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Brown","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4550128_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1500252016149","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4550128"},{"teacherId":9993933,"projectId":9453381,"letterContent":"The first project of the year went off with a blast of color. We painted rocks together as a class. The students chose to paint their rocks however they wanted and got to take their rocks home to put in their homes or their gardens. Students were so excited to see paint, paint brushes and rocks. They enjoyed painting the rocks the way they chose to and they loved the finished product. \r\n We are also about to use the paint that we still have from this project to paint pumpkins to take home and we have upcycled the table cloth material into beautiful streamers for the classroom. Thank you so much for contributing to our beautiful classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1752630720527,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-color-to-our-classroom/9453381/","projectTitle":"Bringing Color to Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leslie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9993933_orig.jpg?crop=2059,2059,x50,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744166535122","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9993933"},{"teacherId":9993933,"projectId":9453343,"letterContent":"The manipulatives we received from engineering explorers have sparked the classes imagination. We use these manipulatives every morning to build our own unique inspirations or with a little help from builder cards I have included for the class. This starts the day off with imagination and gets students thinking and excited about learning. \r\n\r\nNormally students would start their day off after breakfast by sitting in the reading nook with a book while waiting to get morning meeting started but when I told them they could build whatever they wanted with all of our great new manipulatives they lit up with joy and still do. They hurry to eat their breakfast so they can get started building. \r\n\r\nWe will continue to use these great manipulatives to experiment with pushing and pulling, by seeing how high we can build and by continuing to let students experiment and build on their own with a little inspiration from our thematic units with themed cards of things they can build.","fullyFundedDate":1752248126515,"projectUrl":"project/engineering-explorers/9453343/","projectTitle":"Engineering Explorers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leslie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9993933_orig.jpg?crop=2059,2059,x50,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744166535122","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9993933"},{"teacherId":5479294,"projectId":9527278,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity! My students were so excited when they saw the new math materials. Their faces lit up, and they couldn't wait to use them. We've already put them to work during graphing and problem-solving lessons, and it's making math so much more engaging.\r\n\r\nThese resources are helping my students build confidence and enjoy learning. Our next steps are using them in upcoming data and problem-solving projects, and I know they will continue to make a big difference.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1758202897033,"projectUrl":"project/marvelous-math-materials-for-mini-mathem/9527278/","projectTitle":"Marvelous Math Materials for Mini Mathematicians","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5479294_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566180058174","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5479294"},{"teacherId":5479294,"projectId":9321943,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my classroom is now cozy, connected, and ready for learning! The technology and resources you helped provide have completely transformed the way my students engage with lessons and with one another.\r\n\r\nMany of you may use technology every day at home, but in schools, it becomes so much more than a convenience—it's a lifeline for learning. With the tools you helped provide, my students are able to collaborate, explore interactive lessons, and access resources that meet their unique needs. For students who are still developing confidence in reading and math, technology has given them opportunities to learn at their own pace and celebrate small wins along the way.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been the chance to use the new technology in creative and hands-on ways. Whether it's working on interactive activities, solving digital puzzles together, or engaging with lessons in ways that feel like games, they are more motivated than ever to participate. Learning no longer feels like a chore—it feels like an adventure.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular, who often struggled to stay engaged, has really warmed to this new technology. He lights up when he gets the chance to take the lead in using it, and his confidence has soared. Moments like this remind me just how powerful your gift truly is.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my classroom is a more welcoming, exciting, and connected place to learn. You've made a lasting impact on my students' education, and we are so grateful for your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1746556517800,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-connected-and-classroom-ready/9321943/","projectTitle":"Cozy, Connected, and Classroom Ready!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5479294_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566180058174","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5479294"},{"teacherId":5479294,"projectId":9304249,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, Mission: Kindness for ALL! has taken root in our classroom and school community. Because of you, my students now have the resources and opportunities to practice kindness in meaningful ways every single day.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just provide materials—it created a movement. My students have learned how powerful their words and actions can be. They are holding each other accountable, celebrating acts of kindness, and seeing that even small gestures can make a big difference. For many of my students, who face challenges outside of school, this project has given them a safe, joyful space to experience compassion, teamwork, and belonging.\r\n\r\nWe've already seen incredible growth: students are stepping up as leaders, resolving conflicts peacefully, and spreading positivity throughout the school. One of my students told me, \"I feel like we're superheroes, but our power is kindness.\" That sentiment alone shows the lasting impact your donation has made.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, kindness is no longer just a word on the wall—it's a mission my students are living every day. Thank you for believing in them and giving them the chance to change their world with kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1746458256674,"projectUrl":"project/mission-kindness-for-all/9304249/","projectTitle":"Mission: Kindness for ALL!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5479294_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566180058174","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5479294"},{"teacherId":4738399,"projectId":9444620,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of the students and library project.\r\n\r\nMy students are so excited to meet their reading goals and earn these prizes. Your donation will directly help foster a love of reading in our school. The prizes, including the drawing for graphic novels for my older students, are a great motivator.\r\n\r\nEvery book and reward helps make reading an adventure, and your contribution truly makes a difference in our students' lives. We're so grateful for your partnership in their education!","fullyFundedDate":1752943344860,"projectUrl":"project/reading-rewards/9444620/","projectTitle":"Reading Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Briscoe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4738399_orig.jpg?crop=2432,2432,x0,y608&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752500617092","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4738399"},{"teacherId":9197957,"projectId":9585014,"letterContent":"Thanks to your donations we now have a new carpet to sit on! The carpet literally arrived 30 minutes before my first class and my students were so thankful that they didn't have to sit on the cold, hard tile floor. \r\n\r\nThe students definitely try to enjoy the carpet a little too much by laying down when they come to guidance class, but it shows how much they love it and need to sit comfortably so they are able to concentrate on the lesson. \r\n\r\nI hope you know how appreciated you are for you willingness to give to others! Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1755737769340,"projectUrl":"project/a-comfy-carpet-for-learning/9585014/","projectTitle":"A Comfy Carpet for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Randell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9197957"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_69271","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":342,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":86,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":81,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"16.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":53.3,"schoolId":69271,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Van Buren Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Van Buren Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oklahoma/oklahoma-city-school-district/van-buren-elementary-school/69271"}