{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Steelton - Highspire Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":53.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3995017,"projectId":10362199,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring our From Pencils to Possibilities project to life! My students have been loving all of their new classroom supplies! They were especially excited to have their very own computer mice to use with their Chromebooks. It may seem like a small thing, but having a mouse has made such a big difference in their ability to navigate their computers and complete assignments more independently!\r\n\r\nWe've also been putting our pencils, folders, headphones, and other supplies to good use! Whether we're working on reading and writing activities, listening to stories, or completing creative projects, these materials help keep our students organized, engaged, and ready to learn. It's wonderful knowing that everyone has the tools they need to participate and be successful.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the school year, we'll be working on becoming stronger readers, more confident writers, and more independent learners. Thanks to your kindness, we have the supplies to help us reach those goals! We are so grateful for your support and for helping make our classroom a place where little tools can lead to big possibilities!","fullyFundedDate":1785674247064,"projectUrl":"project/from-pencils-to-possibilities/10362199/","projectTitle":"From Pencils to Possibilities!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shaud","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3995017_orig.jpg?crop=1057,1057,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1783019790881","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/shaud"},{"teacherId":9540946,"projectId":10370053,"letterContent":"When our books arrived, the students were so excited! They had the opportunity to choose a book to explore and read, then trade with a friend to enjoy another book in the series. They were immediately drawn to the unique format of these books, which combine decodable text with engaging comics that illustrate and support the story.\r\n\r\nThese books are being used during small-group reading intervention, and they have opened up an exciting new opportunity for our students. For the first time, students in our reading groups are experiencing the joy of reading chapter books, just like some of their peers. Because the text is decodable, students can practice their reading skills with greater confidence and success. The illustrations help support their understanding of the plot, while rereading allows them to build fluency, strengthen comprehension, and develop greater independence as readers.\r\n\r\nReading in our small groups has become an opportunity for students to read independently, share books with one another, and discuss the stories together. The engaging plots and comic-style illustrations keep students interested and encourage them to think about what they are reading. Most excitingly, these books have sparked a renewed enthusiasm for reading, especially among students who have previously been reluctant readers. The accessible text and engaging format help students experience success and discover that reading can be both enjoyable and rewarding.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the most meaningful impact has been hearing the students express how much they love these books and how excited they are to read the next one! Seeing students build confidence, share their excitement with friends, and eagerly return to reading reminds us how important it is for every child to have access to books that meet their needs and inspire them to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible! Your generosity has given our students more than books. You have given them opportunities to build essential reading skills, experience the pride that comes with success, and develop a love of reading that we hope will continue to grow for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1789616317619,"projectUrl":"project/boost-reading-confidence/10370053/","projectTitle":"Boost Reading Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Davis","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9540946_orig.png?crop=340,340,x29,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720746713500","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-jdavis-shsd"},{"teacherId":7730539,"projectId":10321513,"letterContent":"The first grade teachers would like to send you all an official THANK YOU! Because of you, we were able to get every single student in first grade a sturdy take home folder that will last them all year long. These folders came just in time for the first day of school too, which was a huge relief! \r\nThe students are now able to take finished work home with them to share with their families and show pride in what they do. They are also able to keep their homework in these folders and any other important papers. We are so grateful for this tool that you have provided for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1786273630806,"projectUrl":"project/take-home-folders/10321513/","projectTitle":"Take Home Folders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Steckbeck","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7730539_orig.jpg?crop=1429,1429,x9,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672800877030","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7730539"},{"teacherId":1389684,"projectId":10220587,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of our classroom. Because of your kindness, my students now have a comfortable classroom carpet and engaging chapter books that have transformed our learning environment. The first time the students saw the new carpet, they were so excited to gather together for our morning meeting and read-aloud time. They immediately noticed how cozy and inviting our classroom felt, and they couldn't wait to begin reading together.\r\n\r\nWe use the carpet every day for whole-group lessons, class discussions, and interactive reading activities. During our reading lessons, students eagerly gather together to predict what will happen next, discuss characters, and share their favorite parts of the story. Watching them become excited about reading and confidently participate in conversations has been one of the most rewarding moments this year.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping build a classroom community where students feel comfortable, engaged, and excited to learn. As we continue through the school year, we'll use these resources for literature circles, reading comprehension projects, and collaborative lessons that encourage critical thinking and a lifelong love of reading. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in the lives of my students. Your support has created opportunities that they will remember long after this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1777162386806,"projectUrl":"project/the-great-carpet-and-chapter-quest/10220587/","projectTitle":"The Great Carpet and Chapter Quest","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Esposito","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1389684_orig.jpg?crop=1821,1821,x0,y48&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689713007401","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-esposito"},{"teacherId":10303748,"projectId":10068379,"letterContent":"With your donation for recorders, each 3rd grade student is able to have their own recorder to use for the rest of the school year. We have been working on reading notation through games and activities all year and are now refining that skill with these instruments. After watching a video or a recorder ensemble performing, and discussing parts of a recorder, I was able to show my classes their own bin with recorders, each labeled with their names. As they cheered, I explained that our donors each had connections to the school and they were amazed. \r\n\r\nWith so much gratitude for your generosity, THANK YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1772121816244,"projectUrl":"project/just-for-the-recorder/10068379/","projectTitle":"Just For The Record(er)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10303748"},{"teacherId":1389684,"projectId":7075660,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom feels like a completely different place—in the best way. What used to be moments of frustration or overwhelm have started to turn into opportunities for students to pause, reset, and try again. The calming tools and flexible options you provided have given my students something they didn't have before: a way to understand and manage their emotions while staying part of our learning community. It's been so meaningful to watch them begin to recognize what they need and take those steps on their own.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part has been seeing how much my students genuinely love and value these materials. They treat the calming space as something special, and they're proud of themselves when they use it the right way. It's not just about taking a break—it's about building independence and confidence. They'll say things like, \"I just needed a minute,\" and then come back ready to learn. Those small moments feel really big in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThere are a few students who have especially connected with these tools. I'm thinking of one student who used to shut down when work felt too hard—now they quietly use a calming item, take a breath, and rejoin the group. Another student who often struggled to stay focused is now able to stay engaged for longer periods because they have an appropriate outlet for their energy. Seeing these changes has been incredibly powerful. Your support didn't just provide materials—it helped my students feel safe, capable, and ready to succeed every day.","fullyFundedDate":1672278817447,"projectUrl":"project/be-the-calm-in-the-storm/7075660/","projectTitle":"Be the Calm in the Storm!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Esposito","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1389684_orig.jpg?crop=1821,1821,x0,y48&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689713007401","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-esposito"},{"teacherId":981688,"projectId":10041191,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to this project. I have wanted to update our makerspace area for quite some time with more materials. My students, from kindergarten through sixth grade, are already enjoying the new puzzles, connect four, checkers, and there are arguments over who gets the Uno cards. \r\nI am actually calmed by their excitement because it means they are interacting face to face and not through screens. They are occupied in a positive, creative way. It's also fun to hear them teach each other their rules to the games. I am witnessing them playing, taking a break from their school rigor to just be kids. \r\nThanks for supporting my students' positive experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1771351702599,"projectUrl":"project/play-time-is-still-learning-time/10041191/","projectTitle":"Play Time is Still Learning Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feldser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp981688_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1519068243679","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/981688"},{"teacherId":981688,"projectId":9664866,"letterContent":"You have done an amazing thing. You have made it possible to restock an entire section of the library. Our nonfiction has been sadly out of date for awhile. Starting this year, I was determined to update the information available to my students, one topic at a time. Because of your funding of this project, we have brand new dinosaurs books! \r\nMany of my students are fascinated by dinosaurs and I felt guilty that the books available to them were from another decade and were barely holding together. These copies are sturdy enough that they will be able to be read by many curious kids. \r\nThank you for fueling a love of literacy.","fullyFundedDate":1768429889286,"projectUrl":"project/diggin-up-dino-books/9664866/","projectTitle":"Diggin Up Dino Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feldser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp981688_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1519068243679","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/981688"},{"teacherId":981688,"projectId":9348891,"letterContent":"Our non-fiction is horribly outdated; not just over 7 years, which is the nerdy standard for the American Librarian Association, but I mean like closer to the early 2000s. Now, I think we can agree that some facts do not change over time, but there are some topics where the information gets better, clearer, or yes, even corrected if it's inaccurate. \r\n\r\nMy goal starting this year was to purge all the outdated nonfiction from our library and start upgrading to more current sources. Because of this project, one shelf is complete! You have completely overhauled our cat-egory. Students have already checked out more of these titles than they ever have before. \r\nThank you for your generosity and donations to helping bring better non-fiction to my readers.","fullyFundedDate":1757730544472,"projectUrl":"project/new-non-fiction-here-kitty/9348891/","projectTitle":"New Non-Fiction: Here Kitty","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Feldser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp981688_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1519068243679","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/981688"},{"teacherId":5447896,"projectId":9344137,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our \"Seats for Success\" project. When my students first walked into the classroom and saw their new desks and chairs, their excitement was immediate and genuine. They noticed right away that the desks were level, clean, and free of graffiti and scratches, and that their chairs were comfortable and no longer bent or broken. It may seem like a simple change, but for my students, it made a big difference in how they felt about their classroom.\r\n\r\nThese new desks and chairs have helped create a more comfortable and focused learning environment. Students are less distracted and better able to concentrate on their work because they are no longer worrying about wobbling desks or uncomfortable seating. Even more meaningful, they have taken great pride in their new furniture and have been very respectful about keeping everything in good condition.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness and generosity, my students now have a classroom that feels welcoming, supportive, and ready for learning every day. Thank you for investing in their comfort, confidence, and success. Your support truly makes a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1751332692319,"projectUrl":"project/seats-for-success-desks-chairs-for-fu/9344137/","projectTitle":"Seats for Success: Desks & Chairs for Future Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Donnelly","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5447896_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1528245058555","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5447896"},{"teacherId":7730539,"projectId":9612069,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous monetary donations to support our first grade art supplies. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in our classrooms.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our students now have access to the materials they need to explore their creativity, express themselves, and build important skills through art. They especially love the Play-Doh! From colorful drawings to imaginative projects, these supplies have brought excitement and joy to our learning environment.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your commitment to our students and for investing in their education. Your generosity helps inspire creativity and makes learning even more engaging for our first graders.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support and belief in our students.","fullyFundedDate":1758838760156,"projectUrl":"project/art-supplies-for-first-grade/9612069/","projectTitle":"Art Supplies for First Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Steckbeck","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7730539_orig.jpg?crop=1429,1429,x9,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1672800877030","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7730539"},{"teacherId":9973881,"projectId":9562734,"letterContent":"Because of you, our autistic support classroom has been transformed in meaningful and lasting ways. Thanks to your generosity, our sensory items arrived earlier in the school year, and the impact was immediate.\r\n\r\nStudents now have access to tools that help them regulate their bodies throughout the school day. The trampoline is a popular item in the class at it allows for gross motor movement in period breaks, and two students are able to safely use it at one time. The crash pad is also another motivating item. Students are able to proprioceptively gain input by appropriately jumping or falling into it. With guidance from our wonderful Occupational Therapists, additional \"heavy work\" that allows students to lessen their heightened senses (i.e. calm their nervous system) by picking up the crash pad and moving it to another area of the room. Students are also enjoying the body socks, dot markers, and other tools received with this donation.\r\n\r\nSince introducing these items, I have already seen students remain engaged for longer periods, recover more quickly from moments of overwhelm, and participate more confidently in classroom activities. These sensory supports are not just improving behavior—they are increasing access to learning and independence for students who need it most.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create a classroom environment where students feel safe, understood, and ready to learn. Most importantly, you've shown my students that people they may never meet believe in them and want them to succeed.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a real difference in our classroom. Your generosity is felt every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1754937657154,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-needs-in-mr-ws-room/9562734/","projectTitle":"Sensory Needs in Mr. W's Room","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Wilshire","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9973881_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y138&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742572639260","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9973881"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_89556","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":821,"numTeachers":48,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":47,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":27,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":14,"gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"17.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":46.6,"schoolId":89556,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Steelton - Highspire Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Steelton - Highspire Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/steelton-highspire-school-district-/steelton-highspire-elementary-school/89556"}