{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sto - Rox Upper Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":43.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8883898,"projectId":9801509,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students, families, and staff, I would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks for your generous donation in support of our classroom's sensory needs. Your kindness and commitment to education have made a meaningful and lasting impact on our learning environment, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nSensory resources play a vital role in helping students feel safe, comfortable, and ready to learn. Many children experience the world in unique ways, and for some, the classroom can feel overwhelming due to noise, lighting, textures, or constant movement. Your donation has helped us address these challenges in thoughtful and effective ways. Because of your generosity, we are able to provide tools and materials that support self-regulation, focus, and emotional well-being, allowing our students to engage more fully in their learning.\r\n\r\nThanks to your contribution, our classroom now includes sensory items such as flexible seating options, tactile tools, calming visuals, and quiet spaces where students can reset when they feel overstimulated. These resources are not simply \"extras\"; they are essential supports that help students manage stress, build independence, and develop confidence. We have already seen positive changes—students are more settled, transitions are smoother, and learning time is more productive and joyful.\r\n\r\nBeyond the immediate benefits, your donation sends a powerful message to our students: that they are seen, valued, and worthy of care. Knowing that members of the community believe in them and are willing to invest in their success has a profound effect on their self-esteem. Your generosity helps create an inclusive classroom where differences are respected and every child has the opportunity to thrive.\r\n\r\nWe also want to recognize the broader impact of your support on our educators. Teachers work tirelessly to meet the diverse needs of their students, and having access to appropriate sensory materials allows them to do so more effectively. Your donation empowers our staff with the tools they need to create a nurturing, responsive learning environment where all students can reach their potential.\r\n\r\nIt is important for you to know that your contribution will continue to make a difference well into the future. Sensory resources are used daily and benefit many students over time, ensuring that your generosity has a lasting legacy. Each moment of calm focus, each successful transition, and each small step toward independence is made possible, in part, because of your support.\r\n\r\nThank you for your compassion, your generosity, and your belief in the importance of meeting students' sensory and emotional needs. Community partnerships like yours are essential to creating strong, supportive schools, and we are truly thankful to have you as part of our extended classroom family.\r\n\r\nPlease accept our sincere appreciation for making a difference in the lives of our students. We hope you take pride in knowing that your donation has helped create a more inclusive, supportive, and joyful place to learn. We would be honored to share updates with you as our students continue to grow and benefit from your generosity.\r\n\r\nWith deepest gratitude and warmest thanks,","fullyFundedDate":1765996700114,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-needs/9801509/","projectTitle":"Sensory Needs!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Hara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8883898_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1670000369529","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/teacherohara"},{"teacherId":5362011,"projectId":9726456,"letterContent":"Our students are incredibly grateful for the generous support behind \"Turning Down the Noise, Turning Up the Success.\" Thanks to the Smarties Candy Company's donation of headphones, our classroom has become a more focused, calm, and productive learning environment. For many of our students, excess noise can be a major distraction, and these headphones have made an immediate difference—helping them tune out interruptions and fully engage in their work.\r\n\r\nWith fewer distractions, students are now better able to concentrate during their Lexia assignments on their Chromebooks. Lexia is a pivotal tool in our literacy instruction, providing targeted, individualized practice that reinforces skills taught in Reading and ELA classes. The ability to work independently and with focus has boosted student confidence and persistence, especially for learners who benefit from a quieter setting.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this project is directly supporting our students as they prepare for the PSSA assessments. By strengthening foundational reading skills and reinforcing classroom instruction, Lexia—paired with this simple but powerful resource—helps ensure our students feel prepared and capable. We are deeply thankful to DonorsChoose and the Smarties Candy Company for investing in our students' success and helping them turn down the noise so they can truly turn up their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1762267630598,"projectUrl":"project/turning-down-the-noise-turning-up-succe/9726456/","projectTitle":"Turning Down the Noise, Turning Up Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Scarnati","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5362011_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759677045523","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5362011"},{"teacherId":10244410,"projectId":9689570,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donations to my classroom. I have not taught upper elementary in quite some time and I had gotten rid of a lot of my materials for this age.\r\n\r\n The items I requested helped my classroom grow organizationally and academically. \r\nWe use the headphones daily for things like individualized interventions to meet the students where they are and to help them get to grade level with their reading. The students also use them to listen to story selections before they take comprehension assessments and to practice vocabulary and spelling words. \r\n\r\nThe plastic display folders are great for daily objectives and other ever changing information that needs to be displayed. I use the dry erase markers to write that information on them. The kids and I love everything and we are so grateful for you.","fullyFundedDate":1758808102687,"projectUrl":"project/first-time-user/9689570/","projectTitle":"First-Time User","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cox","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10244410"},{"teacherId":1816293,"projectId":9291357,"letterContent":"With your help, I have seen calm lighting quietly transform our classroom. Since adding warm, adjustable lamps and softer overheads, students arrive more relaxed and ready to learn. They report feeling less anxious and less distracted; many say the room feels \"cozy\" and \"easier to think in.\" During independent work, students sustain focus longer and make fewer careless errors. In small groups, quieter lighting fosters respectful discussion and deeper collaboration.\r\n\r\nStudents use the calm-lit calming corner to self-regulate: they choose soft light when they need a brief break, read, or practice breathing exercises before rejoining activities. Others prefer gentle lamps during creative writing or focused math stations, saying it helps ideas come more easily. These small choices empower students to manage their learning and emotions, creating a kinder, more inclusive classroom where everyone can thrive.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting environments that center students' well-being and success.\r\n\r\nSincerely,","fullyFundedDate":1755740593158,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-for-learning/9291357/","projectTitle":"Lighting For Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shuhilo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1816293_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673305858845","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-shuhilo"},{"teacherId":4672436,"projectId":8946104,"letterContent":"When my students saw the new headphones, their faces lit up with excitement! Many of them immediately asked if they could use them for their reading and language programs, and within minutes, our classroom was filled with quiet focus. These headphones have made such a positive difference—students can now listen to lessons, complete online activities, and work independently without distractions.\r\n\r\nWe're using the headphones daily during reading groups, listening comprehension practice, and ESL support time. They've helped my students build confidence and stay engaged, especially those who benefit from hearing directions and stories read aloud. The improvement in focus and participation has been incredible!\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our classroom is now a calmer, more productive space where every student can learn at their own pace. Your donation has truly made learning more accessible and enjoyable for my students, and I can't thank you enough for supporting their success!","fullyFundedDate":1741289249242,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-for-all/8946104/","projectTitle":"Headphones For All","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wanninger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4672436_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1546483343428","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4672436"},{"teacherId":8883898,"projectId":9433349,"letterContent":"On behalf of my classroom, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your generous support in helping feed our hungry middle schoolers. Your kindness and dedication have made a real difference in the lives of our students, many of whom face daily challenges that no child should have to endure.\r\n\r\nThanks to your efforts, our students were able to focus on learning with full stomachs and full hearts. A snack is more than just food — it's a source of comfort, energy, and the sense that someone out there cares. You've helped provide that, and for that, we are deeply grateful.\r\n\r\nYour support reminds us that it truly takes a village to raise and educate our youth. We are incredibly lucky to count you as part of ours.","fullyFundedDate":1760721978083,"projectUrl":"project/hungry-middle-schoolers/9433349/","projectTitle":"Hungry Middle Schoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Hara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8883898_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1670000369529","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/teacherohara"},{"teacherId":1816293,"projectId":9053884,"letterContent":"I an so incredibly thankful that you decided to invest in my fifth grade students! Each of My students' learning styles and levels are very diverse. So in order to close their learning gaps, I find it crucial to match their learning style with appropriate math lessons that must meet the learning standard they are having difficulty with. In addition, the gaming formats make these lessons more desirable to reluctant students! Surely, you can step into my math class and see students who are climbing levels, scoring points, catching passes! Learning and leveling up!","fullyFundedDate":1746564374948,"projectUrl":"project/math-different-lessons-for-different-l/9053884/","projectTitle":"Math: Different Lessons for Different Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shuhilo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1816293_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673305858845","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-shuhilo"},{"teacherId":6534009,"projectId":9517538,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support of Tech-Ready and Organized for Learning!, my students are now better equipped to dive into their learning with confidence and independence. The addition of USB computer mice has made a huge difference during our research projects, writing assignments, and interactive reading lessons. Students who once struggled to navigate trackpads can now smoothly highlight text, edit their writing, and explore online resources without frustration. This small but powerful tool has boosted their efficiency and allowed them to fully engage with technology in a way that supports both their creativity and academic growth.\r\n\r\nThe classroom mailbox system has been another game-changer. Each student now has a reliable place to keep their headphones and computer mice, which has drastically reduced time spent searching for materials. They take pride in having their own organized space, and it has encouraged responsibility and ownership of their learning tools. I've noticed smoother transitions between lessons and greater focus during instruction - students know exactly where their supplies are and are ready to get to work right away.\r\n\r\nFinally, the Velcro ties have allowed us to safely connect desks for flexible group work. Whether collaborating on a reading response, discussing a story, or brainstorming ideas for writing, students can easily form groups and stay connected in a comfortable arrangement. This has not only supported teamwork but also encouraged richer discussions and more collaborative problem-solving. These resources have truly helped our classroom become more organized, efficient, and engaging. Thank you for making it possible for my students to thrive each day!","fullyFundedDate":1755694138391,"projectUrl":"project/tech-ready-and-organized-for-learning/9517538/","projectTitle":"Tech-Ready and Organized for Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. M. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6534009_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y228&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692981438746","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mjamessmith"},{"teacherId":6534009,"projectId":9527124,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support of our project Bright, Flexible, and Engaging Tools for Young Learners!, my students are now enjoying a refreshed and inviting classroom environment. The new floor cushions and storage baskets have transformed our learning space into one that feels both comfortable and organized, while the communication folders have streamlined how students take important materials between home and school. During reading workshop, students eagerly grab a cushion, settle into their own cozy spot, and dive into their reading or independent work. One of my favorite moments so far was seeing students share that reading felt \"so much easier to focus on\" with the new flexible seating and calm atmosphere.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement was contagious. The large, soft cushions quickly became a favorite, and the new digital wall clock/timer has helped our class stay on track during learning activities and transitions. The sunset lamps have also brought a warm, calming glow to our room, creating a cozy environment that students love for independent reading and small-group discussions. They were equally enthusiastic about the new take-home folders, which give them a sturdy and reliable way to bring their reading assignments, newsletters, and family communication back and forth. The combination of these items has truly boosted both organization and classroom spirit.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue to use these resources to foster independence, focus, and a love of reading. The flexible seating encourages students to choose the learning environment that works best for them, while the folders build responsibility and ensure families stay connected to our classroom activities. With the supportive and calming space created by the cushions, baskets, lamps, and clock, students are better able to immerse themselves in reading projects, book clubs, and writing responses. Your contribution has not only provided tools, but it has also helped establish a classroom culture where students feel comfortable, motivated, and eager to learn. Thank you again for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1755694521698,"projectUrl":"project/bright-flexible-and-engaging-tools-for/9527124/","projectTitle":"Bright, Flexible, and Engaging Tools for Young Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. M. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6534009_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y228&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692981438746","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mjamessmith"},{"teacherId":8883898,"projectId":9359826,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to my classroom. The students love the new light covers. They have told me how it makes my room feel like it is more of a home-like feeling. In addition to helping them it really helps with my eyes when I have bad headaches. \r\n\r\nI could not do this without all your help and donations. My quite area has a nice new rug that makes it relaxing. The bright colors on the rug my students like to look at and point to. \r\n\r\nAgain, Thank you for all your support with my classroom projects!","fullyFundedDate":1750255542400,"projectUrl":"project/floor-to-ceiling-make-over/9359826/","projectTitle":"Floor to Ceiling Make Over","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Hara","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8883898_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1670000369529","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/teacherohara"},{"teacherId":9338379,"projectId":9053190,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Full Bellies for Hard Work\" project! Because of your generosity, my students had access to their favorite snacks—Capri Suns, Slim Jims, and spicy chips—during our state testing days.\r\n\r\nThese snacks may seem simple, but they provided comfort, energy, and motivation when students needed it most. Having a little something they love helped ease nerves and gave them the boost to stay focused and do their very best.\r\n\r\nYour kindness reminded my students that there are people cheering them on and believing in their success. We are so grateful for the way you cared for both their hearts and their bellies during such an important time.","fullyFundedDate":1742823915067,"projectUrl":"project/full-bellies-for-hard-work/9053190/","projectTitle":"Full Bellies for Hard Work","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Frashure","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338379_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701638493245","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338379"},{"teacherId":9338379,"projectId":9295070,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of classroom supplies! Because of your support, we now have crayons, pencils, markers, dry erase markers, and laminating sheets that will be used daily by my students. These supplies may seem small, but they make a huge impact on our learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe crayons and markers bring creativity to life, the pencils and dry erase markers help us practice and grow, and the laminating sheets allow us to protect resources so they can be used again and again. Your kindness ensures that my students have what they need to succeed and feel proud of their work.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your generosity and the way you've directly supported our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1746785494596,"projectUrl":"project/crayons-pencils-markers-glue-oh-my/9295070/","projectTitle":"Crayons, Pencils, Markers, Glue, Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Frashure","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9338379_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701638493245","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9338379"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_71480","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":193,"numTeachers":19,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":63,"percentWhite":15,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":4,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"4 - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"10.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":56.6,"schoolId":71480,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sto - Rox Upper Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sto - Rox Upper Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/sto-rox-school-district/sto-rox-middle-school/71480"}