{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Polo Road Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":44.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10094767,"projectId":9502498,"letterContent":"The materials funded through this project have profoundly transformed the daily reality of our classroom, moving us from merely making do to truly thriving. The new printer has been a revolutionary tool, allowing me to instantly produce differentiated materials and visual aids tailored to the specific needs of my diverse learners. This speed and flexibility means less time spent on preparation and more focused time spent teaching, which has visibly increased student engagement and comprehension across all subject areas. Furthermore, having a ready supply of pencils, dry erase markers, and erasers has eliminated the instructional downtime previously caused by students searching for or borrowing basic supplies, keeping lessons flowing smoothly and participation high.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the impact on our classroom culture has been significant and heartwarming. The comfortable floor pillows have transformed our reading corner into a calming sanctuary, fostering a deeper love for independent reading. Providing granola bars has addressed student hunger, leading to markedly improved focus, energy, and behavior throughout the challenging afternoon hours. Finally, having materials like colored pencils for creative projects and disinfecting wipes for a healthy environment has cultivated a space where students feel cared for, safe, and ready to explore. Thank you for equipping us with these essential tools; your investment has not just provided materials, but has created a more equitable, vibrant, and effective learning environment for every single child.","fullyFundedDate":1757423391886,"projectUrl":"project/unlock-their-potential-essential-tools/9502498/","projectTitle":"Unlock Their Potential: Essential Tools for a Bright Start!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Goolsby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10094767_orig.jpg?crop=1186,1186,x0,y146&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753574389143","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10094767"},{"teacherId":4582353,"projectId":9418588,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for giving toward this project! Your generosity has truly transformed our recess time. My students are running freely across the field, kicking the soccer ball with excitement, challenging each other to jump-rope competitions, and covering the sidewalks with bright, creative chalk art. They're laughing, collaborating, and enjoying every moment with the new recess materials you helped provide.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our students have a space where they can play, imagine, and simply be kids. You've made a real difference in their day and have had such a meaningful impact on our classroom community. We are deeply grateful for you—thank you for supporting us. Wishing you all an amazing and blessed Thanksgiving!","fullyFundedDate":1754429840207,"projectUrl":"project/jump-run-play-recess-equipment-needed/9418588/","projectTitle":"Jump, Run, Play: Recess Equipment Needed!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Virgo💖","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4582353_orig.jpg?crop=2405,2405,x0,y256&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752201643887","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-virgo"},{"teacherId":6867681,"projectId":9413767,"letterContent":"🖍️ Thank You for Bringing Color to Our Classroom!\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, I want to express our deepest thanks for your generous donation! We are so thrilled to have a brand-new supply of colored pencils and markers for our class.\r\n\r\nOur old supplies were sparse, broken, and often dry, which sometimes discouraged students from putting their best effort into visual projects. Now, thanks to your support, we have vibrant, high-quality tools that will allow students to truly visualize their learning and express their creativity.\r\n\r\nThese new supplies are already making a huge difference! We will be using them for everything from illustrating stories and creating detailed maps in social studies to labeling diagrams and making dynamic concept posters in science. The students are so excited to work on projects that are now bright, bold, and neat. \r\n\r\nKnowing that people like you care enough to fund our basic classroom needs is incredibly motivating for the students. They appreciate these tools and are taking great care of them!\r\n\r\nThank you again for making such a colorful and positive impact on our learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1755702622834,"projectUrl":"project/color-our-world/9413767/","projectTitle":"Color Our World!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shortman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6867681_orig.jpg?crop=848,848,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631711914076","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6867681"},{"teacherId":6867681,"projectId":9413709,"letterContent":"My 4th-grade class and I want to extend our sincerest gratitude for your incredible generosity. Your contributions have allowed us to acquire a wonderful collection of new books to add to our classroom library.\r\n\r\nAt the beginning of the year, several students were eagerly requesting specific titles and genres. Unfortunately, my existing collection was worn out and out of date. This is what led me to DonorsChoose: to help me get new books that would actually be read, generate excitement, and light a spark for reading.\r\n\r\nThe collection I chose—full of graphic novels and popular, high-interest titles—has been an absolute hit!\r\n\r\nI explained to the students how we acquired these treasures, and they were truly in awe that people who don't even know us cared enough to give. They are treating these new books with such care; they have their own dedicated area in the room. They even suggested implementing a \"check-out\" system so they can take accountability for them. It is truly amazing how a handful of new books can bring out such responsibility and enthusiasm in children.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making this possible and for investing in the joy of reading for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1755702623389,"projectUrl":"project/can-i-get-a-book-from-our-library/9413709/","projectTitle":"\"Can I Get a Book From Our Library?\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shortman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6867681_orig.jpg?crop=848,848,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1631711914076","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6867681"},{"teacherId":4582353,"projectId":9117422,"letterContent":"Thanks to the \"Supplies for Student Success\" project, my students have been thriving in a well-equipped and nurturing classroom. The materials provided have not only supported academic growth but also boosted their confidence and independence. Whether it's accessing basic supplies, staying organized, or engaging in hands-on activities, these resources have helped meet their daily needs and create a positive learning experience. I've seen students who once felt frustrated by lack of materials now come to class excited and ready to learn. The classroom feels more welcoming, structured, and student-centered because of this project. I am beyond thankful to Donors Choose and everyone who contributed—your generosity has truly empowered my students, fueled their creativity, and made a lasting impact on our learning community. Your support has reminded them that they are seen, valued, and supported—and for that, I am deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1740190121476,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-student-success/9117422/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Virgo💖","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4582353_orig.jpg?crop=2405,2405,x0,y256&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752201643887","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-virgo"},{"teacherId":4582353,"projectId":9117237,"letterContent":"The students had a wonderful time playing the games provided through the DonorsChoose project! They were fully engaged, laughing, thinking critically, and working together as they explored each game. It was such a joy to watch their excitement and enthusiasm grow with every round. These games not only brought fun into our classroom, but they also encouraged collaboration, problem-solving, and active participation. We are truly grateful for this generous gift that made learning feel like play!\r\nThank you.","fullyFundedDate":1739794999188,"projectUrl":"project/games-for-growth/9117237/","projectTitle":"Games for Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Virgo💖","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4582353_orig.jpg?crop=2405,2405,x0,y256&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752201643887","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-virgo"},{"teacherId":9498717,"projectId":9057734,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation. The Tonie Boxes, Tonie bundles (Disney and National Geographic), and storage tote you donated have already made a positive impact on my multilingual learners (MLs).\r\n \r\nFor the past two weeks, 2nd-grade MLs have enjoyed a unit of studies about humans in space. One of the Tonies you donated has seven episodes recorded in a partnership between NASA and National Geographic. The students loved manipulating the astronaut Tonie, and were curious about the narrative. Their undivided attention to the screen-free listening task is a testimony to the value of your donation. They built their learning stamina throughout the lesson. Listening is the first and most relevant language domain before multilingual learners can develop literacy skills in the target language, so the items you donated will significantly enhance their learning.\r\n\r\nDuring the activity, the students identified keywords, main idea, and details. They became familiar with the importance of the International Space Station. They expressed their wonders and elaborated insightful questions about it. After the listening task, they answered questions that demonstrated their listening comprehension and their understanding of the English language. \r\n\r\nThank you for providing that experience for underprivileged multilingual learners.","fullyFundedDate":1740691106514,"projectUrl":"project/boost-listening-skills-with-tonieboxes-f/9057734/","projectTitle":"Boost Listening Skills with Tonieboxes for Multilingual Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Priscila Costa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9498717_orig.jpg?crop=2234,2234,x0,y260&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711231622387","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dr-costa"},{"teacherId":4582353,"projectId":8624784,"letterContent":"I greatly appreciated the tools and essentials that helped make my classroom a \r\nproductive and engaging learning environment. One of my favorite resources was the laminator, which allowed me to preserve materials for long-term use. Whether it was visual aids, flashcards, or student work, laminating ensured that important materials remained durable and reusable, saving both time and resources.\r\n\r\nAnother invaluable tool in my classroom was a good set of headphones. With the increasing use of technology in education, students often need to engage in individualized learning through online programs, audiobooks, and language support resources. Headphones helped create a focused learning environment by reducing distractions and allowing students to concentrate on their assignments. They also promoted inclusivity by supporting students who benefited from audio learning, whether practicing English as a second language or working on reading fluency through interactive programs.\r\n\r\nBeyond the laminator and headphones, there were countless other essentials that contributed to a smooth and efficient classroom. I am truly grateful for these resources, as they helped create an engaging, structured, and inspiring learning space where students could thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1727149525614,"projectUrl":"project/essentials-for-learning/8624784/","projectTitle":"Essentials for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Virgo💖","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4582353_orig.jpg?crop=2405,2405,x0,y256&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752201643887","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-virgo"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_29108","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":665,"numTeachers":57,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":48,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":34,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":55.7,"schoolId":29108,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Polo Road Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Polo Road Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/south-carolina/richland-school-district-two/polo-road-elementary-school/29108"}