{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kocurek Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":37.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":596790,"projectId":9128854,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making \"A Kid-Safe Power Tool for Cutting Cardboard!\" a reality for our students. Because of your generosity, cardboard has officially become our most powerful learning material.\r\n\r\nWe put the new tool to use right away during our Cardboard Arcade Day, and it completely changed what students were able to design and build. Instead of struggling with safety scissors or waiting for adult help, students were able to independently cut precise shapes, experiment with more complex structures, and revise their designs in real time. One group redesigned their entire arcade game mid-build because they realized they could safely cut curved ramps and moving parts. That moment (when they said, \"Wait, we can actually make this work\") was pure STEM joy.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the tool, their reaction was equal parts excitement and pride. They immediately recognized that this was a \"real\" tool made just for them, not a workaround. Several students said things like, \"This feels like what engineers use,\" and they took ownership of using it responsibly. The confidence boost was instant.\r\n\r\nNext, students are continuing to iterate on their arcade designs using the design-thinking process: planning, building, testing, and improving. They are now working on durability, user experience, and collaboration across teams as we prepare to open the arcade for the rest of the school. This project has grown beyond a single lesson into a shared school experience, where students see their ideas turn into something others can play, enjoy, and learn from.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just fund a tool. It gave our students independence, confidence, and the chance to see themselves as builders, designers, and problem-solvers. Thank you for being a hero to our classroom and for investing in curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning.","fullyFundedDate":1742942204071,"projectUrl":"project/a-kid-safe-power-tool-for-cutting-cardbo/9128854/","projectTitle":"A Kid-Safe Power Tool for Cutting Cardboard!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cruser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp596790_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x58,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744904577188","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/596790"},{"teacherId":8564368,"projectId":9707322,"letterContent":"This note is long overdue, but our gratitude is heartfelt. My third-grade team and I are incredibly thankful for your generous donation.\r\n\r\nWe work at a small Title I school where funds are limited, and our main copy machine frequently breaks down. Thanks to your support, this new copy machine has allowed us to continue our lessons and student activities without interruption or delay. It has also been an invaluable resource for our Special Education teachers, whose essential work on our campus is now better supported as well.\r\n\r\nOverall, your gift has impacted far more students than we initially anticipated and has lifted a significant burden from our teachers' shoulders. Thank you so much for your generosity. We are deeply grateful and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact on our students because of your support..","fullyFundedDate":1758218630595,"projectUrl":"project/copies-that-count-a-reliable-copy-machi/9707322/","projectTitle":"Copies that Count: A Reliable Copy Machine for Teachers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mendez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8564368_orig.png?crop=256,256,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746727489282","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8564368"},{"teacherId":203134,"projectId":9825231,"letterContent":"Wow—thank you so much for your generous donation! I truly appreciate your support, and I want you to know how much it means to us. When my students walked into the music room and saw the new boomwhackers, their faces absolutely lit up. They were beyond excited!\r\n\r\nThese new instruments will open up wonderful opportunities for learning, creativity, and performance in our music class. They have already made a positive impact, especially for students who aren't as enthusiastic about singing but absolutely come alive when playing instruments. This definitely captured their attention and brought a whole new level of excitement to the room.\r\n\r\nIt's amazing how a single gift can make such a meaningful difference in students' daily experiences, and I am incredibly grateful. Thank you for helping us make music education even more engaging and joyful!","fullyFundedDate":1760693746985,"projectUrl":"project/here-comes-the-boomwhackers-color-s/9825231/","projectTitle":"Here Comes the Boom...whackers: Color, Sound, and Creativity!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Van","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp203134_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1488039765025","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrvansclass"},{"teacherId":596790,"projectId":9727674,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Koala Packs project. Your generosity helped us fill these literacy backpacks with high-quality books, simple comprehension questions, and academic games that families can use at home.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, our students now have meaningful ways to read, talk, and play with their families while building skills that matter. These packs will travel home again and again, and your impact will be felt every single time a child opens a book or a parent sits down to learn with them.\r\n\r\nWe're grateful for your partnership and your belief in our Kocurek kids. Thank you for helping us grow strong readers and curious learners.","fullyFundedDate":1758838125312,"projectUrl":"project/from-school-to-home-building-bridges-wi/9727674/","projectTitle":"From School to Home: Building Bridges with Books & Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cruser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp596790_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x58,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744904577188","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/596790"},{"teacherId":10028896,"projectId":9336878,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to my classroom!\r\nOne especially meaningful impact came from giving our weekly character awards. I started this routine to help instill ownership and pride in my students' learning and who they show up to be each day. Having our special bar stool has helped students look forward to giving the award to another student themselves so we all see the good in one another. The chair is special so the time to give awards is also a special time and truly helps us realize good qualities in each of us.\r\n\r\nThe book series \"Story Thieves\" is making an impact on a particular voracious reader. This student almost immediately started devouring the first book in the series and quickly made a connection! In the first book, the author James Riley alludes to another book \"Fablehaven.\" The author of this book, Brandon Mull, had come recently for an author's visit to our school and the student recognized this and became so excited!\r\n\r\nThe mailboxes I was able to purchase have helped keep our classroom organized tremendously! I have a student helper to sort graded papers and flyers into the mailboxes and students check it each day to take the papers home. The small ice packs we received have helped students feel cared for without needing to leave class and go to the nurse. \r\n\r\nThe small vacuum, light plug ins with a remote control, dry erasers and electronic slide show remote have all helped make our classroom cleaner and run smoother. This has helped create a clean space for my students where the environment is filled with peace and learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1757103271703,"projectUrl":"project/ms-dragicevics-return-to-the-classroom/9336878/","projectTitle":"Ms. Dragicevic's Return to the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dragicevic","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10028896"},{"teacherId":596790,"projectId":9462873,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring our calming space to life! The new sensory tools have already made such a difference for our students. Just this week, one of our kindergartners came in after a tough morning. He sat with the breathing pal, watched the light guide his breaths, and quietly said, \"I feel better now.\" Then he got up, smiled, and went back to class ready to learn.\r\n\r\nMoments like that happen every day because of your generosity. The fidget tubes, bubble poppers, and soft baskets full of sensory tools give kids what they need to pause, reset, and feel safe again.\r\n\r\nYou've helped us create a space that teaches calm, kindness, and self-awareness. We're so grateful for the difference you've made for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1758219361377,"projectUrl":"project/a-calming-corner-for-big-feelings-helpi/9462873/","projectTitle":"A Calming Corner for Big Feelings: Helping Students Self-Regulate","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cruser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp596790_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x58,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744904577188","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/596790"},{"teacherId":596790,"projectId":9464519,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness.\r\nBecause of your support, our PreK and Kindergarten students will soon have shelves filled with beautiful new board books. Story time is the heartbeat of our classrooms—it's where students gather close, hear their teacher's voice, and begin to see themselves in the stories being told. These moments help children build empathy, language, and a lifelong love of reading.\r\n\r\nMany of our old books have been loved so deeply they're falling apart, so your gift truly brings something special to our students. You've made it possible for them to experience the joy of turning crisp new pages, discovering new favorite characters, and feeling proud to call the books theirs.\r\n\r\nYour generosity reminds our school community that there are people who believe in our kids and their potential. Thank you for being part of something that will shape how our youngest learners see themselves and their world.","fullyFundedDate":1754545582599,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-every-child-building-belongin/9464519/","projectTitle":"Books for Every Child: Building Belonging Through Stories","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cruser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp596790_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x58,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744904577188","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/596790"},{"teacherId":596790,"projectId":9331199,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing this project to life. Our students' excitement when they open a new book is something I wish you could see firsthand. Their faces light up as if each story holds a secret meant just for them.\r\n\r\nThese new junior fiction chapter books are already making a difference. For our bilingual readers, the Spanish titles have become a bridge between home and school, helping them feel seen and confident. Others have been captivated by the Alvin Ho and Unicorn Rescue Society series, laughing, asking questions, and begging for \"just one more chapter.\" Even some of our more reluctant readers are spending extra time in our reading corner, discovering characters who remind them of themselves or introduce them to new worlds entirely.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is about curiosity and connection. We explore what characters are feeling, how authors help us see the world differently, and how stories can both reflect and expand who we are. These books are helping our students find their voices and see reading as something joyful and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our readers and helping us grow a true love of reading, one page at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1752262821124,"projectUrl":"project/cultivating-a-love-of-reading-a-junior/9331199/","projectTitle":"Cultivating a Love of Reading: A Junior Chapter Book Initiative","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cruser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp596790_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x58,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744904577188","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/596790"},{"teacherId":10034721,"projectId":9353344,"letterContent":"First, thank you so much for donating to this project. My students were over the moon with excitement when they found out we were getting 3D pens!\r\n\r\nWe have started using the 3D pens to kick off our 3D sculpture unit and to support independent creations during centers.\r\nThe learning curve with these new technological doodlers is steep, but the sheer excitement to try something new- and to see their creations lift off the page in 3 dimensions- is so immensely gratifying, the students do not get discouraged. \r\n\r\nThe opportunity you have provided for my students will be remembered by them for many years to come. Thank you for choosing our school and our students.","fullyFundedDate":1750217914207,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-3d-creativity-fueling-stem-mi/9353344/","projectTitle":"Unlocking 3D Creativity: Fueling STEM Minds in the Art Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gagliardi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10034721"},{"teacherId":9657397,"projectId":9138496,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has transformed into an exciting place where stories come alive through STEM learning! My Pre-kindergarteners are now diving into problem solving and creativity with interactive kits like Goldilocks & the Three Bears, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Three Little Pigs, Rapunzel, The Gingerbread Man, and Little Red Riding Hood. Watching their eyes light up as they build, test, and explore has been incredible. They aren't just enjoying literature—they are learning to think critically, collaborate, and persevere.\r\n\r\nYour kindness also helped us create a cleaner, safer space for learning with disinfecting wipes and latex-free gloves, giving families peace of mind. Our new Calm Corner has quickly become a favorite spot, offering students a quiet space with sensory tools like the stress-relief ball and NeeDoh Gummy Bear to reset and return to learning ready to succeed. And of course, \"Fun Fridays\" have become even more joyful with new board games that encourage teamwork, laughter, and friendship.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students are gaining not only academic skills but also the confidence, imagination, and social-emotional tools they'll carry with them far beyond kindergarten. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact on their learning journey!","fullyFundedDate":1746786386450,"projectUrl":"project/storybook-stem-adventures-hands-on-lea/9138496/","projectTitle":"\"Storybook STEM Adventures: Hands-On Learning, Fun Fridays, and Calm Corner!\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vences","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9657397_orig.jpg?crop=2544,2544,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740947305033","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9657397"},{"teacherId":596790,"projectId":9217329,"letterContent":"We are so excited to share that we've started rolling out our very first Koala Bags for our early childhood learners! These special bags are helping families read, play, and learn together at home with their Pre-K and Kinder students.\r\n\r\nEach bag includes 3–4 engaging books, along with 2 puzzles or games built around a theme. Families also receive songs, rhymes, and tips for using every item to support their child's growth and learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for making it possible to empower our youngest Koalas and their families with tools that spark joy, curiosity, and connection. Your support is helping to build strong foundations for learning that will last for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1752511807334,"projectUrl":"project/together-we-learn-backpacks/9217329/","projectTitle":"Together We Learn Backpacks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cruser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp596790_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x58,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744904577188","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/596790"},{"teacherId":596790,"projectId":9136414,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support.\r\nBecause of your donation, our students now have a wonderful new collection of diverse biographies right in their hands. They have already started diving into these stories, and the books are flying off the shelves.\r\n\r\nThese biographies are doing more than just adding variety to our shelves. They are helping students practice important skills like identifying main ideas, making connections between a person's life and history, and using context clues to understand new vocabulary. Students are also learning how to ask thoughtful questions about someone's experiences and contributions, which builds critical thinking and empathy.\r\n\r\nYour gift is sparking curiosity, encouraging big dreams, and creating learning moments that last far beyond the final page. We are truly grateful that you chose to be part of this important work.","fullyFundedDate":1746470224244,"projectUrl":"project/expanding-perspectives-a-biographies-re/9136414/","projectTitle":"Expanding Perspectives: A Biographies Resource","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cruser","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp596790_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x58,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744904577188","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/596790"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_12226","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":508,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":85,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":28,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":56,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.0,"schoolId":12226,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kocurek Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kocurek Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/austin-independent-school-district/kocurek-elementary-school/12226"}