{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Oak Creek Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":11.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1510448,"projectId":9134753,"letterContent":"The new organized bins have already had an incredible impact on our classroom, creating the efficient and welcoming space we had hoped for. We're using the bins daily to organize our essential learning centers, which now contain materials sorted by both topic and skill level. For example, we now have a \"Phonics Fun\" center with three distinct bins: one for students working on letter sounds, one for those building CVC words, and another for more advanced students practicing sight words. The clear labels and structure allow the children to independently choose a bin that feels \"just right\" for them. This shift has not only boosted student confidence but has also freed up my time to provide targeted, small-group instruction.\r\n\r\nThe moment the bins were set up, the students were filled with curiosity and pride. They immediately noticed how neat and easy it was to find (and put away!) the materials. Their reaction was one of ownership; they instinctively started treating the centers with more care. When we introduced the new math bins, one student proudly announced, \"I know what I need! This is the counting bin!\" Seeing them confidently select materials, dive into an activity, and then be responsible for putting it back correctly has been the most rewarding moment. The simple act of organization has instantly fostered a sense of independence and responsibility that extends to all areas of our learning.\r\n\r\nThe success of our new centers is fueling our next big push into early literacy skills. We are currently diving into phonics and blending, and the new organizational system is the key to our differentiated instruction. I'm now able to use the bins to \"level\" our materials subtly and effectively. For instance, three separate bins are placed on the literacy shelf: all look appealing, but one might contain simple picture-matching games, another has magnetic letters for CVC word building, and a third holds picture cards for blending digraphs. The students simply see a fun, accessible activity, completely unaware that they are choosing a task that is precisely tailored to their individual skill level. This method allows every child to feel successful and challenged in a positive way, fostering a true growth mindset without the stigma of separate groups. Thank you so much for giving us the gift of structure, which is truly empowering every child to learn and grow!","fullyFundedDate":1742922100679,"projectUrl":"project/organized-learning-storage-stolutions-f/9134753/","projectTitle":"Organized Learning: Storage Stolutions for Differentiated Centers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Claus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1510448_orig.jpg?crop=969,969,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691461092986","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sandieclaus"},{"teacherId":1510448,"projectId":9059412,"letterContent":"The arrival of our new printer has completely transformed our classroom, allowing me to create the vibrant, engaging activities I knew my students needed. We've been putting it to use every day, making learning more dynamic and accessible for all. Just last week, we used the printer to create a large-scale, color-coded \"Life Cycle of a Butterfly\" visual aid. I printed high-quality images of the egg, larva, pupa, and adult butterfly, and then students received their own brightly colored, differentiated sequencing cards. The visual learners in my class, who often struggle with abstract concepts, were immediately able to grasp the concept, physically sequencing the cards and building their own mobile. The rich color instantly drew them in and helped them stay focused on the task.\r\n\r\nThe students' reaction to the first colorful materials was priceless—pure excitement and genuine enthusiasm! They were cheering and immediately wanted to know if they could color or touch the new printouts. For many of my visual and tactile learners, the color turns a simple worksheet into a fun, motivating activity. It has not only boosted their engagement but has also made it easier for students to organize information, as we can now use color to code for subjects, categories, or steps in a project. Your contribution has truly helped us create a classroom where students are eager to participate and enjoy their learning every single day.\r\n\r\nThe immediate success of our butterfly life cycle project is just the beginning. Our next exciting step is to dive into patterns and geometry! We'll be printing colorful 2D and 3D shapes to use for hands-on activities, where students will build structures and discover patterns. This tactile approach, supported by our new ability to quickly print customized, colorful materials, will allow every student to connect with complex mathematical concepts in a meaningful way. Thank you for giving my curious and creative students the tools they need to explore, learn, and truly shine!","fullyFundedDate":1742921531183,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-learning-to-life-a-classroom-p/9059412/","projectTitle":"Bringing Learning to Life: A Classroom Printer for Engaging Activities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Claus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1510448_orig.jpg?crop=969,969,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691461092986","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sandieclaus"},{"teacherId":1510448,"projectId":9042952,"letterContent":"I am absolutely thrilled to share the incredible impact your donation has already made in our kindergarten classroom. You didn't just provide materials; you fueled our students' inherent curiosity and transformed our classroom into a lively laboratory. The Guided Math Units and Little SCIENCE Thinkers curriculum you funded are helping our students learn in a deeply technological way: through hands-on, instant interaction. We are using specialized math manipulatives and science stations that provide immediate, physical feedback, which is the gold standard of learning at this age. Our little scientists aren't just reading about forces; they are building structures to test gravity. Our mathematicians aren't just looking at numbers; they are physically grouping objects to grasp addition and subtraction. Your donation ensures that every student, regardless of their starting point, gets differentiated, foundational support where they need it most.\r\n\r\nWhat is most exciting to them is the sheer joy of being \"real scientists\" and \"real mathematicians.\" The Little SCIENCE Thinkers curriculum is a huge hit—our students are buzzing over the science stations, where they get to observe, hypothesize, and even get a little messy. Seeing the wonder on their faces as they discover how an ice cube melts faster on one surface than another is truly priceless. The math units have also brought excitement through small-group games and bright, tactile activities. They feel like they are playing, but they are deeply engaged in critical thinking and problem-solving—skills that are essential for future success in any field.\r\n\r\nAre there particular students who have especially warmed to this new approach? Absolutely. I have one of my friends who has always been quiet and struggled with confidence in whole-group instruction. In the small math groups, using the manipulatives to build and count, he can focus without pressure, and he has flourished. I have seen him confidently lead his group in organizing shapes and demonstrating complex counting principles. Thank you for believing in the potential of every single student to be a successful problem-solver. Your investment is building not only knowledge but also the foundational confidence that will last a lifetime.","fullyFundedDate":1740597093101,"projectUrl":"project/math-minds-and-science-explorers-hands-/9042952/","projectTitle":"Math Minds and Science Explorers: Hands-On Learning for Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Claus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1510448_orig.jpg?crop=969,969,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691461092986","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sandieclaus"},{"teacherId":2582675,"projectId":8489594,"letterContent":"Thank you for providing my classroom and students with a set of read a loud books.\r\n\r\nMy students enjoy listening to read a loud books daily! They are able to answer questions about the books and learn comprehension skills.\r\n\r\nThe books are perfect to meet the needs of a diverse group of students with varying reading needs and strengths. My students have shown tremendous growth!\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting public education, my classroom, and my students. We are very grateful for your generous donation and support.","fullyFundedDate":1728312602915,"projectUrl":"project/read-a-louds-for-cross-curriculum-liter/8489594/","projectTitle":"Read-a-louds for Cross Curriculum Literature!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2582675_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1466097498640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2582675"},{"teacherId":2582675,"projectId":6507754,"letterContent":"Thank you for providing my classroom and students with a set of decodable books that helps our science of reading initiative. \r\n\r\nMy students enjoy reading the variety of books in literacy stations and reading small groups! \r\n\r\nThe books are perfect to meet the needs of a diverse group of students with varying reading needs and strengths. My students have shown tremendous growth!\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting public education, my classroom, and my students. We are very grateful for your generous donation and support.","fullyFundedDate":1660076537798,"projectUrl":"project/science-of-reading-decodable-readers/6507754/","projectTitle":"Science of Reading Decodable Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2582675_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1466097498640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2582675"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_98342","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":794,"numTeachers":36,"percentFrplEligible":37,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":49,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":40,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"22.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":88.7,"schoolId":98342,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Oak Creek Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Oak Creek Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/comal-independent-school-district/oak-creek-elementary-school/98342"}