{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Merrifield Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":65.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8996658,"projectId":8787192,"letterContent":"I wanted to extend my sincerest thanks for your generous support of my classroom project. Because of you, my students received [briefly name the materials or resources], and the impact has been truly inspiring.\r\n\r\nIn a kindergarten classroom, every tool becomes a stepping stone toward discovery. Since receiving our materials, I've seen students light up with excitement. Whether it's engaging with new books, exploring hands-on learning tools, or working together on classroom activities, your gift has made a real difference. These young learners are building confidence, creativity, and a love for learning — and your generosity helped make that possible.\r\n\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in teachers and investing in the future of our children. You've helped turn a classroom dream into a daily reality.","fullyFundedDate":1726800366387,"projectUrl":"project/book-bins-and-headphones/8787192/","projectTitle":"Book Bins and Headphones","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dodd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8996658"},{"teacherId":8996658,"projectId":8024086,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your support of our project, \"Diving into Reading.\" Your generosity helped bring new, exciting books into our classroom—and with them, a wave of enthusiasm and curiosity that has truly transformed our reading time.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, my students now have access to engaging, age-appropriate books that speak to their interests, reading levels, and diverse backgrounds. Each book has opened a new world for them to explore, and it's been incredible to watch their love for reading grow.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding moments was seeing a student who had previously struggled to connect with reading light up after finishing a book and say, \"Can I take another one home tonight?\" That kind of spark is exactly what this project was meant to inspire.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just fund books—it helped build confidence, imagination, and a lifelong habit of reading for enjoyment. Whether students were diving into a mystery, exploring nonfiction, or sharing stories with friends, your support made every page possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and for helping us dive deeper into learning—one book at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1701187111845,"projectUrl":"project/diving-into-reading/8024086/","projectTitle":"Diving into Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dodd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8996658"},{"teacherId":8996658,"projectId":8059549,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of our classroom project, \"Excitement and Incentives.\" Your generosity helped us bring meaningful motivation and joyful learning experiences to my students through the power of well-chosen incentives.\r\n\r\nWith your donation, we received engaging books, colorful markers, and fun educational toys—all of which played a vital role in helping students stay focused, work hard, and celebrate their academic progress. These simple yet powerful tools became sources of encouragement and excitement in our daily learning.\r\n\r\nStudents especially loved earning time with the new toys after reaching their reading goals or showing improvement on assignments. The books became both rewards and inspiration, sparking a genuine love for reading. And the markers added creativity and enthusiasm to everything from writing assignments to classroom games.\r\n\r\nOne student said, \"I tried extra hard on my math test because I really wanted to earn a book to take home!\" That kind of motivation has made a huge difference in our classroom environment.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, learning feels more personal, engaging, and rewarding for my students. Your kindness brought more than just supplies—you brought joy, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose to our classroom","fullyFundedDate":1702436639389,"projectUrl":"project/excitement-and-incentives/8059549/","projectTitle":"Excitement and Incentives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dodd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8996658"},{"teacherId":8996658,"projectId":7581886,"letterContent":"When you gave to support our chair backs and stools project, you may have envisioned a simple upgrade to our furniture. But what you've truly helped build is a more dignified, functional, and inspiring environment—one where comfort meets confidence, and where every person who enters feels considered and cared for.\r\n\r\nThese new additions have transformed our space, not just in appearance, but in how people interact with it.\r\n\r\nHere's what your gift made possible:\r\n\r\nBelonging: Students and visitors now walk into a space that tells them they matter. No more wobbling stools, no more makeshift fixes—just clean, sturdy, intentional design.\r\n\r\nFocus and Presence: A supportive chair might sound small, but in a classroom, a studio, or a rehearsal space, it becomes a foundation. Students can now focus more fully on learning, creating, and participating.\r\n\r\nPride: These upgrades signal excellence. They reflect the high standards we hold—not just in our work, but in how we treat each other. That sense of pride radiates.\r\n\r\nEvery time someone takes a seat here, they benefit from your generosity. And we don't take that lightly. In fact, we see your support as an act of stewardship—an investment in people and their experience.\r\n\r\nYou didn't just give a chair. You gave dignity. You gave focus. You gave care.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of every person who walks into this space and feels the difference: thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1691031915015,"projectUrl":"project/starting-strong-with-stools-and-chair-ba/7581886/","projectTitle":"Starting Strong With Stools and Chair Backs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dodd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8996658"},{"teacherId":9564377,"projectId":8444180,"letterContent":"My students were really excited to use the new resources that were donated. They could keep all their school supplies in their pocket chairs, which made it easy for them to get what they needed right away. This helped save time because they didn't have to search for their supplies or wait for anything. As soon as they needed something, it was right there, so they could quickly start the lesson or get to work. The pocket chairs not only kept their supplies organized but also helped make the class run more smoothly and efficiently.\r\n\r\n My students are ready to move up to the next grade level, and they're excited to start a new chapter in their lives. They've learned a lot, and now they're prepared for the challenges ahead. As for my future students, I have a lot of ideas on how I can improve my teaching to help them even more. I want to make sure I'm always finding new ways to support their learning, make lessons more engaging, and create a classroom where they feel motivated and confident to do their best. I'm excited to keep growing as a teacher and helping each new group of students succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1721829067432,"projectUrl":"project/essentials-for-a-new-school-year-in-pk-4/8444180/","projectTitle":"Essentials for a New School Year in PK-4","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9564377"},{"teacherId":6666791,"projectId":8777648,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations! Your contributions have enabled us to enrich our classroom with a wide range of educational toys from superhero action figures like the DC Comics Superman and Marvel Avengers to inspiring career dolls such as the Doctor and Teacher figures.\r\n\r\nOur students are actively engaging in projects like \"Superhero School,\" where they role-play as heroes and explore values like courage, creativity, and community service. One memorable moment was when a student explained how the Batman Action Figure symbolized overcoming challenges, sparking a lively class discussion about everyday heroes.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our students will: write stories and comic strips inspired by these characters, participate in collaborative role-play sessions to build teamwork skills, and explore STEAM concepts using hands-on toys and experiments. We are grateful for your support as it helps make learning fun and impactful.","fullyFundedDate":1736652774977,"projectUrl":"project/incentives-for-excellence-recognizing-a/8777648/","projectTitle":"Incentives for Excellence: Recognizing and Rewarding Hard Work","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Spencer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6666791_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753116565481","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6666791"},{"teacherId":8996658,"projectId":8305640,"letterContent":"I hope this letter finds you well! I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for your generous donation to our classroom project through DonorsChoose. Thanks to your support, each student received a book full of memories. \r\n\r\nYour donation has truly made a difference in our students' lives, and I can already see how it is contributing to their academic and personal growth.\r\n\r\nThis project has not only improved their learning experience but also helped foster a deeper sense of curiosity and excitement about learning. The impact of your generosity will be felt for years to come, and we are all incredibly grateful.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your support. You are truly helping to create a better future for these students.","fullyFundedDate":1713274087364,"projectUrl":"project/oh-to-first-grade-we-must-go/8305640/","projectTitle":"Oh, to First Grade we Must Go!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dodd","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8996658"},{"teacherId":9026070,"projectId":8696975,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generous $300 donation toward purchasing supplemental activities from Teachers Pay Teachers for our 2nd grade classroom. Your support has been an incredible gift not only saving me hours of planning time, but also allowing me to select high-quality, skill-focused resources created by like-minded educators who understand the developmental needs of second graders. Because of your generosity, I've been able to find engaging materials that directly target the academic areas my students need most, all while keeping learning fun and meaningful.\r\n\r\nYour donation has truly made a lasting impact on my students. The resources we've been able to use have enhanced our lessons in reading, math, science, and social studies helping to reinforce foundational skills while also encouraging curiosity and critical thinking. My students are more excited than ever to learn, and I've seen noticeable growth in their confidence and participation. Thank you for believing in the power of education and for playing such an important role in our classroom's success.","fullyFundedDate":1734099442794,"projectUrl":"project/tpt-can-help-my-student-read/8696975/","projectTitle":"TPT Can Help My Student Read!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McCoy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9026070_orig.jpg?crop=766,766,x0,y97&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683315392843","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9026070"},{"teacherId":9918097,"projectId":9102549,"letterContent":"**Dear Donor,**\r\n\r\nI am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation, which has made a significant impact on my classroom and the learning experience of my 3-4-year-old students. Thanks to your kindness, I have received many books, including a few big books, which have become invaluable tools in my teaching. These resources have not only enriched our classroom library but have also brought joy and excitement to our daily lessons. The children's faces light up every time we gather for storytime, and I can see their love for reading growing with each page we turn together. Your donation has truly made a difference in fostering their early literacy skills and curiosity.\r\n\r\nThe big books, in particular, have been a game-changer for my teaching. Their large, colorful illustrations and bold text make it easy for all the children to see and engage with the stories, even from the back of the circle. These books have become a centerpiece of our group activities, helping me teach important concepts like letter recognition, rhyming, and sequencing in a fun and interactive way. The smaller books have also been a wonderful addition to our classroom library, allowing the children to explore stories independently during free reading time. It's heartwarming to see them flipping through the pages, pointing at pictures, and even attempting to \"read\" the stories to their friends. Your donation has not only provided materials but has also created opportunities for these young learners to develop a lifelong love of reading.\r\n\r\nBeyond the books, your generosity has inspired me to create even more engaging and meaningful learning experiences for my students. With these new resources, I have been able to design activities that cater to their diverse learning styles and interests. For example, we've used the big books to act out stories, which helps the children develop their language and social skills. We've also incorporated the books into our art projects, where the children draw their favorite characters or scenes from the stories. These activities have sparked their creativity and imagination, and I can see their confidence growing every day. Your donation has not only supplied my classroom with materials but has also given me the tools to inspire and nurture these young minds.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible support. Your donation has made a lasting impact on my students and has helped create a classroom environment where learning is fun, engaging, and meaningful. I am so grateful for your belief in the importance of early childhood education and for helping me provide my students with the resources they need to succeed. Your kindness will continue to inspire and benefit these children for years to come.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt thanks, PreK 3 Merrifield Elementary","fullyFundedDate":1740666930541,"projectUrl":"project/help-restock-my-lacking-classroom-with-f/9102549/","projectTitle":"Help Restock My Lacking Classroom With Fun, Engaging Children’s Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. R","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9918097_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741227823736","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9918097"},{"teacherId":6666791,"projectId":8129976,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions! The chair back organizers were a huge hit. The students loved setting them up and having their own space for supplies. The crayons and glue sticks have already been used in art projects like our \"Community Helpers Collage,\" and the snacks have kept everyone focused and energized.\r\n\r\nThe Kleenex and Clorox wipes have been essential in keeping our classroom clean and healthy. Next, we'll be creating illustrated storybooks during our storytelling unit, and your support has made it all possible.\r\n\r\nWe're so grateful for your kindness!","fullyFundedDate":1715119418876,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-vibes/8129976/","projectTitle":"New Year Vibes","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Spencer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6666791_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753116565481","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6666791"},{"teacherId":9587954,"projectId":8798610,"letterContent":"I am filled with gratitude as I write this message to thank you for your incredible generosity and support. Your kindness has brought so much joy and excitement to our classroom. The arrival of our new headphones, dry erase pockets, dry erase markers, and small hand-size erasers has truly transformed our learning environment.\r\n\r\nThese materials are already making a significant impact on our daily activities. The headphones are providing my students with a more focused and individualized learning experience during technology-based lessons. With clear sound and minimal distractions, they can fully engage in educational programs and activities.\r\n\r\nThe dry erase pockets and markers have added an extra layer of fun and interactivity to our lessons. Students love being able to practice and revise their work without the pressure of making mistakes. It's heartwarming to see them approach learning with such confidence and enthusiasm. The small hand-size erasers are a perfect addition, allowing students to make quick changes as they problem-solve and work collaboratively.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students are more engaged, confident, and eager to participate. These resources are fostering independence, creativity, and a love of learning. The smiles on their faces say it all!\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your thoughtfulness and compassion. Your support means the world to us, and we will continue to cherish and utilize these materials to their fullest potential.","fullyFundedDate":1726833919379,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-hands-on-learning-and-focused/8798610/","projectTitle":"Tools for Hands-on Learning and Focused Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9587954_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x243,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726672478836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9587954"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_14864","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":406,"numTeachers":28,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":38,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":56,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"14.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":34.2,"schoolId":14864,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Merrifield Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Merrifield Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/duncanville-independent-school-district/merrifield-elementary-school/14864"}