{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Bennett Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":24.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5506247,"projectId":10066517,"letterContent":"Creating a fun engaging learning environment can be quite challenging for 3-4 year olds especially when they are learning on many different levels. Resources are hard to come by and to keep them maintained when they are the what our learning day revolves around. So we are always on look out for ways to get our hands on new items, engaging tools to help our littles learn.\r\n\r\nMost of my littles are just learning language and socialization. So in this project I asked for materials that we used most often that needed to be replaced or refreshed. The kids were so excited to get their hands on some of their favorites that had been retired for a bit. Without donors like you we couldn't bring them fresh resources as often. So thank you so much!!","fullyFundedDate":1778019943533,"projectUrl":"project/material-refresh/10066517/","projectTitle":"Material Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Herndon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5506247_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1557273034786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5506247"},{"teacherId":6653757,"projectId":9975895,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my Pre-K students are officially \"On the Write Track!\" We are using our new resources during writing centers, small-group instruction, and daily name and letter practice. The materials have made it possible for students to strengthen their fine-motor skills, practice correct letter formation, and express their ideas through pictures and beginning writing.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, they were excited to explore and immediately wanted to begin writing. One especially meaningful moment was watching a student proudly write their name independently after weeks of practice. The smile on that child's face—and the encouragement from classmates—showed just how much confidence can grow from having engaging materials and frequent opportunities to practice.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue working on name writing and correct letter formation while encouraging students to label their drawings and record beginning sounds. As their skills grow, they will begin writing familiar words and simple sentences. Thank you for providing the tools that are helping my young learners become confident writers!","fullyFundedDate":1774963768594,"projectUrl":"project/on-the-write-track/9975895/","projectTitle":"On the Write Track","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nicole Talley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6653757_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661824663972","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6653757"},{"teacherId":6653757,"projectId":9979082,"letterContent":"Your generosity has helped make learning to build words exciting and hands-on for my Pre-K students! We are using the new materials during small groups, literacy centers, and independent practice. Students are identifying letters and sounds, building their names, matching beginning sounds, and beginning to put sounds together to create simple words.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were eager to touch, explore, and begin building. One of my favorite moments was watching a student carefully choose the letters needed to build a word and then proudly \"read\" it to the group. The excitement on their faces when they realize that letters can be combined to make words is priceless!\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue strengthening letter-sound knowledge and move from building names and familiar words to creating simple CVC words such as cat, sun, and hop. Students will practice changing one letter at a time to make new words, stretching out sounds, and using the words in simple sentences. Thank you for giving my students engaging tools that help them grow into confident beginning readers and writers!","fullyFundedDate":1774963736326,"projectUrl":"project/building-words-one-letter-at-a-time/9979082/","projectTitle":"Building Words One Letter at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nicole Talley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6653757_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661824663972","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6653757"},{"teacherId":6653757,"projectId":9885378,"letterContent":"The light table has transformed the way my students engage with learning by making everyday concepts feel exciting and new. Students use the translucent letters, numbers, and manipulatives during centers to explore sorting, patterning, and letter recognition in a highly visual and hands-on way. One memorable moment was watching a group of students work together to build cvc words with letters on the light table, excitedly talking through their thinking and making connections on their own.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials were first introduced, their eyes immediately lit up with curiosity and excitement. The glowing surface naturally draws them in, keeping them focused and engaged for longer periods of time. Even students who are typically hesitant to participate are eager to join in and explore.\r\n\r\nBecause of these resources, I have been able to create more interactive, student-centered learning experiences that encourage exploration, creativity, and collaboration. Moving forward, we will continue using the light table to deepen letter recognition, number sense, and early problem-solving skills, helping my students build confidence and a strong foundation for future learning. Thank you for bringing a new light to our classroom and making learning so meaningful!","fullyFundedDate":1767193995720,"projectUrl":"project/shedding-a-new-light-on-learning/9885378/","projectTitle":"Shedding a New Light on Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nicole Talley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6653757_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661824663972","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6653757"},{"teacherId":6653757,"projectId":9885400,"letterContent":"Our sensory table has quickly become one of the most loved areas in our classroom! My students use the textured rings, balls, beads, and manipulatives during center time to explore letters, numbers, and shapes in a hands-on way. One special moment was watching a group of students work together to sort beads by color and then begin counting them—completely on their own—while excitedly sharing their thinking with each other.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials were first introduced, their faces lit up with excitement. They couldn't wait to touch everything, explore, and start creating. The sensory experience immediately drew them in, and even my more hesitant learners became engaged and confident.\r\n\r\nNext, we will continue building on these experiences by incorporating more letter recognition, number identification, and simple sorting and patterning activities into the sensory table. My goal is to help students make deeper connections through play while strengthening their fine motor skills and confidence. Thank you for making learning come alive for my students through touch and exploration!","fullyFundedDate":1766176435589,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-our-touch/9885400/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Our Touch","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nicole Talley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6653757_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661824663972","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6653757"},{"teacherId":5506247,"projectId":9488048,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us refresh our toys and games. We were so excited to open all of our new packages and see all of our new goodies. We could not wait to play with all of our new things during centers. It makes our learning so much more fun to have lots of options to choose from during learning time. And learning happens best when it is hands on so thank you so much for supplying us with new hands on experiences to keep us going this school year. We especially love the new stacking rocket ship and snapping dinosaurs. We could not have such an amazing classroom without amazing donors like you!","fullyFundedDate":1761926569983,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-material-refresh/9488048/","projectTitle":"Classroom Material Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Herndon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5506247_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1557273034786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5506247"},{"teacherId":5506247,"projectId":9658508,"letterContent":"These circle time desks have made such a difference for our kids. Some of our kids have such a hard time settling in to circle time but these desks have truly made the kids feel safe and relaxed to participate in stories and songs. The other way that these desks are making a difference are during centers or independent work time. We are able to give the student an activity and they are able to sit and complete the activity without losing pieces or becoming distracted by friends around them. Thank you so much for the chance to give students a new way to learn in our classroom. We would not be able to have these opportunities with out generous donors like you!","fullyFundedDate":1760707451584,"projectUrl":"project/preschool-circle-time-desks-and-seating/9658508/","projectTitle":"Preschool Circle Time Desks and Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Herndon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5506247_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1557273034786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5506247"},{"teacherId":7592547,"projectId":9115581,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to my classroom!! The \"person of the day\" chair and the bean bags have been so much fun to use. \r\nThe beanbags are utilized in my reading and read to self stations. Students are also able to use these often for rewards. \r\nThe person of the day chair is a special spot where each child gets to sit when they are the helper of the day. Both of these things have been so important in creating a fun and engaging environment for my little learners. Your contributions have made a large impact!","fullyFundedDate":1746785769963,"projectUrl":"project/fill-our-bean-bags/9115581/","projectTitle":"Fill our Bean Bags!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Stewart","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7592547_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720463107548","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7592547"},{"teacherId":6653757,"projectId":9261583,"letterContent":"When our box of manipulatives arrived, the excitement was instant! The students couldn't wait to open it up and explore. Their faces lit up when they saw the Magna-Tiles, playdough stamps, droppers, and other hands-on tools. Right away, they began building towers, experimenting, and sharing ideas with one another.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was watching a group work together to design a structure with the Magna-Tiles. At first, their tower kept collapsing, but instead of giving up, they talked through new strategies and tried again until it stood tall. That small project showed just how much these materials encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance.\r\n\r\nThe students are already more engaged in their learning because of these resources. They are discovering how fun it can be to explore, test, and create while working together. As the year goes on, we'll be using these manipulatives in a variety of ways during our math and science lessons—whether it's measuring and comparing, learning about balance and stability, or exploring cause and effect through simple experiments.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has given my students the chance to grow as learners in ways that feel exciting and meaningful to them. Thank you for opening up new opportunities for curiosity, collaboration, and hands-on discovery!","fullyFundedDate":1745847044533,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-learners/9261583/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nicole Talley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6653757_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661824663972","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6653757"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_11084","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":582,"numTeachers":45,"percentFrplEligible":42,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":50,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":40,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":75.7,"schoolId":11084,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Bennett Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Bennett Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/frenship-independent-school-district/bennett-elementary-school/11084"}