{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"A.G. Hilliard Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":52.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6713660,"projectId":9892640,"letterContent":"It is with immense gratitude that I write to share the impact of your generous donation to Hilliard for our stem projects. Because of your support, our students now have access to science investigation kits, which have completely transformed our classroom environment.\r\nBefore this, our STEM lessons were largely based on textbooks, making it difficult for students to visualize abstract engineering concepts. Now, the classroom buzzes with collaboration. Students are working together in teams to build, test, and redesign their projects, which directly improves their 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.\r\n\r\nThe true value of your contribution was highlighted last week when a student built a windbot and got it to navigate a maze. Their face lit up, and they exclaimed, \"I did it! I'm an engineer!\". Seeing them move from frustration to confidence is exactly the kind of engagement you have made possible.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only provided materials but has also fostered a growth mindset, teaching students that failure is just a step in the process of innovation. They are now asking, \"What if we try this?\" rather than just waiting for answers.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of the students and staff at [School Name], thank you for believing in our future innovators.","fullyFundedDate":1765835793560,"projectUrl":"project/stem-at-work/9892640/","projectTitle":"Stem at Work","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. AIKENS","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6713660_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1703720499009","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6713660"},{"teacherId":6713660,"projectId":9663810,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your generous donation of books to my 3rd grade classroom. When the books arrived, my students were absolutely thrilled to explore new stories and characters.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a significant impact on our classroom library. \"One of my struggling readers immediately picked up a graphic novel and was hooked!\" Thanks to you, our students have access to engaging, high-interest books that are helping them fall in love with reading.\r\n\r\nDonors like you are true champions of education. Thank you for investing in my students' literacy and creativity.\r\nSincerely,","fullyFundedDate":1759778227057,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-student-growth-with-books/9663810/","projectTitle":"Fueling Student Growth with Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. AIKENS","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6713660_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1703720499009","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6713660"},{"teacherId":6713660,"projectId":9624248,"letterContent":"I am writing to you today with immense gratitude. When the boxes of snack, printer and books arrived in our classroom last week, my students' faces lit up with pure joy.\r\nBecause of your generous support, I no longer have to worry about how to engage my students in collaborative learning. These new supplies have transformed our daily routine. Instead of just listening to a lecture, my students are now actively engaged using the materials you provided.\r\nOne of my students, told me, \"They are enjoying the book and snack time during class\". Moments like that remind me why I love teaching, and I couldn't have provided that experience without you.\r\nThank you for investing in my students and for believing in the power of a well-equipped classroom.\r\nSincerely,","fullyFundedDate":1756849345993,"projectUrl":"project/new-classroom-supplies/9624248/","projectTitle":"New Classroom Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. AIKENS","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6713660_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1703720499009","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6713660"},{"teacherId":2594231,"projectId":9725654,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in providing snacks for my 5th grade students. Your kindness has made a real difference in my students' ability to learn and stay focused throughout the day.\r\n\r\nBecause of these snacks, students are better able to concentrate, participate in lessons, and persevere through challenging academic tasks. Knowing their basic needs are being met has also helped create a calmer, more positive classroom environment where all students feel supported and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has removed a barrier to learning and positively impacted my students' daily school experience. On behalf of my class, thank you for helping our students succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1759937639372,"projectUrl":"project/snack-time-and-play-time-supporting-stu/9725654/","projectTitle":"Snack Time and Play Time: Supporting Student Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith’s 5th Grade Science Classroom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2594231_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724461289576","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2594231"},{"teacherId":2594231,"projectId":9609502,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing our classroom with a new iMac computer. Because of you, my students now have access to tools that have truly transformed the way we learn every day while creating digital projects. \r\nThe computer has opened the door to interactive lessons, digital research, and creative projects that were not possible before. Students are using it to explore science concepts through videos and simulations and collaborate on writing and Google presentations. I have already seen an increase in student engagement, confidence, and excitement for learning.\r\n\r\nThis computer has also helped me better support all learners. I can now use adaptive programs, visual aids, and real-time feedback to meet students where they are and help them grow. For many of my students, this is their most consistent access to technology, and it is making a meaningful difference in their educational experience.","fullyFundedDate":1757608200957,"projectUrl":"project/imac-magic-creating-future-innovators/9609502/","projectTitle":"iMac Magic: Creating Future Innovators","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Smith’s 5th Grade Science Classroom","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2594231_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724461289576","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2594231"},{"teacherId":9995349,"projectId":9726936,"letterContent":"An iPad can shape learning for first graders in powerful and engaging ways. Young children are naturally drawn to interactive screens, and educational apps turn lessons into hands‑on experiences. Activities like tracing letters, sorting shapes, or listening to stories can feel more like play than work, which helps keep students motivated and focused. The instant feedback from apps also supports early learners who need encouragement and clear guidance as they build foundational skills.\r\n\r\nAt the same time, iPads can help teachers personalize learning. Students who need extra practice can work at their own pace, while those who are ready for a challenge can explore more advanced activities. Visuals, audio cues, and touch‑based interaction make lessons more accessible for children with different learning styles or language backgrounds. However, iPads also require thoughtful use—too much screen time or poorly chosen apps can distract from social interaction and hands‑on exploration, both of which are essential in early childhood. When balanced well, iPads can enrich the classroom and support a more dynamic learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1764970548915,"projectUrl":"project/stem-learning/9726936/","projectTitle":"STEM Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McGrough","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9995349"},{"teacherId":9995349,"projectId":9467525,"letterContent":"Kids can shape the world of snack packaging in ways that go far beyond simple preferences. Because children are naturally drawn to bright colors, playful characters, and fun shapes, companies design packaging that captures their attention instantly. This \"kid appeal\" often influences what ends up in a family's shopping cart, giving children indirect but powerful purchasing influence. As a result, brands invest heavily in packaging that feels exciting, easy to open, and sized for small hands.\r\n\r\nThat influence also has environmental and nutritional consequences. Single‑serve packs, squeezable pouches, and individually wrapped snacks are convenient for parents and appealing to kids, but they create significantly more packaging waste. At the same time, kid‑focused packaging can make snacks seem healthier than they are by highlighting buzzwords like \"real fruit\" or \"whole grain,\" even when the product is still high in sugar or additives. In this way, children's preferences shape not only marketing strategies but also the broader conversation around sustainability and healthy eating.","fullyFundedDate":1764442200524,"projectUrl":"project/kiddos-care-package/9467525/","projectTitle":"Kiddos Care Package","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McGrough","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9995349"},{"teacherId":9937873,"projectId":9624650,"letterContent":"Thank you for your continued generosity and belief in our students. Your support has allowed us to create a learning environment that honors not only academic growth but also the emotional well-being of every child who walks through my classroom door.\r\n\r\nThe space is intentionally designed as a soft, low-stimulus environment where students can calm their nerves and regain a sense of balance. The bean bag chairs and warm twinkle lights do more than make the area look inviting, they signal safety.\r\n\r\nYour generosity makes this possible. Because of you, our classroom is not just a place where students learn, it is a place where they feel supported and understood. Thank you so much for helping us create this environment.","fullyFundedDate":1756921879720,"projectUrl":"project/a-scholars-safe-space/9624650/","projectTitle":"A Scholar's Safe Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shorkey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9937873_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x698,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758209784593","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9937873"},{"teacherId":8715182,"projectId":9456310,"letterContent":"The generous supply of food donations has already made a meaningful difference for my students. Many of them come to school hungry or without snacks, which can make it difficult to focus, participate, and feel confident in the classroom. Having consistent access to nutritious meals and to go items allows students to start each day ready to learn instead of worrying about their next meal. I've seen fewer visits to the nurse for stomachaches, increased concentration during reading lessons, and brighter attitudes overall. This project reminds our children that their community cares about them, and that school is a safe place where both their academic and personal well being matter. Because of this support, my students can put their energy toward growing as readers, problem solvers, and healthy, hopeful kids.","fullyFundedDate":1762657308389,"projectUrl":"project/no-child-left-hungry/9456310/","projectTitle":"No Child Left Hungry!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lofton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8715182_orig.jpg?crop=525,525,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1664134410076","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8715182"},{"teacherId":10113511,"projectId":9823269,"letterContent":"We are using the new resources daily to support organization, learning, and positive behavior in the classroom. The iPad keyboard has helped students complete digital assignments more efficiently while building their typing and technology skills. The storage crates are being used to organize student materials, learning centers, and supplies, which has made transitions smoother and helped students take greater responsibility for their belongings. The snacks are used as rewards to reinforce positive behavior, effort, and academic progress.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were excited and eager to use them. Many students were especially interested in the keyboard and enjoyed having their own organized space with the storage crates. The snacks immediately motivated students to follow expectations and stay focused, creating a positive classroom atmosphere.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue using these tools during ongoing lessons focused on literacy, organization skills, and self-regulation. They are learning how to manage materials independently, complete assignments using technology, and work toward goals through positive choices. Your generosity has helped create a more structured, supportive, and engaging learning environment, and we are truly thankful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1762183514945,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-focus-and-organization-in-our-cl/9823269/","projectTitle":"Fueling Focus and Organization in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Goff","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10113511_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755157428400","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10113511"},{"teacherId":10113511,"projectId":9690340,"letterContent":"We are actively using the new resources to support both learning and positive behavior in the classroom. The iPad keyboard has allowed students to practice typing, complete digital assignments, and build technology skills more efficiently. The bean bag provides a comfortable, calming seating option for students during independent work, reading time, or when they need a brief sensory break. The snacks are being used as rewards to reinforce positive behavior, effort, and academic progress.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were thrilled. They were especially excited about the bean bag and eager to learn how to use the iPad keyboard. The snacks immediately motivated students to focus, follow expectations, and work toward their goals. Overall, the materials created a sense of excitement and positivity in the classroom.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue using these resources during current lessons focused on literacy, technology skills, and self-regulation. They are learning how to choose appropriate tools to support their learning and behavior, whether that means using the keyboard to complete assignments, relaxing briefly in the bean bag to refocus, or earning snacks through positive choices. Your generosity has helped create a more supportive and engaging learning environment, and we are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1761499307899,"projectUrl":"project/challenge-accepted/9690340/","projectTitle":"Challenge Accepted","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Goff","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10113511_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755157428400","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10113511"},{"teacherId":10113511,"projectId":9540489,"letterContent":"We are using the snack rewards as part of our positive behavior and motivation system in the classroom. Students earn snacks for meeting behavior goals, completing assignments, and demonstrating positive choices such as staying on task, showing kindness, and following classroom expectations. These snacks have been especially effective during longer instructional periods, small-group work, and testing days, helping students stay focused and engaged.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the snacks, their reactions were extremely positive. They were excited, motivated, and eager to work toward earning them. Several students immediately asked what they needed to do to earn a reward, which led to meaningful conversations about goals, effort, and positive behavior. I noticed an increase in participation and improved behavior almost immediately.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for students include continuing to work toward academic and behavioral goals using the reward system tied to our current lessons. As we move forward with our classroom expectations and learning objectives, students will practice responsibility, self-control, and perseverance. Your support has helped create a motivating and supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to do their best every day.","fullyFundedDate":1756921880507,"projectUrl":"project/reward-system/9540489/","projectTitle":"Reward System","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Goff","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10113511_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755157428400","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10113511"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_11684","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":591,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":71,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":25,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":47.7,"schoolId":11684,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about A.G. Hilliard Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"A.G. Hilliard Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/houston-independent-school-district/a-g-hilliard-elementary-school/11684"}