{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":31.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":9986610,"letterContent":"The bean bag chair, infinity mirror light, and mirror tiles you helped provide will make a meaningful difference in our classroom. Many of my students benefit from sensory supports and calming spaces that help them regulate emotions, improve focus, and feel safe throughout the school day. The bean bag chair will provide a comfortable space for students to relax, self-regulate, read, or take a sensory break when needed.\r\n\r\nThe infinity light mirror and mirror tiles will also be wonderful additions to our classroom sensory and social-emotional learning activities. These tools help encourage self-awareness, visual engagement, exploration, and calming sensory experiences that support student learning and emotional well-being. For many students in a Life Skills classroom, having access to supportive sensory tools can greatly improve confidence, communication, participation, and overall success throughout the day.\r\n\r\nYour donation is helping us build a classroom environment that is not only educational, but also welcoming, calming, and inclusive for every learner. Most importantly, you are showing my students that there are people who care deeply about their growth, happiness, and future.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our students and supporting their unique learning needs. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on our classroom, and we are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1778114308941,"projectUrl":"project/seeking-sensory/9986610/","projectTitle":"Seeking Sensory!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"},{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":10092562,"letterContent":"hank you so much for your generous support of our Life Skills classroom. Your donation is helping provide materials that play an important role in creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for my students every day.\r\n\r\nThe printer ink, laminating sheets, and adhesive dots you helped provide will allow us to create durable visual supports, task systems, communication tools, schedules, file folder activities, and interactive lessons that help students practice essential life and vocational skills. In a Life Skills classroom, repetition, organization, and visual learning are incredibly important, and these materials help make learning more accessible, engaging, and successful for all students.\r\n\r\nBy laminating and reusing classroom materials, we are able to maximize resources while giving students consistent tools that build confidence and independence. The adhesive dots will also help us create interactive activities that encourage participation, fine motor development, sorting, matching, and daily living skill practice in a hands-on way.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is making a direct impact on students who benefit from structured, supportive, and engaging learning environments. More importantly, you are helping provide opportunities for students to develop independence, communication, problem-solving, and real-world skills that will support them far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and supporting their growth and success. Your kindness, generosity, and investment in their future are truly appreciated by both my students and our entire classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1778676967319,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-basics/10092562/","projectTitle":"Ready Set Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"},{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":10056977,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Life Skills classroom project. Your generosity and kindness are making a meaningful difference in the daily lives of my students. Because of your donations, we will be able to create engaging, organized, and durable learning materials that support essential real-world skills and independent living.\r\n\r\nThe ink cartridges and laminating supplies you helped provide are incredibly important tools in our classroom. We use printed visuals, task cards, schedules, communication supports, and hands-on activities every single day to help students build confidence and practice practical life skills. Laminating these materials allows us to use them repeatedly throughout the school year, helping students stay familiar with routines and activities while also making the most of our classroom resources.\r\n\r\nYour support goes far beyond purchasing supplies. You are helping create opportunities for students to develop independence, communication, decision-making, and workplace readiness skills that will benefit them long after they leave our classroom. These resources help make learning more accessible, interactive, and meaningful for every student.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their future. Knowing there are people who care about their success is truly encouraging and appreciated more than words can say. Our classroom is incredibly grateful for your generosity and support.","fullyFundedDate":1778676968504,"projectUrl":"project/printing-laminating-and-learningoh-my/10056977/","projectTitle":"Printing, Laminating, and Learning—Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"},{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":10242390,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our life skills classroom. These ink cartridges will make a meaningful impact by allowing us to consistently print the essential materials our students rely on each day. From visual schedules and communication supports to individualized worksheets and task systems, having reliable access to ink ensures we can provide clear, structured resources that help our students stay engaged and build independence. Many of our learners benefit from repetition and visual guidance, and these printed materials play a key role in reinforcing important life and academic skills. Because of your generosity, we can continue creating a supportive, organized environment where students gain confidence and practice the skills they need for everyday success. We are truly grateful for your kindness and support of our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1777989286801,"projectUrl":"project/ink-today-independence-tomorrow/10242390/","projectTitle":"Ink Today, Independence Tomorrow!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"},{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":10169780,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our life skills classroom. These engaging learning materials will make a meaningful difference in how our students build foundational skills each day. The vocabulary folder game library will provide interactive opportunities for students to strengthen language development and communication in a hands-on, approachable way. The beginner pattern blocks will support the development of fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and problem-solving, all of which are essential for everyday tasks. The CVC word spelling game will help students practice early reading and word recognition skills, building confidence as they begin to connect sounds and letters. The Montessori animal matching set will encourage sorting, matching, and early science connections while keeping students actively engaged. Finally, the handwriting workbook will give students structured practice with letter and number formation, supporting both academic growth and fine motor development. Because of your generosity, our students will have access to meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that promote independence, confidence, and real-world skill building. We are truly grateful for your support and commitment to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1777989287635,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-hearts-on-growing/10169780/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning, Hearts-On Growing","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"},{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":10055722,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our life skills classroom. These materials will make a meaningful difference for our students each day. The HP 63 black ink cartridges will allow us to consistently print the visual supports, schedules, and individualized activities our students rely on to build independence and stay engaged. The adhesive hook-and-loop dots will help us create hands-on, interactive learning materials like task boards, matching activities, and choice systems that make practicing real-life skills both accessible and engaging. Because of your kindness, we are able to provide a more structured, supportive, and empowering environment where our students can grow in confidence and develop the everyday skills they need. We are truly grateful for your generosity and belief in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1777989711458,"projectUrl":"project/printing-progress-sticking-to-success/10055722/","projectTitle":"Printing Progress & Sticking to Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"},{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":10168262,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of your kindness, my students will have new opportunities to stay active, build social skills, and simply enjoy being kids.\r\n\r\nThe splash tunnel, playground balls, beanbags, and hopper ball will bring so much excitement to our recess and outdoor time. These kinds of activities help students develop coordination, teamwork, and confidence, all while giving them a fun and healthy outlet for their energy.\r\n\r\nOpportunities for movement and play are so important for student well-being, and your donation helps create joyful moments that they will look forward to each day. Your generosity truly makes a difference in their school experience.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting my students and helping make our classroom a happy, active place to learn and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1775050791528,"projectUrl":"project/field-day-fun-for-everyone-moving-play/10168262/","projectTitle":"Field Day Fun for Everyone: Moving, Playing, Growing!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"},{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":9994258,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of your kindness, my students will have access to engaging art materials that allow them to explore their creativity and express themselves in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThe watercolor paints and dot markers will bring color and excitement to our projects, while the multicultural paper and people cutouts will help us celebrate diversity and create artwork that reflects the world around us. These materials will not only make learning more fun, but also help build a sense of inclusion and belonging in our classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support truly makes a difference in the daily experiences of my students. We are so grateful for your generosity and for believing in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1776103210149,"projectUrl":"project/building-life-skills-one-art-project-at/9994258/","projectTitle":"Building Life Skills One Art Project at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"},{"teacherId":10194342,"projectId":10057512,"letterContent":"The addition of these touch-and-feel board books has had a powerful impact on student engagement and participation during literacy activities. Students who previously struggled to attend to books are now eager to explore stories through hands-on interaction, using textures and tactile elements to stay focused and involved. The multisensory design of these books has helped make abstract ideas more concrete, allowing students to better understand concepts such as animals, emotions, and colors while strengthening early literacy skills like vocabulary, listening, and comprehension.\r\n\r\nThese books have also become an important tool for sensory regulation and social-emotional learning throughout the day. Many students seek them out during calming breaks or transitions, using the predictable textures and interactive features to self-soothe and refocus. Emotion-themed titles have opened the door for meaningful conversations about feelings, while shared reading experiences have encouraged communication, turn-taking, and peer interaction in a low-pressure, enjoyable way.\r\n\r\nOverall, these sensory books have transformed our classroom library into a more inclusive and accessible space for all learners. They are being used successfully in small groups, independent exploration, and whole-class activities, supporting a wide range of ability levels and learning styles. Most importantly, the books have helped students build confidence and joy around reading, fostering positive literacy experiences that will support their growth both academically and emotionally.","fullyFundedDate":1769722104671,"projectUrl":"project/touch-and-feel-tales-that-bring-books-to/10057512/","projectTitle":"Touch-and-Feel Tales That Bring Books to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10194342_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y136&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767984781229","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10194342"},{"teacherId":10194342,"projectId":9986701,"letterContent":"The addition of the GONGE Giant Spinning Top and shatterproof acrylic wall mirrors has already had a meaningful impact on our motor lab and the way students engage with movement-based learning. The spinning top has quickly become a favorite activity, motivating students to participate in core strengthening, balance, and vestibular input without feeling like they are doing \"therapy.\" Students are practicing turn-taking, following simple directions, and regulating their bodies while laughing and encouraging one another. The joy and confidence they display during these activities has increased both engagement and endurance during motor sessions.\r\n\r\nThe wall mirrors have added an entirely new layer of learning and safety to the space. By seeing their own movements in real time, students are developing stronger body awareness, spatial understanding, and motor planning skills. The mirrors support imitation of modeled movements and help students self-correct posture and positioning, fostering independence and self-monitoring. They also provide reassurance and visual grounding for students who benefit from consistent sensory feedback during gross motor activities.\r\n\r\nTogether, these materials have transformed the motor lab into a more interactive, supportive, and student-centered environment. Students are exploring movement with greater confidence, celebrating small victories, and building essential life skills in a space that feels safe and empowering. These resources not only support physical development but also promote independence, communication, and pride in progress—outcomes that will positively impact students far beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1769177285197,"projectUrl":"project/movement-that-matters/9986701/","projectTitle":"Movement That Matters","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Harris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10194342_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y136&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767984781229","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10194342"},{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":10001993,"letterContent":"These materials will be extremely beneficial to my class because they allow me to teach essential life skills through hands-on, meaningful play. The food group sets and vegetable bushel give my students concrete opportunities to explore healthy eating, food identification, sorting, and categorizing. I can use these items to practice daily living skills such as making food choices, understanding nutrition, and following simple routines like \"shopping,\" \"cooking,\" and \"serving.\" The realistic design of the food pieces helps my students make connections between classroom activities and real-life experiences, which is especially important for building independence and functional understanding.\r\n\r\nThe pretend play items, including the Carry Around Animal Town and the spill-free doll feeding bottles, will help me support social-emotional growth and communication skills in my classroom. These toys allow my students to practice nurturing behaviors, turn-taking, and expressive language while engaging in imaginative play. I can also use them to model appropriate social interactions and daily care routines, such as feeding and caring for others. Overall, these materials will help me create an engaging, structured learning environment where my students can safely practice real-world skills, develop confidence, and strengthen their independence.","fullyFundedDate":1769802543849,"projectUrl":"project/mini-careers-major-life-skills/10001993/","projectTitle":"Mini Careers, Major Life Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"},{"teacherId":2463451,"projectId":9994381,"letterContent":"These items are highly beneficial to my skills classroom because they support the development of foundational skills through hands-on, engaging activities. The Fun Express sorting and recycling toy promotes color recognition, categorization, fine motor skills, and early environmental awareness, all of which are essential for daily living and independence. Similarly, the Melissa & Doug smoothie maker encourages pretend play that builds practical life skills such as following steps, sequencing, making choices, and basic food preparation concepts. These activities help students practice real-world routines in a safe and motivating way, while also strengthening communication and social interaction as they play alongside peers or adults.\r\nIn addition, the sensory and interactive toys—such as the light-up spinning wand, music shake ball, and interactive Fingerlings pet—are especially valuable for supporting sensory regulation, cause-and-effect understanding, and emotional development. The visual, auditory, and tactile input from these toys can help students with sensory needs stay engaged, calm, and focused during learning activities. The interactive pet also promotes nurturing behaviors, responsibility, and expressive language as students respond to its sounds and reactions. Together, these items create a well-rounded learning environment that supports cognitive, sensory, social, and functional life skills in an inclusive and developmentally appropriate way.","fullyFundedDate":1769177282677,"projectUrl":"project/from-play-to-practical-skills/9994381/","projectTitle":"From Play to Practical Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2463451_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749361980560","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mirandawilliams"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_7989","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":464,"numTeachers":33,"percentFrplEligible":63,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":30,"percentWhite":30,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":29,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":6,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"14.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":68.1,"schoolId":7989,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/mansfield-independent-school-district/mary-jo-sheppard-elementary-school/7989"}