{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Earl Slaughter Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":25.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4328501,"projectId":9773949,"letterContent":"The resources you provided have transformed the way my students learn, create, and collaborate. Many of our donors may be familiar with technology at home, but seeing it used intentionally in a classroom is something special. The Ozobot has become a powerful tool for teaching foundational coding skills. Students are learning sequencing, cause and effect, and problem solving through hands on play. They quickly discovered that even tiny changes in their code impact the robot's behavior, helping them develop persistence and critical thinking. The camera has also added a reflective component to their learning, giving students a way to record gameplay, document challenges, and evaluate their own progress just like real designers and esports creators.\r\n\r\nThe excitement around this project has been incredible. The Mars Patel book series has inspired students to think like storytellers while they build digital worlds and challenges. They love making connections between the mysteries in the books and the games they want to create, and suddenly reading and writing feel purposeful and imaginative. Our classroom walls have also come alive with charts and visuals hung using the Command Strips you funded. Students now track coding missions, tournament standings, and design goals with pride, turning the room into a lively creative studio.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were hesitant to participate in traditional classroom activities have truly flourished with this new technology. One student who rarely spoke in class is now confidently recording strategy videos and explaining coding steps to classmates. Another student who often struggled with reading has become deeply engaged in Mars Patel, eager to apply story elements to her game design ideas. These moments happen because donors like you believed in their potential. Your generosity has opened doors to new skills, new passions, and new confidence, and my students feel it every day.","fullyFundedDate":1763139420523,"projectUrl":"project/leveling-up-learning-through-game-design/9773949/","projectTitle":"Leveling Up Learning Through Game Design and eSports","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4328501_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717985553775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/walkerfrogs"},{"teacherId":4328501,"projectId":9704083,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project! Your generosity has made a real difference in my students' learning. With your support, our \"class store\" is now up and running, giving students hands-on experience with earning, saving, and spending. They are learning to make thoughtful choices about wants versus needs while practicing real-world financial skills.\r\n\r\nThe Ozobots have been especially exciting for the students. They love guiding the bots through money-themed mazes, and it's amazing to watch them connect coding and problem-solving with decision-making about money. Even students who are usually quiet or hesitant in class have become confident leaders during these activities, taking charge of their coding challenges and sharing strategies with their peers.\r\n\r\nThe Maisie Hitchins books have also sparked curiosity and critical thinking. Students are eagerly discussing story mysteries and making connections to the problem-solving skills they use in the store and in managing money.\r\n\r\nYour support has not only provided tools but has created experiences that make learning financial literacy tangible and engaging. My students are excited, motivated, and asking more thoughtful questions about money and choices every day. We couldn't have done this without you!","fullyFundedDate":1758971347800,"projectUrl":"project/mysteries-of-money-building-financial-l/9704083/","projectTitle":"Mysteries of Money: Building Financial Literacy with Books and Bots","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4328501_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717985553775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/walkerfrogs"},{"teacherId":4328501,"projectId":9697355,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students are experiencing learning in new and exciting ways! The Ozobot Evo kits have quickly become a classroom favorite. Students are using them to practice coding, teamwork, and problem solving while applying real world skills like planning and decision making. For many of my students, this is their very first experience with robotics, and it is amazing to see their eyes light up when they successfully guide their Ozobot through a challenge they designed themselves.\r\n\r\nThe books you provided Out of My Mind, Trapped in a Video Game, The One and Only Ivan, and The Wild Robot have also opened doors for my readers. They are making connections between characters' challenges and their own problem solving journeys in the classroom. One of my students, Isaiah, proudly shared, \"Coding the Ozobot feels like being Roz the robot from The Wild Robot. I have to think ahead and make smart choices.\" His comment showed me how much these resources are blending literacy with STEM in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most about the new technology is that they are in control. They love experimenting, failing, and trying again until they succeed, skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom. Your support has not only brought joy and engagement into our lessons but has also given my students confidence to take risks and grow as learners. We are truly grateful for your kindness and investment in their futures.","fullyFundedDate":1757506105602,"projectUrl":"project/money-matters-building-financial-litera/9697355/","projectTitle":"Money Matters: Building Financial Literacy with Books and Bots","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4328501_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717985553775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/walkerfrogs"},{"teacherId":9995020,"projectId":9249240,"letterContent":"Getting a class set of Tuck Everlasting in both English and Spanish made such a difference for my students. We used the books to dig into skills like imagery, figurative language, and author's voice. The kids loved talking about how the author made them \"see\" the story in their heads, almost like a movie. We also spent a lot of time on context clues and vocabulary, which helped students grow more confident as readers. Having the Spanish version meant that everyone could be a part of the discussion, not just the English speakers. It was powerful to see every student engaged in the same text at the same time.\r\n\r\nReading in my classroom is something I want students to look forward to, so I make it feel special. They get to choose their own spot and I have some stretch out on the floor, some sit on stools, others curl up at their desks. I turn off the lights and play calming music, and it changes the whole atmosphere. During Tuck Everlasting, we tracked characters, added notes as new details came up, and got really into making predictions. The kids were so excited when their guesses turned out right, and at the end, we compared the book to the movie. Even though the endings were different, they loved seeing the story come to life on screen.\r\n\r\nThe best part was watching students who don't always speak up in class join the conversations especially my Spanish readers. The Spanish version had different vocabulary that I had never encountered, but they knew those words. It was a confidence boost for them to have been able to teach the teacher something. Some of them really connected with the story and shared ideas that made the discussions richer for everyone. Having the books in both languages gave them the confidence to participate, and that was huge.","fullyFundedDate":1744290628093,"projectUrl":"project/5th-grade-novel-study/9249240/","projectTitle":"5th Grade Novel Study","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cerrato","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9995020_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744217071996","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9995020"},{"teacherId":4328501,"projectId":9259067,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our literacy center has been transformed into a welcoming, engaging space where students are excited to read each day. Reading in our classroom doesn't just happen at desks—it happens curled up on the rug, stretched out with a lap desk, or huddled with a friend over a funny passage from Big Nate. Your donation has given my students more than books; you've given them a place to feel confident, curious, and joyful about reading.\r\n\r\nThe new books—like Wings of Fire, Stick Dog, and Big Nate—are packed with opportunities for students to practice important reading skills. As we explore these texts, we're working on making inferences, identifying themes, analyzing character development, and understanding text structure. Humor and adventure help reluctant readers stick with it, while students who are already strong readers are digging into deeper comprehension and discussion.\r\n\r\nOne student was hesitant to pick up a chapter book at the beginning of the year. She told me she \"wasn't a reader.\" But when she picked up Wings of Fire, everything changed. She's now flying through the series and even writing her own dragon stories during writing time. Another student, Kingston, keeps the Big Nate books on rotation and has started sketching comic-style stories of his own, inspired by the series.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, students now see reading not as a chore, but as an adventure they look forward to. Your kindness has helped them grow as readers, thinkers, and creators. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1746569850807,"projectUrl":"project/the-ultimate-reading-retreat-for-young-b/9259067/","projectTitle":"The Ultimate Reading Retreat for Young Bookworms!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4328501_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717985553775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/walkerfrogs"},{"teacherId":4328501,"projectId":9062528,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Your donation has helped create an environment where students can explore, create, and engage with learning in exciting new ways. The resources you've provided—snap circuits, an electromagnetic kit, magnetic blocks, base ten blocks, a friction board, and the wonderful books—are already having a significant impact.\r\n\r\nThe snap circuits and electromagnetic kit have sparked curiosity in my students, with many now experimenting with electricity and magnetism. It's thrilling to see them apply these principles to real-world projects, like when one student proudly shared how she created an electric circuit to light up a small bulb. Her enthusiasm and determination not only inspired her classmates but also sparked a group discussion on how circuits work. These hands-on experiments are boosting their confidence and developing critical STEM skills.\r\n\r\nThe friction board is bringing our physics lessons to life, and students have enjoyed experimenting with forces and motion. We've already begun using the magnetic blocks to explore concepts of motion and balance, and we can't wait to incorporate them into our Lunar New Year celebration. This holiday will provide the perfect opportunity to combine culture and science as students design dragon dances using the magnetic blocks, exploring how forces interact in a fun and meaningful way.\r\n\r\nThe books you've helped provide are fostering a love of reading and creating connections to the world. \"Spy School\" and \"Lia Park and the Missing Jewel\" have captured the attention of my students, especially one who has become obsessed with mystery stories and now leads discussions about the characters' problem-solving strategies. \"How to Catch a Polar Bear\" has opened doors for exploring the natural world and its inhabitants, further fueling their curiosity.\r\n\r\nYour support is not just about providing materials—it's about giving my students the chance to explore, collaborate, and make connections. It's about giving them the tools to think critically, solve problems, and grow as confident learners. We are so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate diversity and science through this project.\r\n\r\nThank you for making all of this possible. You are helping to build bright minds, one experiment and one book at a time!","fullyFundedDate":1744549281846,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds-stem-and-story-ad/9062528/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds: STEM and Story Adventures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4328501_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717985553775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/walkerfrogs"},{"teacherId":4184495,"projectId":8997593,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and our entire school community, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation of art supplies to our classroom. Your kindness and support have directly impacted our young artists, allowing them to explore their creativity with the materials they need to bring their ideas to life. \r\n\r\nAt Slaughter Elementary, we believe that every child is an artist, and having access to quality supplies is essential in fostering their confidence and artistic growth. Your contribution has restocked many of our staple supplies and materials that are used daily to help our students experiment, learn, and develop their skills. From the first strokes of paint to the careful blending of pastels, these tools empower our students to express themselves in meaningful ways. \r\n\r\nThanks to you, our budding artists will continue to explore new techniques, dream big, and create with enthusiasm. Your generosity is more than just a donation; it is an investment in their creativity, self-expression, and future. \r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of art education and for making a difference in the lives of our students. We truly appreciate your support and hope to share some of our students' wonderful creations with you soon!","fullyFundedDate":1734298853395,"projectUrl":"project/art-room-restock/8997593/","projectTitle":"Art Room Restock","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kenealey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4184495_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1483622690788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4184495"},{"teacherId":4328501,"projectId":8985463,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible generosity in supporting our project to bring Ozobots into our classroom. Your contribution has opened up exciting new opportunities for my students to engage in hands-on, creative learning that blends technology, storytelling, and cultural exploration.\r\n\r\nThe impact of these tools has been remarkable. Using the Ozobots, my students have been able to explore the traditions and stories of the Lunar New Year in ways that go far beyond textbooks. For example, one student who often struggles to focus during traditional lessons, became fully engaged while programming her Ozobot to perform a dragon dance. She exclaimed, \"It's like I'm teaching the robot to celebrate!\" Watching her excitement and focus was a powerful reminder of how technology can transform learning.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students the most is the ability to see their coding skills come to life. They loved programming the Ozobots to follow story paths of the Chinese zodiac animals, lighting up in festive reds and golds and moving through maps they designed themselves. One student shared, \"I never thought I could make something like this. It feels like I'm part of the story!\" Moments like these are the highlights of our learning journey.\r\n\r\nSeveral students have especially warmed to the Ozobots. one student, who speaks English as a second language, found the coding activities a unique way to express herself. She programmed her Ozobot to represent her family's Lunar New Year traditions, adding her own creative touches like having the bot give \"red envelopes\" along its path. Seeing her pride in sharing her culture through technology was heartwarming.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly transformed our classroom. These activities have not only deepened students' understanding of global cultures but also built critical 21st-century skills like coding, collaboration, and problem-solving. The energy and excitement the Ozobots have brought to our classroom are immeasurable, and I am so grateful to you for making this possible.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a learning environment that celebrates diversity, inspires creativity, and prepares my students for the future.","fullyFundedDate":1736917429271,"projectUrl":"project/coding-our-way-through-the-lunar-new-yea/8985463/","projectTitle":"Coding Our Way Through the Lunar New Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4328501_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717985553775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/walkerfrogs"},{"teacherId":5501824,"projectId":8469921,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to our class.Your generosity is truly appreciated. My kids absolutely love our class pets! They have learned so much about hermit crabs! I've learned with them We have done hermit crab activities in math, science, reading and writing! One of my kids even asked his parents for hermit crabs because he loves our class pets so much. I am able to integrate so many great lessons through these amazing creatures. Thank you for impacting the minds of leaders of tomorrow!!!","fullyFundedDate":1726249900823,"projectUrl":"project/dont-be-crabby-while-we-learn-about-her/8469921/","projectTitle":"Don't Be Crabby While We Learn About Hermit Crabs!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pfeiffer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5501824_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x374,y698&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719415327748","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5501824"},{"teacherId":4884222,"projectId":8799382,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project! The chapter books you've helped provide are already making a meaningful difference in my classroom. These books are exactly what my students need to transition from picture books to more complex texts, offering rich stories that engage their imaginations and challenge their growing skills.\r\n\r\nHaving these books available has created so much excitement in our classroom. Students are eagerly picking up new titles, diving into immersive plots, and discussing characters and themes with one another. It's incredible to see their confidence grow as they finish each book—many are already talking about what they want to read next!\r\n\r\nYour contribution is helping foster a culture of reading in our classroom, where every student feels inspired to explore new ideas and stories. You've not only supported their academic growth but also helped spark a lifelong love of reading. Thank you for investing in their success and believing in their potential.","fullyFundedDate":1727977847054,"projectUrl":"project/next-chapter-enriching-student-literacy/8799382/","projectTitle":"Next Chapter: Enriching Student Literacy with New Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sowe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4884222_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507732071918","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-sowe"},{"teacherId":4884222,"projectId":8825684,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping us bring the joy of reading to life in our classroom! The graphic novels and historical fiction books from this project have already made a tremendous impact on my students, opening up new avenues for learning and engagement.\r\n\r\nThrough these texts, we've introduced a variety of critical skills and lessons. Graphic novels, for instance, have become a favorite among reluctant readers, offering a balance of visual storytelling and rich narrative that builds confidence and sparks curiosity. Students are learning to analyze how images and text work together to convey meaning, an essential literacy skill. Meanwhile, historical fiction has provided immersive experiences that transport students to different times and places. We've been exploring how historical events connect to current issues, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom has transformed into a dynamic and inclusive experience. Students are engaged in small group discussions, sharing their thoughts on characters, themes, and historical contexts. They ask thoughtful questions and draw parallels to their own lives, making reading a more meaningful and personal journey.\r\n\r\nOne student, who initially struggled to find joy in reading, has become captivated by graphic novels. Seeing him excitedly share his thoughts with classmates has been incredible. Another student loves historical fiction and often brings connections between the books and her family's history into class discussions, enriching our learning environment for everyone.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students feel seen and inspired. You've helped cultivate a love for reading and created a space where they can explore new ideas, connect with their world, and grow into compassionate, informed leaders.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1727977585803,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-bright-futures-empowering-you/8825684/","projectTitle":"Books for Bright Futures: Empowering Young Minds Through Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sowe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4884222_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507732071918","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-sowe"},{"teacherId":4328501,"projectId":8947611,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible generosity in supporting our classroom tree frog, Lucky, and the exciting hands-on science project we've built around him. The materials you provided have brought learning to life in ways that I could only have dreamed of!\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new resources—composition notebooks, folders, and the STEM building sets—they were bursting with excitement. One student immediately grabbed the amphibian thermometer-hygrometer and ran over to Lucky's habitat, eager to start monitoring the temperature and humidity. The delight on their faces was unforgettable, and it set the tone for what has been a truly transformative learning experience.\r\n\r\nIn one recent lesson, we used the Dazmers Building Sticks and Kadu Interconnectable STEM Building sets to design and construct model frog habitats. The creativity and collaboration were inspiring! Students worked in teams to consider how elements like water, shade, and temperature could influence a frog's well-being. One group even replicated a rainforest ecosystem with incredible detail, citing their research from our composition notebooks.\r\n\r\nThese materials have not only fueled our science lessons but have also sparked meaningful moments of discovery. For instance, one student observed that Lucky became noticeably more active when we adjusted the humidity in his habitat. She shared her findings with the class, leading to a rich discussion about how amphibians are uniquely sensitive to environmental factors. This simple observation turned into a lesson on ecosystems and biodiversity, making the learning both real and relevant.\r\n\r\nNext, we're diving deeper into studying amphibians by exploring how environmental changes impact their populations globally. Students will be using the STEM Explorers Brainometry kit to problem-solve ways to design habitats that support conservation efforts. The skills they are developing—critical thinking, collaboration, and empathy—are laying a foundation for their future success.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping to bring this project to life. The joy and curiosity you've sparked in my students are immeasurable. You've given them the tools to explore, experiment, and connect with the world around them, and for that, we are endlessly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1733166807628,"projectUrl":"project/leap-into-learning-hands-on-science-wit/8947611/","projectTitle":"Leap Into Learning: Hands-On Science With Our Classroom Tree Frog","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Walker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4328501_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717985553775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/walkerfrogs"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_9320","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":556,"numTeachers":44,"percentFrplEligible":55,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":14,"percentWhite":28,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":41,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":74.5,"schoolId":9320,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Earl Slaughter Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Earl Slaughter Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/mckinney-ind-school-dist/earl-slaughter-elementary-school/9320"}