{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Polk Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5502494,"projectId":10203254,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Stronger Learning Through Sound & Structure.\" These materials have helped my students use classroom technology with more focus, independence, and confidence. In our classroom, students use technology for reading support, math practice, assessments, science learning, and individualized skill-building. Having the right tools for sound and structure helps students hear directions clearly, stay organized, and complete their work without distracting others around them.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been having materials that help them feel more prepared and successful during technology time. When students can clearly hear the lesson, passage, question, or feedback from a learning program, they are able to engage more fully and work at their own pace. These resources have also helped our classroom routines run more smoothly because students can get started faster, stay focused longer, and take more responsibility for their learning.\r\n\r\nThis project has been especially helpful for students who need extra support with listening, reading, attention, or organization. Some students who used to feel frustrated during online learning are now more willing to participate because they have the tools they need to focus and follow along. Thank you for helping provide resources that support stronger learning, smoother routines, and greater confidence for my students every day.","fullyFundedDate":1778728341087,"projectUrl":"project/stronger-learning-through-sound-struct/10203254/","projectTitle":"Stronger Learning Through Sound & Structure","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dutcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5502494_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711480180422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/k-dutcher"},{"teacherId":5502494,"projectId":10203123,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Creative Tools for Thinking, Writing, and Learning.\" These materials have brought excitement, choice, and creativity into our daily learning. My students are using the clickable markers, colored pencils, metallic colored pencils, erasable gel pens, correcting pencils, Ticonderoga pencils, and mechanical pencils during writing, note-taking, vocabulary work, math practice, illustrations, graphic organizers, and classroom projects.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, they were so excited to have special tools that made their work feel important. Something as simple as choosing a colored pencil, marker, or gel pen can help students feel more motivated to revise their writing, organize their thinking, or add detail to their work. These supplies have been especially helpful during writing and reading response activities because students can color-code ideas, highlight important details, and make their learning more visual and meaningful.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, students have more ways to express their thinking and take pride in their work. Our next steps are to continue using these tools for writing projects, vocabulary illustrations, reading responses, math problem-solving, and creative classroom displays. Thank you for helping provide materials that support focus, creativity, organization, and joyful learning in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1778102398179,"projectUrl":"project/creative-tools-for-thinking-writing-an/10203123/","projectTitle":"Creative Tools for Thinking, Writing, and Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dutcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5502494_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711480180422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/k-dutcher"},{"teacherId":5502494,"projectId":10251156,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"A Classroom Guitar for Songs, Connection, and Learning.\" The guitar has brought a new sense of joy, expression, and connection into our classroom. I am currently learning to play \"This Land Is Your Land,\" and I am excited to use the guitar to introduce patriotic songs, social emotional learning songs, classroom chants, and music that helps build community.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the guitar, they were immediately curious and excited. They asked questions, wanted to know what songs we would learn, and were eager to hear music become part of our classroom routines. The guitar gives us a meaningful way to make learning feel more engaging and memorable. It can support transitions, morning meetings, classroom connection, vocabulary practice, and moments when students need a joyful reset.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue building simple songs into our learning. I plan to use the guitar for patriotic songs, social emotional learning, classroom community, and activities that help students express themselves while connecting to what we are learning. Thank you for helping bring music into our room in a way that supports joy, confidence, expression, and a stronger sense of belonging.","fullyFundedDate":1778004548615,"projectUrl":"project/a-classroom-guitar-for-songs-connection/10251156/","projectTitle":"A Classroom Guitar for Songs, Connection, and Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dutcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5502494_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711480180422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/k-dutcher"},{"teacherId":5502494,"projectId":10203267,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Brains in Bloom: A Cozy Growth Mindset Thinking Corner.\" These materials have helped create a special work space in our classroom where responsible students can go to focus, think, and complete their learning in a comfortable setting. We are using the rug, pillows, and lap boards as an alternative work area for students who are ready to work independently and make strong learning choices.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the space, they were excited to have a cozy spot in the classroom that still felt connected to learning. They love being able to sit on the rug, use a lap board, and work in a way that feels a little different from sitting at a desk. One meaningful moment has been seeing students work hard to show responsibility so they can earn the opportunity to use the space. It has become a positive motivator and a place where students can practice independence, focus, and ownership of their work.\r\n\r\nThis project has helped me create more flexible seating options while still keeping learning expectations clear. Our next steps are to continue using the thinking corner during independent reading, writing, math practice, reflection activities, and other classroom projects. Students will keep practicing how to make responsible choices, stay focused, and take pride in their learning. Thank you for helping create a classroom space where students can feel comfortable, trusted, and ready to do their best work.","fullyFundedDate":1778004495561,"projectUrl":"project/brains-in-bloom-a-cozy-growth-mindset-t/10203267/","projectTitle":"Brains in Bloom: A Cozy Growth Mindset Thinking Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dutcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5502494_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711480180422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/k-dutcher"},{"teacherId":5502494,"projectId":10203199,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Soft Lighting, Strong Focus: Creating a Calm Classroom.\" These lighting materials have already helped make our classroom feel more comfortable, focused, and ready for learning. Instead of relying only on bright overhead lights, we are now able to use softer classroom lighting during independent reading, writing, small-group instruction, and quiet work time. This has helped create a calmer environment where students can settle in and focus on the task in front of them.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first noticed the softer lighting, they immediately commented that the room felt more welcoming and easier to work in. One of the biggest moments was during independent reading and writing time. With the lamps on and the overhead lights lowered, students were able to spread out, read, write, and work with a more focused energy. The room still felt like a working classroom, but it also felt less harsh and overstimulating.\r\n\r\nThese materials are helping me be more intentional about the classroom environment and how it supports learning. Our next steps are to continue building strong routines for reading stamina, writing workshop, small groups, and independent work. The softer lighting gives us a setting that supports focus, calm transitions, and productive learning throughout the day. Thank you for helping create a classroom space where students feel comfortable, focused, and ready to do their best work.","fullyFundedDate":1777995131806,"projectUrl":"project/soft-lighting-strong-focus-creating-a/10203199/","projectTitle":"Soft Lighting, Strong Focus: Creating a Calm Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dutcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5502494_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711480180422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/k-dutcher"},{"teacherId":5502494,"projectId":10186039,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Organized for Growth: AVID Binders and Student Learning Systems.\" These binders have helped my students build stronger organization habits and take more ownership of their learning. Each student now has a system to keep important papers, reference materials, assignments, reading logs, calendars, and learning tools in one place. This has made a big difference in our daily routines because students are learning how to find what they need, keep track of their work, and come prepared for learning.\r\n\r\nThe most meaningful impact has been seeing my third graders grow in independence and confidence. Instead of losing papers in desks or folders, students are beginning to understand that organization is a skill they can practice and improve. The binders support our AVID routines by helping students plan, reflect, stay accountable, and see themselves as capable learners. They are especially helpful for students who need extra structure because the system gives them a clear, consistent place for their materials.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, I am able to teach organization as part of learning, not just as a classroom rule. These binders help me support students with goal-setting, responsibility, home-school communication, and academic growth. Thank you for giving my students a tool that helps them feel prepared, focused, and ready to succeed each day.","fullyFundedDate":1777995071442,"projectUrl":"project/organized-for-growth-avid-binders-and-s/10186039/","projectTitle":"Organized for Growth: AVID Binders and Student Learning Systems","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dutcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5502494_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711480180422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/k-dutcher"},{"teacherId":5502494,"projectId":9326408,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Plug Into STEM: Headphones for Focused Learning.\" These headphones have made a meaningful difference in how my students use technology in the classroom. My third graders use technology for math practice, reading support, science learning, assessments, and independent skill-building. Having headphones allows students to hear instructions, videos, passages, and learning activities clearly without distracting others around them.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students is being able to work with more independence and focus. Instead of trying to listen over classroom noise or waiting for a turn with shared headphones, students can plug in and get started right away. This has helped our classroom routines run more smoothly during i-Ready, Amira, STEM activities, and other online learning tasks. Students are more engaged because they can actually hear the lesson, directions, and feedback that the programs provide.\r\n\r\nThese headphones have been especially helpful for students who need extra support with reading, listening, or staying focused. Some students who used to get frustrated during technology time are now able to settle in, follow along, and complete their work with more confidence. Your generosity has helped give my students a simple but powerful tool that supports focus, independence, and learning every day.","fullyFundedDate":1751385699831,"projectUrl":"project/plug-into-stem-headphones-for-focused-l/9326408/","projectTitle":"Plug Into STEM: Headphones for Focused Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Dutcher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5502494_orig.jpg?crop=432,432,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711480180422","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/k-dutcher"},{"teacherId":7684928,"projectId":9932209,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, my kindergarten students now have access to engaging books, art materials, and hands-on literacy resources that bring learning to life in meaningful ways. We use these materials daily during reading, writing, and social-emotional learning activities. Students are now able to connect stories to their own experiences, practice retelling events, and explore important themes like kindness, perseverance, and friendship through both discussion and creative expression. The art supplies, in particular, have become a powerful tool for helping students communicate ideas when words alone are still developing.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement in the classroom was immediate. Students were eager to explore the new books, flip through the colorful pages, and begin creating with the new art supplies. I watched as students who are typically more hesitant became fully engaged—choosing books independently, asking thoughtful questions, and proudly sharing their drawings with peers. These resources have helped create a sense of ownership and pride in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, students will continue using these materials to deepen their literacy skills and strengthen their social-emotional understanding. We are currently working on storytelling and retelling activities, where students will illustrate beginning, middle, and end events from stories we read together. They will also collaborate on simple projects that encourage communication, problem-solving, and empathy. These next steps will help students build both academic skills and the confidence to express themselves in creative and meaningful ways.","fullyFundedDate":1764690028161,"projectUrl":"project/growing-hearts-minds/9932209/","projectTitle":"Growing Hearts & Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kumar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7684928"},{"teacherId":7684928,"projectId":9618084,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, my kindergarten classroom is now equipped with the essential tools my students need to learn, create, and grow with confidence from the very beginning of the year. Having markers, crayons, and watercolors readily available allows students to express their ideas in meaningful, hands-on ways while also strengthening fine motor skills and early writing development. These materials make it possible for learning to be active and engaging every day, rather than limited by missing supplies or wait times.\r\n\r\nThe addition of headphones has also made a significant impact on our learning environment. Many of our early literacy and math activities are supported through digital programs, and headphones allow students to work at their own pace while staying focused and independent. It has been exciting to see students take ownership of their learning during these activities—especially those who benefit from repeated practice and quieter spaces to concentrate. Students who may have been hesitant at first are now more willing to engage because they can listen carefully, repeat instructions, and build confidence without distractions.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these supplies help create a classroom where every child feels prepared and included from day one. When students don't have to worry about lacking basic materials, they are free to focus on exploring, creating, and learning together. I've especially seen some of my more reserved or easily overwhelmed learners thrive when given access to consistent tools and structured support. These small but essential resources truly help set the tone for a joyful, productive, and equitable learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1755695683128,"projectUrl":"project/bright-beginnings-essential-supplies-fo/9618084/","projectTitle":"Bright Beginnings: Essential Supplies for My Kindergarteners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kumar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7684928"},{"teacherId":7684928,"projectId":9248412,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, my students now have access to rich, visually engaging books that make the world feel closer and more accessible to them. Many of these texts introduce them to natural history specimens, global art and cultural artifacts, and scientific and historical collections they might not otherwise have the chance to experience firsthand. As we read together, students are practicing key literacy skills such as building vocabulary, asking and answering questions, making inferences from images and text, and using new information to form and revise their thinking. These museum-inspired books naturally invite discussion, which strengthens their speaking and listening skills as well.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is now more interactive and exploratory. Students often gather in small groups or on the carpet to closely examine photographs, ask \"I wonder...\" questions, and share personal connections to what they see. I've noticed students who are typically more reserved becoming especially engaged when they encounter striking visuals of animals, ancient artifacts, or artwork from around the world. These texts are helping all learners—especially those still developing confidence in reading—access complex ideas through imagery and shared discussion, which builds both comprehension and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these books are helping cultivate curiosity and a sense of wonder about the world. Students are beginning to see reading not just as a skill to practice, but as a way to explore, discover, and understand things beyond their everyday experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1744210418648,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-our-world-through-beautiful-bo/9248412/","projectTitle":"Exploring Our World Through Beautiful Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kumar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7684928"},{"teacherId":7684928,"projectId":8984095,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom and helping provide art supplies, STEM toys, and books for my kindergarten students. When the materials arrived, the excitement in the room was incredible! Students eagerly explored the new books, couldn't wait to create with the markers and colored pencils, and were immediately drawn to the STEM building materials. These resources have transformed our classroom into a place where students can learn through creativity, exploration, and hands-on discovery.\r\n\r\nWe have been using the books during read-alouds, small-group instruction, and independent reading time to build literacy skills and foster a love of reading. The art supplies have allowed students to illustrate stories, create projects connected to classroom themes, and express their ideas in meaningful ways. During STEM activities, students have worked collaboratively to design and build structures, solve problems, and test their ideas. One memorable moment was watching students work together to build a bridge using construction materials, discussing different solutions and celebrating their success when their design worked.\r\n\r\nThese materials will continue to support our learning throughout the year. Our next steps include integrating books, art, and STEM challenges into thematic units that encourage students to read, create, investigate, and share their thinking. Because of your generosity, my students have access to engaging learning experiences that strengthen academic skills while nurturing creativity, curiosity, and confidence. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1733261440398,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-expression-and-exploration/8984095/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Expression and Exploration!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kumar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7684928"},{"teacherId":7684928,"projectId":8842114,"letterContent":"Here's a donor-focused version that answers those reflection questions:\r\n\r\nMany people love reading books, but teaching children how to read is a complex and exciting process. The decodable and early reader books from this project help students practice important foundational skills such as recognizing letter-sound relationships, blending sounds together, reading high-frequency words, and developing reading fluency. As students become more confident readers, they also begin working on comprehension skills like making predictions, retelling stories, identifying characters and settings, and making connections to their own lives. These books provide the structured practice students need while still giving them enjoyable stories to read.\r\n\r\nReading in my classroom is active and engaging. Students participate in whole-group read-alouds, partner reading, small-group instruction, and independent reading time. Throughout the day, children practice using the phonics skills they are learning to decode words and read increasingly complex texts. One of the most rewarding moments as a teacher is seeing a student successfully read a book independently for the first time. The pride and excitement on their faces is unforgettable.\r\n\r\nThe impact of these books is especially meaningful for students who may have struggled with reading confidence at the beginning of the year. When students are given books that match their developing skills, they experience success, and that success motivates them to keep reading. Some students who were once hesitant to pick up a book now eagerly volunteer to read aloud, share stories with classmates, and take books home to read with their families. Your support is helping create confident readers who see themselves as capable, successful learners. Thank you for investing in their literacy journey and helping open the door to a lifetime of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1727957117236,"projectUrl":"project/one-book-two-books/8842114/","projectTitle":"One Book, Two Books...","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Kumar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7684928"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_33406","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":522,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":57,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":60,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":31,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":1,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":63.5,"schoolId":33406,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Polk Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Polk Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/utah/ogden-school-district/polk-elementary-school/33406"}