{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"North Star Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":232439,"projectId":9627772,"letterContent":"Classroom teachers are masters at using insignificant tools to make a HUGE difference in the classroom environment. The shoe hanger is exactly one of those tools! In the past, students have kept headphones in their book buckets. This results in headphones being stepped on when book buckets tip, headphones being broken because books crush them, or losing headphones because they aren't easy for a teacher to manage in 15 different buckets. The shoe hanger is on the back of our classroom door functioning as a one stop shop for individual headphones. It really is priceless! At the end of the day, the student who is the technology specialist peeks to ensure all 15 headphones are there and they have remained utterly safe and have made more room for books in our book buckets!\r\n\r\nThe other priceless gift you gave was the JBL speaker. As an musical person, I think background music makes every environment more inviting. I've taken our speaker on field trips (as seen in our outdoor photo), I take it on playground and morning greeting duty, and I bring it to community circle. It is such a convenient way to play music we need for singing without standing up and walking 45 feet to push play on my computer. This luxury wasn't cheap, but it is a tool worth every penny. THANK YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1755822046777,"projectUrl":"project/an-artistic-organized-classroom/9627772/","projectTitle":"An Artistic, Organized Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ekins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp232439_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1472940630018","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ekins"},{"teacherId":6781288,"projectId":9501038,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous donations to my classroom, which allowed me to purchase snacks for my students. Over the summer, I received the wonderful news that my project was funded. It was a tremendous morale boost to know that I could start the school year with these much-needed snacks.\r\n\r\nMy students work diligently throughout the day, and they truly look forward to having snacks to keep them energized. While they love goldfish crackers, your donations enabled me to provide additional treats such as granola bars, apple sauce pouches, and cheese-filled crackers. Many of my students do not always have access to snacks and food, so I often use my personal funds to purchase extra food. Your contributions help alleviate this personal stress and allow me to continue providing essential resources for them.\r\n\r\nWe are all immensely thankful for your generosity and thoughtfulness in supporting students.","fullyFundedDate":1754680386959,"projectUrl":"project/full-tummies-happy-coders/9501038/","projectTitle":"Full Tummies = Happy Coders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wille","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6781288_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657207846329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/coding4kinders"},{"teacherId":2690104,"projectId":9572161,"letterContent":"Thanks for your generosity, our Pre-K classroom is buzzing with excitement and curiosity. Our project \"Building Bright Futures:Early Learning Tools for Math and Literacy,\" has brought hands on learning to life in ways that are already making a meaningful difference for my young learners.\r\nThe magnetic boards, letter pocket charts, and math skill building sets have quickly become essential tools in our daily routine. My students eagerly gather around these materials each morning, using them to practice identifying, counting, and writing numbers. For many of them, this is the first time they've had access to high quality, tactile learning resources-and the impact is clear . I've watched hesitant learners become confident as they place numbers in order, trace numerals on magnetic boards, and proudly recognize letters they once struggled with. \r\nBecause of your support, they are developing the confidence and readiness they need for a strong start in kindergarten and tons. \r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their future. Your kindness is helping us build bright futures, one little learner at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1757423379731,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-futures-early-learning/9572161/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Futures: Early Learning Tools for Math & Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Patty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2690104_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689035696202","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2690104"},{"teacherId":232439,"projectId":9694884,"letterContent":"Oh, how I wish you could have seen the faces on these friends the first time I brought the tracks out for recess! It was utterly heart-melting! They could not believe they would be allowed to be in charge of such a fun tool...that involved Hot Wheel cars at school!\r\n\r\nThat first day, just like the day in the photos, the tracks start with a few brace engineers, and recess finishes with over twenty friends sharing the tracks and eight cars. Not only is the engineering aspect of this tool priceless, but I am fascinated stepping back and watching how they learn the skills of listening to other scientist's solutions and ideas, or how they learn to let everyone participate.\r\n\r\nThe tracks will also come out for indoor recess this winter, our school STEAM Night, and for classroom STEAM challenges. Thank you for this amazing tool for our school!","fullyFundedDate":1757423294161,"projectUrl":"project/speeding-our-way-into-problem-solving/9694884/","projectTitle":"Speeding Our Way into Problem Solving","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ekins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp232439_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1472940630018","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ekins"},{"teacherId":232439,"projectId":9261949,"letterContent":"I wish I could shout from rooftops about the AMAZING quality of the Pilot refillable whiteboard markers! The first graders have used them everyday since the end of August, and only last week is one marker drawing a little dull and needing a refill.\r\n\r\nNone of the tips have been pushed in, they haven't lost lids, and best of all, the marker erases immaculately from our 10 vertical thinking boards. I also use the color markers to highlight great ideas we want to share with the class, and they too erase amazing.\r\n\r\nThe jumbo pencils are also proving to be a brilliant purchase. They almost never need sharpening, help with handwriting, and only three months into school are requiring an eraser to be added to the end. \r\n\r\nThank you for these basic treasures!","fullyFundedDate":1746447555545,"projectUrl":"project/basics-to-help-learning-stick/9261949/","projectTitle":"Basics to Help Learning Stick","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ekins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp232439_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1472940630018","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ekins"},{"teacherId":232439,"projectId":9211599,"letterContent":"The dancing hoops, silk scarves, and puppets provide such simple fun in our classroom, but they truly are luxuries I could not provide from my budget.\r\n\r\nI try to have time in the day when each student shares and we all listen. This is mostly during Community Circle. I have found the hand puppets are a WONDERFUL tool to let them have utter fun (and be extra silly) for the 30 seconds they have the floor. It really does get the silly out of their system, doesn't interrupt learning for the rest of the day, and makes sharing into the group less intimidating!\r\n\r\nWe've been beginning to use the hoops to create dances to folk music from around the world. We will have our next reading test in January, and I hope to really incorporate more rhythmic dancing practice into our day to help with reading fluency in these first graders.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for believing in the fun that can be had in learning classrooms! It is priceless!","fullyFundedDate":1744254801863,"projectUrl":"project/reading-with-rhythm/9211599/","projectTitle":"Reading With Rhythm","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ekins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp232439_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1472940630018","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ekins"},{"teacherId":2690104,"projectId":8961682,"letterContent":"On behalf of North Star Pre-k, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of STEAM supplies. Your support has played a crucial role in helping our students explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in exciting and meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, our students now have access to Instant learning centers, which has sparked their creativity, enhanced their problem-solving skills, and inspired a lifelong love of learning. The students were excited to learn about plants. Using our Instant Learning center, children were able to identify the roots, stem, leaves, and flower of a plant and how it grows. It was amazing to watch our children stamp the parts of a flower and label them. Your contribution has made a real difference in shaping the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your generosity and commitment to education. \r\n\r\nWith sincere gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1740070729817,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-steam-for-little-learners/8961682/","projectTitle":"Hands on STEAM for Little Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Patty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2690104_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689035696202","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2690104"},{"teacherId":6781288,"projectId":9016463,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donations to my after-school coding program. Your funding has made it possible for me to provide delicious and healthy snacks for my students, which they eagerly enjoy before diving into their coding activities.\r\n\r\nThe impact of these snacks goes beyond mere nourishment. For my students, who often have long days filled with various academic challenges, snack time has become a cherished ritual. It's a moment when they can momentarily step away from their screens, recharge, and gather their thoughts. I have noticed that when they have something tasty to munch on, their energy levels rise, and they are better able to focus on the exciting world of robotics and coding.\r\n\r\nThe joy on their faces when they see the snack table is truly heartwarming. Whether it's apple sauce packets, chewy granola bars, or Takis, each snack brings a wave of excitement. The students chat animatedly about their favorite treats, exchanging opinions on which snacks are the best. This camaraderie fosters not only friendships but also a sense of community within the program, as they bond over shared tastes and preferences.\r\n\r\nDuring snack time, I often hear laughter and animated discussions about their coding projects. It's a wonderful sight to see them unwind after a long day of learning, sharing ideas, and collaborating with one another. This time allows them to connect on a personal level, which is just as important as the coding skills they are developing. As their teacher, I cherish these moments because they allow me to engage with my students in a more relaxed setting, helping to cultivate meaningful relationships that extend beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nI submitted the DonorsChoose request over Winter Break, and your prompt response to fund it was the greatest Christmas gift I could have hoped for! It allowed me to bring delightful treats to my students, enhancing their experience in our program. Previously, I was personally funding the snacks, which added a layer of stress to my efforts. Thanks to your generosity, I can now focus on what truly matters: inspiring my students and nurturing their love for coding.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly thankful for your support and contributions, which enable us to enjoy these wonderful foods together. Your kindness has not only filled our snack table but has also contributed to a happier and more productive learning environment.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your thoughtfulness and support!","fullyFundedDate":1734974740935,"projectUrl":"project/we-cant-code-when-were-hungry/9016463/","projectTitle":"We Can't Code When We're Hungry!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wille","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6781288_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657207846329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/coding4kinders"},{"teacherId":6781288,"projectId":8949104,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation to my after-school program. I initially requested Amazon Fire Tablets to enhance my students' engagement with our Sphero Bolt +, Indi Cars, and Minis. Unfortunately, the educational technology department in my district prohibited the purchase of these tablets.\r\n\r\nTherefore, I decided to use your generous donations to purchase K'nex building kits, LEGOs, and Magnatiles instead. These materials have significantly boosted my students' creativity and enjoyment in constructing obstacle courses and pathways for the robots. I discovered that having engaging activities is essential for maximizing the potential of the robots. Your generous support has allowed me to provide these exciting building supplies, which have proven to be incredibly beneficial for my students.\r\n\r\nThey are thoroughly enjoying the new building materials and have already created numerous amazing courses for the robots. Currently, a group of students is working on an impressive mini-golf course outlined in Magnatiles, complete with a windmill made from K'nex. It is truly a joy to witness the blossoming creativity of my students with all the possible building supplies, and this is thanks to your thoughtful gift.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made coding and robotics accessible to all my students. With these hands-on building supplies, every student, from Kindergarten through sixth grade, has the opportunity to participate in our club activities. \r\n\r\nThank you once again for the joy and creativity you have provided to my students. Your support has made a remarkable difference in their learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1734808389680,"projectUrl":"project/code-control/8949104/","projectTitle":"Code Control","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wille","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6781288_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657207846329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/coding4kinders"},{"teacherId":4823019,"projectId":8924500,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donations towards the purchase of Sphero robots for our classroom. Your support has opened up remarkable opportunities for my students, allowing them to develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and logical reasoning. These competencies are vital for their growth and success.\r\n\r\nIt is not only my students who have benefited; other educators at our school have also integrated the Sphero robots into their lessons. The excitement among the students has been visible, and their engagement in learning has significantly increased. Many have been eagerly asking when they can use the robots again!\r\n\r\nYour contribution is greatly enhancing our students' learning experiences by providing them with hands-on opportunities to interact with technology and build their coding skills. We sincerely appreciate your commitment to our educational initiatives and the positive impact it has on our students.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your generosity and support.","fullyFundedDate":1733446206244,"projectUrl":"project/coding-is-the-future/8924500/","projectTitle":"Coding Is the Future","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alexander","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4823019_orig.jpg?crop=272,272,x0,y46&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701287655127","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4823019"},{"teacherId":4750128,"projectId":8951143,"letterContent":"On behalf of the girls, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation. Your contribution to providing essential monthly must-haves makes a significant impact on their lives, offering them not only the physical necessities they need but also a sense of care and empowerment. Your kindness and commitment to their well-being help ensure they have the resources to thrive and succeed. Thank you for being a crucial part of this journey and for making such a positive difference. Your support truly means the world to us.","fullyFundedDate":1740791008982,"projectUrl":"project/monthly-must-haves-make-a-difference/8951143/","projectTitle":"Monthly Must-Haves: Make a Difference!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Watson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4750128_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1505425199948","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4750128"},{"teacherId":6781288,"projectId":8922807,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous donations to support my coding club! I work at a Title 1 school - many of my students might have limited access to additional technology and educational resources. Through generous donations, I can support my students' passion for technology. I started an afterschool coding and robotics club (completely free for my students to attend) in October. All of the materials for my coding club have been purchased through donations! I am incredibly grateful and humbled by the willingness of donors to support my students. Coding and robotics are essential for future employment opportunities for many Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics careers. By starting students in early elementary school, they will develop a life-long passion for coding and robotics; helping them have prosperous and successful futures. \r\nThe technology purchased are Micro:Bits- tiny computer circuit boards that connect via USB or bluetooth to coding websites. Students program the Micro:Bits to display colors and sounds. They will eventually learn how to code the Micro:Bits to control cardboard creations! The possibilities are really endless with this technology! My students loved the music feature and the ability to code the circuit board from the computer. Even my youngest kindergarten students were successful with the basic block code for the Micro:Bits! It was so exciting to watch all students be actively engaged and interested in programming another type of computer system (a circuit board). I am looking forward to showing students additional opportunities they can use with the Micro:Bits. So many other robots are powered through Micro:Bits so this is an essential foundation for students to develop! \r\nThank you again for your help and support. My students are very thankful to have your help!","fullyFundedDate":1733248904359,"projectUrl":"project/coding-for-success/8922807/","projectTitle":"Coding for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wille","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6781288_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657207846329","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/coding4kinders"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_68093","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":318,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":82,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":9,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":61,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":63.1,"schoolId":68093,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about North Star Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"North Star Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/utah/salt-lake-city-school-district/north-star-elementary-school/68093"}