{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"South Mesa Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":12.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9555036,"projectId":9485190,"letterContent":"The excitement in our classroom has been nonstop since your generous donation arrived! The moment my students spotted the boxes of wiggle chairs, science books, and hands-on STEM kits, they squealed with joy and started guessing what might be inside. One student shouted, \"Are we getting scientist stuff?!\" and another said, \"Those chairs look like fun learning seats!\" Their faces were pure magic as we unpacked each item together—it truly felt like Christmas morning in first grade.\r\n\r\nWe are already putting these new resources to work every single day. Our wiggle chairs have transformed reading groups—students who used to struggle to focus can now move just enough to stay calm, engaged, and confident as they read. The science reading books have become a classroom favorite; students are leaning in close during read-alouds about space, weather, and animal habitats. The STEM kits have inspired teamwork and creativity—this week, our \"Incredible Engineers\" worked together to design bridges strong enough to hold toy animals after reading Iggy Peck, Architect. Seeing their proud smiles as their bridges stood tall was an unforgettable moment that perfectly captured how learning and joy now go hand in hand.\r\n\r\nNext, we're diving into a unit called \"Building a Better World\" where students will read, build, and write about real-life problem solvers and inventors. They'll use the STEM kits to create their own \"helpful inventions\" and the science books to research how those ideas could make a difference. These new materials are helping our class think like scientists, read like experts, and believe that their ideas matter.\r\n\r\nThank you for filling our classroom with movement, curiosity, and wonder. Your kindness didn't just provide materials—you gave my students the confidence to explore, the freedom to move, and the joy of discovering the world through hands-on learning. Because of you, our classroom truly shines!","fullyFundedDate":1755710483436,"projectUrl":"project/stem-explorers-need-to-wiggle/9485190/","projectTitle":"STEM Explorers Need to Wiggle!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Merdes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9555036_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753112813180","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9555036"},{"teacherId":10066879,"projectId":9439149,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project! With my new laptop, I've been able to design engaging lessons, manage small groups more efficiently, and bring more creativity into our classroom.\r\n\r\nI have used this resource for our writing unit already and my students came up with great ideas and couldn't wait to start writing—it sparked some of their best work yet!\r\n\r\nI'm excited to keep exploring tech tools as we head into our next units. Your support has truly elevated my teaching and inspired my students.","fullyFundedDate":1755711215389,"projectUrl":"project/engage-enhance-and-educate-with-a-hp-l/9439149/","projectTitle":"Engage, Enhance, and Educate with a HP Laptop!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hahl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10066879"},{"teacherId":10066879,"projectId":9439133,"letterContent":"These stools have been such a great addition to my class room, and made our teacher time during centers exciting and fun! I love having this option for seating instead of traditional chairs. The students are able to move around more which is so nice for them as we work through decodables, sight words, and reading groups. I have loved them for my math centers and small group also. The kids don't mind coming to the horse shoe table now which has also helped elevate my engagement. I am so grateful for your donation. THANK YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1751505412409,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-focused-learning-for-g/9439133/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating= Focused Learning for Growing Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hahl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10066879"},{"teacherId":6635822,"projectId":9360699,"letterContent":"I'm deeply thankful for the generous donation of various items to be used as student motivational tools, classroom incentives, and rewards. These resources have made, and will continue to make a significant difference in my teaching by helping me create a more positive and engaging learning environment. \r\n\r\nMy 3rd grade students are more motivated, focused, and excited to participate, knowing that their efforts are recognized and celebrated. These incentives have reinforced positive behavior, encouraged goal-setting, and made learning feel both fun and rewarding. Your support has truly helped build a classroom culture where students feel inspired to do their best every day.","fullyFundedDate":1748370477359,"projectUrl":"project/motivation-is-the-key-to-success/9360699/","projectTitle":"Motivation Is the Key to Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leslie Hartman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6635822_orig.png?crop=1080,1080,x0,y147&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1593467080056","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6635822"},{"teacherId":9569418,"projectId":8498773,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to our DonorsChoose project! Because of your generosity, my students now have a variety of seating options that help them stay engaged, focused, and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nFlexible seating has truly transformed our classroom. Students feel more comfortable, take greater ownership of their learning, and thrive in a space that supports their needs.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and investing in a learning environment that meets students where they are. Your kindness and support truly created a ripple effect that will benefitted not only last year's class, but will continue to benefit many future students as well.Your support means the world to me thank you for making such a lasting impact!","fullyFundedDate":1721790466331,"projectUrl":"project/mrs-hastings-flexible-classroom/8498773/","projectTitle":"Mrs. Hastings Flexible Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hastings","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9569418_orig.png?crop=397,397,x401,y986&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718383991013","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9569418"},{"teacherId":6635822,"projectId":6129337,"letterContent":"The generous donation of classroom materials—from fidget toys, stress balls, and themed erasers to beautifully diverse books and hands-on learning tools—has made a remarkable difference for my third-grade students. The sensory and stress-relief items have helped create a calm, focused learning environment where students feel supported and engaged. The wide selection of multicultural and STEM-themed books has sparked curiosity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world, while tools like the inflatable globe and treasure chest have brought learning to life in fun, interactive ways. Together, these resources have nurtured joyful learning, emotional regulation, and a stronger sense of community in our classroom. We are truly grateful for your support in making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1642905707666,"projectUrl":"project/the-best-year-ever/6129337/","projectTitle":"The Best Year Ever!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leslie Hartman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6635822_orig.png?crop=1080,1080,x0,y147&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1593467080056","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6635822"},{"teacherId":5052507,"projectId":9294165,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our classroom! \r\nIn third grade, students are beginning to truly understand the connection between effort and outcomes. Prizes and treats may seem small, but to my students, they are powerful motivators that help build positive habits and a love for learning. Whether it's earning a reward for completing reading logs or celebrating teamwork with a class treat, these moments help make school feel exciting and rewarding.\r\n\r\nWhat makes my class so special is their enthusiasm, creativity, and kindness. They cheer each other on, set goals together, and take pride in doing their best. Thanks to your support, we've been able to use fun incentives to celebrate progress and promote a classroom culture where hard work and good choices are noticed and appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1746630338880,"projectUrl":"project/motivating-rewards/9294165/","projectTitle":"Motivating Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wieland","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5052507_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565574325123","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-wieland"},{"teacherId":5052507,"projectId":7541217,"letterContent":"My students were so excited on the first day of school when they saw the Play-Doh on their desks. It was such a fun and welcoming way to kick off third grade! The multicolored pens made reading activities even more engaging. My class loved using them to find evidence for comprehension questions. These items, along with other classroom supplies, helped boost engagement and allowed students to better communicate their learning with their families. I loved being able to share the joy of third grade not only with my students, but also with their families.","fullyFundedDate":1700010637385,"projectUrl":"project/bring-on-the-20232024-year/7541217/","projectTitle":"Bring on the 2023/2024 Year!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wieland","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5052507_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y81&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565574325123","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-wieland"},{"teacherId":6635822,"projectId":5054629,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for the generous donation of the HP Envy laptop to my 3rd grade classroom. This powerful and reliable tool has transformed my teaching experience by allowing me to plan and deliver engaging lessons more efficiently, access updated educational resources, and integrate technology seamlessly into our daily activities. My students have directly benefited as well—they've been able to participate in interactive lessons, access digital learning tools, and explore educational content that enhances their understanding in fun and meaningful ways. This laptop has truly elevated both teaching and learning in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1602880859784,"projectUrl":"project/technology-for-teacher/5054629/","projectTitle":"Technology for Teacher","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leslie Hartman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6635822_orig.png?crop=1080,1080,x0,y147&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1593467080056","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6635822"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_126139","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":595,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":12,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":88,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":7,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":88.0,"schoolId":126139,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about South Mesa Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"South Mesa Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/utah/washington-county-school-district/south-mesa-elementary/126139"}