{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Falling Creek Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5047838,"projectId":9615578,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our DonorsChoose project and helping us launch a student-run newspaper for our 4th and 5th grade students. Your generosity is giving our students an authentic, exciting reason to write — and the impact is already powerful.\r\n\r\nAs a Title I Reading Teacher, I am always searching for meaningful ways to engage students in writing. This newspaper transforms writing from an isolated task into a real-world experience. Students are motivated to plan, draft, revise, and edit because they know their work will be published and shared. Writing is no longer \"just for a grade\" — it becomes a way to inform, communicate, and connect with others.\r\n\r\nThis project is especially meaningful for our large ESL population. Through interviewing staff and peers, students practice oral language, build vocabulary, and use English in purposeful, student-driven ways. Writing articles strengthens the reading-writing connection emphasized in Scarborough's Reading Rope, helping students grow as both readers and writers while building confidence in their voices.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we now have the paper we need to print our first issues and bring this vision to life. You didn't just fund supplies — you helped empower young journalists, storytellers, and communicators. Together, you helped us start the printing press to success.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for investing in their literacy, creativity, and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1755877119754,"projectUrl":"project/launching-our-student-newspaper-writing/9615578/","projectTitle":"Launching Our Student Newspaper: Writing Our Way to Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McMillian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5047838_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1513558618309","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mcmillian"},{"teacherId":5047838,"projectId":9359591,"letterContent":"The rolling two-drawer file cabinet allows us to securely store decoding screeners and testing materials while fitting neatly under a reading table. Colored hanging file folders and binders help us stay organized and quickly access assessments. Sheet protectors keep testing documents durable and reusable, while cord covers improve safety by preventing trips over laptop cords during testing sessions. Even essentials like packing tape for posting testing signs and goldenrod paper for printing testing directions play a vital role in creating a smooth, structured testing environment.\r\n\r\nYour support helps our team focus on what matters most — accurately assessing our students and providing them with the instruction they need to succeed. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and belief in our students.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a lasting impact on our school and our readers.","fullyFundedDate":1755537632067,"projectUrl":"project/quill-for-the-reading-supply-closet/9359591/","projectTitle":"Quill For The Reading Supply Closet","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McMillian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5047838_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1513558618309","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mcmillian"},{"teacherId":5047838,"projectId":9287963,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of you, our 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students now have sturdy writing folders with two pockets to help them stay organized and confident as writers.\r\n\r\n Students can safely store their writing tip sheets in one pocket and keep their drafts and works in progress in the other. This simple organization tool helps them take greater ownership of their writing, stay focused during writing time, and easily revise and improve their work.\r\n\r\nFor many of these students, having a dedicated place for their writing materials makes them feel more prepared and proud of their learning. Your kindness is helping them build strong writing habits that will support them not only this year, but throughout their academic journey.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and for investing in their success. Your generosity has truly made a lasting impact in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746787080256,"projectUrl":"project/writing-folders-where-every-page-finds/9287963/","projectTitle":"Writing Folders: Where Every Page Finds Its Place","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McMillian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5047838_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1513558618309","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mcmillian"},{"teacherId":9750637,"projectId":9755763,"letterContent":"The items donated to my classroom—including UTZ potato chips, Fruit Roll-Ups, fruit snacks, copy paper, painter's tape, Sharpies, and chart paper—have already made a meaningful impact on my students' daily learning. I use the Sharpies and chart paper to create anchor charts that support our lessons and stay displayed in the classroom for students to reference throughout the year. The Sharpies are also used for art projects, allowing students to creatively express their learning.\r\n\r\nThe donated snacks ensure that all students are able to focus and learn, even on days when they forget to bring one from home. Painter's tape helps me display anchor charts and student work around the classroom and in the hallway, celebrating student learning and creating a welcoming environment. Copy paper is used daily to provide hands-on activities during math, as shown in the picture, as well as across other subject areas.\r\n\r\nWhen my students saw all of the items that were donated, they were extremely happy and appreciative. One student even asked, \"Did they really get all of this for us?\" The donated snacks have been a big hit, and the anchor charts I've been able to create using the chart paper and Sharpies have made a noticeable difference in student learning. Being able to reference these resources around the classroom has helped students better understand the content and has contributed to improved grades.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting my classroom and helping create an engaging, supportive space where my students can learn and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1759429287143,"projectUrl":"project/strong-minds-kind-hearts-supporting-st/9755763/","projectTitle":"Strong Minds, Kind Hearts: Supporting Student Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fenwick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9750637_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y111&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737922297706","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9750637"},{"teacherId":10040386,"projectId":9369729,"letterContent":"The cheeseits and goldfiah have played an important role in supporting students' focus and energy throughout the school day. When children have access to snacks, they are better able to concentrate, stay engaged, and maintain a positive attitude during lessons. A quick snack break can also help regulate moods and prevent the fatigue or restlessness that often appears when students are hungry. This small but meaningful support creates a more productive learning environment and allows students to perform at their best.\r\n\r\nCleaning wipes have also brought major benefits to the classroom by helping maintain a safe, healthy, and organized space. With wipes readily available, the students and I can quickly clean desks, shared materials, and high-touch surfaces, reducing the spread of germs and keeping the classroom more hygienic. This not only helps prevent illnesses but also teaches students responsibility and respect for their learning environment. Together, snacks and cleaning wipes contribute to a smoother-running classroom where students feel cared for, comfortable, and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1758055416412,"projectUrl":"project/making-a-better-room-for-the-kids/9369729/","projectTitle":"Making a Better Room for the Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Simmons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10040386_orig.jpg?crop=223,223,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753106541662","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10040386"},{"teacherId":5047838,"projectId":9288027,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for your contribution to our \"Binding Perfection: Elevate the Writing Experience\" project. Thanks to you, our classroom is now equipped with durable soft binders that hold writing models, graphic organizers, and vocabulary-building resources.\r\n\r\nThese tools have become an essential part of our writing workshops. Students eagerly use their binders during lessons to find examples of strong sentence structure, discover new descriptive words, and improve their grammar and organization. For many of our English language learners, having tangible, visual support has made a real difference in their understanding and confidence.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping us create a classroom where students feel equipped and inspired to express themselves through writing. Thank you for investing in their voices and their learning journey!","fullyFundedDate":1746652663506,"projectUrl":"project/binding-perfection-elevate-the-writing/9288027/","projectTitle":"Binding Perfection: Elevate The Writing Experience","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McMillian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5047838_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1513558618309","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mcmillian"},{"teacherId":5047838,"projectId":9339116,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our investigative reading pouch project. Because of you, my students now have the chance to experience reading in an entirely new way!\r\n\r\nThe science artifacts you helped fund — from geodes and resin-encased insects to polar bear claws and arrowheads — are transforming our reading time into a world of exploration. Students open their investigation pouches with excitement, uncovering books, vocabulary cards, and real-world objects that connect directly to what they're reading.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has brought curiosity, discussion, and authentic engagement into our classroom. Thank you for helping us link reading with science, history, and the environment in such a meaningful way!","fullyFundedDate":1747753755013,"projectUrl":"project/experimenting-with-reading-bridging-the/9339116/","projectTitle":"Experimenting With Reading: Bridging the Gap With Investigation Pouches","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McMillian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5047838_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1513558618309","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mcmillian"},{"teacherId":5047838,"projectId":9371740,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt thanks for your generous contribution toward the Wren Kidney table now featured in our reading room in place of my little desk. It has quickly become a working spot for reading intervention lessons for about 6 small groups in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade .\r\n\r\nThis new table provides the perfect space for focused, engaging learning. My students love gathering around it to read, develop phonics and fluency knowledge, and build their confidence as readers. Your support has made this possible, and I am so grateful for the difference it's making every day.\r\n\r\nWith appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1758055416630,"projectUrl":"project/in-need-of-a-kidney-table/9371740/","projectTitle":"In Need of a Kidney ... Table","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McMillian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5047838_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1513558618309","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mcmillian"},{"teacherId":9159333,"projectId":9376066,"letterContent":"When our \"Zipping Good Time\" materials arrived, my students were so excited to see all the colorful zipper pouches, healthy snacks, and tissues ready for use! You would have thought we had received treasure boxes the way they eagerly explored the new supplies. The zipper pouches quickly became classroom favorites—students loved organizing their own items, as well as helping me to organize classroom items and games! Having these individual pouches has made transitions smoother and our classroom tidier, giving students a sense of ownership and responsibility for their materials.\r\n\r\nWe've also been using the zipper pouches as part of our independent work and reading centers. They have been great to use during station rotations and small group work. All of their supplies are ready to go in one pouch; no more searching through their messy desks! We've also loved using them to organize our station games and activities. It's been amazing to see how something as simple as an organized system can make students more independent and focused during learning time. The tissues and healthy snacks have been equally valuable—students now have the comfort of knowing their basic needs are cared for, helping them stay healthy and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include using the zipper pouches to prepare take-home literacy kits, where students can practice reading and writing skills with their families. The healthy snacks will continue to keep energy levels up during long afternoons, and the tissues—always a classroom essential—help us stay germ-free during cold season. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is more organized, energized, and ready to learn. You've helped create a learning environment where students feel cared for, prepared, and excited every day!","fullyFundedDate":1758115609397,"projectUrl":"project/zipping-good-time/9376066/","projectTitle":"Zipping Good Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Myers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9159333_orig.jpg?crop=746,746,x0,y121&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691161732449","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9159333"},{"teacherId":9159333,"projectId":9376262,"letterContent":"When our hand2mind word work sets arrived, my students were absolutely thrilled! Their eyes lit up as they opened the boxes and discovered the colorful magnetic letter trays, letter tiles, and talking mirrors. Many of them immediately began exploring the letters, spelling out their names, and experimenting with sounds in the mirrors. For several of my emerging readers, it was the first time they could see and hear how sounds work together to make words. Their excitement filled the room—one student even exclaimed, \"It's like playing a game!\"\r\n\r\nWe're using these new resources daily during small group instruction to strengthen phonemic awareness, spelling patterns, and decoding skills. Students use the magnetic tiles to build and manipulate words, helping them understand how letters and sounds connect. The talking mirrors have been especially powerful—students watch their mouths as they pronounce tricky sounds, making connections between movement and sound production. During one memorable lesson, a student who often struggled with blending sounds used the mirror to pronounce /th/ correctly for the first time. The whole group cheered, celebrating the small victory together!\r\n\r\nOur next step is to use these materials to support word families and multisyllabic word work. Students will soon begin sorting and building words that share common patterns, helping them read more fluently and confidently. Thanks to your generosity, our literacy lessons have become more interactive, hands-on, and joyful. These tools are helping my students see, say, and truly understand how words work—building stronger, more confident readers every day.","fullyFundedDate":1758055417776,"projectUrl":"project/building-better-readers/9376262/","projectTitle":"Building Better Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Myers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9159333_orig.jpg?crop=746,746,x0,y121&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691161732449","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9159333"},{"teacherId":9750637,"projectId":9081963,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for your generous support of our classroom! The supplies you provided are already making a big difference in our daily learning. The Expo markers are especially helpful during phonics instruction, giving students the chance to actively practice and show their understanding. The crayons have also been such a blessing for students who may not have their own supplies, ensuring that every child can participate fully in our lessons and activities.\r\n\r\nThe 3-tier carts and totes with lids have been game changers for keeping our classroom organized. The carts at the ends of tables give students an easy place to store materials, making transitions smoother and helping them take responsibility for their own supplies. The totes allow me to neatly store manipulatives and station activities, so they are always ready for hands-on learning. Thank you for helping to create a more organized, engaging, and supportive environment for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1746786063463,"projectUrl":"project/growing-classroom-community-needs-your-h/9081963/","projectTitle":"Growing Classroom Community Needs Your Help!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fenwick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9750637_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y111&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737922297706","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9750637"},{"teacherId":5047838,"projectId":9287846,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping to support our school. Station time is an important time for support teachers to push into classrooms and pull students in small groups to reteach phonics skills. Those students who aren't in a group need meaningful activities to do that will reinforce the phonics patterns they are learning. \r\n\r\nThese laminating pouches will be used to create games, practice boards, and manipulative phonics boards with letters. Laminating will help us to use these resources for multiple years. \r\nLaminating pouches are an invaluable resource for our reading department because they allow us to use desktop laminators in our office to prepare these materials for use in intervention groups and stations. We make game pieces, spinners, and sorting activities. We also make letter mats to use on cookie sheets and need durable lamination for these mats so they will stay flat on the sheet.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for being part of our village!","fullyFundedDate":1746540862619,"projectUrl":"project/game-on-protect-your-pages-ignite-your/9287846/","projectTitle":"Game On: Protect Your Pages, Ignite Your Imagination","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McMillian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5047838_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1513558618309","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mcmillian"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_33650","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":823,"numTeachers":49,"percentFrplEligible":76,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":34,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":54,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"16.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.5,"schoolId":33650,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Falling Creek Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Falling Creek Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/chesterfield-county-public-schools/falling-creek-elementary-school/33650"}