{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Lorton Station Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":39.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9251820,"projectId":9622675,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, From Crayons to Pencils: Shaping Bright Futures in STEAM Education. Your generosity provided the students with the resources they needed to learn, create, and share their ideas through STEAM activities.\r\n\r\nBecause I teach students across multiple grade levels, our classroom goes through a large number of pencils and crayons throughout the year. The pre-sharpened pencils were especially helpful because they saved valuable instructional time and allowed students to get started on their learning right away. The twistable crayons were also a wonderful addition. Unlike traditional crayons that often break, these lasted much longer and stayed ready for students to use.\r\n\r\nStudents used these materials to sketch designs, record observations, label diagrams, create prototypes, and bring their ideas to life. It was wonderful to see them take pride in their work and confidently express their creativity through hands-on learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and supporting their growth as creative thinkers and problem-solvers. We are truly grateful for your kindness and generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1758816590255,"projectUrl":"project/from-crayons-to-pencils-shaping-bright/9622675/","projectTitle":"From Crayons to Pencils: Shaping Bright Futures in STEAM Education","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atari","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9251820_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1766214689460","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9251820"},{"teacherId":9251820,"projectId":9693870,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Painting Science: Watercolor Tools for Creative STEAM Learning. Because of your generosity, my students had the opportunity to experience watercolor art in a way that none of them had before.\r\n\r\nFor every student in my classroom, this was their first time using watercolor pencils. Before we began creating, we explored the differences between regular colored pencils and watercolor pencils. Students were amazed to discover how adding water could transform their drawings and create beautiful watercolor effects.\r\n\r\nTogether, we watched tutorials and learned 10 different watercolor techniques. Students practiced blending colors, creating textures, layering, shading, and experimenting with water to see how it changed their artwork. The entire experience was both fun and educational. The classroom was filled with excitement, curiosity, and lots of \"wow\" moments as students explored this new artistic medium.\r\n\r\nAfter learning the techniques, students chose their own drawing topics and applied the skills they had practiced. It was wonderful to see their creativity come to life as they confidently created unique pieces of art. They were proud of their work and eager to share their creations with classmates.\r\n\r\nYour generosity provided much more than art supplies. You gave my students their very first watercolor experience and introduced them to new ways of learning, creating, and expressing themselves. Thanks to your support, this was their first experience with watercolor pencils, but it certainly will not be their last.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in opportunities that spark creativity, confidence, and joy. We are truly grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1757598522805,"projectUrl":"project/painting-science-watercolor-tools-for-c/9693870/","projectTitle":"Painting Science: Watercolor Tools for Creative STEAM Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atari","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9251820_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1766214689460","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9251820"},{"teacherId":6577543,"projectId":9911728,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our first annual Spark Expo Science & Engineering Fair was an incredible success. With the science boards and ribbons you helped provide, we were able to create a truly authentic and celebratory experience for our students. This year, 153 projects were submitted by students from PreK through 6th grade, each one reflecting curiosity, creativity, and a commitment to inquiry-based learning. Students asked meaningful questions, designed solutions, and proudly communicated their findings—bringing science and engineering practices to life in a way that aligns with real-world application.\r\n\r\nThe impact of this event reached far beyond our classrooms. We were honored to welcome our superintendent of schools and a school board member, both of whom recognized and celebrated our students' hard work in their weekly reflections to the community. One of our students was even featured in a video with the superintendent, showcasing the excitement and innovation happening at our school. Your donation helped make this level of visibility and pride possible.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students experienced the joy of discovery while building critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills that will serve them for years to come. The Spark Expo has already become a cherished tradition in its first year, and we are so grateful for your role in making it possible. Thank you for investing in our young scientists and engineers and helping us spark a lifelong love of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1765644146082,"projectUrl":"project/spark-expo-science-and-engineering-fair/9911728/","projectTitle":"SPARK Expo- Science and Engineering Fair","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Slye","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6577543"},{"teacherId":9251820,"projectId":9677550,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our entire school community, from Kindergarten through 6th grade , had the opportunity to participate in an unforgettable hands-on STEAM experience.\r\n\r\nWith the coin cell batteries, LEDs, and copper tape you helped provide, students moved beyond basic coding and into real-world electrical engineering. They learned how to identify LED legs, understand polarity, and distinguish between open and closed circuits. They explored conductive and non-conductive materials and discovered how electricity flows through a complete circuit.\r\n\r\nWhat made this experience truly special was that every grade level could engage at their own level of understanding. Our youngest learners were amazed to see their rockets light up, while older students intentionally designed their circuits, tested their ideas, troubleshot wiring choices, and redesigned when needed. They selected LED colors, engineered their rocket designs, and proudly demonstrated how their circuits worked.\r\n\r\nThe excitement in the room was incredible. Students collaborated, problem-solved, and encouraged one another. They were not just completing a project, they were thinking like engineers.\r\n\r\nEven weeks later, students are still talking about their rocket designs, their LED choices, and the moment their circuits successfully lit up. This was more than a lesson; it was an experience that sparked curiosity and confidence. It connected coding, engineering, and creativity in a way that made learning visible and meaningful.\r\n\r\nAs a STEAM teacher, I am deeply grateful. Your support allowed my voice, and more importantly, my students' voices, to shine through innovation and exploration. You did not just fund materials; you funded opportunity, excitement, and lasting memories.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for helping us light up learning.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1762267705214,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-up-steam-class-with-makey-makey/9677550/","projectTitle":"Lighting Up STEAM Class with Makey Makey","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atari","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9251820_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1766214689460","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9251820"},{"teacherId":9251820,"projectId":9416339,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our STEAM stations this year. Because of your generosity, our students, from Preschool through 6th grade, experienced some of the most engaging and meaningful activities of the entire school year.\r\n\r\nOur Fusion Beads station was a huge success across all grade levels. Younger students explored colors, shapes, and simple patterns while strengthening fine motor skills. Older students applied symmetry, geometric reasoning, spatial awareness, and detailed design planning. What looked like a craft was truly rich, hands-on STEAM learning. Students were focused, creative, and incredibly proud of their finished designs.\r\n\r\nIn addition, we used popsicle (wood craft) sticks for an engineering bridge challenge. Students were tasked with designing and building a bridge that could hold 200 grams of weight. They followed the engineering design process, planning, building, testing, analyzing results, and improving their designs. When a bridge failed, they didn't give up. They redesigned, reinforced weak points, adjusted structures, and tested again.\r\n\r\nIt was amazing to watch students think like real engineers. They discussed load distribution, stability, balance, and structural strength. They collaborated, solved problems, and celebrated both failures and successes. The excitement in the room during testing days was unforgettable.\r\n\r\nMany students shared that these were the best activities we did all year. Your support made it possible for our learners to experience authentic, hands-on STEAM challenges that built creativity, resilience, critical thinking, and confidence.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping us create powerful learning experiences they will always remember.","fullyFundedDate":1756487759213,"projectUrl":"project/build-it-bead-it-hands-on-steam-class/9416339/","projectTitle":"Build It & Bead It: Hands-On STEAM Class Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atari","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9251820_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1766214689460","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9251820"},{"teacherId":9422074,"projectId":9307767,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students will finally have the tools they need to truly see and feel math in action. Each child will have their own math kit to explore numbers, patterns, and problem-solving at their own pace. These materials will make math hands-on and fun, helping my young learners build confidence instead of frustration. Many of my students don't have access to educational resources at home, so your support gives them something they can call their own in our classroom and that sense of ownership and pride means everything. Thank you for helping my students believe that they can be mathematicians.","fullyFundedDate":1746785466376,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-number-sense-with-math-t/9307767/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Number Sense with Math Tool Kits!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Daw","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9422074_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704582893038","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9422074"},{"teacherId":9251820,"projectId":9348029,"letterContent":"When the Pixel Art kits arrived, my students could barely stay in their seats! They gathered around cheering, and one student said, \"This looks so cool, can we start now?\" Their excitement filled the room as they opened the boxes and began exploring the colorful pieces.\r\n\r\nNow, my 3rd–6th graders use the Pixel Art kits to design, code, and problem-solve through hands-on challenges. They work together, test ideas, and help one another fix patterns, showing amazing teamwork and creativity.\r\n\r\nThese kits have brought joy, confidence, and discovery to over 400 students. Every class feels like an adventure in learning. Thank you for inspiring my students to dream big and see that coding and math can be fun, creative, and for everyone!","fullyFundedDate":1757542508078,"projectUrl":"project/steam-sparks-pixel-art-coding-for-creat/9348029/","projectTitle":"STEAM Sparks: Pixel Art Coding for Creative Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atari","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9251820_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1766214689460","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9251820"},{"teacherId":9090490,"projectId":8276494,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity toward my students and our classroom. Your support improved the student's calming corner and their workspaces. Sturdy book bins helped them keep their work organized and accessible. \r\n\r\nStudies show that students who feel comfortable and safe in school are much more likely to attend school regularly which improves the likelihood of their future success.\r\n\r\nWe appreciate you and encourage you to continue supporting students, teachers, classrooms, and communities in the future through Donors Choose!","fullyFundedDate":1711274188109,"projectUrl":"project/title-i-classroom-refresh/8276494/","projectTitle":"Title I Classroom Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Podguski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9090490_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710957307350","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-podguski"},{"teacherId":9251820,"projectId":9380237,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom is alive with color, creativity, and discovery! We have been using the new resources with our Pixel Art activity, and it has been amazing to see how students connect art with coding, math, and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first opened the colorful materials, their excitement was contagious; one group immediately started designing their initials, while another created a rainbow pattern that turned into a math lesson on symmetry and coordinates. They quickly noticed how pixel art is just like coding: each square is like a line of code that builds into a bigger picture.\r\n\r\nThese materials are also helping us expand into even more STEAM learning. Our Ozobots, which use colors as code, will be paired with the markers so students can design creative paths and practice programming in a hands-on way. We will also be using the supplies for drawing, building prototypes, and even designing toys that connect with Micro:bit. And this is just the beginning—you opened up countless opportunities for innovation and discovery.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the chance to design, draw, and discover STEAM in full color. Your support is helping them see themselves as artists, engineers, and problem-solvers all at once.","fullyFundedDate":1754366789794,"projectUrl":"project/design-draw-discover-steam-in-full-co/9380237/","projectTitle":"Design, Draw, Discover: STEAM in Full Color","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atari","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9251820_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1766214689460","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9251820"},{"teacherId":9251820,"projectId":9261017,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my 3rd–6th grade students now have the chance to dive into \"Strategic Minds: A Chess Set for STEAM Learning and Play.\" The excitement was instant, after I explained the rules, students were eager to set up the boards, learn the moves, and challenge one another. For many of them, this was their very first chess match, and the room was filled with energy and curiosity.\r\nWe are using the chess sets not just for play, but to grow STEAM skills. Students are practicing critical thinking, planning ahead, and recognizing patterns—skills that connect beautifully with coding, math, and engineering design. One 4th grader shared, \"I never played chess before, but now I feel like I can really think ahead!\" Another student explained, \"It feels like solving a puzzle, and I like figuring out what will happen next.\" And a 6th grader added, \"I didn't know chess was part of STEAM, but now I see how it's like coding.\" These reflections show just how powerful the learning has been.\r\n\r\nNext, we will be connecting chess strategies to coding algorithms, helping students see how logical thinking on the board translates into real-world problem-solving. Because of your support, my students are not only learning a timeless game but also building the habits of mind that make them innovators.\r\n\r\nWe could not have done this without you. Thank you for helping us make STEAM learning come alive in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1751557980466,"projectUrl":"project/strategic-minds-a-chess-set-for-steam-l/9261017/","projectTitle":"Strategic Minds: A Chess Set for STEAM Learning and Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atari","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9251820_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1766214689460","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9251820"},{"teacherId":9251820,"projectId":9257132,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our Magnetic STEAM Builders! From the very first week of school, my students were filled with excitement, one proudly rolled a car across the table, another exclaimed, \"I built a hexagon!\" and together they formed all the numbers up to 10. These builders are sparking joy, creativity, and teamwork every single day. \r\nMy students are exploring STEAM, solving problems, sharing ideas, and growing in confidence. From the students: \"We love our new builders, thank you so much!\"","fullyFundedDate":1747842772716,"projectUrl":"project/magnetic-steam-builders-engineering-in/9257132/","projectTitle":"Magnetic STEAM Builders: Engineering in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Atari","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9251820_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1766214689460","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9251820"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_73852","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":745,"numTeachers":62,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":15,"percentBlack":32,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":27,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"12.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":60.4,"schoolId":73852,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Lorton Station Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Lorton Station Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/fairfax-county-public-schools/lorton-station-elementary-school/73852"}