{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sterling Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":25.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9850493,"projectId":9737764,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a space highlighting creativity and engagement. The new supplies have allowed my students to dive into projects that bring learning to life. We immediately put them to use in a collaborative science project where students designed posters on energy transformations. The pride they felt in presenting their work, supported by the vibrant resources you provided, was a joy to witness.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, these supplies are continuing to fuel our lessons in meaningful ways. Right now, my students are working on a literacy unit where they'll write a paragraph about natural disasters. The materials you helped fund are giving them the confidence to express themselves and the tools to make their ideas shine. Your support has not only enriched our classroom today but is laying the foundation for deeper learning and creativity in the months to come. We are so grateful for the peek you've taken into our classroom and for the lasting impact you've made on our students' journey.","fullyFundedDate":1759169467991,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-supplies-for-engaged-learning/9737764/","projectTitle":"Classroom Supplies for Engaged Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Valencia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9850493_orig.jpg?crop=540,540,x0,y149&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747509460633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9850493"},{"teacherId":9570774,"projectId":9885864,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project! Because of your contribution, our classroom now has a beautiful calm-down space that students have been loving and using regularly. This space has given them a safe and comforting area to regulate their emotions, refocus, and return to learning with confidence. Along with that, the new indoor recess toys and incentives have completely transformed our classroom environment — students are more engaged, cooperative, and excited about learning. \r\n\r\nOur students were truly touched to know that someone cares so deeply about their learning and comfort. They couldn't believe that people outside of our classroom would invest in their success, and their gratitude has been overwhelming. Your donation didn't just provide materials; it created opportunities for joy and emotional well-being every single day. You've helped us build a classroom where students feel valued and supported, and that is priceless. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making such a meaningful difference for our kids and for being a part of their journey!","fullyFundedDate":1762972250194,"projectUrl":"project/creating-calm-joy-and-connection-in-th/9885864/","projectTitle":"Creating Calm, Joy, and Connection in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gortayo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9570774_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750024099358","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgortayo"},{"teacherId":9692669,"projectId":9601949,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your support! Recorders are a beloved unit in music class at our school. As a Title 1 school, most of my students do not have the resources to buy instruments or take private music lessons. These recorders are instruments that they can keep and use at home. They cherish them and get quite good at playing them!\r\n\r\nThank you so much for choosing to contribute to our project. Thank you for brightening the days of my students and easing the minds of their families. This is one less expense over which they will need to worry. You have made a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1760693719573,"projectUrl":"project/rocking-our-new-recorders-in-2025/9601949/","projectTitle":"Rocking our New Recorders in 2025!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Scarboro","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9692669"},{"teacherId":2830348,"projectId":9456588,"letterContent":"On behalf of all the children I serve, please accept my deepest gratitude for your generous donation, which funded the purchase of ThinkFun's Roller Coaster Challenge game through my Donors Choose Critical Thinking Games project.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your support was immediate and truly wonderful to witness. The children's faces lit up with pure excitement the moment they saw the vibrant pieces and challenging concept laid out. There's something magical about building a working roller coaster, and the enthusiasm was palpable as they eagerly dove into the challenge cards.\r\n\r\nThis game proved to be an incredibly engaging addition to my program. I observed children working together, problem-solving complex spatial puzzles, and celebrating each successful run. Beyond the fun, the Roller Coaster Challenge provided a fantastic, hands-on opportunity to develop crucial STEM skills like logical reasoning and engineering principles.\r\n\r\nThe game was especially accessible to my English Language Learners (ELLs). The instructions and core concepts are primarily visual and tactile, requiring little to no complex verbal explanation. This allowed our ELL students to participate fully and confidently alongside their peers, building both their cognitive skills and their sense of belonging and achievement.\r\n\r\nYour generosity directly translates into moments of joy, learning, and self-discovery for these children. Thank you again for investing in play, critical thinking, and equitable learning opportunities.","fullyFundedDate":1757525622547,"projectUrl":"project/game-on-learning-with-critical-thinkin/9456588/","projectTitle":"Game on! Learning with Critical Thinking Games","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Daniel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2830348_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1478256774308","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/funin1st"},{"teacherId":9685885,"projectId":9444204,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! Because of you, our classroom has been transformed into a vibrant, welcoming, and highly functional space that inspires learning every single day. From the moment my students walked in and saw the colorful bulletin board rolls, fun borders, pink and black contact paper accents, and personalized nameplates, their eyes lit up with excitement. One student said, \"It looks like a classroom from a book!\" The refreshed environment has made our classroom feel more like a second home, where students feel calm, focused, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nBeyond the decor, the functional tools you've helped provide like the buzzers for games, dry erase boards and circles, paper protectors, felt tip pens, and electric pencil sharpener have allowed us to take our lessons to the next level. My second graders love using the buzzers during review games, which make learning fast-paced and fun. The dry erase boards are used daily for math, spelling, and group work, helping students participate more actively and confidently. The desktop organizer and hooks keep our supplies accessible and our space tidy, building independence and responsibility.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, my students have a space that supports creativity, movement, and focus. Our next steps include student-led writing and math centers, where the new materials will continue to play a key role. We are deeply grateful for the peek you've taken into our classroom and for the lasting impact you've made on our daily learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1757423951179,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-year-fresh-space-a-classroom-mak/9444204/","projectTitle":"Fresh Year, Fresh Space: A Classroom Makeover!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gultiano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9685885_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723920939905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9685885"},{"teacherId":9685885,"projectId":9106069,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Brighten Our Future\" project! Your generosity has helped create a warm, vibrant, and inviting classroom that truly supports student learning.\r\n\r\nWith the cozy new lighting, our room now feels more comfortable and focused perfect for second graders eager to learn. The colorful dry erase circles, lined whiteboards, and reusable sleeves have become staples in our daily routines. My students use them for everything from practicing handwriting and math facts to interactive group activities. These tools make learning more engaging, hands-on, and fun.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies arrived, the students lit up with excitement. They couldn't wait to use the new markers and whiteboards, and now they look forward to lessons where they get to use \"their special boards.\" The new desk organizers and felt materials have also helped us stay neat and creative whether we're writing, crafting, or organizing our ideas.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our classroom is not only better lit, but also better equipped to support active, joyful learning. Your kindness has truly made a difference in how my students experience school each day. We are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1742823915662,"projectUrl":"project/brighten-our-future-help-us-improve-cla/9106069/","projectTitle":"Brighten Our Future: Help Us Improve Classroom Lighting","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gultiano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9685885_orig.jpg?crop=600,600,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723920939905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9685885"},{"teacherId":2830348,"projectId":9400876,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students, please accept our deepest gratitude for your incredible support of our Student Sleep Kit initiative. Your generous donation has directly provided essential tools—a noise machine, premium ear plugs, and a comfortable sleep mask—to help students overcome some of the most challenging obstacles to quality rest.\r\n\r\nThe need for these kits is profound. We have countless students who share a single room with their entire family. This often means living with people who are on different schedules, coming and going, or needing the light on late into the evening or early in the morning. For a young person trying to prepare for a demanding school day, this environment makes consistent, restorative sleep nearly impossible.\r\n\r\nThis is where your gift makes all the difference. The items in the sleep kit work together to create a personal, private bubble of quiet and darkness. The noise machine provides a soothing backdrop, the ear plugs block disruptive sounds, and the mask seals out light. This simple collection of tools allows students to effectively block out their busy environment, giving them the chance to get the quality sleep they need to focus, learn, and thrive.\r\n\r\nThe demand for these kits is extremely high, reflecting just how many of our students face these challenging sleep arrangements every night. Your contribution helps us address this critical, often hidden, need.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for seeing the value in a good night's sleep and investing in the academic and personal success of our students. We are honored to have you as a partner in their journey.","fullyFundedDate":1758842557641,"projectUrl":"project/sweet-dreams-are-made-of-these/9400876/","projectTitle":"Sweet Dreams Are Made of These!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Daniel","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2830348_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1478256774308","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/funin1st"},{"teacherId":9570774,"projectId":9647543,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, students in my classroom—and in other second-grade classrooms across our school—received five-subject spiral notebooks that have made a meaningful impact on their learning. These notebooks have helped students stay organized by keeping their work separated by subject, which has also made their desks tidier and their learning more focused. One of the most powerful benefits has been watching students flip through their notebooks and see how much they've grown throughout the year. For many families who weren't able to provide one at the start of the school year, these notebooks ensured that every child had the same opportunity to succeed and feel prepared. The students were incredibly grateful and often expressed how special it felt to have something just for them that supported their learning every day.\r\n\r\nThe impact of these notebooks extended across four second-grade classrooms, supporting dozens of students in building strong academic habits. Teachers on my grade-level team were able to use them consistently to help students stay organized, track progress, and take pride in their work. Many students were surprised and excited to receive such a useful tool, and their appreciation was clear in the way they cared for and used their notebooks. Your support helped us create a more equitable and empowering learning environment, and we are all truly thankful for the difference you've made in our classrooms and in the lives of our students.\r\n\r\nBecause of your are school year is just a little bit more magical. ✨","fullyFundedDate":1757008499789,"projectUrl":"project/spiraling-toward-success-one-notebook/9647543/","projectTitle":"Spiraling Toward Success: One Notebook, Five Subjects","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gortayo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9570774_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750024099358","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgortayo"},{"teacherId":9570774,"projectId":9414937,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, our classroom now has a rich collection of Step Into Reading books that are helping our second graders grow into confident, capable readers. These leveled readers provide a clear path for progression, allowing students to build their skills step by step while enjoying stories that match their reading level. The mix of fiction and nonfiction titles keeps students engaged and supports learning across subjects, from science and history to storytelling and vocabulary development. Having multiple copies of each book has made it easy to form reading groups, giving students the chance to read together, share ideas, and strengthen their comprehension in a collaborative setting.\r\n\r\nThe impact of these books goes far beyond my classroom. By sharing them with other teachers on my grade-level team, even more students have access to these valuable resources. This has helped us create consistent reading experiences across multiple classrooms and support literacy growth school-wide. The excitement students feel when they find a book that's \"just right\" for them is incredible, and it's all thanks to your support. You've helped us build a strong foundation for lifelong learning, and we're truly grateful for the difference you've made.","fullyFundedDate":1752000205461,"projectUrl":"project/step-into-reading-leap-into-learning/9414937/","projectTitle":"Step Into Reading, Leap Into Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gortayo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9570774_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750024099358","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgortayo"},{"teacherId":9570774,"projectId":9210184,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, our classroom has become a more organized, welcoming, and efficient space for learning. The storage bins have helped us neatly arrange materials and resources, making it easier for students to find what they need and for me to maintain a clutter-free environment. The plastic hooks have been especially helpful—students now have a designated place to hang their lunch boxes, backpacks, and coats, which has made our classroom feel more spacious and orderly. The pencil sharpener ensures that pencils are always ready for learning, and the pencil baskets have made it simple for both students and teachers to keep desk supplies organized and within reach. These thoughtful additions have truly improved our daily routines and helped create a more focused and productive learning atmosphere.\r\n\r\nWhat made this transformation even more special was the excitement and joy the students felt when they saw the new supplies. They were thrilled to know that these items were just for them, and their faces lit up when they heard that so many kind strangers had thought of them and wanted to help. It was a powerful moment of connection and encouragement—students felt seen, supported, and valued. Your generosity not only provided practical tools but also sent a message of care and belief in their potential. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact in our classroom and in the hearts of our students.\r\n\r\nBecause of you our school year is a little bit more magical. ✨","fullyFundedDate":1744085115340,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-organization-and-refresh/9210184/","projectTitle":"Classroom Organization and Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gortayo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9570774_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750024099358","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgortayo"},{"teacherId":9212230,"projectId":9611133,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support. Our classroom looks so much better now! I have uploaded before and after photos for you to see. Mix match and missing bins because a well organized visually appealing library. The students are so excited to start using it next week. I put it all together today and they ooed and ahhhed with delight. They all even mentioned how much better it looked. That is all thanks to your support and donations. I for one feel less stressed and anxious with it looking the way it does now. \r\n\r\nStudents will be able to easily find a book they will love to read.","fullyFundedDate":1755469736287,"projectUrl":"project/books-our-escape-to-beyond/9611133/","projectTitle":"Books: Our Escape to Beyond","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McKisson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9212230_orig.jpg?crop=992,992,x0,y26&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753820551870","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9212230"},{"teacherId":9212230,"projectId":9407490,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support. The students have learned the line up quickly and quietly using their line spots. It allows us as teachers to keep them all safe and make sure they are all here quickly. The drawer system has allowed me to be organized for my small groups and ready to make the most of the small amount of time I have with each group. The rewards have encouraged the students to complete activities and learn the routines and expectations quickly. They are always asking to earn the smelly stickers. \r\n\r\nThe seat sacks have allowed students to be organized and read to read during independent reading time making the most out of their time. The cart and insert for it are used for recess and allow students to learn responsibility for bringing out the recess equipment. It also allows them to easily take it from one place to the next. Our old basket was too small and hard for students to manipulate on their own. \r\n\r\nWe appreciate all you have done to help us get off to a successful start of the school year.","fullyFundedDate":1753967468514,"projectUrl":"project/organized-and-motivated-creating-a-stru/9407490/","projectTitle":"Organized and Motivated: Creating a Structured, Rewarding Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McKisson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9212230_orig.jpg?crop=992,992,x0,y26&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753820551870","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9212230"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_34297","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":430,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":64,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":74.3,"schoolId":34297,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sterling Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sterling Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/loudoun-county-public-schools/sterling-elementary-school/34297"}