{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ocean View Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5807910,"projectId":10274773,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose! Your donation has provided our students with fun and engaging indoor recess toys that will make a big difference in our school days. These new activities will give students opportunities to play, laugh, build friendships, and enjoy a much-needed break when we are unable to go outside.\r\n\r\nYour kindness means so much to our classroom. Because of your generosity, our students will have more opportunities to stay active, use their imaginations, and make wonderful memories with their classmates. Thank you for investing in our students and helping make our classroom an even happier place to learn and grow!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\n\r\nOur Classroom","fullyFundedDate":1785427057524,"projectUrl":"project/rainy-day-revolution-creating-joy-conn/10274773/","projectTitle":"Rainy Day Revolution: Creating Joy, Connection & Play Without Screen","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brennan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5807910_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723002653463","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5807910"},{"teacherId":2224891,"projectId":10287611,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for funding tennis balls for the bottoms of our first grade classroom chairs. Your kindness has made a small change possible—one that is making a huge difference in keeping our classroom distraction-free and ready for learning.\r\n\r\nBefore the tennis balls arrived, moving a chair could create a loud scrape or screech across the floor. Those sudden sounds often interrupted a lesson, a read-aloud, or a student's careful concentration. Now, chairs slide quietly, and our classroom feels calmer from the start of the day. The difference may seem simple, but we notice it every time a student pulls in a chair to join a group or moves closer to the board.\r\n\r\nWith less noise, children can focus more easily on the activity in front of them. During reading time, students can listen to a story without a chair scraping nearby. During writing and math, they can stay with a tricky word or problem instead of losing their place when a chair moves. When we shift from one classroom activity to another, the transition is smoother and our attention returns to learning more quickly.\r\n\r\nThe quieter space is especially helpful for children who are sensitive to unexpected sounds. A sudden screech can feel startling or make it hard to concentrate. Now, those moments happen far less often. Students can feel more comfortable, settle into their work, and take part in classroom activities with greater confidence. We are grateful that your support helps create an environment where different learners can feel at ease.\r\n\r\nWe have also seen how a peaceful classroom supports our community. Children can hear one another during partner conversations, follow directions more easily, and enjoy quiet moments when they are reading or thinking. The tennis balls do not do the learning for us, of course—but they help make room for it. Their soft landing on the chair legs turns an everyday sound into a gentle reminder that thoughtful improvements can have a lasting impact.\r\n\r\nThank you for seeing the value in this practical project and for investing in our young learners. Your generosity reaches beyond the chairs: it helps protect students' focus, supports a calmer classroom, and gives every child a better chance to feel ready to learn. We will think of you each day as our students read, write, solve problems, and grow in this quieter space.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your care for our classroom and for the difference you have made at Ocean View Elementary School in Norfolk, Virginia. Thank you for helping make our classroom a more peaceful place to learn, one chair at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1784581287537,"projectUrl":"project/quiet-classroom-chairs/10287611/","projectTitle":"Quiet Classroom Chairs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sebring","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2224891_orig.png?crop=368,368,x40,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597614715246","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sebring"},{"teacherId":6576042,"projectId":10723887,"letterContent":"It is very difficult to try to convey the impact of your donation in words but I'll try. Simply put, we could not have Graphic Novel Club without your generosity. Our budgets don't even come close to affording materials for extra curricular activities like this club. Our students deserve to have special experiences that might make the difference between being a life long reader and having a true love for books and stories, and not being a reader at all. I believe that book clubs are a great way to create this relationship, and thanks to your donation, you've invested in the future reading lives of these students. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you, a million times.","fullyFundedDate":1791728762452,"projectUrl":"project/graphic-novel-club/10723887/","projectTitle":"Graphic Novel Club","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thibodeaux","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6576042_orig.jpg?crop=1866,1866,x59,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695228795793","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6576042"},{"teacherId":7752165,"projectId":10500066,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating a classroom set of headphones for our students! Many students do not have headphones to bring to school, but they need them to use our required math and reading programs. With classroom headphones, everyone can listen to directions, stories, and lessons without disturbing classmates who are working on something different.\r\n\r\nThe headphones help students focus and move through lessons at their own pace. They can hear instructions clearly, replay information when needed, and stay engaged with the activities in both programs. Students are especially excited to use their own set during computer time, and having enough headphones means more students can participate at once. Your generosity is helping make our learning programs accessible and productive for the whole class.","fullyFundedDate":1787317717456,"projectUrl":"project/tuning-into-success-headphones-for-our/10500066/","projectTitle":"\"Tuning Into Success: Headphones for Our Classroom\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fultz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7752165_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1614569899433","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/stephaniefultz"},{"teacherId":7752165,"projectId":10075452,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping make our school's Camping Literacy Night special! With the tents, lights, and books you provided, students had a cozy place to settle in and enjoy reading. When they first saw the camping setup, they were excited to explore the tents, find a book, and read together in a new setting. Your generosity helped turn reading into an experience they could share with classmates and families.\r\n\r\nDuring the event, students read in their tents, listened to stories, and talked about the books they chose. The soft lights made each reading spot feel welcoming, and the tents gave students a quiet place to focus and use their imaginations. We'll continue building on that excitement by using the books for classroom reading, book conversations, and activities that help students share their favorite characters and stories. Thank you for giving our students materials and memories that will keep inspiring them to read!","fullyFundedDate":1772761576184,"projectUrl":"project/campfire-stories-literacy-magic/10075452/","projectTitle":"Campfire Stories & Literacy Magic","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fultz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7752165_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1614569899433","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/stephaniefultz"},{"teacherId":10597219,"projectId":10498804,"letterContent":"Log in\r\nYou said:\r\n\r\nChatGPT said:\r\nAbsolutely! Here's a warm, heartfelt version:\r\n\r\n:::writing{variant=\"standard\" id=\"58321\" title=\"Thank You Letter\"} Dear [Name],\r\n\r\nThank you so much for creating such a warm and cozy reading area. It is a wonderful place to relax, get comfortable, and enjoy a good book. I especially love how peaceful and inviting it feels.\r\n\r\nYour thoughtful effort has created a special space where people can escape into stories, learn new things, and simply take a quiet moment to themselves. I truly appreciate the time and care you put into making it so welcoming.\r\n\r\nThank you again for creating such a lovely place to read and relax!\r\n\r\nWarmly, [Your Name] :::\r\n\r\nI can also make it shorter, more personal, or suitable for a school thank-you letter.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBottle and Plume\r\nBottle & Plume\r\nBottle & Plume sells the fountain pens, inks, paper, and accessories that you've been waiting to try\r\nAd\r\n\r\nYou said:\r\n\r\nChatGPT said:\r\nOf course! Here's a warm version addressed to the donors and focused on how special the reading area is for the children.\r\n\r\n:::writing{variant=\"standard\" id=\"74136\" title=\"Thank You Letter to Our Donors\"} Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for creating such a warm and cozy reading area for our children. Your generosity has given them a wonderful place to relax, read, learn, and let their imaginations grow.\r\n\r\nThe reading area is a special and welcoming space where children can get comfortable with a good book and enjoy quiet time. It brings so much joy to the children and encourages them to discover the wonderful world of reading.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your kindness and for creating this wonderful place for the children. Your support has made a meaningful difference, and we appreciate your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1787332741336,"projectUrl":"project/new-teacher-empty-classroom/10498804/","projectTitle":"New Teacher Empty Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sears","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10597219"},{"teacherId":6576042,"projectId":10530923,"letterContent":"I am now able to continue providing color copies to teachers who only have access to black and white. I'm also able to print colorful, helpful signage for the library to help teach my students the organization system and how to find resources they need. \r\nAnother great benefit is using the printer to get more student participation in library activities such as our Dolphin Discovery program where students recommend books to their peers on the morning announcements after filling out the book recommendation form. \r\n\r\nIt's a huge help to our staff and to our students to have this resource and we really appreciate you!","fullyFundedDate":1787538808381,"projectUrl":"project/library-color-printer-and-ink-needed/10530923/","projectTitle":"Library Color Printer and Ink Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thibodeaux","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6576042_orig.jpg?crop=1866,1866,x59,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695228795793","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6576042"},{"teacherId":7127574,"projectId":10245969,"letterContent":"This project has already made a huge difference in our classrooms! Because we teach multiple classes as a team, organization is essential. The chair pockets have given each student a designated space to keep their materials, making it much easier to stay organized and quickly transition between classes. Something as simple as knowing exactly where their supplies belong has helped our classroom run more smoothly and has given students more ownership of their learning space.\r\n\r\nOur pen pal holders have also been a small but mighty addition! Instead of pencils rolling off desks and onto the floor, students now have an easy, accessible place to keep their writing tools. We spend less time searching for supplies and more time learning.\r\n\r\nThe timer has become an important part of our daily routines as well. We use it for instructional transitions, helping students know exactly how much time they have to finish an activity, clean up, or get ready for the next lesson. This has made transitions more predictable and has helped us maximize our learning time.\r\n\r\nThe indoor recess games and activities have been especially valuable on rainy and windy days when we can't get outside. Rather than simply losing that opportunity to move and socialize, students have engaging choices that allow them to play, laugh, work together, and enjoy a much-needed mental break.\r\n\r\nAnd when the weather cooperates, our outdoor recess materials give students the chance to get outside, move their bodies, release some energy, and—most importantly—PLAY! Recess is such an important part of the school day, and having materials available gives students opportunities to be active, creative, and social with their classmates.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw all of the new materials, they were excited to have new things that were specifically for them and our classroom. What may seem like simple classroom supplies to an adult have made a meaningful difference in our everyday routines. These resources help our classroom feel more organized, purposeful, and fun.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue using these materials throughout the year as we build strong classroom routines, work through new lessons and projects, and continue growing as a classroom community. Thank you to our donors for investing in our students and helping create a classroom where students can learn, move, play, and be successful every day!","fullyFundedDate":1785612893466,"projectUrl":"project/third-grade-called-it-needs-help/10245969/","projectTitle":"Third Grade Called ... It Needs Help!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hawkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7127574_orig.png?crop=256,256,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767893446727","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-hawkins-oves"},{"teacherId":2224891,"projectId":10095751,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous contribution to our first grade classroom at Ocean View Elementary School in Norfolk, Virginia. Your support provided funds for indoor, tech-free recess activities, and I want you to know how meaningful that gift has been to our students and to me. Because of your generosity, rainy and chilly days will no longer feel like a disappointment. Instead, they will become opportunities for our children to connect, create, imagine, and learn together in joyful new ways.\r\n\r\nYour donations helped purchase a wide variety of supplies, including age-appropriate board games, jigsaw puzzles, building materials, art supplies, drawing tools, and hands-on activity kits. We now have games that encourage students to practice taking turns, matching, counting, and following directions. Our collection gives children opportunities to work independently or join with classmates to solve a challenge. Building materials invite students to design towers, bridges, houses, and imaginative creations—without relying on screens or technology.\r\n\r\nFirst graders have abundant energy and big feelings, and indoor recess can sometimes be difficult when there are limited options. The new supplies have transformed that time. \r\n\r\nAlthough these activities are fun, they also support important social-emotional learning. Students practice patience while waiting for a turn, flexibility when a game does not go as planned, and self-control when they feel disappointed. They learn how to communicate respectfully, negotiate roles, solve disagreements, and include classmates. Building, puzzling, and creating also strengthen problem-solving skills because students must plan, test ideas, make adjustments, and try again. These are valuable habits that reach far beyond recess and into our academic learning.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, having quality materials makes a tremendous difference. I can offer students meaningful choices and provide activities that are engaging, durable, and appropriate for their age. Instead of spending my energy trying to create something from limited supplies, I can focus on observing students, guiding positive interactions, and helping them develop independence. It is deeply rewarding to see children learn through play while building relationships and confidence.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for investing in their everyday experiences. We are truly grateful for the joy, connection, and learning your support has brought to Ocean View Elementary School. Your generosity will continue to make indoor recess a special time for our first graders for many days to come.","fullyFundedDate":1778084982132,"projectUrl":"project/tech-free-recess/10095751/","projectTitle":"Tech-Free Recess","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sebring","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2224891_orig.png?crop=368,368,x40,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1597614715246","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/sebring"},{"teacherId":10363159,"projectId":10360449,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your donation to our classroom. The items from this project have been enjoyed time and time again by myself and my students. I have no doubt that these items will be used for years to come. \r\n\r\nMy students were so excited when I introduced the morning bins. The Legos, magnetic tiles and blocks, and marble run are all areas for morning creativity and connection. They also come in handy for indoor recess. On super hot days all my students wanted to do was play with these items. I know it will keep them entertained throughout the winter. \r\n\r\nOur classroom is very cozy this year with the additions of overhead light filters, an extra floor lamp, and the floor cushions for the library. These make excellent flexible seating for my moving students. And the tennis balls for the chairs are amazing. I don't know what I'd do if we didn't have them! \r\n\r\nAgain, these items have delivered exactly what they needed to: classroom productivity, comfort, and organization. Thank you for contributing to this teacher's class. <3","fullyFundedDate":1784572426926,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-productivity-comfort-and-org/10360449/","projectTitle":"Classroom Productivity, Comfort, and Organization","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Arroyo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10363159_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y115&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1782924596881","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10363159"},{"teacherId":7620498,"projectId":10389620,"letterContent":"Words cannot fully express my gratitude for your generous donations to fund my project for writing supplies. Because of you, my students now have beautiful notebooks, pencils, story starters, paper, and colored pencils to spark their imaginations and bring their ideas to life. \r\n\r\nIn a world filled with technology, it's refreshing for students to \"get back to basics\" and write pencil to paper, illustrating creative stories of their own.\r\n\r\nWhen the students saw their new supplies on the back table, their faces lit up with excitement! They couldn't wait to dive in and start creating.\r\n\r\nThe notebooks are empty pages now, but they will soon be filled with imaginative stories, coloring drawings, and endless possibilities.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students' education.","fullyFundedDate":1785205558238,"projectUrl":"project/write-on/10389620/","projectTitle":"Write On!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carlton","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7620498_orig.jpg?crop=800,800,x108,y160&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673641570619","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/thinktankcarlton"},{"teacherId":642686,"projectId":10292243,"letterContent":"Now that I am back in my classroom and getting ready for the 2026-2027 school year, I have been able to unpack my items that were purchased through this grant. I immediately pulled the astro brights paper to print some back to school essentials on for meet the teacher night next week! I plugged in the pencil sharpeners and told them to buckle up - they'd be getting a lot of use soon! I put together my hall passes (and put the extra set away until the current ones need a refresh after Christmas) and put my markers on my board. Then I did my favorite part - I hung up the light covers. They give my room a nice pinkish hue and take away that super bright fluorescent glow that it usually has.\r\n\r\nMy room is nowhere near ready for kids, but it has a great head start thanks to donors, like you, who made it possible. Thank you so much for donating to my classroom and my students. Thank you for helping me to get a head start on this school year with worry. We're ready to take on the new school year!","fullyFundedDate":1779326292630,"projectUrl":"project/starting-strong-school-supplies-for-stu/10292243/","projectTitle":"Starting Strong: School Supplies for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Andres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp642686_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1454291883676","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/audrey-dexter"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_34874","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":474,"numTeachers":43,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":29,"percentWhite":32,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":20,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":13,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":61.5,"schoolId":34874,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ocean View Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ocean View Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/virginia/norfolk-public-schools/ocean-view-elementary-school/34874"}