{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mendota Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":27.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9353347,"projectId":10099631,"letterContent":"There are cars everywhere, and we couldn't be happier! The first day we brought the cars out were so exciting that we had to create a sign-up list because EVERYONE wanted to play with them! \r\n\r\nWe're using them as inspiration for building towns, towers, cities, and roads. We've problems solved collapsing garage roofs, falling bridges, and road that are too short to connect our buildings. Each day with the different cars sparks curiosity, planning and problem solving as we test our ideas and rebuild when needed. \r\n\r\nHaving enough cars for multiple people means we have enough resources to work together and expand our abilities for cooperation and joint attention.\r\n\r\nThank you.","fullyFundedDate":1771207903906,"projectUrl":"project/cars-everywhere/10099631/","projectTitle":"Cars Everywhere","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hill-Wild","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9353347_orig.jpg?crop=2703,2703,x0,y180&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699202964044","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9353347"},{"teacherId":9353347,"projectId":10128882,"letterContent":"Thank you for the support of our students with additional sensory needs. Although a sturdy object to use for oral sensory needs is not the most exciting school supply to many, to those who rely on them these items are as important as books, computers or pencils. These chews provide a way to keep our bodies ready for learning!\r\n\r\nMy colleagues and I appreciate you taking the time to recognize the needs of our students, and for caring enough to donate to Donors Choose on our behalf. I am consistently honored by the generosity of our community members, both near and far.","fullyFundedDate":1773340571002,"projectUrl":"project/chewing-chewing-and-more-chewing/10128882/","projectTitle":"Chewing Chewing and more Chewing","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hill-Wild","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9353347_orig.jpg?crop=2703,2703,x0,y180&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699202964044","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9353347"},{"teacherId":811112,"projectId":9934416,"letterContent":"Thanks again for funding our project! Our students look forward to eating the new snacks every day, especially during our mid-morning and afternoon work times. One moment that really stood out was during a recent small-group reading activity—students who would normally struggle to stay focused were more engaged and able to participate because they had something to eat beforehand. It helped create a calmer, more productive learning environment where everyone could concentrate and do their best work.\r\nWhen the snacks first arrived, many of the students asked immediately where they came from, and it led to a great conversation about kindness and generosity. They were so thankful to know that people they've never met care about them and their success in school.\r\nHaving consistent access to snacks will help them stay focused and energized during these extended periods of independent work and peer collaboration.\r\nThank you again for making such a meaningful impact in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1773770329611,"projectUrl":"project/sustain-high-brain-energy-with-snacks/9934416/","projectTitle":"Sustain High Brain Energy with Snacks!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pietruszka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cpietruszka"},{"teacherId":8925671,"projectId":10116704,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for fulfilling this project so quickly! The students have already started enjoying the snacks, and they were so excited to see the wide variety and large quantity that will last us a while. It is great for them to have some different choices of snack each day to keep it interesting.\r\n\r\nThe students eat snack during the five hour gap between breakfast and lunch, so it is essential for them to eat something filling to tide them over until lunch. These snacks will get eaten by first graders everyday until they're all eaten up! With a couple weeks until Spring Break, everyone needs a little pick me up, especially in this Wisconsin weather. Having a fun snack is a great way to brighten their spirits. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1772056135242,"projectUrl":"project/yummy-snacks-for-hungry-learners/10116704/","projectTitle":"Yummy Snacks for Hungry Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Peterson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8925671_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y92&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673541606036","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8925671"},{"teacherId":7102684,"projectId":9732443,"letterContent":"Thank you for providing students clear bags to support transporting their AAC devices throughout the building. Both staff and students are able to utilize and benefit from your kind donation. It brought such joy to see a student and staff member utilizing one of the clear bags to transport the device to different rooms at school.\r\n\r\nAs we continue to encourage AAC use across the building, these bags will support the increased communication throughout educational settings. Thank you for uplifting student voice at Mendota Elementary!","fullyFundedDate":1759336915233,"projectUrl":"project/clear-totes-for-clear-communication/9732443/","projectTitle":"Clear Totes for Clear Communication!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7102684"},{"teacherId":9353347,"projectId":9744720,"letterContent":"Thank you for the items in this campaign. We love the spinning chair, we love the body roller, and we love the boxes they came in! \r\n\r\nThe spinning chair is so valuable for offering a safe space to get the sensory experience needed by a few of our students in order to be ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe body roller is a favorite for everyone in the classroom as a way to feel our bodies and a way to play. Students think it's so funny to get 'rolled flat like a pizza' or a cookie.\r\n\r\nFinally, a box large enough to sit in is a spark for imaginary play and for creating a safe space when strong emotions feel overwhelming.","fullyFundedDate":1768257807410,"projectUrl":"project/spin-rock-and-roll/9744720/","projectTitle":"Spin, Rock, and Roll","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hill-Wild","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9353347_orig.jpg?crop=2703,2703,x0,y180&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699202964044","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9353347"},{"teacherId":9847015,"projectId":9870075,"letterContent":"This has been one of our most directly impactful \"asks\" yet. As of today, all treats have been distributed. Several classrooms use this initiative each week. We have THREE birthday baskets out with treats and a crown JUST TODAY! \r\n\r\nEarlier this school year, the federal government had a pause on our EBT/Foodshare benefits right before the holidays. There was a trickle effect from this delay. More families have needed regular food assistance, let alone providing a birthday snack to bring to school.\r\n\r\nI get to see a lot of happy faces leave our community space with a basket of treats to take to their classmates! Rice Krispies are special enough to be considered a treat, pre-packaged, and are peanut-safe. Thank you so very much!","fullyFundedDate":1763572304509,"projectUrl":"project/because-every-child-deserves-a-birthday/9870075/","projectTitle":"Because Every Child Deserves a Birthday Treat","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. World","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9847015_orig.jpg?crop=650,650,x0,y34&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733151766819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9847015"},{"teacherId":8925671,"projectId":9851775,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding snacks for all three first grade classrooms in my school! The students were so excited to see the big boxes of new snacks to pick from. We started eating them this week, and the kids were so happy. The kids loved getting to pick from a variety of filling options for snack.\r\n\r\nI also want to personally thank you because it saves me money from my own budget to not buy the snacks at the grocery store. Ensuring all my students have a filling snack to bridge the 5 hour gap between breakfast and lunch is important to me. I am very grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1765384998835,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-hungry-1st-graders/9851775/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Hungry 1st Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Peterson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8925671_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y92&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673541606036","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8925671"},{"teacherId":8925671,"projectId":9530019,"letterContent":"Our school musical is underway and going great! The cast have learned the whole show of Shrek Kids, and they are now working on memorizing their lines and choreography. This is a very fun show with some great heartfelt moments. As the cast is learning the show, our costume crew is working hard on knight helmets, tunics, crowns, and more. They have hand dyed fabric to use for the costumes. Our props and sets crew has made pretend swords for our guards and a large scroll for the captain of the guards. We still have lots more to do, but things are going great!\r\n\r\nThank you for the materials to make this progress possible. The crews have already started using the sewing machine and fabric scissors. The students (and staff) were so excited for us to have our own sewing machine dedicated to the school musical. The crews have also already used the craft glue. As we get closer to the show in March, we will get to use the dance shoes, leggings, and Gaffer tape. This program is such a wonderful opportunity for students, and it is only possible through kind donations like yours. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1760437797274,"projectUrl":"project/materials-for-elementary-aged-costume-de/9530019/","projectTitle":"Materials for Elementary Aged Costume Designers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Peterson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8925671_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y92&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673541606036","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8925671"},{"teacherId":10100919,"projectId":9516575,"letterContent":"On behalf of our scholars and staff at Mendota Elementary, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your generous support in providing the Developing Decoders Nonfiction Kindergarten book set for our young learners. Because of your kindness, our students now have access to rich, engaging texts that spark curiosity, build foundational literacy skills, and open doors to the world around them.\r\nThese books have already become a bright spot in our classrooms. Our scholars light up when they explore topics like animals, weather, community helpers, and the natural world—each page giving them new language, new ideas, and new confidence as readers. Your gift is helping them see themselves as capable learners, thinkers, and storytellers.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is more than a donation; it is an investment in our children's futures. You are helping us cultivate a love of reading at the very moment it matters most, and we are truly grateful.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our scholars and for supporting the work we do every day. Your kindness makes a meaningful difference.","fullyFundedDate":1755198632163,"projectUrl":"project/decodable-books/9516575/","projectTitle":"Decodable Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Torrison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10100919"},{"teacherId":9353347,"projectId":9712614,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the new supplies and learning tools. We love them all! Especially the playdough tools. We've been able to explore our world, practice social communication skills and sharing, learn about cause and effect while strengthening our muscles and building our brain-body connections. Students ask almost daily if we can get the playdough box out!\r\n\r\nOur students who like cars and items that roll have enjoyed chasing the toy cars. We've been practicing how to pick up and hold the cars, as well as observing what happens when we interact with the cars on various surfaces and locations.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1758001580141,"projectUrl":"project/fine-motor-fun/9712614/","projectTitle":"Fine Motor Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hill-Wild","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9353347_orig.jpg?crop=2703,2703,x0,y180&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699202964044","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9353347"},{"teacherId":9353347,"projectId":9712717,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing much needed active toys and tools to our classrooms. Many of our students need chances to move their bodies while learning what they can, or cannot, do safely and comfortably.\r\n\r\nWe've been enjoying the tunnels as we crawl and feel the resistance throughout the day. Many students ask to use the tunnel over and over and over again! We've also had fun learning with the stepping stones as we navigate through space and through the communication needed to share ideas while building and moving together.\r\n\r\nSoon we'll be using the beanbags to dance, toss, collect, sort, catch and carry. I know we'll have just as much fun with the beanbags as we have with the other toys and supplies. We'll also be using the sponges as 'snowflakes' to toss around as the weather gets colder and colder.","fullyFundedDate":1762267601302,"projectUrl":"project/movement-and-motion/9712717/","projectTitle":"Movement and Motion","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hill-Wild","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9353347_orig.jpg?crop=2703,2703,x0,y180&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699202964044","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9353347"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_37146","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":280,"numTeachers":33,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":55,"percentWhite":15,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":12,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"8.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":72.3,"schoolId":37146,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mendota Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mendota Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/wisconsin/madison-metropolitan-school-district/mendota-elementary-school/37146"}