{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sugar Maple Nature School","outOfStateSupporters":20.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9220542,"projectId":9118260,"letterContent":"When the wind tunnel arrived, excitement filled our classroom! Students could hardly wait to start testing the turbine blades they had been designing for weeks. After unpacking the equipment together, we gathered around to learn how it worked, and the room buzzed with curiosity and energy.\r\n\r\nWe immediately put the wind tunnel to use in preparation for our KidWind competition. Students began testing different blade angles and materials, recording data on power output, and making adjustments in real time. It was incredible to watch them apply their knowledge of aerodynamics and energy transfer in such a hands-on way. One group even discovered that a small change in blade pitch dramatically improved their turbine's efficiency, a true \"lightbulb moment\" that had everyone cheering!\r\n\r\nThe next step for our class is to continue refining our turbine designs and comparing test results to determine which models perform best under different conditions. Students are also preparing to present their findings as part of their competition portfolios, explaining how the wind tunnel helped them strengthen their designs and deepen their understanding of renewable energy.\r\n\r\nThanks to this resource, our classroom feels like a real engineering lab, and our students are more motivated than ever to push their designs to the next level!","fullyFundedDate":1746786515528,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-future-engineers-a-wind-tunnel/9118260/","projectTitle":"Fueling Future Engineers: A Wind Tunnel for Our KidWind Competition!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9220542_orig.jpg?crop=335,335,x421,y601&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692985162554","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9220542"},{"teacherId":9220542,"projectId":9312447,"letterContent":"We have been putting our new hip waders to great use, and they have completely transformed the way our students experience science. With them, students have been able to safely step into the Milwaukee River and explore their local environment up close. They have collected water samples, studied river habitats, identified plant and animal species, and even taken part in a river cleanup to help care for the area they've been studying.\r\n\r\nWhen the waders first arrived, the students could hardly contain their excitement. They were eager to get outside and experience science firsthand. Many students said they felt like \"real scientists\" as they worked together to test water quality, record data, and make observations about the river's ecosystem. It has been incredible to see their curiosity and teamwork grow with each visit.\r\n\r\nThrough these experiences, students have gained a deeper understanding of how ecosystems function and how human actions affect local habitats. They've learned how to analyze their findings and connect them to what we study in class, from energy flow to environmental change. The waders have truly opened up new learning opportunities, giving students the chance to make real-world connections while fostering a love for science and nature. We are so grateful for this amazing resource and the donors who helped make it possible.","fullyFundedDate":1746786188497,"projectUrl":"project/wade-into-learning-part-3/9312447/","projectTitle":"Wade Into Learning: Part 3","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9220542_orig.jpg?crop=335,335,x421,y601&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692985162554","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9220542"},{"teacherId":9220542,"projectId":9312375,"letterContent":"We have been putting our new hip waders to great use, and they have completely transformed the way our students experience science. With them, students have been able to safely step into the Milwaukee River and explore their local environment up close. They have collected water samples, studied river habitats, identified plant and animal species, and even taken part in a river cleanup to help care for the area they've been studying.\r\n\r\nWhen the waders first arrived, the students could hardly contain their excitement. They were eager to get outside and experience science firsthand. Many students said they felt like \"real scientists\" as they worked together to test water quality, record data, and make observations about the river's ecosystem. It has been incredible to see their curiosity and teamwork grow with each visit.\r\n\r\nThrough these experiences, students have gained a deeper understanding of how ecosystems function and how human actions affect local habitats. They've learned how to analyze their findings and connect them to what we study in class, from energy flow to environmental change. The waders have truly opened up new learning opportunities, giving students the chance to make real-world connections while fostering a love for science and nature. We are so grateful for this amazing resource and the donors who helped make it possible.","fullyFundedDate":1746786188379,"projectUrl":"project/wade-into-learning-part-2/9312375/","projectTitle":"Wade Into Learning: Part 2","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9220542_orig.jpg?crop=335,335,x421,y601&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692985162554","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9220542"},{"teacherId":9220542,"projectId":9312349,"letterContent":"We have been putting our new hip waders to great use, and they have completely transformed the way our students experience science. With them, students have been able to safely step into the Milwaukee River and explore their local environment up close. They have collected water samples, studied river habitats, identified plant and animal species, and even taken part in a river cleanup to help care for the area they've been studying.\r\n\r\nWhen the waders first arrived, the students could hardly contain their excitement. They were eager to get outside and experience science firsthand. Many students said they felt like \"real scientists\" as they worked together to test water quality, record data, and make observations about the river's ecosystem. It has been incredible to see their curiosity and teamwork grow with each visit.\r\n\r\nThrough these experiences, students have gained a deeper understanding of how ecosystems function and how human actions affect local habitats. They've learned how to analyze their findings and connect them to what we study in class, from energy flow to environmental change. The waders have truly opened up new learning opportunities, giving students the chance to make real-world connections while fostering a love for science and nature. We are so grateful for this amazing resource and the donors who helped make it possible.","fullyFundedDate":1746786156735,"projectUrl":"project/wade-into-learning/9312349/","projectTitle":"Wade Into Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9220542_orig.jpg?crop=335,335,x421,y601&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692985162554","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9220542"},{"teacherId":9220542,"projectId":9312489,"letterContent":"We have been putting our new hip waders to great use, and they have completely transformed the way our students experience science. With them, students have been able to safely step into the Milwaukee River and explore their local environment up close. They have collected water samples, studied river habitats, identified plant and animal species, and even taken part in a river cleanup to help care for the area they've been studying.\r\n\r\nWhen the waders first arrived, the students could hardly contain their excitement. They were eager to get outside and experience science firsthand. Many students said they felt like \"real scientists\" as they worked together to test water quality, record data, and make observations about the river's ecosystem. It has been incredible to see their curiosity and teamwork grow with each visit.\r\n\r\nThrough these experiences, students have gained a deeper understanding of how ecosystems function and how human actions affect local habitats. They've learned how to analyze their findings and connect them to what we study in class, from energy flow to environmental change. The waders have truly opened up new learning opportunities, giving students the chance to make real-world connections while fostering a love for science and nature. We are so grateful for this amazing resource and the donors who helped make it possible.","fullyFundedDate":1746786164862,"projectUrl":"project/wade-into-learning/9312489/","projectTitle":"Wade Into Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9220542_orig.jpg?crop=335,335,x421,y601&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692985162554","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9220542"},{"teacherId":9220542,"projectId":9318428,"letterContent":"When our wobble chairs arrived, the students were beyond excited! They couldn't wait to try them out! We began using them right away during our independent reading and writing workshops, and it was incredible to see how much more focused and engaged the students became. The chairs allow them to move naturally while they work, which has made a noticeable difference in their ability to concentrate and stay comfortable for longer periods of time.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was seeing a group of students using the wobble chairs during our science discussions. They were leaning in, exchanging ideas, and fully immersed in the conversation! The energy in the room was amazing! The chairs have truly helped create a learning space that supports movement, collaboration, and focus all at once.\r\n\r\nNext, our students will continue using the chairs as we move into our next big unit, where they'll be working on small group projects and hands-on investigations. The flexibility of these chairs makes it easy to rearrange our classroom for collaborative work, and I can already tell they'll play a big part in keeping students engaged and excited to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1746469683836,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-learning-through-movement-wo/9318428/","projectTitle":"Empowering Learning Through Movement: Wobble Chairs in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hess","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9220542_orig.jpg?crop=335,335,x421,y601&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692985162554","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9220542"},{"teacherId":9823566,"projectId":9312046,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the milk crates! I have placed them together to create extremely useful cubbies for student materials. Several people have entered the classroom and commented that it looks great. It has made my life a lot easier and students are getting more time on task rather than trying to locate materials.\r\n\r\nLast year students spent too much time locating various items through the day. Student iPads, clipboards, change of clothes, and headphones are all now stored individually in each cubby. Last year, students would use the charging cabinets to store their iPads in between uses. It was not possible to identify the correct iPad without pulling them out to check the number. This year they enter in the morning, get their iPads, and place them immediately in their cubby. They can easily grab them for use as centers in math and reading, and leave them if charging isn't needed. Multiply that for all their items now stored individually; it´s a huge time savings! Students have more time for learning!","fullyFundedDate":1746787186826,"projectUrl":"project/desperately-seeking-storage/9312046/","projectTitle":"Desperately Seeking Storage!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Daugherty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9823566"},{"teacherId":9220681,"projectId":8954795,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our second-grade classroom. Your contribution will allow our students to engage in a nature-inspired art project that blends creativity, environmental stewardship, and teamwork.\r\n\r\nOur students are surrounded by natural wonders every day, and this project gives them the opportunity to capture their understanding of the world through art. By using recycled and environmentally friendly materials, students will not only express their creativity but also learn the importance of caring for the earth. Earth art challenges them to problem-solve as they explore the unique qualities of natural materials, and it fosters collaboration as they work together to bring their ideas to life.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is helping young learners see the world in new ways and inspiring them to share their voices through art. We are deeply grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1733277944311,"projectUrl":"project/where-imagination-runs-wild/8954795/","projectTitle":"Where Imagination Runs Wild!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Beyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9220681"},{"teacherId":9220681,"projectId":9069214,"letterContent":"On behalf of our second-grade classroom, I would like to sincerely thank you for your generous support of our recent project. Your contribution has provided us with large world maps and detailed, zoomed-in country posters that will enrich our social studies lessons.\r\n\r\nThese resources will help students explore geography while deepening their understanding of cause and effect, learning about diverse cultures, and making meaningful connections between places and people around the world. Your generosity directly supports our students' curiosity and critical thinking, and it makes a lasting impact on their learning journey.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your commitment to education and to our young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1739455208071,"projectUrl":"project/map-magic/9069214/","projectTitle":"Map Magic!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Beyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9220681"},{"teacherId":9220681,"projectId":8317355,"letterContent":"On behalf of our second-grade class, I would like to sincerely thank you for your generous support of our composting project. Your contribution will allow each classroom to travel the campus with portable compost bins, giving our students the opportunity to keep our school grounds clean while actively engaging in environmentally friendly practices.\r\n\r\nThis project blends composting with goal setting, soil education, hands-on learning, and reflective monitoring—aligning perfectly with our school's three pillars: nature-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and community-based learning. Second graders explore soil through a dedicated science unit and worm composting, but now, thanks to your generosity, we can expand this opportunity to every grade level.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, our students will not only deepen their understanding of composting and its impact on personal, local, and global scales, but they will also become active stewards of the environment. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in bringing this vision to life.","fullyFundedDate":1713812763063,"projectUrl":"project/from-scraps-to-soil-the-joyful-journey/8317355/","projectTitle":"From Scraps to Soil: The Joyful Journey of Composting","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Beyer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9220681"},{"teacherId":8583499,"projectId":8969364,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom was transformed with the addition of a kidney-shaped table that has become the heart of small-group learning. This table provided a welcoming and efficient space where both I and our classroom paraprofessional could work closely with students in differentiated, focused instruction.\r\n\r\nWhether it was reading support, hands-on math practice, or collaborative learning activities, the table allowed us to target students' individual needs in a way that was both engaging and effective. Having a designated space for small-group instruction helped foster stronger connections, deeper understanding, and increased confidence among our learners.\r\n\r\nThis project had a lasting impact on our school community by promoting equity in instruction and empowering every student to succeed at their own pace. We're incredibly grateful for the opportunity to build this supportive learning environment—thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1733281469057,"projectUrl":"project/small-group-success-with-a-kidney-shaped/8969364/","projectTitle":"Small Group Success With a Kidney-Shaped Table For Engaged Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Servais","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8583499_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y15&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692909190862","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-servais"},{"teacherId":9219575,"projectId":9048612,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us bring a Community Playthings workbench into our Kindergarten classroom! Our students were excited from the moment it arrived, and it's been incredible to see the creativity and teamwork that have followed. The workbench gives kids a space to plan and build their ideas, helping them practice early engineering skills in a fun, hands-on way.\r\n\r\nWe've already seen so much growth—students are working together, solving problems, measuring, and thinking through their designs. It's become a place where math, collaboration, and imagination all come together. We're so grateful for your support and the learning opportunities this has made possible.","fullyFundedDate":1739455220583,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-carpenters-create/9048612/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Carpenters Create!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kristen Byers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9219575_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692927448670","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kristen-byers"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_131313","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":76,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":26,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":76,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":7,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.7,"schoolId":131313,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sugar Maple Nature School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sugar Maple Nature School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/wisconsin/northern-ozaukee-school-district/riveredge-outdoor-learning-elementary-school/131313"}