{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Howe Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":57.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6446189,"projectId":9812342,"letterContent":"My students love all things Mo Willems. In fact, as I type this letter, I am wearing a Pigeon shirt! The new books have been placed in a place of honor, and students have been \"oohing\" and \"aahing\" over them - even \"smelling\" the newness of these wonderful additions!\r\n\r\nThank you for giving a much-needed facelift to our beloved Elephant & Piggie and Pigeon books! Rest assured, these books will receive the love, care, and attention that all favorite books deserve. Your support has made a world of difference countless students and will continue to do so for years to come. We cannot thank you enough!","fullyFundedDate":1766889858227,"projectUrl":"project/dont-let-the-pigeon-check-out-crumbling/9812342/","projectTitle":"Don’t Let the Pigeon Check Out Crumbling Classics","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Call","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6446189_orig.jpg?crop=455,455,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740101567727","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6446189"},{"teacherId":8648678,"projectId":9180331,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now have their very own personal calendars—and they have quickly become one of the most exciting parts of our day! Each month, they love it when we read Calendar Kids books.\r\n\r\nEach morning, we gather together and use our calendars to track the date, weather, and special events. What makes this extra meaningful is that students aren't just observing—they're actively participating. They fill in their own calendars, make predictions about upcoming days, and even connect dates to important classroom moments like birthdays, celebrations, and learning milestones.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students couldn't wait to flip through their books, point out familiar patterns, and start writing in their own calendars. There was such a sense of ownership—something as simple as having their own calendar made them feel proud, independent, and eager to learn.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're building on this excitement by using our calendars for deeper learning. Students will begin identifying number patterns, practicing writing skills, and even using their calendars to plan simple future events. These tools are helping them develop important math, literacy, and organizational skills—all while making learning fun and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThank you for allowing my students to see, track, and celebrate their learning every single day. Your support is truly making a lasting impact in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1746785482595,"projectUrl":"project/marking-moments-learning-through-calend/9180331/","projectTitle":"Marking Moments: Learning Through Calendars and Creativity!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gemza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8648678_orig.jpg?crop=1064,1064,x136,y140&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721310080765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-gemza"},{"teacherId":8648678,"projectId":9180338,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students are using engaging, CKLA-aligned resources during our daily reading block to strengthen their phonics and reading skills. They were so excited when they first saw the materials—especially the hands-on activities—and have been more motivated and confident ever since.\r\n\r\nThese resources have made learning more fun and meaningful, even for students who typically struggle. Moving forward, we'll continue using them in small groups and centers to build strong reading foundations and support all learners.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping make reading exciting for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1746785249811,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-readers-with-ckla-aligne/9180338/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Readers with CKLA-Aligned Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gemza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8648678_orig.jpg?crop=1064,1064,x136,y140&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721310080765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-gemza"},{"teacherId":8648678,"projectId":9180582,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students were able to become real \"paleontologists\" as they dug into the fossil bricks and discovered unique fossils. Their excitement was incredible—there were so many smiles, gasps, and eager conversations as they shared their finds with each other.\r\n\r\nThis hands-on experience brought our learning about the History of the Earth to life in a way that truly stuck with them. Students are now using their discoveries to make observations and deepen their understanding of Earth's past.\r\n\r\nNext, we will build on this by creating projects where students describe their fossils and what they tell us about ancient environments.\r\n\r\nThank you for making learning so engaging and memorable for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1745846933018,"projectUrl":"project/curious-paleontologists/9180582/","projectTitle":"Curious Paleontologists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gemza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8648678_orig.jpg?crop=1064,1064,x136,y140&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721310080765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-gemza"},{"teacherId":8648678,"projectId":9252784,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping make our \"Seating for Success\" project come to life! These stools have made such a difference in our classroom already.\r\n\r\nWe use our small group table every day for reading groups, math, and extra support, and now it's a space where students can actually get comfortable and focus. One moment that really stuck with me was during a reading group—students were so engaged and settled in that they didn't want to leave when it was time to switch. That doesn't always happen, so it was pretty special to see.\r\n\r\nWhen the stools first arrived, the kids were SO excited. Lots of smiles, lots of \"Can I sit there?!\" and they immediately noticed how comfortable they were. It made our small group space feel more important and special to them, which has helped with their engagement, too.\r\n\r\nWe're going to keep using this space for small groups, partner work, and hands-on activities where students can talk, collaborate, and learn from each other. Having flexible, comfortable seating really does change how they show up and participate.","fullyFundedDate":1746785412721,"projectUrl":"project/seating-for-success/9252784/","projectTitle":"Seating for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gemza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8648678_orig.jpg?crop=1064,1064,x136,y140&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721310080765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-gemza"},{"teacherId":8193570,"projectId":9626739,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations in making our classroom into a great place for everyone to enjoy reading. Everyone grabs a comfortable seating choice when it is time to go and read. Others students who rocks constantly in the normal seats now has a cushion to help so now there isn't so much noise in the room. Those students are able to work quieter and not disturb others as they all work.\r\nThe students were so excited when they first saw the chairs and cushions because we don't have any of those different seatings in the room before our donations came. We even have students offer to share their own cushion with other students. Again thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1766078639717,"projectUrl":"project/everyone-needs-something-different/9626739/","projectTitle":"Everyone Needs Something Different","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Xiong","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8193570"},{"teacherId":6446189,"projectId":9964693,"letterContent":"During our time in the library, we explored the significance of the Lunar New Year and focused on the Year of the Horse. Students learned about the Chinese zodiac and its twelve animals, discovering their own zodiac signs and the traits associated with them. This personal connection made the learning experience especially engaging and memorable, as students were excited to share their animals and compare them with classmates.\r\n\r\nWe also read several of the new books we received through this project. These stories helped students understand the traditions, symbols, and history connected to Lunar New Year in an authentic and age-appropriate way. In particular, my Hmong and Chinese-American students really enjoyed the new materials and were so proud to be able to share with their classmates. Seeing their cultures represented in new library materials allowed so many students to feel recognized and valued, while also giving all students the opportunity to expand their understanding of global traditions.\r\n\r\nIn addition, students received Lunar New Year bookmarks, which served as both a keepsake and a reminder of their learning. We also discussed the symbol for fortune and its importance during the holiday, helping students understand how symbols carry meaning across cultures. As a special treat, students received fortune cookies, which added an element of excitement and celebration while reinforcing the theme of good luck and prosperity. These experiences helped extend the celebration beyond the lesson and strengthened our sense of community and inclusion.\r\n\r\nOverall, the project not only enhanced literacy and engagement in the library but also fostered belonging, curiosity, and cultural appreciation among all students.","fullyFundedDate":1766775231628,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-students-celebrate-lunar-new-ye/9964693/","projectTitle":"Help Our Students Celebrate Lunar New Year","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Call","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6446189_orig.jpg?crop=455,455,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740101567727","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6446189"},{"teacherId":6446189,"projectId":9675493,"letterContent":"I am writing to share how much of a positive impact your generous donation has had on our library. Students are actively using both the calendar and the book boxes on a daily basis, and they have been especially drawn to the bright, engaging colors of the boxes. The vibrant displays immediately capture their attention and encourage them to explore books they might not have otherwise chosen, making the library a welcoming and exciting space for all learners.\r\n\r\nThe calendar has been an invaluable tool, allowing me not only to display the days of the week, but also to highlight author birthdays and important celebrations such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Women's History Month. Along with this, the book boxes allow me to showcase specific books throughout the month to support classroom projects, themes, and special events. By rotating featured titles, students can easily connect reading materials to what they are learning. Your generosity has truly enhanced student engagement and enriched our library experience. Thank you again for your continued support.","fullyFundedDate":1758720354061,"projectUrl":"project/little-tools-big-impact-helping-our-re/9675493/","projectTitle":"Little Tools, Big Impact: Helping Our Readers Shine","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Call","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6446189_orig.jpg?crop=455,455,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740101567727","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6446189"},{"teacherId":8657617,"projectId":9641956,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the table! By getting this table, students have space for their own things again and are able to have their own space bubble when sitting. This has fostered better friendships and better organization. This table also gives each student in the classroom a space that they can call theirs and have a table buddy to play games with and work with so they are not on their own. Learning is now possible because everyone finally has a place to sit, work, and feel included. Your generosity didn't just provide furniture, it created opportunities for connection, confidence, and meaningful learning. My students and I are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1756250024507,"projectUrl":"project/tables-for-everyone/9641956/","projectTitle":"Tables for Everyone","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Flugaur","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8657617_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680219057889","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8657617"},{"teacherId":1546942,"projectId":9280511,"letterContent":"As you know, the mental and emotional health of our students is at the forefront of our classrooms. We are seeing more and more students who arrive in our classrooms unregulated and/or consumed by anxiety and/or emotions that make it tricky for them to access and stay in their learning brains.\r\n\r\nTeachers have to get creative in fitting in supports for these ever-rising needs for our students. As the needs rise, our help stays the same, and in many cases, actually decreases, as an increase in students' with high support needs consume the limited supports we have. \r\n\r\nThese resources provided me with some tools to quickly and efficiently support my students' unique mental and emotional needs. While there is much more work to be done, these resources take a little off my plate. Thank you for helping me help my students!","fullyFundedDate":1755996570092,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students/9280511/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Steffes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1546942_orig.jpg?crop=1935,1935,x224,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661532871274","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1546942"},{"teacherId":8657617,"projectId":9221628,"letterContent":"Our class has been using the rock tumbler to explore how rocks change over time! We began by observing our rough rocks and predicting what might happen after a few weeks in the tumbler. We passed around the different types of grit and talked about how each stage helps polish the rocks, just like how nature smooths rocks in rivers and oceans. \r\nSeveral students immediately guessed which rocks would turn out the shiniest and started cheering for their favorites! This project has truly made science come alive for our first graders thank you for helping make that possible!","fullyFundedDate":1746785321802,"projectUrl":"project/rock-tumbling-a-hands-on-exploration-pr/9221628/","projectTitle":"Rock Tumbling: A Hands-On Exploration Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Flugaur","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8657617_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1680219057889","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8657617"},{"teacherId":8648678,"projectId":9179498,"letterContent":"This project has made our classroom healthier and happier. With Kleenex and Clorox wipes on hand, students can quickly clean up and stop germs from spreading, so we spend more time learning and less time out sick.\r\nThe kids love being \"germ-fighting heroes,\" wiping down desks and taking care of their space. Having the routine of wiping desks makes the students feel responsible for staying clean and healthy.\r\n\r\nThis project has helped our classroom feel safer and cleaner, and I'm so thankful to our donors for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1746785875832,"projectUrl":"project/keep-the-germ-monsters-away/9179498/","projectTitle":"Keep the Germ Monsters Away!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gemza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8648678_orig.jpg?crop=1064,1064,x136,y140&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721310080765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-gemza"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_38696","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":329,"numTeachers":28,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":78,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":7,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_DISTANT"},"inStateSupporters":42.3,"schoolId":38696,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Howe Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Howe Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/wisconsin/wisconsin-rapids-public-schools/howe-elementary-school/38696"}