{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Southside Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":54.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9491717,"projectId":9446081,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our kindergarten classroom has been bursting with creativity and color! The new arts and crafts supplies have given my students endless opportunities to express themselves, strengthen fine motor skills, and bring learning to life across subjects. From cutting and gluing to painting and designing, every day now includes hands-on projects that make learning joyful and meaningful.\r\n\r\nOne of our favorite recent activities was creating \"All About Me\" self-portraits during our social-emotional learning unit. Students carefully chose paper colors to match their skin tones, used markers and yarn to show their unique features, and proudly shared their masterpieces with the class. It was amazing to see the pride on their faces as they said, \"That's me!\" For many of my students, these moments help build confidence and a strong sense of belonging in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies first arrived, excitement filled the room—students gasped as we unpacked glitter, colored paper, paint sticks, and craft gems. They couldn't wait to dive in and start creating! Moving forward, these materials will continue to support upcoming projects like winter art displays, storybook crafts that connect with our literacy lessons, and STEM challenges that mix art and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nThank you for making our classroom a place where imagination and learning shine together. Your support has truly made a colorful difference!","fullyFundedDate":1753402204640,"projectUrl":"project/scribbles-and-smiles/9446081/","projectTitle":"Scribbles and Smiles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sanders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9491717_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751662380635","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9491717"},{"teacherId":9491717,"projectId":9467611,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my kindergarten students are developing into confident readers—one sound, one word, and one story at a time! The Guided Phonics and Beyond Decodable Books have become an essential part of our daily literacy block. These carefully sequenced texts introduce and reinforce skills like letter-sound correspondence, blending, and high-frequency word recognition, allowing students to apply what they've learned during phonics lessons in meaningful reading experiences.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is joyful and purposeful. Students read in small groups, with partners, and independently, proudly tracking words with their fingers as they sound out CVC words and practice fluency. We celebrate every \"lightbulb moment\" when decoding suddenly clicks! These books are perfectly aligned with our structured literacy approach, giving students the opportunity to practice decoding within controlled, engaging stories that build their confidence and comprehension.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who once hesitated to read are now asking, \"Can I take this one home?\" One of my emerging readers, who used to rely heavily on pictures, now beams as she decodes each word on the page. The excitement in their voices when they say, \"I can read this!\" is the best gift of all.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping to fill our classroom with books that truly teach children how to read—not just guess at words. Your support is helping every student build a strong foundation for lifelong literacy.","fullyFundedDate":1753402205149,"projectUrl":"project/phonics-powered-pages-fueling-literacy/9467611/","projectTitle":"Phonics-Powered Pages: Fueling Literacy in Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sanders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9491717_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751662380635","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9491717"},{"teacherId":9491717,"projectId":9285295,"letterContent":"When our new play kitchen and doctor set arrived, excitement filled the classroom! The students' eyes lit up as they took turns exploring the shiny pretend oven, organizing play food, and caring for \"patients\" in our dramatic play area. Within minutes, rich conversations began — \"I'm making pancakes!\" and \"Your heartbeat sounds great!\" — showing just how powerful imaginative play can be for building language, social skills, and collaboration.\r\n\r\nThese resources have become a daily favorite during our center rotations. The play kitchen invites storytelling, cooperation, and vocabulary growth as students act out familiar routines from home. The doctor set helps children develop empathy and confidence as they role-play caring for others. Both centers naturally connect to our literacy lessons, as students write \"menus,\" make \"grocery lists,\" and label parts of the body. I've already seen quieter students step into leadership roles and verbalize their ideas more freely through this kind of play.\r\n\r\nThe next step for our class is to continue using these materials to support our social–emotional learning and oral language goals. We'll be adding picture-word cards and simple writing prompts to extend their pretend play into early reading and writing experiences. Thank you for helping us create a joyful space where imagination meets learning — your generosity has truly made our kindergarten room feel like a little community of helpers, chefs, and friends!","fullyFundedDate":1755534576128,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-up-something-good-in-kindergarte/9285295/","projectTitle":"Cooking up Something Good in Kindergarten!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sanders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9491717_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751662380635","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9491717"},{"teacherId":9491717,"projectId":9328866,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my kindergarten students now have access to drawing projectors and STEM toys that are sparking creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration every day. When the materials first arrived, the excitement was contagious—students gasped, clapped, and immediately started asking, *\"Can we try them today?\"*\r\n\r\nWe use the drawing projectors during art and literacy centers to help students build fine motor skills, trace letters, and create illustrations for their writing projects. One of my favorite moments was when a small group used the projector to illustrate our class book about animals—suddenly, even my most hesitant artists were eager to contribute detailed pictures. The STEM toys have become a staple during our exploration blocks. I watched one group work together to design a bridge sturdy enough to hold toy animals, celebrating when it didn't topple over. These moments highlight how the new tools are strengthening not only academic skills but also teamwork and perseverance.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for my students are to integrate these materials into our ongoing STEM and writing projects. We are beginning a unit on \"Communities,\" where students will use the projectors to design buildings and the STEM toys to construct a model town. This connection between creativity and engineering is helping them see how ideas come to life.\r\n\r\nYour support has opened up new ways for my students to learn, imagine, and create. Thank you for giving them these opportunities to grow as artists, engineers, and innovators!","fullyFundedDate":1750027291763,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-thinkers-big-discoveries/9328866/","projectTitle":"Tiny Thinkers, Big Discoveries!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sanders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9491717_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751662380635","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9491717"},{"teacherId":9491717,"projectId":9260736,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has a book binding machine that has completely changed how we celebrate student writing. My kindergarteners are now able to see their stories, poems, and illustrated books turned into \"real books\" they can hold in their hands. The first time I bound a set of student writing and handed the finished books back, the class erupted with excitement—one child hugged her book and proudly exclaimed, *\"I'm a real author!\"*\r\n\r\nWe've used the binding machine to publish class books, such as our \"Zero the Hero\" and a collection of \"Kindergarten Memories.\" These books are now part of our classroom library, and students eagerly choose to reread each other's work during independent reading time. Partner reading has become even more meaningful because they are reading *their own words* and the words of their friends.\r\n\r\nThe next step is to connect this tool with our ongoing writing units. As students continue to grow in their writing skills, they'll be able to publish more complex pieces, share them with families, and even gift them as keepsakes. This machine has helped my students see themselves as authors and has given them a lasting sense of pride in their work.\r\n\r\nYour gift has inspired a love of writing and storytelling that will carry far beyond kindergarten. Thank you for helping my students discover the joy of becoming published authors!","fullyFundedDate":1746555582791,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-book-builders/9260736/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Book Builders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sanders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9491717_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751662380635","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9491717"},{"teacherId":9491717,"projectId":9245089,"letterContent":"---\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed with the addition of decodable books. These resources have quickly become one of our most loved tools for building reading confidence.\r\n\r\nWhen the books first arrived, my students' eyes lit up as they realized these were \"real books\" they could read on their own. One of the most heartwarming moments was during partner reading: two students sat side by side, whispering through the sounds and words, helping each other stretch and blend until they proudly announced, \"We read the whole page!\" The joy and pride on their faces was priceless.\r\n\r\nWe use these decodable books daily during small-group lessons and literacy centers. They provide just the right amount of challenge while reinforcing the phonics patterns we're learning. Students now eagerly choose decodables during partner reading and independent time, building fluency and confidence with each page they conquer.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to connect these decodables to our current phonics lessons. For example, we are learning short vowel sounds, and students are reading decodables that highlight those exact skills. This reinforcement is helping them bridge the gap between phonics instruction and real reading experiences.\r\n\r\nYour gift has given my kindergarteners the chance to feel like successful readers every single day. Thank you for giving them the tools to take those first important steps into a lifetime of literacy.","fullyFundedDate":1744659499034,"projectUrl":"project/read-baby-read/9245089/","projectTitle":"Read Baby Read!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sanders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9491717_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751662380635","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9491717"},{"teacherId":9491717,"projectId":9041133,"letterContent":"Thank you for making a difference in my kindergarten classroom! The math manipulatives and games you helped provide have transformed our learning experience. My students were thrilled when they first saw the colorful counting cubes, number puzzles, and engaging math family engagement packs. Their excitement was priceless as they eagerly explored the new materials, turning math time into an adventure of hands-on discovery.\r\n\r\nWe use these resources daily to build foundational math skills through play and exploration. The family engagement packs have been a game-changer, allowing students to bring math learning home. Parents have shared how these materials spark meaningful conversations and boost their child's confidence in numbers.\r\n\r\nCurrently, we are working on number sense and early addition concepts. With these new tools, my students are not only grasping these skills more quickly but are also developing a love for math. The next step in our learning journey is diving into patterns and problem-solving, using the games to reinforce critical thinking in a fun and interactive way.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made an incredible impact, and I cannot thank you enough for your support. You are shaping young minds and building a strong foundation for lifelong learning!","fullyFundedDate":1737128858115,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-mathimagicians/9041133/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Mathimagicians!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sanders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9491717_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751662380635","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9491717"},{"teacherId":9491717,"projectId":8937984,"letterContent":"The donation of sight word games had a profound impact on my kindergarten classroom, enhancing both engagement and foundational literacy skills. These games transformed sight word practice from rote memorization into an interactive, hands-on experience that captivated my students' attention. By incorporating play-based learning, students became more motivated to recognize high-frequency words, which directly improved their reading fluency and confidence.\r\n\r\nThe variety of games allowed me to differentiate instruction, meeting the diverse needs of my learners. Struggling readers benefited from repeated exposure in a low-pressure, fun environment, while more advanced students were challenged with activities that reinforced automaticity. The social aspect of the games also fostered collaboration, turn-taking, and communication skills, creating a positive and supportive learning atmosphere.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the donation relieved financial strain, allowing me to allocate resources to other essential classroom needs. Families expressed gratitude, noticing their children's increased enthusiasm for reading at home. Overall, the sight word games not only strengthened literacy development but also nurtured a love for learning in my students. This generous contribution made a lasting difference, reinforcing the idea that education can be both effective and joyful.","fullyFundedDate":1734284791543,"projectUrl":"project/yipee-lets-learn-our-sight-words/8937984/","projectTitle":"Yipee! Let's Learn our Sight Words!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sanders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9491717_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751662380635","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9491717"},{"teacherId":9829545,"projectId":8926957,"letterContent":"The arrival of our new supplies has made a remarkable difference in my kindergarten classroom. The vibrant colors and variety of materials have sparked excitement among my students, fostering a more engaging and stimulating learning environment. With new literacy supplies, such as word builders, letter trays, and sound mirrors, students are now able to explore their learning in new ways. This has not only enhanced their reading and writing skills but also encouraged collaboration, as they often work together on projects, sharing ideas and techniques. The children are more enthusiastic about participating in hands-on activities, which has led to increased motivation and a sense of ownership in their learning.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the new educational resources have significantly enriched our curriculum. With a broader selection of reading, writing, and math materials, students are more eager to explore stories, which has improved their literacy skills and sparked a love for reading. The number blocks puzzle has provided new opportunities for hands-on learning in math and problem-solving. These supplies have allowed me to implement diverse teaching strategies that cater to various learning styles, ensuring that each child has the chance to thrive. Overall, the support from our donor has not only enhanced the educational experience but also reinforced the sense of community and generosity within our classroom.\r\n\r\nWe cannot thank you enough for your kind and generous gifts to our classroom. My students were so excited when they saw me unboxing the new materials. Our next steps would be to grow their learning even more by using these materials to build sentences, write and read stories, and solve math problems. I know my future classes will enjoy them just as much as my current one does now.","fullyFundedDate":1733246559304,"projectUrl":"project/bright-futures-classroom/8926957/","projectTitle":"Bright Futures Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. McCoy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9829545"},{"teacherId":9491717,"projectId":8937989,"letterContent":"I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for your generous donation of the Beginning Word Builders tools. Your contribution is making a wonderful difference in our kindergarten classroom, and the students are already benefiting from it in so many ways.\r\n\r\nThe children are thrilled to use the word builder tools as part of their daily learning. They enjoy creating simple words by combining letters, which has greatly enhanced their understanding of letter-sound relationships. The hands-on nature of the materials helps them visualize how letters come together to form words, which is a crucial skill at this stage.\r\n\r\nThrough guided activities, students are building confidence in their ability to spell and read new words. They particularly enjoy the interactive games and exercises, which keep them engaged while reinforcing important phonemic awareness skills.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your thoughtful support. The Beginning Word Builders are helping us lay a strong foundation for reading and writing, and we are incredibly grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1733345891689,"projectUrl":"project/multisensory-literacy-building/8937989/","projectTitle":"Multisensory Literacy Building","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sanders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9491717_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751662380635","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9491717"},{"teacherId":9491717,"projectId":8767696,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of the Reading Essentials Toolkit from Hand2Mind. Your support has made a meaningful impact on our kindergarten students' literacy development.\r\n\r\nThe students are absolutely enjoying the toolkit! They are using the materials in a variety of ways that are both fun and educational. The letter tiles and magnetic letters have become favorites, as they practice building and reading simple words. The phonics games and activities have helped them improve their letter-sound recognition, and they're getting more confident in their ability to blend sounds together.\r\n\r\nThe toolkit is truly enhancing our classroom environment, providing hands-on experiences that engage our young learners and help them build strong reading foundations. Thanks to your generosity, we're able to make reading even more exciting and interactive for them.\r\n\r\nWe're deeply grateful for your kindness and support. Thank you for helping us foster a love of reading in our students!","fullyFundedDate":1727114406073,"projectUrl":"project/multisensory-literacy/8767696/","projectTitle":"Multisensory Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sanders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9491717_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751662380635","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9491717"},{"teacherId":9491717,"projectId":8767693,"letterContent":"Thank you for our classroom supplies to help us start a new school year right! In kindergarten, students are excited to use their new school supplies as they engage in hands-on learning activities. Crayons, markers, and colored pencils bring their artwork to life during creative time, while scissors and glue sticks help them explore cutting and pasting in fun craft projects. Every item in their pencil box of new supplies plays a role in sparking curiosity, building fine motor skills, and encouraging them to express themselves in new and imaginative ways.","fullyFundedDate":1726091401438,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials-shipment-2024-09-1/8767693/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials Shipment: 2024-09-11","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sanders","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9491717_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751662380635","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9491717"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_39510","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":287,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":57,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":76,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":16,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":45.5,"schoolId":39510,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Southside Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Southside Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/wyoming/park-county-school-district-1/southside-elementary-school/39510"}