{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Alta Vista Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10531927,"projectId":10338980,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating a hygiene cart to our classroom! This resource has already made a meaningful difference for my students and has helped create a classroom environment where they feel cared for, comfortable, and ready to learn.\r\nMy students are using the hygiene supplies throughout the school day as needed. The cart gives them easy and discreet access to important personal-care items without having to feel embarrassed or singled out. One special moment was seeing students from another 5th grade class excitedly explore the cart and realize that these supplies were there specifically to help them.\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, they were excited and curious! They immediately wanted to see what was included and were especially appreciative of having so many useful items available in one place. The donation sparked conversations about personal hygiene, taking care of ourselves, and how being prepared can help us feel more confident at school. Your generosity has provided more than supplies—it has helped create a supportive classroom where students know their needs matter. \r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping make our classroom a more welcoming and caring place. We truly appreciate your kindness and generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1782161677021,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-care-cart/10338980/","projectTitle":"Classroom Care Cart","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gomez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10531927_orig.jpg?crop=314,314,x45,y130&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1781697336127","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10531927"},{"teacherId":8437499,"projectId":10198081,"letterContent":"Our students are finding so much joy when they paint outside! They are excited to paint together and show each other their work. They love exploring color and the natural world around them. Painting on an easel helps their painting, drawing and fine motor skills. Painting with a brush or tool to a specific spot on paper builds visual-motor connections. We are also assisting with gross motor skills by developing arm, shoulder, and core stability\r\n\r\nPainting is also assisting my students' emotional and social growth. The rhythmic motion of painting provides a calming, therapeutic outlet. It gives them a way to express themselves while their language is developing. It helps build confidence with open-ended process art focuses on the experience rather than a \"perfect\" final product, fostering pride and autonomy. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for helping us provide these experiences to our students at Alta Vista School.","fullyFundedDate":1778768590177,"projectUrl":"project/paint-on-the-playground/10198081/","projectTitle":"Paint on the Playground","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vida Perlow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8437499_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651282776345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missvidap"},{"teacherId":9718584,"projectId":9446215,"letterContent":"My students have been using these flight materials to explore real physics concepts in action. We've turned our classroom into a testing lab where students launch rockets, fly gliders, and pilot drones while tracking distance, height, and flight time. \r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. The moment they spotted the drone, the whole room lit up with questions: \"Can we fly it today? How high can it go?\" Students who are usually quiet became the most eager to try the balsa wood gliders, wanting to test different wing adjustments to see how it changed the flight path. The LED foam planes turned our afternoon into essentially a science fair, with kids comparing whose glider flew straightest and why.\r\n\r\nThis project has shown my students that they can think like scientists and engineers, and I can't wait to see what they discover next.","fullyFundedDate":1762139217015,"projectUrl":"project/sky-high-learning-making-things-fly/9446215/","projectTitle":"Sky High Learning: Making Things Fly","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jaffee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9718584_orig.jpg?crop=406,406,x0,y125&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735176081880","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9718584"},{"teacherId":8437499,"projectId":10132922,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for much contributing to our project. We created this project to help students have opportunities to build and work together. With the supplies provided, students are learning how to put parts of sets together to make buildings, bridges and vehicles. Students are looking at pictures of models and creating similar structures. They are adding and changing models. It's so exciting for the students to have these sets so I can see how they are thinking when they create things. Through their play based building, they are practicing the foundational skills of problem solving, patterns, and algebra. They are learning how to take turns and play together.","fullyFundedDate":1773839844849,"projectUrl":"project/play-to-connect-toys-for-community-buil/10132922/","projectTitle":"Play to Connect: Toys for Community Building","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vida Perlow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8437499_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651282776345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missvidap"},{"teacherId":9099241,"projectId":10397940,"letterContent":"Our students have been loving the new materials! We have been using the art easel paper to learn how to watercolor paint and explore our creativity. We are also using the laminating sheets and copy paper to create name activities, helping students recognize and begin practicing how to write their names. They have also really been enjoying the snacks during snack time!\r\n\r\nThese resources have helped make our classroom a fun and engaging place to learn. Thank you for supporting our VPK students and helping provide the supplies they need to learn and grow!","fullyFundedDate":1785015816353,"projectUrl":"project/ready-to-learn-essential-supplies-for-o/10397940/","projectTitle":"Ready to Learn: Essential Supplies for Our VPK Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Speckman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9099241_orig.jpg?crop=750,750,x0,y530&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689446123068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/vpkpack"},{"teacherId":9099241,"projectId":10265402,"letterContent":"Our students have been loving the new resources! They especially enjoy retelling Chicka Chicka Boom Boom with the coconut tree and letters, and exploring the story through hands-on activities at our sensory table. When they first saw the materials, they were excited to jump right in and play!\r\n\r\nNext, we will continue building on the story by practicing letter recognition, retelling the story, and creating our own fun story-inspired art and play activities. Thank you for helping make learning so exciting for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1782748894328,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-stories-to-life-through-art-and/10265402/","projectTitle":"Bringing Stories to Life Through Art and Play","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Speckman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9099241_orig.jpg?crop=750,750,x0,y530&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689446123068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/vpkpack"},{"teacherId":9099241,"projectId":10225504,"letterContent":"Our students used these materials during summer learning centers to stay engaged through hands-on exploration and play. They built, sorted, and counted using the magnetic animals, dinosaur sets, bones, and counting cars while practicing early math and science skills in a fun, relaxed setting.\r\n\r\nThey were immediately excited to explore each new item, often working together to compare discoveries, tell stories, and ask questions about what they were learning.\r\n\r\nThroughout the summer, these resources helped keep learning active and meaningful, supporting collaboration, curiosity, and foundational skills through investigation and discovery.","fullyFundedDate":1778521968434,"projectUrl":"project/investigating-our-world-through-play-and/10225504/","projectTitle":"Investigating Our World Through Play and Discovery","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Speckman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9099241_orig.jpg?crop=750,750,x0,y530&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689446123068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/vpkpack"},{"teacherId":8437499,"projectId":9964826,"letterContent":"My class was so excited to open our building sets. My students love to build! The sets we were able to add to our classroom have increased creativity. Students create vehicles, instruments and buildings! \r\n\r\nMy students have learned to play together and discuss projects with each other. It's very exciting to watch what they are creating. They look at the directions and pictures provided. And they also work together to create new things. Learning how to share and talk to each other in play is so important. These kits are helping us do that. \r\n\r\nStudents have also been very excited about the photos included in these sets. That helps us practice the names of items and practice using our words. The bright colors are a hit, too.","fullyFundedDate":1770078205949,"projectUrl":"project/preschool-pioneers-exploring-science-t/9964826/","projectTitle":"Preschool Pioneers: Exploring Science Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vida Perlow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8437499_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651282776345","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missvidap"},{"teacherId":9314124,"projectId":9286340,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom books. Your support helps place engaging, meaningful stories into the hands of our students and encourages a love for reading that will stay with them for years to come. Because of you, our classroom library continues to grow, offering students more opportunities to explore, imagine, and learn.\r\n\r\nYour kindness truly makes a lasting impact. Not only are you supporting their academic growth, but you are also helping build confidence and excitement around learning. We are so grateful for your generosity and for investing in our students' futures.","fullyFundedDate":1746476065248,"projectUrl":"project/turning-pages-growing-minds-building-o/9286340/","projectTitle":"Turning Pages, Growing Minds: Building Our Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McKee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9314124_orig.jpg?crop=1284,1284,x0,y21&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696302213672","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9314124"},{"teacherId":4594049,"projectId":9505158,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of math resources to my first grade classroom. Your kindness and support have made a meaningful difference in the learning experience of my students, and I truly appreciate your commitment to education.\r\n\r\nAt the first grade level, students are just beginning to build their foundational math skills. Concepts such as number sense, addition, subtraction, and problem-solving are essential building blocks for their future success. Because of your donation, my students now have access to engaging, hands-on materials that make learning math both fun and meaningful. These resources allow me to create interactive lessons that meet a variety of learning styles, helping every child feel confident and capable.\r\n\r\nThe excitement in the classroom since receiving these materials has been incredible. My students are eager to explore, collaborate, and challenge themselves in new ways. Tools such as manipulatives, games, and visual aids help bring abstract concepts to life, making it easier for young learners to understand and retain what they are taught. Your generosity has not only enhanced their academic growth but has also fostered a love for learning that I hope will stay with them for years to come.\r\n\r\nIn addition to supporting student learning, your donation has also helped me as a teacher. Having access to high-quality resources allows me to better plan and deliver lessons that are both effective and engaging. It enables me to differentiate instruction and provide extra support where it is needed most, ensuring that each student has the opportunity to succeed.\r\n\r\nPlease know that your contribution is making a lasting impact. The skills my students are developing now will serve as a strong foundation for their future education. More importantly, your generosity shows them that there are people in their community who care about their growth and success. That message alone is incredibly powerful.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your thoughtful and generous donation. Your support is deeply appreciated, and it is truly making a difference in the lives of my students every day.","fullyFundedDate":1762267700860,"projectUrl":"project/1st-grade-math-in-motion/9505158/","projectTitle":"1st Grade Math in Motion","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cox","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4594049_orig.jpg?crop=1944,1944,x250,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753657891738","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4594049"},{"teacherId":9099241,"projectId":10043057,"letterContent":"The \"Little Artists, Big Pride: A VPK Art Show Celebration\" project had a very positive impact on my classroom by giving students the opportunity to express themselves creatively and feel proud of their work. Throughout the project, students created different pieces of artwork using a variety of materials, colors, and techniques. They were excited to explore painting, drawing, and crafting while using their imagination.\r\nOne of the biggest improvements I saw in my classroom was an increase in student confidence. When students saw their artwork displayed for the art show, they felt proud of what they had created. Many students were eager to talk about their artwork and explain what they made. This helped build their self-esteem and encouraged them to feel confident sharing their ideas with others.\r\nThe project also helped improve fine motor skills and creativity. As students used paintbrushes, scissors, glue, and other materials, they practiced important skills that support early writing and development. The art activities allowed students to experiment, make choices, and express their creativity in their own unique ways.\r\nIn addition, the art show helped create a stronger sense of community in the classroom. Students enjoyed seeing their classmates' artwork and celebrating each other's creativity. It also gave families the opportunity to see what their children have been working on and celebrate their accomplishments.\r\nOverall, the \"Little Artists, Big Pride: A VPK Art Show Celebration\" project improved my classroom by encouraging creativity, building confidence, and creating a positive environment where students felt proud of their work. It helped students develop important skills while also making learning fun and meaningful.","fullyFundedDate":1772383534822,"projectUrl":"project/little-artists-big-pride-a-vpk-art-sho/10043057/","projectTitle":"Little Artists, Big Pride: a VPK Art Show Celebration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Speckman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9099241_orig.jpg?crop=750,750,x0,y530&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689446123068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/vpkpack"},{"teacherId":9099241,"projectId":10128137,"letterContent":"One of the most exciting parts of the project for my students was watching the live caterpillars at the science center and observing how they changed over time. The students loved checking on the caterpillars each day and noticing how they grew bigger. They were fascinated when the caterpillars formed their chrysalises, and we talked about how this was part of the butterfly life cycle. When the butterflies finally emerged, the students were amazed and eager to talk about what they observed. This real-life experience helped them better understand how caterpillars transform into butterflies and made the learning much more meaningful.\r\n\r\nThe theme of bugs and butterflies also encouraged students to ask questions and share their observations. Many students talked about bugs they had seen outside at home or on the playground. They were excited to describe what insects looked like, where they lived, and how they moved. These conversations helped expand their vocabulary and strengthen their language skills as they used words like \"caterpillar,\" \"chrysalis,\" and \"butterfly.\"\r\n\r\nIn addition, the project provided many hands-on activities that helped students learn through play and exploration. Students created butterfly art, sorted insects, and explored spring-themed sensory materials. These activities supported creativity, fine motor skills, and problem-solving while reinforcing the concepts we were learning about insects and nature.\r\n\r\nOverall, the \"Bugs, Butterflies, & Spring Discoveries!\" project created a more engaging and interactive classroom environment. Watching the live caterpillars turn into butterflies was especially exciting for the students and sparked a lot of curiosity and discussion. The project helped students develop a deeper understanding of nature while encouraging exploration, observation, and a love for learning.","fullyFundedDate":1773839839440,"projectUrl":"project/bugs-butterflies-spring-discoveries/10128137/","projectTitle":"Bugs, Butterflies, & Spring Discoveries!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Speckman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9099241_orig.jpg?crop=750,750,x0,y530&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689446123068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/vpkpack"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_47099","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":402,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":24,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":49,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":8,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"7.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":65.8,"schoolId":47099,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Alta Vista Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Alta Vista Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/sarasota-county-school-district/alta-vista-elementary-school/47099"}