{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Alta Vista Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":8437499,"projectId":9833854,"letterContent":"My students are so happy to have toys that help meet their sensory needs! Sensory regulation is a foundational requirement for learning. Tailoring environments with flexible seating, sensory breaks, and calming tools helps students regulate, allowing them to engage with educational materials. \r\n\r\nMy students love stepping on the stepping stones and wavy balance beams. They are showing growth in their preschool assessments in balance, since we have been using the stones, wavy balance beams and wooden wobble boards. The trampoline is a big hit and we have been practicing counting when we jump. Another favorite is our tunnels and body socks. We practice the words in and out and crawling ! There are so many giggles when we use these tools!\r\n\r\nThank you so much to the Education Foundation of a Sarasota and our donors!","fullyFundedDate":1764794116303,"projectUrl":"project/hands-feet-and-focus-sensory-motor-too/9833854/","projectTitle":"Hands, Feet and Focus: Sensory Motor Tools for Preschool Growth","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":8804324,"projectId":9665920,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support! Your generosity is allowing my students to explore hands-on materials like letter blocks, activity dice, short markers, and a building tower game while practicing important fine motor skills. We have already begun incorporating these tools into our small group sessions. Students are using the letter blocks to build sight words and vocabulary words, rolling the activity dice to add movement breaks and interactive learning challenges, and using the short markers to strengthen their grasp and improve handwriting control. The building tower game has quickly become a favorite! Students are practicing graded force, patience, and problem-solving as they carefully add and remove pieces as a team. During one session, a student who typically rushes through tasks slowed down intentionally, focusing on placing each tower piece with control. When the tower stayed standing, his proud smile said it all.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate. My students could not wait to try everything. They were especially eager to roll the activity dice and see what movement challenge they would get. These resources have added a new level of motivation and engagement to our lessons. As we move forward, we will continue using them to support word-building activities, structured writing tasks, collaborative games, and self-regulation through purposeful movement. Your act of kindness has given my students opportunities to build skills in ways that feel playful, successful, and empowering. Thank you for investing in their growth and helping create moments of confidence and joy in our sessions.","fullyFundedDate":1764794115356,"projectUrl":"project/occupational-therapy-essentials-hands-o/9665920/","projectTitle":"Occupational Therapy Essentials: Hands-On Tools for PreK–5 Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rees","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8804324_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691933450460","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8804324"},{"teacherId":10094378,"projectId":9501851,"letterContent":"Our classroom self-care cart has been an incredibly meaningful resource for students, providing access to hygiene essentials such as toothbrushes, shower wipes, and hair care items. Students use the cart discreetly and respectfully when they need it, often at the start of the day or after recess. One powerful moment was seeing a student's confidence noticeably improve after being able to freshen up independently before beginning class. Having these resources readily available allows students to focus on learning without the distraction or embarrassment of unmet basic needs.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their reactions were a mix of surprise and relief. Many shared how helpful it felt to know that these items were available if they needed them. The cart immediately reinforced the message that our classroom is a place of care, dignity, and support. Students quickly learned how to use the items responsibly, and it has helped foster a culture of empathy and understanding among classmates.\r\n\r\nBecause of our donors' generosity, students are able to show up each day feeling comfortable, confident, and ready to learn. As we continue with our learning students are working on building independence and perseverance skills that are strengthened when their basic needs are met. Your support has made a lasting impact, helping ensure that every student can focus on learning, growth, and being their best self at school.","fullyFundedDate":1755980182010,"projectUrl":"project/the-classroom-care-cart-supporting-mind/9501851/","projectTitle":"The Classroom Care Cart: Supporting Minds & Hearts","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Orduno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10094378_orig.jpg?crop=1555,1555,x202,y575&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753500698361","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10094378"},{"teacherId":9099241,"projectId":9964557,"letterContent":"The Learning the Alphabet Through Play project had a meaningful impact on our students by helping them build letter recognition and early literacy skills in a fun, hands-on way. Through play-based activities such as letter matching games, sensory bins, and alphabet manipulatives, students were able to explore letters through movement, touch, and collaboration. One special moment was watching students proudly identify letters in their names and help classmates find matching sounds, showing both confidence and peer support.\r\n\r\nBecause of the materials provided, I was able to create engaging literacy centers that supported multiple learning styles and encouraged independent exploration. The resources allowed me to differentiate instruction, reinforce letter-sound relationships, and increase student engagement—especially for learners who benefit most from hands-on experiences. These materials helped make learning the alphabet joyful, accessible, and developmentally appropriate for all students.","fullyFundedDate":1766091672220,"projectUrl":"project/learning-the-alphabet-through-play/9964557/","projectTitle":"Learning the Alphabet Through 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":9898751,"letterContent":"We are using the new resources in our science center during small-group and independent exploration time, allowing students to investigate, experiment, and make discoveries through hands-on learning. One memorable moment was when students worked together to explore magnets—predicting which objects would stick, testing their ideas, and then excitedly sharing their results with the group. They took turns explaining what they noticed and proudly used new science vocabulary as they described their discoveries.\r\n\r\nThese materials have sparked curiosity, encouraged teamwork, and helped students feel confident asking questions and trying new ideas. The hands-on experiences have truly brought science to life in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1764794116521,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-wonders-a-hands-on-science-ce/9898751/","projectTitle":"Exploring Wonders: a Hands-On Science Center for Curious Minds","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":9615398,"letterContent":"Our students are using the Fueling Minds After School Math & Reading Games for Success resources during our after-school enrichment time to strengthen core skills in a fun, hands-on way. We've incorporated the games into small-group rotations, where students practice reading comprehension, sight words, number sense, and problem-solving while working collaboratively with their peers. One special moment was watching students coach each other through a reading game—celebrating correct answers and encouraging one another when a question was challenging.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were beyond excited. Their faces lit up as they realized learning could feel like play. Several students asked, \"Can we do this every day?\" The games immediately increased engagement, confidence, and participation—especially for students who typically feel hesitant with math or reading. These resources have truly helped make learning joyful and accessible, and we are so grateful to our donors for making this experience possible.","fullyFundedDate":1764794114509,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-minds-after-school-math-readin/9615398/","projectTitle":"Fueling Minds After School Math & Reading Games for Success","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":239038,"projectId":9506290,"letterContent":"This project was designed to meet our school's two greatest needs: literacy and positive behavior support. Students earn a special gold coin to use in our school's book vending machine. The coin can be earned through making good choices at school. Once they receive their coin, they can choose one of the books to \"purchase\" from our book vending machine. These books are theirs to keep and add to their home libraries. This helps to instill a lifelong love of reading in our students.\r\n Students are always working on comprehension skills. While these skills are varied, the one constant is that students are building reading stamina through this project. My students' fluency improves the more they read independently. When students are choosing their own books, even the most reluctant reader enjoys reading. In my classroom, students ALWAYS have a book to read. I can teach all the comprehension skills, but it is in the independent practice of reading that students soar.\r\n At this point, all my students have received a book. One thing that stands out is that students will often have book talks with their peers. They will talk about the books they got from the vending machine, share how much they enjoyed it, and encourage others to read it too. This excitement is not something that is easy to generate! Thank you for helping to inspire a lifelong love of reading in my students.","fullyFundedDate":1760798307992,"projectUrl":"project/pages-with-purpose-literacy-rewards-for/9506290/","projectTitle":"Pages With Purpose: Literacy Rewards for Positive Actions","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp239038_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753718264019","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/239038"},{"teacherId":10251109,"projectId":9786246,"letterContent":"This year's Holiday Festival became so much more than a celebration — it became a meaningful learning experience and a moment of connection and community for our students and families. In the weeks leading up to the event, students across grade levels worked collaboratively to create lanterns, ornaments, and handmade installations that transformed our campus into a glowing winter showcase. Through these projects, students explored art technique, problem-solving, craftsmanship, and cultural traditions connected to light and celebration around the world. They practiced teamwork and creative expression, while seeing how their individual contributions became part of something much larger.\r\n\r\nAt the heart of the festival was the Wish Tree, where students and families were invited to write a single word representing a goal or intention for the year ahead. The ribbons continue to be a reminder of hope, unity, and shared aspiration as we walk past them everyday. Thanks to your generosity, our students experienced the pride of seeing their artwork on display, the excitement of contributing to a school-wide event, and the understanding that art can bring light to a community — both literally and figuratively.","fullyFundedDate":1760123143150,"projectUrl":"project/wish-tree-winter-lights-a-cultural-ar/9786246/","projectTitle":"Wish Tree & Winter Lights: A Cultural Art Celebration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sawhney","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10251109"},{"teacherId":9314124,"projectId":9252756,"letterContent":"The impact of our DonorsChoose project for the \"Bin It to Win It\" organization has been incredible for my students! Before receiving the materials, keeping our center activities organized was often a challenge — supplies were scattered, and students sometimes had a hard time transitioning smoothly between tasks. With the new bins, everything now has a clear place and purpose. Each center has its own labeled bin, making it easy for students to find what they need and put it back independently. This structure has helped them take ownership of their materials, stay focused during rotations, and maximize their learning time.\r\n\r\nThe excitement on my students' faces when the bins arrived was priceless! They couldn't wait to help sort and set up each one, and now they take so much pride in keeping our classroom organized. It has truly made centers something they look forward to — the colorful bins make our space inviting, and the sense of order helps them feel confident and prepared. Thanks to DonorsChoose and our generous donors, our classroom runs more smoothly than ever, and my students are learning the value of responsibility and teamwork every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1746647906973,"projectUrl":"project/bin-it-to-win-it-first-grade-needs-orga/9252756/","projectTitle":"Bin It to Win It: First Grade Needs Organization!","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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_47099","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":453,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":15,"percentWhite":25,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":48,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"8.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":65.7,"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"}