{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ann Richards Steam Academy","outOfStateSupporters":37.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9078968,"projectId":9498717,"letterContent":"The donated science materials have made our 8th grade classroom much more engaging and hands-on. Students are using them during lab investigations, collaborative activities, and STEM challenges that allow them to apply what they're learning in real-world situations. One memorable moment was watching students work together to design and test their experiments, eagerly discussing their observations and using evidence to support their conclusions. The excitement and curiosity in the classroom have grown tremendously thanks to these new resources.\r\n\r\n\r\nMy students were incredibly excited and immediately wanted to start exploring the new materials. They asked thoughtful questions, couldn't wait to use the supplies, and were amazed that generous donors had invested in their education. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and they felt encouraged knowing others believe in their ability to learn and succeed.\r\n\r\n\r\nOur students will continue using these resources throughout the school year as they investigate topics such as chemistry, physics, Earth science, and life science. They will conduct hands-on experiments, collect and analyze data, and work collaboratively to solve scientific problems. These materials will help foster critical thinking, curiosity, and confidence as students explore scientific concepts in meaningful ways. Your generosity is creating opportunities for authentic learning experiences that will have a lasting impact on our students. Thank you for helping make science come alive in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1763585484210,"projectUrl":"project/science-class-materials/9498717/","projectTitle":"Science Class Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shields-Melch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9078968"},{"teacherId":9078968,"projectId":9659212,"letterContent":"The donated snacks have been a wonderful resource for our middle school softball team. We keep them available before and after practices and games to help our athletes stay fueled and energized. One memorable moment was after a particularly challenging game when the girls gathered together, enjoyed a healthy snack, and talked about what they learned while encouraging one another. It created a positive team-building experience and helped reinforce the importance of taking care of their bodies.\r\n\r\nThe players were so excited and grateful! They couldn't believe that people they had never met cared enough to support them. Seeing the variety of snacks brought lots of smiles, and they immediately expressed their appreciation. It made them feel valued and motivated to continue working hard both on and off the field.\r\n\r\nAs our season continues, we'll focus on developing our softball skills, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. Having nutritious snacks available helps ensure our athletes have the energy they need to stay focused during practices and games. Beyond improving on the field, we're also working to build confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of community. Your generosity is helping make that possible, and we're incredibly thankful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1758227909131,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-our-future-softball-stars-with-h/9659212/","projectTitle":"Fueling Our Future Softball Stars with Healthy Snacks!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shields-Melch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9078968"},{"teacherId":3412276,"projectId":9532369,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our classroom lighting project. Because of your kindness, my students now have lamps and alternative lighting that help create a calm, welcoming space where they can focus on learning and feel comfortable taking academic risks.\r\n\r\nAs a dyslexia intervention teacher, I work with students who often spend extra time and effort developing their reading and writing skills. The softer lighting provided by these lamps helps reduce distractions and creates a more relaxing environment for instruction, practice, and growth. Small changes in the learning environment can make a big difference in helping students feel confident and successful.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping transform our classroom into a place where students can concentrate, build confidence, and celebrate their progress as readers. Every day, these lamps will remind us that there are people who believe in our students and want them to succeed.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting my students and investing in their future. We are truly grateful for your kindness and generosity.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,\r\n\r\n[Your Name]\r\nDyslexia Intervention Teacher","fullyFundedDate":1755709712449,"projectUrl":"project/lighten-up/9532369/","projectTitle":"Lighten up!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Spears","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3412276_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1452565474260","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kspears"},{"teacherId":9063038,"projectId":10071598,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping our dream become a reality. My students and I are doing wonderful after selling out our final show the year. We fundraised the most we ever have in the last 4 years and could not have done it without you. Our new resources, props and costumes, and still being reused even after the show for in class performances. \r\n\r\nMy students were so excited when they first saw their costumes and props. My detectives were so happy to have all their gear and etc. They are happy to be expanding the ARSA Theatre Prop and Costume closet. \r\n\r\nOur next project is going to be an end of the year showcase in which my students are producing and repurposing costumes and props from previously funded shows! Again, thank you for making an everlasting impact on our department.","fullyFundedDate":1770591600142,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-murder-mystery-costumes-needed/10071598/","projectTitle":"Help Us! Murder Mystery Costumes Needed!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. V","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9063038_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718115090830","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msvtheatre"},{"teacherId":8608564,"projectId":9984368,"letterContent":"Thank you for sending the beautiful artificial plant décor to our science classroom. The greenery has truly brightened the space and created a more welcoming and comfortable environment for our students.\r\n\r\nBecause of your thoughtful donation, students feel more relaxed and enjoy coming to class each day. The enhanced atmosphere supports a positive learning experience, and we are so grateful for your generosity and support of our classroom.\r\n\r\nYour kindness goes beyond decoration—it shows our students that members of the community care about their education and well-being. That message is powerful, and it helps foster pride, respect, and positivity within our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1772135625927,"projectUrl":"project/watch-our-classroom-bloom/9984368/","projectTitle":"Watch Our Classroom Bloom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Arenivar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8608564_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694283567362","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8608564"},{"teacherId":8608564,"projectId":9840401,"letterContent":"I am writing to sincerely thank you for your generous donation of the printer to our classroom. Your support has made a meaningful and immediate impact on my students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, I am now able to provide printed notes, practice handouts, and instructional materials in both English and Spanish. This has significantly improved comprehension for my multilingual learners and has allowed families to better understand classroom expectations, assignments, and health concepts. Having materials available in both languages has strengthened communication between school and home and has helped ensure that every student feels included and supported.","fullyFundedDate":1763585832871,"projectUrl":"project/helping-english-language-learners/9840401/","projectTitle":"Helping English Language Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Arenivar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8608564_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694283567362","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8608564"},{"teacherId":8608564,"projectId":9701290,"letterContent":"At this age, students are growing quickly and often come to class hungry, especially later in the day. Offering a small snack helped meet a basic need, which in turn improved their focus, energy levels, and overall participation.\r\n\r\nThe snack worked as a positive incentive rather than a reward for only high achievers. When used intentionally—such as for completing assignments on time, participating in discussions, demonstrating teamwork during labs, or showing respectful behavior—it reinforced positive habits. Students became more motivated to stay on task, contribute to group work, and follow classroom expectations because they knew their efforts would be recognized.\r\n\r\nBeyond motivation, snacks also helped build a positive classroom culture. Students felt cared for and supported, which strengthened teacher-student relationships. That sense of belonging encouraged them to take academic risks, ask questions, and engage more actively in science activities.","fullyFundedDate":1762285890998,"projectUrl":"project/snack-attack-on-hunger/9701290/","projectTitle":"Snack Attack on Hunger","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Arenivar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8608564_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694283567362","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8608564"},{"teacherId":8515394,"projectId":9850884,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. \r\nEach and every item is so valuable for our students.\r\n\r\nI appreciate your time and effort in investing in this project . Lot of our students are ESL learners or bilingual, as part of their learning comes with little understanding of the language. My goal was to enable the students to talk in groups, share ideas with peers. The more they talk the best outcome will be earned . \r\n\r\nAs I said, this project reached the purpose of learning by peers group work. A mounted vertical wall gave me more flexible learning environments for the classroom. Thank you so so much.","fullyFundedDate":1763585164564,"projectUrl":"project/a-thinking-math-classroom/9850884/","projectTitle":"A Thinking Math Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shadhrach","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8515394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1656833495621","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8515394"},{"teacherId":8608564,"projectId":9896296,"letterContent":"I am truly thankful for hand sanitizer, Kleenex, spray deodorant, and Lysol in my classroom. Hand sanitizer and Lysol help prevent the spread of germs on shared supplies and surfaces, keeping my students healthier and reducing absences. Kleenex allows students to manage colds and allergies in a clean and respectful way. Spray deodorant helps students feel confident and comfortable, especially as they grow and become more self-aware. These simple supplies create a safe, caring environment where students feel supported, valued, and ready to focus on learning each day.","fullyFundedDate":1767177379885,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-care-essentials/9896296/","projectTitle":"Classroom Care Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Arenivar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8608564_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694283567362","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8608564"},{"teacherId":9063038,"projectId":9781499,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation and helping our show come to life. If it wasn't for your help, we would not have a show. This was rated as the best show we have done at ARSA, so thank you. My students were at first shocked when they saw the costumes, of course its the 1900s but then slowly started to understand the character and bring it to life.\r\n\r\nNot only are we going to reuse all of the props and costumes, but now we are going to take them to compete in UIL One Act Play Festival. My students and I are so excited for everyone to see our story come to life. From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate you and your support.","fullyFundedDate":1760998387950,"projectUrl":"project/staging-the-story-costumes-and-props-n/9781499/","projectTitle":"Staging the Story: Costumes and Props Needed!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. V","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9063038_orig.jpg?crop=1080,1080,x0,y61&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1718115090830","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msvtheatre"},{"teacherId":8608564,"projectId":9890715,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredibly generous donation of Post-it notes, washi tape, glue, pens, highlighters, and markers. These supplies may seem small on their own, but together they play a huge role in keeping our classroom organized, creative, and engaging. My students use these materials daily—for note-taking, interactive activities, projects, and collaborative work—and your support ensures that every student has access to the tools they need to do their best.\r\n\r\nYour kindness helps create a learning environment where students feel prepared, supported, and inspired. We are truly grateful for the thoughtfulness behind your donation and for the positive impact it has on our classroom every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1763603564636,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials/9890715/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Arenivar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8608564_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694283567362","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8608564"},{"teacherId":8608564,"projectId":9840145,"letterContent":"On behalf of the Gardening Club, thank you so much for your generous donation of fruit and vegetable seeds and the wonderful planters. Your support has brought new excitement to our garden and has given our students the opportunity to learn, explore, and grow—both in their gardening skills and in their confidence.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our students can experience the full process of planting, caring for, and harvesting their own produce. The hands-on learning you've made possible teaches responsibility, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for nature. We are truly grateful for the impact you've made on our program.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1761751121154,"projectUrl":"project/planting-seeds-of-science/9840145/","projectTitle":"Planting Seeds of Science","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Arenivar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8608564_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694283567362","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8608564"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_103524","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":919,"numTeachers":83,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":80,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"11.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.2,"schoolId":103524,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ann Richards Steam Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ann Richards Steam Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/dallas-independent-school-district/ann-richards-middle-school/103524"}
Join the 304 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Ann Richards Steam Academy is
an urban public school
in Dallas, Texas that is part of Dallas Independent School District.
It serves 919 students
in grades 6 - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.1:1.
Its teachers have had 133 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades 6 - 8
919 Students
83 Teachers
3831 N Prairie Creek RdContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
96%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Ann Richards Steam Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Aug 11, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Ann Richards Steam Academy
$71,394
raised using DonorsChoose
133
projects
funded
46
teachers
funded
304
donors
22
projects
for
basic supplies
13
projects for
technology
12
projects for
books
10
projects
for
art supplies
Ann Richards Steam Academy has received support from
189 individuals from Texas and
115 individuals out-of-state.