Apple Valley Virtual Academy in Apple Valley, California on DonorsChoose

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While they benefit from the flexibility and safety of learning virtually, they sometimes miss out on opportunities to practice and grow their social-emotional skills in traditional ways. The addition of these SEL books is helping bridge that gap in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThe books we received will be used in both individual and group counseling sessions, as well as during classroom SEL lessons. Each story introduces important topics such as self-awareness, empathy, managing emotions, problem-solving, and building positive relationships. These themes are essential for student success not only in school but also in their everyday lives. Having engaging, age-appropriate, and beautifully written books makes these lessons come alive for our students.\r\n\r\nAlready, I have been able to use one of the books in a small group counseling session. Students listened attentively to the story and then eagerly shared times when they had felt the same emotions as the characters. What was most encouraging was seeing students who usually hesitate to participate speak up and make connections. They related to the characters, and in doing so, they opened up about their own experiences. This type of engagement is exactly what we hoped to achieve with this project.\r\n\r\nIn our upcoming SEL classroom lessons, these books will serve as the foundation for discussions, reflections, and activities. For example, one book that focuses on problem-solving will be paired with a follow-up activity where students role-play different scenarios and practice strategies for resolving conflicts respectfully. Another story that emphasizes self-regulation will be used to introduce mindfulness techniques and coping strategies, giving students tools they can use beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this project so powerful is that the books provide a shared experience. 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Skills such as being responsible, making good choices, owning your choices, peer influence, problem-solving, healthy habits, and reflecting on choices will help make a whole child. I have been able to start using these books with our Kinder students and our 4th grade students. I feel that by feeling able to read stories about being responisble and making good choices to my student helps them grow emphathy for others. 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About this school

Apple Valley Virtual Academy is a suburban public school in Apple Valley, California that is part of Apple Valley Unified School District. It serves 226 students in grades K - 8. Its teachers have had 3 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Grades K - 8

226 Students

# of teachers unavailable

12555 Navajo Rd

Apple Valley, CA 92308 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Apple Valley Virtual Academy Teachers on DonorsChoose

Ms. Burch

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Apple Valley Virtual Academy Demographics

85%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

74%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Apple Valley Virtual Academy Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

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.