{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Bean Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":33.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8663531,"projectId":10090175,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our elementary library and for helping bring hands-on learning to life for our students. Because of your donation of Crayola modeling dough, our learners now have access to engaging, creative tools that make a meaningful difference in their educational experience.\r\n\r\nYour gift allows students across all grade levels to explore, create, and learn in ways that go beyond traditional instruction. As they sculpt, shape, and build, they are strengthening essential fine motor skills, developing hand-eye coordination, and building the foundational muscles needed for writing and other academic tasks. Even more importantly, they are gaining confidence as they express their ideas in a fun and supportive environment.\r\n\r\nIn our library, the modeling dough will be used in literacy centers, STEM challenges, and creative response activities. Students will retell stories, design characters, model vocabulary, and bring concepts to life through tactile play. These experiences are especially valuable for our youngest learners, students with special needs, and those who thrive with hands-on, sensory-rich opportunities.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is helping us create a space where all students feel empowered to explore, collaborate, and succeed. Thank you for investing in our students' creativity, growth, and love of learning—we are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1776108543096,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-through-modeling-dough/10090175/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning Through Modeling Dough","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8663531_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753112495411","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8663531"},{"teacherId":8663531,"projectId":10168588,"letterContent":"This project has already made a meaningful difference in our students' literacy experiences by transforming how they engage with reading in both the library and at home. Through these new Spanish-language texts, students are not only building foundational literacy skills, but they are also developing confidence and pride in their identities as bilingual readers.\r\n\r\nThe books introduced through this project support a wide range of essential literacy skills. Students are strengthening comprehension by making connections between texts and their own lives, especially through culturally relevant stories and biographies. Vocabulary development has been especially noticeable, as students are encountering rich, academic language in Spanish that transfers to their English reading and writing. Informational texts like science and biography selections are helping students practice identifying main ideas, text features, and critical thinking skills, while humorous and narrative stories build fluency, sequencing, and inferencing. These books also provide opportunities for students to engage in discussions, retell stories, and ask deeper questions about what they read.\r\n\r\nIn our library, reading looks joyful, interactive, and student-centered. Students eagerly browse the Spanish section, often excitedly recommending books to one another. Many choose to read independently, while others partner up to read aloud or explore books together. During library lessons, we incorporate these texts into read-alouds, discussions, and extension activities that allow students to connect reading to writing, art, and real-world learning. The accessibility of these books ensures that all students—especially emergent bilingual learners—can fully participate and feel successful.\r\n\r\nWe have seen particular excitement from students who are Spanish-speaking or come from bilingual homes. These students are gravitating toward books that reflect their language and culture, often expressing pride in being able to read and share stories in Spanish. Some students who were previously reluctant readers are now more willing to engage because they feel confident understanding the text. Additionally, many students are taking these books home and reading with family members, creating meaningful connections between school and home. This has strengthened not only literacy skills, but also family involvement and a shared love of reading.\r\n\r\nBecause of this project, our library has become a more inclusive and affirming space where all students can see themselves as readers.","fullyFundedDate":1775859805415,"projectUrl":"project/building-bilingual-readers-through-engag/10168588/","projectTitle":"Building Bilingual Readers Through Engaging Spanish Literature","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8663531_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753112495411","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8663531"},{"teacherId":8663531,"projectId":10002219,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, the 12 Days of Lunar New Year project has truly come to life in our library—and the impact on our students has been both meaningful and memorable.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting elements of this project has been the integration of technology through educator-created resources from Teachers Pay Teachers. While many of our donors may use technology at home, in our library it becomes a powerful learning tool. These digital resources allowed us to bring Lunar New Year traditions to life through interactive slides, read-aloud extensions, and engaging activities that supported comprehension and discussion. Students were able to visualize traditions, hear stories read with expression, and participate in guided activities that deepened their understanding far beyond what a textbook could provide.\r\n\r\nWhat students loved most was how immersive the experience felt. The combination of technology, literature, and hands-on materials—like red envelopes, lanterns, and stickers—transformed our library into a celebration space. Each day felt special and new, and students eagerly anticipated what they would learn next. The anchor texts sparked thoughtful conversations, and the digital components helped make those stories accessible and engaging for all learners.\r\n\r\nSeveral students, especially our emergent bilingual readers, truly thrived during this project. The visual and interactive nature of the technology helped them make connections more confidently and participate in discussions with excitement. We also saw students who are typically more reserved become active participants when using digital tools—clicking, exploring, and sharing their ideas with peers. It gave them a new way to engage and shine.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, this project helped build empathy and curiosity. Many of our students had never been exposed to Lunar New Year traditions before, and through this experience, they developed a deeper appreciation for cultures beyond their own.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a space where learning is joyful, inclusive, and meaningful. Your support has opened doors for our students to explore the world in ways they will not forget.","fullyFundedDate":1774377034786,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-lunar-new-year-through-stori/10002219/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Lunar New Year Through Stories, Traditions, and Culture","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8663531_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753112495411","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8663531"},{"teacherId":8663531,"projectId":10002067,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our elementary library. Because of your donation, our students now have the opportunity to explore the natural world up close through the National Geographic Rock Collection Box and the Rock, Mineral, and Fossil Collection.\r\n\r\nThese hands-on resources give students access to over 300 real rocks, minerals, crystals, geodes, and fossils, allowing them to observe, question, and investigate like real scientists. By interacting with tangible specimens, students are building curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of geology, earth science, and the history of our planet.\r\n\r\nYour support helps spark meaningful learning experiences that connect hands-on discovery with reading, research, and science instruction. We are incredibly grateful for your investment in our students and for helping inspire the next generation of curious thinkers and young scientists. Thank you for making a lasting impact in our library.","fullyFundedDate":1770347612695,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-earth-rock-mineral-and-foss/10002067/","projectTitle":"Exploring Earth: Rock, Mineral, and Fossil Collections for Young Scientists","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8663531_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753112495411","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8663531"},{"teacherId":8663531,"projectId":10069753,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our Black History Month literacy project. Because of your kindness, our classrooms and library became vibrant learning spaces filled with powerful images, stories, and messages that celebrate influential Black leaders, historical milestones, and the lasting impact of Black contributions to society. These visual reminders sparked meaningful conversations, curiosity, and deeper learning among our students throughout the month and beyond.\r\n\r\nYour support also allowed us to motivate and encourage students through reading incentives such as pencils, bracelets, and pins. These small but meaningful items helped reinforce positive reading behaviors while giving students an opportunity to proudly celebrate Black history and identity. We are deeply grateful for your investment in our students and for helping create an inclusive, joyful experience where every child feels seen, celebrated, and inspired. Thank you for making a lasting difference in our school community.","fullyFundedDate":1770060319466,"projectUrl":"project/weaving-history-and-heritage-black-hist/10069753/","projectTitle":"Weaving History and Heritage: Black History Month Maker Experiences","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8663531_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753112495411","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8663531"},{"teacherId":8663531,"projectId":10001912,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our elementary library and for helping us make reading an even more joyful experience for our students.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, our students now have access to a vibrant and fun collection of bookmarks that celebrate reading and progress. From scratch-and-sniff fruit scents to colorful animal, ocean, space-themed, holiday, and \"color your own\" bookmarks, students are excited to choose bookmarks that feel personal and special to them.\r\n\r\nThese bookmarks are more than simple placeholders—they motivate students to read more, help them track their place in a favorite book, and build reading stamina and confidence. Whether earned as a reading reward or used during art and literacy activities, each bookmark serves as a small but meaningful reminder that reading is something to be proud of.","fullyFundedDate":1769531491164,"projectUrl":"project/fun-and-engaging-bookmarks-to-inspire-re/10001912/","projectTitle":"Fun and Engaging Bookmarks to Inspire Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8663531_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753112495411","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8663531"},{"teacherId":8663531,"projectId":9936097,"letterContent":"Because of your generous support, our library has been able to add the TIME for Kids Informational Text Grade K Readers: 30-Book Spanish Set to our collection, providing our youngest learners with high-quality nonfiction texts entirely in Spanish. These books have already made a meaningful impact by giving bilingual and Spanish-speaking students access to engaging, age-appropriate materials that honor and support their home language.\r\n\r\nThe readers cover a wide range of topics—including science, community, health, and nature—helping students build background knowledge, expand vocabulary, and strengthen early literacy skills in a culturally affirming way. During classroom read-alouds, small group instruction, and independent reading time, students eagerly explore these books, asking questions, making connections, and discovering the world around them through accessible informational texts.\r\n\r\nThis collection has been especially valuable for students who are developing confidence in reading, as it allows them to engage with content in a language they know and celebrate. Because of your support, our library is fostering curiosity, comprehension, and a love of learning, while helping students see their home language as a strength. Thank you for helping us provide tools that empower our youngest readers to grow academically and culturally.","fullyFundedDate":1767193995241,"projectUrl":"project/building-knowledge-through-spanish-infor/9936097/","projectTitle":"Building Knowledge Through Spanish Informational Texts","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8663531_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753112495411","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8663531"},{"teacherId":8663531,"projectId":9883048,"letterContent":"Because of your generous support, our library has been able to expand its Spanish-language collection, creating a space where bilingual and Spanish-speaking students can see their language, culture, and experiences reflected in the books they read. Titles such as Pepita Meets Bebita and ¡Vamos! Let's Cross the Bridge celebrate family, identity, and community, while El campo flotante and Las mujeres en la medicina introduce students to stories of resilience and innovation from around the world. Nonfiction selections from National Geographic Readers and the ¿Quién ganará? series captivate curious minds with engaging facts about animals, science, and nature—all in Spanish. Meanwhile, stories from the Cuentos para celebrar series allow students to explore traditions and celebrations from different cultures, fostering pride in their own heritage while sparking curiosity about others.\r\n\r\nThese books have already begun to inspire confidence, encourage curiosity, and affirm that bilingualism and cultural diversity are strengths to be celebrated. Students eagerly explore these new titles during library visits, sharing discoveries with classmates and revisiting favorites independently. Because of your support, our library is now a place where every child can see themselves reflected on the shelves and connect with the wider world through stories. Thank you for helping us provide books that empower, educate, and excite our students while celebrating the richness of their identities.","fullyFundedDate":1767193995612,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-language-culture-and-curio/9883048/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Language, Culture, and Curiosity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8663531_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753112495411","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8663531"},{"teacherId":8663531,"projectId":9861320,"letterContent":"Because of your generous support, our library has been able to expand its Spanish-language collection, creating a space where bilingual students can see their language and culture reflected in the stories they read. With engaging titles for every reading level, our youngest learners delight in familiar favorites such as El Pez Pucheros (The Pout-Pout Fish) and Grumpy Monkey: ¡Está gruñón!, while chapter books like Stink: Superhéroe del sistema solar and Alérgica (Allergic) offer growing readers relatable characters who face challenges with humor, heart, and resilience.\r\n\r\nOlder students have found excitement and motivation in high-interest graphic novels including Verano en patineta, Fútbol extremo, Carrera extrema, Pánico en la pista, and Invisible, which combine dynamic artwork with action-packed stories to engage even reluctant readers. These books not only strengthen literacy skills but also foster confidence, spark imagination, and encourage independent reading.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our library now offers an inclusive collection that celebrates diversity, validates students' experiences, and helps children see themselves as capable readers, thinkers, and storytellers in both English and Spanish. Each book purchased through this project has made reading more joyful, meaningful, and empowering for our bilingual learners. Thank you for helping us give our students stories where they can truly see themselves reflected.","fullyFundedDate":1766171708739,"projectUrl":"project/spanish-books-that-spark-a-love-of-readi/9861320/","projectTitle":"Spanish Books that Spark a Love of Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8663531_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753112495411","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8663531"},{"teacherId":8663531,"projectId":9856184,"letterContent":"Because of your generous support, our library has been able to expand its Warrior Cats collection, a series our students truly cannot get enough of. These fantasy adventures by Erin Hunter have become some of the most requested and well-loved books in our library, drawing in even the most reluctant readers with stories full of bravery, friendship, loyalty, and suspense. By adding key titles from the Warriors: Power of Three and Omen of the Stars series, along with a complete 12-book Warrior Cats collection, students now have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a rich and continuous reading experience.\r\n\r\nThe Warrior Cats books have been especially impactful for students who are ready to take on longer chapter books and are eager for stories with depth and emotion. As students follow the characters through epic challenges and alliances, they are building reading stamina, strengthening comprehension, and developing the focus needed to sustain independent reading for longer periods of time. Teachers and staff have noticed students eagerly recommending these books to one another, discussing plot twists, and racing to check out the next book in the series.\r\n\r\nFor many of our readers, discovering a series that truly captures their interest has been a turning point in their reading journey. Because of your support, our library is a place where students feel excited to read, confident in their abilities, and inspired by stories of courage and teamwork. Thank you for helping us provide books that remind students that even the smallest voices can be strong, brave, and powerful through the magic of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1767193994814,"projectUrl":"project/fierce-readers-expanding-our-warrior-ca/9856184/","projectTitle":"Fierce Readers: Expanding Our Warrior Cats Collection","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8663531_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753112495411","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8663531"},{"teacherId":8663531,"projectId":9786649,"letterContent":"Because of your generous support, our library has been able to expand its seasonal collection with Thanksgiving-themed books that bring lessons of gratitude, tradition, and togetherness to life for our students. These new titles have added warmth and excitement to our library during the fall season, creating meaningful opportunities for students to connect reading with the values of kindness and appreciation.\r\n\r\nFor our youngest learners, books like Five Little Thank-Yous and You're My Little Cutie Pie gently introduce the importance of saying thank you and recognizing the people who care for us. Titles such as Let's Count Thanksgiving and Gobble Wobble Finger Puppet Board Book support early literacy skills, including counting, vocabulary development, and fine motor engagement, while making reading playful and interactive. Familiar favorites like Curious George and Biscuit have been especially effective in helping beginning readers feel confident as they explore holiday-themed stories through characters they already love.\r\n\r\nOlder students have benefited from titles such as How to Celebrate Thanksgiving! and Thanksgiving on Plymouth Plantation, which provide age-appropriate introductions to the history, traditions, and cultural perspectives connected to the holiday. These books have sparked thoughtful discussions about gratitude, community, and the origins of Thanksgiving, helping students deepen their understanding while strengthening comprehension and critical thinking skills.\r\n\r\nThe addition of colorful animal bookmarks has further encouraged reading by serving as cheerful incentives that students proudly use and keep. Together, these books and incentives have created joyful reading experiences that tie literacy to meaningful moments in students' lives. Because of your generosity, our library has become a place where students can celebrate Thanksgiving through stories, practice gratitude, and grow as readers. Thank you for helping us create lasting memories and a love of reading during this special season.","fullyFundedDate":1766353608585,"projectUrl":"project/gratitude-and-gatherings-thanksgiving-s/9786649/","projectTitle":"Gratitude and Gatherings: Thanksgiving Stories for Young Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8663531_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753112495411","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8663531"},{"teacherId":8663531,"projectId":9786628,"letterContent":"Because of your generous support, our library has been able to expand its collection of adventure and exploration series that truly ignite students' curiosity and enthusiasm for reading. The addition of the Zeus the Mighty books—The Maze of the Menacing Minotaur and The Trials of Hairy-Clees—has quickly become a favorite among students who love humor, fantasy, and fast-paced stories. By blending Greek mythology with animal characters and laugh-out-loud moments, these books provide an inviting entry point for readers who may be hesitant to pick up longer chapter books, helping them build confidence and stamina while having fun.\r\n\r\nThe Secret Explorers series, available in both English and Spanish, has further expanded the impact of this project by combining adventure with real-world learning. As students follow characters through titles like Rainforest Rangers, Comet Collision, Ice Age Adventure, Moon Mission, and The Missing Scientist, they are not only captivated by the stories but also making meaningful connections to science, history, and space exploration. These books encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and discussion, while supporting bilingual literacy and providing access for a wide range of learners.\r\n\r\nThese series have been especially effective in motivating reluctant readers and engaging students with diverse interests and reading levels. Teachers have shared that students excitedly recommend these books to one another and often seek out related nonfiction topics after reading. Because of your support, our library now offers stories that show students that reading can be an adventure—one that opens doors to imagination, knowledge, and discovery. Thank you for helping us inspire a love of reading and learning that will follow our students far beyond the library.","fullyFundedDate":1767193994255,"projectUrl":"project/explorers-and-heroes-sparking-curiosity/9786628/","projectTitle":"Explorers and Heroes: Sparking Curiosity Through Adventure Stories","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Arias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8663531_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753112495411","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8663531"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_18378","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":459,"numTeachers":46,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":92,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":66.3,"schoolId":18378,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Bean Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Bean Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/lubbock-independent-school-district/bean-elementary-school/18378"}