{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ben Milam Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1942484,"projectId":9022040,"letterContent":"Technology in our classroom helps make learning more immediate, interactive, and responsive to student needs. With tools like an Apple speaker, students can ask questions in real time, hear directions repeated, and even explore new ideas independently. This supports a range of learning styles—especially for students who benefit from hearing information multiple times or who are more comfortable engaging through technology. It also allows me to adjust instruction more fluidly, keeping students engaged and on track while they work.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is the independence that comes with using the technology. They love being able to quickly get answers, play calming or focus music during work time, and feel like they have a tool that supports their creativity. It makes the classroom feel more modern and connected to the world they experience outside of school, which increases both motivation and engagement.\r\n\r\nI've noticed that some of my quieter or more hesitant students have especially connected with this technology. Students who may not always raise their hand to ask for help feel more comfortable using the speaker to get clarification, and that confidence carries over into their artwork. I've also seen students who struggle with focus stay more engaged when they can use technology as a support, helping them remain involved and successful throughout the lesson.","fullyFundedDate":1735517553801,"projectUrl":"project/new-storage-new-technology-and-supply-r/9022040/","projectTitle":"New Storage, New Technology and Supply Refresh!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gomer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1942484_orig.jpg?crop=1401,1401,x38,y67&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695174071157","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgomer"},{"teacherId":1942484,"projectId":9021783,"letterContent":"My students and I are using these new materials to push beyond basic projects and truly think and work like artists. While we already had foundational supplies, the addition of Posca markers, India ink, and clay has expanded what's possible in both technique and creative expression. Students are using Posca markers to add bold, vibrant details—especially when embellishing artwork for celebrations like Hispanic Heritage Month—while clay has allowed them to create personal pieces that reflect their identities. India ink has been a game-changer in helping students refine their work with stronger line quality and contrast, making their pieces feel more polished and intentional.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students eagerly unpacked everything, tested the markers, and experimented with different techniques. That sense of curiosity quickly turned into creative risk-taking—students began proposing new ideas and thinking more independently about how to use the materials in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue refining their projects by adding more detailed elements and finishing touches with India ink. They'll also document their process, connect their artwork to the concepts they've learned, and prepare short presentations to explain their artistic choices. Moving forward, I plan to rotate these materials into future projects so students can continue building skills, collaborating, and growing confidence—not just as students, but as artists.","fullyFundedDate":1735512569445,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-new-art-supplies/9021783/","projectTitle":"New Year, New Art Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gomer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1942484_orig.jpg?crop=1401,1401,x38,y67&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695174071157","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgomer"},{"teacherId":10005924,"projectId":9950843,"letterContent":"When my students saw the bench and boxes of supplies come in they started yelling for joy!!! They couldn't believe it! Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed in the most meaningful way.\r\n\r\nMany of the students face challenges outside of school, yet they show up every day ready to learn and grow. Thanks to you, they now have a space that reflects their worth.\r\nOur new reading bench and flexible seating have already begun to make a difference. Students are more engaged, more comfortable, and more excited to read. On the very first day, one student sat on the new bench and said, \"This feels like a cloud it's so comfortable.\" Another asked if they could stay in from recess just to keep reading in the new space. I've watched a usually shy student, volunteer to read aloud to a partner, and listen to another pair giggle their way through a story. These are the moments where confidence is built and identities as readers begin to take shape.\r\n\r\nFor bilingual learners, having a safe and supportive environment to explore language is essential. Your donation has helped create that environment. You didn't just provide furniture—you created opportunities for joy, belonging, and academic success. Every time a student picks up a book, shares a story, or smiles while reading with a partner, it is because of your kindness. You have helped bring back the fun and passion for reading in our classroom.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in my students and investing in their dreams.","fullyFundedDate":1765975747709,"projectUrl":"project/a-new-bench-and-big-dreams-for-bilingual/9950843/","projectTitle":"A New Bench and Big Dreams for Bilingual Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DeAvila","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10005924_orig.jpg?crop=980,980,x566,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765223329041","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10005924"},{"teacherId":7134721,"projectId":9861583,"letterContent":"The School Nurse's Oops! Essentials project has made a meaningful difference at our school by ensuring that students who experience unexpected accidents have quick access to clean clothing and essentials, which helps them return to class with confidence and dignity. Because this initiative was fully funded, our school nurse now has a reliable supply of underwear, socks, and related items ready when students need them, eliminating the need to call parents during the school day and reducing interruptions to learning. \r\n\r\nThe students were really excited and happy when they saw the new clothes. They loved that the items were brand new and just for them, and it made them feel special and taken care of. What could have been an uncomfortable situation quickly turned into a positive one, and the smiles and relief on their faces said it all.","fullyFundedDate":1762267523115,"projectUrl":"project/the-school-nurses-oops-essentials/9861583/","projectTitle":"The School Nurse's \"Oops!\" Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Verastiqui","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7134721_orig.jpg?crop=766,766,x0,y84&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761606263206","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-verastiqui"},{"teacherId":9106577,"projectId":9940011,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support and thoughtful contributions to our classroom. Each item truly made a meaningful difference in our students' daily learning experience. The bulk headphones were essential for independent learning, allowing students to fully engage with iReady, listening centers, and digital lessons without distractions. The washable markers and Sharpie Glam Pop markers were used daily during writing, math, and art activities, giving students high-quality tools to express their thinking clearly and creatively. The paper towels were a practical must-have, helping us quickly and efficiently manage spills, clean up after projects, and keep our classroom environment neat and sanitary.\r\nThe variety of snacks—including crackers, cookies, gummies, popcorn, and Pringles—played a huge role in supporting our students' focus and energy throughout the day. Many students benefited from having an extra snack available during long instructional blocks, small groups, or after assessments. These snacks also helped build a sense of care and comfort, ensuring that students could concentrate on learning without hunger being a barrier.\r\nLastly, the party favors, fidget toys, and squishies were a huge hit and served an important purpose beyond fun. These items were used as positive behavior incentives, treasure box rewards, and calming tools for students who needed sensory support or stress relief. The diffuser and fragrance oils helped create a calm, welcoming classroom environment, especially during independent work time or transitions. Your generosity helped foster a space where students felt supported, motivated, and excited to learn, and I am incredibly grateful for the impact these items have had on our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1764781018387,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-scholars-big-needs-classroom-esse/9940011/","projectTitle":"Tiny Scholars, Big Needs: Classroom Essentials for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9106577"},{"teacherId":9106577,"projectId":9748488,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom. My students were absolutely overjoyed when they saw the new materials—especially the snacks and emotional-support fidgets. Their faces lit up as they explored the fidget tools, and it was heartwarming to see how quickly these items helped them stay focused, calm, and ready to learn. The seat pockets have already made a huge difference as well; students love having their materials organized and easily accessible, which has helped our transitions run much more smoothly.\r\nWe have also been using the laminating pouches nonstop to create durable center activities, morning tubs, and small-group resources. One of our favorite moments so far was during our literacy stations, when students proudly used their laminated letter and word-building mats—tools that will last us the entire year thanks to your contribution. The snacks have been another huge blessing, providing quick, comforting boosts for students who need a little extra support to stay energized and engaged throughout the day.\r\nAs we continue our current reading and math units, these resources will help us move into more independent center rotations and hands-on activities. Your donation didn't just supply items—it created a smoother, more supportive learning environment that helps my kindergarteners feel safe, organized, and excited about school. We are so grateful for your kindness and the impact you've made on our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1758806717490,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-minds-and-sparking-joy-in-the-cl/9748488/","projectTitle":"Fueling Minds and Sparking Joy in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9106577"},{"teacherId":9433358,"projectId":9384460,"letterContent":"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Your generosity has brought so much joy, color, and comfort into our little kindergarten classroom. We are truly grateful for every wonderful supply you provided.\r\n\r\nThe color printer and vibrant paper have already added excitement to our projects and classroom resources. My students love seeing their work and the materials we use each day come to life in bright, beautiful colors!\r\nThe laminating sheets have helped us protect and preserve our most-used items, from name cards to learning centers, classroom jobs, and more. Thanks to you, these tools will last all year long, even in tiny kinder hands.\r\nWe are also so thankful for the new desk and bags, which help us stay organized and make our classroom feel even more welcoming. The whiteboard erasers and pens are simple but essential tools that make teaching smoother and learning more engaging for everyone.\r\nThe soccer balls have made recess a daily highlight. My students run to the playground excited to play, practicing teamwork, sharing, and cooperation. You've given them a way to build friendships through play. And the snacks you donated kept my young learners energized, focused, and ready to learn each day.\r\n\r\nYour kindness shows up in every corner of our classroom. Our students notice and appreciate every item, and they feel so special knowing that people like you care about their learning.\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom, for supporting our growth, and for making our kindergarten world brighter. Your generosity has touched each of us in such a meaningful way.","fullyFundedDate":1750097694469,"projectUrl":"project/a-classroom-full-of-joy-and-imagination/9384460/","projectTitle":"A Classroom Full of Joy and Imagination","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9433358"},{"teacherId":10111765,"projectId":9538010,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students are diving into chapter books that truly bring reading to life! These new texts have helped us focus on important comprehension skills such as identifying the main idea, making inferences, and discussing character traits and motivations.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom now looks like small groups gathered together, books in hand, eagerly turning pages and sharing ideas. Students are learning to support their answers with evidence from the text, listen to each other's perspectives, and develop deeper understanding through discussion.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was seeing a student who used to shy away from reading light up as she connected to a character's courage. She couldn't wait to share her thoughts with the group. Many of my students are now more confident readers and can't wait to start the next chapter.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made reading time the most anticipated part of our day. Thank you for giving my students the opportunity to grow as thoughtful, motivated readers!","fullyFundedDate":1754669916928,"projectUrl":"project/small-groups-big-readers/9538010/","projectTitle":"Small Groups, Big Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sieger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10111765"},{"teacherId":10111765,"projectId":9535847,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is filled with excitement and collaboration! My students use the new whiteboards, markers, and erasers everyday, solving math problems, practicing spelling, and showing their thinking during lessons.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were thrilled! Now, instead of quiet pencil work, they eagerly hold up their boards to share answers and explain strategies. It's made learning more interactive and fun for everyone.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll keep using the boards in small groups and partner work to strengthen math fluency, spelling, and writing skills. These tools have boosted participation and confidence across the room.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping make learning hands-on and joyful!","fullyFundedDate":1754628889087,"projectUrl":"project/write-wipe-repeat/9535847/","projectTitle":"Write, Wipe, Repeat","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sieger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10111765"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_18064","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":301,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":31,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":58,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.8,"schoolId":18064,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ben Milam Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ben Milam Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/dallas-independent-school-district/ben-milam-elementary-school/18064"}