{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Browning Road Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":26.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8809035,"projectId":9251846,"letterContent":"Many of our donors love to read books, but in our classroom these new garden books are teaching so much more than just reading. They have introduced students to important skills such as researching, making observations, and connecting text to hands-on experiences in our school garden. Students are learning new vocabulary about plants, pollinators, and ecosystems, while also practicing reading comprehension strategies like summarizing and asking questions. The books give them the background knowledge they need to better understand the real-life work we are doing outside.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading looks like discovery. Students read together in small groups, highlight new facts, and then take their learning outdoors to see concepts in action. For example, after reading about the life cycle of butterflies, they eagerly looked for caterpillars and pollinators in our garden beds. This connection between text and real-world experiences has made reading more meaningful and exciting for them.\r\n\r\nSome students who don't always show enthusiasm during regular reading time have especially warmed to these new books. Because the texts are about something tangible they can see and touch, they feel more invested in the stories and information. It has been wonderful to watch them share fun facts they've learned with classmates and even take the lead in garden activities. These books have turned reading into an adventure, and my students can't wait to keep exploring.","fullyFundedDate":1746785325938,"projectUrl":"project/read-learn-grow-books-to-inspire-youn/9251846/","projectTitle":"Read, Learn, Grow: Books to Inspire Young Gardeners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8809035_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739597492412","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8809035"},{"teacherId":8809035,"projectId":9288551,"letterContent":"Many of our donors are familiar with technology at home, but in the classroom, these DJI mics are helping my students learn in powerful new ways. Clear audio has made such a difference in presentations, recordings, and class projects. Instead of struggling to hear one another, students can now share their ideas with confidence and clarity. This has been especially valuable during group work, science presentations, and when creating videos to showcase our learning.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been hearing themselves recorded with professional-quality sound. They love that their voices sound clear and strong, and it has boosted their confidence in speaking. We've been able to use the mics for interviews, storytelling projects, and even to record reflections about our garden club. Students are already coming up with creative new ways to use them, which makes our lessons more interactive and fun.\r\n\r\nSome of my quieter students, who normally hesitate to share out loud, have especially warmed to this new technology. Using the mics has given them a voice in a whole new way—they feel more comfortable recording their thoughts and presenting to the class. It has been incredible to see these students step into leadership roles and find pride in their work. Thanks to these DJI mics, every student in my classroom now has the chance to be heard.","fullyFundedDate":1746785749268,"projectUrl":"project/clear-voices-big-stories-a-microphone/9288551/","projectTitle":"Clear Voices, Big Stories: A Microphone for Student Media Projects","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8809035_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739597492412","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8809035"},{"teacherId":8809035,"projectId":9119766,"letterContent":"When our new Bose speaker arrived, my students could hardly believe it was for our classroom! The first time we turned it on, their eyes lit up at the clear sound that filled the room. They immediately noticed the difference during a read-aloud activity, where every voice and sound effect in our audio story came through crisp and engaging. It transformed a routine lesson into something that felt exciting and immersive.\r\n\r\nWe are using the Bose speaker across different subjects. During science lessons, students listen to educational videos and sound clips that help explain new concepts. In reading, the speaker brings stories to life and supports students who benefit from hearing fluent reading modeled. We've even used it during our garden club to play music and create an uplifting atmosphere while students work outside. This has not only enhanced learning, but also helped build classroom community.\r\n\r\nNext, my students are planning to use the speaker during their upcoming presentations. They are excited to pair their slideshows and videos with quality sound, making their projects feel polished and professional. Having this resource encourages them to take pride in their work, knowing that they can share their learning in a way that is engaging and fun for everyone. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has a tool that makes every lesson more dynamic and memorable.","fullyFundedDate":1746785784964,"projectUrl":"project/write-draw-shine-daily-journals-for-c/9119766/","projectTitle":"Write, Draw, Shine! Daily Journals for Creative Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8809035_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739597492412","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8809035"},{"teacherId":8809035,"projectId":9288528,"letterContent":"When our new DJI Mini camera arrived, my students' excitement was contagious! Many of our donors use technology at home, but in our classroom this tool has opened up new opportunities for hands-on learning. We are able to capture high-quality aerial footage of our school garden and science projects, giving students a new perspective on the work they are doing. Instead of just reading or talking about their projects, they can now see them from above, analyze patterns, and make connections in ways that bring our lessons to life.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students is getting to see their work from a \"bird's-eye view.\" Whether it's tracking the growth of our plants in the garden or documenting outdoor experiments, the DJI Mini makes learning more interactive and engaging. Students are eager to brainstorm creative ways to use the camera, from science projects to presentations. It adds a sense of pride and ownership to their learning, as they see their efforts showcased in such a professional way.\r\n\r\nSome of my quieter students, who don't always raise their hands in class, have really connected with this technology. They've taken the lead in setting up shots, organizing footage, and suggesting how we can use the videos in our lessons. It has been amazing to watch them step into leadership roles and shine in a new way. This gift has truly expanded what is possible in our classroom, and we are so grateful for your generosity in making it happen!","fullyFundedDate":1746786106459,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-camera-big-stories-a-yearbook-and/9288528/","projectTitle":"Tiny Camera, Big Stories: A Yearbook and Media Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8809035_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739597492412","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8809035"},{"teacherId":8809035,"projectId":9251768,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom garden with the irrigation system! Before this project, watering was a big challenge, students would take turns with watering cans, but it was time-consuming and sometimes left certain plants too dry or too wet. When the irrigation system was installed, my students were amazed at how evenly and gently the water flowed. They were excited to see that the strawberries, vegetables, and flowers we've been growing now had the consistent care they needed. One student even said, \"Now our plants can drink water just like us!\"\r\n\r\nThis system has already transformed our gardening project. My students are learning how important water management is to keeping plants healthy, and they now understand that science and technology can work hand-in-hand in real life. The irrigation system also frees up more time for us to focus on observing plant growth, recording data in our garden journals, and exploring topics like pollination and ecosystems. Our next step will be to compare how our plants grow with regular, steady watering versus what we experienced before. This hands-on experiment will help students see the direct impact of proper irrigation on plant health and crop production.","fullyFundedDate":1746554705201,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-it-growing-drip-irrigation-for/9251768/","projectTitle":"Keeping It Growing: Drip Irrigation for Our School Garden🌱💦💧","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8809035_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739597492412","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8809035"},{"teacherId":8809035,"projectId":9251687,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of the planter! My students were so excited the day it arrived, we had been talking about starting a strawberry garden, and when they saw the planter, they immediately began planning where each plant should go. Several students volunteered to help prepare the soil and carefully plant the strawberries, and they've taken a lot of pride in making sure the garden is watered and cared for. One student even said, \"I can't wait to taste something we grew ourselves!\" which shows just how invested they are in this project.\r\n\r\nThis planter has already become a wonderful learning tool for us. We are using it as part of our science lessons on plant life cycles, and students are observing how strawberries grow from small plants into fruit-bearing plants. They are keeping notes in their science journals and making predictions about when we'll see our first berries. The next steps will be to continue monitoring the strawberries' growth, learn about pollination, and eventually harvest the fruit. Thanks to you, my students are not only learning science concepts but also experiencing the joy and responsibility of growing something together.","fullyFundedDate":1746785671785,"projectUrl":"project/sweet-success-growing-strawberries-fu/9251687/","projectTitle":"Sweet Success: Growing Strawberries & Future Gardeners🍓🧑🏼‍🌾","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8809035_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739597492412","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8809035"},{"teacherId":8809035,"projectId":9112753,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom! The binder organizer shelf has already made a huge difference in how we keep our materials neat and accessible. Before, our binders and folders were often stacked in piles that were difficult for students to manage. Now, each student has a dedicated space, and they love being able to quickly grab what they need. The first day they saw the organizer, there was an audible \"wow!\" as they realized how much easier it would be to find their things. Several students even volunteered to help set it up and proudly showed each other where their binders would go.\r\n\r\nThis small but powerful addition has helped our classroom run more smoothly and given students more responsibility over their own materials. It has also cut down on transition time, so we can spend more minutes learning and less time searching for supplies. The next step for my students is to continue building their independence and organizational skills as we work through our current projects. We're in the middle of a research unit, and the shelf makes it so much easier for them to store and access their notes and drafts. Thanks to you, my students feel more capable and confident in their learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1746786232725,"projectUrl":"project/from-clutter-to-clarity-binder-storage/9112753/","projectTitle":"From Clutter to Clarity: Binder Storage for Better Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8809035_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739597492412","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8809035"},{"teacherId":8809035,"projectId":9112684,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our classroom! The binder organizer shelf has already made a huge difference in how we keep our materials neat and accessible. Before, our binders and folders were often stacked in piles that were difficult for students to manage. Now, each student has a dedicated space, and they love being able to quickly grab what they need. The first day they saw the organizer, there was an audible \"wow!\" as they realized how much easier it would be to find their things. Several students even volunteered to help set it up and proudly showed each other where their binders would go.\r\n\r\nThis small but powerful addition has helped our classroom run more smoothly and given students more responsibility over their own materials. It has also cut down on transition time, so we can spend more minutes learning and less time searching for supplies. The next step for my students is to continue building their independence and organizational skills as we work through our current projects. We're in the middle of a research unit, and the shelf makes it so much easier for them to store and access their notes and drafts. Thanks to you, my students feel more capable and confident in their learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1746785729935,"projectUrl":"project/organized-minds-brighter-futures-help/9112684/","projectTitle":"Organized Minds, Brighter Futures: Help us Get Binders!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8809035_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739597492412","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8809035"},{"teacherId":4050934,"projectId":9220610,"letterContent":"The booklets will be very useful to my students once we are able to get our new Ozobot kits. These will make our lessons easier to get through as each student booklet provides grade-level appropriate language, visuals and tasks that the students can follow along with. \r\nI am looking forward to implementing these during our STEAM lessons and witness the students grow in their knowledge and abilities. The booklets lend themselves to new opportunities for the students to ask questions, be curious and find new discoveries while staying on topic and being guided through the process.\r\nYou generosity is greatly appreciated!","fullyFundedDate":1746683141220,"projectUrl":"project/color-coding-with-evo/9220610/","projectTitle":"Color Coding with Evo","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ramirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4050934_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y247&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659590860999","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-vramirez"},{"teacherId":9072286,"projectId":9143006,"letterContent":"My class was incredibly thankful to be able to read Percy Jackson & the Lightening Thief at the end of the 2024-25 school year. We had already learned about greek mythology in January without the book, but now that we had the book, we could revisit mythological figures like Zeus, Poseidon, Hades and others. Revisiting Greek mythology helped us to recall facts, delve into subject matter we didn't cover before, and in turn, ensure that students could recall Greek mythology in later years since they had already read and discussed it twice.\r\n Students loved the time block set aside for reading. It was always after lunch and varied depending on the day of the week. Books were already passed out before lunch, lights were dim, and students could unwind from their lunch where they ran and played. Sometimes I would read aloud, others I would have volunteer students read, we also popcorn read where students would read a page and then pick the next student tor read. At times I would close read where I would pause occasionally and have students read aloud the next word, or I would have them echo read if it was an anxious reader or a reader who needed assistance. \r\n The students favorite part was when I would ask them comprehension questions and when they could in turn quiz their friends. Thank you for giving us this wonderful opportunity.","fullyFundedDate":1745424226537,"projectUrl":"project/6th-grade-social-studies-with-percy-jack/9143006/","projectTitle":"6th Grade Social Studies with Percy Jackson and Lightning Thief","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hamer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9072286"},{"teacherId":9072286,"projectId":8993092,"letterContent":"Your contribution has made such a huge difference in our classroom. My goal is to get students to love reading and develop that love into a lifetime of reading on their own. We finished reading the first Harry Potter book before Christmas and because of your donation, we will be able to finish the second book before the end of the school year. Our typical day includes approximately 15 minutes of reading in which many times we cannot finish the chapter. When this happens, I always have students ask, \"Can we finish the chapter please?\" I love that. They are not only learning a love for reading, but vocabulary, figurative language and so much more. Thank you","fullyFundedDate":1740509186514,"projectUrl":"project/are-we-going-to-read-chamber-of-secret/8993092/","projectTitle":"\"Are We Going to Read, Chamber of Secrets?\" Students Asked","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hamer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9072286"},{"teacherId":4050934,"projectId":8808268,"letterContent":"The iPads that your donations funded have been an essential addition to our coding journey. The students have been able to use their robots with such ease now that they can access the app on the iPads. Without these new devices, students would be unable to explore what their robots can do but more importantly, they wouldn't have the opportunity to learn what they are capable of. \r\nCoding can sound so intimidating, especially for a young age range. The iPads and the apps on them make it so the students don't even realize they are learning something new. The exciting part, as a teacher, is the students have become independent in their learning and continue to be engaged during each coding session we have. \r\nThe iPads have truly helped open minds to the coding world for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1731940510986,"projectUrl":"project/coding-with-ipads/8808268/","projectTitle":"Coding With iPads","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ramirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4050934_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y247&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659590860999","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-vramirez"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_79637","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":490,"numTeachers":19,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":98,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"25.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":73.3,"schoolId":79637,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Browning Road Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Browning Road Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/mcfarland-unified-sch-district/browning-road-elementary-school/79637"}