{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Edwin J Kiest Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2367633,"projectId":10393773,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping me create a classroom where hard work, positive choices, and academic growth are celebrated! My scholars absolutely love going to our treasure box, and it has quickly become one of their favorite classroom rewards. Whether they are choosing a fun treasure, enjoying a Blow Pop, or picking out a Jolly Rancher, you can see the excitement on their faces. These may seem like small treats, but to my second graders, they are a BIG deal! They look forward to earning them and are so proud when their effort, behavior, and accomplishments are recognized.\r\n\r\nWe use these incentives to celebrate so many different successes throughout our school day—from working hard on an assignment and showing growth to demonstrating kindness, responsibility, and making great choices. I especially love being able to recognize students for their individual progress. Every scholar has something worth celebrating, and these resources give me another fun way to say, \"I see you, I see your effort, and I am proud of you!\"\r\n\r\nAs we continue through second grade, our goals will become bigger and our learning more challenging, but so will the opportunities to celebrate their growth! Your generosity has helped make our classroom a place where students are excited to learn, motivated to do their best, and proud of their accomplishments. Thank you for giving me another way to bring a little extra joy into their school day. We are incredibly grateful for your support and for believing in my amazing scholars! ❤️","fullyFundedDate":1784883258229,"projectUrl":"project/small-rewards-big-student-growth/10393773/","projectTitle":"Small Rewards, Big Student Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Quiroz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2367633_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778010944837","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsquiroz2nd"},{"teacherId":2367633,"projectId":10281531,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping us bring recess to life at our new campus! Your generosity has made an incredible difference for my scholars, especially as we begin the school year in the August heat without a playground. Our outdoor playground will not be completed until Phase Two of our campus, so having engaging indoor recess options has been essential. Because of you, my scholars have a wonderful collection of games, building materials, puzzles, and hands-on activities that give them opportunities to play, create, move, and simply enjoy being kids.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite things about this project is seeing how naturally my scholars gravitate toward these materials. Instead of asking for iPads during indoor recess, they are excited to build with LEGO bricks, create with construction toys, challenge one another to games, solve puzzles, and invent new ways to play together. These moments may look like play, but so much learning is happening. My scholars are practicing cooperation, communication, problem-solving, creativity, patience, and good sportsmanship while building friendships and learning how to navigate play with their classmates.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, being indoors has not meant missing out on the joy and connection that recess should provide. Until the day our new playground is ready, these materials are giving my scholars a recess they genuinely look forward to each day—and even after our playground opens, they will continue providing meaningful opportunities for choice, creativity, and connection. Thank you for helping make our new classroom and campus feel more like home and for giving my scholars the gift of joyful, screen-free play!","fullyFundedDate":1778725702936,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-bring-recess-to-life-at-our-new/10281531/","projectTitle":"Help Us Bring Recess to Life at Our New Campus","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Quiroz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2367633_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778010944837","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsquiroz2nd"},{"teacherId":2367633,"projectId":10270293,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making this project possible! Your generosity has made a tremendous difference in our classroom by providing the supplies we need to keep our classroom restroom and shared spaces clean, fresh, and healthy. Having these materials readily available means I can quickly take care of everyday messes and maintain a clean environment without worrying about whether we have the supplies we need. Most importantly, it helps ensure that my students have a classroom where they can feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThis project has also helped my second graders learn an important lesson about responsibility. Our classroom is our shared space, and my students have become more mindful about doing their part to take care of it. They clean up after themselves, help keep our classroom organized, and take pride in maintaining a healthy environment for their classmates. Seeing them develop that sense of ownership and accountability has been one of the most meaningful impacts of this project.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we can spend less time worrying about messes and germs and more time focused on learning, growing, and enjoying our days together. These everyday supplies may seem simple, but in a busy classroom, they truly make all the difference. Thank you for helping me provide my students with a clean, welcoming space and for showing them that there are people in our community who care about their well-being and success.","fullyFundedDate":1778209903758,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-germs-out-so-learning-can-thriv/10270293/","projectTitle":"“Keeping Germs Out So Learning Can thrive.”","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Quiroz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2367633_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778010944837","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsquiroz2nd"},{"teacherId":2367633,"projectId":10301466,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our **Small Group Glow-Up** project! Our new classroom printer is a huge game changer because it allows me to quickly prepare differentiated activities and resources that meet my scholars' individual learning needs. The corkboard helps me organize important tasks while keeping my desk clutter-free, and the dry-erase spots give scholars an engaging way to show their thinking directly on their desks.\r\n\r\nOur new whiteboards will be stored near the whole-group rug, allowing scholars to participate immediately and helping us spend less instructional time passing out materials during transitions. My scholars will also absolutely love the two new **Phonics Read-Aloud Series** books that will be added to our growing classroom collection. Your generosity has created a more organized, engaging, and effective learning environment where every scholar can glow and grow—thank you for investing in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1784325215709,"projectUrl":"project/the-small-group-glow-up/10301466/","projectTitle":"The Small Group Glow-Up","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Quiroz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2367633_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778010944837","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsquiroz2nd"},{"teacherId":2367633,"projectId":10277325,"letterContent":"There is something powerful about opening a book and watching a young reader become completely engaged in a story. For second-grade students, books open doors to imagination, curiosity, conversation, and discovery. Turning Pages into Math Adventures builds on that excitement by putting meaningful, engaging books into students' hands that directly connect to the math concepts they are learning in the classroom.\r\n\r\nWhen children can see math come alive through a story, numbers and concepts become more than something written on a worksheet. Addition and subtraction can become part of a character's challenge. Measurement can become an adventure. Time, money, shapes, place value, and problem-solving can suddenly have a purpose and a connection to the real world.\r\n\r\nThese books give students another way to understand, talk about, and remember important second-grade math concepts. Students are not simply practicing a skill—they are making connections between literacy, mathematics, illustrations, experiences, and classroom conversations.\r\n\r\nAnd those connections matter.\r\n\r\nWhen students encounter a math concept in multiple ways, their opportunities for understanding and retention grow. A story can provide the moment when a difficult concept finally makes sense. It can give students language for explaining their mathematical thinking. It can encourage them to ask questions, make predictions, solve problems, and recognize that math exists everywhere—even in the pages of a favorite book.\r\n\r\nAt the same time, this project supports something equally important: developing a love of reading in our earliest readers. There is nothing more important than opening a book and giving a child the opportunity to engage, wonder, learn, and discover. Providing actual books that students can hold, revisit, discuss, and connect to their classroom learning makes those experiences even more meaningful.\r\n\r\nThrough Turning Pages into Math Adventures, our second graders will have opportunities to strengthen both their literacy and mathematical thinking while building connections that extend beyond a single lesson.\r\n\r\nWhen we put the right book into a child's hands, we are not simply turning pages. We are creating connections, strengthening understanding, and helping learning become something that lasts.","fullyFundedDate":1778244101267,"projectUrl":"project/turning-pages-into-math-adventures/10277325/","projectTitle":"Turning Pages into Math Adventures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Quiroz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2367633_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778010944837","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsquiroz2nd"},{"teacherId":2367633,"projectId":10266156,"letterContent":"Words cannot fully express how grateful and appreciative I am for your generosity and support of my second-grade scholars. From the moment families walked into our classroom on Meet the Teacher Night, they were blown away by how beautifully everything was prepared and organized. Many families expressed such heartfelt gratitude knowing they did not have to worry about purchasing school supplies for their child. For families in our Title I school community, that support means more than you may ever realize. Because of you, every scholar was able to begin the year prepared, confident, and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nMy students absolutely loved seeing their new materials! They were so excited about their chair sacks and all of their matching supplies—from their Ticonderoga pencils and journals to their Crayola crayons, colored pencils, and markers. Several students proudly told me, \"This is the most beautiful classroom ever!\" Seeing their faces light up was a moment I will never forget. These resources have allowed us to create a classroom where students can focus on learning, creating, writing, and growing without worrying about who has certain supplies and who does not. Every scholar comes into our classroom knowing they are equally valued and that their effort, dedication, kindness, and growth are what matter most.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the year, we will use these materials daily for writing, reading responses, creative projects, small-group learning, and so much more. I love that my scholars show up excited and prepared, ready to take ownership of their learning. Your generosity has helped me provide the welcoming and equitable classroom environment I dreamed of giving my students. This was my first time using DonorsChoose, and I am incredibly thankful for this amazing platform and for each donor who believed in my project. I have already shared my experience with colleagues who also work in Title I schools because I want other teachers and students to experience this same incredible support. When educators, families, communities, and generous donors come together for children, the sky truly is the limit!\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for investing in my scholars and helping make our classroom such a special place to learn and grow. We are beyond grateful and appreciative. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on our classroom, and we will carry that generosity with us throughout the entire school year.\r\n\r\nWith tremendous gratitude,\r\nA very grateful second-grade teacher and classroom full of scholars.","fullyFundedDate":1778039134515,"projectUrl":"project/10-years-strong-help-stock-my-2nd-grade/10266156/","projectTitle":"10 Years Strong: Help Stock My 2nd Grade Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Quiroz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2367633_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778010944837","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsquiroz2nd"},{"teacherId":8800285,"projectId":9430720,"letterContent":"Our new classroom resources have already made a tremendous difference! From the moment my second graders walked into the classroom, their eyes lit up with excitement. They couldn't wait to explore the new materials, and they immediately began asking questions, making connections, and diving into learning. Seeing their enthusiasm reminded me why creating an engaging classroom environment is so important.\r\n\r\nWe are using these resources every day during our literacy and math rotations, small-group instruction, and hands-on learning activities. Students are becoming more independent, collaborating with classmates, and taking greater ownership of their learning. The new materials have helped create an organized, welcoming classroom where every child feels confident participating and trying new things.\r\n\r\nOne of our favorite projects this year is our Mesoamerica unit. Students are exploring ancient civilizations through reading, writing, art, and collaborative activities. They are creating colorful feather displays inspired by Mesoamerican culture, analyzing informational texts, writing about what they've learned, and making connections between the past and the present. The new resources have made these lessons more interactive and meaningful, allowing students to engage with the content in exciting ways.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll continue building on these experiences through project-based learning, cooperative group work, and opportunities for students to showcase their learning. My goal is to help every child become a confident reader, problem solver, and lifelong learner in a classroom where they feel safe, seen, loved, and inspired to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible. Your generosity has provided so much more than classroom materials—you've helped create joyful learning experiences and lasting memories for my students. They are excited to come to school each day because of the opportunities your kindness has made possible.","fullyFundedDate":1751310331228,"projectUrl":"project/learning-is-fun-create-a-positive-clas/9430720/","projectTitle":"Learning is Fun! Create a Positive Classroom Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Muntz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8800285_orig.jpg?crop=1195,1195,x0,y485&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750866733293","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8800285"},{"teacherId":2354242,"projectId":9469394,"letterContent":"Because of your investment, my students were able to use the bilingual posters to further their depth of knowledge and achieve their dreams of being a bilingual superhero. The different grammar and educational posters helped the students feel confident as they grew and progressed through the year. The posters helped them to recall what they had learned and helped them treasure their time in my classroom with meaningful lesson engagement. I am deeply indebted to all my donors for their generosity. I know that every year has its own set of challenges, but with everyone's help we have made lasting memories that will shape a better tomorrow.","fullyFundedDate":1755874610063,"projectUrl":"project/can-you-hear-me-now-creating-successful/9469394/","projectTitle":"Can You Hear me Now: Creating Successful Biliterate Scholars","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2354242_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1450753148106","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-gtz"},{"teacherId":8547555,"projectId":10113309,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom and my students! Your generosity is helping us not only finish this school year strong, but also prepare for our exciting move to a brand new campus next year. The plastic privacy folders will be a huge upgrade from our worn-out cardboard ones, and I have kept the mobile whiteboard and privacy partition folder rack packaged so they can make the move safely and be ready for our new classroom. The markers are also coming at the perfect time and will be so helpful for creating anchor charts and engaging lessons next year!\r\nThe mini calculators were especially helpful during STAAR prep for students who receive calculation aids, giving them extra confidence during review activities. The megaphone speaker has easily been the class favorite! We use it during recess and in the hallways with silly voices to call students, and it has brought so much laughter, excitement, and joy to our school days. Thank you again for investing in my students and helping create a classroom environment that is supportive, engaging, and fun every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1776095569017,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-learning-outdoors-and-in/10113309/","projectTitle":"Tools for Learning: Outdoors and In","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Contreras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8547555_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691343400665","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kasscontreras"},{"teacherId":2354242,"projectId":9468593,"letterContent":"Because of your investment, my students were able to enjoy their learning environment and create a memorable year. The different space posters help the students feel confident while showing their growth and progress in a creative and visible way. The welcoming posters helped them treasure their time in my classroom with meaningful SEL practices and character building motivation. I am deeply indebted to all my donors for their generosity. I know that every year has its own set of challenges, but with everyone's help we have made lasting memories that will shape a generation.","fullyFundedDate":1755875244072,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-space-for-academic-lift-off/9468593/","projectTitle":"Creating a Space for Academic Lift Off","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2354242_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1450753148106","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-gtz"},{"teacherId":8547555,"projectId":10118322,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Your contribution made it possible to bring engaging and interactive learning experiences to my students during our STAAR review. With your help, I was able to purchase a baseball-themed Jeopardy game that made math review exciting and memorable, we split into 2 teams and played real baseball if they got their question right! I also purchased a basketball-themed Jeopardy that we transformed into a real-life basketball game for Saturday school. The students were incredibly motivated and had so much fun learning in a new and meaningful way!\r\nBecause of your generosity, I am also able to save the remaining gift card funds to purchase additional games and resources that will continue to support student learning in the future, including next school year. Your kindness is helping create a classroom environment where students feel excited, confident, and eager to learn. Thank you again for making such a positive impact on my students' education.","fullyFundedDate":1776094073860,"projectUrl":"project/math-science-fueled-by-tpt/10118322/","projectTitle":"Math & Science Fueled by TpT","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Contreras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8547555_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691343400665","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kasscontreras"},{"teacherId":10347473,"projectId":9887651,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the rug and bookshelves for our \"Littles\" in the school library. When our Pre Kindergarten students came to the library, they were so excited to see the vibrant rug with all the shapes and colors just for them. Their Story Time space has been transformed from a dull corner to an exciting nook they can call their own. \r\nIn addition, the bookshelves are at their eye level and perfect when PreK students are choosing a book. The colorful carts will be used for library learning games, sorting and organizing their return books.","fullyFundedDate":1769177260197,"projectUrl":"project/reading-for-littles/9887651/","projectTitle":"Reading for Littles!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bliss","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10347473"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_17193","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":573,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":90,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"14.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.4,"schoolId":17193,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Edwin J Kiest Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Edwin J Kiest Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/dallas-independent-school-district/edwin-j-kiest-elementary-school/17193"}