{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"George Washington Battles Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":27.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7932270,"projectId":10062187,"letterContent":"Your generous donation has brought so much excitement and meaningful learning into our TK classroom! Our students were absolutely thrilled when they first opened the animal magnetic tile play sets. They immediately began sorting the animals by habitat, building homes for them, and creating imaginative stories about where the animals live and how they survive. One especially memorable moment was watching a group of students work together to build an arctic habitat for penguins and polar bears while discussing snow, ice, and cold weather. The hands-on materials encouraged collaboration, language development, creativity, and early science exploration all at once.\r\n\r\nWe are using these magnetic play sets during our science and center rotations to help students learn about different habitats such as the ocean, jungle, desert, farm, and arctic environments. The students are strengthening important TK skills like problem-solving, communication, fine motor development, and cooperative play while engaging in meaningful conversations about animals and their environments. Many students who are typically shy during whole group lessons became confident storytellers and builders when using these materials.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our students are continuing to expand their learning through habitat investigations, animal classification activities, and imaginative storytelling projects. These resources have transformed our classroom into an engaging, interactive learning space where curiosity and creativity thrive every day. Thank you for making these joyful learning experiences possible for our young learners!","fullyFundedDate":1769571416196,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-animals-through-play/10062187/","projectTitle":"Exploring Animals Through Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bessermin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7932270_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750040159878","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7932270"},{"teacherId":7932270,"projectId":10178067,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our TK classroom. Because of your donation, our dramatic play area has been transformed into a vibrant flower shop and farmers market, and it has quickly become one of the most meaningful parts of our learning environment. The children use this space daily to role-play buying and selling flowers, fruits, and vegetables, practicing early math, literacy, and social skills in a hands-on and joyful way. One especially memorable moment was watching two students negotiate a \"bouquet order,\" carefully counting flowers, exchanging pretend money, and using full sentences to describe what they wanted and needed.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the flower shop and farmers market set up, their excitement was immediate. They rushed over with wide eyes, exploring the baskets, arranging flowers, and taking turns being the \"shopkeeper\" and \"customer.\" Even students who are typically more reserved quickly became engaged, stepping into roles with confidence and creativity. The space has encouraged rich language development, cooperation, and problem-solving as they work together to run the shop and serve their classmates.\r\n\r\nThis project has also created a meaningful connection to the world our students know outside of school. We live in a strong agricultural community, and many of our students have family members who work in farming and related industries. The flower shop and farmers market allow them to see their everyday experiences reflected in the classroom, giving them pride and familiarity as they role-play familiar jobs and community roles. It has sparked wonderful conversations about planting, harvesting, and the journey food and flowers take from field to market.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our learning, we will expand this play into more structured academic connections. Students will begin writing simple \"shopping lists,\" labeling flowers and produce, and practicing addition and subtraction as they make purchases. We will also incorporate writing by having them create signs for the shop and menus for seasonal items. Your support has helped bring our curriculum to life in a way that is meaningful, memorable, and deeply engaging for our young learners. We are so grateful for your partnership in their early education.","fullyFundedDate":1775153251532,"projectUrl":"project/harvesting-learning-through-farm-flowe/10178067/","projectTitle":"Harvesting Learning Through Farm & Flower Stand Dramatic Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bessermin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7932270_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750040159878","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7932270"},{"teacherId":7932270,"projectId":10118815,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our TK classroom through your generous donation. The write-and-wipe whiteboard paddles have quickly become one of our most-loved learning tools. We use them throughout the day for assessments, guided practice, and especially during small group instruction. One of my favorite moments was during a recent letter-sound activity—each student eagerly held up their board to show their answer, and I could instantly see who understood and who needed extra support. It has made participation more engaging and given every child a voice, even those who are still building confidence.\r\n\r\nWhen the paddles first arrived, the students were beyond excited. Their faces lit up as they realized they each had their own special board to write on. There was an immediate sense of ownership and pride, and even our most hesitant learners couldn't wait to try them out. The ability to quickly erase and try again has helped create a safe space where mistakes are part of learning, and that has made a huge difference in their willingness to participate.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue using these boards as we build foundational skills in early literacy and math. As we move into more complex activities like simple word building and number sentences, the paddles will allow for even more interactive and responsive teaching. Your support has truly transformed how we engage with our lessons and has made learning more dynamic and fun for my students. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1775153490378,"projectUrl":"project/write-wipe-learn-tk-needs-whiteboard/10118815/","projectTitle":"Write, Wipe, Learn: TK Needs Whiteboard Paddles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bessermin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7932270_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750040159878","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7932270"},{"teacherId":7932270,"projectId":10093449,"letterContent":"Thank you for bringing this interactive, talking globe into our TK classroom. Your generosity is turning our students' natural curiosity into rich, meaningful learning experiences. With this hands-on tool, children can explore continents, oceans, animals, and cultures while building language, listening, and comprehension skills in an engaging and developmentally appropriate way.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our dual-language learners will have access to a powerful resource that supports vocabulary development, confidence, and communication. This globe helps connect our learning to the world beyond our classroom, fostering empathy, cultural appreciation, and a sense of belonging. We are truly grateful for your support in helping our students feel seen, valued, and inspired to explore.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt thanks,\r\n[Your Name]","fullyFundedDate":1770934230663,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-the-world-to-our-transitional-k/10093449/","projectTitle":"Bringing the World to Our Transitional Kindergarten Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bessermin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7932270_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750040159878","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7932270"},{"teacherId":7932270,"projectId":10069713,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project! Because of your generosity, our classroom now has a beautiful new rug for our jungle-themed library area along with wet wipes to help us keep our classroom clean and healthy. When the rug arrived, my students were beyond excited. They immediately gathered around it, admiring the bright colors and cozy space it created in our reading corner. Several students asked if it was \"really ours,\" and they could not wait to sit down with a book in our transformed library area.\r\n\r\nThe new rug has quickly become one of the favorite places in our classroom. Students are using the space every day during independent reading, partner reading, and small group activities. The jungle-themed library now feels warm, inviting, and comfortable, helping students develop a stronger love for reading and learning. The wet wipes have also made a huge difference in our classroom routine. Students take pride in helping keep our classroom clean, and the wipes allow us to quickly sanitize tables and shared materials throughout the day.\r\n\r\nAs we continue through the school year, these resources will help us create an engaging and welcoming classroom environment where students feel comfortable learning, reading, and working together. Your generosity has given my students more than just supplies—it has created excitement, pride, and a sense of community in our classroom. Thank you for believing in my students and for helping make our classroom a special place to learn and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1770829530867,"projectUrl":"project/clean-cozy-and-ready-to-learn-in-tk/10069713/","projectTitle":"Clean, Cozy, and Ready to Learn in TK","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bessermin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7932270_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750040159878","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7932270"},{"teacherId":8336261,"projectId":10144465,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for fully funding our *Fill Every Shelf Novel Studies* project. Your generosity means that my students—who are truly ferocious readers—now have access to fresh, high‑quality novel sets that match their enthusiasm and growing skills. This year alone, they've already completed eight novel studies, each one strengthening their fluency, deepening comprehension, and helping them explore characters and themes in meaningful ways. \r\n\r\nWith your support, they'll continue diving into stories that challenge them, inspire them, and nurture their love of reading. You've helped ensure that every shelf in our classroom reflects the curiosity and passion of the students who read from it.","fullyFundedDate":1773848133512,"projectUrl":"project/fill-every-shelf-novel-studies/10144465/","projectTitle":"Fill Every Shelf Novel Studies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Sant (Butler)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336261_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650219303942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-butlers-learners"},{"teacherId":8336261,"projectId":10114020,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for fully funding our *Knee Pads for Volleyball* project. The impact of your gift extends far beyond equipment. With reliable knee pads, students are showing greater perseverance, teamwork, and pride in their growth as athletes. They're taking more risks, encouraging one another, and stepping into leadership roles because they feel protected and supported.\r\n\r\n These moments—of courage, collaboration, and resilience—are shaping them not only as volleyball players but as young people learning to trust themselves and each other. Thank you for believing in our students and helping them play, learn, and grow with confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1771864908927,"projectUrl":"project/knee-pads-for-volleyball/10114020/","projectTitle":"Knee Pads For Volleyball","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Sant (Butler)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336261_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650219303942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-butlers-learners"},{"teacherId":8336261,"projectId":10078049,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for fully funding our *Coaching for Life: Volleyball* project. Your generosity means that every student on our 5th–6th grade volleyball team now has access to quality equipment that allows them to practice with confidence and consistency. \r\n\r\nWith enough volleyballs for small‑group drills and daily skill work, students no longer have to wait their turn or rely on worn‑out equipment. Instead, they're able to stay active, engaged, and focused as they build foundational skills like serving, passing, and setting. Your support has transformed our practices into dynamic, hands‑on learning experiences where every athlete feels included and capable.","fullyFundedDate":1770161647434,"projectUrl":"project/coaching-for-life-volleyball/10078049/","projectTitle":"Coaching for Life: Volleyball","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Sant (Butler)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336261_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650219303942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-butlers-learners"},{"teacherId":8336261,"projectId":10057504,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting Life Skills for All. Your generosity directly empowers my students to build confidence, independence, and essential real‑world abilities that will serve them for years to come. Because of you, they'll have access to hands‑on materials and meaningful learning experiences that help them feel capable, valued, and excited to learn. \r\n\r\nYour kindness doesn't just fund a project—it creates opportunities, opens doors, and reminds my students that there are people who believe in their potential. We are deeply grateful for your support and the positive impact you've made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1769393466588,"projectUrl":"project/life-skills-for-all/10057504/","projectTitle":"Life Skills for ALL","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Sant (Butler)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336261_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650219303942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-butlers-learners"},{"teacherId":8336261,"projectId":9999211,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for generously funding our *Mid‑Year Essentials Restock* project. Your support arrived at the perfect time—right when our supplies were running low and students were beginning to feel the strain of not having the materials they need to learn comfortably and confidently. Because of your kindness, my fifth graders now have fresh notebooks, pencils, markers, and organizational tools that help them stay focused and engaged. These simple but essential items make a tremendous difference in their daily learning experience.\r\n\r\nYour donation does more than refill shelves—it restores momentum, dignity, and excitement in our classroom. Many of my students rely entirely on school for their supplies, and having access to new materials helps them feel prepared, capable, and proud of their work. This restock ensures that every child can participate fully in lessons, collaborate with classmates, and finish the year strong. Thank you for believing in them and for investing in a classroom where every student has what they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1768496475500,"projectUrl":"project/mid-year-essentials-restock/9999211/","projectTitle":"Mid-Year Essentials Restock","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Sant (Butler)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336261_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650219303942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-butlers-learners"},{"teacherId":8336261,"projectId":9870299,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for generously funding our *Real Learning is Messy!* project. Your support means the world to my fifth graders, who thrive when they can dive into hands‑on, creative, and exploratory learning. These messy, joyful experiences—painting, building, engineering, crafting, planting—are where their curiosity and confidence truly shine. Because of your kindness, we now have the tools we need to keep our classroom clean, healthy, and ready for the next day of discovery.\r\n\r\nYour donation does more than provide a vacuum and carpet cleaner—it empowers students to take ownership of their learning environment. My class has been eager to take responsibility for cleaning up after their projects, and now they can do so safely and effectively. This sense of pride and stewardship strengthens our classroom community and helps students develop real‑world skills that extend far beyond academics. Thank you for believing in them, supporting a historically underfunded school, and making a meaningful impact on young learners who are excited to learn, create, and care for their space every day.","fullyFundedDate":1768496243830,"projectUrl":"project/real-learning-is-messy/9870299/","projectTitle":"Real Learning is Messy!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Sant (Butler)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336261_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650219303942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-butlers-learners"},{"teacherId":8336261,"projectId":9952573,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for fully funding our *Black Stallion* novel study project. Your generosity brings an exciting and meaningful learning experience directly into our classroom. My students are always eager for opportunities to dive into rich literature, and having a class set of this novel allows every child to engage deeply with the story, its themes, and its characters. Your support shows them that their learning matters and that there are people beyond our school who believe in their potential.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students will be able to participate in thoughtful discussions, build comprehension skills, and experience the joy of reading a novel together as a community. Many of my students do not have access to high‑interest chapter books at home, so this project opens doors for them—doors to imagination, confidence, and a lifelong love of reading. Your donation will have a lasting impact on their academic growth and their belief in themselves as readers. Thank you for making this possible for them.","fullyFundedDate":1768329213329,"projectUrl":"project/the-black-stallion-novel-study/9952573/","projectTitle":"The Black Stallion Novel Study","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Van Sant (Butler)","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8336261_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650219303942","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/miss-butlers-learners"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_53871","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":756,"numTeachers":37,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":97,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"20.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":72.7,"schoolId":53871,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about George Washington Battles Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"George Washington Battles Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/santa-maria-bonita-school-dist/george-washington-battles-elementary-school/53871"}