{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hicks Canyon Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":20.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4344410,"projectId":9235834,"letterContent":"This project gave my students the opportunity to experience the joy of reading together through classroom book clubs. Thanks to these new books, students were able to work in small groups to read, discuss, analyze characters, make predictions, and build deeper comprehension skills through meaningful conversations with their peers.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was watching students become genuinely excited to meet with their groups each week to talk about their books. Students loved having their \"own\" book club novels and took great pride in sharing ideas, asking thoughtful questions, and making connections during discussions. The books helped create stronger engagement in reading because students felt invested in both the stories and their collaborative groups.\r\n\r\nBecause every group had access to high-interest books, I was able to differentiate instruction, support deeper comprehension conversations, and foster a stronger reading community within our classroom. Students practiced important skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and perspective-taking while building confidence as readers.\r\n\r\nAs we continue growing as readers, students are using these books to strengthen discussion skills, written responses, vocabulary development, and analytical thinking. Thank you for helping bring the excitement of book clubs and meaningful reading experiences into our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1746471425394,"projectUrl":"project/once-upon-a-book-club/9235834/","projectTitle":"Once Upon a Book Club","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holmes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4344410_orig.jpg?crop=743,743,x175,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595718303322","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-holmes"},{"teacherId":4344410,"projectId":9296285,"letterContent":"This project helped give my students a confident and organized start to the school year by ensuring every child had the basic supplies they needed from day one. Thanks to these donations, students were welcomed into a classroom with stocked cubbies full of notebooks, folders, pencils, crayons, dry erase markers, and other essential learning materials that immediately helped them feel prepared, included, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was watching students excitedly explore and organize their cubbies during the first week of school. For many students, having brand new supplies waiting for them created a sense of pride and excitement about learning. It also helped ease first-day nerves and allowed us to focus on building classroom community and routines rather than worrying about missing materials.\r\n\r\nThese resources became part of our daily learning right away — from math whiteboard practice with Expo markers to writing assignments in fresh notebooks and collaborative classroom activities using shared supplies. Because every student had access to the same materials, I was able to create a smoother, more equitable classroom environment where students could fully participate and stay engaged throughout the day.\r\n\r\nAs we continue growing as learners, students are using these supplies daily for projects, writing activities, math practice, STEM challenges, and collaborative work. Thank you for helping create such a positive and successful start to our school year!","fullyFundedDate":1753799659640,"projectUrl":"project/back-to-school-basics/9296285/","projectTitle":"Back to School Basics","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holmes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4344410_orig.jpg?crop=743,743,x175,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595718303322","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-holmes"},{"teacherId":4344410,"projectId":9296482,"letterContent":"The snacks and food supplies from this project have made such a meaningful impact in our classroom. We use them daily to help support students who come to school hungry, miss breakfast, or simply need an extra boost to stay focused and ready to learn throughout the day. Having these resources available has helped create a classroom environment where students know they are cared for, supported, and able to focus on learning instead of hunger.\r\n\r\nOne of the most meaningful moments has been seeing the relief and gratitude from students who quietly ask for a snack during independent work time or after recess. What once may have been a distraction, headache, or emotional struggle now becomes a quick moment of support that allows them to rejoin learning feeling regulated and successful. Students were genuinely excited and thankful when they first saw the snack bins stocked and available in the classroom. Many commented that it made them feel safe knowing there would always be something available if they needed it.\r\n\r\nAs we continue moving through the end of the school year and preparing students for the transition into the next grade level, these snacks continue helping students stay engaged during lessons, collaborative projects, testing, and enrichment activities. Your generosity has helped fuel not only their bodies, but also their confidence, focus, and ability to fully participate in our classroom community each day. Thank you for helping support our students in such a caring and impactful way!","fullyFundedDate":1746787192087,"projectUrl":"project/hungry-to-learn/9296482/","projectTitle":"Hungry to Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holmes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4344410_orig.jpg?crop=743,743,x175,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595718303322","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-holmes"},{"teacherId":4344410,"projectId":9499112,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom was able to turn rainy days into meaningful opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning! The games, STEM building materials, and indoor activity supplies gave students engaging ways to problem solve, practice teamwork, strengthen social skills, and stay actively learning even when we couldn't be outside.\r\n\r\nStudents especially loved working together to build, create, and challenge themselves through open-ended STEM activities. These materials quickly became some of the most loved and frequently used resources in our classroom. They encouraged communication, perseverance, critical thinking, and creativity in ways that felt exciting and fun for students.\r\n\r\nYour support helped create a classroom environment where students could continue learning, connecting, and growing — even on rainy indoor days. Thank you for investing in our classroom and helping make learning joyful for our students every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1758823992657,"projectUrl":"project/rainy-day-recess-rescue-games-and-toys/9499112/","projectTitle":"Rainy Day Recess Rescue: Games and Toys for Indoor Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Holmes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4344410_orig.jpg?crop=743,743,x175,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595718303322","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-holmes"},{"teacherId":9074301,"projectId":10088506,"letterContent":"Mommy and Daddy,\r\nThank you so much for your incredible generosity in contributing to the purchase of a 13-inch MacBook Air for my 2nd grade classroom. Your support has made a meaningful and immediate impact on my students' daily learning experience. At this age, curiosity is at its peak, and having access to reliable, engaging technology allows me to meet that curiosity with dynamic lessons that capture attention and deepen understanding. Because of your kindness, I am better equipped to create an environment where students feel excited to learn, explore, and grow. The MacBook Air has already become an essential part of our classroom routine, helping me prepare lessons more efficiently, access high-quality resources, and present information in ways that truly resonate with young learners.\r\n\r\nTechnology has opened up so many new possibilities for my students, and I've already seen the benefits in several key ways. First, interactive learning apps and educational games have made practicing foundational skills like reading and math more engaging and fun, helping students stay motivated while reinforcing important concepts. Second, I am able to incorporate multimedia elements—such as videos, animations, and digital storytelling—which bring lessons to life and help visual and auditory learners better understand new material. Third, the MacBook allows me to differentiate instruction more effectively by tailoring activities to meet the varying needs and skill levels within my classroom, ensuring that every student gets the support or challenge they need. Finally, it has enhanced communication and collaboration, whether through sharing student work digitally, connecting with families, or accessing tools that encourage teamwork and creativity among my students. These opportunities simply wouldn't be as seamless or impactful without the technology you helped provide.\r\nYour unwavering support means more than words can express, not only to me but to every student who benefits from this resource each day. You have directly contributed to creating a richer, more engaging educational experience for my class, and I am so grateful for your generosity and belief in the importance of education. I hope you both know that your kindness is making a real difference in the lives of young learners. Thank you again for helping bring valuable technology into our classroom and for supporting the future of these bright, eager students.\r\n\r\nLove, your daughter, Katy\r\nxoxoxoxo","fullyFundedDate":1772071208483,"projectUrl":"project/macbook-air-13-in-a-research-tool/10088506/","projectTitle":"MacBook Air 13-in: A Research Tool","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Baxter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9074301_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1686720913068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9074301"},{"teacherId":9074301,"projectId":9076676,"letterContent":"During this school year, my students have greatly benefited from using the Rekenrek math tools. I have 26 students, so having them share one is perfect so that they can do productive teamwork. Having my larger teacher model has been essential in guided instruction. When the class knew that they were going to get their own student-sized model, they cheered. It was so cute! As a teacher of 24 years, I have relied on Donors Choose to fund many projects in my classroom. I am so grateful for all of the generosity this program offers to educators and students. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!","fullyFundedDate":1746739779024,"projectUrl":"project/rekenrek-math-tool/9076676/","projectTitle":"Rekenrek Math Tool","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Baxter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9074301_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1686720913068","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9074301"},{"teacherId":3348577,"projectId":9570066,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom math manipulatives project. Because of you, my fourth-grade students now have access to hands-on tools that have truly transformed the way they learn and understand math.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the materials arrived, the excitement was contagious. Students gathered around the boxes, eagerly asking what each tool was and how we would use it. When they realized these materials were for them—to touch, build, and explore with—their enthusiasm for math immediately grew.\r\n\r\nWe are using the manipulatives daily during math instruction. One memorable moment was during a lesson on multi-digit multiplication and place value. Students used base-ten blocks to physically build numbers and model their thinking. I watched as students who previously struggled to explain their reasoning confidently demonstrated their understanding by breaking numbers apart and showing their work with the blocks. These tools have allowed students to move from abstract concepts to concrete understanding in a powerful way.\r\n\r\nYour support also gave you a glimpse into our classroom—a place where learning is active, collaborative, and joyful. Students frequently work in small groups, discussing strategies, checking each other's thinking, and using manipulatives to justify their answers. Math has become more engaging, accessible, and less intimidating for many learners.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will continue using these manipulatives as we dive deeper into fractions, decimals, and problem-solving. Our next steps include applying these tools during real-world math challenges and math workshops, where students will choose the manipulatives that best support their learning and explain why they used them. This not only strengthens math skills but also builds confidence and mathematical reasoning.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our students and making hands-on learning possible. Your generosity has made a lasting impact in our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1755628535948,"projectUrl":"project/counting-on-success-hands-on-tools-for/9570066/","projectTitle":"Counting on Success: Hands-On Tools for Math Mastery","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cunningham","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3348577_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1449260201067","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3348577"},{"teacherId":7474004,"projectId":9712648,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to Making Learning Fun with Technology. Your contribution has significantly transformed my classroom experience. Each day, in my small group reading groups, we utilize the MacBook Air to read engaging stories. This technology is incredibly beneficial, as it allows us to read the story aloud together, facilitating group participation, without the need to pass around a physical book for each student's turn. This approach ensures that every student remains actively engaged and involved in the reading process. \r\n\r\nAfter completing the story as a group, we dive into comprehension questions. The use of the MacBook Air makes it easy to revisit sections of the text if the students are unsure about any answers. This immediate access to the story enhances their understanding and retention. The students are thrilled to use the technology and show great enthusiasm for reading. The interactive nature of this tool not only makes reading more enjoyable, but also fosters a collaborative learning environment. \r\n\r\nThank you once again for your support, which has made a profound impact on our classroom's educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1758823992416,"projectUrl":"project/making-learning-fun-with-technology/9712648/","projectTitle":"Making Learning Fun With Technology!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sanchez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7474004_orig.jpg?crop=475,475,x100,y74&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1598227657412","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7474004"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_75397","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":859,"numTeachers":36,"percentFrplEligible":34,"percentAsian":54,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":13,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":10,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"23.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.2,"schoolId":75397,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hicks Canyon Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hicks Canyon Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/tustin-unified-school-district/hicks-canyon-elementary-school/75397"}