{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Personalized Learning Academy at Highland Meadows","outOfStateSupporters":37.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9728815,"projectId":9875832,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students are now officially ukulele players! When the ukuleles arrived, the excitement was immediate — wide eyes, careful hands, and so many \"Can we try it?!\" moments as they held the instruments for the first time. We started by learning how to properly hold and care for them, then practiced gentle strumming and listening for the difference between steady and uneven beats. One of my favorite moments was when the class strummed together in unison for the first time — they paused, smiled at each other, and you could see the pride on their faces when they realized they were truly making music.\r\n\r\nWe are now building foundational skills by learning simple chords, practicing consistent strumming patterns, and playing along with familiar songs in class. The ukuleles have strengthened their focus, perseverance, and confidence as they work through new challenges. Next, we'll continue developing chord transitions and rhythmic accuracy while incorporating singing and ensemble playing to deepen their musical understanding. Because of you, my students have access to authentic, hands-on music-making experiences that inspire creativity and a true love of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1764944626260,"projectUrl":"project/uke-can-do-it-bringing-ukuleles-to-our/9875832/","projectTitle":"Uke Can Do It! Bringing Ukuleles to Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Petty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9728815_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740596460905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9728815"},{"teacherId":9728815,"projectId":9950048,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our Pre-K music classroom is now filled with joyful, hands-on learning. When the rhythm sticks arrived, my students were beyond excited — their eyes lit up and they immediately wanted to explore all the different sounds they could make. We've been using them to practice steady beat through movement activities like marching, tapping to music, and \"freeze and play\" games. The pictures show them fully engaged — clicking, tapping, and experimenting with sound while learning how to control their movements and listen carefully. One of my favorite moments was watching a typically shy student confidently keep the beat for the class. Having their own instrument in hand made them feel capable and proud.\r\n\r\nThese rhythm sticks are helping us build foundational skills in rhythm, coordination, listening, and self-control in a way that feels like play to my students. Next, we'll begin exploring simple rhythm patterns, call-and-response activities, and creating our own short rhythmic sequences together. We'll also connect rhythm to storytelling and early literacy skills through music and movement. Thank you for giving my youngest learners the opportunity to experience music in such an active and meaningful way — your support has truly brought our classroom to life.","fullyFundedDate":1765214896120,"projectUrl":"project/move-groove-and-play/9950048/","projectTitle":"Move, Groove, and Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Petty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9728815_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740596460905","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9728815"},{"teacherId":10251154,"projectId":9715035,"letterContent":"I want to express my most sincere appreciation for donating to my class project. My students will be so excited to receive these items. These items have helped my students learn how to reset their emotional outbursts and how to deal with their emotions more effectively. Students love the Positive Impact cards and use them during morning meetings each day. These cards are positive messages that the kids can relate to and like to read aloud. The fidget coins are used to help students remain calm and they tend to keep students occupied while listening to the lesson. The boxes of Kleenex have been a Godsend during the season of nasal congestion, runny noses, sneezing, and sinus issues. We have used several boxes already, and they really come in handy! Using the printer has also been a Godsend, because I do not have to leave my room to print documents for students' homework or assignments. The printer has truly been a blessing to my students. The items have had a positive impact on students' emotional status and control. Again, thank you so much for this grant to help my students and me. Your contribution to my class is used each day.","fullyFundedDate":1762645505464,"projectUrl":"project/500-big-ones/9715035/","projectTitle":"500 Big Ones","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McIntyre","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10251154"},{"teacherId":601189,"projectId":9709130,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, my students now have access to snacks in the counseling office—a small comfort that makes a huge difference during difficult moments. Many of my students visit the office to process personal struggles, and having something as simple as a granola bar or crackers helps them feel cared for and grounded. Just last week, a student who had been having a rough morning came in, grabbed a snack, and said, \"This really helps. I didn't eat breakfast today.\" That moment reminded me how powerful your support is—not just in meeting physical needs, but in showing our kids that someone out there believes in their well-being.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the snacks stocked in the office, their faces lit up. They couldn't believe that people they had never met cared enough to provide for them. Some even asked, \"Who did this for us?\" Your kindness sparked real conversations about generosity and community. As we continue building a safe and supportive environment, our next steps include using restorative practices and social-emotional learning activities to help students manage stress and build resilience. Your contribution has made our space more welcoming, and that's something we'll carry forward every day.","fullyFundedDate":1758202839732,"projectUrl":"project/bites-of-care-in-the-counseling-chair/9709130/","projectTitle":"Bites of Care in the Counseling Chair","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Atkins","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp601189_orig.png?crop=411,411,x21,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757638712697","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/601189"},{"teacherId":9931933,"projectId":9402791,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! The new furniture and organizational tools have made a noticeable difference in our classroom. The utility carts, spinning desk organizers, book bins, and standing desk have helped us create a more organized, calm, and efficient learning environment.\r\n\r\nNow, students can quickly access the materials they need without delays or distractions. Our routines are smoother, and students are becoming more independent and responsible with their supplies. The standing desk has also allowed me to move more freely throughout the classroom and give more targeted support to small groups.\r\n\r\nThese resources have helped us create a space that truly supports the unique needs of bilingual learners—one where they feel confident, focused, and ready to learn. Thank you for being a part of this meaningful transformation. Your support is helping my students thrive every day!","fullyFundedDate":1752772603717,"projectUrl":"project/setting-up-for-success-storage-solution/9402791/","projectTitle":"Setting Up for Success: Storage Solutions for Student Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Meneses","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9931933_orig.jpg?crop=1033,1033,x172,y478&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741222172566","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9931933"},{"teacherId":5570550,"projectId":9086918,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness toward my students. The materials you delivered to our classroom brought so much excitement and joy to them, and they are now even more eager to come to school each day.\r\n\r\nI am using these materials as fidget tools to help students stay focused during lessons, as well as incentives to encourage good behavior and attendance. They are already making a noticeable difference in my students' academic progress.\r\n\r\nI truly appreciate each and every one of you, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.","fullyFundedDate":1746787066563,"projectUrl":"project/fidget-fun-engaging-minds-with-sensory/9086918/","projectTitle":"Fidget Fun: Engaging Minds With Sensory Toys","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Whitlow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5570550_orig.png?crop=552,553,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1566942778840","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5570550"},{"teacherId":9734378,"projectId":9250131,"letterContent":"We are so happy to have received our materials for this project. The variety of seeds that we have gotten will give us a chance to learn and plant throughout the entire school year. As we learn about seasons and weather change, we can also teach them that plants also thrive at different times. As they got to put together their plant pods and pick a vegetable that they would like to harvest for fall they were so excited and happy that they had a friend that would be helping them the entire time. Their fuzzy little buddies! We are so very thankful and happy for the opportunity!","fullyFundedDate":1747754639574,"projectUrl":"project/learning-with-friends-and-plants/9250131/","projectTitle":"Learning with Friends and Plants","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. A","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9734378_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755714861742","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9734378"},{"teacherId":8093573,"projectId":9190384,"letterContent":"We have not gotten to use our donations yet. We received them close to end of school closing for the summer. But I assure you, we are going to love learning to read with these materials. We have so many reading material that will help each of us all on our different levels of learning. I know they will all be eagered to looking thru at all the different learning material that we have received. We will start out using these material in our small groups. \r\nThank you again for supporting our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1745847022538,"projectUrl":"project/catch-up-and-read/9190384/","projectTitle":"Catch Up and Read","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carroll","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8093573"},{"teacherId":9931933,"projectId":9144916,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our new printer has made a big impact in our classroom. Students now have immediate access to printed materials that support their learning—especially helpful for my bilingual students who benefit from visual aids in both English and Spanish.\r\n\r\nThey're most excited about seeing their work come to life on paper. It's boosted their confidence and engagement, especially for students who were once shy about participating. Your generosity has made learning more accessible, interactive, and fun—thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1746463316288,"projectUrl":"project/help-print-a-brighter-future/9144916/","projectTitle":"Help Print a Brighter Future!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Meneses","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9931933_orig.jpg?crop=1033,1033,x172,y478&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741222172566","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9931933"},{"teacherId":9335900,"projectId":9019849,"letterContent":"On behalf of my first grade students and myself, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation that provided us with much-needed books. Your support has brought so much excitement and joy into our classroom.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, my students now have access to stories that spark their imaginations, build their confidence as readers, and open up a world of possibilities. The smiles on their faces when they pick up a new book are priceless—and it's all because of your kindness.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is not only helping them grow academically but also planting a lifelong love of reading. Thank you for believing in our classroom and investing in our future.","fullyFundedDate":1737471360505,"projectUrl":"project/booked-for-success-filling-our-shelves/9019849/","projectTitle":"\"Booked for Success: Filling Our Shelves With Stories!\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gunnoe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9335900_orig.jpg?crop=1672,1672,x375,y375&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729634945647","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9335900"},{"teacherId":374055,"projectId":9090192,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to fund clear backpacks for some of our kindergarten students. \r\n\r\nThe kids were absolutely thrilled to receive their new backpacks, and it has made a significant difference in their school experience. These clear backpacks not only support their safety by allowing for quick and easy visibility but also provide peace of mind for all of us.\r\n\r\nMy students and I are deeply grateful for your support and commitment to our students' well-being. Your kindness truly makes a positive impact!","fullyFundedDate":1742823892699,"projectUrl":"project/see-through-learning/9090192/","projectTitle":"See through Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. G. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ggarcia"},{"teacherId":9335900,"projectId":8896794,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. My students were filled with joy and excitement when they saw a box full of headphones delivered to our room! My first-grade students excitedly utilize their newly donated headphones during their daily lessons, enhancing both their learning experience and focus. In their reading time, the headphones help block out classroom noise, allowing each student to listen attentively to interactive audiobooks or phonics lessons on their tablets. By isolating sounds, the headphones also give students the chance to hear words more clearly, aiding in their pronunciation and comprehension. The children are able to follow along with the audio, making it easier for them to practice reading aloud and develop a love for storytelling. With the headphones, students can immerse themselves in learning without distractions, fostering a positive and focused classroom environment.\r\n\r\nIn addition to reading, the donated headphones are invaluable during various educational activities, such as math and science games, which often involve spoken instructions or audio cues. By wearing the headphones, each student can interact with these programs independently, allowing them to move at their own pace. Whether they are solving addition problems or learning about animals through a multimedia lesson, the headphones provide a personalized experience. Teachers also use the headphones during group activities to ensure that every child can hear their own portion of the lesson clearly, especially in a bustling classroom. This donation has not only improved the quality of the children's learning but also empowered them to engage with technology confidently and effectively. Daily we use the headphones for our I-Ready learning time. Since receiving the headphones, the focus levels in our classroom have improved tremendously! I have seen my students pass more lessons than I thought!","fullyFundedDate":1734710291368,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-my-brain/8896794/","projectTitle":"Fuel My Brain!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gunnoe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9335900_orig.jpg?crop=1672,1672,x375,y375&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1729634945647","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9335900"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_8020","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":647,"numTeachers":43,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":21,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":73,"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":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.8,"schoolId":8020,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Personalized Learning Academy at Highland Meadows on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Personalized Learning Academy at Highland Meadows","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/dallas-independent-school-district/highland-meadows-elementary-school/8020"}