{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"La Mesa Arts Academy","outOfStateSupporters":7.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6316543,"projectId":9616474,"letterContent":"On behalf of the dance students, faculty, and families at our school, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your generous donation of jazz shoes to the dance program. Your thoughtful gift has made an immediate and lasting impact: because of your support, every student can now wear proper jazz shoes for class and performances. This seemingly simple provision has removed a barrier, boosted confidence, and elevated the quality of instruction and presentation for our entire program.\r\n\r\nDance is both an art form and a discipline, and the right equipment matters. Proper jazz shoes provide students with the traction, flexibility, and protection they need to learn technique safely and perform with assurance. Before your donation, some students were unable to access appropriate footwear, which limited their movement, increased their risk of injury, and sometimes kept them from fully participating. Now, with jazz shoes available for all, every student moves more freely, learns more effectively, and feels included.\r\n\r\nThe impact of your donation goes beyond physical comfort. When students wear the same shoes for class and performances, it fosters a sense of unity and professionalism. Young dancers take greater pride in their work; they feel part of a team and more prepared to represent our school on stage. Teachers can focus on refining technique and creative expression rather than adapting lessons for students without proper footwear. The result is stronger classes, more confident performers, and a program that continues to grow in skill and spirit.\r\n\r\nYour generosity also supports access and equity. By removing a financial barrier, you ensured that no student is left on the sidelines because they cannot afford specialized shoes. This gift speaks powerfully to our school values: that every child deserves the chance to learn, create, and shine. Families have expressed relief and appreciation, and students have shared how excited and proud they feel to wear the jazz shoes during rehearsals and shows. Those simple joys — the comfort of secure footing, the confidence to try a new move, the thrill of performing — are possible because of you.\r\n\r\nMoreover, the donation will have long-term benefits. Jazz shoes are durable and will serve multiple classes and performance seasons. They will support choreography development, help reduce injuries, and allow our program to plan ensemble pieces with consistency in mind. As dancers progress from foundational technique to more advanced repertoire, having proper footwear will be essential to their continued growth.\r\n\r\nWe are eager to celebrate and acknowledge your kindness. We will include a thank-you mention in our program notes, share photos of the dancers wearing their new shoes, and invite you to a performance so you can see the difference your gift has made. Most importantly, we will carry forward the spirit of your generosity by continuing to nurture these students' talent and love of dance.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their opportunities. Your support has made dance more accessible, safer, and more joyful for everyone involved. We are profoundly grateful for your generosity and for the powerful message it sends: that the arts matter and that our students deserve the tools they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1755716744327,"projectUrl":"project/jazz-shoes-for-the-dance-program/9616474/","projectTitle":"Jazz Shoes for the Dance Program","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6316543_orig.jpg?crop=453,453,x0,y28&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646171330787","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6316543"},{"teacherId":6316543,"projectId":9615501,"letterContent":"On behalf of the students, staff, and families of our school, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your generous gift that provided umbrellas for our outdoor student seating area. Your support has made a real, visible difference in the daily lives of our students — especially during the hot months when shade means comfort, safety, and the simple ability to enjoy lunch outside.\r\n\r\nBecause of your contribution, students now have a shaded place to gather, eat, and connect with one another. What may seem like a small addition — a few well-placed umbrellas — has transformed our lunch period. Instead of retreating indoors or seeking scarce shade elsewhere, students can sit comfortably, talk with friends, and recharge before returning to class. The umbrellas have created a welcoming, calmer atmosphere where students feel cared for and able to focus on their social and emotional well‑being as well as their studies.\r\n\r\nYour gift also promotes healthier choices. With a comfortable outdoor space, students are more likely to eat balanced meals and take proper breaks, which supports better concentration and learning in the afternoon. Teachers and staff have noticed fewer students rushing through lunch or skipping breaks, and the shaded seating has encouraged more social interaction and collaborative play — all important parts of a student's development.\r\n\r\nBeyond the immediate physical benefits, your donation sends a powerful message to our school community: that others believe in and invest in our students' well-being. That message matters. Students see that their comfort and safety are valued by people beyond their school walls, and that boosts morale and fosters pride in where they learn.\r\n\r\nWe also appreciate how thoughtfully you chose to support a need that impacts so many children every day. The umbrellas are durable, practical, and low-maintenance — a lasting resource that will serve our students for years. Every lunch period now feels a little brighter and cooler, and the space is being used for informal study groups, club meetings, and quiet reading when weather permits. Your gift multiplies in value as it fosters community, learning, and connection.\r\n\r\nPlease know that your generosity is recognized and deeply appreciated. We are grateful not only for the umbrellas themselves but for the care behind your decision to help. It's contributions like yours that help create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our students and our school. Your support has already made lunchtime more comfortable and enjoyable — and it will continue to benefit our community for many seasons to come. We look forward to sharing photos and stories of students enjoying the new shaded area, and we hope you'll visit sometime to see the positive impact firsthand.\r\n\r\nWith sincere gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1755716927111,"projectUrl":"project/cool-down-the-quad-part-two/9615501/","projectTitle":"Cool Down the Quad! Part Two!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6316543_orig.jpg?crop=453,453,x0,y28&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646171330787","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6316543"},{"teacherId":6316543,"projectId":9546609,"letterContent":"We are so very grateful for your generous donation to our school and arts program. With the new lights our December shows were incredible. The new lighting truly escalated the level of professionalism and brought a new dynamic to the stage. \r\n\r\nSeveral audience members and school families commented on how great the lighting looked. The new lights allowed for all students on stage to be seen regardless of placement on the stage. It also created new scenery. For example, snowflakes in the background. \r\n\r\nWe are truly appreciative of your donation and can't thank you enough!","fullyFundedDate":1755714081163,"projectUrl":"project/let-there-be-light/9546609/","projectTitle":"Let There Be Light","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6316543_orig.jpg?crop=453,453,x0,y28&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646171330787","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6316543"},{"teacherId":8174512,"projectId":9596385,"letterContent":"The new camcorder that La Mesa Arts Academy purchased with your support through Donors Choose has already helped out our arts program.\r\n\r\nWe usually have a professional videographer who records evening elective performances. However, he couldn't make it to our vocal performances due to prior commitments, so our new camcorder & boom mic were called into use. \r\n\r\nIt was so helpful to have a nice recording device available on short notice. It's going to make such a difference having it on campus for all our events, including promotion in June. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous donation and support of La Mesa Arts Academy. We are very grateful for your support and will use this camcorder for many years.","fullyFundedDate":1758819621235,"projectUrl":"project/live-streaming-at-lmaac/9596385/","projectTitle":"Live-Streaming at LMAAC!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Meckstroth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8174512_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y342&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742243015201","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lmaaclibrary"},{"teacherId":10158941,"projectId":9547340,"letterContent":"I teach a community service elective at our middle school called the Community Action Team. One of our many responsibilities is helping celebrate our nation's heritage months. Each month, team members create flyers highlighting important cultural figures and post them around campus so students can learn more about the many contributions and stories that shape our country. In addition to heritage month flyers, our team also designs promotional flyers throughout the year for the events we host, such as our First Responders Lunch and our Teen Supply Drive. \r\n\r\nHaving our own color printer has been a dream come true. Before your generous gift, we had to rely on a shared printer in the front office, which added time to our work and placed extra demands on the office staff. Now, the team loves being able to see their creations come to life immediately.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your donation. Your generosity is truly appreciated and will continue to support our team and community for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1755715718571,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-community-action-team-take-acti/9547340/","projectTitle":"Help Our Community Action Team Take Action!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schroeder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10158941"},{"teacherId":2532362,"projectId":9589226,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of your contribution, my students created their own cuneiform tablets as we completed our Mesopotamia unit. This hands-on experience brought ancient history to life and helped students connect more deeply with early civilizations. Many have commented that it was their favorite activity from trimester 1.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is making a meaningful difference in their learning, curiosity, and excitement. We are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1755721444863,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-ancient-civilizations-to-life/9589226/","projectTitle":"Bringing Ancient Civilizations to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sklenicka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2532362"},{"teacherId":2516648,"projectId":9582299,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Having a color printer for our 8th-grade United States History classes has been a game-changer. Not only can we now provide resources in color, but the creativity of the students can now be showcased in all its colorful glory! (see photo samples of the recent digital projects submitted about the American Revolution. The finished products were printed and displayed around the room.)\r\n\r\nWe have used our new color printer to provide primary and secondary sources in color (like Paul Revere's engraving \"The Bloody Massacre\" and geographic landform maps), which have enhanced our lessons and student learning. However, we have been most excited about the opportunity for students to use their technology skills to create digital works that can now be displayed around the room.\r\n\r\nWe look forward to incorporating our new printer as a tool for teaching and learning throughout the year.","fullyFundedDate":1755716528563,"projectUrl":"project/history-was-not-meant-to-be-black-and-wh/9582299/","projectTitle":"History Was Not Meant to Be Black and White","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lunamand","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2516648"},{"teacherId":6348763,"projectId":9581487,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our Media Arts program. Because of your donation, our students now have access to four video cameras, tripods, and lapel microphones that allow them to create clearer, more polished broadcast segments. Students are learning how to plan and film interviews, capture strong audio, and record steady, professional-looking footage.\r\n\r\nThis equipment is already inspiring confidence as students step into leadership roles, collaborate on team projects, and share their voices with our school community. Your contribution does more than provide tools — it shows students that their stories matter. Thank you for believing in their creativity and helping them grow.","fullyFundedDate":1755715640745,"projectUrl":"project/lights-camera-lmaaction/9581487/","projectTitle":"Lights, Camera, LMAACtion!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Prouty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6348763"},{"teacherId":5409082,"projectId":9717370,"letterContent":"We are sincerely grateful for your generous support in providing calculators for our math program. Your contribution has made a significant difference in how our students engage with mathematics and develop essential skills.\r\n\r\nMany of our donors use technology daily, but the way it is integrated into classrooms can be quite different. These calculators are not just tools for computation; they are empowering devices that help students understand complex concepts more deeply. With these calculators, students can explore functions, graph equations, and solve problems more efficiently, allowing them to focus on critical thinking rather than just manual calculations. This technology enriches the learning experience by making abstract math concepts more concrete and accessible.\r\n\r\nWhat excites our students most about the new calculators is their ability to visualize math in real-time. For example, when working on graphing equations, they can instantly see the shape and behavior of functions, which helps them grasp ideas like slope, intercepts, and transformations much faster than before. This immediate feedback sparks curiosity and encourages experimentation, making math more interactive and enjoyable.\r\n\r\nWe have noticed that students who previously struggled with math due to calculation speed or confidence issues have especially embraced this technology. These calculators give them a level playing field, reducing frustration and boosting their confidence. As a result, they participate more actively in lessons and show improved problem-solving skills. Gifted students are also benefiting by using the calculators to tackle more challenging problems, pushing their learning further.\r\n\r\nIn summary, the calculators have become an invaluable resource in our classrooms. They support diverse learners by making math more understandable and engaging. Thanks to your generosity, our students are gaining not only computational skills but also a deeper appreciation for mathematics that will serve them well in their academic journeys and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1758738933040,"projectUrl":"project/calculators-for-my-classroom/9717370/","projectTitle":"Calculators for my classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Myrick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5409082"},{"teacherId":8174493,"projectId":9323515,"letterContent":"Wow! My students and I are overwhelmed with joy and appreciation for your generous donation to room #22. Your thoughtful contribution of a wireless document camera, history books, and exciting Friday raffle prizes that motivate my students to work hard. As the boxes arrived, it was like Christmas morning as we opened them up. The smiles on my students faces were priceless. \r\nThe wireless document camera has changed my teaching in many ways. It allows me to model what we are doing in class from a variety of locations in the room. I can also place the camera on a students desk and allow them to project to the class. It has freed me up and made spotlighting a student's hard work easy to do.","fullyFundedDate":1746718343200,"projectUrl":"project/end-of-the-year-fun-and-books-for-learni/9323515/","projectTitle":"End of the Year Fun and Books for Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Schulman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8174493"},{"teacherId":5638228,"projectId":9320697,"letterContent":"Having actual cameras available in the newspaper class at LMAAC is incredibly impactful. Professional equipment allows students to go beyond just writing stories—they learn how to capture moments, tell visual stories, and add depth to their reporting. \r\n\r\nCameras give students hands-on experience with photography, framing, and visual design, which builds both technical skills and creative confidence. It elevates the quality of the school newspaper by providing original, high-quality images that make articles more engaging and authentic. More importantly, using real cameras prepares students for future opportunities in journalism, media, and the arts, giving them a sense of professionalism and pride in their work. The availability of this equipment transforms the class from simply producing content to truly practicing the craft of modern journalism.","fullyFundedDate":1746565491049,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-in-media-arts-and-ph/9320697/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students in Media Arts and Photography","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Prior","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5638228_orig.jpg?crop=938,938,x0,y75&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1592416971082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5638228"},{"teacherId":8174512,"projectId":9241626,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of Holes to our school library. Our copies were old and falling apart, and your generous donation has helped us buy a new set that will last for years. We read it every year in my 7th grade class, and it is always one of my students's favorite stories. We really appreciate your support in expanding our library. Books like these inspire our readers to continue their literacy journey, even those readers who are struggling to overcome reading difficulties like dyslexia. Thank you!!","fullyFundedDate":1745937182685,"projectUrl":"project/digging-holes-with-louis-sachar/9241626/","projectTitle":"Digging Holes with Louis Sachar","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Meckstroth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8174512_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y342&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742243015201","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lmaaclibrary"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_123216","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1057,"numTeachers":43,"percentFrplEligible":36,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":43,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":36,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"4 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"24.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":92.3,"schoolId":123216,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about La Mesa Arts Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"La Mesa Arts Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/la-mesa-spring-valley-school-district/la-mesa-arts-academy/123216"}