{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"La Mesa Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":40.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6047310,"projectId":9545914,"letterContent":"Because of this project, my students are engaging with learning in ways that are joyful, hands-on, and deeply meaningful. We are using the Didax CVC Spelling Board Game during our daily literacy rotations, where students work in small groups to build, read, and manipulate CVC words. One of my favorite moments was watching a newcomer student who had very limited English confidently sound out and read a word independently for the first time, then immediately help a peer do the same. The game format lowered anxiety and turned early reading into something playful and empowering.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. They were especially drawn to the bright visuals and interactive nature of the games, and the large digital wall clock quickly became a classroom favorite. Students now regularly ask to \"beat the timer\" during transitions and practice activities, which has helped them develop a stronger sense of time, focus, and self-regulation. The Giant Magnetic Number of the Day Chart has become part of our morning routine, grounding students in number sense while encouraging discussion, prediction, and mathematical language.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue building foundational literacy and math skills by integrating these materials into more complex tasks. We are beginning to connect CVC spelling to sentence writing, using the games as a bridge from decoding to written expression. In math, students are applying their understanding of time and numbers to real-world problems and collaborative challenges. Thanks to your generosity, my students are not only learning essential skills, they are building confidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1761705649957,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-math-reading-games/9545914/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning: Math & Reading Games for Engaged Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bradford","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6047310_orig.jpg?crop=736,736,x48,y12&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1574360850469","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6047310"},{"teacherId":9986267,"projectId":9215992,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generous support of my project last year. Because of your kindness, my Pre-K Students had the opportunity to celebrate one of their very first milestones in a way that was truly unforgettable. With your help, we were able to provide caps and gowns for every child in our class, giving them a sense of pride, accomplishment, and belonging that will stay with them as they continue their educational journey.\r\n\r\nThe school being a Title 1 campus has a majority of families who face financial challenges. Many of my students come from low-income households. While they are deeply committed to their children's education, the cost of extras such as graduation attire is usually something that is out of reach. Thanks to your generosity, families did not have to worry about this additional expense and were instead, able to enjoy the moment fully and watch their child walk across the stage confidently and excitedly. The photos they received of their child in their caps and gowns is something they will remember and keep for years to come. \r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students, their families, and myself, I want to extend my deepest appreciation. We could not have made this happen without your generosity. Thank you for investing in my students' future and for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1743860251442,"projectUrl":"project/caps-gowns-and-dreams-for-my-prek-stud/9215992/","projectTitle":"Caps, Gowns, and Dreams for My PreK Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Woodall","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9986267_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1743120813391","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9986267"},{"teacherId":6047310,"projectId":9038307,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Hands-on Learning: Math Games and Manipulatives project! When the materials arrived, my students were thrilled—many immediately began exploring the math tools with curiosity and excitement. As newcomers and English learners, having visual and tactile resources made a huge difference in their understanding.\r\n\r\nOne powerful moment was during a place value lesson when a student who usually struggles exclaimed, \"Oh! I get it now!\" The manipulatives helped turn confusion into confidence.\r\n\r\nWe'll continue using these tools as we explore fractions and geometry next. Your generosity has made math meaningful and fun for my students. Thank you","fullyFundedDate":1742943876671,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-math-games-and-manipu/9038307/","projectTitle":"Hands-on Learning: Math Games and Manipulatives","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bradford","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6047310_orig.jpg?crop=736,736,x48,y12&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1574360850469","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6047310"},{"teacherId":5096202,"projectId":9057421,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my project, \"Responding to Literature Creatively.\" My students have been reading many books in the library. Each grade read a different novel, and each had its craft and activity. One of the activities was to create a leprechaun trap after reading \"How to Catch a Leprechaun\" by Ryan T. Higgins. The glue dots, glue, tape, and other materials purchased through Donors Choose helped their visions come true. \r\n\r\nStudents enjoy using clipboards for scavenger hunts, questionnaires, and making wish lists for the Book Fair. When students have the opportunity to write on something as cool as colorful clipboards and have neon erasers on their pencils, they are incentivized to write. The Pre-K students used dot markers for their scavenger hunt. Every time we use crayons, whiteboard markers, and dot markers, we are building their writing muscles. My students enjoyed the creative activities that were connected to the stories they had read.","fullyFundedDate":1741794303975,"projectUrl":"project/responding-to-literature-creatively/9057421/","projectTitle":"Responding to Literature Creatively","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. LOMAS Tomlinson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5096202_orig.png?crop=351,351,x25,y45&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753905736244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5096202"},{"teacherId":9621799,"projectId":8984127,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to my classroom. Integrating games and puzzles into number learning has had a significant impact on student engagement and understanding. By using ten-frames and other visual, hands-on tools, students are able to make concrete connections between numbers and their representations. These materials transform abstract number concepts into something tangible and enjoyable, which enhances both comprehension and retention. When learning feels like play, students are more willing to participate and are often more motivated to explore mathematical concepts deeply.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, incorporating these materials into small group instruction provides valuable opportunities for differentiation. Students who may struggle with number recognition or counting skills can receive targeted support in a low-pressure, enjoyable setting. The flexibility of these resources allows for repeated practice in various formats, reinforcing skills through repetition without boredom. Overall, these tools create a positive learning environment where students build confidence and develop a strong foundational understanding of numbers.","fullyFundedDate":1735763532398,"projectUrl":"project/learning-numbers-through-games/8984127/","projectTitle":"Learning Numbers through Games","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fabian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9621799_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x218,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725043693152","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9621799"},{"teacherId":9621799,"projectId":8545130,"letterContent":"The use of vocabulary games and centers significantly enhanced my students' learning experience by providing them with a dynamic and engaging way to expand their vocabulary and improve spelling skills. By integrating games into their vocabulary lessons, students will have the opportunity to not only learn new words but also test each other's knowledge in a fun, interactive environment. This peer-to-peer interaction encourages collaboration and deepens their understanding of the words they are learning. The incorporation of games also promotes healthy competition, which can motivate students to study harder and retain more vocabulary.\r\n\r\nMoreover, these learning games will appeal to students' natural love for play while reinforcing important academic skills. The playful, hands-on approach makes learning vocabulary more enjoyable, transforming a traditionally tedious task into something exciting and memorable. By setting up these games in a well-planned space that caters to various learning needs, I can ensure that every student is engaged and challenged at their level. This fostered a classroom atmosphere where students are eager to participate, learn, and improve their vocabulary in a way that feels both fun and rewarding.","fullyFundedDate":1733193047102,"projectUrl":"project/fun-with-vocabulary/8545130/","projectTitle":"Fun with Vocabulary","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fabian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9621799_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x218,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725043693152","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9621799"},{"teacherId":6047310,"projectId":8677294,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing my class with a Google Nest Hub! We have set up a special center in our classroom where students are actively using it to ask questions and explore new information. The Hub has become an exciting tool for integrating technology into our daily learning, helping students develop critical thinking and research skills. It's wonderful to see their curiosity and confidence grow as they navigate this technology independently. Your generosity is truly making a difference in our classroom, and we are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1733278502153,"projectUrl":"project/ask-and-get-answersgoogle-for-the-cla/8677294/","projectTitle":"Ask and Get Answers...Google for the Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bradford","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6047310_orig.jpg?crop=736,736,x48,y12&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1574360850469","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6047310"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_82413","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":450,"numTeachers":34,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":6,"percentLatinx":72,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":59.4,"schoolId":82413,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about La Mesa Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"La Mesa Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/new-mexico/albuquerque-public-schools/la-mesa-elementary-school/82413"}