{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Lakewood Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":19.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":10388695,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting \"Building Bilingual Readers, One Resource at a Time!\" The technology you've helped bring into our classroom gives my first graders another way to strengthen their reading skills in both English and Spanish. Students can listen, practice, respond, and receive immediate feedback while working at a level that meets their individual needs. It also allows me to work with small groups while other students stay actively engaged in meaningful, independent learning.\r\n\r\nMy students especially enjoy the independence the technology gives them. They love putting on their headphones, getting started on their own, and seeing their progress. I've been especially excited to see students who need more repetition warm up to these resources. They can practice a skill more than once without feeling rushed or comparing themselves to classmates. For some students, that private practice has helped them become more confident when it's time to read or participate with the group.\r\n\r\nWe'll continue using these resources alongside books, hands-on phonics activities, writing, and small-group instruction. Technology doesn't replace those experiences. It gives my bilingual learners another tool to practice, build confidence, and take greater ownership of their learning. Thank you for helping us build stronger, more independent readers one resource at a time!","fullyFundedDate":1784659759361,"projectUrl":"project/building-bilingual-readers-one-resource/10388695/","projectTitle":"Building Bilingual Readers, One Resource at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":10310581,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting \"Building Stories, Growing Bilingual Voices!\" These resources are helping my first graders discover that they already have stories worth telling. We use the materials during writing to help students think about characters, setting, and events before putting their ideas on paper. Having visual and hands-on supports has made storytelling feel much more approachable, especially for young bilingual writers who may have an idea but are still developing the language to express it.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments has been watching students share their stories with a partner. They use the resources to plan their ideas, create illustrations, and then practice telling their story aloud before writing. They were so excited when they first saw the new materials, and that excitement has carried into our writing time. Even students who once said they didn't know what to write about are beginning to understand that their own experiences and imaginations can become stories.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll continue developing these stories by adding more details, putting events in order, and strengthening our beginnings and endings. Students will also practice sharing their work with others using an appropriate voice and listening to their classmates' stories. Thank you for helping my students grow not only as bilingual writers, but also as confident storytellers who know their voices matter.","fullyFundedDate":1781150153086,"projectUrl":"project/building-stories-growing-bilingual-voic/10310581/","projectTitle":"Building Stories, Growing Bilingual Voices","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":10256651,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting \"STEAM Exploradores: Bilingual Builders in Action!\" These materials have brought hands-on problem-solving into our first-grade classroom. My students use them to plan, build, test, and improve their creations while working in small teams. From the moment they saw the new materials, they were ready to build! What feels like play to them becomes an opportunity to practice creativity, communication, teamwork, and perseverance.\r\n\r\nOne of the best parts has been watching students realize that a design doesn't have to work the first time. During our building challenges, they make a plan, begin constructing, test their creation, and figure out what needs to change. I hear them discussing ideas, negotiating with teammates, and encouraging each other to try again. As a Dual Language class, these experiences also give my students a natural reason to use and develop their language while explaining their thinking and working together.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll take on more challenging STEAM projects that require students to create blueprints, choose materials intentionally, measure, test their designs, and reflect on what they would change. Thank you for giving my students the opportunity to become curious explorers, creative builders, and confident problem-solvers in both languages!","fullyFundedDate":1779067046040,"projectUrl":"project/steam-exploradores-bilingual-builders-i/10256651/","projectTitle":"STEAM Exploradores: Bilingual Builders in Action!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":10191901,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting \"Building Thinkers: STEAM Stations in a Dual Language Classroom!\" My first graders have been using these materials to design, build, test, and improve their ideas while working together in small teams. The excitement was immediate when they saw the materials. To them, it looked like play, but they were actually practicing problem-solving, communication, perseverance, and teamwork.\r\n\r\nOne of our favorite experiences has been our STEAM building challenges. Students receive a challenge, create a plan, and then work with their team to bring their idea to life. I love watching them discover that their first design doesn't always work. Instead of giving up, they make changes and try again. They're learning to listen to one another, explain their thinking, and understand that there can be more than one solution to the same problem.\r\n\r\nThese materials will continue to be part of our STEAM stations and team-building challenges throughout the year. As students become more confident, the challenges will become more complex and require more planning, testing, measuring, and explaining. Your support has given my students a space to be curious, creative, and willing to try again. Thank you for helping me build not just better students, but young thinkers and problem-solvers.","fullyFundedDate":1778115108374,"projectUrl":"project/building-thinkers-steam-stations-in-a-d/10191901/","projectTitle":"Building Thinkers: STEAM Stations in a Dual Language Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":10456331,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting \"Building Words, Building Bilingual Readers!\" Your generosity has given my first graders hands-on tools they can use every day as they learn to read and write in two languages. The students were so excited when they first saw the new materials and couldn't wait to start using them. Instead of only seeing letters and words on a page, they can now touch, move, build, take apart, and rebuild words as they practice the skills we're learning.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments has been watching students work together to build words and sound them out. They move the letters, listen carefully to each sound, make changes, and try again. These simple activities are helping them understand how words work while building the confidence to take risks as readers. They're also learning that making a mistake is simply part of figuring out a new word.\r\n\r\nWe'll continue using these materials throughout the year as our phonics skills become more complex. Students will move from building simple words to working with new spelling patterns, syllables, and increasingly challenging words in both languages. Thank you for giving my students resources they can use again and again as they grow into confident bilingual readers.","fullyFundedDate":1786254951157,"projectUrl":"project/building-words-building-bilingual-reade/10456331/","projectTitle":"Building Words, Building Bilingual Readers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":10204285,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting \"Organized Minds, Engaged Learners: Building Independent Station Success!\" These resources are helping my first graders become more independent during our learning stations. Students know where to find their materials, what they need for each activity, and where everything belongs when they're finished. That organization may seem simple, but for six- and seven-year-olds, it makes a huge difference. They can spend less time looking for materials and more time actually learning.\r\n\r\nMy students especially love being able to manage their stations on their own. I've watched them become more confident about getting started, solving small problems, and helping one another without immediately needing an adult. This independence also allows me to work closely with small groups while the rest of the class stays engaged in meaningful practice.\r\n\r\nWe'll continue building these routines throughout the year as our station activities become more challenging. The goal is for students to take greater ownership of their learning and understand that being organized and responsible helps our entire classroom succeed. Thank you for giving us the tools to create a classroom where even our youngest learners can say, \"I know what to do, and I can do it!\"","fullyFundedDate":1778000238950,"projectUrl":"project/organized-minds-engaged-learners-build/10204285/","projectTitle":"Organized Minds, Engaged Learners: Building Independent Station Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":10009404,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my first graders now have hands-on materials that make math come alive in our classroom. The building bricks have become an exciting way for students to explore numbers, practice counting, and model addition and subtraction. Instead of only seeing numbers on paper, students are able to physically build, combine, and break apart numbers, which helps them develop a deeper understanding of how numbers work. This type of hands-on learning is especially powerful for young learners and for my dual language students, who benefit from seeing and touching mathematical ideas while developing vocabulary in both English and Spanish.\r\nWhen the bricks first arrived, the excitement in our classroom was immediate. Students were eager to start building and quickly discovered that math could feel like solving a fun challenge. They proudly showed their number towers, compared quantities, and worked together to solve problems. The materials naturally encouraged collaboration and discussion as students explained their thinking to one another.\r\nThese resources have helped many students who were hesitant about math become more confident learners. Some students who previously struggled to explain their reasoning now use the bricks to show their thinking step by step. Watching them build a number, break it apart, and proudly say, \"I solved it!\" has been incredibly rewarding. Your support has helped create a classroom where math is engaging, accessible, and joyful for every student. We are deeply grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1768943128689,"projectUrl":"project/building-number-sense-one-brick-at-a-ti/10009404/","projectTitle":"Building Number Sense, One Brick at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":9965178,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students were able to experience Lunar New Year in a way that was interactive, meaningful, and memorable. The technology and resources from this project helped bring culture and learning together in our dual language classroom. Students used the materials to listen to stories, explore cultural traditions, and engage with activities that connected reading, vocabulary, and social studies in both English and Spanish. Technology allowed students to hear authentic stories and language, see visuals of celebrations around the world, and deepen their understanding through interactive learning.\r\nWhat excited my students the most was how the materials helped transform our classroom into a space where they could truly explore the celebration. They were fascinated by the stories, music, and visuals connected to Lunar New Year, and many students eagerly shared connections between the traditions we studied and celebrations in their own families. The resources allowed students to participate actively instead of simply reading about the holiday.\r\nSeveral students who are often quieter during whole-group lessons especially thrived during these activities. With the support of the technology and visuals, they felt confident participating, asking questions, and sharing their observations in both English and Spanish. These moments reminded me how powerful culturally connected learning can be. Your generosity helped create an experience that strengthened language development, cultural awareness, and a sense of curiosity in my first graders, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1766595933977,"projectUrl":"project/lets-explore-lunar-new-year-a-dual-lan/9965178/","projectTitle":"Let’s Explore Lunar New Year: a Dual Language Celebration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":9931372,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my first graders now have engaging screen-free activities that encourage creativity, collaboration, and problem solving. These materials have quickly become part of our daily classroom routines. Students use them during indoor recess, early finisher time, and small group rotations. I have already seen students working together to build structures, solve puzzles, and invent games while practicing patience, communication, and teamwork. These moments may look like play, but they are powerful opportunities for students to develop critical thinking and social skills.\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement in our classroom was incredible. My students immediately gathered around to explore the new activities and were eager to try everything. Many of them naturally began collaborating, asking classmates for help, and celebrating when they solved a challenge together. It was wonderful to see how quickly they engaged with the materials and how proud they felt when they figured things out on their own.\r\nMoving forward, these resources will continue to support our classroom community by giving students healthy, creative ways to recharge their minds while still learning. My goal is to incorporate more collaborative problem-solving challenges and structured play opportunities that strengthen perseverance and teamwork. Because of your support, my students have meaningful ways to learn, create, and grow together—even when we step away from screens. We are truly grateful for your generosity and for believing in our students.","fullyFundedDate":1764688256509,"projectUrl":"project/screen-free-indoor-fun-for-growing-minds/9931372/","projectTitle":"Screen-Free Indoor Fun for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":9810306,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, \"Organized Minds, Bilingual Hearts\" has made an immediate and meaningful impact in our classroom. The classroom headphones have transformed the way my students engage with technology. During I-Ready lessons and our bilingual literacy programs, students are now able to focus deeply without distractions. The technology allows them to practice phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and math skills at their individual levels, giving them instant feedback and targeted support. In a dual language classroom, this personalized learning time is powerful — it strengthens both English and Spanish development while building confidence.\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been the independence these tools provide. They feel responsible and proud when they organize their materials in their mesh pouches and log into their learning programs on their own. What once required constant reminders and troubleshooting now runs smoothly. Transitions are calmer, learning time has increased, and students are more engaged because they feel in control of their space and their progress.\r\nI have especially seen growth in students who sometimes struggle with focus or confidence. With their own headphones, they are able to concentrate, persist through challenges, and experience success at their own pace. Watching their faces light up when they master a skill or move up a level is incredibly rewarding. Your support has helped create a classroom environment where bilingual learning thrives, and every child feels capable, organized, and proud of their growth. We are so grateful for your investment in our students.","fullyFundedDate":1763829030925,"projectUrl":"project/organized-minds-bilingual-hearts/9810306/","projectTitle":"Organized Minds, Bilingual Hearts!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":9559029,"letterContent":"When our \"Bilingual Brilliance\" project was funded, I could hardly wait to share the news with my students! They were overjoyed to know that generous donors like you helped bring new bilingual reading materials to our classroom. With the TPT gift cards, I've been able to select decodable books and comprehension passages that not only match my students' reading levels but also reflect their languages, cultures, and identities.\r\n\r\nThese resources have completely transformed our reading block. Students light up when they see characters who look and sound like them, families who speak both English and Spanish, and stories that reflect their everyday experiences. The culturally meaningful decodable books have helped my beginning readers build fluency and confidence, while the comprehension passages have deepened our discussions and critical thinking skills. My students are reading more often, asking more questions, and most importantly—seeing themselves as capable, joyful bilingual readers.\r\n\r\nOne of my proudest moments came when a student said, \"¡Mira, Ms. Leal! She speaks Spanish like me!\" That connection reminded me how powerful representation is in literacy. Thanks to your generosity, my students are not just learning to read—they're learning to love reading. You have given them the gift of seeing their voices, cultures, and dreams reflected in the pages they turn each day.","fullyFundedDate":1755741278518,"projectUrl":"project/bilingual-brilliance-culturally-meaning/9559029/","projectTitle":"Bilingual Brilliance: Culturally Meaningful Books for Growing Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":9478792,"letterContent":"When the materials for our \"Pointing Towards Success\" project arrived, the excitement in our classroom was priceless! My first graders couldn't wait to hold their brand-new Ticonderoga pencils and colorful individual sharpeners. Something as simple as having their own writing tools has given my students a tremendous sense of pride, ownership, and independence.\r\n\r\nThe AFMAT electric sharpeners have been a game-changer. They keep our pencils perfectly sharpened throughout the day, saving valuable class time and eliminating long lines at the sharpener. Now, students can start writing immediately, staying focused on expressing their ideas in both English and Spanish. The individual manual sharpeners have also empowered them to take care of their materials and be responsible for their learning tools.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this project so special is how much confidence it has built in my young writers. Even students who once hesitated to begin their work now pick up their pencils with enthusiasm, knowing they're prepared to succeed. They proudly write sentences, solve math problems, and draw their ideas without interruption.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, we've turned a small classroom need into a big learning win. My bilingual students are now more focused, independent, and excited to learn every day. These simple tools truly sharpen not just pencils—but minds, creativity, and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1753159767531,"projectUrl":"project/pointing-towards-success-pencils-and-sh/9478792/","projectTitle":"Pointing Towards Success: Pencils and Sharpeners for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_12394","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1075,"numTeachers":53,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":75,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":14,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"20.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":80.9,"schoolId":12394,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Lakewood Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Lakewood Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/dallas-independent-school-district/lakewood-elementary-school/12394"}