{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Lakewood Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":16.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":9471324,"letterContent":"When the boxes for this project arrived, the excitement in our classroom was contagious! My first-grade bilingual students couldn't wait to help unpack and set up our new charging stations, rainbow trays, and dry erase clipboards. Each item has quickly become part of our daily routine and has transformed the way we learn, organize, and create together.\r\n\r\nThe ORICO 10-Port Charging Stations have made a huge difference in how we manage technology. Our tablets, used for bilingual literacy apps, e-books, and digital math lessons, now charge neatly in one place. Students no longer have to wait for a working device—everything is charged, ready, and organized for learning time. This has saved valuable class minutes and built responsibility as students take turns managing the charging station.\r\n\r\nThe dry erase clipboards have brought new energy to our reading and math lessons. Students love using them to write, solve problems, and share their thinking during small groups or while sitting around the carpet. The ability to write and erase freely helps them take risks and learn from mistakes—without fear. The rainbow turn-in trays have made organization a breeze. Each color represents a subject area, making it easy for students to submit their work and keep materials tidy.\r\n\r\nThese resources have not only improved classroom efficiency but have also encouraged independence and pride. My bilingual students are writing more, staying more organized, and confidently switching between English and Spanish. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is brighter, smoother-running, and more joyful every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1753035546039,"projectUrl":"project/write-wipe-repeat-tools-that-spark-yo/9471324/","projectTitle":"Write. Wipe. Repeat! Tools that Spark Young Writers.","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":9484197,"letterContent":"When the materials from this project arrived, my students' eyes lit up with excitement! The new document camera, dry erase markers, and organization tools have completely transformed how we learn each day. The document camera allows every child to see exactly what I'm modeling—whether it's writing a sentence, solving a math problem, or analyzing a text together. It has made lessons more interactive and accessible for all learners, especially those who benefit from visual examples.\r\n\r\nThe colorful dry erase markers have become one of my students' favorite tools. They love writing on their whiteboards to show their thinking during math and literacy lessons. The instant feedback helps them build confidence, and the colors make learning feel fun and engaging. Our hanging file organizers now keep classroom materials neat and easy to find, so students can quickly grab what they need and transition smoothly from one activity to the next.\r\n\r\nOne of my quietest students has truly blossomed since we began using the document camera. She loves coming up to share her writing with the class, and seeing her work projected has boosted her pride and confidence. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom feels more efficient, engaging, and joyful. Every day, your gift reminds my students that people believe in their learning—and that makes all the difference.","fullyFundedDate":1753543786318,"projectUrl":"project/lights-camera-action/9484197/","projectTitle":"Lights! Camera! 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":9281545,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is thriving with new bilingual resources from Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT). These digital and printable materials have given my first graders engaging lessons in both English and Spanish that are tailored to their learning needs. Instead of spending hours recreating materials, I can now provide my students with high-quality, research-based activities that reinforce phonics, vocabulary, and math in ways that are both fun and rigorous.\r\n\r\nWhat excites the students most is the variety. Some lessons feel like games—colorful task cards, interactive slides, and hands-on activities—that make practicing essential skills feel like play. One group loves using the interactive digital centers, where they can drag, drop, and check their answers instantly. Another student who usually struggles with reading has blossomed because the bilingual TPT passages give her the confidence to practice in both languages. She proudly shared, \"¡Mira, lo puedo leer en inglés y en español!\" (\"Look, I can read it in English and Spanish!\").\r\n\r\nThese resources are more than just worksheets or slides—they're bridges that connect both languages while keeping students motivated and engaged. The TPT lessons have given my bilingual learners tools to see themselves as capable scholars in two languages, and that is truly empowering. Your support has made it possible for them to grow academically and proudly embrace their bilingual voices","fullyFundedDate":1746578123344,"projectUrl":"project/bilingual-learning-boost-with-tpt-resour/9281545/","projectTitle":"Bilingual Learning Boost with TPT Resources","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":9115110,"letterContent":"When the laminating pouches and sensory lights arrived, I got right to work creating reusable task cards for my students. These laminated cards are now at the center of our math and literacy rotations, giving students endless opportunities to practice, erase, and try again without the fear of making mistakes. The durability has made the activities feel professional and important to the kids, and they love grabbing their dry-erase markers to dive in.\r\n\r\nThe sensory lights have transformed our classroom atmosphere. During centers, small group instruction, or calm-down time, the gentle glow provides a sense of comfort and focus. Students who are usually restless or anxious have noticeably warmed to the lights. One child told me, \"It feels like the room is hugging me,\" which captures perfectly how these lights help create a safe, calming learning space.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for students is that learning feels both fun and special. The reusable task cards turn skill practice into a game, and the sensory lights set the stage for a welcoming environment. Together, these resources have boosted engagement and joy in learning, while giving my bilingual first graders tools to build confidence, resilience, and independence. Thanks to your generosity, they are truly shining brighter every day.","fullyFundedDate":1746465934780,"projectUrl":"project/bright-minds-reusable-task-cards-sens/9115110/","projectTitle":"Bright Minds: Reusable Task Cards & Sensory Lights for Engagement","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":9401867,"letterContent":"When our new lap desks and identity tools arrived, the excitement in our classroom was undeniable. Students rushed to choose their spot on the carpet or at a quiet corner, proud to have a desk of their own to carry anywhere. For many of my bilingual first graders, these lap desks gave them not just flexibility, but also a sense of ownership over their learning.\r\n\r\nOne moment that stood out was during our bilingual writing workshop. Students were writing \"Yo soy / I am\" poems to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. With the lap desks, they were able to move around, sit next to a partner, and share ideas without being tied to one space. A few students even told me, \"Ahora me siento como un escritor de verdad\" (\"Now I feel like a real writer\"). It was beautiful to see how the simple act of providing a portable workspace empowered them to see themselves as authors with important voices.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first came in, the room was filled with gasps and clapping. Several students hugged their lap desks like they were treasures. The identity tools—mirrors, labels, and bilingual frames—sparked important conversations about who we are and why our voices matter in two languages. These resources have become more than tools; they are symbols of respect for each child's identity.\r\n\r\nNext, we are using the lap desks as part of our \"Math Jungle Safari\" classroom transformation. Students will take their lap desks on a learning adventure, solving addition and subtraction word problems in small groups scattered around the room. These resources are giving us the freedom to make learning mobile, creative, and engaging every single day.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students feel seen, valued, and equipped to learn in both English and Spanish. You've given them not just supplies—but the message that their voices truly matter.","fullyFundedDate":1749605142616,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-bilingual-voices-with-lap-des/9401867/","projectTitle":"Empowering Bilingual Voices With Lap Desks & Identity Tools","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":9042841,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous support of our project, **\"Boost First Grade Learning by Utilizing Laminating Sheets and Cardstock!\"** Thanks to you, our classroom is now better equipped to create durable, engaging, and sustainable learning tools that are making a real difference every day.\r\n\r\nCardstock and laminating sheets have quickly become vital resources in our learning environment. With your donation, I've been able to design vibrant flashcards, instructional games, vocabulary charts, and visual aids that are not only interactive and hands-on but also strong enough to withstand daily use by eager first-grade hands. Lamination has extended the life of these materials, allowing us to reuse them throughout the year and focus our energy on fostering creativity and dynamic learning experiences.\r\n\r\nIn our dual-language classroom, these tools have had an even deeper impact. Learning to read, write, and think in two languages requires frequent reinforcement, and laminated resources provide my students with easy, daily reference points that support their growth in both English and Spanish. They accommodate a range of learning styles—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—ensuring that every child can access the curriculum in a way that suits them best.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your gift is helping my students build confidence, celebrate their bilingual abilities, and achieve academic success in both languages. Your support is not just preserving paper; it's preserving dreams, possibilities, and the belief that their hard work will take them far.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart (and from my brilliant bilingual first graders), thank you for making a lasting impact on our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1738795048620,"projectUrl":"project/boost-first-grade-learning-by-utilizing/9042841/","projectTitle":"Boost First Grade Learning by Utilizing Laminating Sheets and Cardstock!","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":960,"numTeachers":53,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":76,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":14,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"18.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":83.1,"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"}