{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Laura Steele Montessori Academy","outOfStateSupporters":17.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8805695,"projectId":8545035,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support in funding our hospital-grade thermometer last year. As the school nurse, having this level of accuracy and reliability has been invaluable. \r\n\r\nWith this thermometer, I am able to quickly and precisely assess students who aren't feeling well, helping me make decisions about whether they can safely remain in class or need to go home. \r\n\r\nIn addition, it has brought peace of mind for me, our students, staff, and parents.\r\n\r\nYour generosity directly supports not only student wellness, but also their ability to stay in school and learn. Thank you for being part of our mission to create safe, nurturing, and healthy environment for every child.","fullyFundedDate":1723651677202,"projectUrl":"project/clinic-thermometer/8545035/","projectTitle":"Clinic Thermometer","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tiffany","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8805695_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666202341810","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/nurse-tiffany"},{"teacherId":7831683,"projectId":9125913,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Crafting Calm project. The new yarn has been a huge help in keeping our crochet time going strong. Students were excited to see the new colors and have jumped right into their projects. Many look forward to this time each week as a creative break, and their desire to learn grows.\r\n\r\nThis semester, we're also excited to kick off our first after-school crochet club. We already have a full group of students signed up, and they're eager to keep learning and creating together. It's been great to see so much interest grow from something that started as a small classroom activity.\r\n\r\nThe candle-making activity has been a calming and meaningful experience for a small group of students who benefit from sensory-focused work. It's been a great addition, and I'm looking forward to building on that success.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us give students creative opportunities to express themselves and develop their talents.","fullyFundedDate":1746783048061,"projectUrl":"project/crafting-calm-yarn-and-candle-making-fo/9125913/","projectTitle":"Crafting Calm: Yarn and Candle Making for Student Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7831683"},{"teacherId":7831683,"projectId":9538343,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, we now have a dedicated mindfulness wellness room—a calm, welcoming space. In this room, I am able to use my training to guide students through mindful movements that help them become aware of their physical selves and emotions with kindness and focus.\r\n\r\nWhen students first step inside, their eyes widen in awe—especially when they see the soft, cozy rug surrounded by floor pillows, creating an inviting spot for mindful breathing and emotional balance.\r\n\r\nEach week, I meet with every class in this special space, leading breathing exercises, gentle stretches, mindful listening, and compassion-focused conversations. While mindfulness takes practice to develop, having this safe and comfortable room gives students a place to begin and continue their learning journey at their own pace.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just provide items; it created the space that makes this important work possible. We are so grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1758842323288,"projectUrl":"project/breathing-for-compassion-creating-a-wel/9538343/","projectTitle":"Breathing for Compassion: Creating a Wellness Room for Mindfulness","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7831683"},{"teacherId":10264229,"projectId":9718170,"letterContent":"My students and I used our new resource to explore Newton's laws of motion. My students were ecstatic when they learned that they would be making scooters with the Hall's cars and balloons.\r\n\r\nThey were able to explore a hands on experience called, \"How can you use Newton's laws of motion to win a race?\" They were excited to use the Hall's cars and the weights to see the impact of the scooter's performance that they personally built. They calculated speed, acceleration, and force on their scooters. \r\n\r\nThe next steps for our students is to analyze and interpret data and talk about how Newton's laws of motion impact us in the real world.\r\n\r\nWe are appreciative of this kind gift from our donor.","fullyFundedDate":1758233027414,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-newtons-laws-of-motion/9718170/","projectTitle":"Exploring Newton's Laws of Motion","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Irene","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10264229_orig.jpg?crop=1920,1920,x0,y115&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758015461540","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10264229"},{"teacherId":9495076,"projectId":9124751,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been buzzing with excitement—literally! The new metal insects, number cards, and sensory table materials have completely transformed the way my students engage with math and sensory exploration. From the moment they saw the shiny insect figures and tactile number cards, their eyes lit up with curiosity and joy. One student exclaimed, \"Are these real?!\" while another immediately began sorting the insects by size and color without any prompting.\r\n\r\nWe've used the materials in a variety of ways. One highlight was a hands-on math station where students counted and matched the insects to the corresponding number cards, strengthening their number recognition and fine motor skills at the same time. Others created imaginative bug habitats in the sensory bin while practicing patterns and sequencing. The multisensory approach has really helped some of my learners who need more tactile input to stay engaged and grasp early math concepts.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're building on this momentum by incorporating storytelling into our sensory table play. Students are beginning to write or dictate short \"bug adventure\" stories based on what they create in the bin, blending literacy with STEM and sensory learning. Your donation didn't just bring materials into our classroom—it sparked new ways to learn, explore, and grow. Thank you for believing in our students and helping create such a magical, meaningful learning space.","fullyFundedDate":1746783055680,"projectUrl":"project/equipping-future-leaders-life-skills-fo/9124751/","projectTitle":"Equipping Future Leaders: Life Skills for the Next Generation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Justine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9495076"},{"teacherId":9495076,"projectId":8277654,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom welcomed a very special new member a bearded dragon! From the moment our students saw the terrarium set up and met our new scaly friend, the excitement was electric. Many had never seen a reptile up close before, and it sparked curiosity and joy instantly. The bearded dragon has become a daily highlight, and students have taken on the responsibility of feeding, misting, and observing it as part of their science and life skills lessons.\r\n\r\nWe recently completed a project where students researched the natural habitat, diet, and behaviors of bearded dragons. This hands-on experience has truly brought learning to life in our classroom.\r\n\r\nNext, we're working on a long-term observation journal where students will track our dragon's growth and behaviors, connecting their findings to broader lessons on ecosystems and animal adaptations. This project has not only enhanced engagement but also fostered empathy and responsibility. Thank you for helping us create such a unique and meaningful learning environment!","fullyFundedDate":1711138000146,"projectUrl":"project/beardie-fund-fire-inspired-montessori-c/8277654/","projectTitle":"Beardie Fund: Fire Inspired Montessori Classroom Pet","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Justine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9495076"},{"teacherId":9935573,"projectId":9142549,"letterContent":"I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous support — thanks to you, our classroom has been transformed in ways that are already making a big difference in my students' learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThe moment the materials arrived, there was an immediate buzz of excitement. My students were practically bouncing with curiosity as we unpacked the boxes together. One student said, \"It feels like our classroom just leveled up!\" That moment alone was unforgettable — and it was all because of you.","fullyFundedDate":1746783042173,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-minds-building-life-skills-w/9142549/","projectTitle":"Empowering Minds: Building Life Skills with Montessori Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elizabeth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9935573"},{"teacherId":8532084,"projectId":8466159,"letterContent":"The enjoyment that my children experienced opening the Encyclopedia set was palpable. They couldn't believe that these beautiful books were for them to use, enjoy, and learn even more from.\r\nThe beauty of it is - children from other classes come in and ask to borrow them. So who is being impacted by these encyclopedias is not limited just to my class.\r\nThe class photo showing children laying on the rug writing, was a lesson that I was giving on research using hard cover books! It was expressing the importance of going to our books for research first and being able to identify valid sources for information collection. We toured the encyclopedias, noticing details, the smell of a new book, how real the images looked, and that it is in alphabetical order.\r\nMy heart was filled. They were \"ok\" going to a book first, before their laptops, because they wanted to see what they would find.\r\nThank you donors, especially the Montgomery Family Fund for bring this precious gift to room 208.\r\nPeace, Love, Light,\r\nMs. Tielsa\r\nSteele Public Montessori","fullyFundedDate":1726491881034,"projectUrl":"project/children-seeking-world-knowledge/8466159/","projectTitle":"Children Seeking World Knowledge","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tielsa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8532084_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y24&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659697397261","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-tielsa"},{"teacherId":8748420,"projectId":8867384,"letterContent":"We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous contribution to our classroom gardening project through DonorsChoose. Your donation of seeds, tools, and gardening supplies made an incredible impact on our students and helped turn our vision of a student-led garden into a vibrant, hands-on learning experience.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we were able to transform an unused outdoor space into a thriving garden where students planted, observed, and cared for a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The moment the materials arrived, our students were filled with excitement and curiosity. They carefully unpacked the seed packets, examined the tools, and began making plans for what they wanted to grow. The garden quickly became a favorite part of their school day.\r\n\r\nThroughout the season, students took ownership of the garden by preparing the soil, planting the seeds, watering the beds, and keeping track of growth. They worked together to measure rainfall, monitor sunlight, and record changes in the plants' development. Every sprout that broke through the soil brought a sense of pride and wonder. For many of our students, this was their first time ever growing something from seed to harvest.\r\n\r\nIn addition to learning about plant life cycles, soil composition, and environmental responsibility, our students practiced essential skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance. They learned that gardening requires patience, care, and dedication—and that even small actions can lead to big results over time. The project naturally integrated with our science, math, and writing lessons. Students wrote journals documenting their observations, calculated the spacing of seeds using multiplication, and explored composting and sustainability in real life.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful outcomes of this project was the sense of pride it brought to our students. They felt empowered knowing that they could grow their own food and contribute to something that the whole school could enjoy. We even had enough produce to share with families and use in our classroom cooking lessons. The garden became more than just a place to learn; it became a place of connection, joy, and discovery.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just provide materials—it planted confidence, sparked curiosity, and nurtured a love for learning. We saw students who were previously shy or reluctant to engage in class come to life in the garden, excited to share their findings and offer help to their peers. It was truly inspiring to witness.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly thankful for your generosity and belief in our students. This project wouldn't have been possible without you. Your support made a lasting difference in our classroom and in the hearts of our young gardeners. From all of us—thank you for helping our garden grow.","fullyFundedDate":1729091757471,"projectUrl":"project/seeds-of-knowledge-a-school-garden-proj/8867384/","projectTitle":"Seeds of Knowledge: A School Garden Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jasmine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8748420_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1679416329007","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8748420"},{"teacherId":4563930,"projectId":9111011,"letterContent":"Having my DonorsChoose project fully funded has had a transformative impact on my classroom. The new reading materials have directly supported my students' ability to access high-interest, developmentally appropriate texts—meeting them where they are while encouraging them to grow. In a Montessori environment where student choice and independence are essential, these new resources have given students more opportunities to take ownership of their learning and deepen their engagement with reading.\r\n\r\nThe addition of these materials has also strengthened my ability to differentiate instruction. With a diverse range of texts and comprehension tools, I can better meet the needs of students who are building foundational skills, while still challenging those who are ready for more complex reading tasks. This aligns closely with the Montessori philosophy of individualized learning and helps each child progress at their own pace with confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1739495056856,"projectUrl":"project/reading-success-engaging-resources-uppe/9111011/","projectTitle":"Reading Success: Engaging Resources Upper Elementary","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4563930_orig.jpg?crop=956,956,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1679630812775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4563930"},{"teacherId":7831683,"projectId":9081840,"letterContent":"On June 23, 2025, I completed the Breathe For Change 200-hour Digital Mindfulness, SEL, and Yoga Teacher Training. This program gave me two certifications: Social-Emotional Learning Facilitator (SEL*F) and 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification (CYT-200).\r\n\r\nThe training has given me practical tools to better support my work as a school counselor and helped me focus on finding balance in my daily routine. I learned the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and creating space for both myself and my students to grow. The live sessions and small group check-ins were really helpful, offering connection and support along the way. I learned to value progress — even the small steps — over perfection, to remember that each student grows in their own time and space, and to lead with grace when students may not want to participate or feel ready to engage with the support offered in the moment.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping make this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1740183405693,"projectUrl":"project/restorative-yoga-for-students-easing-mi/9081840/","projectTitle":"Restorative Yoga for Students: Easing Minds, Building Resilience, and Thriving","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7831683"},{"teacherId":4563930,"projectId":9095423,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for your generous donation that allowed us to purchase a charging station for our classroom. Your support has made a significant impact on our daily learning experience.\r\n\r\nWith this new charging station, our students can keep their devices charged and ready for lessons without interruptions. It has helped us stay organized, ensuring that technology is always available for research, reading activities, and interactive learning. The frustration of missing out due to a dead battery is now a thing of the past!\r\n\r\nYour kindness has created a more efficient and engaging learning environment for our students. Thank you for investing in their education and making a real difference in our classroom. We truly appreciate your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1739371420395,"projectUrl":"project/charging-up-learning-a-charging-station/9095423/","projectTitle":"Charging Up Learning: A Charging Station for an Organized Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4563930_orig.jpg?crop=956,956,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1679630812775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4563930"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_124962","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":365,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":84,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 7","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":82.7,"schoolId":124962,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Laura Steele Montessori Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Laura Steele Montessori Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/san-antonio-independent-school-district/laura-steele-montessori-academy/124962"}