{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Lisa Academy West Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":45.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5420727,"projectId":9648375,"letterContent":"Our new classroom set of mice has already made a huge difference in how confidently and efficiently my students work each day. Many people use technology at home, but in a classroom the needs are a little different. For my students, having their own mice means they can navigate lessons more easily, highlight text accurately, and stay focused on learning rather than fighting with a trackpad.\r\n\r\nThe part they're most excited about? Clicking speed. During Blooket review games, they act like they've suddenly become professional gamers. Several students joke that the mice must \"add ten levels\" to their clicking skills because they've never answered questions so fast.\r\n\r\nBeyond the fun moments, these mice matter for long-term learning. They will make future projects like 3D sculpting, digital art, and design work far more accessible. Students will be able to rotate models, sculpt small details, and interact with creation tools in ways that were almost impossible before.\r\n\r\nA few of my English language learners have especially warmed to this new tool, since it makes vocabulary activities, reading supports, and translation features much easier to manage. One even told me, \"I can finally keep up now.\"\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students something small that has made a big impact. Your support continues to open doors for them.","fullyFundedDate":1757541695050,"projectUrl":"project/click-into-learning-a-mouse-for-every-s/9648375/","projectTitle":"Click Into Learning: a Mouse for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Perry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5420727_orig.jpg?crop=724,724,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683563617159","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5420727"},{"teacherId":5420727,"projectId":9648328,"letterContent":"Thank you again for supporting our Headphones for Every Student project. This simple tool has made an enormous difference in our classroom. Many of our students use technology every day at home, but in a school setting the headphones allow them to focus, stay on task, and engage with lessons in a way that wasn't possible before. Whether they are listening to read-alouds, completing online practice, or using translation tools, the ability to work without outside noise has improved both accuracy and confidence.\r\n\r\nThe excitement from students was immediate. Several of them mentioned that it feels easier to \"get into\" their work now that they aren't distracted by everything happening around them. Our English language learners have especially benefited. They can use text-to-speech, listen to vocabulary support, and replay instructions quietly at their own pace. I've already seen students who used to hesitate during reading activities take more risks and participate more because they don't feel lost when instructions move quickly.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular, who often struggled to stay engaged during independent work, now puts on his headphones as soon as he opens his Chromebook. He says it \"helps his brain calm down,\" and his work completion has noticeably improved. Another student who is learning English told me that the headphones make reading feel \"safe\" because she can listen privately without feeling embarrassed.\r\n\r\nThis project may seem small, but it has created a calmer, more focused learning environment and given each student a personal tool they can count on. Thank you for investing in them and helping us build a space where all learners can succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1757423399558,"projectUrl":"project/hear-every-word-learn-every-day/9648328/","projectTitle":"Hear Every Word, Learn Every Day!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Perry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5420727_orig.jpg?crop=724,724,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1683563617159","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5420727"},{"teacherId":9832824,"projectId":9376423,"letterContent":"The Turn Up the Volume: Making Our Music Room Shine project has brought new energy and excitement to every music class. The upgraded instruments, vibrant décor, and improved storage have turned our room into a space that inspires creativity from the moment students walk in. We are using these resources daily for lessons in rhythm, melody, and ensemble playing—everything from recorder practice to small percussion groups now sounds fuller and more polished. One highlight was a recent class composition project where students formed their own mini-bands and proudly performed original pieces using the new instruments.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the refreshed music room, their reactions were priceless—wide eyes, cheers, and spontaneous applause. Many commented that it \"feels like a real music studio,\" and their eagerness to participate grew instantly. The excitement set a positive tone for learning, encouraging even shy students to join in. The improved sound and organization make it easier for everyone to hear and collaborate, strengthening both confidence and teamwork.\r\n\r\nNext, we are preparing for upcoming performances, including our school's winter concert and spring musical, where these new materials will play a key role. Students are already planning ways to feature the instruments and create original accompaniments for songs they love. Thanks to Turn Up the Volume, our music room now truly shines, giving every child the opportunity to learn, create, and share music at a higher level than ever before.","fullyFundedDate":1752586582774,"projectUrl":"project/turn-up-the-volume-making-our-music-roo/9376423/","projectTitle":"Turn Up the Volume: Making Our Music Room Shine!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Block","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9832824_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755190105085","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9832824"},{"teacherId":9832824,"projectId":9393690,"letterContent":"The Interactive Harmony: Elevating Music Education With SMART Technology project has transformed my elementary music classroom into an interactive, student-centered space where music truly comes alive. With the SMART Board and interactive music tools now in place, students can compose, explore, and perform music together in real-time. Lessons on rhythm, melody, and harmony have become vibrant and hands-on, giving every child the opportunity to create and experience music in exciting and meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThis technology supports all types of learners and has strengthened core academic connections. Visual learners watch notes and rhythms animate on the screen, auditory learners immediately hear and refine their creations, and kinesthetic learners engage through touch, movement, and music-based games. These experiences have enhanced creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, while reinforcing proficiency in reading, math, and technology.\r\n\r\nInteractive Harmony has elevated music education for every K–5 student by making learning immersive, inclusive, and future-focused. Students now experiment with original compositions, remix favorite songs, and proudly share their performances with classmates and families. This project has created a 21st-century music lab where every child confidently composes, collaborates, and celebrates music—preparing them for opportunities in both the arts and technology.","fullyFundedDate":1752586579739,"projectUrl":"project/interactive-harmony-elevating-music-edu/9393690/","projectTitle":"Interactive Harmony: Elevating Music Education With SMART Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Block","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9832824_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755190105085","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9832824"},{"teacherId":9832824,"projectId":9376363,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our music room has come alive with exciting new sounds and opportunities for discovery! The Sonor Orff Global Beat Xylophones (alto and soprano), Majestic Snare Drum Kit with backpack, and Yinama Steel Tongue Drum have transformed our lessons. Students now have access to high-quality melodic and percussion instruments that let them hear, feel, and create music in ways that simple recordings or paper activities never could. From the first day the boxes arrived, the room buzzed with excitement as students eagerly helped unpack and explore each instrument.\r\n\r\nThese resources are already deepening musical understanding and engagement. Third and fourth graders are composing and performing layered melodies on the xylophones, while younger students explore steady beat and rhythm with the snare drum. The steel tongue drum's rich, calming tones have quickly become a favorite for improvisation and mindful listening activities, giving students a chance to create music that supports both creativity and emotional regulation. Every week, I see their confidence grow as they experiment with technique and ensemble playing.\r\n\r\nYour gift is more than equipment—it's a lasting investment in joyful, hands-on learning. The instruments will support concerts, after-school clubs, and countless future classes, ensuring that music remains a vibrant part of our school culture. On behalf of my 125 students and myself, thank you for believing in the power of music to inspire, connect, and empower children.","fullyFundedDate":1752586583549,"projectUrl":"project/lets-make-some-noise-the-musical-kind/9376363/","projectTitle":"Let’s Make Some Noise (The Musical Kind)!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Block","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9832824_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755190105085","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9832824"},{"teacherId":9832824,"projectId":8935804,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful for the donation of recorders and drumsticks that allowed us to launch our bucket drumming unit in music class! As soon as the drumsticks arrived, my students were buzzing with excitement. For many of them, this was their first time using fundamental percussion tools to create rhythms beyond body percussion or classroom instruments. When they saw the brightly colored sticks and the rows of buckets set up, their faces lit up. They couldn't wait to get started.\r\n\r\nOur bucket drumming lessons have focused on rhythm reading, coordination, and teamwork. Students began by learning basic quarter and eighth note patterns, then progressed to playing along with popular songs using layered rhythms. One unforgettable moment was when a fifth-grader created their drumming sequence and performed it for the class, completely in sync and beaming with pride. The following steps in our project involve composing simple rhythmic pieces and working together to create a drum circle-style performance to share with our school community. Your generous contribution has given my students a powerful outlet for creativity and collaboration. Thank you for helping us bring the beat to life!","fullyFundedDate":1738967776442,"projectUrl":"project/music-instruments-and-percussion-in-clas/8935804/","projectTitle":"Music Instruments and Percussion in Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Block","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9832824_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755190105085","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9832824"},{"teacherId":9832824,"projectId":8935903,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping us bring pTrumpets into our classroom! Since receiving them, the energy and enthusiasm in our music room have skyrocketed. My students, especially those in grades 4 and 5, were beyond excited the first time they saw the colorful instruments. Many had never held a trumpet before, and their reactions were priceless—wide eyes, big smiles, and lots of \"Can I try it first?\" It was clear from the beginning that these instruments would spark something special.\r\n\r\nWe've focused on brass technique, sound production, and ensemble playing. Students are learning to properly form an embouchure, practice breath control, and play simple call-and-response patterns. One compelling moment came when a group of students successfully played a short piece together for the first time—it was messy, joyful, and proud. We'll work as an ensemble and prepare a short performance to showcase our progress. These trumpets have opened the door to deeper musical exploration and confidence in ways already transforming our classroom. Thank you again for being part of this journey!","fullyFundedDate":1733706511726,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-brass-to-life-ptrumpets-for-yo/8935903/","projectTitle":"Bringing Brass to Life: pTrumpets for Young Musicians","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Block","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9832824_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755190105085","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9832824"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_109732","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":575,"numTeachers":34,"percentFrplEligible":75,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":46,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":31,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"16.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":54.3,"schoolId":109732,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Lisa Academy West Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Lisa Academy West Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arkansas/arkansas-department-of-education/lisa-academy-chenal/109732"}
Join the 35 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Lisa Academy West Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Little Rock, Arkansas that is part of Arkansas Department of Education.
It serves 575 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.9:1.
Its teachers have had 16 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
82%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Lisa Academy West Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
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Lisa Academy West Elementary School
$10,785
raised using DonorsChoose
16
projects
funded
8
teachers
funded
35
donors
4
projects for
technology
3
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Lisa Academy West Elementary School has received support from
19 individuals from Arkansas and
16 individuals out-of-state.