{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Manzanita Charter Middle School","outOfStateSupporters":23.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8574773,"projectId":9757350,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our crafting and mindfulness project. Because of you, our students now have the opportunity to explore creativity, build new skills, and connect with one another in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the supplies—yarn, beads, origami paper, sketchbooks, and colorful markers—the room filled with excitement and curiosity. Many students immediately began brainstorming projects they wanted to try, from friendship bracelets to origami creations and calming sensory crafts. It was incredibly rewarding to see every student able to participate fully, knowing that no one was left out because of cost or access.\r\n\r\nEach meeting now includes time for students to work independently or collaboratively on crafts like beading, fiber arts, drawing, and DIY calming tools such as sensory bottles and fidget toys. These activities have become a powerful way for students to express themselves, practice patience, and build confidence. We also incorporate short mindfulness moments—breathing exercises and guided reflections—which help students slow down, feel grounded, and transition back into their day feeling calm and focused.\r\n\r\nBeyond learning new crafting skills, students are developing social-emotional skills like cooperation, perseverance, and self-regulation. The organized storage bins have also helped students take responsibility for materials and feel pride in caring for their shared space.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a lasting impact on all 25 of our students by creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where creativity and well-being go hand in hand. Thank you for believing in our students and for helping them grow as artists, collaborators, and confident learners.","fullyFundedDate":1768412260579,"projectUrl":"project/middle-school-mindful-craft-club/9757350/","projectTitle":"Middle School Mindful Craft Club","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Freiri-Foley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8574773_orig.png?crop=1121,1121,x57,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727883957327","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8574773"},{"teacherId":8574773,"projectId":9887657,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to assemble Winter Wellness Care Packages for students who needed extra support over winter break. Each package included essential hygiene products such as deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and a toothbrush, along with a warm blanket and a small stuffed animal. These items helped ensure that students had access to basic care and comfort during a time when school resources are not always available. Being able to provide these packages allowed us to support our students' health, dignity, and emotional well-being beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nWhen students received their care packages, their reactions were incredibly heartfelt. Many were surprised and excited to see items that were chosen just for them. Some immediately hugged their stuffed animals or wrapped themselves in their blankets, while others quietly thanked us for the hygiene supplies they needed. It was a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Students felt seen, cared for, and supported by a community of people who believe in them.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we will continue emphasizing wellness and self-care as part of our classroom community. These care packages helped start important conversations about taking care of our bodies, supporting one another, and building healthy routines. Our next steps include continuing social-emotional learning activities and creating opportunities for students to reflect on gratitude, kindness, and community support. Because of your generosity, our students know that there are people beyond our classroom who truly care about their well-being and success.","fullyFundedDate":1765589477500,"projectUrl":"project/warm-winter-wellness-care-packages-for/9887657/","projectTitle":"Warm Winter Wellness: Care Packages for Students in Need","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Freiri-Foley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8574773_orig.png?crop=1121,1121,x57,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727883957327","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8574773"},{"teacherId":8574773,"projectId":9762575,"letterContent":"When our students first saw the new materials for our school store, their faces lit up with excitement. They could hardly believe that their hard work and positive behavior would now earn them the chance to visit a real store right inside the school! The shelves—filled with school supplies, snacks, and fun incentives—quickly became a source of pride and motivation for everyone.\r\n\r\nEach week, students earn \"school dollars\" for positive behavior, participation, and effort in class. During our designated shopping time, they get to decide whether to save or spend—a real-life lesson in money management and goal setting. Some students have learned the satisfaction of saving up for something special, while others are practicing how to make thoughtful choices in the moment. It's been amazing to watch them apply financial literacy and self-control in such a meaningful, hands-on way.\r\n\r\nThe school store has transformed our behavior system from simple rewards into a real-world learning experience. It encourages kindness, responsibility, and teamwork, while teaching lifelong financial habits. Students are learning that good choices lead to opportunities, and that saving and patience can pay off in exciting ways.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our students are not only motivated to do their best every day—they're gaining skills that will serve them for years to come. You've helped create a joyful, empowering space where learning meets life.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping them build brighter futures—one \"school dollar\" at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1761237200582,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-futures-school-store-fo/9762575/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Futures: School Store for PBS and Financial Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Freiri-Foley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8574773_orig.png?crop=1121,1121,x57,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727883957327","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8574773"},{"teacherId":8574773,"projectId":9657162,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our students now have access to a variety of sensory tools that are making a real difference in their daily learning experience. From the moment they walked into the room and saw the new fidgets, mindfulness coloring books, and sensory cushions, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. It was incredible to see how quickly they began exploring and using the materials in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nWe've incorporated these tools throughout the school day—during lessons, transitions, and especially in moments when students feel overwhelmed or need help refocusing. For example, one of our students who often struggles with anxiety before tests now uses a tactile fidget and quiet timer to take short, calm breaks. He's learned to recognize when he needs to step back and use the tools to self-regulate, and he's proud of being able to return to class feeling centered and ready to work.\r\n\r\nOur mindfulness and coloring books have become a favorite part of our \"Calm Corner,\" where students can choose to take a few minutes to color, reflect, or breathe before returning to their lessons. This space has helped students practice emotional regulation strategies we teach in class—such as identifying feelings, grounding themselves, and asking for help when they need it. It's been wonderful to see them take ownership of these strategies and support one another in using them.\r\n\r\nBeyond emotional regulation, these resources have improved students' focus and engagement during academic tasks. Fidgets help keep hands busy and minds focused, while social-emotional games give students a chance to connect and collaborate in low-pressure, joyful ways. The classroom feels calmer and more inclusive, and students are learning that it's okay to need a break and use tools that help them do their best.","fullyFundedDate":1758829599418,"projectUrl":"project/mindful-moments-sensory-tools-for-stude/9657162/","projectTitle":"Mindful Moments: Sensory Tools for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Freiri-Foley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8574773_orig.png?crop=1121,1121,x57,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727883957327","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8574773"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4242","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":89,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":66,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":94,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.8,"schoolId":4242,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Manzanita Charter Middle School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Manzanita Charter Middle School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/west-contra-costa-unified-school-district/manzanita-charter-middle-school/4242"}