{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mariano Castro Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9336230,"projectId":10076364,"letterContent":"This project has helped us fully bring our outdoor classroom to life by adding the final pieces needed to keep it running smoothly. What started as a plain cement area is now a space our TK students use regularly, and these additions have made it safer, more organized, and easier to maintain.\r\n\r\nThe locks have helped us securely store materials, the hose has made watering plants and water play simple, and the smocks have been a game changer in the mud kitchen—students can jump into messy, hands-on play without worry. These small but important items have made a big difference in how we use the space day to day.\r\n\r\nOverall, this phase has helped make our outdoor classroom a more functional and sustainable place where students can explore, play, and learn together in a safe and engaging environment.","fullyFundedDate":1771642240840,"projectUrl":"project/outdoor-play-in-tk-part-2/10076364/","projectTitle":"Outdoor Play in TK: Part 2","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bowie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9336230_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699749382741","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9336230"},{"teacherId":9336230,"projectId":9811084,"letterContent":"This project has made a big impact by turning a plain cement area behind our classroom into a space our TK students actually want to be in. With the turf, seating, and play materials, it now feels like an extension of our classroom instead of just an empty patch. Students are excited to go outside and are spending more time moving, exploring, and learning in a hands-on way. They literally beg to go play outside.\r\n\r\nThe planters have given students a chance to explore nature and take care of something together. We tried to grow some vegetables but they didn't make it through the heat wave we had. We are trying again and hope to be able to try some before the end of the year! The picnic table has become a go-to spot for art, projects, and small group work. Having storage for outdoor materials has also helped keep everything organized and easy for students to access.\r\n\r\nOverall, this space has given students more opportunities to learn, play, and work together outside. It's been especially meaningful to see them so engaged and active in an environment that supports both their learning and well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1769932699226,"projectUrl":"project/outdoor-play-in-tk/9811084/","projectTitle":"Outdoor Play in TK!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bowie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9336230_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699749382741","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9336230"},{"teacherId":9336230,"projectId":9980091,"letterContent":"This project has made a big impact in our Transitional Kindergarten classroom by giving students more hands-on ways to learn and be part of the space. The magnets have been especially fun—we're using them to hang student projects from the ceiling, which has turned our room into a rotating display of their work. Students love seeing their creations up high, and it really builds their sense of pride.\r\n\r\nThe visual instruction signs have helped students become more independent, making it easier for them to follow routines during centers. The cardboard construction screw set has encouraged a lot of creativity and teamwork as students build and problem-solve together. Overall, these materials have helped create a more engaging and student-centered classroom where kids feel excited to explore and learn.","fullyFundedDate":1769367076343,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-thinking-building-and-belong/9980091/","projectTitle":"Tools for Thinking, Building, and Belonging","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bowie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9336230_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699749382741","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9336230"},{"teacherId":6782917,"projectId":10074807,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom!\r\nThanks to your support, my students now have access to valuable phonics centers that already have a meaningful and positive impact on their learning.\r\n\r\nThese phonics centers are helping my students build and improve their reading and writing skills while having fun with hands-on activities.\r\n\r\nThe decodable material is helping them gain confidence as they practice sounding out words: They are becoming independent readers and are very excited about it!\r\n\r\nThank you for providing incredible resources that will help them succeed in their reading journey!\r\n\r\nI am truly grateful for your generosity. Thank you for making a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1769999174098,"projectUrl":"project/support-my-kindergarteners-literacy-suc/10074807/","projectTitle":"Support My Kindergarteners’ Literacy Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ragas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6782917"},{"teacherId":9419365,"projectId":9670563,"letterContent":"The day my students noticed the cushions and chairs in the classroom, they immediately asked if they could use them, to which I replied, \"Of course!\" Since then, these alternative seat options have been used on a daily basis, multiple times a day and for different subjects throughout the day. During math lessons, students like to bring their work to the rug in front of the screen I use to teach with a chair or cushion in tow. They choose the best location in order to focus and they get to work. While normally, students would sit at the kidney table to receive additional help, now, even I bring a cushion to the rug and hold writing conferences with students. \r\n Although the chairs and cushions are used for every subject, the subject for which most students use them is for reading. During my reading intervention class, four times a week, we sit in a circle to read and discuss our current novel. Students can tilt the back of the chairs to the desired angle and settle in to read their book. If they choose a cushion they can decide to either sit on it or lie over it on their stomachs. To see them engaged in reading their book makes me very happy and it may be my imagination, but to me it seems like even their reading stamina has increased too!\r\n I love that this idea has turned into a reality, a reality that you helped to make, and the reality is better than my imagination.","fullyFundedDate":1766521874111,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-focused-and-engaged-l/9670563/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating = Focused and Engaged Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aragon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9419365_orig.jpg?crop=2741,2741,x171,y423&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1776291532992","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9419365"},{"teacherId":4665310,"projectId":9768456,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to my class of 2nd graders. We've been putting the lined whiteboards to use daily to practice our phonics and spelling, and it has especially helped my students who need more support with fine motor skills. The privacy shields make our weekly spelling quizzes and regular assessments run much more smoothly as students don't have to worry about folders flopping onto their papers and can focus solely on the task at hand. The place value blocks have been a great help in supporting the learning of my students who benefit from concrete manipulatives.\r\n\r\nThese little supports have a big impact in making sure the students are maximizing their learning time! Thank you again, friends and neighbors, for investing in the daily lives of this young generation. Your contribution helps make our day-to-day routines fluid and allows us to focus on energy on what matters most.","fullyFundedDate":1766553860601,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-thinkers-writing-math-and-f/9768456/","projectTitle":"Tools for Thinkers: Writing, Math, and Focus for Growing Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kwon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4665310_orig.png?crop=2216,2216,x0,y22&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1654646859963","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/janekwon"},{"teacherId":10425864,"projectId":10076262,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose. Because of your kindness, our students now have access to decodable books, a solar system model, human body model, books about habitats, and Elkonin Box magnetic answer boards—resources that are already making a meaningful difference in our daily learning.\r\n\r\nThe decodable books are helping students build confidence and independence as they practice essential reading skills. Watching them sound out words and realize they can read on their own has been incredibly rewarding. \r\n\r\nOur new solar system model has brought science to life in a hands-on way. Students are excited to explore planets, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of space. Meanwhile, the Elkonin Box magnetic answer boards are giving students in small reading groups a fun, interactive way to strengthen their phonemic awareness and word-building skills—an essential foundation for literacy.\r\n\r\nWe plan on using the human body model and habitat books in upcoming ELA units at the end of this school year and beginning of next year. \r\n\r\nYour support is not just providing materials; it is creating opportunities, building confidence, and inspiring a love of learning in every student. We are truly grateful for your generosity and belief in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1770048813273,"projectUrl":"project/empower-young-readers/10076262/","projectTitle":"Empower Young Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10425864"},{"teacherId":9939966,"projectId":9686691,"letterContent":"My students and I have been using the new resources every single day! The strong magnets have allowed me to hang anchor charts at eye level around the classroom, which has been especially helpful for my English Language Learners as they reference vocabulary, math strategies, and sentence stems during lessons. During a recent math lesson on geometry, students used the pattern blocks to build and describe different shapes. I watched one student proudly explain how two triangles made a rectangle—he kept glancing up at our anchor chart for support and confidently used new vocabulary in his explanation.\r\n\r\nThe storage bins have completely transformed our classroom organization. Students are now able to independently gather and return materials during centers, which has built responsibility and reduced transition time. During morning work, students use play-dough and fine motor mats to strengthen their hand muscles. One of my students who used to struggle with writing stamina is already showing improvement because of the extra fine motor practice!\r\n\r\nRight now, we are diving deeper into measurement and geometry. Students will be using the meter sticks to measure objects around the classroom and record their findings. They'll work in small groups to compare lengths and practice using math vocabulary displayed on our anchor charts. In literacy, we will continue building vocabulary and sentence structure using visual supports posted around the room.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom is calmer, more organized, and full of hands-on learning opportunities. Most importantly, my students feel supported, capable, and excited to learn each day. Thank you for helping us build a space where every child has the tools they need to grow!","fullyFundedDate":1757503007337,"projectUrl":"project/setting-up-for-success-organization-fi/9686691/","projectTitle":"Setting Up for Success: Organization, Fine Motor Skills & More","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9939966_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745685945730","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9939966"},{"teacherId":9336230,"projectId":9617783,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making this project possible. Our TK students are already benefiting from your donations. The trampoline is a student favorite—there is often a line of excited students waiting patiently for their turn to jump during the school day.\r\n\r\nThe trampoline has been a wonderful way for students to release energy, build coordination, and regulate their bodies. These short movement breaks help students refocus and return to lessons more calm and ready to learn, especially for those with sensory needs. It has been amazing to see how something so simple can make such a big difference in their ability to participate and stay engaged.","fullyFundedDate":1760467027223,"projectUrl":"project/jumping-into-a-new-year/9617783/","projectTitle":"Jumping Into a New Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bowie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9336230_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699749382741","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9336230"},{"teacherId":9336230,"projectId":9689855,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making this project possible. Because of your generosity, our TK students are already using these building materials and open-ended supplies during play and learning time. Every day, students are excited to build, design, and create using their imaginations in new and meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nWith blocks, foam bricks, and loose parts in our classroom, students are experimenting, problem-solving, and working together through play. They are practicing teamwork, early engineering skills, and perseverance as they plan, build, and revise their creations.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your support. Thanks to you, our classroom is filled with hands-on learning, joyful exploration, and proud little builders who are gaining confidence in themselves and their ideas.","fullyFundedDate":1760718295967,"projectUrl":"project/building-toys-for-tk/9689855/","projectTitle":"Building Toys for TK","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bowie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9336230_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699749382741","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9336230"},{"teacherId":9939966,"projectId":9599521,"letterContent":"Since receiving these new resources, our classroom has transformed into a more organized, focused environment. One specific moment that stands out is when we first set up the seat sacks. Each student got their own personal storage space for books, notebooks, and supplies, and the immediate impact was clear. The students were thrilled to have a designated area to keep their materials, and it helped eliminate so much of the clutter that had previously been a distraction. We were able to dive right into lessons without wasting time looking for misplaced materials! The manila folders are also making a huge difference—students now keep all of \"money\" neatly organized, which has given them a sense of ownership over their belongings.\r\nWhen the students saw the seat sacks and the storage shelf, their faces lit up! Many of them immediately started talking about how much easier it would be to keep their things in one place. The lanyards for field trips were a big hit too, as the students are excited to be able to wear them and easily identify each other while staying safe during school events. Overall, the students were so excited to have new tools that would help them feel more organized and responsible in the classroom. They also felt more independent, which boosted their confidence right away.\r\nThe next step is for my students to fully implement these new organizational tools into their daily routines. With their materials neatly stored in the seat sacks and work organized in the manila folders, we'll be able to streamline our lessons even more. They'll continue to practice responsibility and independence by managing their own supplies and keeping their work in order. I plan to have them reflect on how these tools are helping them stay organized, focused, and ready to learn, which will be a valuable lesson in self-management. Additionally, the new storage shelf will make it easier for the students to access shared materials quickly, making group work and class projects run more smoothly. The ultimate goal is for them to feel empowered by these systems, and to be able to carry these organizational skills with them as they grow.","fullyFundedDate":1755998237294,"projectUrl":"project/tools-to-tidy-up-our-learning-space/9599521/","projectTitle":"Tools to Tidy Up Our Learning Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9939966_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745685945730","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9939966"},{"teacherId":9682821,"projectId":9740117,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our STEAM class. The Chompsaw has already made an amazing difference in what students are able to create.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new tool, they were curious and excited to learn how to use it and what is was capable of. Several of them immediately started discussing project ideas and everyone wanted a turn to try the new tool.\r\n\r\nWe've started using the Chompsaw for our current electrical circuits unit, where students are creating electrical circuits that serve a function. They've been practicing measuring, marking, and cutting their pieces, and it's been helpful for them to have more opportunities to expand on their creativity without being limited to what our safety scissors could accomplish with cardboard.\r\n\r\nNone of my students had ever used a tool like this or even see an adult version in action. It sparked wonder and joy in my classroom, which is the dream of any STEAM teacher.\r\n\r\nThank you again for giving our class this opportunity and making this happen for us.","fullyFundedDate":1760805764829,"projectUrl":"project/future-scientists-at-work-tools-for-k5/9740117/","projectTitle":"Future Scientists at Work: Tools for K–5 Classrooms","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Data","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9682821_orig.png?crop=779,780,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759798729568","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9682821"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4858","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":257,"numTeachers":12,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":84,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"21.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":81.1,"schoolId":4858,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mariano Castro Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mariano Castro Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/mountain-view-whisman-school-district/mariano-castro-elementary-school/4858"}