{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"McKinley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":25.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10271092,"projectId":9860237,"letterContent":"During one of our small-group literacy sessions, I introduced the new toys for the students to explore. They eagerly worked with the snap-together toys, experimenting with connecting the pieces. They also explored the alphabet locking locks, practicing problem-solving as they tried to open them. Additionally, they used the magnetic phonics tiles to build words and practice letter recognition. It was exciting to see their curiosity and engagement as they explored these new materials while reinforcing their literacy skills.\r\n\r\nWhen the children first saw the new shelf and toys, they were eager to explore everything. They engaged enthusiastically in the activities, fully exploring and interacting with the new materials.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for my students are to deepen their engagement with letters, sounds, and early reading skills using the new materials. They will continue exploring the alphabet locking locks, magnetic phonics tiles, and snap-together toys, focusing on recognizing letters, building words, and strengthening fine motor skills. I will guide small-group activities to support their phonemic awareness, letter-sound correspondence, and vocabulary development. Over time, students will move from exploration to more purposeful literacy activities, applying their growing skills in reading, writing, and communication.","fullyFundedDate":1762730883589,"projectUrl":"project/early-childhood-literacy-area/9860237/","projectTitle":"Early Childhood Literacy Area","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Espinoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10271092"},{"teacherId":10271092,"projectId":9863413,"letterContent":"First of all, thank you once again for your generous donations. The new furniture has helped us keep our materials organized, creating a cleaner and more accessible learning environment for our students.\r\nThe math toys you provided are giving our students meaningful opportunities to build early math skills through play. The number rockets allow them to sort by color while being exposed to numbers in a fun, hands-on way. The magnetic number tiles support their math development as they build and explore different structures. The snap-together numbers help students practice number order by connecting one number to the next.\r\nWhen the children first saw the new shelf and toys, they immediately wanted to explore everything. They were truly amazed by all the new materials. It was wonderful to see their faces light up with excitement and joy as they discovered each new toy.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for my students are to continue exploring the new materials with greater independence and purpose. As they become more familiar with the toys and activities, they will begin using them to practice early math skills such as counting, sorting, matching, and number recognition. We will also incorporate small-group lessons where students can build, problem-solve, and work collaboratively. Over time, they will move from simple exploration to more structured learning tasks that support their individual goals and developmental needs.","fullyFundedDate":1762730883541,"projectUrl":"project/counting-on-fun-building-a-math-corner/9863413/","projectTitle":"Counting on Fun: Building a Math Corner for Curious Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Espinoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10271092"},{"teacherId":10170258,"projectId":9577694,"letterContent":"Our students have been so excited to use the new board games in our after-school program! We've incorporated them into our enrichment block as a way to build teamwork, problem-solving skills, and positive social interactions. One of our favorite moments so far was watching a group of students create their own \"Board Game Championship,\" complete with turns, scorekeeping, and cheering for one another. It has quickly become a daily highlight, and students who don't normally interact are now collaborating and having fun together.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students' reactions were priceless. Many of them ran straight to the games and immediately started deciding which ones to play first. A few even mentioned that they had never played some of the games before, so it turned into a wonderful learning opportunity as they taught each other rules and strategies. The excitement and curiosity in the room made it clear how meaningful these donations truly are.\r\n\r\nGoing forward, we plan to continue using the board games to support critical thinking and teamwork during our program. Students are currently working on designing their own \"mini game day,\" where they choose a game, create simple challenges, and teach their peers how to play. This project helps them build leadership skills and communicate clearly. Thanks to your support, our students have new opportunities to connect, learn, and grow in a fun and engaging way.","fullyFundedDate":1759175928430,"projectUrl":"project/fun-beyond-the-bell-afterschool-program/9577694/","projectTitle":"Fun Beyond the Bell: Afterschool Program","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Andrea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10170258_orig.jpg?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754958348849","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10170258"},{"teacherId":9903369,"projectId":9734419,"letterContent":"We've been using the new musical instruments during our daily music and movement block, as well as during literacy lessons to practice rhythm and syllables. One of my favorite moments so far was watching my students create their own \"classroom band.\" They took turns choosing instruments, practiced keeping a steady beat, and worked together to perform a short rhythm pattern. Their teamwork and excitement filled the whole room!\r\nTheir faces absolutely lit up! Many students gasped, clapped, and immediately started asking if they could try everything right away. A few even started improvising little songs as soon as they picked up an instrument. It truly felt like opening a treasure box full of possibilities.\r\nNext, we plan to use the instruments to support our upcoming unit on sound, pattern, and creative expression. Students will explore how different instruments create different types of sound and then compose simple rhythm sequences of their own. We'll end the unit with a small classroom \"mini-performance\" where students can showcase what they've learned.","fullyFundedDate":1759175928620,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-music-to-life-in-our-classroom/9734419/","projectTitle":"Bringing Music to Life in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Holiman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9903369_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737351098524","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9903369"},{"teacherId":10271092,"projectId":9734378,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been filled with meaningful learning opportunities. The new carpet has transformed our circle time—its vibrant colors and shapes immediately capture our students' attention. One student, in particular, uses the carpet daily to review shapes and colors before joining the lesson, helping them feel prepared and confident. The sitting bench has also created a calming space where students can choose to read quietly or use a soothing toy when they need a moment to regroup. This simple addition has made a big difference in promoting independence and emotional regulation. Our spinning chairs have quickly become a favorite. Students are exploring balance, movement, and new ways to play, all while building important sensory and motor skills.\r\n\r\nThe very first time our students saw the spinning chairs, they were filled with curiosity, unsure of how to use them. But once they discovered how they worked, their faces lit up with excitement, and everyone eagerly waited for a turn. Your contributions continue to enrich our learning environment in ways that truly support our students' growth. Thank you for making this possible.\r\n\r\nFrom now on, we will be using these materials to help our students learn important social skills—such as patience, sharing, and taking turns—which can be especially challenging for our 3-year-olds. The spinning chairs, bench, and carpet will all play a meaningful role in teaching these skills in a fun, supportive, and developmentally appropriate way.","fullyFundedDate":1761170287256,"projectUrl":"project/a-soft-foundation-for-bright-minds/9734378/","projectTitle":"A Soft Foundation for Bright Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Espinoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10271092"},{"teacherId":10271092,"projectId":9734413,"letterContent":"The sitting bench has created a calming and inviting space where students can choose to read quietly or use a soothing toy when they need a moment to regroup. This simple addition has made a big difference in supporting their independence and emotional regulation. Our spinning chairs have quickly become a classroom favorite. Students are exploring balance, movement, and new ways to play, all while strengthening essential sensory and motor skills. Their curiosity and excitement show just how meaningful these resources have become in their daily learning.\r\nThe very first time they saw the spinning chairs they were curious of how to use them, however, once they find out how to use them, they were happy and wanted to have a turn on the chairs. The very first time our students saw the bench, they were immediately drawn to it—everyone wanted a turn to sit and read books. I allowed them time to explore it so they could experience how comfortable and inviting it is. It quickly became a favorite spot in our classroom, offering a cozy place for quiet moments and independent reading.\r\nFrom now on, we are going to be working on having our students to learn patience, to share the chairs and to take turns, which are things that are hard for our 3 year old students. The chairs, bench, and the carpet are going to support in these lessons.","fullyFundedDate":1761170287195,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-friendly-seating-for-student-suc/9734413/","projectTitle":"Sensory-Friendly Seating for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Espinoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10271092"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_39641","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":320,"numTeachers":17,"percentFrplEligible":73,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":57,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"18.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":75.0,"schoolId":39641,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about McKinley Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"McKinley Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/redlands-unified-school-district/mckinley-elementary-school/39641"}