{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"McNamara Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":28.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9253988,"projectId":9379820,"letterContent":"The addition of Spanish literacy games and quality headphones has made a significant difference in my Pre-K students' early literacy development. Because many of my students are native Spanish speakers or emerging bilinguals, having literacy activities in their home language has allowed them to build foundational skills with confidence. The games reinforce letter recognition, phonological awareness, vocabulary development, and early reading behaviors in a way that is engaging and developmentally appropriate. Students who were previously hesitant to participate are now eager and motivated, showing noticeable improvement in their ability to identify letters, match sounds, and understand basic story structures.\r\n\r\nProviding headphones has been equally transformative. With a classroom full of four-year-olds working at different levels and paces, headphones create a distraction-free environment where students can focus on their individualized learning tasks. This has increased on-task behavior, reduced noise levels, and allowed me to conduct small-group instruction more effectively. Students are able to immerse themselves in the literacy games without being overwhelmed by classroom activity, leading to greater independence and stronger skill retention.\r\n\r\nBeyond literacy, these tools have also supported social-emotional growth and classroom routines. Students practice taking turns, problem-solving, and managing technology responsibly—skills that prepare them for future grades. The sense of pride they feel when they \"complete a level\" or master a new sound builds confidence and a positive association with learning. Overall, the Spanish literacy games and headphones have greatly enriched our Pre-K classroom by promoting language development, focus, independence, and joy in learning.","fullyFundedDate":1758821172065,"projectUrl":"project/loud-and-clear-tools-for-spanish-langua/9379820/","projectTitle":"Loud and Clear: Tools for Spanish Language Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gomez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9253988_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705956896933","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9253988"},{"teacherId":9253988,"projectId":9140922,"letterContent":"Using light table manipulatives and shape blocks has had a remarkable impact on my pre-kindergarten students' engagement, learning, and development across multiple domains. These tools transform traditional lessons into interactive experiences that spark curiosity and creativity. The illuminated surface of the light table immediately captures children's attention and encourages them to explore materials in new ways. By manipulating translucent shape blocks on the light table, my students have become more engaged in discovering color blending, patterns, and symmetry. This hands-on learning opportunity has helped reinforce key concepts in math and science, such as sorting, categorizing, and understanding spatial relationships. It has also promoted fine motor skill development as students carefully arrange and adjust the pieces with intention and precision.\r\n\r\nThe visual and tactile appeal of the light table creates a multisensory experience that supports different learning styles and developmental needs. For example, some of my students who are more hesitant to participate in group activities feel more confident working independently or in small groups at the light table. The soft glow helps them focus, while the variety of manipulatives invites open-ended exploration. As they manipulate the blocks—matching shapes, stacking pieces, or designing pictures—they are naturally building foundational skills in geometry and problem-solving. Moreover, through informal conversations while working at the table, students use descriptive language to talk about what they see and do, which enhances their vocabulary and communication abilities. The collaborative nature of the activity also fosters social-emotional development, as students learn to share space, take turns, and negotiate their ideas with peers.\r\n\r\nIn addition to academic and social gains, the use of shape blocks and light table materials has supported the development of creativity and imagination. My students often extend their learning beyond basic shape recognition by creating animals, buildings, and abstract designs using the materials. This open-ended play supports critical thinking and encourages students to plan, revise, and explain their thinking. The repeated exposure to shapes in a variety of formats has helped them become more confident in identifying and naming shapes, as well as recognizing them in their everyday environment. As an educator, I've also found the light table to be a versatile teaching tool, seamlessly integrating into literacy, STEM, and art activities. 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McNamara Elementary School

Join the 91 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

McNamara Elementary School is an urban public school in Houston, Texas that is part of Houston Independent School District. It serves 960 students in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.2:1. Its teachers have had 49 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 5

960 Students

50 Teachers

8714 McAvoy Dr

Houston, TX 77074 View local requests

http://www.houstonisd.org

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

McNamara Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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McNamara Elementary School Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

95%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

McNamara Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.

McNamara Elementary School

$24,993

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

project for art supplies

McNamara Elementary School has received support from 65 individuals from Texas and 26 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

McNamara Elementary School

About this school

Equity Focus School

McNamara Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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McNamara Elementary School Demographics

McNamara Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

McNamara Elementary School

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.