{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mendenhall Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":21.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3036220,"projectId":9550077,"letterContent":"WOW! Thank you so much for your time and finances to our classroom! The students LOVE their new carpet and their own little sit spot. This has helped them so much with being able to keep their hands and feet to themselves and listen attentively during whole group instruction. \r\nIt is very thoughtful that you would consider to pour in to our classroom and help us have a beautiful rug! \r\nWe are determined to keep it nice and clean as the days progress. Teaching little people how to care and respect things is a huge area of growth and they are doing great so far!","fullyFundedDate":1756468103852,"projectUrl":"project/sweet-spot-to-sit/9550077/","projectTitle":"Sweet Spot to Sit","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Knox","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3036220_orig.jpg?crop=1178,1178,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756238811462","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3036220"},{"teacherId":10080991,"projectId":9466391,"letterContent":"Me and my class are using the new rug during our Tier 1 instruction to help the students gather and stay engaged during lessons, as well as during our morning community circle where we share how we are feeling and start the day on a positive note. My students also sit on the rug during small-group rotations in Reading and Math and use it as a gathering spot to complete their activities. They absolutely love it! When we first received the rug, they were so excited (: We even took a picture with it and placed it at the front of our classroom. They said it was so soft and comfortable. This week, we are learning about artículos in Spanish, and the rug has the artículos printed on it, which will help students make real-world connections and relate them to English as well.","fullyFundedDate":1754712866061,"projectUrl":"project/language-land-bilingual-circle-rug/9466391/","projectTitle":"Language Land: Bilingual Circle Rug","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alvarez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10080991_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752632532072","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10080991"},{"teacherId":9900184,"projectId":9302527,"letterContent":"The new rug has had a huge impact on my students by giving us a central, comfortable place to come together for whole-group learning. Having a designated gathering spot makes transitions smoother and helps set the tone for our Tier 1 lessons. Students know that when they sit on the rug, it's time to focus and learn together as a community. The rug's soft texture also makes sitting for longer lessons much more enjoyable, which has improved attention and participation.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the rug has provided a safe and welcoming space for mindfulness practices like yoga. My students love stretching, breathing, and calming their minds on the rug, and it has quickly become a favorite part of our routine. These moments help them regulate their emotions and return to learning with a clearer mindset. The rug gives them the space they need to move, practice self-control, and grow in their social-emotional learning.","fullyFundedDate":1749610453785,"projectUrl":"project/spring-into-learning-comfortable-whole-/9302527/","projectTitle":"Spring into Learning: Comfortable Whole-Group Lesson Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Auldridge","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9900184_orig.jpg?crop=1554,1554,x0,y129&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747252858961","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9900184"},{"teacherId":9900184,"projectId":9357410,"letterContent":"The leaf and flower pillows made our classroom feel more inviting and cozy during small-group time. Instead of sitting on hard chairs or the floor, my students had the option to relax on soft, colorful cushions that reminded them of nature. This small change helped create a warm and welcoming environment, making students feel at ease and excited to join our groups. The playful shapes also sparked joy, adding a sense of fun to our learning space.\r\n\r\nBecause the pillows were comfortable, students were able to focus better and stay engaged during activities. They felt like the space was made just for them, which encouraged participation and collaboration. The natural theme of the pillows also supported our love of the outdoors, bringing a calming, peaceful feeling inside the classroom. Overall, the leaf and flower pillows not only brightened the room but also supported both comfort and concentration during our small-group learning.","fullyFundedDate":1748628681024,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-nature-indoors-leaf-pillows-to/9357410/","projectTitle":"Bringing Nature Indoors: Leaf Pillows to Assist During Small-Group Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Auldridge","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9900184_orig.jpg?crop=1554,1554,x0,y129&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747252858961","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9900184"},{"teacherId":9608769,"projectId":9356771,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my classroom now has a beautiful collection of bilingual books that are already making a big difference for my students. These texts allow my first graders to practice reading skills like sequencing, vocabulary, and comprehension while also making meaningful connections between Spanish and English. For many of my students, seeing their home language represented in books helps them feel proud of who they are and encourages them to take risks as readers.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom now feels more joyful and inclusive. During independent reading, students are choosing these new bilingual books with excitement, often reading together with a partner and switching between languages as they make sense of the stories. One student who used to feel shy about reading aloud in English has gained confidence by starting with the Spanish text and then trying out the English version with a big smile. These books have opened doors for engagement, self-expression, and family connections as students take stories home to share.\r\n\r\nYour support has created opportunities for my students to strengthen their literacy skills in both languages while celebrating their bilingual identity. Thank you for believing in the power of books and for helping my students fall in love with reading.","fullyFundedDate":1754329902573,"projectUrl":"project/bilingual-books-to-empower-young-readers/9356771/","projectTitle":"Bilingual Books to Empower Young Readers in Two Languages","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Almanza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9608769_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721950585261","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9608769"},{"teacherId":9608769,"projectId":9297042,"letterContent":"Thanks to your kindness, our classroom now has a warm and welcoming rug and pillows that have completely transformed our learning space. The moment my students saw the rug for the first time, they ran to it with huge smiles, sitting down together and saying it felt like home. It quickly became the heart of our classroom, where we gather for morning meetings, storytime, and partner activities.\r\n\r\nThe pillows have given my students a sense of comfort and choice, allowing them to find their own spot to read, write, and share with peers. I've noticed how much calmer and more focused they are when we're working on the rug it's no longer just a lesson, but an experience of community and collaboration. One of my students even said, \"This is my favorite part of the class now!\"\r\n\r\nWith this new space, our next step is to use it as a hub for group discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and daily reflections. Your generosity has created more than just a cozy corner it has created a sense of belonging, and that will carry my students forward all year long.","fullyFundedDate":1746785828196,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-learn-comfortably-with/9297042/","projectTitle":"Help My Students Learn Comfortably with a Rug and Pillows!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Almanza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9608769_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721950585261","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9608769"},{"teacherId":9608769,"projectId":9265637,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom now has Interactive Osmo Kits that are transforming the way my bilingual first graders learn. These tools combine technology with hands on learning, allowing my students to engage with math, reading, and problem solving activities in a fun, interactive way. For many of my students, learning in two languages can be challenging, but the Osmo activities provide visual and tactile support that makes concepts click. It's incredible to watch them confidently manipulate the pieces and see their answers instantly reflected on the screen.\r\n\r\nThe excitement in the room is undeniable! Students are eager to rotate into the Osmo station, often asking if it's their turn next. They love the immediate feedback and the game like challenges, which keep them motivated and focused. I've noticed that even some of my quieter students have opened up and become more willing to participate when using the kits. One student who typically struggles with math has been proudly sharing her Osmo scores with her peers and is showing real improvement in number recognition and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nThese kits have created a collaborative learning environment where students encourage each other and celebrate successes together. Your support has given them access to a resource that meets their academic needs while making learning joyful. I am so grateful for your belief in my students and in the power of innovative tools to make a difference in their education.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt thanks,\r\nMs. Almanza & Her First Graders","fullyFundedDate":1746785411256,"projectUrl":"project/interactive-osmo-kits-for-bilingual-bril/9265637/","projectTitle":"Interactive Osmo Kits for Bilingual Brilliance!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Almanza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9608769_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721950585261","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9608769"},{"teacherId":9608769,"projectId":9067567,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us bring a cozy and welcoming carpet into our classroom! The moment it arrived, my students were so excited to have a special space to gather. Whether we are reading together, learning something new, or just sharing our thoughts, the carpet has become the heart of our classroom.\r\n\r\nBefore this, we didn't have a comfortable area where we could sit together and build community. Now, the students love coming to the carpet for morning meetings, partner work, and storytime. It has truly changed the way we connect and learn as a class. I've noticed how much more engaged and settled they are during whole group lessons :) this space truly helps them feel calm, focused, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made a real difference in our day to day learning, and I'm so grateful that you chose to support us. This project may seem small, but its impact has been big and it's felt every single day in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt thanks,","fullyFundedDate":1742569335359,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-gather-for-learning-on/9067567/","projectTitle":"Help My Students Gather for Learning on Cozy Classroom Carpet!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Almanza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9608769_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721950585261","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9608769"},{"teacherId":5670587,"projectId":9012808,"letterContent":"At the beginning of the school year I had about 25 books in our classroom library. This was deeply concerning to me because literacy development is the foundation for academic success. Thanks to your generosity I was able to provide my students with a variety of fiction and non-fiction books for each theme that we learn about in Pre-K.\r\nMy students use these books in many different ways throughout the school day. They read after they finish an activity and are getting ready to transition to another activity.\r\n\r\nThey read during small groups, center time, and at the end of the day.\r\nMy students go to the library center every Monday morning to find out with excitement what read-alouds and books we will be reading each week. Thank you for investing in my students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1735598042142,"projectUrl":"project/reeaders-are-leaders/9012808/","projectTitle":"Reeaders Are Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Soriano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5670587_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533967545468","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-soriano"},{"teacherId":5670587,"projectId":9005963,"letterContent":"At the beginning of the school year I had about 25 books in our classroom library. This was deeply concerning to me because literacy development is the foundation for academic success. Thanks to your generosity I was able to provide my students with a variety of fiction and non-fiction books for each theme that we learn about in Pre-K.\r\n\r\nMy students use these books in many different ways throughout the school day. They read after they finish an activity and are getting ready to transition to another activity.\r\nThey read during small groups, center time, and at the end of the day.\r\nMy students go to the library center every Monday morning to find out with excitement what read-alouds and books we will be reading each week. Thank you for investing in my students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1734655104144,"projectUrl":"project/readers-are-leaders/9005963/","projectTitle":"Readers Are Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Soriano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5670587_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533967545468","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-soriano"},{"teacherId":5670587,"projectId":8660145,"letterContent":"At the beginning of the school year I had about 25 books in our classroom library. This was deeply concerning to me because literacy development is the foundation for academic success. Thanks to your generosity I was able to provide my students with a variety of fiction and non-fiction books for each theme that we learn about in Pre-K.\r\n\r\nMy students use these books in many different ways throughout the school day. They read after they finish an activity and are getting ready to transition to another activity.\r\nThey read during small groups, center time, and at the end of the day.\r\nMy students go to the library center every Monday morning to find out with excitement what read-alouds and books we will be reading each week. Thank you for investing in my students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1734116598399,"projectUrl":"project/readers-are-leaders/8660145/","projectTitle":"Readers Are Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Soriano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5670587_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533967545468","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-soriano"},{"teacherId":5670587,"projectId":8291000,"letterContent":"My students have loved playing and working with the sensory sand and the Squeeze, Scoop & Count Ice Cream Shop. They have been using these games to strengthen coordination of small muscles, particularly in the hands and fingers, which are necessary for tasks such as writing, cutting, and buttoning clothes. They have also used these games to practice counting, and creating and extending patterns as well as addition and subtraction. \r\n\r\nI have definitely observed the multitude of benefits from having my kids play with these manipulatives and games. They have improved their hand writing tremendously. They also have improved their scissor-cutting skills and they are now able to button and zip their jackets as well.","fullyFundedDate":1713387725013,"projectUrl":"project/fine-motor-skills-in-pre-k/8291000/","projectTitle":"Fine Motor Skills in Pre-K","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Soriano","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5670587_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1533967545468","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-soriano"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_15432","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":598,"numTeachers":55,"percentFrplEligible":86,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":14,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":67,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.0,"schoolId":15432,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mendenhall Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mendenhall Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/plano-independent-school-district/mendenhall-elementary-school/15432"}