{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mira Monte Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":12.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9990394,"projectId":9747944,"letterContent":"Because of your generous book donations, my classroom has been transformed in ways that go far beyond simply adding more books to our shelves. Your support has helped create a rich, inclusive reading environment where every student feels represented, valued, and motivated to engage with literacy. By donating books from a wide range of student-favorite genres, you ensured that all learners, regardless of reading level, background, or interests, could find texts that genuinely speak to them.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, many students had limited access to books that matched their personal interests. While they were capable readers, some lacked the motivation to read consistently because they had not yet found genres or authors they connected with. With the addition of these donated books, students are now empowered with choice. They can select texts that reflect their passions, whether that be fantasy, graphic novels, mystery, sports, realistic fiction, or nonfiction topics they are curious about. This sense of ownership has led to increased engagement, longer independent reading time, and more meaningful conversations about books both in small groups and during whole-class discussions.\r\n\r\nOne of the most noticeable impacts of this project has been the shift in student attitudes toward reading. Students who were previously reluctant readers are now excited to browse the classroom library, recommend books to peers, and ask for time to read. The variety of genres has helped normalize different reading preferences and abilities, fostering a classroom culture where all reading choices are respected and celebrated. Students feel confident exploring new genres while also returning to familiar favorites that help build fluency and comprehension.\r\n\r\nAcademically, this project has supported literacy growth by providing daily opportunities for students to practice reading in an authentic and meaningful way. Access to high-interest books has improved reading stamina, vocabulary development, and comprehension skills. Students are more willing to persist through challenging texts because they are invested in the content. These improvements extend beyond reading alone, as increased literacy skills positively influence writing, critical thinking, and overall academic confidence.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the donated books have strengthened our classroom community. Reading has become a shared experience, encouraging collaboration, empathy, and discussion. Students often connect with characters and themes that mirror their own lives or introduce them to perspectives different from their own. These moments lead to thoughtful conversations about emotions, problem-solving, and understanding others, helping students grow socially and emotionally alongside their academic development.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your generosity has helped establish a lasting culture of reading in our classroom. Students now view books not as assignments, but as sources of enjoyment, comfort, and discovery. The classroom library has become a welcoming space where students feel encouraged to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace. Your donations will continue to impact students for years to come as future classes benefit from this expanded collection.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for investing in their love of reading. Your kindness has made a meaningful and lasting difference in our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1768331227238,"projectUrl":"project/expanding-our-library-expanding-our-hor/9747944/","projectTitle":"Expanding Our Library, Expanding Our Horizons","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carbajal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9990394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744068886796","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9990394"},{"teacherId":9990394,"projectId":9413838,"letterContent":"The iPad has truly changed the way my students and I interact during lessons. Instead of writing directly on the TV, I can now use the iPad to write, draw, and highlight information in real time. This makes lessons much clearer and more engaging because students can follow along easily, and I can adapt quickly to their questions or ideas.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is how interactive the lessons have become. They love seeing colorful notes, diagrams, and examples appear instantly on the screen. It feels dynamic, almost like the lesson is coming alive right in front of them.\r\n\r\nSome of my quieter students, who might not usually raise their hands, have especially warmed to this new technology. Because the visuals are clearer and easier to follow, they feel more confident about participating and sharing their answers. It has been wonderful to see them lean in, engage more, and take pride in their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1757536947565,"projectUrl":"project/ipad-ican-ilearn/9413838/","projectTitle":"iPad, iCan, iLearn!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carbajal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9990394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744068886796","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9990394"},{"teacherId":9990394,"projectId":9244461,"letterContent":"These new seating options have created a more student-centered, comfortable, and engaging learning environment. Flexible seating gives students the freedom to choose where and how they work best, and it's made a huge difference in their focus and motivation. Whether they're reading, collaborating with a partner, or working on a project, having the ability to choose a seat that fits their learning style helps them take ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nWhat excites the students most? The novelty and freedom of it all! They love rotating between the wobble stools, cushioned floor seats, and low chairs. For many of them, having that choice makes school feel more welcoming and less rigid, and it shows in their attitudes and energy levels throughout the day.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular, who often struggled to stay on task in a traditional desk, now thrives when using one of the wobble chairs. The slight movement helps him focus better, and he even takes more initiative in his work now. It's a small shift that's made a big impact.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our classroom feels more inclusive, more dynamic, and better suited to how kids learn best. Thank you for helping us create a space where students feel comfortable, empowered, and excited to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1746785566293,"projectUrl":"project/wiggles-welcome-flexible-seats-for-focu/9244461/","projectTitle":"Wiggles Welcome: Flexible Seats for Focused Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carbajal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9990394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744068886796","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9990394"},{"teacherId":9990394,"projectId":9224860,"letterContent":"Your gift has made a noticeable difference in how my students engage with learning every single day. Many of the digital programs we use, like reading apps, math tutorials, and interactive science lessons, are designed to provide personalized feedback. With their own set of headphones, students can now focus without distractions and really engage with the content at their own pace. It's especially helpful during small group time, allowing students to work independently while I work with others.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for the students? Having their own personal tool that helps them dive into lessons more deeply. Many of them have said it feels like they're in their own \"learning bubble,\" which helps them concentrate better. They've also taken a lot of pride in caring for the headphones, which speaks to how much they value them.\r\n\r\nThere's one student in particular who really shines now. He's a quiet student who sometimes struggles in group discussions, but since getting the headphones, he's been more confident using reading software and even asking for more independent practice. It's amazing to see him so engaged and motivated to learn!\r\n\r\nThese headphones may seem like a small thing, but in our classroom, they've made a big impact. Thank you again for making this possible; you've truly helped set our students up for success.","fullyFundedDate":1743693519640,"projectUrl":"project/lend-an-ear-help-my-students-get-headph/9224860/","projectTitle":"Lend an Ear: Help My Students Get Headphones!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carbajal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9990394_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744068886796","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9990394"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_40765","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":511,"numTeachers":15,"percentFrplEligible":44,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":45,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":47,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"34.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":87.5,"schoolId":40765,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mira Monte Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mira Monte Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/ojai-unified-school-district/mira-monte-elementary-school/40765"}