{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Monte Gardens Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":10.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1113408,"projectId":9760034,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for giving to our \"Movers & Groovers\" classroom project. Because of your support, our students now have flexible seating chairs, weighted stuffed animals, fidget bands, and soccer balls — tools that make a real difference every day. \r\n\r\nThese resources help our \"movers and groovers\" — especially students with ADHD, autism, or abundant energy — to stay focused, calm, and ready to learn. The flexible seating gives them options to settle in and engage comfortably. The sensory supports (weighted animals, fidget bands) give them ways to regulate their energy and feel secure. And the soccer balls give them opportunities for play, movement, and team-building when we use our PE bin — helping build coordination, confidence, and joy through movement. \r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a classroom where every student has a chance to thrive — where learning, movement, and comfort work together. Thank you for believing in our kids, supporting their needs, and helping make our classroom a place where they can learn, grow, and feel seen.","fullyFundedDate":1759012903980,"projectUrl":"project/movers-groovers/9760034/","projectTitle":"Movers & Groovers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Grisafi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1113408_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471932661014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-prichard"},{"teacherId":1113408,"projectId":9760093,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting Mindful Mondays: Storage for Yoga Mats. Your generosity has made a tangible—and deeply meaningful—difference for our classroom community.\r\n\r\nBy providing proper storage for our yoga mats, you've made it possible for students to easily access their mats, roll them up, and return them after use. That simple act of organization means our mindfulness and movement sessions can run smoothly and efficiently, without the disruption of mats unrolling or getting lost. This improved flow allows students to begin each Mindful Monday feeling calm, focused, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nBut beyond convenience, your gift supports deeper growth. With yoga mats stored neatly and ready, students are more likely to participate in mindfulness, yoga, or movement practices. Those practices help them build self-regulation, reduce stress, improve focus, and nurture emotional and physical well-being — creating a classroom environment grounded in respect, calm, and care.\r\n\r\nYour generosity shows our students that their wellness matters — that their emotional and mental health is worth supporting. Thank you for believing in the power of mindfulness in education and for helping create a space where students can learn, breathe, move, and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1758821100213,"projectUrl":"project/mindful-mondays-storage-for-yoga-mats/9760093/","projectTitle":"Mindful Mondays: Storage for Yoga Mats","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Grisafi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1113408_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471932661014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-prichard"},{"teacherId":1113408,"projectId":8983421,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in funding the Cricut machine for our classroom! Your contribution has brought an incredible tool into the hands of my students, and we are already feeling the excitement and creative energy it has sparked.\r\n\r\nThis Cricut machine will allow us to bring lessons to life in ways that were never possible before—from hands-on projects and personalized learning materials to classroom décor that builds a welcoming, engaging environment. Students who benefit from visual, tactile, or project-based learning now have new opportunities to express their ideas and take pride in their work. Even students who are typically hesitant to participate have been jumping into projects with newfound confidence.\r\n\r\nYour donation has not only provided a machine—it has provided inspiration, creativity, and a sense of empowerment for my students. Thank you for believing in our classroom and for helping us build a space where learning feels exciting and meaningful every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1733299024916,"projectUrl":"project/inspiring-young-creators-with-a-cricut-m/8983421/","projectTitle":"Inspiring Young Creators with a Cricut Machine","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Grisafi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1113408_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1471932661014","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-prichard"},{"teacherId":669039,"projectId":9681330,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose! Because of your kindness, our third graders now have brand-new STEM supplies that have completely transformed the way they learn and explore.\r\nBefore receiving these materials, many of our hands-on lessons were limited by what we had available. Now, our students can dive deep into meaningful, project-based learning experiences — designing bridges, testing parachutes, coding with robots, and experimenting with simple machines. These activities encourage creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that will benefit them for years to come.\r\nThe excitement in the classroom is contagious! Every day, students walk in eager to see what challenge awaits them. They're learning to think like engineers and scientists, and they're discovering that mistakes aren't failures — they're opportunities to learn and grow.\r\nYour generosity didn't just provide supplies — it provided opportunities, confidence, and inspiration. Thank you for believing in our students and helping them see themselves as capable innovators and critical thinkers. You've made a lasting impact on their education and their future.","fullyFundedDate":1760765314218,"projectUrl":"project/stem-is-fun/9681330/","projectTitle":"STEM Is Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Urias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp669039_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1489156026175","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/michaela-urias"},{"teacherId":669039,"projectId":9755634,"letterContent":"you so much for your generous donation that helped bring STEM bins to our third-grade classroom! Because of your kindness, our students now have exciting, hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math every day.\r\nThe STEM bins have completely transformed our learning environment. Each morning, students can't wait to open their bins and start building, creating, and experimenting. They work together to solve problems, design structures, and test out new ideas — all while developing critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork skills.\r\nIt's amazing to see the confidence that's growing in our classroom. Students who were once hesitant to share ideas are now leading projects and encouraging their classmates. The joy on their faces when something they've built works is truly priceless!\r\nYour generosity didn't just provide supplies — it opened a world of imagination and discovery for our young learners. You've helped us create a classroom where every student feels like a real scientist and engineer.\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for investing in their curiosity and future success. Your gift is making a lasting impact every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1760765313998,"projectUrl":"project/stem-stem-bins/9755634/","projectTitle":"Stem STEM Bins","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Urias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp669039_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1489156026175","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/michaela-urias"},{"teacherId":669039,"projectId":9806776,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose! Because of your kindness, our third graders now have flexible seating wobble stools that are transforming the way they learn each day.\r\nBefore, many of my students struggled to stay focused while sitting in traditional chairs for long periods. Now, with the new wobble stools, they can move, balance, and stay engaged during lessons — and it's making a big difference! Students who used to fidget or lose focus are now participating more actively in discussions and showing greater confidence in their work.\r\nThe flexible seating also encourages collaboration and independence. Whether they're reading, solving math problems, or working on STEM projects, students are choosing the seating that helps them do their best thinking. They feel trusted, comfortable, and excited to learn.\r\nYour generosity didn't just fund furniture — it created an environment where students can thrive. Thank you for believing in our classroom and helping every child find their best way to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1760765314463,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating/9806776/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Urias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp669039_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1489156026175","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/michaela-urias"},{"teacherId":669039,"projectId":9768941,"letterContent":"On behalf of our third-grade STEM readers, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donation of shoes. Your thoughtful gift has made a lasting impact — not just by meeting a physical need, but by inspiring confidence, focus, and excitement for learning.\r\nMany of our students come to school eager to explore, create, and discover through reading and STEM activities, but sometimes, basic needs like proper shoes can stand in the way. Because of your generosity, our students can now move freely and comfortably — ready to participate fully in every lesson, lab, and reading adventure.\r\nWe've already seen such positive changes. Students are walking taller, smiling more, and engaging with their books and STEM projects with renewed enthusiasm. Something as simple as a new pair of shoes has helped them feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving great things.\r\nYour kindness reminds our students that people care about their growth and success. Thank you for investing in their education and for helping them take confident steps — both literally and academically — toward a bright future.","fullyFundedDate":1760765313559,"projectUrl":"project/stem-readers/9768941/","projectTitle":"STEM Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Urias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp669039_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1489156026175","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/michaela-urias"},{"teacherId":669039,"projectId":9806955,"letterContent":"My third graders are full of creativity, imagination, and excitement for learning. Every day, they come to class eager to create, explore, and show what they know in colorful and hands-on ways. However, one thing we constantly run short on is construction paper. This simple classroom staple might seem small, but for my students, it's a powerful tool for expression, learning, and engagement. Having a supply of bright, sturdy construction paper will allow my students to bring their ideas to life and make learning more meaningful across every subject area.\r\nIn our classroom, construction paper is used for so much more than art projects. It helps students make connections between concepts in reading, writing, math, social studies, and science. When we study geometry, we use it to cut and build shapes, learning how sides and angles come together to create new forms. In reading, students design book reports, character portraits, and story maps that help them visualize and retell what they've learned.\r\nThank you for believing that even small things can make a big difference. With your support, we can fill our classroom with color, imagination, and endless possibilities—one sheet of construction paper at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1760765313777,"projectUrl":"project/paper-please/9806955/","projectTitle":"Paper Please!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Urias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp669039_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1489156026175","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/michaela-urias"},{"teacherId":669039,"projectId":9768964,"letterContent":"This STEM math project will bring those opportunities directly into our classroom, giving students the tools and experiences they need to develop confidence, collaboration skills, and a lifelong love of learning.\r\nThrough this project, my students will explore math concepts through hands-on STEM challenges that connect directly to real-world problems. Using manipulatives, building kits, and math-based design tasks, they'll learn how geometry, measurement, and problem-solving come together in engineering and science. For example, students might use fraction tiles to measure and build mini bridges, design paper roller coasters that demonstrate angles and motion, or use pattern blocks to create symmetrical art while learning about shapes and spatial reasoning. \r\n\r\nMany of my students are visual and kinesthetic learners who benefit from touching, building, and experimenting. When children can physically manipulate materials, they begin to see math as something they can understand, control, and even enjoy. This project will help close the gap between students who have access to enrichment opportunities and those who do not. By integrating STEM into daily math lessons, I can reach learners at every level—those who need more support as well as those ready to stretch their thinking further. Every child will have the chance to experience success and take pride in their discoveries.\r\nThe impact of this project will reach far beyond a single school year. Students who experience success in math at an early age are more likely to pursue advanced STEM courses in later grades. They gain not only knowledge but also the belief that they can do math—that they belong in STEM. This mindset shift can change a child's academic trajectory. When my students see themselves as mathematicians, engineers, and inventors, they begin to dream bigger about their futures. With your support, we can give them the tools, confidence, and inspiration to turn those dreams into reality.\r\nYour generosity will spark curiosity, strengthen critical thinking, and open doors to a world of possibilities. Together, we can build a classroom where every student has the chance to explore, create, and shine through STEM and math. Thank you for helping us make learning hands-on, joyful, and full of life!","fullyFundedDate":1760765312491,"projectUrl":"project/stem-math/9768964/","projectTitle":"STEM Math","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Urias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp669039_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1489156026175","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/michaela-urias"},{"teacherId":10250887,"projectId":9702518,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible donation to our TK classroom! Every day, the students are excited to discover the new resources during our small group centers. The boxes were delivered to our classroom in waves and each new arrival felt like a holiday! \r\n\r\nIn our classroom, we do free-flowing stations called \"Invitations\" during which students circulate between thematic manipulative-based math games, sensory materials, fine motor challenges, art projects, science observations, and literacy activities. The majority of the materials donated have been incorporated into those stations and continue to be the one of our students' favorite part of the school day! \r\n\r\nOne of the highlights was the set of giant dice that has been used to help the students with subitizing, 1-1 correspondence, counting, turn-taking, and following multiple steps to play a variety of games collaboratively with a partner. This one simple activity has helped our students develop math skills, communication skills, and build confidence during peer interaction. It is also incredibly fun and the students love building on this game to incorporate cube towers and other manipulatives. \r\n\r\nAnother exciting addition was the huge collection of stencils (animals, transportation, food, etc.) for our art center. Our students are unbelievably creative and artistic, so the stencils have encouraged them to create drawings beyond their current skill level while practicing persistence, exploring various art tools, and building their vocabularies. \r\n\r\nThe most coveted new science tool in our classroom is the balance scale! This is accessible at all times of day during classroom exploration and the students LOVE to compare the weight of objects and make predictions together. They discuss their findings with one another and get to share in the joy of experimentation and discovery.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has not just provided us with valuable learning resources, but has helped support our students in growing their love for learning, which gives them the foundation they need to succeed in their future academic endeavors. The TK classroom is a magical place because the students constantly interact with each other, the materials, and the classroom all day long to build their understanding of their surroundings and develop important learning behaviors and skills. Thank you for helping us keep our TK classroom environment engaging, varied, and interactive by adding to our collection of STEM resources.","fullyFundedDate":1757864197947,"projectUrl":"project/learning-through-play-and-exploration/9702518/","projectTitle":"Learning Through Play and Exploration!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Dekker","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10250887"},{"teacherId":669039,"projectId":9702521,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our financial literacy project! Because of your kindness, my students now have access to resources that are helping them understand essential money skills—like budgeting, saving, investing, and making smart financial decisions.\r\n\r\nThese lessons are empowering them with knowledge they'll carry for life. Your donation is helping prepare them not just for academic success, but for real-world challenges. We are so excited to explore these concepts in engaging, hands-on ways thanks to you!","fullyFundedDate":1758641160050,"projectUrl":"project/financial-literacy-is-so-much-fun/9702521/","projectTitle":"Financial Literacy is So Much Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Urias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp669039_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1489156026175","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/michaela-urias"},{"teacherId":669039,"projectId":9420055,"letterContent":"I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for the generous supplies you provided. Your support means a great deal and has made a real difference. Whether it's helping us stay organized, be more productive, or simply making our day a bit easier—your contribution is truly appreciated. The white board supplies go great with the new white boards from my prior project and students are able to care for them. The markers are perfect for multiple colors when counting numbers. \r\nThank you again for your kindness and generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1758861996596,"projectUrl":"project/white-board-supplies/9420055/","projectTitle":"White Board Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Urias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp669039_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1489156026175","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/michaela-urias"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4138","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":578,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":23,"percentAsian":15,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":30,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":33,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"26.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":89.2,"schoolId":4138,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Monte Gardens Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Monte Gardens Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/mount-diablo-unified-school-district/monte-gardens-elementary-school/4138"}