{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Monte Gardens Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":10.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1113408,"projectId":10228630,"letterContent":"These materials have quickly become part of our everyday classroom routines! Each Scholar has a colorful polka-dotted folder to help keep important work organized, while the labels have been used for student name tags and our Monday Envelopes—the weekly communication folders that travel between school and home. Our jumbo crayons fill community crayon bins at each table, giving students easy access to supplies for writing, illustrating, and creating throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThe numbered stickers have truly been used everywhere! Each student is assigned a classroom number, and these stickers now identify their hooks, Chromebooks, name tags, supplies, and more. Our name badges have been especially helpful for substitute teachers and our Specials teachers in Art, Garden, Spanish, and Music, allowing them to easily identify and connect with each student by name. Even our copy paper has gone far beyond worksheets. Students have used it for creative projects, including a beautiful sunflower watercolor-and-crayon-resist art project, along with daily learning activities across subject areas.\r\n\r\nAs the year continues, every one of these resources will be used again and again. Our Monday Envelopes will make their weekly trips between home and school, folders will hold countless pieces of learning, numbered stickers will keep our classroom organized, and our paper and crayons will help turn student ideas into something they can proudly share. Thank you for providing the everyday essentials that keep our classroom organized, connected, and creative!","fullyFundedDate":1778063499750,"projectUrl":"project/organized-connected-and-creative-clas/10228630/","projectTitle":"Organized, Connected, and Creative: Classroom Essentials for Student Success","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":10525637,"projectId":10325158,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your generous donation to help my 3rd grade students! It's just the fourth week of school but we've already used the whiteboards to support small group discussions in math and our unit on Healthy Choices. By having extra whiteboards I am able to spread my students out throughout the room so they can talk in their small groups without being distracted by others, and show their work when it comes time to discuss with the whole group.\r\n\r\nWe've also used the privacy boards to support students who are easily distracted and to remind other students to focus on their own work! Students appreciate being able to concentrate and said they are able to focus better. \r\n\r\nMy students and I are so grateful to you for supporting us. Thank you again!!","fullyFundedDate":1781726727714,"projectUrl":"project/math-talk/10325158/","projectTitle":"Math Talk!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lanzafame","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10525637"},{"teacherId":669039,"projectId":10356692,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our classroom project. The new speaker and extension cord have completely transformed our third-grade classroom. Your support has created a more dynamic, engaging, and inclusive learning environment for every student. In a third-grade classroom, engagement is the key to academic success. Before your donation, our audio options were limited to weak computer speakers. Students in the back of the room struggled to hear educational videos, read-aloud, and music. Now, this high-quality speaker fills the entire room with clear sound. Every student has equal access to the audio content, no matter where they sit. The heavy-duty extension cord gives us the freedom to safely place the speaker anywhere it is needed without creating tripping hazards. We use this new technology daily across all subjects. During reading time, the speaker brings audiobooks to life with vivid sound effects and clear narration. This setup helps our struggling readers and English language learners connect spoken words to print. In math, we use upbeat multiplication songs to memorize facts. The crisp sound gets students excited to sing and dance along. For science and social studies, we watch educational videos and virtual field trips where every historical speech and nature sound is perfectly audible. Beyond academics, these resources have greatly improved our classroom management and community. Third graders have a lot of energy, and transitioning between activities can be challenging. We now use the speaker to play calming instrumental music during independent writing time, which helps students focus deeply. We also use specific sound cues for clean-up times, turning transitions into a fun game. The physical flexibility provided by the extension cord allows us to set up a \"listening station\" in our cozy corner, giving students a quiet space to reset when they feel overwhelmed. Your investment goes far beyond the physical items. By funding this project, you showed my students that a community of people cares about their education. This realization boomed their confidence and enthusiasm for learning. They were thrilled when the boxes arrived, and they take great pride in taking care of our new equipment. Thank you for choosing to support our third-grade journey. Your kindness has opened up new ways for my students to listen, learn, and grow. We are deeply grateful for your impact on our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1786541603373,"projectUrl":"project/lets-sing/10356692/","projectTitle":"Let's Sing","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":4756473,"projectId":10217056,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through Donors Choose! Your kindness and generosity mean more than words can express, and my students and I are incredibly grateful.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, our classroom will be filled with opportunities to create, collaborate, and learn together. The colorful construction paper, stickers, and art supplies will inspire my first graders to express their creativity and take pride in their work. The Magna-Tiles and floor puzzles will encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and imaginative play while helping students build important social skills.\r\n\r\nYou have also helped create a classroom environment where students feel calm, safe, and excited to learn. The storage baskets and cleaning supplies will help us keep our classroom organized and welcoming, giving students a sense of ownership and pride in the space we share each day.\r\n\r\nAs a first-grade teacher, I strive to create a classroom where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired. Your generosity makes that vision possible. Thank you for investing in my students and believing in the importance of providing young learners with engaging materials and a positive learning environment.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making a lasting difference in the lives of my students. Your kindness will have an impact far beyond the supplies themselves, and we are so thankful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1778009278690,"projectUrl":"project/crafting-cleaning-and-collaborating/10217056/","projectTitle":"Crafting, Cleaning, and Collaborating","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gaston","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4756473_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1787367747860","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/c3cookies"},{"teacherId":485060,"projectId":10227926,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through this Teachers Pay Teachers gift card project. Your generosity will help provide high-quality learning materials, engaging activities, and differentiated resources that meet the unique needs of every student in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWith these resources, I will be able to create more meaningful lessons that inspire creativity, build confidence, and encourage a love of learning. From hands-on activities to targeted practice and enrichment opportunities, your support is making a direct impact on my students each and every day.\r\n\r\nMy students are excited to use these new materials, and I am grateful for the opportunity to bring fresh ideas and engaging instruction into our classroom. Your kindness and investment in education truly make a difference.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and helping our classroom grow and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1778179473343,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-learning-to-life-with-teacher-c/10227926/","projectTitle":"Bringing Learning to Life with Teacher-Created Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carlee Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp485060_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1520213918067","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/carlee-smith"},{"teacherId":485060,"projectId":10227942,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through this Teachers Pay Teachers gift card project. Your generosity will help provide high-quality learning materials, engaging activities, and differentiated resources that meet the unique needs of every student in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWith these resources, I will be able to create more meaningful lessons that inspire creativity, build confidence, and encourage a love of learning. From hands-on activities to targeted practice and enrichment opportunities, your support is making a direct impact on my students each and every day.\r\n\r\nMy students are excited to use these new materials, and I am grateful for the opportunity to bring fresh ideas and engaging instruction into our classroom. Your kindness and investment in education truly make a difference.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in our students and helping our classroom grow and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1778610201974,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-teaching-resources-for-reachi/10227942/","projectTitle":"Tools for Teaching, Resources for Reaching Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carlee Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp485060_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1520213918067","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/carlee-smith"},{"teacherId":669039,"projectId":10190624,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our STEAM classroom. We are using the new materials for hands-on engineering and design challenges where students plan, build, test, and improve their creations. One recent project involved building structures with LEGO bricks and paper prototypes to solve a simple \"bridge challenge.\" When students first saw the materials, they were immediately excited and eager to start building, asking when they could begin working.\r\n\r\nStudents are now collaborating in teams to refine their designs and explain their thinking. Next, they will present their final models and reflect on what worked, what didn't, and how they improved their designs.","fullyFundedDate":1778610079713,"projectUrl":"project/steam-projects/10190624/","projectTitle":"STEAM Projects!","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":10224928,"letterContent":"Our new LEGO and paper supplies are helping students learn through creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on exploration. \r\n\r\nStudents use LEGOs to build, design, and work together during STEM and teamwork activities, while paper supplies support writing, drawing, and creative projects across all subjects. The most exciting part for students is being able to create their own ideas and share them with classmates. Several students who are usually quiet during lessons have become more engaged and confident when using these materials. Hands-on activities help students stay focused, express their creativity, and enjoy learning in meaningful ways.","fullyFundedDate":1778347716231,"projectUrl":"project/supply-my-class-with-tpt/10224928/","projectTitle":"Supply My Class With TPT!","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":10132085,"letterContent":"Technology has transformed learning in our classroom by making lessons more interactive, engaging, and accessible for all students. \r\n\r\nWith the new teaching computer, students can participate in educational games, virtual activities, videos, and collaborative lessons that strengthen understanding and build confidence. Students are especially excited to interact directly with lessons on the screen and share their ideas with classmates. Several struggling learners and English language learners have become more engaged and willing to participate because visual and interactive supports help concepts \"click.\" Your generosity has created exciting opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and academic growth. Thank you for supporting our students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1778029174803,"projectUrl":"project/tech-help/10132085/","projectTitle":"Tech Help!","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":1113408,"projectId":9938935,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project, \"Bright Ideas, Clear Communication: Art & Organization for Our Classroom.\" Your generosity has made a meaningful and immediate impact on our learning environment.\r\n\r\nThe materials from this project have helped transform our classroom into a space that is both visually engaging and thoughtfully organized. With new art supplies, my students are able to express their creativity in ways that strengthen fine motor skills, storytelling, and confidence. Watching them bring their ideas to life—through drawing, coloring, and creating—has been such a joy. Art gives my students another pathway to communicate their thinking, especially for those who may struggle to express themselves verbally.\r\n\r\nThe organizational tools have been just as powerful. Clear systems and labeled spaces help my first graders build independence, responsibility, and confidence. When materials are accessible and routines are visually supported, students can transition more smoothly, stay focused longer, and take ownership of their learning. A well-organized classroom reduces distractions and creates a calm, structured environment where all learners can thrive.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom is brighter, more functional, and better equipped to support clear communication and creativity. Your support doesn't just provide supplies—it creates opportunities for independence, expression, and success every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1764707415373,"projectUrl":"project/bright-ideas-clear-communication-art-/9938935/","projectTitle":"Bright Ideas, Clear Communication: Art & Organization for Our Classroom","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":9935691,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project \"Tools for Calm Bodies and Focused Minds\" and giving my students access to tools that help them regulate their energy, stay calm, and engage more fully in learning. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom! \r\n\r\nOur young learners come to school with so much enthusiasm and curiosity—but some also bring big emotions and bodies that need movement to focus. With your support, we were able to provide flexible seating options, weighted and sensory tools, fidget bands, and movement items like soccer balls for both classroom and PE use. These resources give students choices to help them regulate their energy, settle into learning, and participate more confidently in lessons. \r\n\r\nI've seen firsthand how these tools help students stay grounded. Children who once struggled to sit through a reading lesson are now using their flexible seating and sensory input in ways that support their focus. Students with ADHD, autism, or bigger sensory needs are calmer and better able to transition between activities. The soccer balls have brought joy, cooperation, and movement opportunities that help students reset and return to academics ready to learn. \r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our classroom feels more inclusive, responsive, and better equipped to support all learners—especially those who thrive with movement and sensory supports. Thank you for positively impacting my students' ability to regulate their bodies and minds so they can grow, explore, and succeed every day.","fullyFundedDate":1764715582268,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-calm-bodies-and-focused-minds/9935691/","projectTitle":"Tools for Calm Bodies and Focused Minds","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":9935770,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my DonorsChoose project and investing in my growth as an educator. I am incredibly grateful for your generosity.\r\n\r\nWhile my original request was for an iPad, it was unavailable at the time of purchase. Instead, I received a MacBook Air—and it has truly been an even better fit for my needs as a teacher and instructional leader.\r\n\r\nAs a first-grade teacher, my work extends far beyond the school day. This year, our district adopted a new McGraw Hill math curriculum, and we are participating in extensive training to implement it with fidelity. At the same time, we continue deepening our understanding of the Science of Reading, which requires ongoing professional study, reflection, and application of research-based practices.\r\n\r\nThe MacBook Air has made it easier than ever to fully engage in this learning. Its larger screen, full keyboard, and powerful processing capabilities allow me to comfortably complete training modules, watch and analyze instructional videos, create and revise lesson plans, and annotate digital curriculum materials. I am able to keep multiple resources open at once, organize student data efficiently, and design engaging instructional materials with greater ease and precision.\r\n\r\nIn addition to teaching first grade, I serve as a Teacher Instructional Leader (TIL), supporting colleagues as we implement tools such as Brisk Teaching, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Canva. Having a reliable laptop has strengthened my ability to model these programs clearly, lead professional learning sessions, and troubleshoot alongside my peers. The MacBook has allowed me to step more confidently into that leadership role.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support directly impacts my students. When I have the tools to grow professionally and stay organized, I can deliver stronger, more intentional instruction every single day. The MacBook Air has streamlined my planning process, expanded my ability to create high-quality resources, and supported the meaningful, research-based learning happening in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for your flexibility and for making this upgrade possible. What began as a request for one device turned into an even greater opportunity for growth. Your generosity continues to make a lasting difference for my students, my colleagues, and me.","fullyFundedDate":1764747703843,"projectUrl":"project/an-ipad-air-to-boost-lesson-planning-tr/9935770/","projectTitle":"An iPad Air to Boost Lesson Planning, Training, and Teaching","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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4138","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":568,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":44,"percentAsian":18,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":31,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":32,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":14,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"25.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":89.4,"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"}