{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Monte Vista Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":21.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":662192,"projectId":10134140,"letterContent":"Our TK students have been very enthusiastic about the new instruments we added into our classroom. The children are naturally drawn to music and movement, and with the addition of drums, xylophones, and other percussion instruments, we've witnessed an explosion of joy and engagement during our daily learning. The drums, in particular, have become a beloved favorite—our students light up when they see them and eagerly line up to explore rhythms, patterns, and self-expression through drumming. What began as simple exploration has blossomed into intentional music-making that supports their developing confidence and creativity.\r\n\r\nBeyond the pure joy of making music, these instruments are driving meaningful learning across multiple developmental areas. Our students are building fine and gross motor skills as they hold mallets, coordinate their movements, and control the force of their strikes. They're developing listening skills, auditory discrimination, and an understanding of cause-and-effect. Most importantly, music is becoming a powerful tool for emotional expression—we've noticed that shy students find their voices through instruments, and active learners have a healthy outlet for their energy and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nOne of our most innovative uses has been combining the instruments with our listening library. I record myself reading beloved stories for the children to listen to at our listening center. During the recording the children have loved helping by using the xylophone to indicate when it's time to turn the page. This simple but awesome integration has deepened their comprehension, encouraged active listening, and created a bridge between language and music. The children are so engaged in this experience since they were a part of creating it that they are staying focused longer, choosing to go in the library center to listen to our stories during free choice center time. They are developing a genuine love of reading and music together. Every donation to this project directly supports these rich, multi-sensory learning experiences that will shape our students' love of learning for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1773184401074,"projectUrl":"project/music-to-our-ears/10134140/","projectTitle":"Music to Our Ears!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Larsen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp662192_orig.jpg?crop=1619,1619,x0,y32&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755471448158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/662192"},{"teacherId":2959136,"projectId":9822385,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity and support—these SEL resources have truly made a meaningful difference for my students. Providing them a space to calm down, connect, and reset.\r\n\r\nThe lounger chairs have quickly become a favorite. They've helped create a welcoming, comfortable space where students feel safe opening up during restorative counseling sessions, individual check-ins, and even during fun, connection-building games. They've also transformed our calm-down corner into a space students actively seek out when they need a moment to reset.\r\n\r\nThe sand sensory spheres and kinetic sand have been incredibly powerful tools. They provide students with a hands-on sensory outlet that supports emotional regulation, especially during moments of dysregulation. I've seen students who come in overwhelmed begin to calm their bodies, focus their thoughts, and re-engage more positively.\r\n\r\nIt's been truly special to witness students build self-awareness and self-regulation skills in real time. These tools aren't just materials—they're helping students develop lifelong coping strategies in a supportive environment.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible. Your impact is felt every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1768532486814,"projectUrl":"project/calm-connect-and-reset-building-a-stu/9822385/","projectTitle":"Calm, Connect, and Reset: Building A Student Wellness Space","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Saupe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2959136_orig.jpg?crop=867,867,x0,y34&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720489764974","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2959136"},{"teacherId":4754791,"projectId":9970308,"letterContent":"My students were so excited to see the new dodgeballs and board games! There were literal cheers in the classroom, and they couldn't wait to get started. It has completely transformed our morning work into a time they actually look forward to.\r\n\r\nThe board games have become a huge hit during free choice, where I'm seeing awesome teamwork and new friendships forming. We've also been having a blast playing gaga ball with the new dodgeballs—it's the perfect way for them to burn off energy and start the day focused.","fullyFundedDate":1766588392637,"projectUrl":"project/building-community-through-board-games/9970308/","projectTitle":"Building Community Through Board Games","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hays","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4754791_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720464524092","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4754791"},{"teacherId":9009969,"projectId":9739867,"letterContent":"Thank you for donating to our classroom! The class LOVED watching the new supplies come in and playing with them right away. We recently learned about the letter H, so we were able to use the linking blocks to build \"h is for houses.\" This was instantly a hit and an activity they have returned to again and again. \r\n\r\nOne of their favorite items is the stand up whiteboard. They were so intrigued while we put it together (and loved playing with the box as well!), and enjoyed all things magnetic in our classroom. It has been another frequently returned to activity. We are looking forward to using it for marble runs soon!\r\n\r\nWe appreciate your support for our little learners and hope to have more projects soon!","fullyFundedDate":1762267751082,"projectUrl":"project/tk-learning-tools-need-an-upgrade/9739867/","projectTitle":"Tk Learning Tools Need an Upgrade!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kuhl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9009969_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720734211819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9009969"},{"teacherId":5403780,"projectId":9894370,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your generosity in helping to give my student materials needed to grow and learn in TK. They love using the magnetic board to learn letters, and they especially love building houses and buildings using the waffle cubes. \r\n Being able to use these materials has allowed my students to use their minds in different and creative ways and to build STEAM activities for our youngest students. My students are exploring and creating using the new materials, and are able to think differently. \r\n Thank you again for your donation, and for believing in our future.","fullyFundedDate":1764603552338,"projectUrl":"project/tk-learning-tools/9894370/","projectTitle":"TK Learning Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tambur","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5403780_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1526514656316","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5403780"},{"teacherId":5403780,"projectId":9651677,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to impact the children in my TK class. We are using the shelves to store all of the manipulative and materials needed to be successful in TK. The children are able to easily access their materials, which helps them to feel more independent and successful.\r\n\r\nWe are especially thankful to The Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, along with the Mindel and Hughes families for your generosity. Your support helps encourage children to learn how to be more independent and make good choices.","fullyFundedDate":1758816441860,"projectUrl":"project/a-shelf-a-home-for-toys/9651677/","projectTitle":"A Shelf: A Home for Toys","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tambur","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5403780_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1526514656316","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5403780"},{"teacherId":9009969,"projectId":9433242,"letterContent":"Thank you for giving our classroom a new classroom rug! This is our main learning and class community space. We have used it for countless morning meetings, storytimes, reading and math lessons, and so much more. \r\n\r\nThe class loves the tree and leaves on the rug, especially since they have letters on them. They like trying to find their own letter or our letter of the week. Their excitement for identifying the letters on the rug is truly to the roof, we have to remind them to use inside voices! It has also allowed us to play fun games with bean bags and hopping around to find different letters. \r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your gift and support for our classroom. Thank you for helping us!","fullyFundedDate":1753154667266,"projectUrl":"project/building-connections-one-rug-at-a-time/9433242/","projectTitle":"Building Connections One Rug at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kuhl","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9009969_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720734211819","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9009969"},{"teacherId":2959136,"projectId":9433679,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my school counseling program is better equipped to support students' social-emotional growth and well-being every day! The supplies you helped fund have made a meaningful difference in how students learn to regulate their emotions, build positive coping skills, and stay motivated to learn.\r\n\r\nThe folders have helped students stay organized and take pride in their progress during counseling sessions. The creative craft materials and cardstock have brought lessons to life during small group instruction, making learning engaging and hands-on. The new Magna-Tiles have become a favorite tool for collaboration and emotional regulation—students use them during reward time or as a calming activity when they need a break to reset.\r\n\r\nEven small items, like squishy toys and sour candy, have had a big impact! These serve as simple but powerful motivators for students who are demonstrating regulation, focus, and readiness to learn.\r\n\r\nYour support has provided not just supplies—but meaningful opportunities for students to grow, reflect, and thrive. Thank you for investing in their emotional wellness and helping create a more supportive, compassionate school community.","fullyFundedDate":1755755885089,"projectUrl":"project/the-counselors-toolkit-supporting-sel/9433679/","projectTitle":"The Counselor’s Toolkit: Supporting SEL and Mental Health","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Saupe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2959136_orig.jpg?crop=867,867,x0,y34&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720489764974","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2959136"},{"teacherId":662192,"projectId":9504246,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful to you for helping to provide my classroom with the dramatic play kitchen table, dress-up clothes, and baby doll accessories. These resources have truly transformed the learning environment for my 4 and 5-year-old students. The dramatic play area has become a vibrant hub where children explore social skills, creativity, and language development. Just last week, I witnessed a beautiful moment when a group of children took turns role-playing a family dinner, using the kitchen table and baby doll to practice manners, sharing, and empathy. This kind of imaginative play not only strengthens their communication but also builds teamwork and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nWhile introducing the new materials, the excitement in the classroom was palpable. My students' eyes lit up as they eagerly explored the baby doll accessories, magnetic blocks, and magnifying glasses. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it was clear these resources sparked their imaginations and joy for learning. Many children who are usually shy found confidence in expressing themselves through their roles, and it has been wonderful to see their social interactions blossom. The kitchen table has become a favorite gathering spot, encouraging cooperative play and nurturing a sense of community.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are planning to integrate these dramatic play materials into our upcoming literacy and social-emotional lessons. Students will create and share stories inspired by their play, helping to develop narrative skills and vocabulary. We will also explore themes of family, community roles, and kindness, connecting play with real-world concepts. Thanks to your generous support, my students have a rich, engaging space that fosters growth in many areas, and I am excited to see how their creativity and learning continue to unfold.","fullyFundedDate":1756098928404,"projectUrl":"project/dramatic-play-for-all-support-creativi/9504246/","projectTitle":"Dramatic Play for All! Support Creativity in Our TK Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Larsen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp662192_orig.jpg?crop=1619,1619,x0,y32&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755471448158","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/662192"},{"teacherId":2959136,"projectId":9200053,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for generously funding my DonorsChoose project! Because of your support, I was able to provide meaningful social-emotional support to students in individual sessions, small groups, and school-wide events.\r\n\r\nThe fidgets quickly became a favorite tool for engagement and self-regulation, and students loved the new buzzer system that made learning fun and interactive. The cardstock allowed me to create hands-on curriculum that promoted responsible decision-making. One student even improved her school attendance by using the folders in a reinforcement system—we saw a real change in her motivation and consistency.\r\n\r\nYour generosity truly made a difference. These tools gave my students opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive in ways that wouldn't have been possible without you. Thank you for supporting the next generation!","fullyFundedDate":1746787199366,"projectUrl":"project/calm-cool-and-collected-fidgets-too/9200053/","projectTitle":"Calm, Cool, and Collected: Fidgets & Tools for Student Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Saupe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2959136_orig.jpg?crop=867,867,x0,y34&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720489764974","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2959136"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_38635","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":504,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":64,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":30,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":56,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"22.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":78.9,"schoolId":38635,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Monte Vista Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Monte Vista Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/vista-unified-school-district/monte-vista-elementary-school/38635"}