{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ortega Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":24.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8844900,"projectId":9930652,"letterContent":"The resources, materials, and sensory tools provided through this project have made a meaningful difference in my Early Childhood Special Education classroom. My students have Autism, ADHD, Speech Impairments, and Developmental Delays, and many of them require sensory supports to remain engaged, regulate their emotions, and successfully transition between activities throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThe sensory tools have helped students stay on task and participate more successfully in learning activities. I noticed that several students benefited from using the sensory swing chair when transitioning from one academic area to another, such as moving from a writing activity to a math lesson. After a few minutes of sensory input, students were better able to refocus and engage in the next task.\r\n\r\nThe materials have also supported the development of important social skills, including turn-taking, waiting, and sharing. Students have become more independent in recognizing when they need a sensory break and using the available tools appropriately.\r\n\r\nOne particularly memorable example involved a student who was having a very challenging day and was becoming frustrated and dysregulated. I invited him to use our calm-down area, where he explored the sensory mats and selected several fidget tools. After spending time with these sensory supports, he was able to calm himself, regulate his emotions, and return to learning activities more successfully. Moments like this demonstrate how critical these resources are for helping young children build self-regulation skills.\r\n\r\nBecause of these materials, my students are experiencing greater success with attention, transitions, emotional regulation, and participation in classroom activities. The sensory supports have created a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students can access instruction and develop the skills they need to thrive. Thank you for investing in our classroom and helping my students reach their full potential.","fullyFundedDate":1774652711630,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-sensory-haven-for-enhanced-le/9930652/","projectTitle":"Creating a Sensory Haven for Enhanced Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burns","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8844900"},{"teacherId":7537532,"projectId":9938675,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my students early reading and writing skills. Spanish language workbooks are hard to find and this resource was greatly needed. It was a pleasure to put to together these workbooks for students as Christmas gifts. \r\n\r\nStudents loved the workbooks and parents were happy to have additional materials to use at home with their child during the winter break. Students came back from winter break ready to continue to grow their reading and writing skills without skipping a beat. \r\n\r\nThank you for supporting kindergarten literacy!","fullyFundedDate":1764693235448,"projectUrl":"project/reading-and-writing-workbooks-for-eager/9938675/","projectTitle":"Reading and Writing Workbooks for Eager Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Medina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7537532_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x216,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764641069255","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7537532"},{"teacherId":7537532,"projectId":9998996,"letterContent":"Students greatly enjoyed using the donated materials in create living Mother's Day gifts. Students tended to their plants and decorated their pots with pride. \r\n\r\nStudents loved the play-doh! These were essential tools especially for our 3D shapes into.\r\n\r\nThe donated headphones allowed each student to use tech in the classroom seamlessly. Individual headphones for each child also contributed to healthy environment by preventing students from sharing headphones and therefore discouraging the spread of lice that is unfortunately common in kindergarten. \r\n\r\nThank you for supporting this kinder class!","fullyFundedDate":1768448031932,"projectUrl":"project/spring-time-odds-and-ends/9998996/","projectTitle":"Spring Time Odds and Ends","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Medina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7537532_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x216,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764641069255","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7537532"},{"teacherId":10296616,"projectId":10029445,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your generous donation of snacks. Your support plays an important role in helping us create a positive and welcoming environment for our students each day.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, students have access to snacks that help them stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. These contributions truly make a difference, especially for those who may need a little extra support during the school day.\r\n\r\nWe deeply appreciate your commitment to our students' well-being and success. Your generosity does not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly thankful to have partners like you supporting our school community.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your thoughtful contribution and continued support.\r\n\r\nSincerely,","fullyFundedDate":1768946371272,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-students/10029445/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10296616"},{"teacherId":10173984,"projectId":10029292,"letterContent":"Our recent integration of new headphones in the classroom has truly transformed our students' learning experiences. As a music teacher at a Title One school, I have witnessed firsthand how these headphones have enhanced engagement and understanding. The new headphones are not only lighter and more comfortable for our students' ears, but they are also incredibly easy to use, eliminating common frustrations and allowing students to focus on their lessons. This technology has helped personalize learning, enabling students to listen to music and instructions at their own pace, which is particularly beneficial for those who may need extra time to process information. By fostering a more inclusive environment, the headphones have become a vital tool in making music education accessible to all students, regardless of their learning styles or needs.\r\nOne of the most exciting aspects of this new technology is the enthusiasm it has ignited among the students. They are thrilled by how the headphones allow them to immerse themselves in the music without distractions, creating a more intimate and effective learning experience. One student, in particular, has shown remarkable progress; initially shy and hesitant, she now confidently uses the headphones to explore new musical pieces, participating more actively in class discussions. This transformation has not only improved her musical skills but has also boosted her self-esteem. Such stories are a testament to how your generous donations have positively impacted our students, providing them with the tools they need to succeed and fostering a love for learning that will last a lifetime. Thank you for your continued support in making a difference in our students' lives.","fullyFundedDate":1769192006980,"projectUrl":"project/headphones-enhance-focus-and-creativity/10029292/","projectTitle":"Headphones Enhance Focus and Creativity in Music","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sonya","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10173984_orig.jpg?crop=1155,1155,x0,y60&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768319952748","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-sonya-music"},{"teacherId":1537374,"projectId":9894439,"letterContent":"My students were so excited to see the new items in the store. Because we held this store right before winter break, many students were excited to buy gifts for themselves and family members for Christmas morning with the money the earns in class. The fidget toys, chocolates, and Mexican candies were especially popular. One student said, \"I feel like an adult when we get to save and spend our money each month.\" Thank you for giving them this opportunity to engage in a meaningful activity that utilizes their math and financial literacy skills while rewarding them in a fun way!","fullyFundedDate":1763561250361,"projectUrl":"project/sweet-store-for-sweet-students/9894439/","projectTitle":"Sweet Store for Sweet Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rogers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1537374_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1500082382648","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1537374"},{"teacherId":3579715,"projectId":9804588,"letterContent":"When my students walked into the Art room and found a variety of new puzzles laid out on the tables, their faces lit up with excitement. The room buzzed with eager chatter and laughter as they hurried to find a spot to start working on the puzzles.\r\n\r\nThese puzzles have encouraged collaboration and communication among my students. They often gather around a table, discussing different strategies and offering each other support. They are so satisfied when they complete a puzzle. It boosts their confidence and self-esteem.\r\n\r\nIn the future I would like to introduce puzzles featuring famous artworks or artists. This not only familiarizes students with art history but also inspires them to explore different art styles and techniques. \r\n\r\nTheses puzzles have provided my students with a dynamic and engaging learning experience that nurtures both their artistic abilities and cognitive development.","fullyFundedDate":1760464519286,"projectUrl":"project/brain-builders/9804588/","projectTitle":"Brain Builders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chavez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3579715_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760017177741","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3579715"},{"teacherId":1537374,"projectId":9579812,"letterContent":"My students have shown great success and organization with the materials that were purchased with this project. Students have an easier time as they are switching between classes, keeping all of their materials in one location. The pockets of the dividers are really helpful when the papers don't have holes punched in them, and it saves us a lot of time. I know this experience will help them as they finish out elementary school and go to middle school next year. They can use some of these same strategies to help them as they progress through school. Thank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1755690035652,"projectUrl":"project/organized-and-ready/9579812/","projectTitle":"Organized and Ready!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rogers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1537374_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1500082382648","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1537374"},{"teacherId":1537374,"projectId":9251603,"letterContent":"Thank you so much to refilling our snacks. My student's favorite thing to buy in our classroom store are snacks. From the salty to sweet to spicy, this assortment had something for everyone. They worked hard to do well on their assignments, make good behavior choices in class, and follow their social contract to earn class money. They were also able to practice their math skills by adding bills, subtracting for change, and using coupons to find the percent off for certain snack (and important math skill for my 6th graders!)","fullyFundedDate":1744647469787,"projectUrl":"project/snack-attack/9251603/","projectTitle":"Snack Attack","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rogers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1537374_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1500082382648","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1537374"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_17937","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":210,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":19,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":72,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":75.7,"schoolId":17937,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ortega Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ortega Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/austin-independent-school-district/ortega-elementary-school/17937"}