Pathways Towards Independence in Pharr, Texas on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Pathways Towards Independence","outOfStateSupporters":66.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9081210,"projectId":8853104,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, we extend our deepest gratitude for your generous support in making our Social Emotional Café a reality. Your kindness has provided a safe and welcoming space where students can relax, connect, and develop self-regulation skills. Thanks to your contributions, our café now features giant-sized games, calming coloring books, soothing water lamps, and interactive sensory tiles, creating an inclusive environment where all students, especially those with disabilities, can engage in meaningful social interactions.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is truly making a difference, offering students a space to recharge and practice essential coping skills throughout the school day. Seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter is a testament to the impact of your support. We are incredibly grateful for your belief in our vision and for being champions of inclusion, emotional well-being, and student success. Thank you for making this dream a reality!\r\nSarah Gonzalez\r\nPTI Special Education Teacher\r\nPathways Toward Independence","fullyFundedDate":1728328449975,"projectUrl":"project/sel-cafe/8853104/","projectTitle":"SEL Cafe","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sarah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9081210_orig.jpg?crop=2062,2062,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1711236262621","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9081210"},{"teacherId":9790505,"projectId":8863721,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and staff, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of plants to our plant wall. Your thoughtful contribution has brought a vibrant touch of nature into our classroom, and we are incredibly grateful for your support. The addition of live plants not only enhances the aesthetic of our learning environment, but it also offers numerous benefits to our students' overall well-being and educational experience.\r\n\r\nResearch shows that having live plants in the classroom can improve air quality, reduce stress, and increase focus and productivity. The calming presence of greenery fosters a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere, which helps students feel more comfortable and engaged. Additionally, taking care of the plants teaches students valuable lessons in responsibility, observation, and environmental stewardship. Your donation has created a more dynamic and enriching learning space that supports both the academic and emotional growth of our students. Thank you again for your generosity – it truly makes a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1728324956935,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-plants-to-our-classroom-space/8863721/","projectTitle":"Bringing Plants to Our Classroom Space","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9790505"},{"teacherId":9790505,"projectId":8855294,"letterContent":"Donations of painting supplies significantly enhance students' learning by providing them with the tools they need to explore their creativity and develop their artistic skills. Access to high-quality paints, brushes, canvases, and other materials allows students to experiment with different techniques and express themselves in ways that foster critical thinking and problem-solving. With these resources, students are able to engage more deeply with their art projects, taking ownership of their learning process and feeling more motivated to create.\r\n\r\nIn addition, these donations contribute to a more inclusive and enriched educational experience, where all students, regardless of their personal financial situation, can have equal access to essential art materials. When students are equipped with the proper supplies, they are more likely to participate fully in art classes, improving their overall academic engagement and boosting their confidence. The impact of these donations extends beyond just the classroom as well, as students often carry the lessons and creative skills they acquire into other subjects, helping them think more innovatively and approach challenges with a more open mindset.","fullyFundedDate":1729613724301,"projectUrl":"project/wood-crafters-unlimited-we-build-for-yo/8855294/","projectTitle":"Wood Crafters Unlimited! We Build for You!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9790505"},{"teacherId":5415541,"projectId":8855286,"letterContent":"First, I want to thank you for funding and purchasing the items on the list for our Team Sports class/Special Olympics events! The students and I were able to use them as soon as we got them. They were so excited to be receiving packages in the mail. They had big smiles and they're eyes widened as we took out each item. I explained that these were gifts and supplies and equipment that they will be able to use to learn the material and use at the sports events. \r\n\r\nWe were able to use right away the bowling equipment to practice for the upcoming bowling competition. Us coaches were also able to use the walkie talkies at the competition to stay in constant communication and keep each other updated on which heat was next and which athletes needed to be escorted to their designated lane. We will definitely continue to utilize them for each upcoming competition. The white is being used to write down lesson objectives and reminders. The team jerseys are being used when I have the students in teams for my team sports lessons.","fullyFundedDate":1728404668103,"projectUrl":"project/equipment-for-special-needs-students-to/8855286/","projectTitle":"Equipment for Special Needs Students to Train for Special Olympics","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Matt","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5415541_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1526926984259","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5415541"},{"teacherId":9795635,"projectId":8861987,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the sublimation cups and materials—blank white mugs, heat presses, and the vibrant transfer papers—they were immediately excited. They were particularly curious about the process of transferring their designs onto the cups using heat. For many, this was their first time working with sublimation, and the opportunity to turn their digital artwork into a physical product was thrilling!\r\n\r\nThe class buzzed with ideas. Some students were already sketching their designs, while others were asking questions about how the heat press works. It was clear they were eager to try out this new technology, and many students began thinking about how they could use this in future projects—possibly for custom gifts or even starting their own small businesses.","fullyFundedDate":1728275254320,"projectUrl":"project/collaboration-and-teamwork-group-crafti/8861987/","projectTitle":"Collaboration and Teamwork: Group Crafting Activities Encourage Collaboration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ashley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9795635_orig.jpg?crop=2368,2368,x0,y134&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759504806523","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9795635"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_130678","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":94,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":92,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":33.3,"schoolId":130678,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Pathways Towards Independence on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Pathways Towards Independence","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/pharr-san-juan-alamo-independent-school-district/pathways-towards-independence/130678"}

About this school

Pathways Towards Independence is a public school in Pharr, Texas that is part of Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District. Its teachers have had 6 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Grades Not specified

# of students unavailable

# of teachers unavailable

325 W Jones Ave

Pharr, TX 78577 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Pathways Towards Independence Teachers on DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

See how DonorsChoose works

Pathways Towards Independence Demographics

94%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

92%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Pathways Towards Independence Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 4, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.