{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Rafael Hernandez K-8 School","outOfStateSupporters":32.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2809381,"projectId":10150743,"letterContent":"The arrival of our new library books has sparked a renewed interest in independent reading across our classroom. Several students immediately pointed out characters who looked like them or shared their cultural traditions. It was a clear reminder that when students see their own \"voices\" reflected in literature, they feel a much stronger sense of belonging and value within the school community. By having access to such a diverse range of stories, our students are not just improving their literacy skills, but also building empathy and leadership qualities.\r\n\r\nLooking forward, this project is a key part of our larger commitment to an inclusive learning environment. We plan to continue integrating diverse narratives and sensory-friendly materials across all subjects to ensure every student feels supported. Thank you for helping us build a library that truly represents our future leaders.","fullyFundedDate":1773865679951,"projectUrl":"project/our-stories-our-voices-a-diverse-libra/10150743/","projectTitle":"Our Stories, Our Voices: A Diverse Library for Future Leaders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Meghan Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2809381_orig.png?crop=549,549,x26,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758328835238","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2809381"},{"teacherId":2809381,"projectId":10150693,"letterContent":"The \"reading fever\" we hoped for is officially here; students are now racing to the shelves to grab the latest installment of their favorite series.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using these resources to bridge the gap between our English and Spanish speakers during independent reading time. It is a beautiful moment to see two students—one reading in English and one in Spanish—discussing the exact same plot point in the hallway. These books have ensured that language is no longer a barrier to social inclusion or the simple joy of a great story.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are using this momentum to push for even greater inclusivity. This project has become a blueprint for our goal of incorporating sensory regulation and diverse linguistic tools across more classrooms. By providing high-interest, culturally relevant materials, we are building an environment where every student, regardless of their background, feels their interests are valued. We aren't just teaching kids to read; we are fostering a community where everyone can join the conversation. Thank you for helping us make our library a place where every learner can truly shine!","fullyFundedDate":1773883513486,"projectUrl":"project/the-books-everyone-is-talking-abouten-e/10150693/","projectTitle":"The Books Everyone is Talking About—En Español!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Meghan Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2809381_orig.png?crop=549,549,x26,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758328835238","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2809381"},{"teacherId":2486548,"projectId":10151313,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now have access to a wider range of engaging and high-interest books that are already making a difference in our classroom. With titles like The Baby-Sitters Club, Tipos Malos, and A Wrinkle in Time, students are finding books that truly capture their attention. Having choices that reflect different interests, reading levels, and languages has helped students feel more excited and motivated to read.\r\n\r\nWhat has been most meaningful is seeing students build confidence as readers. Many of my students have faced challenges with reading, but with access to books they enjoy, they are more willing to take risks, spend more time reading, and talk about what they've read. Students who were once hesitant are now reaching for books on their own and staying engaged for longer periods of time.\r\n\r\nIn our bilingual special education classroom, these books are doing more than just supporting reading skills—they are helping create a community of readers. Students are discovering new interests, connecting with stories, and seeing themselves as capable readers. Your support is helping make reading enjoyable, meaningful, and accessible for all of my students. Thank you for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1773840355461,"projectUrl":"project/bilingual-books-to-engage-all-readers/10151313/","projectTitle":"Bilingual Books to Engage All Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Joe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2486548_orig.jpg?crop=1008,1008,x1908,y1397&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757089045371","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-dzerkacz"},{"teacherId":2486548,"projectId":10151258,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now have access to decodable chapter books from Dog On A Log Books that truly meet them where they are as readers. These books have made an immediate difference by giving students the chance to practice the phonics skills they are learning in small-group instruction while still feeling like they are reading \"real\" chapter books. Instead of feeling discouraged by texts that are too difficult—or embarrassed by books that feel too young—students are now engaged, motivated, and willing to take on reading challenges.\r\n\r\nWhat has been most powerful is the confidence these books are building. My students are developing stamina, reading for longer periods of time, and experiencing the pride that comes with finishing a book independently. I've seen students who once avoided reading begin to participate more, take risks, and see themselves as capable readers. In our co-taught classroom, this has allowed me to better support differentiated instruction and ensure that all students have access to meaningful reading experiences.\r\n\r\nThe DonorsChoose Community made this possible. Your support is helping my students close foundational skill gaps while also fostering a love of reading that will stay with them beyond our classroom. Most importantly, you've given them the opportunity to experience success and joy as readers—one chapter at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1773847743233,"projectUrl":"project/helping-upper-elementary-readers-crack-t/10151258/","projectTitle":"Helping Upper Elementary Readers Crack the Code","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Joe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2486548_orig.jpg?crop=1008,1008,x1908,y1397&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757089045371","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-dzerkacz"},{"teacherId":2486548,"projectId":9976653,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now have access to tools that are truly changing how they experience learning. The pen scanners allow students to hear text read aloud instantly, giving them access to directions, vocabulary, and grade-level content in a way that wasn't possible before. Instead of getting stuck on decoding, students are able to focus on understanding, participating, and sharing their ideas with confidence.\r\n\r\nWhat has been most powerful is the independence these tools provide. Students no longer have to wait for adult support—they can take control of their own learning in real time. I've already seen students who used to hesitate with reading become more willing to start tasks, persist through challenges, and engage more actively in class. They are building both skills and confidence every day.\r\n\r\nIn our dual-language classroom, this impact goes even further. Students are strengthening their literacy across languages while staying included in whole-class learning. Your support is helping create a more equitable classroom where all students can access their education and feel successful. Thank you for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1768511910703,"projectUrl":"project/tech-to-help-kids-with-dyslexia/9976653/","projectTitle":"Tech to Help Kids with Dyslexia!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Joe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2486548_orig.jpg?crop=1008,1008,x1908,y1397&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757089045371","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-dzerkacz"},{"teacherId":2809381,"projectId":9723466,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, the fifth grade math classroom has another small group learning space that allows for movement while learning and practicing math! Having the wobble stools at the small-group table allows students to easily pivot, reach for materials, and collaborate with their partners without the physical constraints of a rigid chair. The students are looking forward to \"wobbling\" our way through some complex decimal operations!\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, these stools are just one step in our mission to normalize sensory regulation as a standard part of our school day. By moving away from a \"one-size-fits-all\" seating model, we are proving that movement isn't a distraction—it's a tool for success. My goal is to continue advocating for and incorporating movement-based strategies across all our classrooms at the Hernandez. We want to create an environment where every learner, regardless of their sensory needs, feels that their classroom was built with their specific brain in mind. Your support is helping us pave the way for a more inclusive, movement-friendly school culture where every student has the physical freedom to focus and flourish!","fullyFundedDate":1767143497295,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-focused-learning/9723466/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Focused Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Meghan Sullivan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2809381_orig.png?crop=549,549,x26,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758328835238","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2809381"},{"teacherId":1503752,"projectId":9985861,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support! Because of your generosity, my students now have so many more opportunities to practice the reading skills we work on together. They often ask to take these materials home as extra practice! From students who are new to the English language and have interrupted schooling to students with IEPs who need reading support, these materials are helping our most vulnerable students succeed on their reading journey.\r\n\r\nI have one particular student who is a reluctant reader. Normally, she shies away from reading our decodable texts. When I first showed her the reader's theater, she loved it! She was excited to read her lines and act out the story. Having the text presented in this way made reading fun and accessible to her. Thank you so much for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1768511910007,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-read-literacy-activities-fo/9985861/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Read! Literacy Activities for Growing Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Emily","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1503752_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470919009977","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emily-tyler"},{"teacherId":9080090,"projectId":9710481,"letterContent":"Wow! This donation has made all the difference this year. Students are absolutely thriving with their agendas, staying organized and accountable for their homework while practicing important executive functioning skills. They are also such beautiful agendas that they all take grade pride in taking care of them!\r\nWe feel so grateful that this is something we weee able to have for our classroom this year. We focus heavily on preparing students for the future, and these organizational skills are absolutely priceless. Thank you again for your generous donation that made this all possible!","fullyFundedDate":1764513219904,"projectUrl":"project/student-organization/9710481/","projectTitle":"Student Organization!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pam","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9080090_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700367947565","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9080090"},{"teacherId":2486548,"projectId":9978066,"letterContent":"Our Searching for Spanish Graphic Novels! project had an exciting impact on our classroom, especially with the addition of Los Compas and Agus y los Monstruos. These titles immediately drew in students who were eager for adventurous, humorous stories in Spanish. The graphic novel format made the texts approachable while still challenging students to build vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension skills. The books were quickly passed from one reader to another, creating buzz and anticipation around reading in Spanish.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this project expanded access to contemporary, high-interest Spanish literature that reflects students' linguistic identities. Having popular series available in Spanish reinforced that their home language belongs in academic spaces. Students proudly recommended the books to peers, discussed favorite characters, and chose to read in Spanish more frequently. The project strengthened both literacy development and confidence as bilingual readers.","fullyFundedDate":1768001576294,"projectUrl":"project/searching-for-spanish-graphic-novels/9978066/","projectTitle":"Searching for Spanish Graphic Novels!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Joe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2486548_orig.jpg?crop=1008,1008,x1908,y1397&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757089045371","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-dzerkacz"},{"teacherId":2486548,"projectId":9976371,"letterContent":"Receiving these titles through our Books in English and Libros en Español project had a powerful impact on our classroom library. Keepers of the Lost Cities, Betting on You, Better Than the Movies, and Nothing Like the Movies quickly became favorites among students who gravitate toward high-interest, character-driven stories, while Fantasmas, Alérgica, Mabuhay, and Apachurrada expanded our collection of engaging, culturally rich graphic novels in Spanish. The variety ensured that more students saw their interests reflected on our shelves, which increased independent reading time and meaningful peer-to-peer book recommendations.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this project strengthened our bilingual reading culture. Students moved fluidly between English and Spanish texts, choosing books based on interest rather than language. Having high-demand, contemporary titles in both languages communicated that all reading—and all languages—are valued in our classroom. The excitement around these books sparked conversations, built confidence, and reinforced students' identities as capable, enthusiastic readers.","fullyFundedDate":1767804819802,"projectUrl":"project/books-in-english-and-libros-en-espaol/9976371/","projectTitle":"Books in English and Libros en Español!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Joe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2486548_orig.jpg?crop=1008,1008,x1908,y1397&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757089045371","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-dzerkacz"},{"teacherId":2486548,"projectId":9971290,"letterContent":"Receiving Rizos, Cuatro ojos, Cara de pizza, Drama, and Sonríe through our Más Libros en Español project had an immediate impact on our classroom. These graphic novels quickly became some of the most requested books during independent reading. Students who had previously struggled to find engaging texts in Spanish were excited to see relatable characters and stories that reflected their experiences. The format and authentic language lowered barriers to reading while still supporting vocabulary growth, fluency, and comprehension.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these books validated students' identities as bilingual readers. Seeing high-quality, popular titles available in Spanish communicated that their home language is valued and worthy of rich literature. Students recommended the books to one another, discussed characters and themes, and began choosing Spanish texts more confidently. The project strengthened both literacy skills and pride in reading in Spanish, helping build a more inclusive and joyful classroom library.","fullyFundedDate":1767207611056,"projectUrl":"project/ms-libros-en-espaol/9971290/","projectTitle":"¡Más Libros en Español!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Joe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2486548_orig.jpg?crop=1008,1008,x1908,y1397&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757089045371","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-dzerkacz"},{"teacherId":2486548,"projectId":9874434,"letterContent":"Bringing high-interest titles like The Chronicles of Narnia, The Heroes of Olympus, The Wild Robot, Holes, and Diary of a Roblox Pro into our classroom immediately boosted engagement. These quickly became the most requested and frequently circulated books. Students recommended them to friends, talked about characters during transitions, and chose to read them during independent reading time. Access to stories that matched their interests—fantasy, adventure, humor, and gaming—led to increased reading stamina and stronger comprehension.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these books strengthened students' identities as readers. Finishing a popular novel or continuing a series built confidence and excitement around reading. The classroom library became a shared space of enthusiasm and conversation, helping foster a culture where reading was not just an assignment, but something students genuinely enjoyed.","fullyFundedDate":1766441564480,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-hook-growing-our-5th-grade-l/9874434/","projectTitle":"Books That Hook: Growing Our 5th Grade Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Joe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2486548_orig.jpg?crop=1008,1008,x1908,y1397&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1757089045371","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-dzerkacz"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_62922","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":372,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":65,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":14,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":79,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"15.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.3,"schoolId":62922,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Rafael Hernandez K-8 School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Rafael Hernandez K-8 School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/boston-public-schools/rafael-hernandez-school/62922"}