{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sam Houston Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8890342,"projectId":9572989,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom library. Your gift has transformed our reading space into a vibrant, welcoming place where students are discovering new stories, new ideas, and new confidence in themselves as readers. The excitement in our room each time a student reaches for a new book is a direct result of your kindness.\r\nThese texts have helped us introduce essential reading skills in ways that feel meaningful to students. With the variety you provided—ranging from early chapter books to rich nonfiction—students are practicing strategies like identifying themes, analyzing characters' motivations, making predictions, and building vocabulary in context. Many of our new titles also lend themselves beautifully to lessons in empathy, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. With so many genres now available, students are learning not just how to read better, but why reading matters.\r\nReading in our classroom now looks like a community at work. During independent reading, you can see students tucked into corners with books they genuinely chose for themselves. During small-group discussions, they hold their books open and excitedly point out passages that surprised, confused, or moved them. And during read-aloud time—an anchor of our day—you can hear audible gasps, laughter, and thoughtful silence as we travel through stories together. The room simply feels different: calmer, brighter, and more joyful.\r\nSeveral students have already formed strong connections with the new books. One student who previously struggled to find anything interesting discovered a graphic novel series from our new collection and now reads every day without prompting. These moments—small but powerful—are shaping their identities as lifelong readers.\r\nYour generosity has given my students more than books; you've given them opportunities to see themselves, to explore worlds beyond their own, and to grow as learners. Thank you for believing in the power of stories and for investing in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1757006815271,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-classroom-library-for-lifelon/9572989/","projectTitle":"Building a Classroom Library for Lifelong Reader","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Benitez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8890342_orig.jpg?crop=2177,2177,x138,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754871939585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8890342"},{"teacherId":9155830,"projectId":9523314,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your generous book donation to our classroom. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on my students and their learning experience.\r\n\r\nMy classroom is made up primarily of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and many of them do not have access to new or high-quality books at home. Because of your donation, my students now have the opportunity to read engaging, up-to-date titles that spark their curiosity and encourage a love for reading.\r\n\r\nIt has been incredible to see their excitement as they explore new stories and authors. The joy on their faces when they discovered books that reflect their interests and imaginations is something I will never forget. Your donation has not only expanded our classroom library but has also opened doors to new ideas, vocabulary, and perspectives for my students.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly enriched our classroom community and reminded my students that there are people who care deeply about their education and future. Thank you for investing in their growth and for helping foster a lifelong love of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1754270527889,"projectUrl":"project/turning-pages-opening-minds/9523314/","projectTitle":"Turning Pages, Opening Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9155830_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692573374159","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9155830"},{"teacherId":9155825,"projectId":9548409,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been enjoying the addition of the Stories Without Limits: Graphic Novels and Wordless Wonders collection. These new texts have helped some students explore story structure, visual literacy, and inferencing in ways that makes it exciting and fun. Many of my students are discovering that reading isn't about decoding words but about interpreting expressions and building meaning from details the author and artist include in the picture books.\r\n\r\nStudents during independent reading grab the graphic novels and even my hesitant readers are suddenly learning to share predictions to one another as they figure something out without a single printed sentence in the book. They are reading longer and talking about books with confidence than before. Students are citing images as evidence and using the stories to make connections to their lives.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who strugggled to stay engaged reading, now look forward to independent reading. My English learner students use the wordless stories to practice storytelling in English without being afraid to get the words wrong.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and giving them tools that let them see themselves as readers.","fullyFundedDate":1757006758619,"projectUrl":"project/stories-without-limits-graphic-novels-a/9548409/","projectTitle":"Stories Without Limits: Graphic Novels and Wordless Wonders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9155825_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695432209410","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9155825"},{"teacherId":9155830,"projectId":8314828,"letterContent":"Thank for your generous support of our classroom! I'm thrilled to share how these new resources are making an impact.\r\n\r\nUsing the New Resources:\r\nOur class recently completed several holiday projects using the materials. This project not only encouraged critical thinking but also fostered teamwork and creativity among the students.\r\n\r\nFirst Reactions:\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement was palpable! They were eagerly unpacking everything, sharing ideas for how to use the supplies, and expressing their gratitude. \r\n\r\nNext Steps:\r\nAs we move forward, the resources will be pivotal in helping students improve problem-solving skills, enhance reading comprehension. The students are excited to continue exploring and building on their newfound skills!\r\n\r\nWe're so grateful for the generosity of our donors. Your contribution has truly enriched our learning environment, and I look forward to sharing more updates as we progress.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and support!","fullyFundedDate":1723674699802,"projectUrl":"project/dare-to-create/8314828/","projectTitle":"Dare to Create!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9155830_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692573374159","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9155830"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_102815","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":764,"numTeachers":44,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":98,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":81.3,"schoolId":102815,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sam Houston Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sam Houston Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/weslaco-independent-school-district/sam-houston-elementary-school/102815"}

Sam Houston Elementary School

Join the 16 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

Sam Houston Elementary School is a suburban public school in Weslaco, Texas that is part of Weslaco Independent School District. It serves 764 students in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 17.4:1. Its teachers have had 20 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 5

764 Students

44 Teachers

608 N Cantu St

Weslaco, TX 78596 View local requests

http://samhouston.wisd.us/

Evidence-based impact

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

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

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

Sam Houston Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Sam Houston Elementary School Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

98%

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.

Sam Houston Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 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.

Sam Houston Elementary School

$9,304

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

donors

projects for technology

projects for books

project for art supplies

Sam Houston Elementary School has received support from 13 individuals from Texas and 3 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Sam Houston Elementary School

About this school

Equity Focus School

Sam Houston Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Sam Houston Elementary School Demographics

Sam Houston Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

Sam Houston Elementary School

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.