{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Personalized Learning Preparatory @ J. W. Ray Lear","outOfStateSupporters":22.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8165817,"projectId":9798029,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students were able to experience the rich tradition of punch needle fiber art while learning about storytelling, cultural heritage, and self-expression. These new materials opened the door for students to slow down, focus, and connect their hands to meaningful creative work.\r\n\r\nIn the classroom, students used punch needle tools and yarn to create textured artworks inspired by Hispanic patterns, symbols, and personal stories. One particularly special moment happened when a student shared that the repetitive motion of stitching reminded them of watching a family member crochet at home. Others began incorporating colors and symbols that represented their culture, family, or identity, turning each piece into a stitched story.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the punch needle tools and yarn, their reaction was immediate excitement mixed with curiosity. Many had never seen or used fiber art tools before. There were wide smiles, eager questions, and a sense of pride as they realized they were learning a technique practiced across generations and cultures. Students who often struggle with focus found the process calming and empowering, gaining confidence with every stitch.","fullyFundedDate":1762266275168,"projectUrl":"project/stitching-our-stories-learning-punch-ne/9798029/","projectTitle":"Stitching Our Stories: Learning Punch Needle Art for Hispanic Heritage","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. R","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8165817_orig.jpg?crop=1290,1290,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723317282351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8165817"},{"teacherId":8165817,"projectId":9949416,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, students in the Create to Connect Art Club are transforming recycled materials into meaningful, large-scale artwork that will be displayed at Dallas City Hall. This project has given students the opportunity to use art as a voice for environmental awareness, collaboration, and community engagement.\r\n\r\nStudents are using donated resources—plastic bags, cardboard looms, weaving tools, and fiber materials—to create six woven artworks that abstractly represent our oceans and the fragile ecosystems at risk due to ocean pollution and overfishing. One memorable classroom moment occurred when students sorted plastic by color and texture, discussing how plastic enters our oceans and how their artwork could visually communicate harm and hope at the same time. Watching students problem-solve together, adjust their designs, and help one another weave was a powerful example of teamwork and purpose-driven creativity.\r\n\r\nWhen students first encountered the materials, their reactions were filled with excitement and curiosity. Many were surprised to learn that everyday plastic could become art. Students immediately began asking thoughtful questions like, \"Is this the kind of plastic animals get stuck in?\" and \"Will people understand our message when they see this?\" Their excitement quickly turned into pride as they realized their work would be seen by the public and used to raise awareness beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nBecause of donor support, students are now entering the final stages of the project—completing their woven looms, preparing artist statements, and learning how to present and speak about their work in a public space. The exhibition at Dallas City Hall will be a culmination of months of creative effort, environmental learning, and student advocacy.\r\n\r\nThis project has shown students that their ideas matter and that art can inspire real conversations and change. Thank you for helping our students connect creativity with purpose and for making this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity possible.","fullyFundedDate":1765165636868,"projectUrl":"project/create-to-connect-art-club/9949416/","projectTitle":"Create to Connect Art Club","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. R","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8165817_orig.jpg?crop=1290,1290,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723317282351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8165817"},{"teacherId":8165817,"projectId":9622043,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our art room has been transformed into a space filled with exploration, creativity, and joyful learning. Students are now using printmaking tools, rollers, stamps, and LEGO bricks to experiment with patterns, textures, and storytelling in exciting new ways.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate and unforgettable. Gasps, wide eyes, and big smiles filled the room as they realized they could build, stamp, and roll in ways they had never tried before. Many students who are usually hesitant in art jumped right in, eager to experiment and make discoveries.\r\n\r\nThanks to the generosity of our donors, our art room has been transformed into a space filled with exploration, creativity, and joyful learning. Students are now using printmaking tools, rollers, stamps, and LEGO bricks to experiment with patterns, textures, and storytelling in exciting new ways.","fullyFundedDate":1755567416330,"projectUrl":"project/stamp-roll-build-expanding-creativity/9622043/","projectTitle":"Stamp, Roll, Build! Expanding Creativity Through Printmaking & LEGO Art","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. R","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8165817_orig.jpg?crop=1290,1290,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723317282351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8165817"},{"teacherId":8165817,"projectId":9088924,"letterContent":"Thank You for Your Support!\r\n\r\nWe extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our generous donors who made \"Honoring History Through Art: A Celebration of Black Creativity\" possible. Your contributions helped our students explore, create, and celebrate the rich legacy of Black artists and innovators through meaningful art experiences.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our students were able to not only learn about history, but also honor it by expressing their own creativity. Together, we are empowering young artists to see themselves as part of a larger story of resilience, imagination, and cultural pride.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our mission and for helping us bring this celebration to life!","fullyFundedDate":1746785271214,"projectUrl":"project/honoring-history-through-art-a-celebrat/9088924/","projectTitle":"Honoring History Through Art: A Celebration of Black Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. R","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8165817_orig.jpg?crop=1290,1290,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723317282351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8165817"},{"teacherId":8165817,"projectId":9057371,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and school community at PL Prep, we want to sincerely thank you for supporting our project, Illuminating Culture: Calligraphy & Eco-Friendly Lanterns to Save Our Oceans.\r\n\r\nWith your generosity, our students experienced the joy of transforming everyday plastic bottles into beautiful lanterns—learning firsthand how creativity and sustainability go hand in hand. As they honored the Chinese Lunar New Year and practiced Chinese calligraphy, they also discovered the importance of protecting our oceans by reimagining what others might see as waste.\r\n\r\nYour gift not only funded materials but also inspired young artists to see themselves as changemakers who can preserve culture and protect the planet. Together, we lit up our classroom with hope, art, and awareness.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and for helping us illuminate a brighter, greener future.","fullyFundedDate":1742320452187,"projectUrl":"project/illuminating-culture-calligraphy-eco-/9057371/","projectTitle":"Illuminating Culture: Calligraphy & Eco-Friendly Lanterns to Save Our Oceans","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. R","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8165817_orig.jpg?crop=1290,1290,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723317282351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8165817"},{"teacherId":8165817,"projectId":8995334,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generosity in donating art materials to my classroom! Your support has made such a difference, and I wanted to share how much my students and I appreciate it.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new supplies, their faces lit up with excitement. They immediately started brainstorming what they could create, and their enthusiasm was contagious! One of our first projects using the materials was a line exploration study and experimenting with printmaking using foam and fabric. It was incredible to see their creativity unfold as they explored new techniques and made their ideas come to life.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are diving into next lesson a unit on storytelling through art, where students will use their new materials to illustrate personal narratives. Your donation has not only provided tools for expression but has also fostered a sense of confidence and excitement in my students.\r\n\r\nThank you for being a part of our creative journey. Your kindness has made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1735669555407,"projectUrl":"project/bring-creativity-to-life-help-stock-our/8995334/","projectTitle":"Bring Creativity to Life: Help Stock Our Art Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. R","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8165817_orig.jpg?crop=1290,1290,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723317282351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8165817"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_18549","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":263,"numTeachers":17,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":25,"percentWhite":9,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":55,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.6,"schoolId":18549,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Personalized Learning Preparatory @ J. W. Ray Lear on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Personalized Learning Preparatory @ J. W. Ray Lear","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/dallas-independent-school-district/sam-houston-elementary-school/18549"}