{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Las Estrellas Dual Language Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8421626,"projectId":9890189,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students have been able to use these new resources every single day in meaningful ways. The storage bins and floating shelves helped us completely reorganize our classroom, creating calm, clearly labeled spaces where students can independently access materials. The coat hooks gave my students ownership over their belongings, helping us build responsibility and smoother transitions. Our new snap-top bins and baskets are now used to organize small group reading and math materials, which has made our intervention time much more efficient. \r\n\r\nThe color-changing fidget putty has been especially impactful; my students use it during independent work and small group instruction to support focus and self-regulation, and the excitement on their faces when they first saw it was unforgettable. They were amazed watching the colors change in their hands! The duct tape and permanent markers have already been used for a collaborative classroom expectations poster and labeling systems that students helped design. Next, we are beginning a hands-on project where students will create organized learning stations using the new containers, practicing teamwork and problem-solving while taking pride in their environment. \r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom is more organized, more engaging, and better equipped to support both academic growth and social-emotional learning.","fullyFundedDate":1763599150058,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-calm-creative-and-connected/9890189/","projectTitle":"Creating a Calm, Creative, and Connected Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Noelia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8421626_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x256,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722461597876","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8421626"},{"teacherId":10054386,"projectId":9561423,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of wipes to our classroom. Having these supplies makes a real difference in our daily routine. We use the wipes throughout the day to clean desks, shared materials, door handles, and other high-touch surfaces, which helps keep our learning environment clean and welcoming for students.\r\n\r\nYour support is especially important during flu season. Regular cleaning helps reduce the spread of germs, keeps students healthier, and allows them to focus on learning instead of illness. We truly appreciate your kindness and commitment to supporting our classroom and our students' well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1759886843203,"projectUrl":"project/flu-season/9561423/","projectTitle":"Flu Season","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zhagui","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10054386"},{"teacherId":1528285,"projectId":9838305,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping to provide high quality hypo-allergenic lotion for all of our classrooms this winter season! Our winter here in Minnesota is brutal. Students already have the task of remembering all of their winter gear: snowpants, gloves, hats, scarves, boots, etc. The task of carrying an individual lotion in their backpack is too much!\r\n\r\nHaving lotion available in all of their classrooms helps them be able to access lotion whenever they need it. We have to wash hands frequently to also try and avoid the spread of germs and getting sick, but putting on lotion afterwards keeps their hands soft and comfortable.\r\n\r\nThank you for providing this comfort for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1763663725055,"projectUrl":"project/soft-hands/9838305/","projectTitle":"Soft Hands","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Olson de Alvarez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1528285_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507759780729","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emilyolsondealvarez"},{"teacherId":3816828,"projectId":9807470,"letterContent":"Since receiving these social-emotional learning resources, my classroom has become a calmer, more supportive space where students feel safe expressing their feelings. We use the books during morning meetings to talk about emotions and friendships, and they've helped students find the words to describe feelings like sadness or frustration—something many struggled with before. The sensory materials and weighted dog plushy are now part of our calm-down area, where students independently go to regulate their emotions; one student who often felt overwhelmed now hugs the dog and takes deep breaths before rejoining the class. When students first saw the materials, they were excited and immediately understood they were tools to help them feel better. These resources are helping my kindergarteners build empathy, self-regulation, and confidence—skills that will support them far beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1762877075937,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-humans-big-emotions/9807470/","projectTitle":"Tiny Humans, Big Emotions","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Roman-Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3816828_orig.png?crop=126,126,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755493172531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3816828"},{"teacherId":8421626,"projectId":9652995,"letterContent":"I've been able to create personalized notebooks with the basic concepts for my students. Each one includes reading, writing, and foundational math materials that they can use to complete their assignments.\r\n\r\nIt has been incredibly helpful for them, especially because they can either share their resources or have their own individual copies.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for all the support, guidance, and resources you've provided. Your help has made a meaningful difference in my classroom, giving my students tools that truly support their learning and growth. I'm deeply grateful for the time, effort, and dedication you put into making these materials accessible. Your contribution has not only enriched their education but has also made my work as a teacher easier and more effective.\r\n\r\nThank you again for everything, you've had a remarkable impact.","fullyFundedDate":1760061502516,"projectUrl":"project/hold-it-together-raising-funds-for-a-bi/9652995/","projectTitle":"Hold It Together: Raising Funds for a Binding Machine","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Noelia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8421626_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x256,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722461597876","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8421626"},{"teacherId":3816828,"projectId":9549044,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our Spanish immersion kindergarten classroom has become an exciting space for hands-on STEM learning. Students now use the new materials daily during small-group centers and bilingual exploration stations. They build with engineering kits, explore magnetism, experiment with simple machines, and practice early coding skills—all while using academic Spanish to explain their thinking and collaborate with classmates.\r\n\r\nOne memorable moment happened during a magnet investigation. Students eagerly tested classroom objects, sorted materials by whether they were magnetic, and excitedly shared discoveries using new vocabulary like metal, atraer, and no atrae. Another highlight has been watching students work together to design and redesign structures, problem-solve when challenges arise, and celebrate each other's successes.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, students were thrilled. Their excitement was immediate—eyes lit up, questions poured out, and many couldn't wait to get started. Students who are typically quiet became engaged leaders during hands-on activities, showing confidence, curiosity, and teamwork.\r\n\r\nNext, students are using these materials to support our science units, including the life cycle of living things and basic engineering challenges. They will continue building, experimenting, and coding as they strengthen both STEM understanding and Spanish language skills. Because of your donation, our students are gaining access to meaningful, joyful learning experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and help every child see themselves as a capable scientist and problem-solver.","fullyFundedDate":1759887556030,"projectUrl":"project/little-scientists-big-ideas-stem-en-es/9549044/","projectTitle":"Little Scientists, Big Ideas: STEM en Español","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Roman-Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3816828_orig.png?crop=126,126,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755493172531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3816828"},{"teacherId":6530152,"projectId":9614542,"letterContent":"Having all the materials you funded has changed the way our classroom feels. We have a chance to come to school and enjoy building things, talking to each other and have a slow start to the day. Another impact is students can come in and have more independence in their activities. This gives me a chance to check in with them and make emotional connections that help our day be successful. Please know that students are loving and enjoying your donations and they are thriving because we get to start the day in a more relaxed way. It is still academic in a way that doesn't feel academic. Building and connecting with others as they make things with their hands has been wonderful. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1757771791772,"projectUrl":"project/morning-bins-to-ditch-the-sheets/9614542/","projectTitle":"Morning Bins to Ditch the Sheets","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. D. Ortiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6530152_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755402173686","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6530152"},{"teacherId":8421626,"projectId":9516611,"letterContent":"The Laminate to Educate project has a meaningful educational impact by improving the quality, accessibility, and longevity of classroom learning materials. By laminating key instructional resources, such as visual aids, learning games, charts, and student reference tools, teachers build sturdy, reusable supports that foster consistent engagement and active learning. Such resources ensure that students get more opportunities to engage with materials frequently without the risk of damage, thus cultivating hands-on participation and collaboration. \r\n\r\nLaminated materials also open up flexible options of instructional practices through small-group activities, centers, and differentiated activities. Overall, the project fosters a more organized, interactive, and sustainable learning environment supportive of student understanding, independence, and long-term academic growth.\r\n\r\nI would like to thank everyone who supported and contributed to the project. Your generosity and collaboration have made possible the creation of lasting resources that will continue to benefit students for many years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1756135377867,"projectUrl":"project/laminate-to-educate-enhancing-classroom/9516611/","projectTitle":"Laminate to Educate: Enhancing Classroom Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Noelia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8421626_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x256,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722461597876","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8421626"},{"teacherId":1528285,"projectId":9589378,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping to add some essential materials to our music classroom that will help us use the color-coding strategy in learning English and Spanish and some high interest materials for students like the globe and the flags of the world poster.\r\n\r\nBecause we are a Dual Language school and all students are learning English and Spanish, we use all green for Spanish language and all blue for English language to help students' (and ours') brains make connections quickly and to facilitate transfer between both languages. The hanging charts have helped us do this in a neat way with all of our vocabulary we have learned so far this year! Students also like being able to color-code when writing themselves, and the markers help us all to do that.\r\n\r\nLastly, the Dirt Devil helps keep our floor clean. We do a lot of movement and work with different instruments on the floor (no tables), so keeping the carpet clean is essential to our classroom being welcoming and inviting.","fullyFundedDate":1755714865360,"projectUrl":"project/color-coding-for-bilingual-learners/9589378/","projectTitle":"Color Coding for Bilingual learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Olson de Alvarez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1528285_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507759780729","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emilyolsondealvarez"},{"teacherId":1528285,"projectId":9200520,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to our Music, Language and Culture classroom environment by helping us to purchase scented markers, a circle stretchy band, a guira and a new set of rhythm sticks. All of the materials are being put to good use!\r\n\r\nWe use a color-coded system for learning to sing and read musical notes. The scented markers match perfectly with the system that we use, and the students are always surprised when they realize that they are scented. It makes marking their notes more fun. We have used the stretchy band for a number of different circle games and also marking the beat-it really helps our kinesthetic learners! We used the guira to play Cumbia and Merengue, and having that instrument helped it sound more authentic. The rhythm sticks are different colors (and no more splinters!) and have been used by our preschool and Kindergarten students to mark the beat.\r\n\r\nOur classroom would not be stocked without donors like you-thank you for contributing!","fullyFundedDate":1742994825122,"projectUrl":"project/music-room-stock-up/9200520/","projectTitle":"Music Room Stock Up!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Olson de Alvarez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1528285_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507759780729","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emilyolsondealvarez"},{"teacherId":9971445,"projectId":9297490,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of this project to help us get Spanish language texts into the classroom. A huge part of kindergarten is fostering a love of reading and that is accomplished by having a variety of books for students to explore. Thanks to your support we will be starting the school year with the majority of texts that we will be studying throughout the year. \r\n\r\nHaving physical copies of the books we read is so important! It allows student to become familiar with print concepts and have the opportunity to go back and read texts on their own after we have studied them. This year, we will read the books funded through this project as a large group and then the books will be added to our class library for students to explore. \r\n\r\nI would especially like to thank you because this project has provided my students with access to popular texts that can be difficult to find in Spanish at the local library or in stores. This has a direct positive impact on their ability to cultivate a love of reading and to share common interests with students who can read in English.","fullyFundedDate":1746740371006,"projectUrl":"project/provide-access-to-books-in-spanish-for-d/9297490/","projectTitle":"Provide Access to Books in Spanish for Dual Language Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tierra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9971445_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y394&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742340900348","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9971445"},{"teacherId":8421626,"projectId":9188791,"letterContent":"In recent month, I've incorporated various sensory materials into my classroom environment with the intention of creating a more dynamic, engaging, and inclusive learning experience for my students. Among the materials I've introduced are the Crystiles Six Assorted Color Liquid Sensory Floor Tiles, the Peel-and-Stick White Board Wallpaper, and a variety of dry erase stickers. These resources, while seemingly simple, have had a profound impact on student engagement, motivation, and academic performance. The use of sensory materials has not only transformed the classroom setting but also led to noticeable improvements in the way students interact with learning tasks and absorb information.\r\n\r\n1. Creating a Multi-Sensory Learning Environment\r\n\r\nOne of the key strengths of the sensory materials I've introduced is their ability to cater to different learning styles. As educators, we know that students learn in diverse ways, some thrive with visual stimuli, others with hands-on interaction, and still others by hearing or physically moving. By integrating the Crystiles Liquid Sensory Tiles, I've been able to offer students a dynamic tactile experience that appeals to their need for movement and sensory exploration. The brightly colored, fluid-filled tiles invite students to walk, jump, or simply interact with the surface in creative ways, allowing them to experience their learning environment physically.\r\nThe tactile nature of the tiles has also been a calming tool for students who benefit from sensory input to self-regulate. For example, students with ADHD or sensory processing disorders have responded positively to the calming effect of moving over the tiles, which helps them focus better during lessons. This type of sensory engagement has provided an outlet for their energy while maintaining focus, a balance that can be difficult to achieve in traditional classroom settings.\r\n\r\n2. Encouraging Creativity and Problem-Solving with Dry Erase Materials\r\n\r\nAnother sensory tool that has proven invaluable is the Peel-and-Stick White Board Wallpaper, combined with the Cinvo Dry Erase Stickers. These resources have transformed the classroom into a creative, interactive space where students are not just passive receivers of information but active participants in their own learning process.\r\nWith the whiteboard wallpaper, I can create flexible workspaces throughout the room—on tables, walls, or doors—allowing students to visualize their thoughts, solve problems, and brainstorm in a way that's fluid and engaging. The ability to write, erase, and re-write helps foster a growth mindset by showing students that their work is a process that can evolve. In particular, students have used the wall space to work through math problems, practice vocabulary, and even draw diagrams for science concepts, seeing their progress as they go.\r\n\r\nThe Cinvo Dry Erase Stickers have been particularly effective in group activities. By placing these colorful, removable dots on various surfaces, I encourage students to work together to solve problems or develop group projects. The physical act of moving around and using the stickers to collaborate not only reinforces the material but also strengthens their teamwork skills. This hands-on approach makes abstract concepts more tangible and enjoyable, especially for students who may struggle with more traditional methods of learning.\r\n\r\n3. Building Confidence through Active Engagement\r\n\r\nOne of the most noticeable impacts of these sensory materials has been in boosting student confidence. With traditional learning methods, some students can feel disconnected from the content, particularly if they are visual or kinesthetic learners. However, by offering interactive tools like the liquid sensory tiles and dry erase materials, I've observed a shift in student attitudes toward learning.\r\nFor example, students who previously hesitated to participate in discussions or complete activities are now more willing to engage. The whiteboard stickers, which allow for immediate feedback and revision, have been especially empowering. Instead of fearing mistakes, students are encouraged to experiment, collaborate, and learn from their errors in real-time. This has fostered a classroom environment where mistakes are seen as part of the learning process, not as setbacks.\r\nSimilarly, the liquid sensory tiles have provided a space where students feel more comfortable expressing themselves. I've seen students who are generally more reserved begin to open up, using the tiles as a form of self-expression. Whether it's through group activities, free play, or even individual exploration, the tiles offer a sense of freedom that encourages students to take risks, both in their learning and social interactions.\r\n\r\n4. Fostering Inclusivity and Accessibility\r\n\r\nThe inclusion of sensory materials has also contributed significantly to making my classroom more inclusive. By offering students different ways to engage with the content, I've been able to better meet the needs of learners with various learning abilities and preferences. The tactile interaction with the sensory tiles is particularly beneficial for students with sensory processing challenges, providing them with a sensory outlet that helps them stay engaged without becoming overwhelmed.\r\nThe flexibility of the dry erase stickers has been equally beneficial for students who require alternative forms of expression. For instance, students who struggle with writing or find it difficult to organize their thoughts on paper can use the dry erase stickers to quickly draft, organize, and modify their ideas. The ability to move stickers around or draw diagrams that can be easily altered encourages creativity and helps build organizational skills, all while reducing the stress that might come with more traditional written tasks.\r\n\r\n5. Promoting Active Learning and Collaboration\r\n\r\nFinally, these sensory materials have helped shift the classroom dynamic toward more collaborative and active learning. In particular, the dry erase materials have made it easier to engage students in group activities, where they can contribute ideas and receive feedback from peers. The interactive nature of these materials has also promoted peer-to-peer learning, as students frequently work together to solve problems or create projects.\r\n\r\nThe liquid sensory tiles, in particular, have proven useful for group activities that require movement. Whether students are completing a scavenger hunt, working on a science experiment, or solving math problems, the tiles have added a layer of physical engagement that stimulates both mind and body. This combination of movement and cognitive work has enhanced memory retention and reinforced learning outcomes in a fun, immersive way.\r\n\r\nIncorporating sensory materials such as the Crystiles Liquid Sensory Tiles, whiteboard wallpaper, and dry erase stickers into my classroom has proven to be a game-changer in how students interact with content, collaborate with peers, and engage in their own learning processes. These materials have not only supported various learning styles but also provided an inclusive environment where all students feel empowered to express themselves, take risks, and approach learning with confidence. By creating a classroom that appeals to the senses, I've fostered a space where creativity, collaboration, and active participation are central to every lesson.","fullyFundedDate":1745846975474,"projectUrl":"project/spark-creativity-inspire-explorationh/9188791/","projectTitle":"\"Spark Creativity, Inspire Exploration—Help Build Our Sensory Space!\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Noelia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8421626_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x256,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722461597876","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8421626"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_53163","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":402,"numTeachers":37,"percentFrplEligible":78,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":13,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":76,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.8,"schoolId":53163,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Las Estrellas Dual Language Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Las Estrellas Dual Language Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/minneapolis-public-schools/sheridan-global-arts-school/53163"}