{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sonia Sotomayor Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":0.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10085597,"projectId":10129906,"letterContent":"My students have been using the bilingual books to strengthen their reading skills while making meaningful connections to the languages they hear and use in their everyday lives. In my classroom, books are more than just a way to practice reading—they help students build vocabulary, comprehension, confidence, and a love for stories. My students have enjoyed being able to explore stories in two languages and recognize familiar words and ideas.\r\n\r\nNow that I teach 2nd grade, I have seen how important it is for students to have access to books that reflect and support their language development. The bilingual resources allow me to provide additional support during small groups and independent reading while encouraging students to become more confident readers. It has been especially rewarding to see students become excited about reading and feel proud when they can understand and share ideas from a story.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful to our donors for helping bring more bilingual books into our classroom. These resources remind my students that their languages are strengths and that there are no limits to what they can accomplish. By giving students books in two languages, we are not only helping them become stronger readers—we are helping them dream bigger and believe in themselves.","fullyFundedDate":1774025132039,"projectUrl":"project/books-in-two-languages-dreams-without-l/10129906/","projectTitle":"Books in Two Languages, Dreams Without Limits","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Barajas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10085597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772162185136","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10085597"},{"teacherId":10085597,"projectId":10129151,"letterContent":"My students have always benefited from opportunities to get outside, move their bodies, and enjoy fresh air. During my time teaching TK, I saw how outdoor activities helped students release energy, practice social skills, and return to the classroom feeling refreshed and ready to learn. Having resources that supported outdoor learning and play made these experiences even more meaningful and gave students opportunities to explore and learn in a different environment.\r\n\r\nNow that I teach 2nd grade, I continue to see how important outdoor time and movement are for students. After spending time working on reading, writing, and math, a chance to get outside can help students reset, socialize, and come back to class with renewed energy and focus. These experiences also give students opportunities to practice teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in a more natural setting.\r\n\r\nI am so grateful to our donors for helping provide opportunities for my students to learn beyond the classroom walls. Whether they are young TK learners discovering the world around them or 2nd graders becoming more independent, fresh air, movement, and outdoor experiences help students feel happy, connected, and ready to learn. Sometimes a little time outside can lead to big smiles, meaningful learning, and brighter futures!","fullyFundedDate":1774963745476,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-air-big-smiles-bright-futures/10129151/","projectTitle":"Fresh Air, Big Smiles, Bright Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Barajas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10085597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772162185136","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10085597"},{"teacherId":10085597,"projectId":10122899,"letterContent":"Creating a cozy and welcoming classroom has always been important to me because students learn best when they feel safe, comfortable, and supported. In TK, I saw how having a comfortable space gave students a place to calm their bodies, take a break, and return to learning when they were ready. The cozy materials helped make our classroom feel like a safe space where students could relax while still being part of our learning community.\r\n\r\nNow that I teach 2nd grade, I continue to see the importance of having a comfortable classroom environment. My students spend much of their day working, reading, and learning new and sometimes challenging skills, so having cozy spaces and comfortable seating gives them an opportunity to reset and refocus. I have loved seeing students use these spaces appropriately and make choices about what helps them feel comfortable and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nI am so grateful to our donors for helping me create a classroom that supports the whole child. Whether students are little learners in TK or growing, more independent learners in 2nd grade, having a cozy and welcoming space can make a meaningful difference. These resources have helped create a classroom where students can feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to learn and grow each day.","fullyFundedDate":1774963822562,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-spaces-for-little-learners/10122899/","projectTitle":"Cozy Spaces for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Barajas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10085597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772162185136","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10085597"},{"teacherId":10085597,"projectId":10117227,"letterContent":"My students have loved having access to special seating in the classroom. In TK, I learned how important it is for young students to have different seating options that allow them to move, wiggle, and find a comfortable position while learning. The new seating options gave students a choice in how they learned and helped create a classroom environment where they could feel comfortable and ready to participate. It was exciting to see how quickly students became comfortable using the different seating options during lessons and independent work.\r\n\r\nNow that I teach 2nd grade, I continue to see how important flexible seating can be for students. Some students focus better when they have the opportunity to move or sit in a different way, especially during longer lessons or independent assignments. The special seating has given my students another tool to help them stay focused, comfortable, and engaged in their learning while also encouraging them to make responsible choices about what helps them learn best.\r\n\r\nI am so grateful to our donors for helping provide special seating for my students. These resources have helped me create a classroom where students' individual learning needs are recognized and supported. Sometimes giving a student the right place to sit can make a big difference in their ability to focus, participate, and grow!","fullyFundedDate":1774963861476,"projectUrl":"project/wiggle-learn-grow/10117227/","projectTitle":"Wiggle, Learn, Grow","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Barajas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10085597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772162185136","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10085597"},{"teacherId":10085597,"projectId":10164828,"letterContent":"My experience working with students in TK and now in 2nd grade has shown me how important it is to support the whole child. In TK, students are learning how to identify their emotions, regulate their bodies, and feel comfortable in a classroom setting. The resources from this project helped create a calm and welcoming space where students could rest, reset, and develop important social-emotional skills that prepared them to become confident learners.\r\n\r\nNow that I am teaching 2nd grade, I see how those same skills continue to be important as students become more independent and face new academic and social challenges. I use the resources and strategies to help my students recognize when they need a moment to reset, manage big feelings, and return to learning ready to participate. My students have enjoyed having a classroom environment where they feel supported and understand that taking a moment to relax is part of being a successful learner.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful to our donors for supporting this project and helping me create a classroom environment that prioritizes both learning and well-being. Whether students are in TK learning the basics of self-regulation or in 2nd grade building independence and confidence, having a calm and supportive space makes a meaningful difference. These resources have helped my students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn each day.","fullyFundedDate":1774963727667,"projectUrl":"project/rest-relax-learn-supporting-sleep-s/10164828/","projectTitle":"Rest, Relax, Learn: Supporting Sleep & SEL in TK","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Barajas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10085597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772162185136","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10085597"},{"teacherId":10084798,"projectId":10194487,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making our \"Storytime Under the Sun\" project possible! Your generous support provided our students with outdoor reading mats, engaging books, and fun puppets that have transformed Storytime into an exciting hands-on experience.\r\n\r\nOur students now enjoy taking their favorite books outside, settling onto the colorful mats, and listening to stories in the fresh air. The puppets have added an extra layer of excitement and participation. During one recent Storytime, students used the puppets to act out parts of the story, taking turns becoming different characters and retelling events in their own words. It was wonderful to see their imaginations come alive while building vocabulary, listening skills, and confidence.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were immediately excited! They could not wait to explore the new books and puppets. They were especially eager to choose a puppet and see how it could become part of our stories. The outdoor mats also made them excited to bring reading outside and enjoy books in a new setting.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue developing our storytelling skills. Students will choose favorite stories, practice retelling them using the puppets, and eventually create their own simple stories with characters, settings, and beginning, middle, and end. We will also continue using our outdoor reading space to make reading a joyful part of our everyday learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a classroom where reading is not only educational, but also playful, imaginative, and memorable. Your generosity is helping our young learners discover the joy of books and the confidence to share their own stories!","fullyFundedDate":1778302687234,"projectUrl":"project/storytime-under-the-sun/10194487/","projectTitle":"Storytime Under The Sun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Monge","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10084798_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773271142478","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10084798"},{"teacherId":10084798,"projectId":10179601,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Create, Explore, Learn: TK in Action!\" Your generosity has provided our TK students with hands-on manipulatives that make learning exciting, meaningful, and engaging.\r\n\r\nOur students are using the new manipulatives during math, center time, and small-group activities. They are building, sorting, counting, matching, and creating patterns while developing important problem-solving and fine/gross motor skills. One special classroom moment was watching students work together to build different structures and then proudly explain what they created. They were not only exploring the materials, but also practicing communication, cooperation, and perseverance.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were immediately excited and curious. They could not wait to touch and explore everything! Their enthusiasm turned into meaningful learning as they began discovering different ways to use the materials and sharing their ideas with their classmates.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our TK learners and giving them the opportunity to learn through play, discovery, and hands-on experiences. Your support is making a difference every day in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1776118123061,"projectUrl":"project/create-explore-learn-tk-in-action/10179601/","projectTitle":"Create, Explore, Learn: TK in Action!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Monge","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10084798_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773271142478","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10084798"},{"teacherId":10084798,"projectId":10153151,"letterContent":"Our new classroom library has brought so much excitement to our TK classroom! My students are using the books every day during read-alouds, small-group lessons, and independent exploration. One of my favorite moments was watching students gather around the new books, eagerly turning the pages and sharing pictures and stories with one another. They were especially excited to see books they could connect with and choose on their own.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were thrilled. They wanted to touch, explore, and read every book! Their excitement reminded me how powerful it is to give young learners access to engaging books and create a classroom environment where reading feels joyful and inviting.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our TK learners now have a growing library that encourages curiosity, imagination, language development, and a love of reading. Thank you for helping our youngest learners become confident, excited readers!","fullyFundedDate":1778024929162,"projectUrl":"project/ready-set-read-a-library-for-our-tk-l/10153151/","projectTitle":"Ready, Set, Read! A Library for Our TK Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Monge","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10084798_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773271142478","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10084798"},{"teacherId":10084798,"projectId":10116851,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing our classroom with outdoor activity materials. Your donation has truly enhanced our learning environment in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our students now have the opportunity to engage in hands-on play that encourages teamwork, cooperation, and creativity. With enough materials available for everyone, the children are learning how to take turns, share responsibilities, and work together more effectively. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they collaborate, solve problems, and support one another during play.\r\n\r\nThese experiences are helping them build important social and emotional skills that will benefit them both inside and outside the classroom. Your contribution has made a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful.\r\nThank you for investing in our students and their growth.","fullyFundedDate":1774963817667,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-our-physical-activity/10116851/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Our Physical Activity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Monge","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10084798_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1773271142478","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10084798"},{"teacherId":10085597,"projectId":10116839,"letterContent":"This year, I changed grade levels, which has allowed my students to use these resources in a way that is even more effective for their learning needs. I am now using them during small-group instruction, targeted practice, and independent work to help my second graders strengthen important foundational skills. It has been wonderful to see students become more engaged and confident when they have hands-on resources that support what we are learning in class.\r\n\r\nMy students were very excited when they first saw the materials! They were eager to explore them and immediately wanted to know when they could start using them. Their excitement was especially meaningful because the resources give them a fun and hands-on way to practice skills that can sometimes be challenging.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue using these resources during small groups to build stronger reading, writing, and math skills. Since I changed grade levels, I am excited to be able to use these materials with students who can benefit from them the most. We will continue practicing, building independence, and celebrating our growth. I am looking forward to seeing how these resources continue to support my students throughout the school year.","fullyFundedDate":1774963798257,"projectUrl":"project/small-groups-big-growth/10116839/","projectTitle":"Small Groups, Big Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Barajas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10085597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772162185136","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10085597"},{"teacherId":10085597,"projectId":10117136,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my TK students now have extra snacks available in our classroom. We keep them in a special \"care basket,\" and my students know that if they are still hungry after their own snack, they can quietly let me know. This has made such a difference during our small group time. Instead of being distracted or uncomfortable, they are able to focus on learning their letters, counting, and participating in hands-on activities.\r\n\r\nWhen I first introduced the snack basket, their little faces lit up. One student softly said, \"So we won't be hungry?\" That moment reminded me how meaningful your support truly is. They feel safe, cared for, and seen.\r\n\r\nNow that their basic needs are being met, we are able to dive deeper into our current lessons on early reading and math skills. During small groups, they are more engaged, more confident, and more willing to try. Your donation didn't just provide snacks—it provided comfort, stability, and the ability to fully participate in learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students more than food. You gave them care, dignity, and the chance to thrive. 💛","fullyFundedDate":1772550270102,"projectUrl":"project/full-tummies-ready-to-learn/10117136/","projectTitle":"Full Tummies, Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Barajas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10085597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772162185136","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10085597"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_133996","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":563,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":42,"percentAsian":27,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":37,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":17,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":100.0,"schoolId":133996,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sonia Sotomayor Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sonia Sotomayor Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/chula-vista-elementary-school-district/sonia-sotomayor-elementary-school/133996"}