{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Southwest Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":49.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10308554,"projectId":9817213,"letterContent":"From the moment these materials arrived, they immediately became part of our daily classroom routines. Students now use the cubby storage bins to independently access and return supplies, which has helped our classroom feel more organized and calm. During lessons, students regularly use the dry erase boards to practice phonics patterns, spelling words, and math strategies. One special moment was watching students eagerly hold up their boards during a phonics lesson, proudly showing their work and helping classmates correct and improve their answers. The phonics posters are displayed around the room and are often referenced by students as they read and write, reinforcing skills throughout the day.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new materials, they were excited and curious. They immediately noticed how everything had a place and were eager to try the dry erase boards. Several students said the classroom felt \"new\" and \"more fun,\" and they quickly took ownership of caring for the supplies. The availability of snacks also brought comfort to many students, helping them feel cared for and ready to focus on learning.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for my students include using these resources to strengthen foundational reading and math skills through small-group instruction and independent practice. As we continue working on phonics, spelling, and number sense, students will rely on the posters and dry erase boards to explain their thinking and build confidence. With these tools in place, my students are developing independence, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging in our classroom. Thanks to our donors, our learning space is now organized, welcoming, and designed to help every child thrive every day.","fullyFundedDate":1760703508509,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds-with-snacks-suppl/9817213/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds with Snacks, Supplies, and Smiles!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gilbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10308554_orig.png?crop=1206,1205,x0,y683&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760152684206","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10308554"},{"teacherId":10308554,"projectId":9816865,"letterContent":"These new mentor texts have had a powerful impact on my students as readers and writers. Through these books, students are learning important skills such as how authors develop ideas, add meaningful details, use descriptive language, and organize their thoughts to tell a clear story. We also use the texts to practice listening for the rhythm of words, identifying strong word choices, and finding evidence in the text to support our thinking. These are foundational skills that help young learners grow confident in both reading and writing.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive, joyful, and thoughtful. We gather together to read aloud, pause to talk about what we notice, and share our ideas with one another. Students turn and talk, ask questions, and make connections to their own lives. Many times, a story sparks rich conversations, and students are eager to point out parts they love or sentences that sound \"beautiful\" to them. These moments help build a strong reading community where every voice matters.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were once hesitant readers are especially enjoying the new books. I've seen students who were nervous to share begin raising their hands to talk about a character or an idea that stood out to them. Others love revisiting the stories during independent reading time, using them as inspiration for their own writing. Having these books available has helped students feel safe taking risks, knowing that there's no single \"right\" way to be a reader or a writer.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, my students are not only learning academic skills aligned to first-grade TEKS, but they are also discovering the joy of stories and the confidence to see themselves as readers and authors. These books have truly helped turn reading into a meaningful, empowering experience for every child in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1760677125513,"projectUrl":"project/mentor-texts-that-inspire-young-authors/9816865/","projectTitle":"Mentor Texts that Inspire Young Authors!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gilbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10308554_orig.png?crop=1206,1205,x0,y683&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760152684206","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10308554"},{"teacherId":10308554,"projectId":9817160,"letterContent":"From the moment the materials arrived, my students were beyond excited. As we opened the boxes together, their faces lit up and they immediately began asking questions like, \"What can we build?\" and \"Can we make it move?\" It was a joyful moment that truly felt like learning coming to life.\r\n\r\nWe are using these new STEM resources during our hands-on exploration time and in small-group centers. One of our favorite moments so far was watching students work together to design structures using magnetic tiles and rods. They tested which shapes were strongest, redesigned when their buildings fell, and proudly explained their thinking to classmates. With the Snap-Bots and building sets, students experimented with cause and effect, gears, and simple problem-solving, all while collaborating and encouraging one another.\r\n\r\nThese materials have transformed our classroom into a space where curiosity leads the way. Students are learning to plan, test, and revise their ideas, building perseverance and confidence as they solve challenges together. They were thrilled to see tools that \"real engineers use,\" and many proudly said, \"I'm an inventor!\" as they worked.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, the next steps for my students include using these materials to support science and math lessons—such as building structures that can support weight, creating patterns, and exploring basic coding and movement with robots. These experiences help my first graders see themselves as capable thinkers and creators. Your generosity has given them the opportunity to explore, build, and believe in themselves every single day. Thank you for giving our students a classroom where creativity and learning go hand in hand!","fullyFundedDate":1760659298770,"projectUrl":"project/little-engineers-building-bright-minds/9817160/","projectTitle":"Little Engineers: Building Bright Minds Through STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gilbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10308554_orig.png?crop=1206,1205,x0,y683&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760152684206","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10308554"},{"teacherId":8428668,"projectId":9926093,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom. Because of you, my students now have access to weighted blankets, fidget tools, interactive puzzles, and much-needed snacks that help meet their sensory, emotional, and physical needs each day. These resources have already made a noticeable difference—students are calmer, more focused, and better able to engage in learning. Your kindness is helping create a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and ready to succeed.\r\n\r\nThe joy and comfort these materials have brought to my students is truly heartwarming. When they first explored the sensory tools, their smiles said everything. Students who often struggle with regulation are now able to calm their bodies, remain in the classroom, and participate in lessons. The snacks have been just as impactful, ensuring no child goes hungry regardless of special diets. You have helped me provide snacks that are allowable and are also not the same school provided gluten free snack allowing students to focus on learning and feeling more included.\r\n\r\nYour support means more than just supplies—it shows my students that they are valued and cared for. You have helped build an inclusive, welcoming environment where every learner can thrive. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in my students and for being part of their journey.","fullyFundedDate":1764598670832,"projectUrl":"project/fill-them-up-with-snacks-and-comfort/9926093/","projectTitle":"Fill Them Up With Snacks and Comfort!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8428668_orig.png?crop=1169,1170,x0,y249&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753852341685","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8428668"},{"teacherId":8428668,"projectId":9513672,"letterContent":"Since receiving these resources, my students use them daily as part of our learning and regulation routines. The snacks have become a vital support, helping students feel safe, calm, and ready to learn. One particularly meaningful moment happened during a writing activity—after having a small snack, a student who often shuts down was able to sit, focus, and independently write for the first time this year. The sensory tools, including the vibrating pillow, lap pad, and sensory chair, are used during academic work, transitions, and moments of emotional dysregulation. These supports have helped prevent meltdowns and allowed students to remain engaged in the classroom rather than needing to leave to calm down.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, especially the slushie machine, their reactions were priceless. They couldnt wait for our first \" earned\" slushie and movie friday! Several students immediately gravitated toward the spinning sensory chair, smiling and laughing as they felt the calming spin. Others eagerly explored the lap pads and pillows, showing clear signs of relaxation and comfort. The snacks brought instant relief and joy—some students even jumped up and down and said \"thank you,\" while others simply sat quietly, something that can be rare during difficult moments. These reactions confirmed just how much these basic supports were needed and appreciated.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our next steps focus on building independence and emotional regulation skills. Students are now learning to request sensory tools and snacks using communication systems, sign language, or visuals, empowering them to express their needs before frustration sets in. Academically, we are continuing to build stamina in writing, reading, and task completion while incorporating sensory breaks to support success. Because of your support, our classroom has become a more inclusive, calm, and joyful place where students feel supported and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1760677416412,"projectUrl":"project/satiated-students-make-better-learners/9513672/","projectTitle":"Satiated Students Make Better Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8428668_orig.png?crop=1169,1170,x0,y249&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753852341685","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8428668"},{"teacherId":1502419,"projectId":3671059,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom library has come alive with curiosity and learning! These nonfiction and thematic books are helping my kindergarteners build foundational reading skills such as vocabulary development, comprehension, making text-to-world connections, identifying main ideas, asking and answering questions, and understanding nonfiction text features like diagrams, labels, and headings. Beyond literacy, these books support content learning in science and social studies—helping students explore topics like weather, plants, animals, community helpers, transportation, and kindness.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is joyful, interactive, and full of discovery. We gather each day on our classroom rug for read-alouds, partner reading, and shared discussions. Students use picture clues to infer meaning, explore new vocabulary through conversation, and participate in hands-on extension activities tied to each text—like building bat caves, labeling plant diagrams, or charting the four seasons. These books have sparked higher-level thinking and built background knowledge for students who have had limited exposure to books at home.\r\n\r\nSome students who were once hesitant to participate are now excited to raise their hands during reading time. One student who rarely spoke at the beginning of the year now eagerly shares facts from our shark book: \"Did you know sharks have no bones?\" Another student who is still developing confidence with letters now proudly \"reads\" by retelling stories using pictures and new vocabulary. Watching their confidence grow has been an incredible gift. Your donation didn't just provide books—you gave my little learners the tools, skills, and excitement they need to become lifelong readers. Thank you for believing in them!","fullyFundedDate":1539028904918,"projectUrl":"project/we-need-books/3671059/","projectTitle":"We Need Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gilbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1502419_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507097145550","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-gilbert2ndgrade"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_16862","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":804,"numTeachers":45,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":86,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":50.1,"schoolId":16862,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Southwest Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Southwest Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/southwest-independent-school-district/southwest-elementary-school/16862"}