{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"St Elmo Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":20.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6573448,"projectId":10437470,"letterContent":"When my Pre-K students first saw the new bilingual hands-on resources, their eyes lit up with pure excitement! They couldn't wait to dive into the bins, explore the colorful manipulative tools, and try out the new learning activities. Having tactile, engaging materials has immediately turned our daily instruction into an interactive experience where learning two languages feels like play.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using these tools during our daily bilingual center rotations. For example, during a recent literacy and vocabulary lesson, students used the hands-on manipulatives to build letters and match bilingual vocabulary cards to everyday objects. Seeing them collaborate, practice new Spanish and English vocabulary words together, and proudly hold up their finished work was an incredible moment that highlighted just how impactful these resources are for early language development.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next step is to integrate these tools into our upcoming bilingual storytelling unit. Students will use the hands-on materials to construct story scenes, retell key events, and build foundational sentence structures in both languages. Your generosity provided the exact tools our little hands needed to thrive, and we are so grateful for your support!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\n\r\nMs. Nancy Casas","fullyFundedDate":1787193730825,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-little-hands-building-bilingu/10437470/","projectTitle":"Tools for Little Hands: Building Bilingual Success in Pre-K!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nancy Casas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6573448_orig.jpg?crop=367,367,x180,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565670839990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nancycasas"},{"teacherId":6573448,"projectId":10182523,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our project, \"Cozy Classroom Library for Lifelong Readers.\" Because of your support, our classroom has been transformed into a warm, inviting space where students are excited to dive into reading every single day.\r\n\r\nThe new library shelving and organized storage have made it effortless for students to browse and select books that spark their interest. With the addition of the cozy decor and new book titles, our classroom library center nook has quickly become the favorite spot in the room. Students can't wait for independent reading time to settle into a comfortable, welcoming space with a great book in hand.\r\n\r\nYour kindness does more than just supply physical items—it sends a powerful message to my students that an entire community believes in their potential and success. You have helped foster a true love of reading that will stay with them far beyond this school year.\r\n\r\nWith sincere gratitude,\r\n\r\nMs. Nancy Casas\r\n\r\nand the Lifelong Readers in Our Classroom","fullyFundedDate":1780521265756,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-classroom-library-for-lifelong-read/10182523/","projectTitle":"Cozy Classroom Library for Lifelong Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nancy Casas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6573448_orig.jpg?crop=367,367,x180,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565670839990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nancycasas"},{"teacherId":10177194,"projectId":10190467,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredibly generous support of our climbing gym! Having access to this amazing space has made such a massive difference for our school. My students are genuinely thriving here-they look forward to every session and have built so much confidence, focus, and drive thanks to the routes and community you helped make possible. We are deeply grateful for your investment in our community, our happiness, and in the next generation of strong, resilient climbers! Your lasting impact empowers these young minds to reach new physical heights and conquer life's challenges with courage every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1778261813918,"projectUrl":"project/climb-create-and-thrive-in-our-classro/10190467/","projectTitle":"Climb, Create, and Thrive in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lorena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10177194"},{"teacherId":6573448,"projectId":10302743,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting \"Organizing Creativity: Storage for Storytelling & Art Exploration.\" Your support has completely transformed the way our classroom operates every single day!\r\n\r\nBefore these new storage bins arrived, keeping our arts and crafts supplies, learning games, and hands-on manipulatives organized was a daily challenge. Items were frequently mixed up, hard to find, or damaged, which took valuable time away from actual learning and creative play.\r\n\r\nNow, everything has a designated home. Having dedicated, accessible storage for our art supplies allows students to independently select the materials they need for drawing, crafting, and storytelling projects. They can dive right into their creative work without frustration, and cleaning up has become a smooth, routine team effort.\r\n\r\nSimilarly, our math manipulatives and learning games are organized and ready to grab for small group instruction and partner activities. Students take real ownership of our classroom environment, pride in keeping our resources in order, and responsibility for caring for the tools you provided.\r\n\r\nYour kindness did not just bring us plastic bins—it created a calm, structured, and inspiring space where my students can focus on learning, exploring, and creating. We are deeply grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1785329542066,"projectUrl":"project/organizing-creativity-storage-for-story/10302743/","projectTitle":"Organizing Creativity: Storage for Storytelling & Art Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nancy Casas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6573448_orig.jpg?crop=367,367,x180,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565670839990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nancycasas"},{"teacherId":6901341,"projectId":10333891,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity to update our school library space! We had our ribbon cutting ceremony during Meet the Teacher night so that students and families could see the updates and explore the new space. It was wonderful to see how excited the students were for all the new additions and various seating options. As the children were smiling, their grown ups were giving compliments on how open, bright, and welcoming the space looks. \r\nThe teachers and staff have already used the rectangle tables and cafe tables during professional development day. They have enjoyed the slight bounce in the chairs and say they are comfortable. The larger Smart Board screen has also been great for presentations. I can't wait to use it during library lessons throughout the school year. Once classes start visiting the library, smaller whole classes will be able to seat on the big couch unit in the reading area and larger classes will utilize the new tables and chairs. After checkout time, students will have the option to choose to read in comfy reading areas around the library or participate in centers at the floor tables or other tables. Thank you so much for helping provide new center activities and cozy spaces to read. Our students are so deserving of this and I can't wait to see them use the updated space more this year! Thank you! Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1781202007919,"projectUrl":"project/power-homes-library-makeover/10333891/","projectTitle":"Power Homes Library Makeover","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Metz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6901341_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1571542238493","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6901341"},{"teacherId":6901341,"projectId":10301222,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity to update our school library space! We had our ribbon cutting ceremony during Meet the Teacher night so that students and families could see the updates and explore the new space. It was wonderful to see how excited the students were for all the new additions and various seating options. As the children were smiling, their grown ups were giving compliments on how open, bright, and welcoming the space looks. \r\nThe teachers and staff have already used the rectangle tables and cafe tables during professional development day. They have enjoyed the slight bounce in the chairs and say they are comfortable. The larger Smart Board screen has also been great for presentations. I can't wait to use it during library lessons throughout the school year. Once classes start visiting the library, smaller whole classes will be able to seat on the big couch unit in the reading area and larger classes will utilize the new tables and chairs. After checkout time, students will have the option to choose to read in comfy reading areas around the library or participate in centers at the floor tables or other tables. Thank you so much for helping provide new center activities and cozy spaces to read. Our students are so deserving of this and I can't wait to see them use the updated space more this year! Thank you! Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1781188806215,"projectUrl":"project/completing-our-library-upgrade/10301222/","projectTitle":"Completing Our Library Upgrade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Metz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6901341_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1571542238493","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6901341"},{"teacherId":6573448,"projectId":10193968,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our Sensory-Rich Outdoor Learning project. Your contributions have truly transformed the way my Pre-K students learn and explore.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the materials arrived, the students were beyond excited. They immediately gravitated toward the insect catchers, binoculars, butterfly growing kits, marble runs, and sensory bins. Their curiosity and joy were incredible to witness as they explored, asked questions, and engaged in hands-on discovery right away.\r\n\r\nOne of their favorite experiences has been watching the butterfly kit come to life each day, eagerly observing changes and sharing their excitement with classmates. The outdoor games like ball toss, Pass the Potato, Monster Feet, and the Egg Spoon Race have also been a huge hit. The students love the movement, laughter, and teamwork these activities bring, and they don't even realize how much they are learning while playing.\r\n\r\nThese materials have helped create an outdoor space where students are active, engaged, and deeply excited about learning. They are building important skills through exploration, movement, and play every single day.\r\n\r\nThank you for making these joyful learning experiences possible for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1776359158238,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-rich-outdoor-learning/10193968/","projectTitle":"Sensory-Rich Outdoor Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nancy Casas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6573448_orig.jpg?crop=367,367,x180,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565670839990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nancycasas"},{"teacherId":6573448,"projectId":10152272,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom camera has quickly become an essential part of our daily learning. We use it to capture special moments, create personalized labels with student photos, and build meaningful memory books that help students reflect on their experiences. One of our favorite moments was taking pictures during center time—students were so excited to see themselves printed and displayed around the room, which helped strengthen their sense of belonging and independence.\r\n\r\nWhen the camera arrived, the excitement was immediate! Students were eager to participate, taking turns helping document our day and proudly recognizing themselves and their classmates in our classroom materials.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we are using the camera to document our learning during thematic units and create end-of-year memory books for each child. These keepsakes will celebrate their growth and give families a meaningful window into their child's Pre-K journey.","fullyFundedDate":1774963777686,"projectUrl":"project/capturing-our-pre-k-memories/10152272/","projectTitle":"Capturing Our Pre-K Memories","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nancy Casas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6573448_orig.jpg?crop=367,367,x180,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565670839990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nancycasas"},{"teacherId":10074024,"projectId":9953610,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into an even more intentional and beautiful space where children can explore, create, and grow independently. The new materials have become part of our daily rhythm. Children choose them with curiosity and purpose, engaging deeply in hands-on work that builds concentration, confidence, and joy. One moment that stays with me is watching a child who once hesitated now fully immersed, repeating an activity with focus and pride. These are the quiet, powerful transformations your support makes possible.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate, but what moved me most was how quickly that excitement turned into meaningful engagement. The children treated each item with care and respect, as if they understood these were tools for something important. In a Montessori environment, materials are not just objects. They are invitations to think, to discover, and to become more independent learners. You have given them that invitation.\r\n\r\nAs we continue, these materials will support deeper exploration in our current work, extending language, refining fine motor skills, and nurturing independence and responsibility. More than anything, they are helping us cultivate a classroom where children feel capable, calm, and connected. Thank you for believing in our students and for being part of their journey. Your kindness is felt every single day.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nSilvia","fullyFundedDate":1765910482478,"projectUrl":"project/montessori-material-for-little-learners/9953610/","projectTitle":"Montessori Material for Little Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Villacorta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10074024_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752054565483","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10074024"},{"teacherId":6573448,"projectId":10113573,"letterContent":"\"The Little Things That Make a Big Difference in PK4\" has truly transformed our daily learning! My students use these supplies every day for hands-on centers, interactive books, and creative projects. One special moment was during a small group activity where students used our materials to build and explore numbers—they were excited, engaged, and proudly sharing their work with one another.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. They couldn't wait to start creating, learning, and exploring right away!\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we are now able to take our learning even further by expanding our interactive lessons and incorporating more collaborative, hands-on projects. These resources continue to make learning meaningful, fun, and impactful for every student.","fullyFundedDate":1774963834074,"projectUrl":"project/the-little-things-that-make-a-big-differ/10113573/","projectTitle":"The Little Things That Make a Big Difference in Pk4","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nancy Casas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6573448_orig.jpg?crop=367,367,x180,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565670839990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nancycasas"},{"teacherId":3188809,"projectId":10026498,"letterContent":"The impact of your generosity is felt every single day in our classroom. The technology and supplies you provided have fundamentally changed how my students engage with their lessons!\r\n\r\nBy integrating Printer Ink and Laminating Pouches, I am able to create high-quality, durable visual aids and anchor charts that stay posted in the room as constant references. For my visual learners, these aren't just decorations; they are essential roadmaps that help them navigate complex new concepts independently. \r\n\r\nThe Reusable Write & Wipe Pockets have also been a game-changer, allowing students to engage in repetitive, hands-on practice with math templates and handwriting sheets. It has turned our daily drills into a sustainable, interactive routine.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part of these new products for the students is the sense of freedom they provide. There is a visible spark of excitement when we pull out the Whiteboards and Dry Erase Markers. Because they can simply swipe away an error, the \"fear of being wrong\" has largely vanished. The low-pressure nature of the \"wipeable\" surface has given them the confidence to take risks and experiment with different strategies.","fullyFundedDate":1770388693196,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-tomorrow/10026498/","projectTitle":"Tools for Tomorrow","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3188809"},{"teacherId":10177194,"projectId":9595750,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Structured for Success: A Smart Calendar for Special Education Department! Your generosity has truly made a difference in our classroom, and I'm so grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the new calendar every day to help students stay on track with their schedules, assignments, and transitions. One moment that really stood out was when a student who usually struggles with unexpected changes was able to check the calendar and smoothly move to the next activity on their own- it was a big win! When the materials first arrived, the students were excited and eager to start using them. They loved being able to see their day clearly and even enjoyed helping set up their own schedules.\r\n\r\nNext, we're using the calendar to help students set goals and reflect on their progress, building independence and confidence along the way. This tool is helping create a more structured, calm environment where students feel successful and in control of their learning. Thank you again for making this possible for our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1764619426983,"projectUrl":"project/structured-for-success-a-smart-calendar/9595750/","projectTitle":"Structured for Success: A Smart Calendar for Special Education Department","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lorena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10177194"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_17065","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":290,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":20,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":68,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.3,"schoolId":17065,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about St Elmo Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"St Elmo Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/austin-independent-school-district/st-elmo-elementary-school/17065"}