{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Thigpen - Zavala Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":53.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8754061,"projectId":9640466,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting Fully Charged Minds: Keeping Our Chromebooks Ready to Learn. Your generosity has already made a noticeable difference in our classroom. Many of my students rely on Chromebooks for reading support, math intervention programs, and daily assignments, but keeping devices charged and ready was a constant challenge. Thanks to you, students are now able to work without interruptions or the frustration of a dead or dying device. This consistency has helped them stay focused and engaged, especially my students who depend on educational technology to build confidence and close learning gaps.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students the most is the independence these new charging tools give them. They love being able to plug in their device, check it out fully charged, and know they are ready for the day. A few students who normally struggle to stay organized have especially embraced this routine—they take pride in being responsible for keeping our tech area running smoothly. It's been wonderful to watch them step into leadership roles simply because the right tools are now available.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has created a smoother, more efficient learning environment where technology works for students instead of slowing them down. We are so grateful for your belief in our classroom and in the potential of every child who walks through our doors. Thank you for investing in their success and helping us stay powered up for learning each day!","fullyFundedDate":1764736099697,"projectUrl":"project/fully-charged-minds-keeping-our-chromeb/9640466/","projectTitle":"Fully Charged Minds: Keeping Our Chromebooks Ready to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Arteaga","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8754061_orig.jpg?crop=2031,2030,x0,y230&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1664993379175","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8754061"},{"teacherId":8754061,"projectId":9282993,"letterContent":"When the new tools arrived, my students couldn't wait to dive in! They were amazed by the hands-on materials and immediately started exploring them during our STEM centers. One memorable moment was watching a group of students work together to solve a problem—they were so proud to test, adjust, and finally succeed with the resources you provided.\r\n\r\nTheir excitement was contagious, and many students who are usually hesitant to participate jumped right in. The materials gave them confidence to try, fail, and try again.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we'll be using these tools in our upcoming projects on problem-solving and collaboration. These resources will continue to spark curiosity and encourage critical thinking as we build bright minds for tomorrow.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1755731907125,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds-tools-for-tomorro/9282993/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds: Tools for Tomorrow’s Thinkers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Arteaga","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8754061_orig.jpg?crop=2031,2030,x0,y230&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1664993379175","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8754061"},{"teacherId":8754061,"projectId":9283531,"letterContent":"When the resources from Comfort in Every Corner arrived, my students' faces lit up with excitement. They immediately rushed to our new cozy spots, eager to curl up with a book or work on their assignments in a space that felt safe and inviting. One moment that stands out is during independent reading—students who usually struggled to stay focused asked if they could sit with a cushion in the corner, and they stayed engaged for the entire block. That's a huge win!\r\n\r\nThe first day the materials were set up, the room buzzed with joy. Students pointed out their \"favorite corners\" and even reminded each other to take turns so everyone had a chance to use them. It was clear that these additions didn't just change the physical space—they lifted the mood and energy of the entire classroom.\r\n\r\nNow that we've created a more comfortable learning environment, our next step is to tie it into our current projects. Students are working on building stamina in reading and writing, and having these calming, flexible spaces helps them take ownership of their learning. The environment is now one where students can focus, collaborate, and recharge when needed.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, every student truly has comfort in every corner of our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1745846940102,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-in-every-corner-floor-cushions/9283531/","projectTitle":"Comfort in Every Corner: Floor Cushions for Focused Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Arteaga","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8754061_orig.jpg?crop=2031,2030,x0,y230&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1664993379175","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8754061"},{"teacherId":9903874,"projectId":9073467,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous $200 donation! I was able to purchase amazing resources from Teachers Pay Teachers that are already helping my emergent bilingual students. The activities have made learning more engaging and fun, and I can see my students gaining confidence every day.\r\n\r\nThese materials have already made a big difference in providing engaging, accessible activities that support language development and build confidence in learning. My students are excited to use the new resources, and I can see their growth each day as they participate more actively and proudly in class.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has not only provided us with tools for learning but has also reminded my students that there are people who believe in their success. I am truly grateful for your support in helping me create meaningful opportunities for them.\r\n\r\nYour support means so much to us! 💜","fullyFundedDate":1745847016389,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-bilingual-learners-with-engag/9073467/","projectTitle":"Empowering Bilingual Learners with Engaging Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tamez-Rocha","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9903874"},{"teacherId":9709410,"projectId":9680045,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom is brighter, more creative, and more connected than ever! The moment our new materials arrived, my students' excitement filled the room. They couldn't wait to explore and use the new tools — from building creative designs with the magnetic tiles to using the new computer mice that make our technology lessons run so smoothly.\r\n\r\nThe portable power stations have been especially helpful during outdoor learning and STEM activities, allowing us to keep devices charged and ready wherever we go. The sensory and fidget toys have also made a big difference in helping students stay calm and focused, especially during testing or small-group work. Even our number stickers have added a fun, hands-on way for students to organize, label, and participate in interactive math activities.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and generosity have made a lasting impact. Because of you, my students have the resources they need to learn, explore, and feel supported in every way. Thank you for believing in our classroom and helping us create a space where learning truly comes to life!","fullyFundedDate":1758053301847,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-learning-charged-and-creative/9680045/","projectTitle":"Keeping Learning Charged and Creative","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Valdez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9709410_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756948369777","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9709410"},{"teacherId":8692599,"projectId":9070915,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, the heart of school, our library was gifted with a little bit of magic. The Library Fairy arrived at the end of the school year last year so the students did not get to meet her. However, this year, she helped to welcome our students with kindness, imagination, and best of all... BOOKS!\r\n\r\nOur library now has a new level of engagement. Our library fairy is the mastermind behind the lessons provided and the books that are read aloud. This makes the kids very excited. They anxiously wait for their next library day to see what the fairy has picked out for them, and since the fairy picked out their lessons, they are instantly engaged. \r\n\r\nIn our library, students always have an option to choose a learning center once they have finished their work. One station is to write to the library fairy. They can tell the fairy anything but especially, they can ask her for a book request. \r\n\r\nYour gift has created waves of excitement in our library. On behalf of all of our students and staff, thank you for believing in the power of reading with a sprinkle of magic.","fullyFundedDate":1744220775694,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-magical/9070915/","projectTitle":"Reading is Magical","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ramirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8692599"},{"teacherId":9903874,"projectId":9417187,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation toward flexible seating in our classroom! \r\n\r\nThese new options have completely transformed our space and given my students the freedom to choose where they learn best. I've already seen them more focused, engaged, and confident. They look forward to coming to my teacher table knowing they get to use the new seating. Beyond academics, flexible seating has fostered independence, collaboration, and joy knowing that they are able to choose where they would like to work. \r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your kindness and support! 💜","fullyFundedDate":1750357745708,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-bilingual-brillianc/9417187/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for Bilingual Brilliance!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tamez-Rocha","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9903874"},{"teacherId":8297768,"projectId":8838924,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support. I truly appreciate your donations. The look on my students when they see that they can choose a pair of brand new shoes fills my heart. \r\nTheir first comment is, \"now I can run really fast\". This school year I had 37 students that ran over 100 miles during the school year and I had 5 students that ran over 200 miles.\r\nMy kids LOVE to run and thanks to y'all they have new running shoes to help them achieve their running goal. May God bless you for you generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1734850180410,"projectUrl":"project/running-club/8838924/","projectTitle":"Running Club","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Valdez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8297768"},{"teacherId":9709410,"projectId":9039390,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, the headphones and electric pencil sharpener have made a big difference in our classroom. The headphones help students focus during online lessons and reading activities, allowing them to work more independently and confidently.\r\n\r\nThe electric sharpener has been a classroom favorite—students love how quickly they can get back to work without interruptions. One student who used to struggle with distractions now uses the headphones daily and is showing great improvement. Your support truly made an impact—thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1745847052506,"projectUrl":"project/sound-minds-sharp-futures/9039390/","projectTitle":"Sound Minds & Sharp Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Valdez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9709410_orig.jpg?crop=500,500,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756948369777","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9709410"},{"teacherId":6156698,"projectId":6833896,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my Donors Choose project! The highlighters you helped provide have quickly become one of the most-used tools for our Hawks. My students use them daily to track important elements in their writing—highlighting capital letters, punctuation marks, and other key details during the revision process. These simple tools have made a big difference in helping students take ownership of their writing and become more confident editors of their own work.\r\n\r\nWe've also found creative ways to use the highlighters in our reading lessons. When identifying text evidence to support their thinking, students now highlight directly in the text to show their reasoning. This not only helps them focus, but also allows for richer discussions and deeper comprehension. Your donation has had a meaningful, ongoing impact in both our writing and reading instruction, and I am truly grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1679336116242,"projectUrl":"project/high-light-the-way/6833896/","projectTitle":"High-Light the Way!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rivera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6156698_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663514650991","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6156698"},{"teacherId":8788990,"projectId":9070574,"letterContent":"My students and I were super excited when we received all of our new books from your generous donation. It's been amazing having a variety of books that young children enjoy to read in our classroom. They love listening to stories during story time such as \"No, David\" and \"Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus\" and have had fun learning the life cycle of the butterfly by listening to \"The Very Hungry Caterpillar\". \r\n\r\nThese books have had such a positive impact in my students' academic success and in their social emotional development. During the end of year assessments, my students showed much growth and I believe having these books available have contributed much to their gains. Through these books, they have been able to practice shapes, handwriting, and concepts of print such as directionality and alphabet knowledge. It has also helped them much with building language and being able to retell a story. What a great gift to give young children the opportunity to acquire the love for books at an early age and a great foundation for school success. You have truly made a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1738960340017,"projectUrl":"project/storytime-building-the-love-for-reading/9070574/","projectTitle":"Storytime: Building the Love for Reading and School Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vaca","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8788990"},{"teacherId":8425910,"projectId":9068662,"letterContent":"Thank you for your donation you have Truley made many children happy with these running shoes. The incentive they have received from you shows them that people are kind and generous, especially when you are helping the students achieve, they run mile goals. Most of these students who received the shoes have reached their 100-mile goal and surpassed it. The shoes gave them a boost of confidence and appreciation. This will motivate to continue running over the summer break and continue when we get back from vacation.","fullyFundedDate":1740763103916,"projectUrl":"project/making-life-long-runners/9068662/","projectTitle":"Making Life Long Runners","teacherDisplayName":"Coach Perales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8425910_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y160&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1650765005765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8425910"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_15530","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":493,"numTeachers":39,"percentFrplEligible":93,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":98,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":46.7,"schoolId":15530,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Thigpen - Zavala Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Thigpen - Zavala Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/mcallen-independent-school-district/thigpen-zavala-elementary-school/15530"}