{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Monte Bella Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":28.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":123393,"projectId":9562584,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your continued generosity! Your gift of art markers arrived just in time, and we distributed them today as Christmas gifts for students to take home. You should have seen their faces light up when they realized these beautiful sets were theirs to keep! The excitement was electric, students immediately started planning what they'd create over break, from family portraits to comic books to sunsets for grandparents. One usually quiet student couldn't stop talking about all the art projects she's going to work on.\r\nWhen we return in January, students will share their break creations in our \"Winter Art Gallery.\" These markers will give them the chance to create something they're genuinely proud of during their time off, and they'll continue using them for classroom projects throughout the rest of the year. Thank you for being part of our classroom family for over a decade, your support means the world to us!","fullyFundedDate":1765562347593,"projectUrl":"project/color-our-creativity/9562584/","projectTitle":"Color Our Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp123393_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651719258022","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrjones"},{"teacherId":123393,"projectId":9719763,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for making our Lego Spike robotics project a reality! The moment the kits arrived, my students' eyes lit up with excitement. They couldn't wait to open the boxes and explore all the pieces inside. One student exclaimed, \"We get to build REAL robots?!\" and that enthusiasm has only grown since then. The kits have transformed our STEM time into the most anticipated part of our week.\r\nWe've been using the Lego Spike kits to teach coding, engineering design, and problem-solving skills. Our first major project involved programming the robots to navigate a maze we created on our classroom floor. Students worked in small teams, learning to collaborate as they built their robots and wrote code to make them move, turn, and respond to sensors. Watching a typically shy student confidently explain to her teammates why they needed to adjust their motor speed was a beautiful moment that showed me how these hands-on materials boost both technical skills and confidence. The kits allow all my students to engage with complex STEM concepts in a tangible, exciting way that textbooks simply cannot provide.\r\nWe're currently working on a more ambitious project where students are designing robots to solve real-world problems they've identified in our school community. One group is creating a robot to help deliver library books between classrooms, while another is programming a sensor-based system to remind us to turn off lights. Your generosity has given my students the tools to see themselves as inventors and problem-solvers. Thank you for believing in them and investing in their future!","fullyFundedDate":1764251897227,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-building/9719763/","projectTitle":"Let's Get Building!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp123393_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651719258022","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrjones"},{"teacherId":123393,"projectId":9789164,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much, Pichette family, for making so many kids' day! Your incredible generosity has touched the hearts of countless students who now have warm jackets to wear during these chilly months. These jackets came at the perfect time, as the weather started getting below 50 degrees, and we could see the immediate joy and relief on the children's faces when they received them. We are always amazed by your generosity and consistent support of our students. Year after year, you demonstrate such compassion and dedication to ensuring that every child in our community feels cared for and valued. Your thoughtfulness doesn't just provide warmth, it provides hope, dignity, and a reminder that there are wonderful people who genuinely care about their wellbeing. The impact of your kindness extends far beyond the physical warmth these jackets provide. You're teaching our students that their community supports them and believes in them. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being such extraordinary supporters!","fullyFundedDate":1764251892865,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-cozy/9789164/","projectTitle":"Keeping Cozy!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp123393_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651719258022","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrjones"},{"teacherId":123393,"projectId":9789224,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your generous support of our Winter Coat Project. Thanks to your kindness and compassion, we have been able to provide warm, quality winter coats to students who might otherwise face the harsh winter months without adequate protection from the cold. Your donation has made a tangible difference in the lives of children in our community, and we cannot thank you enough for standing with us in this important mission.\r\nThe impact of your generosity extends far beyond simply providing warmth. Students who received coats through this project have shown improved school attendance, as they no longer have to miss days due to illness or fear of walking to school in freezing temperatures. Teachers have reported that these children are more focused and engaged in their learning, no longer distracted by the discomfort of being cold. For many families, the coat you provided has lifted a significant financial burden, allowing parents to redirect limited resources toward other essential needs like food and utilities.\r\nYour investment in these children's well-being has given them more than physical warmth. It has provided dignity, confidence, and the message that their community cares about them. Many students have shared how proud they feel wearing their new coats, and parents have expressed tearful gratitude for your support during a challenging time. Thank you for being a vital part of our mission to ensure every child has what they need to thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1761930570362,"projectUrl":"project/staying-warm/9789224/","projectTitle":"Staying Warm!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp123393_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651719258022","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrjones"},{"teacherId":9915471,"projectId":9646381,"letterContent":"Receiving this project has made a wonderful difference in our classroom! My students are so excited each time we bring out the new art and craft materials. The supplies have allowed them to express their creativity in ways we weren't able to before. They take great pride in their work and love showing off their finished projects to classmates and families.\r\n\r\nThese hands-on activities have also strengthened important learning skills. I've noticed that my students are more focused and patient during projects that require careful attention to detail. They're following multi-step directions more independently and building stronger fine motor control as they cut, glue, and design.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, this project has helped foster a stronger classroom community. Students collaborate more, share ideas, and encourage one another. The joy and confidence they feel when completing a project has carried over into other subjects as well—they're more willing to take risks, try new things, and believe in their abilities.\r\n\r\nThanks to this project, art has become a meaningful and joyful part of our weekly routine, and my students are thriving both creatively and emotionally.","fullyFundedDate":1758636767462,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-big-creations-monthly-art/9646381/","projectTitle":"Little Hands, Big Creations: Monthly Art Projects","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9915471_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755392656723","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9915471"},{"teacherId":8790351,"projectId":9101421,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support through DonorsChoose!\r\n\r\nBecause of your donations, we've been able to create a positive and motivating environment where students are recognized and celebrated for their achievements and special occasions—like birthdays and personal milestones.\r\n\r\nThe rewards and prizes you helped fund are being used in many exciting ways. Students earn them for showing growth, demonstrating kindness, reaching academic goals, and participating actively in class. Whether it's a small toy, a fun school supply, or a treat on their birthday, each prize brings a big smile and encourages continued effort and enthusiasm for learning.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is not just providing physical items—it's helping to build a classroom culture of encouragement, recognition, and joy. The impact you're making is felt every day, and we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746785565041,"projectUrl":"project/small-rewards-big-impact/9101421/","projectTitle":"Small Rewards, Big Impact","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gomez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8790351_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1732821368070","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8790351"},{"teacherId":9915471,"projectId":9586629,"letterContent":"When my students first received their new pencil boxes and folders, their faces lit up with excitement. Many of them immediately began organizing their supplies and proudly showing each other how neat their things looked. It was such a joyful moment to see how something as simple as sturdy folders and boxes could make them feel responsible and \"grown up.\"\r\n\r\nWe've been using the folders daily to keep homework organized and to help students take ownership of bringing materials back and forth between home and school. The pencil boxes have also been a big help—students know exactly where their tools are, which keeps transitions quick and our focus on learning.\r\n\r\nOne of the most memorable moments was our first art activity of the year. With their rock kits, students created all sorts of animals to keep as \"pet rocks\". They were so proud to share their work on our window sill facing the hallway for everyone to see! It also sparked wonderful conversations that helped us build classroom community right from the start.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we'll continue to use these materials to support organization and creativity. Our next step is diving into writing projects where students will use their folders to keep drafts and finished work safe, while also having art materials on hand to illustrate and present their stories.\r\n\r\nThis project truly gave us the perfect foundation for a strong start. Thank you for believing in my students and making our classroom a place where they feel prepared, responsible, and excited to learn!","fullyFundedDate":1755999085311,"projectUrl":"project/starting-the-school-year-with-supplies-a/9586629/","projectTitle":"Starting the School Year with Supplies and Smiles!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9915471_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755392656723","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9915471"},{"teacherId":123393,"projectId":9385518,"letterContent":"Our students were so excited when the Fuse Bead art kits and design booklets arrived. The moment they saw the bright colors and patterns, the room filled with energy and creativity. Many of our students had never worked with Fuse Beads before, so it was both a brand-new challenge and a fun way to bring their ideas to life. We immediately dove into exploring the design booklets, and students began experimenting with patterns ranging from simple shapes to more detailed images.\r\n\r\nOne of the highlights was seeing groups of students collaborate on larger designs, trading colors, and helping each other line up the beads with care. The project became not just about art, but also about patience, teamwork, and problem-solving. The sense of pride on their faces when they ironed and revealed their finished pieces was unforgettable. Students who are usually quiet or hesitant to share in class were excited to show off their artwork, which gave them a new way to express themselves and connect with their peers.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we are incorporating these materials into our current lessons by tying them into themes of math and symmetry, as well as social-emotional learning through self-expression. The design booklets give students a strong starting point, but many are already branching out to create their own unique patterns. Your generosity has opened the door to ongoing creativity in our classroom, and our students can't wait to see how far their imaginations can take them.","fullyFundedDate":1757547416545,"projectUrl":"project/pixel-perfect-creating-art-one-bead-at/9385518/","projectTitle":"Pixel Perfect: Creating Art One Bead at a Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp123393_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651719258022","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrjones"},{"teacherId":9865160,"projectId":9198828,"letterContent":"We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors for making these resources possible. Your support has truly energized our classroom and opened up new opportunities for creativity and learning. Thank you for investing in our students' education and artistic growth!\r\n\r\nWe're planning to use the new materials as part of creative projects that align with the end of our study units. Currently, we're studying biomes, and in a couple of weeks, students will be painting butterflies as a culminating activity. We also plan to create seasonal art pieces, such as fall trees and pumpkins, which will give students more opportunities to explore the materials and express what they've learned.\r\n\r\nThe students were thrilled to receive these art supplies! There was a lot of excitement, especially about getting to wear aprons and dive into painting. Several students were particularly enthusiastic about trying out the oil pastels—they're very eager to get creative.\r\n\r\nRight now, we're focusing on how to properly care for our art supplies. Students are learning how to clean and store paintbrushes to help them last longer, and how to handle and preserve our paints and oil pastels. These lessons are helping them develop responsibility and respect for the tools they're using.","fullyFundedDate":1746656799677,"projectUrl":"project/art-in-third-grade/9198828/","projectTitle":"Art in Third Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Otero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9865160"},{"teacherId":123393,"projectId":9546470,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our Kleenex project. With flu season in full effect, these tissues arrived at the perfect time for our classroom. Your generosity helps us keep our students healthy, comfortable, and ready to learn each day. Small things like tissues make a big difference in maintaining a clean, safe environment where students can focus on their studies instead of worrying about runny noses and germs spreading.\r\n\r\nOur students feel supported knowing that there are people like you who care about their well-being. These supplies not only prevent interruptions in learning but also show our students that their education matters to others outside of the classroom. Your kindness truly helps us make our classroom a better place for everyone, and we are deeply grateful for your thoughtful support.","fullyFundedDate":1755529621102,"projectUrl":"project/achoo-we-need-you/9546470/","projectTitle":"Achoo! We Need You!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp123393_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651719258022","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrjones"},{"teacherId":123393,"projectId":9332815,"letterContent":"Our students were absolutely thrilled when they first saw the colorful paints and goofy googly eyes arrive in our classroom. Their excitement was contagious, and it was clear right away that these materials would spark their creativity. We wasted no time putting them to use. During our most recent art and storytelling project, students were challenged to design their own imaginative creatures using the paints and googly eyes. From multi-eyed monsters to rainbow-colored animals, each student brought their own personality and humor into their work. It was incredible to see even our most reserved scholars fully engaged, laughing and proudly showing off their creations.\r\n\r\nThese supplies have gone far beyond just arts and crafts. We've integrated them into cross-curricular activities, including creating historical figures in Social Studies and visualizing characters from the novels we read in class. This hands-on approach has helped students better connect to the content and feel ownership of their learning. The googly eyes, in particular, have become a favorite feature in class — students ask to add them to nearly everything!\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be using the remaining paint and supplies for a kindness rock garden project. Each student will design a rock with a positive message or image, which we'll place around campus to spread joy to others. Your generosity helped bring imagination and joy to our classroom, and now it will ripple out into the school community. Thank you for helping make our students feel seen, supported, and inspired.","fullyFundedDate":1748539219679,"projectUrl":"project/shades-of-self/9332815/","projectTitle":"Shades of Self","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp123393_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651719258022","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrjones"},{"teacherId":123393,"projectId":9160557,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for getting these Eerie-on-Sea class sets funded for our classroom! We loved the first book in the series and now, because of your generosity, we can continue the journey with three more mysteries. This project would never have become a reality if it was not for you and we are truly appreciative that you chose our class to support! Reading opens so many doors and possibilities and reading mysteries allows our students to problem solve and try to figure out how the characters and story will unfold. These are critical skills for every reader and you have made it all possible.","fullyFundedDate":1744240410596,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-the-mysteries-of-eerie-on-sea/9160557/","projectTitle":"Exploring the Mysteries of Eerie-on-Sea","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp123393_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651719258022","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrjones"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_105243","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":807,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":85,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":95,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"26.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":71.7,"schoolId":105243,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Monte Bella Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Monte Bella Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/alisal-union-school-district/tiburcio-vasquez-elementary-school/105243"}
Join the 205 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Monte Bella Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Salinas, California that is part of Alisal Union School District.
It serves 807 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 26.9:1.
Its teachers have had 141 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Share and help support Monte Bella Elementary School
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of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
96%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Monte Bella Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 21, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Monte Bella Elementary School
$95,672
raised using DonorsChoose
141
projects
funded
26
teachers
funded
205
donors
14
projects
for
basic supplies
23
projects for
technology
22
projects for
books
11
projects
for
art supplies
Monte Bella Elementary School has received support from
147 individuals from California and
58 individuals out-of-state.