{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Monte Bella Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":29.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10439652,"projectId":10113669,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing both the English and Spanish copies of The One and Only Ivan to our Dual Immersion classroom! Having both languages on our shelves has completely elevated our daily reading time. Students are able to dive into the same rich story together, bridging their two languages seamlessly while building strong vocabulary, analyzing characters, and comparing how the story flows in both English and Spanish.\r\n\r\nHaving access to high-quality literature in both target languages makes our Dual Immersion environment thrive. It gives my students the tools they need to deepen their reading comprehension while building genuine pride in their bilingualism. You helped create an inclusive space where every reader feels supported and excited to learn. Thank you for supporting our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1781230818292,"projectUrl":"project/one-story-two-languages-building-a-bil/10113669/","projectTitle":"One Story, Two Languages: Building a Biliterate Bridge with Ivan","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10439652"},{"teacherId":9995578,"projectId":10299019,"letterContent":"The donated copies of Freak the Mighty and Waiting for Normal are giving my sixth-grade students the opportunity to experience meaningful, engaging literature this school year. We are currently reading Freak the Mighty, and students are especially enjoying the friendship between Max and Kevin. As we read, students are practicing identifying themes, analyzing characters, making inferences, building vocabulary, and supporting their ideas with evidence from the text. The story also creates meaningful conversations about friendship, empathy, acceptance, and looking beyond someone's differences.\r\n\r\nLater in the school year, we will read Waiting for Normal, which will give students another opportunity to explore themes such as family, resilience, identity, and overcoming challenges. Having access to class sets of these books allows students to read together, participate in discussions, make connections, and develop stronger comprehension and critical-thinking skills.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these books are helping make reading feel meaningful and enjoyable for my students. Seeing sixth graders excited to discuss the characters, share their opinions, and look forward to the next chapter is exactly what I hope to create in my classroom. Thank you for helping provide my students with books that will support both their academic growth and their love of reading!","fullyFundedDate":1781230818422,"projectUrl":"project/lets-build-a-love-for-reading/10299019/","projectTitle":"Let’s Build a Love for Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Murillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9995578_orig.png?crop=1472,1472,x0,y9&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744223228717","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9995578"},{"teacherId":8790352,"projectId":8898686,"letterContent":"This technology gives students the opportunity to become creators. By producing podcasts and videos, they strengthen their communication, writing, research, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. Students learn how to organize their ideas, write engaging scripts, speak clearly, edit their work, and reflect on feedback. These hands on projects make learning more meaningful because students can share their voices, explain their thinking, and connect classroom lessons to real world skills.\r\n\r\nMy students are especially excited about having professional quality tools to create podcasts and videos that they can be proud of. They love the idea of recording their own stories, interviewing classmates, creating educational content, and sharing projects with families and our school community. Having reliable technology makes them feel like real content creators, which increases their confidence and motivation to do their best work.\r\n\r\nSome of my quieter students have found that podcasting and video production give them a comfortable way to express themselves. Students who may be hesitant to speak in front of the whole class often become more confident when recording or editing in small groups. I've also seen creative students who enjoy storytelling, technology, and design truly shine as they take on leadership roles during production. This technology gives every student an opportunity to contribute using their unique strengths, whether they enjoy writing, speaking, editing, or working behind the scenes.","fullyFundedDate":1737651230459,"projectUrl":"project/future-media-makers/8898686/","projectTitle":"Future Media Makers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Talavera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8790352_orig.jpg?crop=676,676,x0,y322&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1784456699207","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/stalavera"},{"teacherId":123393,"projectId":10184877,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom now has a Bambu P1S 3D printer, and it has completely transformed how my students think about design and problem solving. Many families use printers at home for paper, but this is different. Students are learning that ideas in their heads can become physical objects they can hold, test, and improve. They design a part, watch it print layer by layer, and then figure out what to change if it does not work quite right. That process of trial, failure, and revision is something textbooks cannot teach nearly as well.\r\nWhat excites students most is the sense of ownership. They are not just completing a worksheet; they are creating something real that did not exist before they made it. Watching the printer work is almost magnetic. Kids gather around during free moments just to see the nozzle move and the shape emerge.\r\nA few students have especially blossomed with this technology. One student who struggles with traditional writing assignments has become our unofficial print troubleshooter, patiently explaining bed leveling and filament types to classmates. Another quiet student who rarely raises her hand now leads small groups through the design software with real confidence. This printer has given students who learn differently a new way to shine, and that has been the most meaningful outcome of all. Thank you again for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1776102826840,"projectUrl":"project/give-our-students-the-tools-to-build-tom/10184877/","projectTitle":"Give Our Students the Tools to Build Tomorrow","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":8790131,"projectId":9972638,"letterContent":"On behalf of my fifth-grade students, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your generous donation of school materials. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our classroom and has positively impacted our students both academically and personally.\r\nThe writing materials you provided are used every day in our classroom. Whether students are taking notes, completing assignments, participating in writing activities, or working on projects, these supplies help ensure that every child has the tools they need to learn and succeed. Having reliable access to basic school materials allows students to focus on their education rather than worrying about whether they have the necessary supplies.\r\nYour donation has also contributed to a more positive and welcoming learning environment. Students feel excited and confident when they come to school knowing they have the materials they need to participate fully in classroom activities. This sense of preparedness helps them feel valued and supported, which increases their engagement and enthusiasm for learning.\r\nThank you for investing in the education and well-being of my students. Your generosity has provided more than just school supplies—it has helped create learning opportunities and encouraged a spirit of generosity among our fifth graders. We are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1776190751343,"projectUrl":"project/writing-essentials/9972638/","projectTitle":"Writing Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Palomares","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8790131_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707172144474","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8790131"},{"teacherId":8790131,"projectId":10008655,"letterContent":"On behalf of my fifth-grade students, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of books. Your support has had a tremendous impact on our classroom and has helped foster a greater love of reading and learning among my students.\r\nThe donated books have provided my students with access to high-interest, leveled reading materials that engage them and encourage them to read more frequently. Having books that match their reading abilities while also capturing their interests has increased their enthusiasm for reading and helped build their confidence as readers.\r\nIn addition, many of the books focus on a variety of science topics, giving students exciting opportunities to expand their knowledge and explore the world around them. These resources support our classroom learning and spark curiosity about subjects such as animals, ecosystems, space, technology, and other scientific concepts. Students are eager to learn new information and often share interesting facts they discover with their classmates.\r\nOne of the most meaningful outcomes of your donation has been the opportunity for students to take books home to read. Many of my students have expressed genuine gratitude for having access to books outside of school. They are excited to share what they are reading with their families and appreciate having quality books available to enjoy at home. This opportunity has helped strengthen reading habits and encouraged students to continue learning beyond the classroom.\r\nYour generosity has not only provided valuable educational resources but has also inspired a sense of appreciation among my students. They recognize the kindness behind your gift and are thankful for the opportunities it has created for them.\r\nThank you for investing in the education and growth of my fifth graders. Your donation has helped cultivate a love of reading, supported science learning, and provided students with meaningful opportunities to explore new topics both in school and at home. We are truly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1777247512202,"projectUrl":"project/reading-at-my-level/10008655/","projectTitle":"Reading At My Level","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Palomares","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8790131_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707172144474","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8790131"},{"teacherId":8790131,"projectId":10008691,"letterContent":"On behalf of my fifth-grade students, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your generous donation of school materials. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our classroom and has positively impacted our students both academically and personally.\r\nThe writing materials you provided are used every day in our classroom. Whether students are taking notes, completing assignments, participating in writing activities, or working on projects, these supplies help ensure that every child has the tools they need to learn and succeed. Having reliable access to basic school materials allows students to focus on their education rather than worrying about whether they have the necessary supplies.\r\nYour donation has also contributed to a more positive and welcoming learning environment. Students feel excited and confident when they come to school knowing they have the materials they need to participate fully in classroom activities. This sense of preparedness helps them feel valued and supported, which increases their engagement and enthusiasm for learning.\r\nBeyond the academic benefits, your generosity has taught my students an important lesson about kindness and community. They have become more grateful for the resources they have and more aware of the impact that generosity can have on others. Many students have expressed appreciation for the support they received and have been inspired to show kindness and share with their classmates whenever possible. It has been wonderful to see them develop a greater sense of empathy and willingness to help others.\r\nThank you for investing in the education and well-being of my students. Your generosity has provided more than just school supplies—it has helped create opportunities for learning, fostered gratitude, and encouraged a spirit of generosity among our fifth graders. We are truly grateful for your support.\r\nSincerely,\r\nMr. Palomares\r\n5th Grade Teacher","fullyFundedDate":1777247511890,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-restock-the-2026-consumables/10008691/","projectTitle":"Help Us Restock the 2026 Consumables","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Palomares","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8790131_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707172144474","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8790131"},{"teacherId":9308355,"projectId":9971738,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation. Your support has made a meaningful impact on my first grade Dual Immersion students, many of whom come from Hispanic/Latino backgrounds in a Title 1 school. Through your contribution, my students have been able to engage more deeply in social-emotional learning activities that help them build confidence, empathy, and a stronger sense of identity. These experiences are especially important for young learners as they develop both academically and personally.\r\n\r\nThe items we received were wonderful and truly enhanced our classroom environment. They provided opportunities for students to explore cultural awareness, celebrate their backgrounds, and learn about others in a respectful and inclusive way. In a community where many families rely on free and reduced lunch, your donation goes even further by ensuring all students have access to enriching materials and experiences. We are incredibly grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1769191998505,"projectUrl":"project/lunar-year-and-100th-day-of-school/9971738/","projectTitle":"Lunar Year and 100th Day of School!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Diaz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9308355"},{"teacherId":123393,"projectId":9950860,"letterContent":"I am overwhelmed with gratitude for your incredible support in funding our Bambu Lab P1S 3D printer! Your generosity has opened up a world of possibility for our students that simply didn't exist before.\r\nThis printer is already sparking curiosity and excitement in our classroom. Students who once could only imagine their designs are now holding them in their hands — from engineering prototypes to creative art pieces. Watching their faces light up as an idea becomes a real, tangible object is something I will never forget.\r\nYour investment goes far beyond a piece of technology. You are building problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and future innovators. Many of our students have never had access to tools like this, and because of you, they now have a head start in the skills that will shape their futures.\r\nThank you for believing in our students and in the power of hands-on learning. We are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1770997501931,"projectUrl":"project/future-makers-3d-innovation-lab/9950860/","projectTitle":"Future Makers 3D Innovation Lab","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":10049216,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my heart — THANK YOU! Because of your incredible generosity, my students now have access to a wonderful variety of stress and fidget tools that are already making a difference in our classroom. For so many of my students, having something to squeeze, stretch, or fidget with helps them stay focused, regulate their emotions, and feel ready to learn. Watching them settle into their work with greater calm and confidence has been one of the most rewarding things to witness this year. You didn't just fund a project — you invested in the wellbeing of real kids who needed this support. We are so grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1770997436280,"projectUrl":"project/stress-less-learn-more-fidget-tools-fo/10049216/","projectTitle":"Stress Less, Learn More: Fidget Tools for Focused Students","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":8790131,"projectId":9954370,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to support hands-on math activities for my 5th-grade students. Your donation has had a powerful impact on how students learn and experience math in our classroom.\r\n Many of my students come from low-socioeconomic families and have limited access to learning materials outside of school. Because of your generosity, students are now able to use engaging, hands-on resources that help them better understand challenging concepts such as multiplying fractions, place value, and area.\r\n These materials have transformed our math lessons. Students are actively engaged, working collaboratively, and genuinely enjoying the learning process. They are using manipulatives and visual tools to make sense of abstract concepts, which has increased both their confidence and understanding. It is exciting to see students smile, participate eagerly, and say that math is fun.\r\n Thank you for investing in my students and helping create meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity and growth. Your support is making a lasting difference in their education and their love of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1766537100826,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning/9954370/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Palomares","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8790131_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707172144474","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8790131"},{"teacherId":8790131,"projectId":9638991,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to purchase jackets for my 5th-grade students. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in their daily lives, and I am incredibly grateful for your support.\r\n Many of my students come from low-socioeconomic families, and for some, a new jacket is not something they often receive. Because of your donation, the most needy students were able to have a warm, well-fitting jacket to call their own. The pride on their faces when they received their jackets was truly heartwarming. They felt seen, valued, and confident.\r\n Beyond the emotional impact, your generosity has also met a very real need. As temperatures drop, students are now able to stay warm during outdoor activities, recess, and their commute to and from school. This sense of comfort allows them to focus better in class and fully participate in their school day.\r\n Thank you for investing in my students and for showing them that their community cares. Your support has left a lasting impression, and it will be remembered every time they zip up their jackets and head out into the cold with confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1765146133165,"projectUrl":"project/warmth-from-the-inside-out/9638991/","projectTitle":"Warmth from the Inside Out","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Palomares","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8790131_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1707172144474","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8790131"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_105243","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":760,"numTeachers":30,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":96,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"25.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":70.5,"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 210 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 760 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 25.3:1.
Its teachers have had 152 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 6
760 Students
30 Teachers
1300 Tuscany BlvdContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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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
97%
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 Aug 19, 2026
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
$101,260
raised using DonorsChoose
152
projects
funded
29
teachers
funded
210
donors
17
projects
for
basic supplies
25
projects for
technology
24
projects for
books
11
projects
for
art supplies
Monte Bella Elementary School has received support from
148 individuals from California and
62 individuals out-of-state.