{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mario Umana Academy","outOfStateSupporters":35.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10061950,"projectId":9600096,"letterContent":"My students have enjoyed having all these supplies in the classroom. \r\nAs a new teacher, I had the joy of starting in a space with just 4 walls and a bit of hope.\r\nNow, thanks to volunteers and donors like you, there are decorations up, some instruments, teaching equipment, and a bunch of students coming in every day to sing, dance, and play while they experience the joy of making music.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for bringing us this joy! \r\nWe will have our first concert soon, and I cannot wait to share the photos and videos with you. \r\n\r\nI currently have another fundraising project going because not all of the products I chose in the previous fundraiser were available for shipping within the required timeframe. Thus, I have had to pivot and select a few different items instead, as well as add a few things to the list. If you are able to participate in my new funding project for general supplies, please do. \r\n\r\nAs time goes on, there will be more needs for the classroom and continue to reach out as we progress.","fullyFundedDate":1756604041182,"projectUrl":"project/can-you-hear-me/9600096/","projectTitle":"Can You Hear Me?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Flora","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10061950_orig.jpg?crop=840,840,x57,y294&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756425747540","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10061950"},{"teacherId":6477290,"projectId":9419670,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your amazing generosity! My students and I really appreciate your support in providing the individual headsets, plastic bags (for storage), and the always needed dry-erase markers! They have all been put to really good use.\r\n\r\nThe headsets in particular are extremely useful. There is a wide range of language learners in each of my classes, and the use of headphones really helps me give each student the individualized and targeted instruction they need to practice and improve their language skills.\r\n\r\nAs always, the DonorsChoose community has come through to help all of my students and it is appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1750854355568,"projectUrl":"project/lets-hear-it-for-school/9419670/","projectTitle":"Let's Hear It for School!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Harris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6477290"},{"teacherId":4594193,"projectId":9483984,"letterContent":"Your donation to my project brought us closer to a world where every child has the tools necessary for success. My students were so excited to walk into the classroom on the first day of school and see new writing and coloring tools available to begin working on their beginning of the year projects. All of these resources and tools have helped my second grade students maintain their interest and enthusiasm for writing and, most importantly, prepare them for success in this new school year.\r\nThank you.","fullyFundedDate":1755532303757,"projectUrl":"project/setting-up-for-student-success/9483984/","projectTitle":"Setting Up for Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mejia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4594193_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1503407304205","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-mejiaskids"},{"teacherId":10037581,"projectId":9361874,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom. My students and I really appreciate your kindness and generosity. \r\nWe have been playing with our gagabll pit and the kids absolutely love it. They had never played the game and their first reaction was pure joy! My 7th grade students are so excited to play volleyball this year. Our new balls will help everyone be able to participate. Having enough supplies for everyone means everyone gets the same amount of practice and skill building. \r\nMy students are most excited about the soccer balls. They are a hot commodity at our school so being able to supply students with equipment has made my job a lot easier, and more fun!","fullyFundedDate":1751041073579,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-kids-moving/9361874/","projectTitle":"Keeping Kids Moving","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Capra","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10037581_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1764648382957","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10037581"},{"teacherId":9636953,"projectId":9406349,"letterContent":"The donated materials have had a significant impact on advancing equity within our community by directly supporting students and families who face systemic barriers to access. Many of the recipients come from under-resourced backgrounds where basic educational supplies or tools are often out of reach. These donations helped ensure that every student regardless of their socioeconomic status have what they need to fully participate and engage in their learning. By addressing these gaps, the materials are supporting and creating a more level learning environment where all students have an equal opportunity to succeed.\r\n\r\nAs a result of the donations, we've seen increased engagement, confidence, and academic success among students. The students were very excited to receive the materials! The materials not only met immediate needs, but also sent a powerful message of inclusion and support. In this way, the donations have gone beyond material support. The materials have contributed to a more equitable, empowering, and affirming learning environment for all.","fullyFundedDate":1749770507548,"projectUrl":"project/ms-sanchezs-project/9406349/","projectTitle":"Ms. Sanchez's Project","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanchez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9636953_orig.jpg?crop=1165,1166,x0,y774&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749649952700","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9636953"},{"teacherId":8677406,"projectId":9102261,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is now full of joy, movement, and meaningful play! The sensory materials you provided—like the crash pad, stepping stones, large play building blocks, and sensory sand—have quickly become student favorites and essential tools in our daily routine.\r\n\r\nThe very first day the materials arrived was like a celebration! My students' eyes lit up with excitement, and they couldn't wait to explore. One student ran straight to the crash pad and let out the happiest giggle as he jumped, rolled, and flopped safely onto it. For a child who usually struggles with body awareness, this has been a game changer. He's now able to get the sensory input he craves, which helps him stay regulated, keep his body safe, and play more successfully with his friends. It's been such a joy to see his confidence and connection with peers grow.\r\n\r\nWe're using these materials every day to support sensory breaks, cooperative play, and hands-on learning. Whether they're building towers with the giant blocks or practicing balance on the stepping stones, my students are developing physical coordination, social skills, and emotional regulation—all through sensory exploration!\r\n\r\nWe will continue to use these materials to support self-regulation and inclusive practices in our classroom. They help each of my students access learning in their own unique way and create an environment where every child can feel safe, successful, and included. Your support has made a lasting impact, and we're so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746786028221,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-aba-preschool-students-get-senso/9102261/","projectTitle":"Help My ABA Preschool Students Get Sensory Input They Need!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Khachadourian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8677406_orig.png?crop=672,672,x0,y114&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738866364873","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8677406"},{"teacherId":2724600,"projectId":9395407,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping my library be more accessible for students. We serve students from age 4-14, which means that our space needs to be flexible and have a variety of seating options, depending on student size, needs, and situation. Students were so excited to see these new cube chairs. They clamored to sit in them, and it was fun to see how they used them as we progressed through lessons, turning them to the side for turn and talk or sitting calmly during read alouds. \r\n\r\nWhile I had gotten them specifically for our classrooms with our youngest (and smallest) students with disabilities, even 4th graders wanted to try them out. It became another preferred, special place to sit for some students, and a needed tool for others who require more self regulation support. \r\n\r\nThe new seats stack easily in a corner and fit right in with our other furniture colors, so that aesthetically they also contribute to our space. I am excited to bring these into regular circulation for any students who want or need them. Thank you for being a part of this important improvement to our library.","fullyFundedDate":1750787793855,"projectUrl":"project/making-the-library-accessible-for-all/9395407/","projectTitle":"Making the Library Accessible For All","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shirman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2724600_orig.png?crop=680,680,x0,y97&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756993754788","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/hagar"},{"teacherId":9524785,"projectId":9328558,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your gracious donation to our classroom. We are truly appreciative for your support in our learning this school year. We are currently using the restaurant menus for morning work to practice their handwriting and letter formation. I insert a page with their name, numbers 1-20, and the alphabet so they can practice in the morning before classes start. I really have seen a huge difference in their writing since starting school. \r\n\r\nWe are also using the math write and wipe as a tool when adding or subtracting. They are able to decide what resource works best for them; 10 frame, number line, or 120 chart to solve problems. They are excited every day to use their math resources. Right now, we are working on the different elements of a story, so with the chart paper, I am able to create an anchor chart with visuals for the students, so they are able to understand the concept.\r\n\r\nAgain, thank you so much for your donation, and I'm excited to continue seeing their growth this school year with the materials donated.","fullyFundedDate":1748276946490,"projectUrl":"project/1st-grade-refresh/9328558/","projectTitle":"1st Grade Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9524785_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715044042424","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9524785"},{"teacherId":9993450,"projectId":9244216,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our dance classroom! Because of your donations, we received a Bose speaker, an easel, a mini iPad, and a timer—and these tools have already had a remarkable impact on my students' learning and creativity.\r\n\r\nThe Bose speaker has completely transformed the energy in our room. Clear, powerful sound allows every student to hear the music no matter where they are in the studio. It has made a huge difference during choreography practice, warm-ups, and improvisation exercises. Students are more engaged and confident because they can fully feel the rhythm and connect with the music. I've noticed even my shyest dancers moving with more expression and joy, simply because they can hear and respond to the music so clearly.\r\n\r\nThe easel has become a central part of our space. I use it to display daily objectives, dance vocabulary, choreography notes, and student reflections. Students love volunteering to write on it, which gives them ownership of their learning. It's amazing to see how something as simple as an easel can encourage participation, collaboration, and reflection.\r\n\r\nThe mini iPad has been especially exciting because students now use it to DJ during open dance time. Different students take turn selecting music, which gives them leadership opportunities and lets them share songs that inspire them. This has created a strong sense of community, as students listen to each other's choices, dance together, and celebrate their creativity. The iPad has made our open dance time more student-centered and dynamic than ever before.\r\n\r\nThe timer is a small but powerful tool that helps us stay focused and organized. We use it to pace warm-ups, set challenges during improvisation games, and other dance activities. Even to keep clam bodies for the younger students. It encourages independence, accountability, and collaboration among students. They are learning how to manage their time while still being creative and expressive, which is a critical skill both inside and outside the dance studio.\r\n\r\nThese tools have made a lasting impact on my students. They have not only strengthened their technical skills and musicality, but also fostered leadership, reflection, collaboration, and confidence. I have seen students step forward to lead, support each other in group work, and take pride in their creations. Your generosity has created an environment where students feel empowered to explore, express themselves, and grow as both dancers and individuals.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in my students and the power of the arts. Your support has given them tools that will continue to inspire creativity, movement, and joy all year long.","fullyFundedDate":1746786313976,"projectUrl":"project/music-movement-and-motivationthe-tool/9244216/","projectTitle":"Music, Movement, and Motivation—The Tools to Help My Dancers Slay!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Infante-Ralli","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9993450_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745513528604","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9993450"},{"teacherId":9571664,"projectId":9120450,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my classroom project! Because of your donation, my first graders now have access to a wide variety of engaging indoor recess games that are both fun and filled with meaningful learning opportunities.\r\n\r\nThese resources are already having a tremendous impact. I've seen my students collaborating more thoughtfully, solving problems together, and using their imaginations in creative new ways. Many of the games you helped provide encourage teamwork, communication, and social-emotional growth—skills that are just as important as academic knowledge. The puzzles and building sets also promote critical thinking, fine motor development, and strategic planning, all of which contribute to their overall academic success. Your support is helping shape not only how they play but how they grow as thinkers, teammates, and individuals.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart—thank you for making such a lasting difference in their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1746787150073,"projectUrl":"project/fun-indoor-recess/9120450/","projectTitle":"Fun Indoor Recess","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Padilla","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9571664_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y171&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720728881937","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mujopadilla"},{"teacherId":6477290,"projectId":9195806,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the support as we finished up the year. The school year is definitely a marathon and not a sprint, and having that last push of supplies has been very helpful in maintaining our routines, classroom culture and, most importantly, our learning. \r\n\r\nAs always, the partnership with the DonorsChoose community has been tremendous throughout the year, and I cannot stress enough how helpful it is in our day-to-day work. Please remember that all of these projects are helpful to the teachers, even the ones the cover the smaller, less glamorous items. Have a wonderful summer!","fullyFundedDate":1746786930272,"projectUrl":"project/resupplying-our-supplies/9195806/","projectTitle":"Resupplying our Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Harris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6477290"},{"teacherId":4720156,"projectId":9131735,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, our classrooms have been able to stay well-stocked with essential hygiene supplies that made a meaningful difference in our students' daily routines. Staff used gloves and baby wipes to provide dignified, hands-on support during toileting, helping students feel clean, safe, and comfortable as they worked toward greater independence. When the materials first arrived, our students were curious and excited—one student even helped deliver wipes and sanitizer to each classroom, proudly announcing, \"I'm the helper today!\"\r\n\r\nWith Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer available throughout the day, we were able to reinforce health and hygiene routines by modeling regular hand cleaning and surface sanitizing. These practices became a part of our classroom routines and helped minimize illness during flu season. Because of your support, our students stayed healthier, missed fewer days, and were better able to focus on developing essential life, communication, and social skills in a safe, supportive environment.","fullyFundedDate":1741118224534,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-toileting-skills-wellness-i/9131735/","projectTitle":"Supporting Toileting Skills & Wellness in Special Education Classrooms","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sophia Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4720156_orig.png?crop=517,518,x0,y31&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740574751246","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4720156"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_62892","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":634,"numTeachers":74,"percentFrplEligible":81,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":92,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"8.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.2,"schoolId":62892,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mario Umana Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mario Umana Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/boston-public-schools/umana-middle-school-academy/62892"}