{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Uphaus Early Childhood Center","outOfStateSupporters":37.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4793846,"projectId":9546939,"letterContent":"Dear Berkeley and the Montgomery Family Fund,\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly transformed our library into a place where joy and discovery live on every shelf. Time and again, you've given our students the gift of stories that make them laugh, think, and feel seen. Because of you, our shelves are brimming with brand‑new titles that children can't wait to open.\r\n\r\nAlready, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus has been a crowd‑pleaser during storytime, with our mischievous pigeon friend continuing to \"pop up\" around the library and on bulletin boards. The counselor has shared Punch! in her lessons, PK3 teachers are excited to use Fix‑It Familia with their building unit, and PK4 students will soon meet Flat Cat when they study pets. Pig the Pug remains one of our most beloved characters, and we can't wait to dive into You and Me, Anemone together soon.\r\n\r\nThese books (whether silly like Who Ate Steve? and Pig the Pug: Cranky Pug, or heartfelt like Fix‑It Familia and Punch!) are already sparking laughter, kindness, and meaningful conversations. They reflect the everyday experiences of our students while opening doors to new ideas, friendships, and giggles.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this even more special is knowing that you've been with us on this journey across multiple projects. You've helped us build a library collection that is fresh, relevant, and full of charm, and you've shown our children that their love of reading matters. Your ongoing support is not just filling shelves . . . it's shaping memories, nurturing kindness, and inspiring a lifelong love of books.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in our readers and for helping them grow. One book, one laugh, one kind moment at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1755131298092,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-new-reads-for-our-library/9546939/","projectTitle":"Fresh New Reads for Our Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Haywood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4793846_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530746531668","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/alexia-haywood"},{"teacherId":4793846,"projectId":9546622,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us bring this wonderful collection of new picture books into our school library. \r\n\r\nOne of the coolest parts of this project was that the author of We Match! actually came to our school to read his book to all of our students. Thanks to a grant from the Writers League of Texas, we were able to turn your gift into a full-on author visit. It was an amazing experience for our scholars!\r\n\r\nNext we are looking forward to diving into Bored Panda as we start talking about digital literacy and instilling in our kids to look for joy beyond screens. It is the perfect mix of fun and meaningful learning, and we could not have done it without your support. \r\n\r\nYour generosity does more than put books on shelves. It creates moments of joy, connection, and inspiration that ripple through our whole school. We know how much our community is going to enjoy ALL of these books, and we are so grateful you chose to support our library and our young readers.","fullyFundedDate":1754843501994,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-off-the-press/9546622/","projectTitle":"Fresh Off the Press!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Haywood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4793846_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530746531668","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/alexia-haywood"},{"teacherId":4793846,"projectId":9490710,"letterContent":"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for bringing Libros for Little Learners to life. Because of your generosity, our library has some amazing new and vibrant Spanish and bilingual picture books that reflect the voices, cultures, and imaginations of our students and families.\r\n\r\nFor many of our children, Spanish is the language of home, love, and family. Having books available in their home language is more than helpful, it is essential. These stories will help our students feel welcome, understood, and excited about reading. They will see themselves in the characters, and discover new worlds through fresh stories that honor identity, family, and creativity.\r\n\r\nYour gift ensures that our library is not just a place to borrow books, but a place where every child feels seen and valued. You are helping us build an inclusive, joyful space where reading is for everyone, where books truly speak to our students both literally and figuratively.\r\n\r\nWe are honored that you chose to support our school, and we are truly blown away by your dedication to helping students and schools thrive. Your generosity inspires us and reminds our community that there are people who believe deeply in the power of education and the joy of reading.\r\n\r\nWe cannot wait to watch our little learners' faces light up as they open these books for the first time. Thank you for believing in the power of stories and for helping us nurture a lifelong love of reading.","fullyFundedDate":1754492706427,"projectUrl":"project/libros-for-little-learners/9490710/","projectTitle":"Libros For Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Haywood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4793846_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530746531668","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/alexia-haywood"},{"teacherId":7066819,"projectId":9363885,"letterContent":"It was an exciting day in our class when the boxes filled with books arrived! Children could not contain their enthusiasm as we open each package and shared what was inside. \r\nMy students are enjoying the new books you have gifted us and are using them as mentor texts. They are referring to them when they want to copy words and imitate how books are written. The kind of books we received will help us prepare for our upcoming themes; learning about different cultures, artists and various scientific topics. Your generosity, made it possible for my little scholars, to find their culture represented and the motivation to become life long learners.","fullyFundedDate":1754492343815,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-fundamental/9363885/","projectTitle":"Reading is FUNdamental!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cruz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7066819"},{"teacherId":4793846,"projectId":9490836,"letterContent":"We are deeply grateful for your support of our Books That Map to Learning project. Your generosity, matched by the Chesmar Foundation, has filled our hearts and our shelves with beautiful picture books that will inspire curiosity and joyful learning in our Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms!\r\n\r\nOur students explore big ideas through hands-on units that connect to the world around them. Some of our themes/units of study are trees, clothing, balls, and maps. These themes help children make sense of their environment and build foundational skills through play, exploration, and story. Thanks to you, we now have a collection of high-quality books that align directly with these units and bring our curriculum to life!\r\n\r\nThank you for helping our little learners thrive. Your gift will ripple through our classrooms all year long and beyond. We cannot wait to read, explore, and grow with these new books.","fullyFundedDate":1753513746742,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-map-to-learning/9490836/","projectTitle":"Books That Map to Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Haywood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4793846_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530746531668","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/alexia-haywood"},{"teacherId":4793846,"projectId":9474789,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us bring more joy, laughter, and excitement into our school library. Because of your generosity, our students are diving headfirst into stories they have been waiting for, and we could not be more thrilled.\r\n\r\nWe read Bad Kitty Goes to the Beach for our very first library storytime read aloud this school year, and what a hit it was. The students remembered her from last year, and were instantly hooked. She is a favorite, and now she and Grumpy Monkey are part of our daily reminders about how to treat our \"book babies.\" We say it together with big smiles, \"No monkey business, and no kitty tricks.\" It is silly and fun, but it really works.\r\n\r\nWe have also recently read Take a Breath, Big Red Monster, which has been a wonderful way to talk about big feelings and calming down. And this week Pete the Cat: Scaredy Cat has had the whole room buzzing. Pete is always a superstar in our library. \r\n\r\nYour donation brought in a whole collection of sequels and companion books that our students have been dreaming about. These are not just new titles. They are familiar friends coming back for more adventures. Books like The Day the Crayons Made Friends, Norman and the Smell of Adventure, Fluffy McWhiskers Crunchazaur Kaboom, and Pete the Cat's Mars Mission are already sparking curiosity and excitement. And we still have more to explore.\r\n\r\nFor many of our families, getting new books at home is not always possible. That makes our school library such an important place. It is where stories come alive, where characters become companions, and where reading becomes something magical. Your support helps us keep that magic going strong.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us say \"yes\" to the next book. Thank you for keeping the reading spark alive. And thank you for believing in the joy that stories can bring.","fullyFundedDate":1753204014175,"projectUrl":"project/hooked-on-the-next-book/9474789/","projectTitle":"Hooked On the Next Book","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Haywood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4793846_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530746531668","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/alexia-haywood"},{"teacherId":4793846,"projectId":9474545,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Read, Rave, Repeat project. Your generosity has filled our library with some of the most celebrated picture books of the year, and the excitement among our students is already growing. We are especially honored that this project was funded in part by the Vicki Soto Memorial Fund. To know that our project reminded you of her dedication to children and literacy is deeply moving. Her spirit lives on in every story shared and every child who finds comfort and wonder in reading.\r\n\r\nThese books are already bringing joy to our students. In the World of Whales is full of amazing ocean facts and beautiful pictures that animal lovers will enjoy. Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) is funny and shows how anyone can help the planet. The Bear Out There is a quiet story about friendship and being patient. The Wild Robot on the Island mixes nature and machines in a way that gets kids thinking.\r\n\r\nWalkies: A Dog's Tale is playful and fun, perfect for reading out loud. Little Big Man helps kids feel proud of who they are. Buffalo Fluffalo is silly and sweet, with a message about being kind. Every book in this collection is helping our students grow as readers and as people.\r\n\r\nEach of these books helps our students see themselves as readers and as part of a larger world. For many of them, the library is their main access to high-quality books, and your support ensures that what they find there is truly exceptional.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping our little readers discover big ideas. Your kindness has made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1753106825227,"projectUrl":"project/read-rave-repeat/9474545/","projectTitle":"Read, Rave, Repeat!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Haywood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4793846_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530746531668","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/alexia-haywood"},{"teacherId":4793846,"projectId":9265816,"letterContent":"Thank you for filling our library (and our hearts!) with laughter. Your generous support of Giggles and Grins means our students will be greeted this school year with a fresh stack of hilarious, joy-sparking books that are sure to turn reading and story time into a giggle-fest.\r\n\r\nFrom alpacas who can't quite master the Dewey Decimal System to turtles in bearsuits and dogs with too many pants, these stories are packed with the kind of humor that makes kids fall in love with reading. You've helped us create a space where laughter leads to learning, and where even the most reluctant readers discover that books can be just as fun as cartoons.\r\n\r\nBerkeley, your continued support is a gift that keeps on giving. The Montgomery Family Fund, your matching donation amplifies the joy and helps us reach even more young readers. And Ms. Erturk, your personal connection to our school makes this project feel even more special. We're thrilled to have your family join this mission to spread smiles through stories.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of laughter, the magic of books, and the joy of giving. We can't wait to hear the giggles echo through the library this year.","fullyFundedDate":1747269989546,"projectUrl":"project/giggles-and-grins-building-a-laugh-out/9265816/","projectTitle":"Giggles and Grins: Building a Laugh Out Loud Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Haywood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4793846_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530746531668","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/alexia-haywood"},{"teacherId":4793846,"projectId":9265793,"letterContent":"Dearest Berkeley,\r\n\r\nOnce again, you've wrapped our school library in your kindness, and we are beyond grateful. Your continued support is nothing short of extraordinary. With every donation, you help us build a space where all students feel seen, valued, and inspired.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, we have these new books that reflect the diverse voices, cultures, and experiences of our young readers. From hedgehogs in underwear to heroes like Mae Jemison and Patrick Mahomes, these titles will spark joy, curiosity, and pride in every child who picks them up.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is more than a gift, it's a message to our students that they matter. That their stories are worth telling. That someone out there believes in the power of books to change lives. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1746058765080,"projectUrl":"project/books-like-us-building-a-diverse-librar/9265793/","projectTitle":"Books Like Us: Building a Diverse Library For Young Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Haywood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4793846_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530746531668","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/alexia-haywood"},{"teacherId":4793846,"projectId":9265770,"letterContent":"Dear Ms. Carreon-Reyes and Ripple,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generosity in supporting our project Libros que Hablan: Stories for Every Voice in Our Library! Because of you, our shelves will soon be filled with beautiful Spanish and bilingual books that reflect the language, culture, and voices of our students and their families.\r\n\r\nYour gift is more than books. It is confidence, joy, and connection for children who will see themselves and their communities represented in the stories they read. You have helped us make the library a more inclusive and welcoming place, one where every child can feel at home.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your kindness and vision. What an exciting way to begin our school year with fresh new books that celebrate diversity and imagination. Thank you for believing in our students and for making a lasting impact in their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1746496974233,"projectUrl":"project/libros-que-hablan-stories-for-every-voi/9265770/","projectTitle":"Libros que Hablan: Stories For Every Voice in Our Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Haywood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4793846_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530746531668","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/alexia-haywood"},{"teacherId":4793846,"projectId":9160505,"letterContent":"Words can hardly capture how grateful we are for your generosity in funding our project! It feels like magic being sprinkled into our library! The excitement on my students' faces when they find a new book featuring a favorite character is one of the most rewarding parts of being a school librarian, and because of your support, those smiles and squeals of delight will be brighter and louder than ever.\r\n\r\nBerkeley, your continued kindness truly touches my heart. Knowing that someone outside our school believes so deeply in the power of stories (and is willing to invest in our young readers) means the world to me and to our students. I honestly think of you as part of our library family. You are exactly right . . . our students will be \"super-duper excited\" when they see the newest Pigeon, David, and Bruce books on our shelves. These characters are part of their childhoods now, and these stories are ones they return to again and again like old friends. \r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for making our library a place where students cannot wait to explore. Your gift keeps our shelves fresh, our collection relevant, and our readers engaged. Every page they turn is thanks to you, and every smile they give while reading is a reflection of your kindness. I promise to share with my students not only the joy of these new books but also the story of the generosity that brought them here.","fullyFundedDate":1742918655766,"projectUrl":"project/new-books-big-excitement-and-kids-fav/9160505/","projectTitle":"New Books, Big Excitement, and Kids’ Favorite Library Hits!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Haywood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4793846_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530746531668","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/alexia-haywood"},{"teacherId":4793846,"projectId":9095348,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing these wonderful new books to our school library! It's a beautiful thing to witness a community come together for the love of reading and for the benefit of children. We are beyond thrilled to add the picture books from the 2025 Texas 2x2 Reading List to our school library collection. These titles are always filled with joy, creativity, and heart.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, these books are already making an impact. For example, at library storytime, We Are Definitely Human and Duck Goes Meow were instant favorites. The excitement as students laughed at the aliens trying to convince everyone they were human and then shouting \"Meow!\" right along with the duck was everything. These are the moments that create joyful memories around books.\r\n\r\nThe Man Who Didn't Like Animals was also a storytime hit. The ending surprised everyone. Not only did the kids love it, it turned out to be the teachers' favorite read aloud of the year. They all said afterward how much they loved the clever storytelling. Because it resonated so well, we included it in our annual Battle of the Books, which is a schoolwide vote to pick our favorite title. \r\n\r\nPicture books build vocabulary, foster comprehension, spark imagination, and help students see themselves and others in new and meaningful ways. They also provide entry points for important conversations about identity, emotions, empathy, and discovery.\r\n\r\nYour donation goes far beyond the books themselves. It sends a powerful message to our students: that people believe in them, care about their education, and want to support their love of reading. That kind of encouragement matters. It fuels confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for learning.\r\n\r\n\r\nEvery time a child reaches for one of these books, giggles through a read-aloud, or quietly rereads a favorite page during independent reading time, your kindness is present. You've helped us keep our collection fresh, exciting, and relevant. And most of all, you've helped us grow a culture of readers.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping us shout and read for joy this year. Hurrah, hurrah!","fullyFundedDate":1738687496651,"projectUrl":"project/here-we-go-reading-2x2/9095348/","projectTitle":"Here We Go Reading 2x2!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Haywood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4793846_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530746531668","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/alexia-haywood"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_103724","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":278,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":82,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - K","studentTeacherRatio":"12.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":62.9,"schoolId":103724,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Uphaus Early Childhood Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Uphaus Early Childhood Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/austin-independent-school-district/uphaus-early-childhood-center/103724"}