{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Valley Academy","outOfStateSupporters":29.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9931912,"projectId":10056446,"letterContent":"The impact of this project has been immediate and incredibly meaningful for my students. Many of my students come from low-income backgrounds and face challenges outside of school that can make learning difficult. \r\n\r\nBeyond academics, these resources have helped create a more positive and supportive classroom environment. Students are learning to work together, problem-solve, and express themselves in healthy ways. The materials have also contributed to a calmer atmosphere. For many of them, school is one of the few places where they feel safe and supported, and these resources have strengthened that foundation.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students now have access to tools that support both their learning and their well-being. Your contribution has helped create meaningful learning experiences, increased student confidence, and fostered a classroom environment rooted in care and opportunity. Thank you for believing in my students and for making a lasting difference in their educational journey.","fullyFundedDate":1769393420490,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-learning-groups/10056446/","projectTitle":"Social Emotional Learning Groups","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Noriega","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9931912_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740590817040","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-noriega"},{"teacherId":9931912,"projectId":9132356,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for believing in my students. When the materials arrived, the excitement in the room was immediate students' faces lit up as they saw that someone outside of our school cared enough to support them. For many of them, this was more than just receiving supplies; it was a reminder that they are seen, valued, and worth investing in. Watching them explore the items and eagerly ask how we were going to use them was a moment I won't forget.\r\n\r\nWe have been using these resources daily in our Peer Support groups and small student meetings. The snacks have helped create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable opening up, participating, and staying engaged. The arts and crafts supplies have allowed students to express themselves creatively while learning important social-emotional skills. One of my favorite moments was seeing a student who usually stays quiet proudly share their artwork and the story behind it something they may not have felt safe doing without this space and these tools.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, my students now have a consistent place where learning feels safe, supportive, and fun. Our next steps include continuing hands-on SEL activities, expanding creative projects, and helping students develop stronger communication and coping skills that they can carry beyond the classroom. Your kindness has truly made a difference in how my students experience school, and I am deeply grateful for the impact you've had on their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1746786136123,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-safe-place/9132356/","projectTitle":"Creating a Safe Place","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Noriega","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9931912_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740590817040","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-noriega"},{"teacherId":9928089,"projectId":9123032,"letterContent":"The classroom snack store has quickly become a meaningful resource that supports both learning and community in our classroom. Students use the snack store not only as a way to meet basic needs but also as part of lessons on responsibility, budgeting, and decision-making. One memorable moment was during a group project when students were able to stay focused and energized because they knew they could purchase a healthy snack if they needed one. That small sense of security helped them collaborate more patiently and confidently, and the overall quality of their work noticeably improved.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the snack store materials, their reactions were full of excitement and gratitude. Many were surprised that something so simple could be available right in the classroom, and several students immediately expressed appreciation and curiosity about how it would work. It created an instant sense of care and belonging—students felt seen and supported, which set a positive tone for our learning environment.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, students now have the tools to continue building independence and responsibility. The next steps include integrating the snack store into ongoing lessons about math, real-world problem solving, and social-emotional learning. Students will help manage the store, track inventory, and reflect on how meeting basic needs impacts focus and success. This project has become more than just snacks—it's an opportunity for growth, learning, and connection, and we are incredibly thankful for the support that made it possible. 💛","fullyFundedDate":1740434724342,"projectUrl":"project/from-juvie-to-newie/9123032/","projectTitle":"From Juvie to Newie!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Camacho","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9928089"},{"teacherId":9926510,"projectId":9119456,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for all of the support you provided for my students. It is greatly appreciated. My students were extremely happy with the items that were received.\r\n\r\nThe technology devices and incentive serve as a motivation for my students to attend school and perform better on their assignments and classroom assessments. They were appreciative and grateful for the items received. \r\n\r\nIt was great to see my kids so happy and motivated and for that, I'm extremely grateful for your thoughtful donation.","fullyFundedDate":1746785747286,"projectUrl":"project/technologyincentives-for-students/9119456/","projectTitle":"Technology/Incentives for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Flores","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9926510_orig.jpg?crop=1816,1816,x0,y302&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739983793170","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9926510"},{"teacherId":9926941,"projectId":9120379,"letterContent":"Technology has opened up new ways for our students to engage with learning. Interactive tools allow students to work at their own pace, receive immediate feedback, and revisit concepts they find challenging. For example, students are using technology to conduct research, create multimedia projects, and connect what they learn in class to real-world problems — all of which make learning more relevant and exciting. Plus with the new printer, I can access their homework assignments faster and they can create more projects I can post. Having a printer lets students bring their digital creations to life — whether it's a story they've written, a science poster, or a piece of digital art. Printing their work gives students a tangible sense of accomplishment and pride, helping them see their learning as something real and meaningful. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for helping me access work faster and being more hands-on with my students. I appreciate it all.","fullyFundedDate":1740342654908,"projectUrl":"project/alternative-educational-donation/9120379/","projectTitle":"Alternative Educational Donation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bannasch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9926941"},{"teacherId":9928966,"projectId":9125481,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation. It was awesome to see the smiles on my students face when I informed them the donations we were receiving. Students enjoyed the snacks, I was able to purchase curriculum from teacher pay teachers to help support my english learners who are struggling with core classes and having access to the printer was awesome. I was able to incorporate more bulletins in my classroom and made the class colorful which my students love. We are truly grateful for the donations and helping my class thrive last year. :)","fullyFundedDate":1740342318214,"projectUrl":"project/happy-and-healthy-students/9125481/","projectTitle":"Happy and Healthy Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9928966"},{"teacherId":9928974,"projectId":9125521,"letterContent":"We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous donors for their thoughtful contributions of snacks, breakfast bars, protein bars, and other healthy treats. Your kindness and support have made a meaningful difference in our classroom community. These donations provided our students with nutritious options to fuel their days, ensuring that no one had to learn on an empty stomach. Your generosity went beyond just providing food it provided care, comfort, and encouragement.\r\n\r\nThe impact of these healthy snacks has been tremendous. Students were able to stay focused and energized throughout the day, which led to improved participation and engagement during lessons. With the right nutrition, they had the stamina to work through challenging academic goals, complete hands-on activities, and collaborate with enthusiasm. The snacks offered a simple but powerful boost that helped students maintain steady energy levels, resulting in a more positive and productive classroom environment.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, these donations supported creativity and confidence. During art projects and group tasks, students were more alert, motivated, and eager to express themselves. They worked together with joy and pride, fueled both by the snacks and the knowledge that there were people outside the classroom who cared about their success.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our students learned not only the importance of healthy eating but also the value of kindness and community. Your contributions reminded them that there are caring individuals who believe in their potential. From all of us—students and teachers alike—thank you for nourishing both bodies and spirits. Your impact will be felt far beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1740343403877,"projectUrl":"project/i-cant-hear-you-my-stomach-is-growling/9125521/","projectTitle":"I Can't Hear You My Stomach Is Growling","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Rubio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9928974"},{"teacherId":9926510,"projectId":9121047,"letterContent":"Our students were so grateful to receive the hygiene essentials! Many of them come from challenging situations, so having access to basic items like soap, deodorant, and toothpaste made a big difference. We used the new supplies as part of a self-care and wellness activity where students learned about personal hygiene and confidence. When they first saw the items, many smiled and said thank you.\r\nThese donations helped build their self-esteem and made them more comfortable coming to school. Our next step is to continue teaching lessons about self-care, responsibility, and healthy habits to support their overall well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1746785879314,"projectUrl":"project/hygiene-essentials-for-teens/9121047/","projectTitle":"Hygiene Essentials for Teens","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Flores","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9926510_orig.jpg?crop=1816,1816,x0,y302&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739983793170","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9926510"},{"teacherId":9926510,"projectId":9119177,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation of snacks and fidget toys, my high school students in our alternative education program have been more engaged, focused, and motivated in class. The new resources have become a part of our daily routine—students can grab a snack during independent work time to help them stay energized, or use a fidget toy to manage restlessness during lessons. These small supports have made a big difference in helping students regulate themselves and remain present in learning.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the snacks and fidget toys, they were genuinely excited. Many of them expressed gratitude and commented on how \"cool\" it was that people cared enough to donate to their classroom. For a lot of my students, who come from low-income backgrounds, even something as simple as a snack during the day makes them feel cared for and supported.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, these resources will continue to support us as we work on our next classroom projects.","fullyFundedDate":1739902856307,"projectUrl":"project/positive-reinforcement-for-the-kiddos/9119177/","projectTitle":"Positive Reinforcement for the kiddos","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Flores","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9926510_orig.jpg?crop=1816,1816,x0,y302&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739983793170","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9926510"},{"teacherId":9926510,"projectId":9349349,"letterContent":"This project has had an immediate and meaningful impact on our students. While this project did not involve technology, the snacks and start-of-the-school-year supplies have supported learning in a very real and important way by helping students meet their basic needs so they can fully engage in class.\r\n\r\nMany of our students arrive at school tired, hungry, or stressed due to circumstances outside of their control. Having access to snacks and drinks throughout the day helps students stay focused, regulate their emotions, and participate more consistently in lessons and activities. When students are not distracted by hunger, they are better able to concentrate, collaborate, and persevere through challenging academic tasks.\r\n\r\nThank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1754141610363,"projectUrl":"project/fresh-school-year/9349349/","projectTitle":"Fresh School Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Flores","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9926510_orig.jpg?crop=1816,1816,x0,y302&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739983793170","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9926510"},{"teacherId":3897249,"projectId":9128831,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to our communication proposal. Ipads are often used with out students as communication devices and the ipad you helped purchase will do just that. We use apps like GoTalk to give our students voices as they are non-verbal. This helps them communicate their needs and wants as well as communicating while our in their community about what the see and experience.\r\n\r\nThe size of the Ipad is exciting for students. Some are visually impaired and the size of this Ipad is bigger than usual so all students can see to communicate. \r\n\r\nStudents are loving the new Ipad and are using it to communicate during group activities and community based instruction.","fullyFundedDate":1740530521632,"projectUrl":"project/communication-for-all/9128831/","projectTitle":"Communication for All","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jerika","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3897249_orig.jpg?crop=1576,1576,x0,y36&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663626198615","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3897249"},{"teacherId":9209204,"projectId":9120096,"letterContent":"Thank you for funding our project. All snacks are incredible. My students already enjoyed some and are excited to know that we are fully stacked. Being the end of the semester and testing week has my students hungry and eager for snacks. We appreciate the support and feel encouraged by the incentives. We are looking forward to a fun end to this semester and a strong start of summer school. Please keep supporting high risk students. My kids are hungry for knowledge and snacks. I am happy to have choices for them.","fullyFundedDate":1746785253053,"projectUrl":"project/food-for-thought/9120096/","projectTitle":"Food for Thought","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Escobar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9209204_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770016390417","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9209204"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_47748","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":159,"numTeachers":8,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":95,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"7 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"19.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":71.0,"schoolId":47748,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Valley Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Valley Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/imperial-county-office-of-education/valley-community-school/47748"}
Join the 31 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Valley Academy is
an urban public school
in El Centro, California that is part of Imperial County Office of Education.
It serves 159 students
in grades 7 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.9:1.
Its teachers have had 35 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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
95%
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.
Valley Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 9, 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.
Valley Academy
$24,184
raised using DonorsChoose
35
projects
funded
17
teachers
funded
31
donors
8
projects for
technology
3
projects
for
art supplies
Valley Academy has received support from
22 individuals from California and
9 individuals out-of-state.