{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Vanalden Avenue Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4055798,"projectId":9795637,"letterContent":"I would like to express my immense gratitude for the donation of our Chromebook charging station. Your generosity has had an immediate, positive impact on our students and our daily teaching.\r\n\r\nThanks to your donation, my students can now begin lessons with charged devices, so no one misses instructional learning time due to a dead battery. We also lessen transitional minutes as we spend more time on instruction and collaborative work and less time on device management. Digital assignments and formative assessments happen reliably, giving me timely data to tailor instruction and interventions.\r\n\r\nBest of all, small groups run smoothly! Devices are ready when students move between stations, and students know when to rotate, which increases their independence. \r\nYour gift supports equity in our lovely classroom. Many of my students rely on school devices to complete homework and class projects; having a dependable charging solution ensures every child can fully participate and access grade-level learning.\r\n\r\nWe've already started using the charging station during math and writing workshops. Students enjoy taking responsibility for charging and storing their devices in an organized way, and I can tell it's helping build routines that strengthen focus and digital citizenship.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our learners. Your kindness not only supplied a useful tool, but it also helped create a steadier, more effective learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1762445616942,"projectUrl":"project/power-up-learning-chromebooks-easels/9795637/","projectTitle":"Power Up Learning: Chromebooks & Easels for Bright Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Santivanez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4055798_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1479435316165","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4055798"},{"teacherId":1217950,"projectId":9939002,"letterContent":"With heartfelt gratitude, thank you for supporting our classroom organization project. Your generous gift of labeled bins and student‑accessible carts is already transforming our daily routines and learning environment.\r\n\r\nThese materials promote independence—students can retrieve and return supplies during centers without adult help—and teach valuable executive‑function skills like organization and time management. Predictable, labeled spaces reduce conflicts, interruptions, and wasted minutes, creating smoother transitions and a calmer classroom where more time is spent learning. Mobile carts let me bring targeted materials to small groups quickly, supporting guided reading and math rotations with leveled readers, teacher copies, and manipulatives right at our table. Durable bins protect our books, manipulatives, and tech so we can sustain hands‑on, differentiated instruction all year.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I will gain more instructional minutes each week for targeted phonics and math interventions. Students gain ownership of routines, increased confidence managing materials, and more focused practice during centers. The result is a kinder, more efficient classroom that supports every learner.\r\n\r\nI teach a diverse group of enthusiastic 2nd graders who thrive on hands‑on learning. Your generosity helps our classroom run like clockwork so I can spend less time managing materials and more time teaching. We are deeply thankful for your belief in our students and for investing in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1764745577176,"projectUrl":"project/organize-to-energize-materials-for-a-b/9939002/","projectTitle":"Organize to Energize — Materials for a Better Learning Space","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Luc","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1217950_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y199&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763131132277","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/katyluc"},{"teacherId":1217950,"projectId":9961492,"letterContent":"From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for supporting our project. Your generosity will make a lasting difference — for years to come students will sing with enthusiasm, explore movement and collaborate to bring ideas to life.\r\n\r\nRight now our students are eagerly learning harmonies, building confidence, and working together on choreography for the spring dance. Each spring we celebrate a multicultural dance where students share dances, costumes, and stories from different cultures. These events are highlights of the year: they build pride, community, and cross-cultural understanding.\r\n\r\n Thank you for investing in student voice, creativity, and inclusion. With amplified sound, our singers will be heard and our dancers will stay in rhythm, helping every student shine for this year and many more years to come! \r\n\r\nHappy New Year!","fullyFundedDate":1766794440658,"projectUrl":"project/sing-dance-shine-classroom-pa-for-per/9961492/","projectTitle":"Sing, Dance, Shine: Classroom PA for Performance","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Luc","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1217950_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y199&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763131132277","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/katyluc"},{"teacherId":1217950,"projectId":9911970,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding a set of animal books for our classroom library! Students were thrilled when the animal books arrived. Their faces lit up, hands shot up to volunteer first picks. Our classroom was filled with excitement as they flipped through pages of vivid photographs and surprising facts and talking about the finds that they discovered for the first time. That initial excitement translated into sustained engagement: students returned to the books again and again during independent reading, partner work, and research time. They used the texts to formulate questions, gather evidence for reports, and create illustrated posters and presentations. Thanks to the books students are able to build on and sharpen research habits. They learned to skim for key details, take organized notes, and cross-check information across titles—while classroom discussions grew richer as the students referenced specific passages and compared species' behaviors and habitats. Beyond academic gains, the books sparked genuine curiosity about wildlife, leading to follow-up activities. Now we will use the learned information to build abitat dioramas and scientific inquiry that we can share with others.","fullyFundedDate":1764628732987,"projectUrl":"project/wild-discoveries-animal-research-for-cu/9911970/","projectTitle":"Wild Discoveries: Animal Research for Curious Second Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Luc","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1217950_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y199&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763131132277","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/katyluc"},{"teacherId":1217950,"projectId":9917820,"letterContent":"On behalf of all our students, we sincerely thank you for your generous gift of the mobile library cart through DonorsChoose. Your support has made a meaningful difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation:\r\n\r\nStudents have instant, easy access to a wider variety of books—encouraging more independent reading and choice-based learning.\r\nOur classroom routines are smoother: the cart brings books to small groups, literacy centers, and one-on-one conferences, so no child misses out because of limited time or circulation constraints.\r\nEngagement and excitement about reading have grown noticeably. Students who were once reluctant readers now explore new genres, share recommendations with classmates, and build confidence when they read aloud.\r\nI can better differentiate reading materials by leveling and interest, which supports stronger reading growth across abilities.\r\nThe cart has supported cross-curricular connections—books are now used more often during social studies, science, and writing lessons, deepening comprehension and sparking richer classroom discussions.\r\nYour generosity doesn't just move books around the room— it moves students forward. We appreciate you investing in our learners' curiosity and literacy. Thank you for helping create a classroom where every child can find a book that inspires them.","fullyFundedDate":1764786809126,"projectUrl":"project/library-on-wheels/9917820/","projectTitle":"Library on Wheels","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Luc","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1217950_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y199&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763131132277","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/katyluc"},{"teacherId":1217950,"projectId":9807585,"letterContent":"I am writing to express our deepest gratitude for your generous gift of the Chromebook charging station. Thank you Ripple! Your thoughtful donation has made an immediate and meaningful difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThanks to the charging station:\r\n\r\nStudents arrive ready to work because devices are fully charged and available when class begins.\r\nLesson time is more productive — we spend less time troubleshooting dead batteries and more time on learning activities.\r\nSmall-group work and blended-learning stations run smoothly, allowing every student equal access to digital tools.\r\nStudents have developed greater responsibility for device care and organization, since chargers and cords are neatly stored and managed.\r\nOur ability to integrate digital resources into daily instruction has increased, enriching lessons with interactive content, research tasks, and formative assessments.\r\nYour support has improved both the efficiency of classroom routines and the quality of instruction. Most importantly, it has helped create a more equitable learning environment where every student can fully participate in technology-enabled learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students' success. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and the positive impact it continues to have on our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1762267616458,"projectUrl":"project/tech-ready-headphones-and-charging-stat/9807585/","projectTitle":"Tech Ready: Headphones and Charging Station to Boost Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Luc","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1217950_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y199&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763131132277","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/katyluc"},{"teacherId":1322802,"projectId":9893299,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of the file cabinet and shelving for our classroom. These resources have truly transformed how we organize and access our materials, and they've made a meaningful difference in our daily learning environment.\r\n\r\nWe are using the new shelving to store student work, learning centers, and project supplies so everything is clearly labeled and easy for students to access independently. The file cabinet has become essential for organizing lesson materials, assessments, and student portfolios. One specific moment that stands out was during a recent project when students were able to quickly locate their materials on their own, which allowed them to stay focused, take ownership of their work, and transition smoothly between activities.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new furniture, their excitement was immediate. They commented on how \"official\" and \"organized\" the classroom looked, and several students were eager to help arrange materials on the shelves. They took pride in knowing the space was designed to support their learning, and it helped set a positive tone for responsibility and teamwork.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our next steps involve continuing a current classroom project where students are researching, creating, and presenting their work. With the new organization system in place, students can easily access resources, store ongoing projects, and reflect on their progress over time. Your generosity has not only improved our classroom setup but has also empowered students to be more independent, engaged learners.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our classroom and in the success of our students. Your support truly makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1763221352833,"projectUrl":"project/disorganized-classrooms-need-assistance/9893299/","projectTitle":"Disorganized Classrooms Need Assistance!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pime","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1322802_orig.png?crop=400,400,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1652506716129","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1322802"},{"teacherId":8334846,"projectId":9905697,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students were thrilled to receive an abundance of colored paper to use for their Health project posters. The moment they saw the supplies, their excitement was immediate—they couldn't wait to choose colors, plan layouts, and bring their ideas to life. \r\n\r\nIn addition to the poster materials, students were also given highlighters to annotate their reading as they researched health topics. This was especially exciting for them because it supported closer reading skills—students highlighted key facts, important vocabulary, and evidence they wanted to include on their posters. \r\n\r\nBecause of these resources, my students felt confident both in their research and in presenting their final work. They were engaged throughout the process—from annotating texts to designing thoughtful, colorful posters—and were proud to share what they learned. Your support gave them meaningful tools to strengthen both their academic skills and creativity, and it made this project truly impactful. Thank you for investing in my students' learning!","fullyFundedDate":1764786808622,"projectUrl":"project/bright-minds-bold-posters/9905697/","projectTitle":"Bright Minds, Bold Posters!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8334846_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645763385898","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kim18"},{"teacherId":8334846,"projectId":9629074,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my 5th graders were able to take part in a hands-on science experience that truly brought our study of ecosystems to life. Each student received their own owl pellet to dissect, allowing them to closely examine bones and identify what owls eat. This activity helped students make meaningful connections to the food web and understand how animals depend on one another within an ecosystem. Instead of just reading about these concepts, students were actively discovering them through real investigation and observation.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the owl pellet kits, their excitement was immediate. There were gasps, smiles, and lots of eager questions as they couldn't wait to begin. Throughout the dissection, students were fully engaged—carefully sorting bones, collaborating with classmates, and proudly sharing their discoveries. Many students expressed how \"cool\" it was to feel like real scientists, and even those who were initially hesitant quickly became enthusiastic once they started uncovering what was inside.\r\n\r\nThis experience has set a strong foundation for our next steps in science. Students will now use their findings to create food web diagrams, write reflections explaining the role of predators and prey, and apply their learning to future lessons on ecosystems and environmental balance. Your support gave my students a memorable, meaningful learning experience that sparked curiosity and deepened their understanding of the natural world. Thank you for giving them this opportunity to learn in such an engaging and impactful way!","fullyFundedDate":1756346863930,"projectUrl":"project/owl-about-the-food-web/9629074/","projectTitle":"Owl About the Food Web","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kim","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8334846_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1645763385898","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kim18"},{"teacherId":1217950,"projectId":9919600,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding the diverse books for our classroom. When the boxes arrived, my students were bursting with excitement — they gathered around, flipping through pages, pointing to characters that looked like them, and calling out stories they wanted to read first. Some students chose books that reflected their own cultures; others picked titles that showed lives and experiences different from their own. The energy in the room was electric.\r\n\r\nThese books are already making a real impact:\r\n\r\nAcademic growth: Students are more motivated to read independently and to discuss texts during guided reading. Their comprehension and vocabulary are improving because they're engaged with stories they care about.\r\nSocial-emotional learning (SEL): Seeing themselves in books promoted pride and belonging. Reading about diverse perspectives built empathy, sparked respectful conversations, and helped students reflect on their own feelings and choices.\r\nCultural understanding: Class discussions have become richer. Students ask thoughtful questions, share personal connections, and celebrate both differences and commonalities.\r\nConfidence and voice: Several quieter students have chosen to read aloud and share their thoughts — the representation in these books gave them permission to be seen and heard.\r\nWe use these books in small groups, read-alouds, and independent reading time. They've become anchors for lessons on identity, kindness, and perspective-taking. Thank you for helping create a classroom where every student can see themselves and learn from others. Your generosity is shaping readers, thinkers, and more compassionate citizens.","fullyFundedDate":1764628733880,"projectUrl":"project/spotlight-on-diversity-multicultural-bo/9919600/","projectTitle":"Spotlight on Diversity: Multicultural Books and Reader Role Kits","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Luc","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1217950_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y199&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763131132277","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/katyluc"},{"teacherId":1217950,"projectId":9927111,"letterContent":"On behalf of our art classroom and every student who walks through our doors, I offer our heartfelt thanks for funding the new mobile art cart. Your gift will make a real, everyday difference for our program.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support we now have a safe, organized place to dry and store student artwork between lessons. This simple improvement solves a constant classroom challenge—wet paintings and projects needing space to dry—so materials won't be damaged, work won't be lost, and students can continue creating without interruption. The cart's mobility means drying space follows our classes, supports small-group projects across different rooms, and keeps the studio tidy and accessible.\r\n\r\nThe impact goes beyond convenience. Students will feel that their work is valued when it has a proper home while it dries. That respect boosts pride, persistence, and confidence in their creative risks. Now I gain flexibility to plan multi-step projects, introduce new media, and manage transitions more smoothly. Over time, we expect to see richer portfolios, more ambitious collaborative projects, and stronger engagement from learners who know their work will be cared for.\r\n\r\nWe are so excited to put the cart to use immediately. Already, students are talking about projects they can try now that drying space is available. Your generosity supports their growth as makers and thinkers—and models the kind of community investment in arts education that transforms school experiences.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and the power of art education!","fullyFundedDate":1764372664746,"projectUrl":"project/the-artdry-rollaway-rack/9927111/","projectTitle":"The ArtDry Rollaway Rack","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Luc","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1217950_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y199&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763131132277","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/katyluc"},{"teacherId":1217950,"projectId":9911536,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Your gifts have already transformed the way our second‑grade scientists explore, create, and learn.\r\n\r\nBecause of you we now have insect resin specimens, microscopes, magnifying glasses, LEGOs and 3D building materials, programmed robots, storage containers, and STEM kits — each item playing a special role in our small‑group rotation model. The room buzzes with excitement: students cheer to move between stations, and you can feel their curiosity grow with every rotation.\r\n\r\nWhat your donations made possible\r\n\r\nInsect resin specimens — Students carefully observe real insect features up close, describing body parts and using evidence to support their ideas. These durable specimens make life cycles and habitats tangible while strengthening science vocabulary and observational habits.\r\nMicroscopes & magnifying glasses — Everyday investigations have become powerful science experiences. Children take turns using student microscopes and handheld magnifiers to study textures, plant cells, fabric weaves, and insect details, then share discoveries during group discussions.\r\nLEGOs & 3D building materials — Open‑ended building challenges spark engineering thinking and spatial reasoning. Students collaborate to design bridges, habitats, and machines, trying ideas, iterating, and celebrating creative solutions.\r\nProgrammed robots — Our coding station turns playful exploration into early computational thinking. Through sequencing and trial‑and‑error, students learn cause‑and‑effect and explain their algorithms to peers.\r\nSTEM kits — Curated experiments and design challenges give clear, standards‑aligned tasks that guide inquiry while leaving room for student choice and creativity.\r\nStorage containers — Organized materials keep rotations smooth and maximize hands‑on time. Quick transitions mean more learning, more practice, and more student ownership.\r\nClassroom impact Small‑group rotations have become the heart of our instruction. In short, focused bursts, students receive targeted support, practice skills with peers, and apply learning in meaningful projects. I've watched quieter students find confidence in small groups, friendships deepen around shared challenges, and academic risks turn into growth. Formative checks already show gains in vocabulary, observation skills, problem solving, and collaborative communication.\r\n\r\nThank you, sincerely Your investment is more than materials — it's a vote of confidence in our students' curiosity, creativity, and potential. Every time a child peers into a microscope, programs a robot, or proudly presents a LEGO design, your generosity is at work. We are deeply grateful for your support and for partnering with us to make learning joyful and powerful.","fullyFundedDate":1763929878068,"projectUrl":"project/steam-discovery-station/9911536/","projectTitle":"STEAM Discovery Station","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Luc","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1217950_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y199&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763131132277","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/katyluc"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_7074","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":386,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":14,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":74,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"19.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.5,"schoolId":7074,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Vanalden Avenue Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Vanalden Avenue Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/vanalden-avenue-elementary-school/7074"}