{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Variety School","outOfStateSupporters":47.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9158452,"projectId":9995296,"letterContent":"Since receiving these materials, my students have been using them daily as part of our positive reinforcement and behavior support system. The sensory tools, toys, and rewards are integrated into small-group instruction, transitions, and behavior goals. One of my favorite moments was watching a student who typically struggles with regulation independently choose a sensory item after completing their work and calmly rejoin the group. These resources have helped students stay motivated, focused, and proud of their effort.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. They were eager, engaged, and asking questions about how they could earn and use the new items. More importantly, they quickly understood that these tools were connected to making positive choices, following expectations, and working hard. Seeing their enthusiasm reinforced how meaningful positive reinforcement is for their learning and emotional growth.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, these resources will continue to support our current goals around self-regulation, engagement, and independence. Students are working toward sustained attention during lessons, positive peer interactions, and completing academic tasks with confidence. Thanks to your generosity, my classroom is a more supportive, motivating environment where students feel successful and excited to learn each day.","fullyFundedDate":1768147982365,"projectUrl":"project/positive-behavior-starts-here/9995296/","projectTitle":"Positive Behavior Starts Here","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Torres","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9158452_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691455634299","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9158452"},{"teacherId":9376166,"projectId":9990495,"letterContent":"I will use these resources intentionally during therapy sessions to support my students' fine motor, sensory, and strength development in meaningful ways. For example, during a small group session, a student who struggles with hand strength and attention will begin by using dough mats and texture brushes to roll, pinch, and press dough, building fine motor control while expressing creativity. Students will then choose materials such as peel and stick foam shapes, colored tape, crayon rocks, wax craft sticks, and fall-themed Thanksgiving crafts to create artwork they can proudly take home, reinforcing dexterity and confidence. Sensory fidget toys, maze boards, sensory bean bags, and squishy toys will be available to help students regulate and stay engaged throughout the session. Learning resources, Spot It, and puzzles will support visual discrimination skills, while scooter board activities, therapy balls, the strength fun deck, and finger poppers will target upper extremity strength. Storage bins, zipper mesh bags, adhesive dots, replacement blades, and double-sided tape will help me stay organized and efficiently create new activities for students.","fullyFundedDate":1769119665250,"projectUrl":"project/ot-sensory-fun/9990495/","projectTitle":"OT Sensory Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Vidmar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9376166_orig.jpg?crop=1200,1200,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700523006163","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9376166"},{"teacherId":10398738,"projectId":9990424,"letterContent":"The students have had a great time cooking and making things for their parents! When the materials first arrived in our classroom, the atmosphere was electric. My students were wide-eyed with excitement, eagerly gathered around to see the new tools they would get to use. For many of them, this was their first time having access to high-quality \"maker\" resources, and seeing their faces light up was a moment I won't soon forget.\r\n\r\nWe have been using these resources to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world skills. Specifically, we recently completed a project where students followed recipes to create treats for their families. This wasn't just about cooking; it was a hands-on lesson in measurements, following multi-step directions, and the joy of craftsmanship. They were so proud to take home something they created with their own hands.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next steps involve a more complex \"Maker's Workshop\" where students will design their own projects from scratch. These resources have given them the confidence to experiment, fail, and try again. Thank you for providing the tools that allow my students to see themselves as creators and contributors to their community.","fullyFundedDate":1768070628872,"projectUrl":"project/cooking-and-making-things/9990424/","projectTitle":"Cooking and Making Things","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nichole","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10398738_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768165837298","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10398738"},{"teacherId":10399110,"projectId":9993117,"letterContent":"Empowering Independence with Hands-On Tools – Thank You!\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our classroom has been enriched with hands-on tools that are now part of our daily routines. These resources support communication, fine motor skills, problem-solving, and independence. One especially meaningful moment was seeing a student independently complete a task they once needed help with—an incredible boost in confidence.\r\n\r\nStudents were immediately excited and engaged when they saw the materials. These tools make learning accessible and motivating, quickly becoming classroom favorites. Moving forward, students will continue using them in structured lessons and life-skills activities to build independence, communication, and confidence across settings.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our students the tools—and confidence—to succeed. 💙","fullyFundedDate":1768170811667,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-independence-with-hands-on-to/9993117/","projectTitle":"Empowering Independence with Hands-On Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Escorpizo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10399110"},{"teacherId":10400715,"projectId":10003323,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has become a more supportive, engaging, and welcoming space for our students. We are already putting these new resources to meaningful use each day. Cleaning supplies such as disinfecting wipes, all-purpose cleaner, air fresheners, and lens wipes are helping us maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment. This has been especially important for our students, as consistent cleanliness supports health, comfort, and predictable routines they rely on to feel secure and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nStudents were immediately excited when they saw the new materials arrive. Sensory tools like NeeDoh, slime kits, and fidget toys quickly became favorites, helping students regulate emotions, manage stress, and stay engaged during instruction. Hands-on learning materials, including Montessori lock-and-key toys and bear counting manipulatives, are now being used during small-group lessons to support fine motor skills, problem-solving, and early math concepts in an interactive and accessible way.\r\n\r\nSnack items such as crackers, Pop-Tarts, Pringles, and other individually packaged treats are being used as reinforcement and motivation during lessons, as well as to support students who need scheduled snacks throughout the day. Storage supplies, organizers, and bags are helping us keep materials accessible and structured, which allows students to practice independence and responsibility during daily routines.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will continue using these resources as part of structured lessons focused on self-regulation, functional academics, and real-world skills. Sensory tools will support longer periods of focus, manipulatives will be incorporated into math and life-skills instruction, and rewards will reinforce positive behaviors and engagement. Your support has had an immediate and lasting impact on our classroom, and we are so grateful for your generosity and for giving our students the tools they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1769192057875,"projectUrl":"project/ms-angies-sensory-smart-classroom/10003323/","projectTitle":"Ms. Angie's Sensory-Smart Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Angie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10400715"},{"teacherId":7780813,"projectId":9897241,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our school was filled with holiday magic, laughter, and joy in ways my students will remember for a long time. The resources from this project allowed me to create meaningful, inclusive experiences that supported not only learning but also emotional connection, celebration, and a sense of belonging, essential for students with significant disabilities.\r\nI used these materials to elevate my teaching by designing hands-on, engaging activities that supported communication, social interaction, and functional skills while keeping learning fun and festive. One of my favorite moments was watching students light up with excitement as they participated in holiday activities together, smiling, laughing, taking turns, and proudly completing tasks they once found challenging. Seeing their confidence grow in such a joyful environment reminded me of why these moments matter so much.\r\nYour support gave you a peek into our classroom, and I hope you know how deeply your kindness was felt. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue growing as an Occupational Transition Teacher by expanding community-based learning and vocational skill development, helping my students build independence and prepare for life beyond school. Thank you for believing in my students and for bringing joy, warmth, and opportunity into our classroom during the holiday season. Your generosity truly made a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1763436094321,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-holiday-magic-laughter-and-jo/9897241/","projectTitle":"Bringing holiday magic, laughter, and joy to every child!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Avalos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7780813"},{"teacherId":8119828,"projectId":9290793,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation. Your contribution has added so much life into our music room. One of the activities that most students love is drumming. I have many world drums but the one thing they all have in common is how loud they are. Many of my students have sound sensitivities, so it makes drumming a challenge. Last year I invested in Yoga balls and basses we could use in drumming, but it was still too loud. When we received the dampeners from this project, it brought the noise level down by half. Even when students were drumming with full force, it was still a manageable sound for my students. \r\n\r\nEveryone was most excited for the color-changing light-up drum sticks. This has become the number one requested instrument in my classroom. They love the lights. To make drumming more fun we have glow in the dark drumming parties. My students are so happy with the new instruments in the classroom. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your donation! It put smiles on all of my students faces","fullyFundedDate":1746787204482,"projectUrl":"project/glow-in-the-dark-bucket-drumming/9290793/","projectTitle":"Glow in the Dark Bucket Drumming","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Behrmann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8119828"},{"teacherId":9403174,"projectId":8989381,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! The desktop computer you helped provide has had a transformative impact on our students in the special education program.\r\n\r\nHow is the technology helping your students learn?\r\n\r\nThe new desktop computer has opened up a world of possibilities for our students. Many of them have unique learning needs, and this technology allows them to engage with lessons in ways that were previously difficult. From using interactive learning programs that cater to their pace and style of learning to having access to multimedia resources that reinforce concepts, the computer is a powerful tool in making education more accessible. It helps with reading, writing, and math, as well as communication skills, through specialized software tailored to their needs.\r\n\r\nWhat about the new product is most exciting to your students?\r\n\r\nWhat excites our students the most is the ability to interact with programs that are both fun and educational. The visual and auditory elements of the computer software capture their attention in ways traditional textbooks can't. They love the colorful graphics, the ability to move at their own pace, and the instant feedback they receive. For some students, the computer has helped spark a newfound interest in learning and boosted their confidence, especially when they can see their progress.\r\n\r\nAre there particular students who have especially warmed to this new technology, and how so?\r\n\r\nAbsolutely! Several students who previously struggled with attention or fine motor skills have shown remarkable improvement. One student who had difficulty with handwriting is now able to use speech-to-text software, which has empowered them to express themselves more freely. Another student, who has an affinity for technology, has really taken to using educational games that involve problem-solving and critical thinking, showing noticeable improvement in both engagement and academic skills.\r\n\r\nOverall, this desktop computer has become a vital part of our classroom. It has provided our students with new opportunities for learning, improved their self-esteem, and helped them develop skills that will serve them in the future. We are so grateful for your support, and it's making a world of difference for these students!","fullyFundedDate":1742954010823,"projectUrl":"project/tech-for-success-empowering-students-w/8989381/","projectTitle":"\"Tech for Success: Empowering Students with a Desktop Computer\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tanjilil","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9403174_orig.jpg?crop=3000,3000,x0,y610&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768192318779","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9403174"},{"teacherId":9369708,"projectId":8034046,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students are now using these new sensory and communication tools every single day. We have incorporated the materials into structured learning stations, visual schedules, and communication opportunities throughout the school day. My nonverbal students use the manipulatives, visuals, and sensory supports to make choices, request items, and stay regulated during instruction and transitions. These tools have become part of our daily routines and behavior support systems.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their reactions were immediate and meaningful. Some explored the items with curiosity, others smiled, reached, or vocalized, and several students independently engaged longer than usual. Seeing them connect with tools designed specifically for their needs was incredibly rewarding.","fullyFundedDate":1701005388597,"projectUrl":"project/learning2learn-sensory-and-communicatio/8034046/","projectTitle":"Learning2Learn: Sensory and Communication Temptations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Camille Lorenzo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9369708_orig.jpg?crop=288,288,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700065062749","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9369708"},{"teacherId":8172898,"projectId":7991980,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our DonorsChoose project. Because of your kindness, my students and I have already made a meaningful difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, my students were beyond excited. They couldn't wait to begin using them, and I immediately noticed an increase in their engagement and enthusiasm for learning. \r\n\r\nFor many of my students, opportunities like this are not always available, and your support helps create an equitable and enriching learning environment. Your donation has truly helped make learning more interactive, joyful, and effective for every child in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing","fullyFundedDate":1699738916746,"projectUrl":"project/diverse-learners/7991980/","projectTitle":"Diverse Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chavez-Duenas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8172898_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768275881497","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8172898"},{"teacherId":7930898,"projectId":8025057,"letterContent":"The generous donation received by our classroom has had a profound impact on the development of life skills for our students with special needs. With these resources, we have been able to provide targeted resources and support that align with our mission to prepare students for post-high school success and, most importantly, foster greater independence in all areas of their lives—at home, at school, and in the community.\r\n\r\nThe donation has allowed us to expand our curriculum to include practical lessons that focus on key life skills such as communication, daily living activities, fine motor skills, and numerical literacy. These are crucial areas where students often face challenges, but with the right tools and guidance, they can significantly improve and thrive.\r\n\r\nThis donation has truly made a difference in bridging the gap for students who are preparing to transition from high school to adulthood. It empowers them with the skills and confidence they need to navigate the world around them and pursue their career aspirations. We are incredibly grateful for this support, which is helping to lay the foundation for our students' success both now and in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1699903976681,"projectUrl":"project/the-road-to-independence/8025057/","projectTitle":"\"The Road To Independence\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Estocado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7930898_orig.png?crop=545,545,x13,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1636218756421","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7930898"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_82994","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":21,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":79,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":17,"percentWhite":19,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":39,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":52.6,"schoolId":82994,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Variety School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Variety School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/clark-county-school-district/variety-special-school/82994"}