{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Desert Star Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7539622,"projectId":9907427,"letterContent":"I am a book person in many different ways. I love to read a variety of books. As far as fiction goes, my favorites are pioneer historical fiction. As far as nonfiction goes, anything related to my job as a middle school educator, or anything related to brain science. I read wherever I can. I read whenever I can. I write annotations right in my book and sometimes I use a ton of sticky notes.\r\n\r\nWhile reading these texts I have learned about a variety of strategies that will increase the success of my gifted students. I hve learned about how they think and how they show their thinking and learning.\r\n\r\nI have begun trying out some of these strategies in my classroom with a small group of students. The gifted students I have tried these strategies with have responded with enjoyment for the added challenges. In the upcoming new school year I will try them out with my new students.","fullyFundedDate":1773853618537,"projectUrl":"project/growing-gifted-learners/9907427/","projectTitle":"Growing Gifted Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Blankenship","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7539622"},{"teacherId":7539622,"projectId":10160785,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping to provide for these books. These books will help my middle school students learn more a bout a variety of social emotional topics. They will allow them to work on their mental and social emotional health, along with their academics. Students will increase their chances of acadeic success with stronger social emotional health.\r\n\r\nReading in my classroom looks like a variety of things. Students read independently, at a variety of levels, in small groups and sometimes as a whole class. They almost always have something to \"do\" with the reading. But sometimes we read just to enjoy reading.\r\n\r\nSo far no particular students have embraced these books, but I know that over time they will.","fullyFundedDate":1773873102208,"projectUrl":"project/navigating-middle-school-life/10160785/","projectTitle":"Navigating Middle School Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Blankenship","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7539622"},{"teacherId":7539622,"projectId":10090449,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to this project. Receiving books to continue to diversify my classroom library has been so exciting. Students are excited to see more books with characters like themselves. They are able to better relate to the characters which keeps them more engaged in my classroom.\r\n\r\nReading in my classroom is done mostly when students finish work early. They ae also allowed to check books out of the classroom library. This allows them to take the books home to read and to share with others.\r\n\r\nWhile I have yet to use any of these books for classwide lessons, I plan to use them of them next school year as part of our social emotional learning and work.","fullyFundedDate":1773873102660,"projectUrl":"project/diversify-our-reading/10090449/","projectTitle":"Diversify Our Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Blankenship","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7539622"},{"teacherId":8380932,"projectId":9888930,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your care and help! We were able to start a community food pantry to support students and neighbors. We got not perishable items, Baby supplies, personal care items, and some clothing. Students organized items and created flyers to let the community know we were here to help. Our student leaders maintain the pantry and have been making such a big difference in the community. Our school family and our neighborhood send love and thanks. You have helped us make a change in our world.","fullyFundedDate":1763498235852,"projectUrl":"project/keep-our-food-pantry-full/9888930/","projectTitle":"Keep Our Food Pantry Full","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Knight","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8380932_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647814302794","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-knights-stars"},{"teacherId":8380932,"projectId":9148636,"letterContent":"Thank you for contributing to our literacy project. We were able to supply a class set of books and after our reading journey students took them home. In the classroom, James and the Giant Peach was a journey that students explored together. When students found out they could keep their book they were thrilled! This has had a meaningful impact on the students and families. For some, this was the first new book they owned. For many, it was a book they could share with their family to encourage reading at home.","fullyFundedDate":1741745956109,"projectUrl":"project/james-and-the-giant-peach-reading-adve/9148636/","projectTitle":"James and the Giant Peach (Reading Adventure)","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Knight","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8380932_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647814302794","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-knights-stars"},{"teacherId":3191826,"projectId":9866550,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our gifted students. Because of you, our classroom has been transformed into a space where creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving come to life through the use of Keva blocks.\r\n\r\nOur gifted learners are using the Keva blocks as part of engineering and design challenges that encourage higher-level thinking and collaboration. Recently, students worked in teams to design and construct structures that met specific criteria—such as height requirements, stability under stress, or the ability to span a distance without collapsing. Throughout the process, students hypothesized, tested their ideas, analyzed failures, and refined their designs. The Keva blocks have provided a powerful hands-on way for students to apply mathematical reasoning, spatial awareness, and perseverance while engaging deeply in the engineering design process.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the Keva blocks, their excitement was immediate. Many students eagerly began planning structures before we even started the lesson, sketching designs and discussing strategies with classmates. Several students commented on how the materials made learning feel like \"real engineering.\" It was clear they felt both challenged and inspired, and they quickly took ownership of their learning.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, students will continue using the Keva blocks to extend their current learning. Upcoming lessons will focus on complex problem-solving, structural analysis, and collaborative design challenges that require students to justify their thinking and reflect on their process. These experiences are helping gifted students stretch their abilities, embrace productive struggle, and deepen their understanding in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our gifted students the opportunity to learn, create, and think like engineers. Your support has made a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful for your investment in their growth and potential.","fullyFundedDate":1768517523372,"projectUrl":"project/keva-blocks-for-gifted-students/9866550/","projectTitle":"Keva Blocks for Gifted Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michael","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3191826_orig.jpg?crop=670,670,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677267318381","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msmichael15"},{"teacherId":3191826,"projectId":9866577,"letterContent":"When the ice machines first arrived, the students' reaction was immediate, they crowded around them with wide eyes and big smiles. They could hardly believe they would have access to cold ice and drinks after their long, hot practices. \"Wow, this is so cool!\" one student exclaimed, and another said, \"Now I can hydrate and feel so much better before I head home.\" It was a moment that truly captured how deeply appreciated your support was.\r\n\r\nSince then, we have already used the machines after our after-school runs. It has made a noticeable difference: students push harder, attempt longer runs and have better attitudes. This small, but powerful change has improved morale, kept hydration levels up, and helped build a stronger sense of community within the club.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're planning to integrate the ice machines into our regular post-run routine. Our next step is to start a \"cool down & chat\" time after each run where students will grab ice-cold water, stretch together, and reflect on their run by answering questions like; what went well, how they felt, and what they hope to improve next time. We believe this will not only support their physical recovery, but also foster teamwork, leadership, and motivation for future sessions.","fullyFundedDate":1762267483082,"projectUrl":"project/cooling-support-for-heart-sole-runners/9866577/","projectTitle":"Cooling Support for Heart & Sole Runners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Michael","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3191826_orig.jpg?crop=670,670,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1677267318381","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msmichael15"},{"teacherId":8380932,"projectId":9088749,"letterContent":"THANK YOU! You have helped us to reach our goal and create small groups using our new tech. The ipads and cases are being used by students in game based learning and in communication apps. It has been so helpful to have this resource. The students are learning how to navigate math and reading in new ways and enjoy the time in small groups. We have had so much success in our learning goals using the new tech in math and reading rotations. Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. I can't wait to show you our progress!","fullyFundedDate":1746785869081,"projectUrl":"project/tech-for-small-group-learning/9088749/","projectTitle":"Tech for Small Group Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Knight","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8380932_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647814302794","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-knights-stars"},{"teacherId":8380932,"projectId":9064071,"letterContent":"We did it! You helped us to fund a project for a class pet with a habitat and supplies for the care of the pet. The class first researched animals and learned about pet care. We then put together a habitat and introduced the pet to the class. It has been such an impactful way for students to practice care and learn important social skills involving responsibility, empathy, and kindness. We are also practicing teamwork and leadership. Thank you again for helping us reach our goal. We are excited to share pictures and updates with you.","fullyFundedDate":1746785447153,"projectUrl":"project/class-pet-habitat/9064071/","projectTitle":"Class Pet Habitat","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Knight","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8380932_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647814302794","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-knights-stars"},{"teacherId":7539622,"projectId":9411401,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping to supply my classroom with materials to help students destress. The adjustment to 7th grade can be a tough one. Students are enjoying the calm strips and other fidgets. \r\n\r\nWhen students saw the Amazon boxes in the classroom they were excited. They wanted me to open the boxes right away. Once they saw the materials they became even more excited. \"Can I use it?\", \"Can I have a turn\" and so many more exciting phrases were shared with excitement in my classroom that day.\r\n\r\nAs we enter the second part of our first quarter, our students will start to have expectations to complete more rigorous and perhaps stressful work.","fullyFundedDate":1750774738341,"projectUrl":"project/constructive-destressing/9411401/","projectTitle":"Constructive Destressing","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Blankenship","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7539622"},{"teacherId":7642310,"projectId":9208397,"letterContent":"I wanted to say thank you again for your generous donation for towards my upcoming classroom the new resources have been a fantastic addition to what I have planned for everyone!\r\n\r\nSpecifically, the organizational bins for our grammar practice. There are many different pieces that are included with the grammar section so having these organizational bins will definitely help kids feel more independent by keeping their materials where they need to be.\r\n\r\nAlso, the headphones are phenomenal! They bend in a way that they can stay organized for students can grab them when it is technology time.\r\n\r\nWhen my student saw the bins, they were very excited! Thank you again","fullyFundedDate":1743180557205,"projectUrl":"project/organization-in-third-grade/9208397/","projectTitle":"Organization in Third Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carrasco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7642310_orig.jpg?crop=2048,2048,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705261448756","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7642310"},{"teacherId":8380932,"projectId":9259508,"letterContent":"Thank you again for helping us fund this great project. We were able to get items for care bags to supply students and community members experiencing homelessness or homing insecurity needed care items. Our 8th graders organized items and some of our 2nd grade leaders helped to create notes to include in each bag. We had help from the community and from staff to get these bags into the hands of those in need. Thank you for helping us to make this happen. Our students are leaders in school and in their community and we were able to help put there plan in action.","fullyFundedDate":1746444039093,"projectUrl":"project/care-bags-for-foster-and-homeless-youth/9259508/","projectTitle":"Care Bags for Foster and Homeless Youth","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Knight","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8380932_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647814302794","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-knights-stars"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_71579","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":517,"numTeachers":36,"percentFrplEligible":42,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":12,"percentWhite":25,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":58,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"1 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"14.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.8,"schoolId":71579,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Desert Star Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Desert Star Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/avondale-elementary-school-district/desert-star-elementary-school/71579"}