{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sierra Verde STEM Academy","outOfStateSupporters":9.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7579803,"projectId":7471096,"letterContent":"Because of your incredible generosity, our new counseling classroom is up and running and already making a huge difference! Students are actively using the new resources during our small lunch bunch groups, targeted social-skills groups, and one-on-one sessions. The fidgets, calm-down tools, and feelings-identification resources have given students tangible strategies to manage stress, express their emotions effectively, and regain focus when feeling overwhelmed.\r\n\r\nWhen students first walked into the refreshed space, their faces lit up with excitement. Many shared right away that they felt welcomed, safe, and comfortable in the room. The motivational stickers have become a favorite way to celebrate perseverance, effort, and growth, helping students embrace the mindset that mistakes are just opportunities to learn. By having access to these regulation tools, students are learning how to process big feelings and return to their classrooms with confidence and readiness to succeed.\r\n\r\nAs I continue to grow in my role as a school counselor, I am so grateful for your support in laying this foundation. You have directly helped empower our students to overcome obstacles, build healthy relationships, and reach their full potential both personally and academically. Thank you for believing in our students!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\n\r\nMrs. Hoffpauir","fullyFundedDate":1691026239710,"projectUrl":"project/student-study-skills-support/7471096/","projectTitle":"Student Study Skills Support","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hoffpauir","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7579803"},{"teacherId":4797727,"projectId":10406309,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our 5th grade classrooms through DonorsChoose! Your generosity has already made a meaningful difference for our students. The supplies and classroom resources from this project are being used every day across our classrooms, from basic materials like pencils, folders, sticky notes, and dry-erase markers to the fun items that make our class stores and student incentives so exciting. Having these resources readily available means our students can spend less time worrying about whether they have what they need and more time learning, creating, and working together.\r\n\r\nOur students have been especially excited about the class store items, fidgets, and small rewards. These little incentives have become a fun way to celebrate hard work, positive choices, and academic growth. The practical supplies have also helped us keep our classrooms organized and ready for learning, while items like the pencil sharpeners, storage materials, and classroom fan will continue to serve our students throughout the school year. We are so grateful that your support is helping not just one classroom, but our entire 5th grade team and the many students we will teach throughout the year. Thank you for investing in our students and helping make their 5th grade experience a little more engaging, organized, and exciting!","fullyFundedDate":1786312914979,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-class-store-and-more/10406309/","projectTitle":"Supplies, Class Store, and More!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Orr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4797727_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x224,y122&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687896962259","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-jenorr"},{"teacherId":4797727,"projectId":10137863,"letterContent":"Thank you oh so very much for supporting our 5th grade classrooms! The fan is already helping cool our room during the Arizona heat so students can stay more comfortable and focused. The supplies are helping us prepare for a strong start next year, and we will be able to ensure that every student has what they need to succeed. The new small group table will give us a dedicated space to work with students in reading, writing, and intervention groups. We are so thankful for your generosity and support of our students!","fullyFundedDate":1778023683893,"projectUrl":"project/grab-a-seat-cool-off-and-supply-up/10137863/","projectTitle":"Grab a Seat, Cool Off, and Supply Up!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Orr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4797727_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x224,y122&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687896962259","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-jenorr"},{"teacherId":839171,"projectId":9901259,"letterContent":"Thank you for your continued support of our school's after school gardening club! Each year your donations make a difference, not only in the vegetable produced but in supporting my young problem solvers as they attempt to find solutions to improve was is working or what has utterly failed. This project was no exception. We anticipate an even bigger impact when the 2026-2027 school year garden is planted! Thank you!\r\n\r\nDue to the materials in this grant, we grew our first ever spaghetti squash! It was exciting. With the trellis' in place next school year , we expect that number to increase significantly.","fullyFundedDate":1763561995984,"projectUrl":"project/growing-solutions-and-new-learning/9901259/","projectTitle":"\"Growing\" Solutions and New Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Thiebeau","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp839171_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1506927970224","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/839171"},{"teacherId":2815880,"projectId":9962404,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donations, which allowed my students to receive tri-fold poster boards for their ecosystem project presentations this year. Your support had a profound impact on our classroom, and I want to share with you just how meaningful and transformative your contribution has been for both my students and me as their teacher.\r\n\r\nEach year, our ecosystem project is a highlight of the curriculum, challenging students to research, synthesize, and creatively present information about a particular ecosystem. In the past, we often struggled with limited resources—students would share poster paper or try to tape together various materials to make do. The lack of sturdy, professional-looking displays sometimes made it difficult for them to fully realize their visions or take as much pride in their work as they deserved.\r\n\r\nThis year, thanks to your donations, every group of students received a brand-new tri-fold poster board to serve as the foundation for their project. The impact was immediate and visible. When I first handed out the boards, there was a palpable sense of excitement and possibility in the room. Students began brainstorming their layouts and discussing how best to organize their information and visuals. \r\n\r\nThe quality and creativity of the projects this year exceeded all expectations. Students put tremendous effort into making their displays not only informative but visually engaging. They devoted extra time to creating detailed illustrations that enhanced the presentation. The tri-fold boards provided the space and structure they needed to organize their research clearly and attractively, and to experiment with different ways to tell the story of their chosen ecosystem.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, I noticed a marked increase in student engagement and motivation. Having a professional-quality board made the assignment feel important and meaningful. Students took ownership of their work and demonstrated a level of pride I haven't seen in previous years. They were eager to share their projects with classmates, teachers, and even visiting parents. The classroom was transformed into a museum for our STEAM Night—from the Amazon Rainforest to the Great Barrier Reef, the Sahara Desert to the Arctic Tundra.\r\n\r\nYour donation also helped level the playing field for all students, regardless of their home resources. Everyone started with the same high-quality materials, and that equity was evident in the final presentations. No one felt left out or disadvantaged because they couldn't purchase their own supplies. This had a noticeable effect on students' confidence and willingness to participate.\r\n\r\nThe tri-fold boards became more than just a tool for displaying information; they became a canvas for creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. I saw students working together to troubleshoot design challenges, and offering feedback to one another about color choices or layout. The process fostered important skills—communication, organization, and scientific inquiry—that will benefit them beyond this project and into their future academic endeavors.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has had a ripple effect that extends far beyond the materials themselves. You have given my students the tools and encouragement they needed to excel, to express themselves, and to see themselves as capable learners and presenters. \r\nThank you, again, for believing in our classroom and in the potential of every student. Your donation helped make this one of the best years ever for our ecosystem project, and I am deeply appreciative of the difference you have made.","fullyFundedDate":1767818728837,"projectUrl":"project/showcasing-steam-student-ecosystem-proj/9962404/","projectTitle":"Showcasing STEAM: Student Ecosystem Projects Take Center Stage","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lyons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2815880_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1492975426308","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2815880"},{"teacherId":2815880,"projectId":9879750,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire grade level, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project, \"STEM Friday Mouse Trap Car Racing.\" Your contributions made a tremendous impact, bringing hands-on STEM learning to life and creating memories that our students will never forget.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our students were able to acquire all the supplies necessary for them to design and build their own mouse trap cars. This was much more than a simple experiment—it was a true immersion into the engineering design process. From the very first day, students were buzzing with excitement, eagerly anticipating what they would be able to create with the materials you provided. For many, this was their first time participating in such an in-depth, hands-on engineering challenge.\r\n\r\nWe began our project by introducing the core concepts behind the mouse trap car: motion, force, energy, and the mechanics of simple machines. Students brainstormed and sketched their initial designs, collaborating in small groups to brainstorm innovative ways to make their cars go farther and faster. The classroom was soon filled with the sounds of teamwork and creative problem-solving as students debated wheel size, axle placement, and the best way to harness the energy from the mouse trap.\r\n\r\nAs students moved from planning to building, every group was fully engaged. They measured, cut, and assembled their cars, learning to use new tools and materials. Some students who typically struggle with traditional classroom tasks found themselves leading the way, showing their peers how to troubleshoot and make adjustments. This project gave all students a chance to shine and to discover new strengths within themselves.\r\n\r\nOne of the most valuable aspects of this experience was the opportunity for students to iterate on their designs. After their first trial runs, students analyzed what worked and what needed improvement. They tested different materials, adjusted the tension on their mouse traps, and experimented with car body shapes. With every attempt, they learned the importance of persistence and the value of learning from mistakes—a lesson that extends far beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nBeyond the excitement and fun, this project fostered critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. It allowed students to see themselves as engineers and innovators. Your support made it possible for them to engage in an authentic STEM experience that deepened their understanding and ignited their curiosity.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and investing in their education. Your generosity has provided more than just supplies; you have given our students confidence, inspiration, and a love for learning that will last well beyond this project. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and support, and we look forward to sharing more of our STEM adventures with you in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1763562749901,"projectUrl":"project/stem-friday-mouse-trap-car-racing/9879750/","projectTitle":"STEM Friday Mouse Trap Car Racing!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lyons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2815880_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1492975426308","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2815880"},{"teacherId":3664111,"projectId":9920050,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed in such a meaningful way. Our new ABC carpet has quickly become the heart of our room, and it is all thanks to you.\r\n\r\nBefore receiving this carpet, gathering together for lessons, read-alouds, and class meetings was a challenge. Students were often squeezed too close to one another, which made it difficult for them to focus and keep their bodies to themselves. This sometimes led to distractions and interruptions that took away from valuable learning time.\r\n\r\nNow, with our new ABC carpet, each child has a clearly defined space to sit. The bright letters not only support letter recognition and early literacy skills, but they also provide natural boundaries that help students understand where their body belongs. Having enough space to spread out comfortably has made a tremendous difference. Students are more focused, respectful of one another's personal space, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nOur carpet has become more than just a place to sit. It is where we build community, practice our phonics skills, share stories, and celebrate accomplishments. The students take pride in sitting on their special letter and are excited to participate during whole-group instruction. The simple addition of space and structure has increased engagement and reduced disruptions.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped create a calmer, more organized, and more joyful learning environment. Thank you for investing in our students and for helping us build a classroom where everyone feels comfortable, safe, and ready to grow.","fullyFundedDate":1768437963669,"projectUrl":"project/abc-rug-to-the-rescue-creating-calm-co/9920050/","projectTitle":"ABC Rug to the Rescue: Creating Calm, Cozy Learning Spaces","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mayfield","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3664111_orig.jpg?crop=1930,1930,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716475923863","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/t-mayfield"},{"teacherId":3664111,"projectId":9883061,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that provided our classroom with stand-up whiteboards! These boards have truly transformed the way we approach math.\r\n\r\nOur math lessons have come to life in a whole new way—students eagerly use the boards to share their strategies, explain their thinking, and work through problems together. The stand-up format has encouraged movement, collaboration, and deeper discussions. It's amazing to see how much confidence students gain when they can stand side by side with peers, present their work, and actively engage in problem-solving.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our classroom has become a more interactive and collaborative learning environment. We are not only building stronger math skills, but also fostering communication, teamwork, and perseverance. The joy and excitement the students show when using the boards are proof of the powerful impact your generosity has made.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your support in making math meaningful, engaging, and fun for our students!","fullyFundedDate":1763561853657,"projectUrl":"project/steam-work-stations/9883061/","projectTitle":"STEAM Work Stations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mayfield","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3664111_orig.jpg?crop=1930,1930,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716475923863","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/t-mayfield"},{"teacherId":4797727,"projectId":10002174,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Let's Refill Our Supplies! project! Because of your generosity, our 5th-grade team now has the essential materials students need for daily learning. Students were excited to see us unpack the supplies and immediately began using them during writing, reading, math, recess, and hands-on activities. These resources will support our upcoming class activities and help all students participate with confidence. We appreciate donors like you who support our students! Thank you for being part of our classroom community!","fullyFundedDate":1768437875399,"projectUrl":"project/lets-refill-our-supplies/10002174/","projectTitle":"Let's Refill Our Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Orr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4797727_orig.jpg?crop=271,271,x224,y122&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1687896962259","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-jenorr"},{"teacherId":5972552,"projectId":9500177,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for investing in our students and believing in the power of hands-on, creative learning. Because of your generosity, my 8th grade students now have access to the tools they need to become confident storytellers, scientists, designers, and innovators.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has fully equipped our new audio, visual, and creative publications class with a complete set of digital cameras—ensuring that every student can participate equally in visual storytelling, journalism, and science documentation. These cameras will empower students to capture real-world phenomena, create photo essays, film documentaries, and bring their ideas to life with clarity and pride. For many of them, this is their first opportunity to work with professional equipment, and the sense of ownership and excitement is already tangible.\r\n\r\nYour support also provided six ChompSaw Maker Bundles for our core science classroom. These saws are already transforming the way students design, build, and test their ideas. From engineering challenges to prototype construction, students can now work more safely, more independently, and with greater confidence as they learn real-world skills through hands-on exploration. The tools have opened up projects that were previously out of reach—and students are eager to dive into building models, testing solutions, and thinking like engineers.\r\n\r\nWhether they are capturing a chemical reaction in action, documenting a story from our community, or crafting a mini-documentary about a scientific investigation, your generosity has made these meaningful experiences possible.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our students can truly cut, capture, and create their way through science and storytelling. You have opened doors, sparked ideas, and helped every student find their voice.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your support and your belief in the potential of young creators.","fullyFundedDate":1755746320226,"projectUrl":"project/cut-capture-and-create-empowering-yo/9500177/","projectTitle":"\"Cut, Capture, and Create: Empowering Young Scientists & Storytellers\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Scofield","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5972552_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1541286955054","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5972552"},{"teacherId":2815880,"projectId":9562846,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our \"Power Up Creativity: Hummingbird Robotics With Everyday Materials\" project! Your donation has brought us essential supplies—cardboard shipping boxes, portable cell phone batteries, and power cords—that are the foundation for our most ambitious project yet.\r\n\r\nWith these resources, we're gearing up for our Spring STEAM Night and our main attraction: the Robotic Petting Zoo. Students will use the Hummingbird Robotics kits, along with the new materials, to design and build interactive, lifelike robotic animals from scratch. The cardboard boxes are already being imagined as the bodies and habitats for animals like owls, turtles, and even dragons. The portable batteries and cords will make our creations mobile and interactive for visitors at STEAM Night.\r\n\r\nOur next steps involve prototyping and testing. Students will work in teams to construct the animal bodies, program the robotic movements, and make sure their designs are safe and sturdy for hands-on interaction at our big event. They're learning to problem-solve, collaborate, and think creatively—core skills for future innovators.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this imaginative project possible. Because of your support, our students will showcase their creativity and technical skills to the entire school community. We can't wait to share the Robotic Petting Zoo with you!","fullyFundedDate":1754971659541,"projectUrl":"project/power-up-creativity-hummingbird-robotic/9562846/","projectTitle":"Power Up Creativity: Hummingbird Robotics With Everyday Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lyons","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2815880_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1492975426308","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2815880"},{"teacherId":6597834,"projectId":9490308,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing our classroom with whiteboard easels. These \"thinking boards\" have quickly become an essential part of our Building Thinking Classrooms math time. Because of your kindness, my students are up, engaged, and actively participating in meaningful problem-solving every day.\r\n\r\nThe easels have transformed the way my students learn. They collaborate more confidently, communicate their reasoning, and support one another as they tackle challenging math tasks. It has been wonderful to watch them take ownership of their learning and grow not only as mathematicians, but also as teammates and thinkers.\r\n\r\nYour contribution made this possible, and we are truly grateful. Thank you for investing in our classroom and in the success of every student who gathers around these boards","fullyFundedDate":1754333610409,"projectUrl":"project/easel-does-it-a-easels-for-a-ideas/9490308/","projectTitle":"Easel Does It! A+ Easels for A+ Ideas!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gerster","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6597834_orig.jpg?crop=248,248,x0,y20&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725733422607","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6597834"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_70458","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":908,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":16,"percentAsian":13,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":57,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":18,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":6,"gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"17.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":90.9,"schoolId":70458,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sierra Verde STEM Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sierra Verde STEM Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/deer-valley-unified-school-district/sierra-verde-school/70458"}