{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sierra Verde STEM Academy","outOfStateSupporters":9.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":4797727,"projectId":9565284,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our 5th graders are thrilled with the new supplies and prizes from our \"Prize Box, Supplies, and More!\" project! The excitement was instant the moment the boxes arrived — students from all four classes gathered around to unpack everything, their faces lighting up as they discovered the colorful fidgets, squishies, and notebooks that would soon fill our Viper Cash store.\r\n\r\nThese materials are already making a big difference across our grade level. With new pencils, scissors, highlighters, glue, and storage pouches, students can dive into lessons prepared and ready to learn. Having shared supplies available for everyone helps ensure that every 5th grader can participate fully without worrying about missing materials.\r\n\r\nOur Viper Cash store, where students earn rewards for showing our PEAK traits (being problem-solvers, engaged, accountable, and kind), has become even more motivating. The new prizes have inspired students to stay focused, show kindness, and take pride in their hard work. It's been so fun to watch them save up their Viper Cash and celebrate their success with small rewards that mean so much.\r\n\r\nNext, our students will be starting new projects that challenge them to work together, persevere, and think creatively. The tools and incentives you've provided will continue to support their growth — both academically and socially — as they learn what it means to be engaged and accountable learners.\r\n\r\nYour donations have made our classrooms more organized, positive, and joyful places to learn. From all of us in 5th grade — students and teachers alike — thank you for believing in our kids and helping make this year one to remember!","fullyFundedDate":1755721103743,"projectUrl":"project/prize-box-supplies-and-more/9565284/","projectTitle":"Prize Box, Supplies, 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":7958547,"projectId":9508345,"letterContent":"As a new school year begins, enthusiastic kindergarten students will fill our classrooms.\r\nMy small group of kindergarten students enter our reading room daily asking \"what are we going to do today?\" One day, they entered the room and immediately spotted our new manipulatives on the table. \"Wow, that looks fun! Can we play with them?\"\r\n\r\n I introduced our new tactile writing boards and sound segmenting trays and magnets.\r\nThe materials that I requested for this project support students at a phonological to print level. The gel boards were designed to involve their sense of touch alongside their other senses. They can see and feel the alphabet letters as they trace them. The sound segmenting trays and magnetic letters develop word building and decoding skills. The students love to blend the sounds in words using the magic blending wands. The students like to call themselves ,\"word magicians\". \r\n\r\nThank you donors for supporting our young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1754333610204,"projectUrl":"project/little-hands-and-minds-at-work/9508345/","projectTitle":"Little Hands and Minds at Work","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Manny","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7958547_orig.jpg?crop=956,956,x0,y102&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1647017290402","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7958547"},{"teacherId":839171,"projectId":9396168,"letterContent":"Once again your generosity has supported my curiosity seeking gardeners! Succulents have been planted as have our paper white bulbs! Students have two plants with very different care needs. The research has been completed and now students will await the wonder of the paper white blossoms. At the same time, they will endeavor to keep their desert plants thriving!\r\n\r\nMy young gardeners enjoyed decorating their white planters. With great care, masterpieces were completed!\r\n\r\nWorm casings have been spread in our school gardens and we are hopeful they will feed our growing plants!\r\n\r\nWe are very grateful for the continued support of all of our gardening projects!","fullyFundedDate":1754333610651,"projectUrl":"project/growing-and-adapting-in-the-desert/9396168/","projectTitle":"Growing and Adapting in the Desert","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":4841297,"projectId":9398791,"letterContent":"Third graders are starting the year off strong with supplies that welcome them and help create an engaging classroom. The students like their new name tags and enjoy using the play-dough in the morning transition time. They like using the stadium seats during reading activities, and appreciate having a special place to focus. The post-it easel paper has been used to share strategies during math groups. Students love writing on the big sticky notes and showing off their work. We have also made great anchor charts that remind us of our goals. These resources have helped create a positive, collaborative classroom. Thank you for your donations.","fullyFundedDate":1753328391287,"projectUrl":"project/new-school-year-classroom-essentials/9398791/","projectTitle":"New School Year Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4841297_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1506569488173","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/anythingispossible"},{"teacherId":3274405,"projectId":9492498,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding my project. Having a table to do small groups at has made such a difference! I have a place where students can meet and I don't have to have other students move. It also helps students in my small group concentrate better.\r\n\r\nThis table also helps me be so much more productive. I don't have to contstanly keep moving students and supplies. It helps me have a set place for small group instruction materials.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity! My students and I really appreciate it!","fullyFundedDate":1754333609966,"projectUrl":"project/small-group-materials-for-super-star-lea/9492498/","projectTitle":"Small Group Materials for Super Star Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sumner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3274405"},{"teacherId":1048082,"projectId":9569696,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. The vertical whiteboards and supplies you provided have truly transformed the way my students learn and interact with one another. They've turned our space into a vibrant learning community where students are fully engaged, excited about math, and eager to share their ideas.\r\nSince receiving our new vertical white boards, students work together to solve problems, teach their partners strategies, and support each other's learning. They take pride in setting up the room each day with the supplies and boards we need, demonstrating responsibility and teamwork. The whiteboards get students up and moving, which has made a big difference in attention, focus, and overall engagement.\r\nWorking in pairs fosters cooperation and leadership skills. Students rely on one another, and this collaboration gives me more opportunities to support those who need help and to challenge others with enrichment tasks.\r\nMost importantly, students are enjoying math. I've heard them say, \"Math is fun!\" and ask, \"When do we get to use our thinking boards?\" That excitement speaks volumes.\r\nThank you so much for your generous support. These vertical whiteboards and supplies have truly made a difference—not just in how we do math, but in how students think, share, and take ownership of their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1755283443200,"projectUrl":"project/essential-easels-for-encouraging-element/9569696/","projectTitle":"Essential Easels for Encouraging Elementary Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hatfield","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1048082_orig.jpg?crop=2458,2458,x0,y426&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669082936750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1048082"},{"teacherId":2815880,"projectId":9276860,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for your generous donations to our project. Students in my classes have truly loved using the Hummingbird Robotics kits, and look forward to each time they get to use them. The project is tapping into both their creative and critical thinking sides and they are excited to bring their ideas to life with the new art supplies you made possible. Items like googly eyes, hot glue guns, bamboo skewers, and silicon mats have transformed our classroom into a hub of creativity and experimentation. With these materials, students are able to design, build, and personalize their robots in ways that make the learning process much more engaging and meaningful. I've seen students collaborate, problem-solve, and take pride in their creations—skills that will benefit them far beyond our classroom. Thank you again for your support. Your generosity has made a real difference for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1746481611299,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-future-innovators-equipping/9276860/","projectTitle":"Empowering Future Innovators: Equipping Students for Hands-On Computer Science Projects","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":5972552,"projectId":9173103,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our 8th-grade students have been able to bring their creativity to life in ways we never imagined. The new digital cameras have transformed our Media Productions class from an idea into a hands-on experience where students get to explore video production, photography, podcasting, and digital storytelling. For many of them, this is their very first chance to hold professional-level tools, and the excitement is undeniable.\r\n\r\nThe biggest impact has been in how students now see themselves as creators instead of just consumers of media. They've been able to record short films and podcasts. Using the cameras, they've learned not only technical skills like framing, lighting, and editing, but also collaboration, problem-solving, and communication. For students who may not always shine in traditional academic settings, this technology has opened doors to express themselves in ways that are meaningful and confidence-building.\r\n\r\nOne of the most rewarding parts has been seeing particular students come alive behind the lens. Your support has made these moments possible—and has given my students the opportunity to discover new passions that may shape their futures.\r\nThank you for believing in my students and in the power of creativity. You've helped us unlock a world of possibilities.","fullyFundedDate":1742910770503,"projectUrl":"project/through-their-lens-inspiring-students-t/9173103/","projectTitle":"Through Their Lens: Inspiring Students to See Their World Creatively","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":3664111,"projectId":9503022,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation that provided our classroom with wireless headphones! These have already made a huge difference in how we use our new iPads for learning.\r\n\r\nWith the headphones, students are able to focus on their lessons, activities, and practice without disturbing the rest of the class. This has created a calmer, more productive learning environment where everyone can stay engaged in their own work. The ease of using the wireless headphones has also allowed us to transition smoothly into activities, maximizing learning time and minimizing distractions.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped us make technology more effective and accessible for all of our students. The excitement on their faces when they put on the headphones and dive into their lessons says it all—this resource has truly elevated our classroom experience.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your generosity and the opportunities you've provided for our students to learn, focus, and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1754333609621,"projectUrl":"project/there-are-no-strings-on-me/9503022/","projectTitle":"There Are No Strings on Me!","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":9388095,"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":1750788522487,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-thinking-classroom/9388095/","projectTitle":"Building A Thinking Classroom!","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"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_70458","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":964,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":15,"percentAsian":13,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":58,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":17,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"18.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":90.6,"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"}