{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Desert Garden Preschool","outOfStateSupporters":44.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3134862,"projectId":9941342,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing access to CoughDrop for our classroom. This app has already made a meaningful difference for our students, and we are incredibly grateful for your kindness.\r\n\r\nIn our preschool special education classroom, many of our students are still developing their ability to communicate. Some are non-speaking or have limited verbal skills, and tools like CoughDrop give them a way to express their wants, needs, and ideas. Having access to a reliable AAC system is life-changing for our students because it gives them a voice.\r\n\r\nWe have already started incorporating the app into our daily routines, including snack time, play, and group activities. Students are using it to make requests, make choices, and interact with both peers and adults. It has been amazing to see their confidence grow as they realize they can communicate and be understood.\r\n\r\nCoughDrop also allows us as teachers to model language consistently and support communication across different settings. This helps our students build skills that go beyond the classroom and into their everyday lives.\r\n\r\nYour support is helping create a more inclusive and empowering environment where all students have the opportunity to communicate. That is something truly meaningful, and it will have a lasting impact on their growth and development.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for supporting our students in such an important way.","fullyFundedDate":1767240503183,"projectUrl":"project/give-autism-a-voice/9941342/","projectTitle":"Give Autism a Voice","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. M's Autism Preschool Class","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3134862_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y463&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731518779944","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/issac-imes-pks"},{"teacherId":3134862,"projectId":9580475,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project. We are incredibly grateful for your donation of the trampoline cover and chewies. These items have already made a noticeable difference for our students, and we truly appreciate your kindness.\r\n\r\nIn our preschool special education classroom, many of our students have sensory needs that impact how they learn, communicate, and participate throughout the day. Having the right supports in place helps them feel more regulated, safe, and ready to engage. Your donation has given us tools that directly support those needs in a meaningful way.\r\n\r\nThe trampoline cover has been a wonderful addition to our sensory supports. Many of our students benefit from movement, especially jumping, as a way to help regulate their bodies. With the added cover, we are able to provide a safer and more structured space for this type of sensory input. We have already seen students use the trampoline as a positive outlet, and afterward, they are more calm, focused, and ready to participate in classroom activities.\r\n\r\nThe chewies have also been incredibly helpful. Several of our students seek oral sensory input and may try to chew on unsafe or inappropriate items. Having chewies available gives them a safe and appropriate way to meet that need. This has helped reduce frustration, improve focus, and support better participation during both structured and unstructured activities.\r\n\r\nThese supports may seem simple, but they have a powerful impact on our students' daily success. When students are regulated, they are more able to communicate, interact with peers, and engage in learning. Your donation is helping create a classroom environment where all students can feel supported and successful.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for supporting our students. Your kindness is truly making a difference in our classroom each and every day.","fullyFundedDate":1764689871772,"projectUrl":"project/autism-sensory-supports-for-our-little-l/9580475/","projectTitle":"Autism Sensory Supports for Our Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. M's Autism Preschool Class","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3134862_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y463&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731518779944","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/issac-imes-pks"},{"teacherId":3134862,"projectId":9910438,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of snacks for our classroom. I cannot overstate how much this means to us and how quickly your kindness has made an impact on our students.\r\n\r\nIn a preschool classroom, snacks are more than just something to eat. For many of our students, especially those with sensory and communication needs, snack time is a huge part of their daily routine. It is a time where they practice important skills like requesting, making choices, using communication systems, and engaging socially with peers. Having a consistent and reliable supply of snacks allows us to turn these everyday moments into meaningful learning opportunities.\r\n\r\nYour donation has helped ensure that all of our students have access to something to eat during the day, which is incredibly important. Some of our students come in hungry or may not have preferred foods packed from home. Being able to offer snacks that are readily available helps reduce stress, prevent meltdowns, and support regulation. When their basic needs are met, they are much more ready to learn, participate, and connect with others.\r\n\r\nWe have already seen the impact in our classroom routines. Students are more engaged during snack time, and we are able to model and support communication in a more natural way. Whether it is a student pointing to a picture to request a snack, using a word or sign, or simply sitting with peers and participating in a shared activity, these are all big wins for our learners. These small moments add up to meaningful progress over time.","fullyFundedDate":1771023409892,"projectUrl":"project/autism-snacky-snacks/9910438/","projectTitle":"Autism Snacky Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. M's Autism Preschool Class","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3134862_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y463&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731518779944","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/issac-imes-pks"},{"teacherId":3134862,"projectId":9602642,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of the blue ottoman to our classroom. I truly appreciate your kindness and support, and I wanted to take a moment to share just how meaningful this addition has already been for our students.\r\n\r\nIn a preschool special education classroom, especially one that focuses on sensory and communication needs, having flexible and comfortable seating options is more important than people often realize. Many of my students benefit from spaces that feel safe, calming, and supportive to their bodies. The blue ottoman has quickly become one of those spaces. From the moment it was introduced, the students were drawn to it. It has already become a preferred spot for sitting during activities, taking a break when overwhelmed, or simply finding a comfortable place to regroup.\r\n\r\nWhat I love most is how naturally it fits into our daily routines. Some students use it during circle time as an alternative seating option, which helps them stay more regulated and engaged. Others choose it during independent play or quiet time, where they can relax while still being part of the classroom environment. For students who struggle with transitions or sensory overload, having a soft and predictable place to sit can make a huge difference in how they respond and participate throughout the day.\r\n\r\nThe color and design also add something special to our room. The bright blue is inviting and cheerful, and it helps create a more welcoming and visually engaging environment. It may seem like a small thing, but these details matter, especially for young learners who are still developing their ability to feel comfortable and secure in a classroom setting.","fullyFundedDate":1764691391829,"projectUrl":"project/chunk-in-blueridge-a-cozy-play-ottoman/9602642/","projectTitle":"Chunk in Blueridge: A Cozy Play Ottoman for Creative Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. M's Autism Preschool Class","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3134862_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y463&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731518779944","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/issac-imes-pks"},{"teacherId":211419,"projectId":9853790,"letterContent":"Our students have been using the LEGO STEAM Park materials during our small group exploration time to build structures, solve problems, and work together. One of our favorite moments happened when a group of students decided to build a \"moving playground.\" They worked together to design a swing and a spinning ride using gears and wheels. The students experimented with different pieces to see what would make their ride move faster or slower. It was wonderful to watch them test their ideas, make adjustments, and celebrate when their design finally worked. These materials have created so many opportunities for hands-on learning, creativity, and teamwork.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the LEGO STEAM Park materials, their excitement was immediate. There were lots of wide eyes, big smiles, and comments like, \"Whoa!\" and \"Can we build something right now?\" They were eager to explore the different pieces and quickly began talking about what they wanted to create. Even students who are usually hesitant during new activities jumped right in and started building with their classmates. The materials instantly sparked curiosity, imagination, and collaboration.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to guide students in using the STEAM Park materials to explore simple engineering challenges. We are beginning a unit where students will design and build structures such as bridges, ramps, and moving rides. They will test their creations, talk about what worked, and make improvements to their designs. We are also encouraging students to draw their ideas before building so they can begin connecting planning with construction. These experiences are helping our preschoolers develop early problem-solving skills, perseverance, and confidence as young builders and thinkers.","fullyFundedDate":1764622209552,"projectUrl":"project/little-builders-big-ideas-with-lego-ste/9853790/","projectTitle":"Little Builders, Big Ideas with LEGO STEAM Park!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wright","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp211419_orig.jpg?crop=1088,1088,x1310,y927&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661394399441","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/211419"},{"teacherId":3134862,"projectId":9582572,"letterContent":"Our students have been using the new puzzles daily during structured centers, small-group instruction, and independent work time to build problem-solving, fine-motor, and early cognitive skills. One especially meaningful moment occurred during center time when a student who typically struggles to remain engaged stayed focused for several minutes while completing a multi-piece puzzle with minimal assistance. As peers gathered around to help, the activity naturally encouraged communication, turn-taking, and teamwork, turning a simple puzzle into a rich social-learning opportunity.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their excitement was immediate—many students smiled, pointed, and eagerly selected puzzles to explore. Several students who are usually hesitant to try new tasks were motivated by the colorful, hands-on designs and quickly began experimenting with matching shapes, pictures, and patterns. The puzzles have already become a highly requested activity and an effective tool for reinforcing persistence and confidence.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue incorporating the puzzles into targeted small-group lessons focused on visual discrimination, early literacy and math concepts, and cooperative play skills. Students will also begin working on progressively more complex puzzles to build stamina, independence, and flexible problem-solving strategies. Your support is helping create meaningful learning moments every day, giving our students engaging opportunities to practice foundational skills in a joyful and motivating way.","fullyFundedDate":1760553763227,"projectUrl":"project/playful-puzzles-learning-tools-for-cur/9582572/","projectTitle":"Playful Puzzles & Learning Tools for Curious Little Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. M's Autism Preschool Class","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3134862_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y463&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731518779944","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/issac-imes-pks"},{"teacherId":211419,"projectId":9789778,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our listening center has been transformed with the addition of a Toniebox and storybook Tonies! From the moment it arrived, students were eager to explore and engage with stories in a whole new way. The simple, child-friendly design made it easy to implement right away, and our preschoolers quickly learned how to use it independently.\r\n\r\nNow, students are strengthening their listening, language, and comprehension skills while building confidence as they choose stories on their own. Your donation didn't just provide a tool — it created excitement, independence, and a love of learning in our classroom. Thank you for helping make story time even more meaningful and joyful for our students","fullyFundedDate":1760693614541,"projectUrl":"project/listen-learn-and-imagine-with-our-toni/9789778/","projectTitle":"Listen, Learn, and Imagine with Our Toniebox!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wright","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp211419_orig.jpg?crop=1088,1088,x1310,y927&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661394399441","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/211419"},{"teacherId":3134862,"projectId":9581987,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been filled with brand-new, engaging learning materials that have made an incredible difference for my students. With the Teachers Pay Teachers gift card, I was able to download academic centers, visuals, and hands-on activities that immediately supported their learning needs. Technology plays a huge role in making these resources accessible — it allowed me to quickly find high-quality materials created by educators who understand how young children learn best. Instead of relying on outdated worksheets or spending hours designing resources from scratch, I now have beautifully formatted tools that help my students connect with new concepts more easily.\r\n\r\nThe excitement on their faces when they first saw our new activities was priceless. My students especially love the themed fine-motor centers — sensory-friendly cutting pages, pre-writing cards, and visual art prompts that help them build skills without feeling overwhelmed. One student who normally avoids table work now sits down independently because he loves the new matching sets we printed. Another student uses the communication cards we downloaded to request items during lessons, something she rarely attempted before. These digital materials have opened the door to more participation, more communication, and more confidence.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we're using these new resources to build stronger early literacy routines and to rotate fresh academic centers that keep the learning exciting week after week. Your support didn't just fund digital files — it gave my students access to tools that make learning feel safe, structured, and motivating. Thank you for investing in their growth and helping our classroom thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1762266358545,"projectUrl":"project/custom-learning-for-curious-little-minds/9581987/","projectTitle":"Custom Learning for Curious Little Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. M's Autism Preschool Class","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3134862_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y463&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731518779944","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/issac-imes-pks"},{"teacherId":3134862,"projectId":9582010,"letterContent":"My students have been absolutely energized by the new digital materials made possible through your generous support. While many people use technology at home, they may not realize how powerful it can be in a preschool classroom — especially for students with sensory, communication, or attention needs. Thanks to the Teachers Pay Teachers gift card, I was able to download high-quality, developmentally appropriate resources that print beautifully and are designed specifically to keep young learners engaged. These materials have helped us introduce new academic concepts with visual clarity, build routines with consistent formatting, and provide hands-on learning that feels fun and accessible. Technology allowed us to instantly access a wide range of tools that would have taken months to create from scratch.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students has been the variety. From interactive alphabet games to themed art activities, each new resource feels like a fresh adventure. One of my students, who is typically hesitant to try anything new, now rushes to the table when he sees our laminated matching cards come out — materials made possible directly because of your gift. Another student who struggles to stay regulated during academic work has shown remarkable improvement when using the colorful, structured math visuals we downloaded. These resources have given my students the scaffolds they need to stay focused, engaged, and confident.\r\n\r\nWith these new tools, our next steps involve expanding our thematic units and integrating more structured learning centers that support early literacy, math readiness, and fine-motor development. The materials you helped fund have given us a strong foundation, and now my students are ready to take on more challenging, creative projects with excitement instead of hesitation. Your generosity didn't just fund digital files — it opened the door to richer learning experiences, and my students feel the impact every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1762266357547,"projectUrl":"project/autism-custom-classroom-resources/9582010/","projectTitle":"Autism Custom Classroom Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. M's Autism Preschool Class","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3134862_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y463&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731518779944","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/issac-imes-pks"},{"teacherId":3134862,"projectId":9595583,"letterContent":"When the snacks arrived, my students reacted with pure joy — the kind of excitement only preschoolers can deliver. One of my students, who normally struggles with new routines, clapped his hands and said, \"Snack time!\" before we had even opened the boxes. That moment alone told me we were headed in the right direction.\r\n\r\nWe've been using these snacks as more than just food; they've become a meaningful part of our learning. During circle time, we practice requesting using words, signs, or AAC buttons. During small groups, snacks help students stay regulated long enough to practice early literacy and math skills. One of my favorite moments happened during a communication activity: a student who rarely initiates communication handed me a picture card for \"cracker\" completely on his own — a huge milestone for him. Without the comfort of familiar snacks, that moment would've been much harder for him to reach.\r\n\r\nThese materials have also allowed us to build social skills in a natural, toddler-friendly way. Students practice waiting, taking turns, and even offering snacks to peers — huge wins in a classroom where social interaction can be challenging.\r\n\r\nAs for what's next, we're building on this success by integrating snack-based lessons into our current project on \"Me and My Community.\" Students will be using snacks to sort by color and shape, create simple patterns, and practice sharing during group time. With full bellies and regulated bodies, they're more engaged, more confident, and more willing to take risks in their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1762266368702,"projectUrl":"project/autism-snack-time-learning-time-for-li/9595583/","projectTitle":"Autism Snack Time = Learning Time for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. M's Autism Preschool Class","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3134862_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y463&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731518779944","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/issac-imes-pks"},{"teacherId":3134862,"projectId":9873942,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has experienced a truly meaningful transformation — all because of snacks. It sounds simple, but for my preschoolers, especially those with sensory and communication needs, it has been powerful.\r\n\r\nYour donation has ensured that every child starts their learning day with their basic needs met. Instead of struggling with hunger, frustration, or low energy, they now have access to consistent, calming snacks that help regulate their bodies and set them up for success. I've watched students who normally have difficulty settling into routines suddenly participate with more focus. I've seen little ones who used to shut down during transitions perk up when they know something familiar and comforting is available. And I've watched friendships grow as children learn to share, request, and communicate during snack time.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, food is more than a treat — it's a tool. It supports engagement, builds communication attempts, reinforces social skills, and helps them tolerate new textures and routines. Thanks to you, we've been able to weave all of these skills into our day without worrying about running out of supplies or asking families to shoulder the cost. Your kindness has given my students equity, dignity, and stability.\r\n\r\nYou didn't just donate snacks. You invested in attention spans, in calmer mornings, in regulated bodies, and in confident little learners who now have one less barrier between them and their success. Thank you for believing that small things matter — because in our room, they make a big difference.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for you. Your support has created a lasting impact, and my students feel it every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1762874899626,"projectUrl":"project/autism-snacks-to-fill-hungry-bellies/9873942/","projectTitle":"Autism Snacks to Fill Hungry Bellies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. M's Autism Preschool Class","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3134862_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y463&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731518779944","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/issac-imes-pks"},{"teacherId":211419,"projectId":9264929,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Preschool Palooza! With your generosity, we were able to purchase special decorations and supplies that helped us create a joyful and memorable end-of-year celebrations for our preschoolers.\r\n\r\nOur classroom was transformed into a festive space where children could proudly share their growth and accomplishments with their families. The decorations brought excitement and a true sense of celebration to the event, making the children feel valued for all their hard work this year.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the memory book supplies allowed each child to create a keepsake filled with artwork, photos, and reflections from their preschool journey. These books are now treasured by students and families alike, serving as a reminder of friendships, milestones, and all the learning that took place.\r\n\r\nYour generosity helped us not only celebrate what the children have learned, but also foster their sense of pride, belonging, and joy in education. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to end our year on such a positive and meaningful note.","fullyFundedDate":1746331253462,"projectUrl":"project/preschool-palooza/9264929/","projectTitle":"Preschool Palooza!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wright","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp211419_orig.jpg?crop=1088,1088,x1310,y927&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661394399441","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/211419"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_130719","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":59,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":58,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":55.2,"schoolId":130719,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Desert Garden Preschool on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Desert Garden Preschool","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/glendale-elementary-school-district-40/desert-garden-preschool/130719"}