{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Desert Garden Preschool","outOfStateSupporters":45.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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 Instead of relying on outdated worksheets or spending hours designing resources from scratch, I now have beautifully formatted tools that help my students connect with new concepts more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"},{"teacherId":3134862,"projectId":9077664,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for lighting up our classroom with your kindness and generosity! Your support means the world to us — now our students will be able to explore, imagine, and bloom in ways we only dreamed of before. Your belief in our project reminds us that when communities come together, magic happens.\r\n\r\nYour gift isn't just a donation; it's a spark of hope and joy that we carry with us every day. We'll light up every lesson with curiosity, creativity, and gratitude — all because of you. From our hearts to yours, thank you for being the shining light in our learning adventure.","fullyFundedDate":1738339401913,"projectUrl":"project/light-it-up/9077664/","projectTitle":"Light It Up","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":8937846,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom project! Because of your support, our preschoolers are now enjoying a vibrant dramatic play area filled with a pretend grocery store, baby doll accessories, and veterinarian tools.\r\n\r\nThese new items have completely transformed how our students learn through play. They take turns shopping and ringing up items at the grocery store, caring for babies with bottles and blankets, and helping stuffed animals feel better with their vet kits. Each activity encourages language development, social skills, empathy, and imaginative thinking- all essential for their early development.\r\n\r\nIt's heartwarming to see the children so engaged and proud of the roles they play. They are learning cooperation, problem-solving, and compassion in ways that stick with them beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support made this possible, and we are incredibly grateful. Thank you for investing in our students' growth and joy!","fullyFundedDate":1733265789765,"projectUrl":"project/its-more-than-just-play/8937846/","projectTitle":"It's More Than Just Play!","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":8998439,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing our classroom with Montessori busy boards with lights and switches. These interactive tools have been a wonderful addition, creating countless moments of joy and discovery for our autistic preschoolers. These boards allow our students to explore through touch, sight, and movement, helping them build fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and sensory regulation in a fun and engaging way.\r\n\r\nThe moment we introduced the busy boards to the classroom, the students were captivated. Their eyes lit up as they explored the switches, toggled the lights, and manipulated the various interactive elements. One particularly heartwarming moment was when a student who typically avoids group activities became deeply engrossed in exploring the board and even invited a peer to join him—a huge step toward social engagement. Another student, who struggles with sensory regulation, now uses the busy board during calm-down time to self-soothe and refocus.\r\n\r\nThese materials have become an integral part of our daily activities, and we plan to incorporate them into lessons on cause-and-effect, turn-taking, and cooperative play. The next steps for our students involve expanding their use of the boards to include collaborative problem-solving challenges and further developing their independence through self-directed exploration. Your kindness has not only provided new resources but has also created opportunities for meaningful growth and connection in our classroom.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students. Your support has brought so much light—literally and figuratively—into our learning environment!","fullyFundedDate":1736537200129,"projectUrl":"project/busy-busy-bees/8998439/","projectTitle":"Busy Busy Bees","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":8998156,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kind support in providing our classroom with new board books for our autistic preschoolers. These books have brought so much joy, engagement, and learning to our students, and I am thrilled to share how they have been making an impact.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is an interactive and sensory-rich experience. These board books are perfect for our students, as their sturdy pages and vibrant illustrations are designed for small hands and curious minds. We use the books to introduce foundational literacy skills like identifying colors, shapes, and animals, as well as to support language development through repetition and storytelling. During story time, we encourage students to explore the books at their own pace—flipping pages, pointing to pictures, or simply holding them. These moments of engagement help foster a love for books and a sense of accomplishment.\r\n\r\nOne particularly special moment was when a student who typically struggles with focus sat through an entire story, captivated by the colorful pictures and engaging textures. Another student, who is nonverbal, began pointing to animals in the books and making sounds, a huge step in communication for him. Seeing their excitement and progress has been so rewarding, and it's all thanks to your generosity.\r\n\r\nThese books are opening up a world of discovery for our students, and the lessons they are learning go far beyond literacy—they are developing confidence, communication, and a sense of connection. Your support has made our classroom a brighter and more inspiring place, and for that, we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1734043256774,"projectUrl":"project/for-the-love-of-reading/8998156/","projectTitle":"For the Love of Reading","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":8940524,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible support of our project to provide snack supplies for our autistic preschoolers. Your contribution has made a meaningful impact on our classroom and brought joy to our students in ways that words can hardly capture. \r\n\r\nWith the new snack supplies, our daily snack time has transformed into a moment of comfort, learning, and connection. We use this time not only to meet our students' nutritional needs but also to work on essential life skills, such as making choices, practicing self-help routines, and engaging in social interactions with peers. One heartwarming moment that stood out was when a student, who usually struggles with transitions, confidently asked for his favorite snack for the first time. His beaming smile was a testament to how something as simple as a favorite treat can empower our students to communicate and connect.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the variety of snacks, their excitement was palpable. For many of them, food is a source of sensory comfort, and seeing items they enjoy sparked joy and curiosity. One student even exclaimed, \"Yummy!\" while signing \"more,\" a breakthrough in communication for him. \r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we plan to incorporate these snack times into broader lessons on sharing, turn-taking, and understanding preferences. These are small yet significant steps toward building confidence and independence in our young learners. Your generosity has created an environment where every moment, even snack time, becomes an opportunity for growth and discovery. \r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us create a nurturing space for our students. Your support has made a world of difference.","fullyFundedDate":1734552643263,"projectUrl":"project/success-full-tummies/8940524/","projectTitle":"Success Full Tummies","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"}],"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":54.8,"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"}