{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"The Academy of Alameda","outOfStateSupporters":23.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8676754,"projectId":10431829,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my \"Stock Our Classroom for Success\" project! Your generosity helped provide our classroom with everyday essentials including copy paper, pencils, glue sticks, erasable pens and refills, facial tissues, and hand sanitizer. These supplies may seem simple, but they are the materials we reach for constantly throughout the school day. Having them readily available has made an incredible difference in our classroom and has allowed my students and me to focus our attention where it belongs: on learning.\r\n\r\nOne of the greatest impacts of this project has been ensuring that students have access to the supplies they need regardless of what they are able to bring from home. In a classroom full of fifth graders, pencils disappear, break, and become dull at an impressive rate! Thanks to the large supply of pencils provided through this project, a student who needs a pencil can simply get one and begin working. There is no need for embarrassment, searching through backpacks, borrowing from classmates, or missing instructional time. That small convenience helps create a classroom where every student can come in and be prepared to participate.\r\n\r\nThe copy paper has been equally valuable. Although technology is an important part of our classroom, my students still benefit tremendously from having opportunities to work on paper. I use paper to create guided notes, practice activities, graphic organizers, exit tickets, assessments, reference materials, and other resources that support our learning. In math especially, students need space to show their thinking, draw models, organize calculations, and work through problems step by step. Having a reliable supply of paper means I can choose the instructional format that works best for my students rather than limiting an activity because we do not have enough materials.\r\n\r\nThe glue sticks have also opened the door for more interactive and hands-on learning. Students can create projects, assemble materials, work with interactive resources, and demonstrate their understanding in ways that go beyond completing a worksheet or typing on a computer. These supplies allow me to incorporate creativity into lessons while giving students different ways to engage with and demonstrate their learning.\r\n\r\nThe erasable pens and refills have been especially helpful to me as a teacher. They allow me to provide feedback, make notes, organize materials, plan lessons, and quickly make changes as needed. Teaching requires constant adjusting, and having reliable writing tools available helps me stay organized and responsive to my students. The fact that the pens are erasable is an added bonus—I can make changes without having to start over, which saves both time and materials.\r\n\r\nThe tissues and hand sanitizer have had another important impact on our classroom environment. With so many students sharing the same space, keeping basic hygiene supplies stocked is essential. Students can take care of a runny nose or clean their hands without having to leave the classroom or interrupt instruction. These materials help us maintain a classroom environment that feels clean, comfortable, and prepared for the realities of spending each day together.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this project has reduced the number of small interruptions that can add up throughout a school day. A student needing a pencil, a class running out of paper, or a table needing glue may sound insignificant individually, but each interruption takes time and attention away from learning. Now, the supplies are there when we need them. Students can grab what they need, solve the problem quickly, and get back to work.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, I am also able to spend less of my own time and money worrying about replenishing basic classroom necessities. Instead, I can put that energy toward planning meaningful lessons, supporting students who need additional help, creating engaging activities, and building a classroom community where students feel prepared and cared for.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful to The DonorsChoose Community for investing in my students and our classroom. You did not simply give us pencils, paper, glue, pens, tissues, and sanitizer—you provided the tools that make hundreds of small moments of learning possible. Every completed assignment, creative project, handwritten explanation, and classroom activity made possible by these supplies is part of the impact of your generosity.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us stock our classroom for success and for showing my students that there is a community beyond our classroom walls that believes in their education. Your kindness will continue to make a difference throughout our school year, one pencil, one page, and one learning opportunity at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1789493170224,"projectUrl":"project/stock-our-classroom-for-success/10431829/","projectTitle":"Stock Our Classroom for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Caballero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8676754_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662171886624","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-caballero-bayarea"},{"teacherId":8676754,"projectId":10433714,"letterContent":"The impact of this project has been immediate and meaningful for my students. \"Full Bellies, Focused Minds\" was created around a simple idea: students should not have to choose between thinking about their next meal and focusing on their learning. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, I am now able to keep a variety of individually packaged snacks available in our classroom, including Goldfish, Pirate's Booty, Rice Krispies Treats, crackers, cookies, and other options. These may seem like small items, but in the middle of a long school day, they can make an enormous difference.\r\n\r\nMy fifth graders come to school with different needs and circumstances. Some arrive without having eaten breakfast, some have lunches that do not quite sustain them through the afternoon, and others simply need an extra boost of energy during a demanding day of learning. Before this project, when a student told me they were hungry, there was not always something I could offer. Hunger could quickly become a distraction. It is difficult for anyone—especially a ten- or eleven-year-old—to concentrate on fractions, problem solving, reading, writing, or collaborative work when their stomach is growling.\r\n\r\nNow, instead of hunger becoming a barrier, students know that our classroom is a place where their basic needs are recognized and cared for. Having snacks readily available allows students to get what they need and return their attention to learning. I have seen how something as simple as a quick snack can help a student reset, regain energy, and participate more fully in class. It means fewer moments spent worrying about being hungry and more moments spent engaging with classmates, completing assignments, asking questions, and persevering through challenging work.\r\n\r\nThe project has also contributed to the sense of community I want to create in my classroom. I want my students to know that school is not only a place where we expect them to perform academically; it is a place where they are valued as whole people. Providing food when a student needs it communicates, in a very tangible way, \"You belong here, your needs matter, and we want you to be successful.\" Students do not need to feel embarrassed or singled out because they are hungry. Snacks are simply part of the resources available to help our classroom community thrive.\r\n\r\nThis support is particularly valuable during our longer stretches of instruction. Fifth grade requires students to sustain attention, collaborate, problem-solve, and manage increasingly complex academic expectations. When students have the energy they need, they are better positioned to participate in all of those experiences. Whether they are working independently on their Chromebooks, collaborating with classmates, tackling a hands-on activity, or simply trying to make it through a challenging lesson, having access to a snack can help them stay present and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe impact extends beyond academics as well. Providing snacks has created opportunities to teach responsibility, consideration, and community care. Students learn that classroom resources belong to everyone and should be used thoughtfully. They see firsthand what it looks like when people in a community notice a need and come together to meet it. That lesson in generosity and care is just as valuable as many of the lessons I teach from a curriculum.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this project has given me one more way to remove an unnecessary obstacle from my students' school day. I cannot control everything that happens before students walk through my classroom door, but I can help create an environment where they feel safe, supported, and prepared to learn once they arrive.\r\n\r\nTo everyone who helped bring \"Full Bellies, Focused Minds\" to life: thank you. Your donation did much more than purchase snacks. You helped provide comfort, energy, dignity, and a sense of belonging. You helped students spend less time thinking about hunger and more time being curious, creative, collaborative learners. Every snack handed to a hungry student is a small reminder that someone believes their education—and their well-being—is worth investing in.","fullyFundedDate":1787679451119,"projectUrl":"project/full-bellies-focused-minds/10433714/","projectTitle":"Full Bellies, Focused Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Caballero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8676754_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662171886624","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-caballero-bayarea"},{"teacherId":8676754,"projectId":10431816,"letterContent":"Receiving these materials has had a meaningful impact on both my students and the overall learning environment in our classroom. Everyday supplies such as paper, pencils, dry erase markers, erasers, tissues, and hand sanitizer may seem simple, but they are the materials that keep our classroom functioning each day. Thanks to this project, my students have been able to spend more time learning and participating and less time worrying about whether they have the supplies they need.\r\n\r\nThe copy paper has been incredibly valuable because we use printed materials throughout the school day. From math practice and guided notes to exit tickets, assessments, graphic organizers, and additional practice activities, paper is essential to so many of our lessons. Having a large supply available has allowed me to create and provide materials based on what my students need rather than limiting activities because of supply shortages. When students need extra practice or another copy of an assignment, I can provide it immediately. This has been particularly helpful when differentiating instruction and providing additional support to students who may need more opportunities to practice a skill before they feel confident.\r\n\r\nThe pencils have also helped eliminate a common classroom interruption. Students occasionally come to class without a pencil, lose one, or discover that theirs is broken. Having hundreds of pre-sharpened pencils readily available means that a student can simply grab a pencil and begin working. Something as small as having a pencil available helps protect valuable instructional time and ensures that students never feel embarrassed or unable to participate because they are missing a basic school supply.\r\n\r\nThe dry erase markers and individual erasers have had an especially positive impact on our math instruction. We regularly use whiteboards to solve problems, practice strategies, and demonstrate our thinking. Having enough markers and erasers allows every student to participate at the same time. Instead of calling on only one or two students to answer a question, I can ask the entire class to solve a problem and hold up their boards. This gives every student an opportunity to participate while also giving me immediate feedback about their understanding.\r\n\r\nThese whiteboard activities have allowed me to quickly identify misconceptions and adjust my teaching in the moment. If several students make the same mistake, I know that we need to revisit the concept together. If only a few students are struggling, I can provide more targeted support. Whiteboards also create a low-pressure environment for practicing new skills. Students can try a strategy, erase a mistake, and try again without feeling as though their work has to be perfect the first time. This reinforces the idea that mistakes are a valuable and expected part of learning.\r\n\r\nThe tissues and hand sanitizer have supported our classroom in a different but equally important way. With many students learning together in one space, maintaining a clean and comfortable classroom is important. Having a reliable supply of tissues means students can take care of their needs quickly without leaving the classroom to search for supplies. The hand sanitizer is conveniently available throughout the day, particularly before eating and after activities involving shared materials. These supplies help us maintain classroom routines while keeping our learning space cleaner and more comfortable.\r\n\r\nTogether, all of these materials have helped our classroom run more smoothly. When supplies are readily available and students know exactly where to find what they need, transitions are faster, interruptions are reduced, and we are able to maximize our learning time. Instead of stopping a lesson because someone needs a pencil, a marker has dried out, or we have run out of paper, we can simply continue learning.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these donations have helped create a classroom where students know that they will have access to the materials they need regardless of what they are able to bring from home. Every student deserves to walk into the classroom feeling prepared and included. Providing these supplies removes small barriers that can otherwise prevent students from fully participating in their education.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful to **The DonorsChoose Community** for making this project possible. Your generosity has provided far more than boxes of supplies. You have helped us protect instructional time, increase student participation, maintain a welcoming learning environment, and give students the freedom to focus on learning rather than materials. Each pencil used, math problem solved on a whiteboard, assignment printed, and lesson completed is a reminder of the support our classroom has received. Thank you for investing in my students and giving us the everyday essentials that help build their success.","fullyFundedDate":1786140676396,"projectUrl":"project/the-basics-that-build-success/10431816/","projectTitle":"The Basics That Build Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Caballero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8676754_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662171886624","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-caballero-bayarea"},{"teacherId":8676754,"projectId":9855996,"letterContent":"Receiving these classroom essentials has made a meaningful impact on my students and our learning environment. While items such as paper, pencils, pens, dry erase markers, cleaning cloths, and disinfecting spray may seem like simple supplies, they are materials we rely on every single day. Having them readily available allows our classroom to run more smoothly and ensures that students can focus their attention on learning instead of worrying about whether they have the materials they need.\r\n\r\nThe copy paper has been especially helpful because so much of our daily learning requires printed materials. We use paper for guided notes, math practice, assessments, exit tickets, graphic organizers, independent work, and additional practice activities. Having a large supply available gives me the flexibility to provide students with resources that meet their individual learning needs. If a student needs another copy, additional practice, or a modified resource, I can provide it without worrying about quickly exhausting our classroom supply.\r\n\r\nThe pencils have also had a significant impact. With 300 pre-sharpened pencils available, students can quickly get what they need and begin working. A missing or broken pencil may seem like a small issue, but it can easily interrupt instruction and take valuable learning time away from a student. Keeping our classroom stocked means that no student has to feel unprepared or embarrassed because they do not have a pencil. Instead, they can grab one and immediately get back to learning.\r\n\r\nOur dry erase markers are another resource that students use frequently, particularly during math instruction. Whiteboards allow every student to solve problems, practice strategies, show their thinking, and respond to questions at the same time. This gives me an immediate picture of student understanding and helps me identify who may need additional support. Whiteboards also encourage students to take academic risks because they know that mistakes can simply be erased and corrected. Having plenty of markers available ensures that everyone can participate.\r\n\r\nThe erasable FriXion pens have been extremely useful as well. They provide the convenience of a pen while still allowing mistakes to be corrected. Whether they are being used for providing feedback, modeling work, organizing materials, or completing classroom tasks, these pens help make our daily routines more efficient. The ability to erase and revise also reinforces an important message for students: mistakes are a normal part of learning, and our first attempt does not have to be our final one.\r\n\r\nThe microfiber cleaning cloths and disinfecting spray have helped us maintain a cleaner and more welcoming classroom environment. With many students sharing desks, tables, whiteboards, supplies, and other classroom surfaces throughout the day, keeping our space clean is an ongoing responsibility. The reusable cloths allow us to clean efficiently while reducing our reliance on disposable paper products. Having cleaning supplies readily available makes it easier to maintain our classroom and provide students with a space that feels organized, cared for, and ready for learning each day.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, receiving these supplies has allowed me to focus more of my time and energy on my students. When everyday essentials are already available, we experience fewer interruptions and can transition between activities more efficiently. Students know where to find the materials they need, and I can plan lessons knowing that we have the resources necessary to carry them out.\r\n\r\nThese donations have done much more than simply restock our shelves. They have helped create a classroom where students can come in each day knowing that they will have access to the tools they need to participate and succeed. They also send an important message to my students that their education is valued and that people in their community are willing to invest in their success.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful to the donors who made this project possible. Your generosity has supported countless everyday moments of learning—from solving a math problem on a whiteboard to picking up a freshly sharpened pencil and getting right to work. Thank you for helping us maintain a classroom that is prepared, organized, welcoming, and equipped for learning. Your support continues to make a difference for my students every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1764732100090,"projectUrl":"project/everyday-essentials/9855996/","projectTitle":"Everyday Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Caballero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8676754_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662171886624","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-caballero-bayarea"},{"teacherId":8676754,"projectId":9942428,"letterContent":"Receiving these items has made a meaningful difference in our classroom and in my students' everyday learning experiences. Having a classroom stocked with basic supplies may seem simple, but these resources help remove small barriers that can quickly become distractions during the school day. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, my students have access to the materials they need to feel prepared, supported, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe copy paper has been especially valuable because we use paper every day for math practice, guided notes, assessments, graphic organizers, activities, and other learning materials. Having an ample supply means I can provide students with the resources they need without having to limit activities because we are running low. It also gives me the flexibility to create additional practice or differentiated materials when students need extra support or an additional challenge.\r\n\r\nThe classroom set of headphones has also had a tremendous impact. Technology is an important part of our learning, and students frequently use digital programs, videos, and other online resources to practice skills independently. Before having enough headphones available, students without their own pair could struggle to fully participate or would have to listen to their devices at a very low volume. Now, students can concentrate on their own assignments without being distracted by the sound coming from other students' devices. The headphones help create a calmer environment and make technology-based learning more accessible to everyone.\r\n\r\nThe dry erase markers have given my students another way to actively participate in lessons. We frequently use whiteboards to solve math problems, show our thinking, practice new skills, and quickly check for understanding. Students are often more willing to take risks when working on a whiteboard because mistakes can simply be erased and tried again. Having plenty of markers available allows every student to participate rather than worrying about dried-out or missing supplies.\r\n\r\nThe pencils have been another essential addition to our classroom. Something as small as not having a pencil can interrupt a student's learning before it even begins. With a classroom supply readily available, students can simply grab what they need and get started. No student has to feel embarrassed or left out because they arrived without the necessary supplies. Instead, we can focus our attention on learning.\r\n\r\nThe snacks have made an equally important difference. Students cannot always concentrate when they are hungry, and a long school day requires a lot of energy. Having snacks such as SkinnyPop and individually packaged crackers and cookies available gives me the opportunity to offer students something to eat when they need an extra boost. A quick snack can help a student reset, refocus, and return to learning. More importantly, having these items available helps create a classroom environment where students know their basic needs matter and that they are cared for.\r\n\r\nTogether, these donations have helped create a classroom that is better prepared to meet the different needs of my students. Paper, pencils, headphones, markers, and snacks each serve a different purpose, but they all contribute to the same goal: making sure students have what they need to be successful.\r\n\r\nI am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped bring this project to life. Your generosity has allowed me to spend less time worrying about whether we have enough supplies and more time focusing on teaching, supporting, and encouraging my students. Most importantly, your donations show my students that there are people beyond our classroom who believe in their education and want to see them succeed. Thank you for investing in my students and helping us create a classroom where they can feel prepared, supported, and excited to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1767239716759,"projectUrl":"project/tools-and-treats-to-help-our-students-th/9942428/","projectTitle":"Tools and Treats to Help Our Students Thrive","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Caballero","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8676754_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662171886624","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-caballero-bayarea"},{"teacherId":9335537,"projectId":10150444,"letterContent":"Your generosity made an extraordinary impact on our entire elementary school—almost 360 students from TK through 5th grade. Thanks to you, every child experienced a hands‑on cooking class that blended Spanish language learning, Hispanic culture, creativity, and pure joy.\r\n\r\nThe moment students saw the ingredients and cooking materials, they were thrilled. Many already knew the recipes we were about to make, so their excitement grew even more. Our 3rd–5th graders prepared chicken and bean burritos with rice, along with Pico de Gallo and fresh guacamole. TK–2nd graders made quesadillas with chicken and beans, and some proudly added rice because they wanted to \"make it their own.\" They used their imagination to create the flavors they wanted, experimenting, tasting, and celebrating every step.\r\n\r\nOne of the highlights was sharing a traditional Nicaraguan drink, fresco de cacao con leche. Students loved it so much that many asked for seconds. For many children, this was their first time ever trying these foods—and they were eager, brave, and delighted.\r\n\r\nThe utensils, plates, and cooking materials you provided were essential. They allowed us to organize the event safely, smoothly, and joyfully for every class. Without these resources, it would have been impossible to offer this experience to all students.\r\n\r\nThe impact reached far beyond the classroom. Students went home excited to tell their families what they learned. Many shared that they wanted to make their own burritos or quesadillas at home and use their creativity again. Families expressed how meaningful it was to see their children trying new foods, learning about Hispanic culture, and feeling proud of their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nThis project didn't just teach cooking—it built confidence, independence, cultural appreciation, and community connection. You helped create a moment of joy and discovery that students will remember for a long time.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this hands‑on, culturally rich experience possible for our school. Your generosity brought our students closer to Hispanic culture and opened their hearts to new flavors, traditions, and learning.","fullyFundedDate":1774709605426,"projectUrl":"project/little-chefs-big-cultures-cooking-our/10150444/","projectTitle":"“Little Chefs, Big Cultures: Cooking Our Way Through Spanish‑Speaking Countries”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9335537_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698116193814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9335537"},{"teacherId":9787838,"projectId":9799041,"letterContent":"Our classroom is very grateful to have had access to an in-class color printer this year. We made a class zine, app prototypes, and collaborative art. I was also able to use the printer to print out instructions in color for students to follow along with the activity from their desk with a set of written instructions, which provided access to the course materials for students of all levels. Next year, we hope to create even more! \r\n\r\nStudents were really excited to print color photos for their pinball machines and board games, as well as pictures of art for display.","fullyFundedDate":1760665585630,"projectUrl":"project/technology-1-2-and-3-at-aoa/9799041/","projectTitle":"Technology 1, 2, and 3 at AoA","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kristen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9787838"},{"teacherId":9335537,"projectId":9969593,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our entire elementary school experienced a truly magical day on April 9th—our Enchanted Forest Fun Activity. I am deeply appreciative of your support, because without it, this unforgettable experience simply would not have been possible.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment students walked in, their excitement was overflowing. They explored every corner of the enchanted space—glow‑in‑the‑dark temporary tattoos, whimsical photo backgrounds, balloon play, and of course the fan‑favorite ball pit that students never wanted to leave. Every single second, they were fully engaged, laughing, running, posing for pictures, and soaking in the magic. Many of them told me the day felt \"too short,\" which is the best compliment a teacher can receive.\r\n\r\nOur families also played a beautiful role in bringing this day to life. Parent volunteers jumped in as temporary tattoo artists, balloon blowers, photographers, and joyful companions to our little magical creatures. Watching them enjoy the day alongside their children—seeing the smiles, hearing the gratitude, and feeling the pride—was incredibly rewarding for all of us. Their presence strengthened the sense of community that makes our school so special.\r\n\r\nThis project did more than create a fun event. It helped build stronger relationships between students, teachers, and families. It reminded our students that their hard work is seen and celebrated. And it gave them a powerful boost of motivation as we enter the final months of the school year.\r\n\r\nYour support made all of this possible. You helped create a space where joy, imagination, and community could flourish. Thank you for believing in our students and for helping us bring a little magic into their world.","fullyFundedDate":1768583644806,"projectUrl":"project/dreamers-of-the-forest-empowering-stude/9969593/","projectTitle":"Dreamers of the Forest: Empowering Students Through Imagination","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9335537_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698116193814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9335537"},{"teacherId":8489343,"projectId":9941309,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing our transitional kindergarten classroom with dry-erase markers, dry-erase boards, chair seat pockets, and pencil pouches. Your kindness has helped us create a more engaging, organized, and play-based learning environment for our youngest learners.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, learning happens through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. The dry-erase boards and markers have quickly become a favorite tool during our learning centers. Students use them to draw shapes, practice writing letters in sand-inspired activities, and \"play school\" by pretending to be the teacher. One special moment was during our morning exploration time when a group of students used the boards to create their own \"classroom,\" taking turns writing letters and showing their friends how to form them. It was a beautiful example of imagination and early learning coming together.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was contagious! Students immediately wanted to organize their new chair seat pockets and pencil pouches, proudly placing their supplies inside. There were big smiles, curious questions, and lots of eager hands ready to try everything. For many of them, having their own special space and tools made them feel more independent and confident.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we are continuing to build language, fine motor, and social skills through play-based centers. Students are beginning a unit on storytelling and imaginative play, where they will use the dry erase boards to draw and \"write\" their own stories, act them out, and share with their classmates. The easy access to materials helps them stay engaged and take ownership of their learning while developing important early childhood skills.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly made a difference in helping our students learn through play, creativity, and exploration. Thank you for being such an important part of our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1765998691509,"projectUrl":"project/create-a-clutter-free-workspace-for-tiny/9941309/","projectTitle":"Create a Clutter-Free Workspace for Tiny Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rebecca","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8489343_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754116879272","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8489343"},{"teacherId":9335537,"projectId":9859462,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generosity in supporting our Donors Choose project, \"A Blizzard of Joy for Every Grade.\" Thanks to you, our students experienced a day filled with wonder, excitement, and pure joy—one they will remember for a very long time.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment they arrived that morning, we could feel the anticipation in the air. We had full attendance because not a single student wanted to miss the activity they had been looking forward to all week. They walked in with curious faces and enthusiastic hearts, ready to embrace every moment of the Winter Wonderland you helped create.\r\n\r\nThroughout the day, the laughter, smiles, and energy were contagious. Students enjoyed every second—they played, explored, created, and celebrated together. But what touched us the most was their gratitude. Every time they passed by me or the other teacher in charge, they repeated the same phrase with the biggest smiles:\r\n\"Thank you so much for doing this for us. You make us feel so special.\"\r\n\r\nWe were also fortunate to have several family volunteers join us for the event. They helped us throughout the day and shared in the joy of watching students' happy faces and heartfelt gratitude. For them, seeing the children so excited and appreciative was incredibly rewarding. Their presence added warmth, support, and community spirit to an already magical day.\r\n\r\nIn the days that followed, students continued talking about the experience, already dreaming about next year's Winter Wonderland magic. Their joy was genuine, and their appreciation was heartfelt.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for everyone who, in one way or another, helped make this activity possible—whether through donations, volunteering, or simply supporting our school community. Your kindness created memories, strengthened connections, and made every child feel valued and special.","fullyFundedDate":1761621180397,"projectUrl":"project/a-blizzard-of-joy-for-every-grade/9859462/","projectTitle":"“A Blizzard of Joy for Every Grade”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9335537_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698116193814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9335537"},{"teacherId":8489343,"projectId":9527545,"letterContent":"My students are loving all the different center activities we have received! They love matching upper-case letters to lower-case letters. They also really enjoy sorting the dinosaurs by color. They have been practicing lacing to grow their fine motor skills. \r\n\r\nThe social-emotional learning tools have really helped my students utilize the quiet corner. They can choose from many different tools, such as a pop-it, emotions sensory tubes, or the emotions chart, to help identify their emotions. \r\n\r\nMy students loved seeing all the boxes come one by one to our class! Their eyes filled with joy each time I got to open a package with them and explain how we would be using it in class. \r\n\r\nIn the upcoming unit, we are learning about plants. I am very excited to use the flower garden building kit in our sensory bin. This will be especially helpful since we will not be able to grow a plant until the spring. The garden building kit will give them a hands-on way to use what they are learning in the unit through play.","fullyFundedDate":1758900702846,"projectUrl":"project/play-based-learning-centers-for-the-litt/9527545/","projectTitle":"Play Based Learning Centers for the Littlest Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rebecca","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8489343_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754116879272","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8489343"},{"teacherId":9335537,"projectId":9928638,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our recent project created an impact far beyond what words can fully capture. What happened in our school community because of your support was nothing short of transformative — for our students, their families, and even our staff.\r\n\r\nOur dancers shined brighter than the stage lights. They stepped onto that floor with talent, leadership, and companionship that exceeded their years. They didn't just perform; they poured their hearts and souls into every step, every turn, every smile. Their confidence radiated through the room, and the pride they carried was unmistakable.\r\n\r\nThe outfits you helped fund played a huge role in this transformation. When students put them on, something changed — they stood taller, moved with elegance, and delivered each dance with energy that electrified the audience. Their costumes allowed them to embody the beauty of our culture and express joy, pride, and identity in a way that words alone could never achieve.\r\n\r\nBut the impact didn't stop with the performers.\r\n\r\nBehind the scenes, our backstage helpers, sales crew, and emcees showed maturity, responsibility, and professionalism that amazed everyone. They worked with pride, supported one another, and demonstrated leadership that made the entire event run smoothly. They were the heartbeat of the show.\r\n\r\nWhat touched us even more deeply was the way our community came together. Families, staff, and volunteers stepped forward with open hearts — helping with hair and makeup, preparing food, managing sales, dressing dancers, and cheering loudly from the audience. Their encouragement fueled our performers and reminded them that they are surrounded by people who believe in them.\r\n\r\nThis project didn't just provide outfits. It created memories, strengthened community bonds, and gave our students the opportunity to discover what they are capable of when they are supported, celebrated, and seen.\r\n\r\nAs their teacher, I witnessed tremendous growth — not just in skill, but in confidence, pride, and teamwork. Your generosity helped my students fulfill their adventurous and unique desire to learn, to express themselves, and to share their talent on stage with joy.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in them. Thank you for investing in their dreams. And thank you for helping us create an unforgettable experience that will stay in their hearts for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1764615178008,"projectUrl":"project/folklrico-dance-art-of-empowering-and/9928638/","projectTitle":"Folklórico Dance, Art of Empowering, and Building Resilient Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9335537_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698116193814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9335537"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_3730","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":677,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":41,"percentAsian":23,"percentBlack":20,"percentWhite":14,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":23,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":15,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.0,"schoolId":3730,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about The Academy of Alameda on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"The Academy of Alameda","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/alameda-unified-school-district/chipman-middle-school/3730"}