{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior Academy","outOfStateSupporters":36.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8125062,"projectId":9819850,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our \"Sixth Grade Memories\" project! The instant photo printers have made a huge impact on my students and brought so much excitement into our classroom. Students were thrilled to see their memories printed instantly and added to craft projects and bulletin boards. \r\n\r\nWhat has been most exciting for students is creating something they can truly keep forever. In a world where so many memories stay on screens, these printed photos and memory books gave students a chance to create something tangible and heartfelt. Many students who are usually shy or less confident became especially engaged during this project. They eagerly shared stories, worked carefully on their pages, and took pride in designing memory books that represent who they are and who they hope to become.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping my students create lasting memories they will cherish for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1770437010079,"projectUrl":"project/sixth-grade-memories/9819850/","projectTitle":"Sixth Grade Memories!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Villegas-Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8125062_orig.jpg?crop=412,412,x0,y68&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649218580735","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8125062"},{"teacherId":8125062,"projectId":9819854,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping create a clean, safe, and organized learning environment for my students. We are using the storage bins and bags every day to keep our materials sorted by subject, which has made transitions between activities smoother and more efficient. During a recent group research project, students independently gathered their supplies from labeled bins and quickly began working without confusion. The hand soap and wipes have also become part of our daily routine, especially before and after collaborative activities, helping us maintain a healthy and comfortable classroom space. \r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new materials, they were excited and proud of their refreshed classroom. Many commented on how organized everything looked and how much easier it was to find what they needed. They immediately began helping label bins, arranging supplies, and creating shared responsibility for keeping our space tidy. \r\n\r\nStudents are collecting their best work in labeled bags and folders, preparing to share their growth with families during our open house event. The clean and structured environment is helping them manage their materials independently, stay organized, and take pride in their progress. Your generosity continues to make a meaningful difference in their daily learning experience. Thank you for supporting our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1768425323350,"projectUrl":"project/a-clean-safe-and-organized-classroom-f/9819854/","projectTitle":"A Clean, Safe, and Organized Classroom for Successful Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Villegas-Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8125062_orig.jpg?crop=412,412,x0,y68&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649218580735","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8125062"},{"teacherId":8125062,"projectId":9698765,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity through DonorsChoose, our 6th-grade bilingual classroom is now a brighter and more welcoming place to learn. The colorful cardstock has helped us create bulletin boards that celebrate student work, share learning goals, and highlight the effort my students put into their learning every day. When students first saw the displays, they were excited and proud to see their work on the walls. Many of them pointed out their projects and smiled as they showed them to their classmates.\r\n\r\nThese displays are now part of our daily classroom life. We use them to showcase writing pieces, math strategies, and vocabulary we are learning together. Seeing their work displayed helps my students feel valued and motivates them to keep trying their best. Thank you for helping create a classroom environment where students feel proud of their progress and inspired to keep learning.","fullyFundedDate":1767806574196,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-classrooms-bright-futures/9698765/","projectTitle":"Colorful Classrooms, Bright Futures!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Villegas-Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8125062_orig.jpg?crop=412,412,x0,y68&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1649218580735","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8125062"},{"teacherId":8570368,"projectId":9785754,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference for my students. The desk organizers have helped my students keep their papers and materials in order, which has improved their focus during class activities. The pens have been especially exciting for them. Many of my students prefer writing with pens instead of pencils because they do not have to stop and erase, which sometimes wastes learning time. I have already noticed them feeling more confident and motivated when completing their writing assignments.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were very excited. They loved the peanut composition stickers and immediately wanted to decorate their notebooks. It helped create a sense of ownership over their work. The calculators have also made a big impact during math time. When students use the calculators, they feel more confident and are more willing to try more math problems and participate in the lesson.\r\n\r\nThese resources are helping us continue building strong learning habits in the classroom. We will keep using the organizers to stay organized, the pens for daily writing activities, and the calculators to support our math lessons and practice problem-solving. Your support has helped create a more engaging and organized learning environment, and my students and I are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1770437009936,"projectUrl":"project/from-clutter-to-confidence-tools-for-le/9785754/","projectTitle":"From Clutter to Confidence: Tools for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8570368_orig.jpg?crop=889,889,x70,y364&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756176290283","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8570368"},{"teacherId":8125028,"projectId":9927045,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and our classroom, I want to sincerely thank you for funding our project, Writing Tools to Boost Literacy and Confidence. Your generosity provided essential writing materials that have helped our students express their ideas, practice literacy skills, and gain confidence as writers.\r\n\r\nImpact from Your Support:\r\nEngaged 25+ students in regular writing activities using the tools and materials provided.\r\nImproved writing skills, including grammar, sentence structure, and creative expression.\r\nBuilt confidence, as students proudly share their writing with classmates and teachers.\r\nFostered a love of writing, inspiring students to explore new ideas and communicate effectively.\r\nEncouraged independent learning, giving students the resources to write and revise on their own.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, students who once hesitated to put their ideas on paper are now excited to write, revise, and share their work. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in helping each child grow academically and develop lifelong literacy skills.","fullyFundedDate":1764739032485,"projectUrl":"project/writing-tools-to-boost-literacy-and-conf/9927045/","projectTitle":"Writing Tools to Boost Literacy and Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O Jimenez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8125028_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657600954578","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8125028"},{"teacherId":8125028,"projectId":9927005,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and our classroom, I want to sincerely thank you for funding our project, Reading Books Students Can Read: Growing Skills and Confidence. Your generosity provided books that match our students' reading levels, giving them the opportunity to practice, grow, and gain confidence in their reading skills.\r\n\r\nImpact from Your Support:\r\n\r\nEngaged 25+ students in regular reading practice with books they can read independently.\r\n\r\nImproved reading fluency and comprehension, helping students progress grade-level skills.\r\n\r\nBuilt confidence and a love of reading, as students proudly read books on their own and share stories with classmates.\r\n\r\nEncouraged a lifelong habit of reading, creating a classroom culture where reading is exciting and accessible to everyone.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, students who struggled with reading now feel empowered and excited to explore new books. Your contribution has made a real difference in helping each child grow academically and develop a love for learning that will last a lifetime.","fullyFundedDate":1764635546548,"projectUrl":"project/reading-books-students-can-read-growing/9927005/","projectTitle":"Reading Books Students Can Read: Growing Skills and Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O Jimenez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8125028_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657600954578","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8125028"},{"teacherId":8570368,"projectId":9907040,"letterContent":"I am truly grateful for your generous support of our project, \"Confidence in Every Calculation: Tools to Empower My Students.\" Because of you, my students now have access to meaningful math resources that are already transforming the way they approach learning. Many of my students receive specialized academic support and often struggle with confidence, especially in mathematics. With the new tools, hands-on manipulatives, visual aids, and structured practice materials, we can turn abstract concepts into something concrete and understandable. Instead of simply listening to explanations, students are actively building numbers, modeling equations, and visually breaking apart problems. Recently, during a small-group lesson on multi-digit multiplication, I watched one of my students who typically avoids participating eagerly use base-ten blocks to solve a problem in front of his peers. When he arrived at the correct answer on his own, his face lit up with pride. That moment was powerful. It wasn't just about solving a math problem; it was about building confidence and believing in his ability to succeed.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were filled with excitement and curiosity. They immediately wanted to touch, explore, and try everything. For many of them, math has often felt intimidating or frustrating, so seeing colorful, interactive tools made learning feel more welcoming and less overwhelming. One student said, \"This doesn't feel like regular math, it feels like we're building something!\" That comment stayed with me because it perfectly captures the shift happening in our classroom. The resources have allowed me to differentiate instruction more effectively, especially for students with learning and behavioral challenges. Students who need movement and tactile engagement are now able to stay focused longer because they are actively involved in the lesson. I have also seen improved collaboration. During partner activities, students work together to model word problems, explain their thinking, and check each other's strategies. The materials have not only strengthened academic understanding but also supported social skills, communication, and perseverance. Students are learning that mistakes are part of the process, and they now have tools that help them work through challenges rather than give up.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, our next steps include applying these tools to real-world math projects that connect classroom learning to everyday life. We are currently beginning a \"Classroom Marketplace\" project where students will practice budgeting, making purchases, calculating totals, and determining change. Using the new resources, students will model transactions, solve multi-step word problems, and justify their reasoning. This hands-on project will reinforce number sense while also building practical life skills. Additionally, we will continue integrating the materials into reading and writing activities by having students explain their mathematical thinking in written form, strengthening both literacy and math comprehension. My goal is to help students see themselves as capable mathematicians who can approach problems with confidence and resilience. Your generosity has made that possible. Because of you, my students are not only improving their calculation skills, but they are also developing a stronger sense of self-belief. Thank you for investing in their growth, their confidence, and their future. Your support is making a lasting difference in our classroom every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1764739032219,"projectUrl":"project/confidence-in-every-calculation-tools-t/9907040/","projectTitle":"Confidence in Every Calculation: Tools to Empower My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8570368_orig.jpg?crop=889,889,x70,y364&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756176290283","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8570368"},{"teacherId":8125028,"projectId":9904954,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and our classroom, I want to sincerely thank you for funding our project, Engineering Minds: 3D Puzzle Challenges for Curious Learners. Your generosity provided us with 3D puzzles and hands-on engineering materials that have transformed our learning environment.\r\n\r\nSince receiving these resources, our students have been fully engaged in exploring, building, and solving challenging puzzles. They've been developing critical thinking, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills while also learning to collaborate and share ideas with one another.\r\n\r\nImpact from Your Support:\r\n\r\nEngaged 30+ students in hands-on learning activities that make STEM concepts come alive.\r\n\r\nEnhanced problem-solving and creativity as students experiment, design, and iterate solutions.\r\n\r\nStrengthened teamwork and communication skills through group puzzle challenges.\r\n\r\nIncreased interest in STEM fields, sparking curiosity and confidence in engineering and design.\r\n\r\nProvided equitable access to educational tools that many students would otherwise not have.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a meaningful difference in our classroom. Students who were previously hesitant to tackle STEM challenges are now eager to explore, experiment, and create. This experience has not only strengthened their academic skills but also nurtured confidence and excitement for learning.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in the minds of our future engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers. We are deeply grateful for your generosity!\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you want, I can also draft a shorter, more heartfelt version suitable for sending as a printed card or email, highlighting both gratitude and impact in just a few sentences. This is often more personal and memorable for donors.","fullyFundedDate":1764777250668,"projectUrl":"project/engineering-minds-3d-puzzle-challenges/9904954/","projectTitle":"Engineering Minds: 3D Puzzle Challenges for Curious Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O Jimenez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8125028_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657600954578","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8125028"},{"teacherId":9058742,"projectId":9446882,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of positive reinforcement items. Your support makes a meaningful difference in motivating and encouraging our students. The students were very excited and showed enthusiasm when they saw the boxes I was carrying to my classroom. They were eager to know what was in the boxes and explore the new materials. Joy was in the air when I opened the boxes/bags in front of the students. They smile, cheer, and express happiness at receiving the items. The students immediately start using the materials in projects or activities.","fullyFundedDate":1761967037585,"projectUrl":"project/positive-reinforcement/9446882/","projectTitle":"Positive Reinforcement","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Novoa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9058742_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y352&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765433019963","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9058742"},{"teacherId":8125028,"projectId":9859493,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for generously funding our project, \"Awarded for Being a Role Model of Responsibility.\" Your support has already made a meaningful impact on our classroom community.\r\n\r\nOur special needs students are demonstrating their best behavior each day, motivated by the opportunity to earn meaningful incentives. I have noticed a wonderful change—students are not only excited to participate, but they are also eager to work on their behavior goals and learn new, acceptable behaviors. This project is giving them the tools and encouragement they need to grow, succeed, and feel proud of themselves.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your kindness and belief in our students. Your contribution is helping create a positive, supportive learning environment where every child can shine.","fullyFundedDate":1762267709227,"projectUrl":"project/awarded-for-being-a-role-model-of-respon/9859493/","projectTitle":"Awarded for Being a Role Model of Responsibility","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O Jimenez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8125028_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657600954578","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8125028"},{"teacherId":4526597,"projectId":9085728,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing our classroom with a beautiful mix of art and writing materials! The Crayola sidewalk chalk, handwriting paper, colorful craft frames, and bulk crayons have already added so much creativity and joy to our daily activities. My students have been using the chalk during outdoor learning to practice shapes, letters, and number formation in a fun, movement-based way. The handwriting paper has been essential during writing time, helping my kindergarteners learn proper letter formation while feeling proud of how \"grown-up\" their work looks. The craft frames and foam stickers have been a huge hit during art projects, especially for creating keepsakes for families.\r\n\r\nThe mechanical pencil set, scissors, and glue sticks have helped students build independence during centers and small-group work. These tools support fine-motor development and allow students to create confidently without waiting for supplies to be shared. The bulk crayons—especially the gray, pink, and gold sets—have added exciting new options for drawing, labeling, and illustrating stories. My students were thrilled to see so many colors available, and immediately asked if they could start a \"special picture\" using them.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has brought structure, creativity, and excitement into our classroom. These materials are used daily and help support students in becoming confident writers, artists, and problem-solvers. Thank you for investing in my students and giving them the resources to learn and create with joy.","fullyFundedDate":1738936570182,"projectUrl":"project/mid-year-restock-new-supplies/9085728/","projectTitle":"Mid-Year Restock: New Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4526597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778986051533","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgutierrez123"},{"teacherId":4526597,"projectId":9106482,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping provide snacks and drinks for my kindergarten students. The SkinnyPop, applesauce pouches, fruit snacks, crackers, Pringles, raisins, Ritz packs, and bottled water have made an incredible difference in our daily routine. Many of my students come to school hungry or without a snack, and having these items on hand ensures every child has the fuel they need to learn, focus, and feel comfortable throughout the day. The smiles on their faces when they see a variety of snacks to choose from says it all—one student even whispered, \"Teacher, we get snacks today?\" with so much excitement.\r\n\r\nThese snacks have also supported our classroom during long activity blocks, special celebrations, and days when students need a little extra boost to stay engaged. The Capri Suns and bottled water have been especially helpful during PE days and outdoor activities. Having consistent, reliable access to snacks has created a calmer and more structured environment, helping students stay regulated and ready to participate.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly met a basic need for my students while bringing joy and comfort to their day. Thank you for giving them the energy to learn, play, and grow. Your support makes a meaningful","fullyFundedDate":1740579890423,"projectUrl":"project/snack-stock-up/9106482/","projectTitle":"Snack Stock-Up!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gutierrez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4526597_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778986051533","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgutierrez123"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_74604","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":601,"numTeachers":23,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":98,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"26.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":63.7,"schoolId":74604,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/alisal-union-school-district/dr-martin-luther-king-academy/74604"}
Join the 204 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior Academy is
an urban public school
in Salinas, California that is part of Alisal Union School District.
It serves 601 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 26.1:1.
Its teachers have had 203 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades Pre-K - 6
601 Students
23 Teachers
925 N Sanborn RdContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior Academy Demographics
95%
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
98%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated May 25, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior Academy
$60,191
raised using DonorsChoose
203
projects
funded
27
teachers
funded
204
donors
34
projects
for
basic supplies
19
projects for
technology
40
projects for
books
16
projects
for
art supplies
Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior Academy has received support from
130 individuals from California and
74 individuals out-of-state.