{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sundance Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":20.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4482868,"projectId":10212263,"letterContent":"Words cannot thank you enough for the joy and excitement my students have had using our light table and light manipulatives. They love playing and learning with their buddies at the light table using upper and lower case letters and the shapes. They would stay on the light table all day if I let them! I had three students who just could not understand or \"see\" what a triangle was and how it had three sides. I had the small group come work with me at the light table and one of them says, \" I get it now! It has three pieces like a piece of pizza!\" When my kids get that spark, it makes me so excited and proud.\r\n\r\nWhen we had everything set up, they were all so eager to join in and work together with the light table and manipulatives. We took rapid fire turns using the first couple of weeks. When we do centers, it is always the first place to fill up. My students have even told other kids in other classrooms about it and they want to come visit to try it out. Needless to say, they love the light table and all of the manipulatives we were able to get.\r\n\r\nFor the rest of the school year, we will continue to use the light table for small learning groups for extra teaching and/or practice, for introducing new concepts, and for \"play\" centers. I am looking forward to using the light table and manipulatives to help drive my instruction along with the use of our curriculum, to help my students enjoy learning and to get them ready for kindergarten!","fullyFundedDate":1778275929935,"projectUrl":"project/discovering-through-light-and-nature/10212263/","projectTitle":"Discovering Through Light and Nature","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Clifford","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4482868_orig.jpg?crop=448,448,x84,y105&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565388478649","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4482868"},{"teacherId":10060661,"projectId":10293389,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing my TK students with these amazing new light table materials! The light table has quickly become an exciting place for students to explore, create, and learn during our center time. They love using the crystal building blocks, translucent pattern blocks, linking cubes, letters and numbers, and math trays. Seeing the materials glow on the light table immediately captures their attention and makes them excited to participate and learn.\r\n\r\nThese resources have given my students so many opportunities to practice important skills through play. They use the transparent letters to recognize letters and sounds and begin building words, while the numbers, linking cubes, pattern blocks, and math trays allow us to practice counting, sorting, patterns, shapes, and early math concepts. The crystal blocks have also encouraged some incredible creativity and STEM learning as students plan, build, experiment, and figure out how to make their ideas work.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, I have loved watching the conversations and teamwork that happen around the light table. Students share materials, take turns, explain what they are creating, help one another, and solve problems together. These are such important skills for young children who are still learning how to be part of a classroom community. Thank you for giving my students a beautiful, engaging space where they can learn through play and discovery. These materials will be loved and used by my TK students for many years to come!","fullyFundedDate":1781235948713,"projectUrl":"project/lighting-up-learning-in-tk/10293389/","projectTitle":"Lighting up Learning in TK","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10060661_orig.jpg?crop=346,346,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778784202670","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10060661"},{"teacherId":10060661,"projectId":10290876,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my Transitional Kindergarten classroom! My students were incredibly excited when they saw all of the new materials, and they quickly became some of the most popular choices during our play-based learning centers. The Magna-Tiles and road pieces have inspired so much creativity as students work together to build houses, roads, towers, and entire communities. The kinetic sand, play-dough tools, dinosaur building sets, and other hands-on materials have also given my students fun and meaningful ways to strengthen their fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity.\r\n\r\nWhat I love most is seeing how much learning happens naturally while my students are playing. They are practicing sharing materials, taking turns, communicating their ideas, solving disagreements, working together, and building confidence and independence. These social-emotional skills are especially important in TK, where many children are experiencing a school environment for the first time. With an AM/PM program and so many young learners using our classroom each day, these resources are being loved and used constantly! \r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped me create the kind of hands-on, play-based TK classroom I envisioned for my students. As we continue using these materials, I plan to incorporate them into even more literacy, math, STEM, sensory, and social-emotional learning experiences. Thank you for investing in my tiny learners and giving them opportunities to explore, create, play, and learn every day. We are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1779292204720,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-for-tiny-learners/10290876/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning for Tiny Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10060661_orig.jpg?crop=346,346,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778784202670","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10060661"},{"teacherId":10043988,"projectId":10218755,"letterContent":"My students are using the new Toniebox during quiet time, transitions, and independent activities. It gives them an opportunity to listen to stories, songs, and other age appropriate audio while keeping our classroom routines calm and engaging. The filing cabinet is helping me keep student work, projects, and important classroom materials organized and easy to access throughout the year.\r\n\r\nMy students were so excited when they first saw the Toniebox! They were immediately curious about how it worked and loved choosing what they wanted to listen to. It has quickly become a favorite part of our classroom and gives students another way to enjoy stories and music.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue building our classroom routines and encouraging students to take ownership of their space and materials. As we work on independence and organization, the new resources will help us keep student work organized while giving students more opportunities to make choices and practice classroom responsibilities. I am so grateful to our donors for helping make our classroom more organized, engaging, and welcoming for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1778033753977,"projectUrl":"project/organized-beginnings-for-bright-futures/10218755/","projectTitle":"Organized Beginnings for Bright Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10043988_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748293797506","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10043988"},{"teacherId":10043988,"projectId":10192329,"letterContent":"My students are using the outdoor light table during our STEM and exploration time to investigate light, color, shapes, patterns, and different materials. They love experimenting with translucent objects, building designs, sorting materials, and seeing how they look when placed on the light table. It has created so many opportunities for hands-on learning and open-ended exploration outside.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the light table, they were immediately excited and curious. They wanted to touch it, explore the different materials, and see what they could create. It quickly became a favorite part of our outdoor learning space because they can experiment and discover things on their own.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue using the light table for STEM challenges and investigations. We will explore color mixing, patterns, shapes, and transparency while encouraging students to make predictions, ask questions, and explain what they discover. I am excited to see where their curiosity takes them as they continue exploring and learning through play.","fullyFundedDate":1776450509960,"projectUrl":"project/light-up-outdoor-learning/10192329/","projectTitle":"Light Up Outdoor Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10043988_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748293797506","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10043988"},{"teacherId":10043988,"projectId":10154883,"letterContent":"The new books will help introduce and reinforce important early literacy skills such as vocabulary, listening comprehension, story sequencing, character development, making predictions, and connecting stories to students' own experiences. In TK, books are also a wonderful way to build language skills and help students develop a love of reading from an early age.\r\n\r\nReading is a big part of our classroom each day. We read together during whole group lessons, small groups, and throughout the day when students choose books on their own. I love asking questions, pointing out details in the illustrations, making predictions, and giving students opportunities to retell parts of the story. My students especially love the Pig the Pug series, which has become a classroom favorite, so they were especially excited to see new books from the series added to our library.\r\n\r\nMy students who are still developing their language and early literacy skills have especially enjoyed the new books because the pictures give them a way to participate and share their thinking, even when they are still learning the words to express themselves. It has been so exciting to see students become interested in the new books, choose them independently, and ask to hear their favorite Pig the Pug stories again and again.","fullyFundedDate":1773766260561,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-readers-big-book-dreams/10154883/","projectTitle":"Tiny Readers, Big Book Dreams","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10043988_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748293797506","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10043988"},{"teacherId":10043988,"projectId":10034792,"letterContent":"Technology helps me provide my TK students with engaging, hands on learning activities that are developmentally appropriate and easy to tailor to their individual needs. I can find resources that reinforce important skills like letter recognition, phonics, counting, numbers, name recognition, and early writing in fun and meaningful ways. It also allows me to easily differentiate activities based on what individual students need.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part is that learning feels like play! My students love colorful, hands-on activities, games, and resources that let them practice skills in a fun way. They get especially excited when they recognize something they have been practicing and can show me what they know.\r\n\r\nMy students who need extra practice or a different way to engage with a skill have really benefited from these resources. Some students may struggle with traditional worksheets but become much more excited and confident when they can practice through a game or hands-on activity. It has been wonderful to see students who were hesitant at first become excited to participate and proud of what they can accomplish.","fullyFundedDate":1775681061541,"projectUrl":"project/growing-minds-with-teacher-created-resou/10034792/","projectTitle":"Growing Minds With Teacher-Created Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10043988_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748293797506","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10043988"},{"teacherId":10043988,"projectId":9979608,"letterContent":"We used our new materials for Mother's Day, where the students created special keepsakes. The students used their handprints and fingerprints to design personalized mugs for their mothers, making each one unique and full of love. They also used the canvases to paint beautiful flower paintings that they were so proud to take home. Watching their excitement as they carefully worked on each project and talked about giving them to their mothers was such a special moment. These activities also helped students strengthen fine motor skills and build confidence in their creativity.\r\n\r\nThe children were incredibly excited when the materials arrived in our classroom! They immediately began asking questions about how we were going to use them and could not wait to get started on their projects. Seeing the canvases, mugs, and art supplies sparked so much curiosity and enthusiasm. Anytime something new and exciting is introduced in our classroom, the students are eager to explore, create, and learn through it. Their excitement made these projects even more meaningful and helped create such a joyful learning experience for everyone.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to finish the school year strong by creating our end-of-the-year handprint memory books. These special keepsakes will help students look back on all the fun, learning, and growth they experienced during their year in TK. The students are excited to create something they can treasure and take home to remember their very first school year.","fullyFundedDate":1768438777294,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-artists-timeless-treasures/9979608/","projectTitle":"Tiny Artists, Timeless Treasures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10043988_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748293797506","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10043988"},{"teacherId":10043988,"projectId":9979794,"letterContent":"We have been using the Kiwi Paint Sticks during our classroom crafts and art centers, and the students love them! One special moment was when students decorated their Valentine's Day bags. They used the paint sticks to draw pictures, create hearts, and add bright, colorful pictures. The construction paper was used to make heart cutouts that they glued onto their bags for extra decoration. Students were excited and proud to share their creations with one another, making it a joyful and memorable experience for everyone.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, they were especially excited about the new pastel colors. They loved the variety and were happy to have fresh supplies to replace the ones that were running out. They were also thrilled about the construction paper, as they enjoy using it during free play centers to create art projects and write letters to their loved ones.\r\n\r\nThe next steps are to use the materials during our farm unit, where students will create farm animals using construction paper. They will also use the paint sticks to draw and decorate their favorite farm animals. Students will continue using the paint sticks during art centers and projects, as they enjoy the vibrant colors and find them fun and easy to use.","fullyFundedDate":1768507351411,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-creativity-for-little-artists/9979794/","projectTitle":"Colorful Creativity for Little Artists","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10043988_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748293797506","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10043988"},{"teacherId":10398692,"projectId":9990069,"letterContent":"The introduction of an iPad in my classroom has had a meaningful impact on both teaching and learning. One of the biggest changes is how engaged students have become. With access to interactive apps, videos, and digital tools, lessons feel more dynamic and interesting compared to traditional methods. Students are more motivated to participate, and even those who were previously less involved are now eager to contribute.\r\n\r\nThe iPad has also made it easier to personalize learning. Each student can work at their own pace, revisit concepts they find challenging, or move ahead if they are ready. Educational apps and online resources allow me to tailor instruction to meet individual needs, which has helped improve overall understanding and confidence in the classroom.\r\n\r\nFinally, the iPad helps students develop important technology skills that are essential for the future. They learn how to research information, collaborate online, and use digital tools responsibly. Overall, the use of iPads has created a more engaging, flexible, and effective learning environment in my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1769177652734,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-teaching-through-technology/9990069/","projectTitle":"Empowering Teaching Through Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Tamayo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10398692"},{"teacherId":10003814,"projectId":9691716,"letterContent":"First, I just want to say thank you so much for funding my project. These items have been such a great addition to my kindergarten classroom. The students have enjoyed them so much, and I have greatly enjoyed finding various ways to use these items to support their learning and overall educational experience. \r\n\r\nBy far, the most popular item has been the sensory rice! My students love it so much! We have used it in small groups to help students practice forming letters. We have also used it as a reward/brain break activity. The trays make it so easy to use the rice without making a mess. I also plan to use the trays for more sensory and art activities in the future.\r\n\r\nThe tactile turtles have been a great way to help students practice their sorting skills for math. They have also enjoyed using the tactile number and letter matching puzzles. We have used these in centers and for task boxes. \r\n\r\nThe magnetic tiles have been used a lot for Fun Friday along with the play dough, Lego Duplo number train and number locks. It has been so great to be able to incorporate STEM skills into their Fun Friday time! \r\n\r\nThank you again for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1759435417087,"projectUrl":"project/stem-sensory-tactile-small-groups/9691716/","projectTitle":"STEM, Sensory & Tactile Small Groups","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cortez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10003814_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746770689315","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10003814"},{"teacherId":10043988,"projectId":9814643,"letterContent":"In our TK classroom, we are using the construction paper daily for hands-on learning and creative play. One favorite use has been during holiday crafts, where students practiced cutting, gluing, and assembling simple projects. These activities support fine motor development, following directions, and early learning skills while allowing students to express themselves creatively. Watching students proudly hold up their finished crafts and say, \"I made this!\" has been a special moment.\r\n\r\nWhen the construction paper arrived, the students were thrilled. They were excited by the bright colors and immediately wanted to touch, sort, and talk about them. Many students shared what colors they liked best and began imagining what they could make, which showed how motivating these materials were for them.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue using the construction paper for seasonal crafts and early learning activities connected to letters, shapes, and numbers. They will practice building simple projects, strengthening fine motor skills, and sharing their work with classmates. These materials will remain an important part of helping our TK students learn through play and hands-on exploration.","fullyFundedDate":1761126063544,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-hands-big-ideas-construction-pape/9814643/","projectTitle":"Tiny Hands, Big Ideas: Construction Paper for TK Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vazquez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10043988_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748293797506","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10043988"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_74818","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":819,"numTeachers":33,"percentFrplEligible":62,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":10,"percentWhite":15,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":59,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":7,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"24.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.8,"schoolId":74818,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sundance Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sundance Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/beaumont-unified-school-district/sundance-elementary-school/74818"}