{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Alvin S Hatch Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":12.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9527750,"projectId":9333940,"letterContent":"Empowering Every Voice in Our Diverse Classroom Through Culture has been a transformative experience that has elevated both my teaching practice and the classroom environment I strive to cultivate. Through this professional learning opportunity, I gained valuable insight into the ways cultural awareness and inclusion can strengthen student engagement and achievement. The sessions offered a deep exploration of how to honor students' diverse backgrounds, languages, and experiences while fostering a learning space where every child feels recognized and empowered.\r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful aspects of the event was the opportunity to collaborate with educators from across the country who share a passion for equitable and culturally responsive teaching. Hearing their stories and seeing the innovative ways they celebrate diversity in their classrooms was both inspiring and motivating. The highlight for me was a workshop that demonstrated how to integrate students' personal narratives and cultural traditions into the curriculum, turning lessons into bridges between identity and learning.\r\n\r\nSince returning, I have implemented a new classroom practice called the \"Culture Share Circle,\" where students are invited to share elements of their heritage; such as stories, family customs, or celebrations, in connection with our current units of study. This activity has created a sense of pride among students and has fostered a stronger, more inclusive classroom community. I am deeply grateful to my donors for supporting this professional development experience. Your generosity has not only enriched my teaching but has also helped my students find their voices and appreciate the richness of diversity that surrounds them every day.","fullyFundedDate":1747387392736,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-every-voice-in-our-diverse-cl/9333940/","projectTitle":"Empowering Every Voice in Our Diverse Classroom Through Culture","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Luengo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9527750_orig.jpg?crop=1426,1426,x1226,y880&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741234572202","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9527750"},{"teacherId":9811109,"projectId":9006927,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project. The new resources have made learning more engaging and collaborative, allowing me to create activities that reach different learning styles. These tools are helping better reach each child unique learning style and make our classroom a more dynamic space. A special moment was seeing students work together with excitement and confidence during group tasks. Your generosity has given them opportunities to grow, and I look forward to exploring new skills and topics with them.","fullyFundedDate":1743331019755,"projectUrl":"project/teachers-never-stop-learning/9006927/","projectTitle":"Teachers Never Stop learning.","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Maestu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9811109_orig.jpg?crop=484,484,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1734222034869","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9811109"},{"teacherId":9899584,"projectId":9214471,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my professional development!\r\n\r\nThanks to your generous donation, I was able to complete the CTEL 02 course focused on Culture and Inclusion. This experience has truly elevated my teaching practice and had a meaningful impact on my students.\r\n\r\nWhat did I learn?\r\nThroughout the course, I deepened my understanding of how culture influences learning and how to create a more inclusive and equitable classroom for English Learners. I learned how to better identify and address cultural barriers that might affect student participation and achievement.\r\n\r\nWhat was the highlight of the course?\r\nOne highlight was learning about culturally responsive teaching strategies. These strategies help me connect curriculum content to my students' diverse cultural backgrounds, which increases engagement and improves learning outcomes.\r\n\r\nHow will I use this in my classroom?\r\nOne specific strategy I learned is the \"Funds of Knowledge\" approach, which encourages teachers to recognize and incorporate students' home experiences and cultural knowledge into classroom instruction. For example, I now regularly ask students to share family traditions or community experiences as part of our lessons, making learning more personal and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThis course empowered me to become a stronger advocate for my English Learners and a more reflective, inclusive educator. Thank you for investing in my growth and in the success of my students!","fullyFundedDate":1750099367820,"projectUrl":"project/preparation-for-ctel-2/9214471/","projectTitle":"Preparation for CTEL 2","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Perez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9899584_orig.png?crop=1100,1100,x207,y443&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747352818142","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9899584"},{"teacherId":3089532,"projectId":9373396,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the wonderful counting and sorting activities. They were a hit! Our summer school program focused on counting and sorting and by the end of our time several of my children were confidently counting to five or ten. They spent lots of time dumping the sorting fruit and putting it back into the correct containers. We counted airplanes and sorted people. They loved the little dogs in the family sorting activity. \r\n\r\nWithout the generosity of donors like you we would rarely have new and exciting activities. I can't tell you all how much I appreciate your support of my teaching.","fullyFundedDate":1748275631308,"projectUrl":"project/counting-and-sorting/9373396/","projectTitle":"Counting and Sorting!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. H.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3089532_orig.jpg?crop=1706,1706,x0,y362&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752794810315","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/katie-handelman"},{"teacherId":3089532,"projectId":9224721,"letterContent":"The students in my class have loved playing with all the new animals in our classroom. The farm animals have been a huge hit. The barns have been filled up every day. The beehive is fun little toy that goes with a song we know about five bees in their hive. The forest animals have been invading our dollhouse but it's all in good fun. Thank you so much for your continued support. These kind of concrete toys have helped our students learn animal vocabulary. They've learned about different habitats. Mostly they are having fun.","fullyFundedDate":1744467982985,"projectUrl":"project/lions-tigers-and-bears-oh-my/9224721/","projectTitle":"Lions, Tigers and Bears Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. H.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3089532_orig.jpg?crop=1706,1706,x0,y362&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752794810315","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/katie-handelman"},{"teacherId":9527750,"projectId":9158463,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest thanks to each of you for supporting my DonorsChoose project, Enhancing Instruction and Assessment of Students in a Diverse Classroom. Because of your generous contributions, I am now enrolled in the CTEL 2 course through the University of Phoenix, an essential step in continuing my growth as an educator committed to equity and excellence.\r\n\r\nThis course is already equipping me with practical, research-based strategies to better support English language learners and students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. As a 5th-grade teacher in a vibrant and diverse classroom, it's critical that I understand how to design inclusive instruction, implement meaningful assessments, and build on the assets each student brings to the classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support is directly helping me tailor my instruction to meet the needs of all learners, especially those who face language barriers. With the knowledge I'm gaining from this course, I feel more confident in my ability to foster a classroom environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed and feel valued.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, I am not only advancing toward my certification goals, I am becoming a stronger, more responsive educator for the students I serve each day. Your investment will have a lasting impact, not just on my professional journey, but on the lives of the children who walk into my classroom ready to learn and thrive.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in this project, in me, and in the incredible potential of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1746663581705,"projectUrl":"project/enhancing-instruction-and-assessment-of/9158463/","projectTitle":"Enhancing Instruction and Assessment of Students in a Diverse Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Luengo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9527750_orig.jpg?crop=1426,1426,x1226,y880&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741234572202","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9527750"},{"teacherId":9527750,"projectId":9168046,"letterContent":"I am writing with deep gratitude to thank you for your incredible generosity in fully funding my DonorsChoose project, Empowering Young Minds: Help Me Become a Stronger Reading Teacher!\r\nBecause of your support, I am now enrolled in The Reading Process course—an essential step toward my California teaching credential and, more importantly, a major milestone in my journey to becoming a more effective literacy teacher. Your contributions have made it possible for me to access high-quality, research-based professional development that will directly benefit my diverse group of 5th-grade students.\r\n\r\nMany of my students face challenges such as learning English as a second language or needing additional support to reach grade-level proficiency. Reading is the cornerstone of all learning, and with the tools and strategies I'm gaining from this course, I am now better prepared to meet each student where they are. I'm already learning how to differentiate instruction more effectively, incorporate engaging and inclusive reading practices, and support critical areas like phonics, vocabulary development, and comprehension.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, I am more equipped to create a classroom where every child feels supported, challenged, and inspired to grow as a reader. Your investment is not just helping me become a stronger teacher—it's empowering a room full of young minds to develop the literacy skills that will open doors throughout their lives.\r\nYour donation has not only supported my growth as an educator but has also empowered my students to feel seen, valued, and capable. They are gaining the confidence to embrace their multilingual identities as strengths rather than challenges. \r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of education and investing in both my growth and my students' futures. Your support is making a lasting difference in their lives, and I am deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity.\r\nYour kindness is making a lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1746471752167,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-minds-help-me-become-a/9168046/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Minds: Help Me Become a Stronger Reading Teacher!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Luengo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9527750_orig.jpg?crop=1426,1426,x1226,y880&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741234572202","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9527750"},{"teacherId":9527750,"projectId":9138750,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generosity in funding my professional development through the CTEL 1 course on Language and Language Development. Thanks to your support, I have gained invaluable knowledge, skills, and resources that are already transforming the learning experience for my diverse fifth-grade students. \r\nThis course has provided me with a deeper understanding of how students acquire and develop language, particularly those who are English learners (ELs). With this knowledge, I am better equipped to assess where each student is on their language development journey and differentiate my instruction to meet their unique needs. For example, I have learned to implement more targeted scaffolding strategies, such as using visual aids, sentence frames, and structured peer interactions. These supports have allowed my EL students to participate more confidently in discussions, demonstrate their learning, and express their ideas without being hindered by language barriers.\r\nOne of the most significant impacts of this course has been the ability to create a more culturally responsive classroom. With a better understanding of how to honor and incorporate students' diverse backgrounds into my teaching, I have made my classroom a more inclusive and welcoming space. I now intentionally include literature, examples, and references that reflect my students' cultures, languages, and lived experiences. During read-alouds and writing activities, students have shared personal stories and traditions, leading to richer classroom discussions and a stronger sense of community. Seeing students light up when they recognize elements of their own culture in the curriculum has been incredibly rewarding.\r\nThe course also equipped me with practical strategies for promoting equity and access to learning. I am now more effective at using formative assessments and language proficiency data to drive my instruction. For instance, I have implemented small-group instruction with tailored language supports, ensuring that students at varying proficiency levels receive the right level of challenge and support. My struggling readers are benefiting from more explicit vocabulary instruction and repeated exposure to key concepts, while my advanced learners are being challenged with higher-order thinking tasks that build on their language strengths.\r\nThank you for believing in the power of education and investing in both my growth and my students' futures. Your support is making a lasting difference in their lives, and I am deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1741616277753,"projectUrl":"project/course-on-teaching-english-in-my-diverse/9138750/","projectTitle":"Course on Teaching English in My Diverse and Multi-Level Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Luengo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9527750_orig.jpg?crop=1426,1426,x1226,y880&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741234572202","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9527750"},{"teacherId":7341214,"projectId":8815888,"letterContent":"We are absolutely thrilled with the new outdoor playground equipment for our Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) students! The addition of these resources has truly transformed the way our little learners experience outdoor play and physical development.\r\n\r\nAs soon as they saw the new cars, bikes, tonka trucks, horses, and many other new additions to the playground; their faces lit up with excitement. They couldn't wait to get started! The reactions from the students were priceless. Some had never had the chance to use certain types of playground equipment before, and they were eager to challenge themselves. Others, who were a little more hesitant, found comfort in having their classmates cheer them on and offer encouragement. It was beautiful to witness their growth and how much they supported one another. They were laughing, cheering for each other, and gaining confidence in their abilities.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for our students involve integrating more structured outdoor activities that tie into our classroom lessons. Students will also have opportunities to practice social-emotional skills such as taking turns and resolving conflicts in a safe and supportive environment.\r\n\r\nThe new playground equipment is not just about physical play; it's also helping our students develop critical social and emotional skills that will serve them throughout their school years and beyond. Thank you so much to our generous donors for making this all possible! We can't wait to continue seeing how these resources help our young learners grow.\r\n\r\nThank you from Hatch Elementary's TK/K Team: Ms. Brenda (K), Ms. Celia (K), Ms. Wall (K), Ms. Kay (TK), and Mrs. Veloso (TK)","fullyFundedDate":1727319969871,"projectUrl":"project/tkkinder-playground/8815888/","projectTitle":"TK/Kinder Playground","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brenda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7341214_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727123671001","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7341214"},{"teacherId":3089532,"projectId":8637393,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. Classrooms like mine rely on the giving spirit of people like you. I have non verbal preschoolers with a variety of disabilities. They have short attention spans. They have tantrums and throw toys when they are upset. They can't help any of it since they have no other way of communication when they start in my classroom. \r\n\r\nMany of our toys and activities get lost and damaged through the years so the continuous support provided by you to keep a healthy rotation of new things coming is amazing! They love to play with toys like the counting stegosaurus and puzzles. The sensory shapes are a hit with one student who plays with them every day. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the support.","fullyFundedDate":1725292303974,"projectUrl":"project/make-learning-fun/8637393/","projectTitle":"Make Learning Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. H.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3089532_orig.jpg?crop=1706,1706,x0,y362&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752794810315","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/katie-handelman"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4516","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":541,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":46,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":29,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":64,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"27.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"TOWN","ncesMetroType":"TOWN_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":87.7,"schoolId":4516,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Alvin S Hatch Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Alvin S Hatch Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/cabrillo-unified-school-district/alvin-s-hatch-elementary-school/4516"}