{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ladera Stars Academy","outOfStateSupporters":9.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7624734,"projectId":9646881,"letterContent":"We are absolutely overflowing with gratitude for your generous contributions to our classroom! The moment the boxes of whiteboards and clay arrived, the energy in our first-grade classroom was electric; you'd think they contained magic wands! The students gasped with delight when they saw their own personal whiteboards, which immediately transformed the difficult task of drafting into a joyful, erasable game. We've put these tools to use in our \"Story Architects\" project: students first use the vibrant clay to model their story's main characters, giving them instant, hands-on ownership over their subjects. Then, they grab their whiteboards to quickly sketch out and refine their sentences, turning their scribbles into structured text with unprecedented confidence. A specific favorite moment was watching a student, who previously hesitated to write, happily erasing and rewriting their first full, descriptive sentence until it was just right, then proudly holding up their completed clay 'protagonist' alongside it.\r\n\r\nThis immediate feedback loop has been transformative, proving that writing tools truly do enhance creativity! Now that the students have successfully drafted their character descriptions and setting details on their whiteboards, our next step is to transition these rough drafts into our final, published class storybook. We will also host a \"Character Gallery Walk\" where the students use descriptive language to talk about their clay models, enhancing their vocabulary and revision skills. Thank you for giving our young writers the tangible, beautiful resources they needed to bring their spectacular ideas to life. You've given them so much more than tools; you've given them a sense of creative power.","fullyFundedDate":1757683113753,"projectUrl":"project/from-scribbles-to-sentences/9646881/","projectTitle":"From Scribbles to Sentences!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Math","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7624734_orig.jpg?crop=890,890,x12,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651541234816","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7624734"},{"teacherId":4369138,"projectId":9508625,"letterContent":"Thanks to this donation, students now have the essential teaching tools needed to support their learning every day. The whiteboard markers allow students to write and erase on their own whiteboard sleeves, which they were especially excited to use. This simple tool has transformed lessons into highly interactive experiences, giving each student a chance to practice independently and show their thinking in real time. Crayons give students opportunities to express creativity, build fine motor skills, and produce colorful work that makes learning fun and meaningful. Laminating sheets ensure classroom visuals and learning materials can be reused, keeping resources durable and accessible for all students.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been especially strong in math and phonics. During math lessons, students use their whiteboard sleeves to solve problems step by step, quickly correcting mistakes and building confidence in their skills. In phonics, students practice writing letters, blending sounds, and spelling words, while immediately erasing and trying again. These materials make learning hands-on, engaging, and accessible for all students, while creating a classroom environment full of excitement and active participation.","fullyFundedDate":1757683107864,"projectUrl":"project/interactive-essentials/9508625/","projectTitle":"Interactive Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4369138"},{"teacherId":7624734,"projectId":9279381,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my sincerest thanks for your generous donation of organizational seat covers to our first-grade classroom. This gift has made a huge difference for our students and our classroom community.\r\n\r\nThe new seat covers have been an absolute game-changer! Our students now have their own dedicated space for books, supplies, and papers, which helps them stay organized throughout the day. This simple change has made our daily routines so much smoother and has taught the children a valuable lesson about responsibility and keeping their own space tidy. The students were so excited to see their names on the new covers, and it's given them a sense of ownership over their learning space.\r\n\r\nYour donation has created a more functional and welcoming environment for us all. Thank you again for your kindness and for helping our students learn and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1755742652266,"projectUrl":"project/clutter-free-class-stress-free-minds/9279381/","projectTitle":"Clutter-Free Class, Stress-Free Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Math","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7624734_orig.jpg?crop=890,890,x12,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651541234816","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7624734"},{"teacherId":7624734,"projectId":9509145,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible donation of solar system kits to our first-grade classroom! Your generosity has brought the wonders of space right into our hands.\r\n\r\nThe kits have been a huge hit with the students. Watching them assemble the planets, learn about their unique features, and explore the vastness of space has been truly amazing. They've been able to see and feel the differences between the rocky inner planets and the gas giants, and they've even had fun debating which planet they would want to visit.\r\n\r\nBecause of your gift, our unit on the solar system has gone from a lesson in a book to a hands-on, unforgettable adventure. You've inspired a new generation of scientists and explorers, and we are so grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1755730107348,"projectUrl":"project/illuminating-young-minds-solar-system-k/9509145/","projectTitle":"Illuminating Young Minds: Solar System Kits for 1st Grade Explorers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Math","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7624734_orig.jpg?crop=890,890,x12,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651541234816","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7624734"},{"teacherId":9410312,"projectId":9045554,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the generous donation to my classroom so that my students are able to create wonderful artwork that they will be proud to share with the school and their parents. My students are able to create artwork that they are proud of using the construction papers purchased. They were able to create artwork in the style of Alma Thomas, Jasper Johns, Yayoi Kusama and many more artist.\r\n\r\nMy students loved that they were able to choose from several different colors of construction paper. They were not limited on the color or amount. \r\n\r\nWe will continue to learn about different artist and create artwork in the style of that artist. Students will be able to take what they have learned and be able to create their own style. \r\n\r\nThank you again for the generous donation.","fullyFundedDate":1743004396275,"projectUrl":"project/masterpiece-artwork/9045554/","projectTitle":"Masterpiece Artwork","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Budy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9410312"},{"teacherId":9666261,"projectId":9018502,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous supplies for our animal adaptation dioramas. After learning about adaptations and biomimicry, students used your supplies to create a new animal with certain adaptations dependent upon their habitats. Students also invented a human used item from their animal's adaptations, such as night vision, extreme sticky tape, and a fire starter. I am impressed by my students' creativity, and this project could not have been done without you!\r\n\r\nI wasn't the only person excited from your donations. My students were more than overjoyed to be able to show their creativity to our class.","fullyFundedDate":1740004961578,"projectUrl":"project/animal-adaptation-diarama/9018502/","projectTitle":"Animal Adaptation Diarama","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wenguer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9666261"},{"teacherId":4369138,"projectId":8992527,"letterContent":"The animal adaptation diorama project proved to be an exciting and educational experience for the first-grade students. They were especially enthusiastic about designing their own animals, thoughtfully incorporating adaptations that would help their creatures survive in specific environments. This creative freedom sparked their imaginations and encouraged deeper thinking about how animals meet their needs through physical and behavioral traits. The students applied their knowledge of habitats and adaptations with confidence, showing a clear understanding of the science concepts introduced during the unit.\r\n\r\nStudents also thoroughly enjoyed building the dioramas and bringing their animals' habitats to life. Using a wide range of materials, they recreated environments such as deserts, oceans, rainforests, and arctic regions with remarkable detail and care. Each project was unique, reflecting individual creativity and personal expression. The hands-on nature of the activity made learning fun and engaging, while also supporting collaboration, problem-solving, and presentation skills. The project culminated in a classroom showcase, where students proudly shared their work, demonstrating both knowledge and excitement about animal adaptations.","fullyFundedDate":1733847888538,"projectUrl":"project/creating-animal-worlds-diorama-kits-fo/8992527/","projectTitle":"\"Creating Animal Worlds: Diorama Kits for First Grade Special Education\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clark","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4369138"},{"teacherId":7624734,"projectId":8975160,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting our 1st grade solar system science project! Your donation brought the wonders of space right into our classroom—and the excitement and curiosity it sparked in my students has been truly out of this world.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived—complete with model planets, glow-in-the-dark stars, space books, and art supplies—you should've seen their faces. One student gasped, \"We're really going to space?!\" They were thrilled to dive in, and their enthusiasm was contagious.\r\n\r\nWe used the resources to create a large-scale classroom model of the solar system, with each student assigned a planet to research and represent. As we learned about the Sun, planets, and moons, students painted their planets, added fun facts, and carefully placed them in orbit (to scale!) around a glowing model sun. One especially memorable moment was when a group of students worked together to figure out how to hang Saturn from the ceiling without its rings falling off—they were so proud when they solved it!\r\n\r\nThese materials didn't just make science fun—they made it real. Students began asking questions like, \"Why does Mercury get so hot?\" and \"Can people live on Jupiter?\" They've started to see themselves as little scientists and astronomers.\r\n\r\nNext, we're writing mini \"Planet Reports,\" where each student will share facts about their planet and include drawings and diagrams. These will be displayed alongside our solar system model for our upcoming \"Space Showcase\" day, where families will come visit our classroom space museum!\r\n\r\nThanks to you, learning has become a joyful, hands-on adventure. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on these young learners, and we're so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1733281014873,"projectUrl":"project/illuminating-young-minds-solar-system-k/8975160/","projectTitle":"Illuminating Young Minds: Solar System Kits for 1st Grade Explorers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Math","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7624734_orig.jpg?crop=890,890,x12,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651541234816","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7624734"},{"teacherId":7624734,"projectId":8968473,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of you, our 1st grade science diorama project came to life in the most exciting and imaginative way.\r\n\r\nThe moment the boxes of materials arrived—filled with modeling clay, mini trees, animals, paints, and more—my students' eyes lit up with wonder. \"Are these really for us?\" one student whispered, completely amazed. For many of them, it was the first time they had access to hands-on materials like these, and it instantly sparked their curiosity and creativity.\r\n\r\nWe used the materials to build dioramas representing different animal habitats. Each student chose a habitat—forest, desert, ocean, or arctic—and used the supplies to create a little world inside a shoebox. As we learned about the animals that live in each habitat, what they eat, and how they survive, the students applied that knowledge directly to their projects. \r\n\r\nThese dioramas were more than just a craft—they were a hands-on way for students to demonstrate their learning and express themselves creatively. They also helped students develop fine motor skills, practice problem-solving, and gain confidence in sharing their ideas.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be using what we learned to write short reports about our chosen habitats. Each student will describe their diorama and the animals that live there, combining science and early literacy skills. These reports will be displayed alongside the dioramas for a special \"Habitat Museum Day\" where families will be invited to see their children's work.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping make this project possible. Your kindness brought joy, discovery, and deep learning to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1733279797686,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-life-to-learning-diorama-suppl/8968473/","projectTitle":"Bringing Life to Learning: Diorama Supplies for 1st Grade Scientists!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Math","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7624734_orig.jpg?crop=890,890,x12,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1651541234816","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7624734"},{"teacherId":9666261,"projectId":8656811,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donations toward our Genius Fridays. My first graders are enjoying their participation in STEM projects. I have been placing students in groups of four to work and build collaboratively. I set a timer for 15 minutes. During that time, each group must first talk about what they want to create, and then use the rest of the time to build, test, and make changes if necessary. After the timer rings, we do a gallery walk around the room and complement each invention.\r\n\r\nEvery time I get the classroom ready for Genius Fridays, my students are extremely excited and show it. They look forward to this time to be creative and work as a team. This it not only important for critical thinking skills, but to foster socialization and collaboration.\r\n\r\nWe will continue to build and create new inventions on our Genius Fridays! Thank you again!!","fullyFundedDate":1734121657647,"projectUrl":"project/genius-fridays/8656811/","projectTitle":"Genius Fridays","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wenguer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9666261"},{"teacherId":9666261,"projectId":8656535,"letterContent":"Thank you for the STEAM donations. My students were beyond excited to build with the new products. We are using the new resources every Friday when we do STEAM activities. Students build and display their creation so that the class can do a Gallery Walk around the room. Students also talk about their item explaining how it was built and what it could be used for. \r\n\r\nThis is so valuable because it promotes creative thinking, positive relationships when building as a group, creates curiosity, and provides experiences in real world construction. \r\n\r\nI plan on continuing this as a weekly project. My students look forward to STEAM Bin Fridays!","fullyFundedDate":1734121603842,"projectUrl":"project/steam-bins/8656535/","projectTitle":"STEAM Bins","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wenguer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9666261"},{"teacherId":9410312,"projectId":8996789,"letterContent":"My students love the new rug where they meet for our morning meetings, classroom activities and have fun playing on the rug. My students love that they have their own space on the rug. One thing we do on the new rug is play board games. Student are able to be comfortable and spread out from each other when they are playing games. \r\n\r\nMy student's reaction was priceless. They came in from recess and saw the new rug. They were so excited. My students were jumping up and down because they couldn't contain their happiness. \r\n\r\nCurrently in my classroom we are learning several things. Most of my students know their letter sounds. Now they are learning to blend those sounds to be able to read those simple words. They are now able to read simple stories and understand what they have read. \r\nFor math, my students are learning addition and subtraction. There are learning different strategies to solve their math problem. \r\nFor science, students are learning about different habitats for different animals. Students will get to choose their animal and create a habitat for their animal. \r\nFor art, my students have learned about an artist named Alma Thomas. They have created an artwork in the style as Alma Thomas. \r\n\r\nThank you for your donation.","fullyFundedDate":1739558535463,"projectUrl":"project/central-meeting-place/8996789/","projectTitle":"Central Meeting Place","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Budy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9410312"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_27697","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":327,"numTeachers":13,"percentFrplEligible":30,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":47,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":38,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"25.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":90.9,"schoolId":27697,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ladera Stars Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ladera Stars Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/conejo-valley-unified-school-district/ladera-elementary-school/27697"}