{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Luigi Aprea Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":8.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6255764,"projectId":9935453,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous support of our donors through DonorsChoose, my second graders are now using a variety of multisensory tools during our daily phonics and high frequency word study lessons. Instead of only practicing words on paper, students now work with chalkboards, sand trays, gel writing bags, and bumpy writing screens made with knitting mesh. They produce phonics patterns and high-frequency words with their fingers or scented markers while saying the sounds aloud. One moment that stood out to me was watching a student who often struggles with writing carefully write a new word in a sand tray and then confidently write it again on a chalkboard. Being able to see, touch, and say the word helped the spelling finally click for him.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement in the classroom was immediate. Students were eager to try the sand trays, squeeze the gel bags, and write with the colorful scented markers. I took way too long to set it all up for them (their words!), so clearly they were eager. Several students even commented that it felt like we were \"playing\" while learning our words. What impressed me most was how engaged my reluctant readers and writers became. Tools like the chalkboards and textured writing screens made phonics practice feel new and fun, and students were much more willing to take risks and try challenging words.\r\n\r\nThese materials have made a meaningful difference in my teaching and in my students' learning. They allow me to provide truly multisensory instruction, which is especially helpful for students who struggle with decoding or who need more movement and engagement to stay focused. As we continue working on phonics patterns and high-frequency words, students are building stronger foundations that will support their reading and writing across all subjects. Because of this project, practicing essential literacy skills has become more interactive, memorable, and accessible for all of my learners.","fullyFundedDate":1764802697287,"projectUrl":"project/making-literacy-click-through-multisenso/9935453/","projectTitle":"Making Literacy Click Through Multisensory Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fisher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6255764_orig.jpg?crop=2320,2320,x0,y239&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1589924801633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsfisherroom8"},{"teacherId":9931943,"projectId":10028513,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our TK students are already using these new sensory and science resources every single day. The sensory sand has quickly become a favorite during outdoor exploration time. Students are scooping, pouring, shaping, and creating while building fine motor strength, early science thinking, and cooperative play skills. Their excitement was immediate—smiles, curiosity, and joyful discovery filled the space as they explored the texture and possibilities together. These hands-on experiences keep our youngest learners engaged, focused, and eager to learn.\r\n\r\nThe new wicker glass table in our science area has beautifully transformed the space into a place of wonder and investigation. Students naturally gather around it to observe materials, ask questions, and explore our science tools more deeply. It highlights the importance of inquiry in our classroom and encourages children to slow down, notice details, and think like young scientists. In addition, the wiggle cushion cover has been an incredible support for students who need extra movement or sensory input to stay regulated. With this simple but powerful tool, students are better able to participate in lessons, remain engaged during group time, and feel successful in their learning.\r\n\r\nYour support is helping our classroom continue to grow into an inclusive environment where every child can explore, discover, and thrive. Next, we are excited to expand our science investigations and sensory exploration opportunities so students can keep asking questions, making observations, and building confidence as learners. Your kindness has made a lasting difference in our students' daily experiences, and we are deeply grateful for the joy and opportunity you have brought into our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1769631196186,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-hands-big-learning-sensory-play-f/10028513/","projectTitle":"Tiny Hands, Big Learning: Sensory Play for TK","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9931943_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753117836956","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9931943"},{"teacherId":7428230,"projectId":9473083,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of \"A Safe and Cozy Classroom.\" Your kindness means more than I can express. Because of you, my Transitional Kindergarten students now have a warm, welcoming learning environment where they can feel safe, calm, and ready to learn every day.\r\nOne of the biggest highlights has been the addition of our sensory bins—they've quickly become a class favorite! Students naturally congregate around them, talking, playing, and learning essential social skills like sharing, taking turns, and working together. These sensory experiences have brought so much joy into our daily routines.\r\nThe social-emotional focused library books you helped provide have also made a tremendous impact. They've sparked meaningful conversations about feelings, friendships, empathy, and kindness. I see my students connecting deeply with the stories, and these discussions are strengthening our classroom community. The cozy chairs have quickly become another favorite place to be in our reading corner. \r\nYour generosity is not just about materials—it's about the message it sends: that our youngest learners matter and deserve a beautiful, nurturing space to grow. You've helped create an environment where students can develop independence, practice emotional regulation, and engage joyfully in learning.\r\nThank you for believing in my students, for supporting our classroom community, and for making such an immediate and meaningful difference. We are truly grateful for you.\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,\r\nMary ZoBell\r\nTransitional Kindergarten Teacher\r\nLuigi Aprea Elementary","fullyFundedDate":1759291493717,"projectUrl":"project/a-safe-and-cozy-classroom-to-learn-and-g/9473083/","projectTitle":"A Safe and Cozy Classroom to Learn and Grow","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. ZoBell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7428230_orig.jpg?crop=666,666,x0,y86&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754189471512","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7428230"},{"teacherId":9931943,"projectId":9364603,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom! The new STEM building materials have quickly become a favorite part of our day. The children's eyes lit up when we first opened the boxes, and the room immediately filled with excitement and curiosity. They couldn't wait to dig in, explore, and start creating together.\r\n\r\nSince then, my students have been using the blocks to build, engineer, and problem-solve in so many creative ways. They are working together in groups, sharing ideas, and finding solutions when their designs don't go as planned. I've seen them proudly build bridges, towers, and even imaginary playgrounds, all while practicing important skills like collaboration, perseverance, and critical thinking. One of my favorite moments was watching a small group cheer together when their tall structure finally stood on its own — it was such a joyful reminder of the power of teamwork.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly opened up new opportunities for hands-on learning in our classroom. As we continue to explore STEM, the students will be challenged to design and test their own creations, reflect on what worked, and improve their designs. These experiences are not only building academic skills but also fostering confidence and a love of learning. We are so grateful for your support in making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1754775729213,"projectUrl":"project/building-brighter-minds-outdoor-block-p/9364603/","projectTitle":"Building Brighter Minds: Outdoor Block Play for Creative Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9931943_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753117836956","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9931943"},{"teacherId":7428230,"projectId":9176811,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project, \"Tools for Big Imaginations: Building, Sensory, and Creative Play.\" The new materials arrived throughout the week, and each day felt like a celebration. My students' faces lit up as we opened boxes filled with sensory tools, building materials, ocean animals, dinosaurs, and vibrant art supplies.\r\n\r\nThe biggest hit by far has been the new building sets—especially the translucent blocks, Community Block Play People, and the loose parts that spark creative construction. The kids dove right in, building colorful structures with windows and doors, and acting out imaginative stories. They excitedly said things like, \"This one looks like my grandma!\" or \"Let's build a school for everyone!\" These materials have inspired endless storytelling, collaboration, and problem-solving. The Block Play People, in particular, have helped students bring real-life experiences and dreams into their play, building language, social-emotional skills, and early math concepts—while having so much fun.\r\n\r\nYour donation brought not just supplies, but a lasting spark of creativity and joy to our classroom. Thank you for believing in the power of play and for making such a meaningful difference in our students' learning.\r\n\r\nWarmly,\r\nMary Zobell\r\nTransitional Kindergarten Teacher","fullyFundedDate":1746677749567,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-big-imaginations-building-se/9176811/","projectTitle":"Tools for Big Imaginations: Building, Sensory, and Creative Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. ZoBell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7428230_orig.jpg?crop=666,666,x0,y86&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1754189471512","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7428230"},{"teacherId":9931943,"projectId":9284016,"letterContent":"I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to our DonorsChoose project. Because of your support, we were able to bring in new outdoor sensory equipment and create a truly engaging and hands-on learning space for the children.\r\n\r\nThe outdoor play area has quickly become one of the most loved parts of our day. The students light up with excitement as they explore, create, and learn through play. Whether they're feeling different textures, experimenting with movement, or working together to build, this space has opened up so many new opportunities for growth, imagination, and joyful discovery.\r\n\r\nIt's been incredible to see how much more connected and curious the children have become just by having the chance to be outside, actively engaged in learning. Your kindness and support made this possible, and we are truly grateful.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and for investing in our students' learning and well-being.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation.","fullyFundedDate":1746980547338,"projectUrl":"project/lets-create-a-sensory-rich-environment/9284016/","projectTitle":"Let's Create a Sensory Rich Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9931943_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753117836956","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9931943"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4801","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":712,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":39,"percentAsian":10,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":21,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":54,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"28.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":92.0,"schoolId":4801,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Luigi Aprea Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Luigi Aprea Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/gilroy-unified-school-district/luigi-aprea-school/4801"}