{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"La Crescenta Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":45.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7164109,"projectId":9852280,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our classroom feels more complete, calm, and welcoming for my students. The privacy window coverings have made such a difference. The room feels quieter and more focused, and students settle into their work with fewer distractions. It truly changed the atmosphere in the best way.\r\nThe new books have been a huge hit. Students have already started trading favorites, recommending titles to each other, and asking for reading time more often. Having fresh stories on our shelves has sparked so much curiosity and excitement.\r\nThe small incentive prizes have also added a fun boost to our days. Students light up when they earn something for their effort, kindness, or perseverance. It's helped build a positive, encouraging classroom culture.\r\nYour generosity has touched our classroom in many ways. Thank you for supporting my students and helping make our space better for learning and growing.","fullyFundedDate":1761806420341,"projectUrl":"project/focused-fun-and-full-of-books/9852280/","projectTitle":"Focused, Fun, and Full of Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ballesteros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7164109_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760663029689","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7164109"},{"teacherId":7164109,"projectId":9793896,"letterContent":"Thanks to this project, my students were able to dive into fall art with bright, high quality markers that made their work pop. They were so proud of the colors, the blending, and the little details they usually can't pull off with old, dried out markers. Having fresh supplies made the whole activity feel special and helped them stay focused and creative. These markers are now part of our regular art time, and my class keeps reaching for them because they make their ideas come to life. Your support truly made a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1761492471715,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-creations-markers-and-art-mate/9793896/","projectTitle":"Colorful Creations: Markers and Art Materials for My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ballesteros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7164109_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760663029689","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7164109"},{"teacherId":2503509,"projectId":9723259,"letterContent":"At our school, recognizing and rewarding positive behavior is a big part of creating a safe and respectful environment. Through our PBIS program, students practice core values like safety, responsibility, hard work, and respect every day. To celebrate their efforts, they earn tickets throughout the month that they can use to \"shop\" in our PBIS Paw Store.\r\n\r\nThe reward store has had a huge impact on our students. It motivates them to make good choices not just in the classroom, but in the hallways, on the playground, and throughout the school. The prizes reinforce positive behavior, helping students understand that their actions matter and encouraging them to continue practicing respect, responsibility, and kindness.\r\n\r\nBy supporting our PBIS Paw Store, you help us keep the shelves full and exciting, inspiring students to do their best and fostering a school culture where positive behavior is recognized and celebrated. Your generosity directly helps create a respectful, responsible, and safe learning environment for all of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1759558674516,"projectUrl":"project/positive-choices-deserve-prizes/9723259/","projectTitle":"Positive Choices Deserve Prizes!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ramirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2503509_orig.jpg?crop=842,842,x205,y151&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761016092455","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2503509"},{"teacherId":2503509,"projectId":9703272,"letterContent":"Our students love having open seating in the classroom, and the impact it has made has been incredible. We are working to create a more comfortable and student-centered learning environment by adding flexible seating options, and this project has truly transformed how our students approach learning. With soft floor cushions and privacy folders, students can move around the room and choose a spot that helps them focus and learn best. This flexibility allows each student to find a space where they feel comfortable, safe, and ready to engage, whether they are reading, working with a partner, or completing independent work.\r\n\r\nGiving students the ability to choose where they sit is more than just a comfort feature, it encourages responsibility and independence. When students select their own learning space, they take ownership of how they manage that space. They learn to recognize what environment helps them concentrate, how to stay on task, and how to respect the needs of their classmates who are nearby. This level of independence is an important life skill that extends beyond the classroom, helping students develop self-awareness, organization, and accountability.\r\n\r\nOverall, open seating has made our classroom more comfortable, engaging, and productive. It gives students the freedom to make choices, take ownership of their learning, and develop important skills like responsibility, independence, and collaboration. The positive changes in focus, engagement, and classroom community have been remarkable. With support, we can continue providing these resources, allowing every student to thrive in a space that encourages creativity, focus, and joy in learning.","fullyFundedDate":1758031488272,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-cushions-focused-minds/9703272/","projectTitle":"Cozy Cushions, Focused Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ramirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2503509_orig.jpg?crop=842,842,x205,y151&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761016092455","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2503509"},{"teacherId":7164109,"projectId":9823100,"letterContent":"When the materials for our Beads of Kindness project arrived, my students could not believe their eyes. The moment I opened the boxes filled with colorful beads, shiny charms, and sleek beadable pens, the excitement spread through the room. Students immediately began imagining the designs they could create such as Halloween, fall leaves, snowflakes, and hearts. It felt like a burst of creativity and kindness had entered our classroom all at once.\r\n\r\nWe introduced the Beads of Kindness pens as a way for students to redeem their positive behavior points. When they show acts of kindness, effort, or teamwork, they earn the opportunity to design their own pen. Watching them earn and create has been such a joyful experience. The classroom is filled with chatter about which colors look best together, who is giving their pen as a gift, and what theme to try next. One student said, \"I am saving my next points for a winter pen with blue and silver beads.\"\r\n\r\nThis project has made our classroom rewards system feel more personal and meaningful. Instead of a quick prize, students get to create something unique that represents their choices and effort. It has encouraged them to be more thoughtful toward one another, since kindness now has a creative and lasting result. Even students who were sometimes reluctant to participate are now more motivated, not just to earn beads, but to be recognized for doing something kind.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was watching a group of students help each other design pens for our first Kindness Craft Day. They carefully shared beads, offered design advice, and proudly held up their finished creations. The sense of community and pride was heartwarming. Each pen tells a story of patience, generosity, and creativity coming together.\r\n\r\nNow that our system is up and running, students are continuing to earn beads and design pens for different holidays and classroom celebrations. The next round will focus on gratitude and giving, with students making pens to gift to someone who has made a difference for them. It is a wonderful way to keep kindness spreading beyond our classroom walls.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for supporting this project. Your generosity gave us the tools to create more than just pens. You helped us build a culture of kindness, creativity, and connection. Every time a student picks out a bead or finishes a pen, they are reminded that their actions matter and that kindness always shines brightest.","fullyFundedDate":1760972028473,"projectUrl":"project/beads-of-kindness-crafting-connections/9823100/","projectTitle":"Beads of Kindness: Crafting Connections Through Positive Choices","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ballesteros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7164109_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760663029689","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7164109"},{"teacherId":7164109,"projectId":9817364,"letterContent":"When the boxes for our \"Keep Our Classroom Clean and Healthy\" project arrived, my students watched eagerly as I unpacked bottles of hand sanitizer, containers of cleaning wipes, spray cleaners, whiteboard cleaner, and laptop screen wipes. One student said, \"This looks like a cleaning store!\" Their enthusiasm reminded me how much students appreciate having a clean, fresh, and organized space to learn in.\r\n\r\nKeeping a classroom of thirty-six active fourth and fifth graders clean and germ-free is a daily challenge. With your generous support, we now have the tools to make it part of our routine. Every afternoon, students help wipe down desks and shared supplies with our new cleaning wipes and spray. We use the whiteboard cleaner to keep our front board spotless, making it easier for everyone to see our lessons. The laptop screen cleaner has been especially helpful since students can now clean their devices regularly without worrying about damage. These small changes have created big improvements in how our classroom looks and feels.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, I often bought cleaning supplies out of my own pocket, and it was difficult to keep up with how quickly we went through them. With so many hands touching shared materials, keyboards, and desks, the need for sanitizing supplies never ends. Thanks to your donation, I no longer have to ration what we use or worry about running out. We now have enough to keep our classroom fresh and healthy every single day.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been noticeable. Students are more mindful of cleanliness and take pride in helping maintain our learning environment. I've seen them remind each other to use hand sanitizer before lunch and handle materials with care. We've also noticed fewer sniffles spreading around the room since students can easily clean their hands and desks throughout the day. They understand now that keeping things is a way to care for themselves and their classmates.\r\n\r\nIt's been inspiring to watch my students take ownership of our classroom's cleanliness. We've turned something routine into a shared responsibility, and it's helped build a stronger sense of community. They understand that when we care for our space, it helps everyone feel more comfortable and ready to learn. Even our class whiteboard and laptops sparkle now, which brings smiles all around!\r\n\r\nYour generosity has made an incredible difference. You didn't just provide cleaning supplies, you provided comfort, safety, and pride in our learning space. Every time we reach for a supply, I'm reminded of your kindness and the impact you've had on our classroom. Thank you for helping me create a healthy, welcoming environment where my students can focus on learning and growing together. Your support has truly helped us stay clean, healthy, and happy all year long.","fullyFundedDate":1760475385478,"projectUrl":"project/keep-our-classroom-clean-and-healthy/9817364/","projectTitle":"Keep Our Classroom Clean and Healthy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ballesteros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7164109_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760663029689","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7164109"},{"teacherId":7164109,"projectId":9797874,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the Boo Bags, their faces absolutely lit up! The colorful bags and fun surprises inside created so much excitement and laughter in our classroom. They eagerly opened each one, comparing stickers, pencils, and small toys, and the joy was contagious. It turned an ordinary fall day into a moment of pure delight.\r\n\r\nThese Boo Bags have quickly become a highlight of our classroom. They're not only a fun treat but also a great motivator for positive behavior and participation. Students take pride in earning them, and it's been wonderful to see them encourage each other and celebrate together.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, I was able to bring a little magic and motivation into our classroom. Your support helped create smiles, laughter, and lasting memories that my students will remember long after the bags are gone.","fullyFundedDate":1760083724128,"projectUrl":"project/boo-bags-full-of-fun/9797874/","projectTitle":"Boo Bags Full of Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ballesteros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7164109_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760663029689","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7164109"},{"teacherId":2503509,"projectId":9712204,"letterContent":"The Teachers Pay Teachers resources have been an incredible support in helping me meet the diverse needs of my students. With these resources, I was able to provide materials that targeted multiple levels of learning, ensuring that every student from those who needed extra support to those who were ready to be challenged could engage meaningfully with the content.\r\n\r\nBy using these resources, I was able to differentiate instruction effectively, save time on lesson planning, and maintain high quality learning experiences for all students. They provided flexibility, creativity, and adaptability, helping me support every learner in reaching their full potential while keeping them motivated and engaged.","fullyFundedDate":1757994918390,"projectUrl":"project/tpt-gift-cards-supplemental-resources/9712204/","projectTitle":"TPT Gift Cards = Supplemental Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ramirez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2503509_orig.jpg?crop=842,842,x205,y151&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761016092455","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2503509"},{"teacherId":7164109,"projectId":9717951,"letterContent":"Our new books have quickly become a huge hit in our classroom! The students absolutely love having a variety of new titles to choose from, and it's been wonderful to see how excited they are to read. During independent reading time, you can find students eagerly diving into their chosen books, chatting quietly with friends about favorite characters or plot twists, and even trading recommendations afterward. It has sparked genuine conversations about reading and stories, and that enthusiasm has spread throughout the class. For some students who were once hesitant readers, these new books have helped them discover stories that truly capture their interest. Whether it's a mystery, a fantasy, or a realistic story they can relate to, everyone has found something that speaks to them.\r\n\r\nAlongside our new reading materials, our spinning wheel has become a favorite classroom feature. It adds such a fun and lively energy to our routines. Each time I announce that we'll be using the spinning wheel, the students immediately perk up and focus their attention. There's always a buzz of excitement as everyone waits to see whose name or number will be chosen. The element of surprise and anticipation keeps them engaged, and it has turned even simple classroom moments into something they look forward to. I often use the spinning wheel to select students for reading responses, sharing time, classroom jobs, or small rewards. It has made ordinary tasks like answering questions or cleaning up at the end of the day feel special and fun.\r\n\r\nWhat's been most rewarding is seeing how the spinning wheel has encouraged participation from everyone—especially from students who used to be reluctant to join in. When the wheel comes out, everyone pays attention and wants to be part of the moment. The motivation to earn a turn or be chosen makes students more eager to raise their hands, contribute to discussions, and try their best on assignments. Even tasks that used to feel routine now carry a sense of excitement and possibility. It's a simple tool, but it has completely changed the classroom atmosphere in the best way.\r\n\r\nThe combination of engaging new books and our interactive spinning wheel has brought a fresh spark to our learning environment. Students are not only more motivated but also more connected with one another. They cheer each other on during spins, celebrate each other's reading achievements, and encourage their classmates to keep participating. I've noticed a stronger sense of community forming, with students supporting one another and showing pride in their learning. Watching their joy, curiosity, and teamwork grow has been one of the highlights of this school year so far. These small additions—new books and a simple wheel—have made a big difference in creating a classroom that's full of laughter, learning, and excitement every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1758350510992,"projectUrl":"project/books-and-a-spin-of-fun/9717951/","projectTitle":"Books and a Spin of Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ballesteros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7164109_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760663029689","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7164109"},{"teacherId":7164109,"projectId":9712784,"letterContent":"Our Harry Potter reading rewards have made our classroom come alive with excitement. Students love earning house points, playing themed games, and diving into the new books on our shelves. The stories have helped us practice important reading skills like identifying themes, understanding characters, and making inferences. Reading time now feels like an adventure. The students gather to discuss their books, share favorite moments, and cheer on their house teams. Even some of our more hesitant readers have been inspired to read more so they can join in the fun and earn points for their house!","fullyFundedDate":1758047206778,"projectUrl":"project/harry-potter-reading-challenge-rewards/9712784/","projectTitle":"Harry Potter Reading Challenge Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ballesteros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7164109_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760663029689","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7164109"},{"teacherId":7164109,"projectId":9766044,"letterContent":"The copy paper has been a simple but powerful resource in our classroom! We've used it for everything—from printing reading passages and math practice pages to creating art projects and student-made books. Having plenty of paper on hand has allowed us to work flexibly and creatively without worrying about running out of supplies.\r\n\r\nWhen the students saw the new paper, they were excited to use it for class projects, drawings, and creative writing activities. It's amazing how something so basic can open the door to so many hands-on learning opportunities.\r\n\r\nNext, my students will be using the paper to publish their personal narratives and create illustrated reports for social studies and science. Your support keeps our classroom running smoothly and full of creativity!","fullyFundedDate":1759278782462,"projectUrl":"project/paper-for-our-printing-and-art-needs/9766044/","projectTitle":"Paper for Our Printing and Art Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ballesteros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7164109_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760663029689","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7164109"},{"teacherId":7164109,"projectId":9735530,"letterContent":"The new books have been such a wonderful addition to our classroom! When my students first saw the collection, their excitement was immediate—they were pulling titles off the shelf, flipping through pages, and making lists of which ones they wanted to read next.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the books during small-group reading and independent reading time. Students are more engaged than ever, sharing recommendations and talking about their favorite characters and moments. It's been amazing to see even my more hesitant readers eager to dive into a story.\r\n\r\nNext, my students will be using the books to practice comprehension strategies, write reflections, and take part in book talks to share what they've learned and loved. These new additions have truly helped create a stronger reading culture in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1759022711504,"projectUrl":"project/support-a-love-of-reading-with-books/9735530/","projectTitle":"Support A Love Of Reading With Books","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ballesteros","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7164109_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760663029689","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7164109"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_27695","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":416,"numTeachers":18,"percentFrplEligible":38,"percentAsian":22,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":50,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":22,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"23.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":54.5,"schoolId":27695,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about La Crescenta Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"La Crescenta Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/glendale-unified-school-district/la-crescenta-elementary-school/27695"}