{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"El Cajon Valley High School","outOfStateSupporters":21.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9680549,"projectId":9140884,"letterContent":"Students were very happy with having their own copy of the book to be able to take with them while the book was read in class and during the creation of their projects. It was incredible to see how many students were enjoying the book and even started asking their families about their own migration stories. Some even shared these stories with the entire class. We were able to read with partners, groups, and even as a class. A handful of students even read ahead and finished before the rest of the class. \r\n\r\nStudents were able to reread the book as they worked on their projects. Some created a diorama, some create posters, and others created a digital map following Enrique's journey from the book. Thank you for supporting this project!!","fullyFundedDate":1743515474001,"projectUrl":"project/teaching-resilience-and-bridging-worlds/9140884/","projectTitle":"Teaching Resilience and Bridging Worlds","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Flores","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9680549"},{"teacherId":2940903,"projectId":9271595,"letterContent":"Thank you so much. Being able to start the year off with a fully stocked snack pantry has helped me immeasurably. \r\nStudents know they can grab a quick snack when they are feeling tired or sluggish, and they won't have to be embarrassed to ask; more importantly, they won't have to go without because they can't afford a snack from the cafeteria during our \"nutrition break\". \r\nI hope the students know that their community cares about their success. I talk to them explicitly about where these snacks come from and that people across the state and even country donated to make sure they have what they need to succeed this year. Donating to our class project takes down one barrier to their learning, and that makes me feel great.","fullyFundedDate":1746787284919,"projectUrl":"project/energy-for-the-long-days-of-school/9271595/","projectTitle":"Energy for the Long Days of School","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. W.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2940903_orig.jpg?crop=1469,1469,x207,y188&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689185116520","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/watkinslcs"},{"teacherId":4952709,"projectId":9157718,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of classroom supplies. The staplers, tape, pens, and other essentials you provided have made such a significant difference in creating a well-equipped and functional learning environment for my students. It's hard to overstate how important these items are for keeping the classroom running smoothly and ensuring that all students feel prepared and supported.\r\n\r\nI also want to thank you for the additional tools, like the Guess Who? game. It has been a fantastic resource for engaging my students in history in a fun and interactive way. Seeing them connect with the material in such an enjoyable format has been a joy. Your contribution not only helped stock my classroom with necessary supplies but also allowed me to create a space where students feel respected, cared for, and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your thoughtful support—it truly means the world to me and my students.","fullyFundedDate":1742250237238,"projectUrl":"project/ashleys-room/9157718/","projectTitle":"Ashley's Room","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wardle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4952709_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723488237990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4952709"},{"teacherId":4952709,"projectId":9202910,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deep appreciation for your generous donations of the microwave, snacks, and laminator. These items have made an incredible difference in my classroom and have had a direct, positive impact on my students.\r\n\r\nThe microwave has been a game-changer for students who bring meals from home and need a safe, comfortable place to heat them during lunch. It's a small thing, but it shows my students that I care about their needs beyond academics, creating a more welcoming and supportive environment. The snacks you provided have also been invaluable, helping to ensure that no student has to go through the day hungry. For some, that extra bit of nourishment can make all the difference in their focus and energy levels.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the laminator has been a crucial tool in supporting my students with IEPs. It allows me to create durable, personalized worksheets and learning aids that cater to their unique needs, ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed. Your kindness has enabled me to make my classroom a more inclusive, supportive, and nurturing space for every student. Thank you for your thoughtful generosity—it truly makes a world of difference.","fullyFundedDate":1742796889361,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-ms-ashleys-class/9202910/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Ms. Ashley's Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wardle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4952709_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723488237990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4952709"},{"teacherId":4952709,"projectId":9104859,"letterContent":"Having personal care items readily available in my classroom has had a powerful impact on my students, especially in a low-income school where access to basic necessities is not always guaranteed. Items like tampons, deodorant, and hygiene products may seem small, but for many of my students, they represent dignity and care. When a student needs a tampon and doesn't have to make a trip to the nurse or risk embarrassment, it reduces barriers to learning and allows them to stay present in the classroom. Providing deodorant or other essentials without judgment lets students know that someone is thinking about their comfort and self-esteem.\r\n\r\nMore importantly, these resources helped redefine what my classroom could be. It became not just a space for academic learning, but a safe and supportive environment where students felt seen and valued. This sense of trust and care translated into the way students engaged with difficult and often deeply personal topics in U.S. History and Ethnic Studies. Because they knew I cared about their whole well-being—not just their test scores—they were more open, honest, and willing to participate in complex conversations. These small acts of support helped build the relationships that make transformative learning possible.","fullyFundedDate":1740942987506,"projectUrl":"project/personal-care-items-for-low-income-stude/9104859/","projectTitle":"Personal Care Items for Low Income Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wardle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4952709_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723488237990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4952709"},{"teacherId":4952709,"projectId":8911511,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the donation of The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee to my Ethnic Studies classes. The book has already had a profound impact on our learning, and I wanted to share how much it has meant to both me and my students.\r\n\r\nAs we delve into McGhee's powerful analysis of systemic racism and its intersection with economic inequality, the students are gaining new perspectives on the world around them. The Sum of Us has been incredibly helpful in encouraging them to rethink the reasons behind the issues they see in society—issues that affect their own lives, their communities, and the broader world. The book has sparked rich discussions, with students grappling with the notion of \"zero-sum\" thinking and how it shapes the world they live in.\r\n\r\nHaving a hard copy of the book has been invaluable. Students are not only able to engage more deeply with the material, but they also feel a sense of responsibility in taking care of the book and keeping track of their progress. It's something they can annotate, reflect on, and revisit whenever they need. The tactile experience of reading from a physical book has been a welcomed shift from digital screens, and many students have shared how much they appreciate having something they can hold in their hands.\r\n\r\nYour donation is helping to foster a deeper understanding of the roots of inequality and giving students the tools to think critically about how they can contribute to change. Thank you for helping to create a more enriching and impactful learning experience. Your generosity has made a real difference, and I'm excited to continue this journey with my students, guided by the insights of McGhee's important work.\r\n\r\nWith deep appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1738954498278,"projectUrl":"project/the-sum-of-us-for-us-history-class/8911511/","projectTitle":"The Sum of Us for US History Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wardle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4952709_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723488237990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4952709"},{"teacherId":4952709,"projectId":8911531,"letterContent":"This DonorsChoose project for healthy snacks has had a profound impact on my students, many of whom live below the poverty line and rely on school as their only source of nutrition during the day. In our community, food insecurity is a daily reality, and for too many of my students, hunger is a constant distraction. Providing healthy snacks in my classroom has done more than just fill empty stomachs—it has created a space where students feel safe, cared for, and ready to learn. The simple act of offering granola bars, fruit, or crackers has helped break down barriers, allowing students to focus on their education rather than their hunger.\r\n\r\nI have had students privately thank me, sometimes in hushed voices, for keeping snacks in my room. One student confided, \"This is the only thing I'll eat until dinner,\" and another admitted that without the snacks, they wouldn't have the energy to get through the day. Their gratitude is quiet but profound—a whispered \"thank you\" as they grab a granola bar before slipping back into their work. Some students linger a little longer, taking a deep breath before rejoining their peers, as if the food itself is a moment of relief. These moments remind me how something as small as a healthy snack can make a world of difference for a student struggling to concentrate while battling hunger.\r\n\r\nThere are even students who initially came to my class not for the lessons, but because they knew I had food. One student, who rarely attended other classes, started showing up consistently because they knew they wouldn't leave my classroom hungry. At first, they would grab a snack and sit quietly in the back, but over time, they started engaging with the material, asking questions, and even participating in discussions. Eventually, they became a regular presence, not just for the snacks, but for the community that came with them. This project has not just fed students—it has built trust, strengthened relationships, and opened doors to learning that hunger might have otherwise closed.","fullyFundedDate":1732306282021,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-for-students-who-cant-learn-when/8911531/","projectTitle":"Snacks for Students Who Can't Learn When They Are Hungry","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wardle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4952709_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723488237990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4952709"},{"teacherId":4952709,"projectId":8763427,"letterContent":"Pocket translators have transformed my classroom into a truly inclusive space where every student, regardless of their language background, feels seen and heard. With 29 students speaking nine different languages, all having arrived in the U.S. within the last 18 months, communication could have been an overwhelming barrier. Instead, these translators allow me to connect with my students in a meaningful way, demonstrating that I value their voices in their native languages rather than simply forcing them to assimilate. When students see me making the effort to communicate with them in the language they are most comfortable with, they feel respected, validated, and more willing to engage with the learning process.\r\n\r\nMore than just a tool for translation, these devices are an act of decolonization in my classroom. By prioritizing understanding over immediate English acquisition, I challenge the idea that success in education must come through linguistic assimilation. When I use a translator to explain a concept or check in on a student's well-being, it sends a clear message: their knowledge, experiences, and identities are valued just as they are. I have seen students' faces light up when they hear their home language spoken in class, and I've watched them grow more confident, knowing that they do not have to erase a part of themselves to succeed. These translators are not just about words—they are about building trust, fostering inclusion, and creating a space where every student knows they belong.","fullyFundedDate":1726648610172,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-newcomer-students-with-transl/8763427/","projectTitle":"Empowering Newcomer Students with Translators for Financial Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wardle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4952709_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723488237990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4952709"},{"teacherId":4952709,"projectId":8663876,"letterContent":"Pocket translators have transformed my classroom into a truly inclusive space where every student, regardless of their language background, feels seen and heard. With 29 students speaking nine different languages, all having arrived in the U.S. within the last 18 months, communication could have been an overwhelming barrier. Instead, these translators allow me to connect with my students in a meaningful way, demonstrating that I value their voices in their native languages rather than simply forcing them to assimilate. When students see me making the effort to communicate with them in the language they are most comfortable with, they feel respected, validated, and more willing to engage with the learning process.\r\n\r\nMore than just a tool for translation, these devices are an act of decolonization in my classroom. By prioritizing understanding over immediate English acquisition, I challenge the idea that success in education must come through linguistic assimilation. When I use a translator to explain a concept or check in on a student's well-being, it sends a clear message: their knowledge, experiences, and identities are valued just as they are. I have seen students' faces light up when they hear their home language spoken in class, and I've watched them grow more confident, knowing that they do not have to erase a part of themselves to succeed. These translators are not just about words—they are about building trust, fostering inclusion, and creating a space where every student knows they belong.","fullyFundedDate":1724117328401,"projectUrl":"project/translation-devices-to-improve-newly-arr/8663876/","projectTitle":"Translation Devices to Improve Newly Arrived Students Mental Health","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wardle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4952709_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723488237990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4952709"},{"teacherId":4952709,"projectId":8632843,"letterContent":"This project for healthy snacks has had a profound impact on my students, many of whom live below the poverty line and rely on school as their only source of nutrition during the day. In our community, food insecurity is a daily reality, and for too many of my students, hunger is a constant distraction. Providing healthy snacks in my classroom has done more than just fill empty stomachs—it has created a space where students feel safe, cared for, and ready to learn. The simple act of offering granola bars, fruit, or crackers has helped break down barriers, allowing students to focus on their education rather than their hunger.\r\n\r\nI have had students privately thank me, sometimes in hushed voices, for keeping snacks in my room. One student confided, \"This is the only thing I'll eat until dinner,\" and another admitted that without the snacks, they wouldn't have the energy to get through the day. Their gratitude is quiet but profound—a whispered \"thank you\" as they grab a granola bar before slipping back into their work. Some students linger a little longer, taking a deep breath before rejoining their peers, as if the food itself is a moment of relief. These moments remind me how something as small as a healthy snack can make a world of difference for a student struggling to concentrate while battling hunger.\r\n\r\nThere are even students who initially came to my class not for the lessons, but because they knew I had food. One student, who rarely attended other classes, started showing up consistently because they knew they wouldn't leave my classroom hungry. At first, they would grab a snack and sit quietly in the back, but over time, they started engaging with the material, asking questions, and even participating in discussions. Eventually, they became a regular presence, not just for the snacks, but for the community that came with them. This project has not just fed students—it has built trust, strengthened relationships, and opened doors to learning that hunger might have otherwise closed.","fullyFundedDate":1723674671684,"projectUrl":"project/high-school-students-need-healthy-snacks/8632843/","projectTitle":"High School Students Need Healthy Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wardle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4952709_orig.jpg?crop=640,640,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723488237990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4952709"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_36647","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1672,"numTeachers":72,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":7,"percentBlack":9,"percentWhite":35,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":43,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"23.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":78.4,"schoolId":36647,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about El Cajon Valley High School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"El Cajon Valley High School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/grossmont-union-high-school-district/el-cajon-valley-high-school/36647"}