{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"La Mesa Arts Academy","outOfStateSupporters":7.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10158941,"projectId":9547340,"letterContent":"I teach a community service elective at our middle school called the Community Action Team. One of our many responsibilities is helping celebrate our nation's heritage months. Each month, team members create flyers highlighting important cultural figures and post them around campus so students can learn more about the many contributions and stories that shape our country. In addition to heritage month flyers, our team also designs promotional flyers throughout the year for the events we host, such as our First Responders Lunch and our Teen Supply Drive. \r\n\r\nHaving our own color printer has been a dream come true. Before your generous gift, we had to rely on a shared printer in the front office, which added time to our work and placed extra demands on the office staff. Now, the team loves being able to see their creations come to life immediately.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your donation. Your generosity is truly appreciated and will continue to support our team and community for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1755715718571,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-community-action-team-take-acti/9547340/","projectTitle":"Help Our Community Action Team Take Action!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Schroeder","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10158941"},{"teacherId":2532362,"projectId":9589226,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of your contribution, my students created their own cuneiform tablets as we completed our Mesopotamia unit. This hands-on experience brought ancient history to life and helped students connect more deeply with early civilizations. Many have commented that it was their favorite activity from trimester 1.\r\n\r\nYour kindness is making a meaningful difference in their learning, curiosity, and excitement. We are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1755721444863,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-ancient-civilizations-to-life/9589226/","projectTitle":"Bringing Ancient Civilizations to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sklenicka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2532362"},{"teacherId":2516648,"projectId":9582299,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Having a color printer for our 8th-grade United States History classes has been a game-changer. Not only can we now provide resources in color, but the creativity of the students can now be showcased in all its colorful glory! (see photo samples of the recent digital projects submitted about the American Revolution. The finished products were printed and displayed around the room.)\r\n\r\nWe have used our new color printer to provide primary and secondary sources in color (like Paul Revere's engraving \"The Bloody Massacre\" and geographic landform maps), which have enhanced our lessons and student learning. However, we have been most excited about the opportunity for students to use their technology skills to create digital works that can now be displayed around the room.\r\n\r\nWe look forward to incorporating our new printer as a tool for teaching and learning throughout the year.","fullyFundedDate":1755716528563,"projectUrl":"project/history-was-not-meant-to-be-black-and-wh/9582299/","projectTitle":"History Was Not Meant to Be Black and White","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lunamand","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2516648"},{"teacherId":6348763,"projectId":9581487,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our Media Arts program. Because of your donation, our students now have access to four video cameras, tripods, and lapel microphones that allow them to create clearer, more polished broadcast segments. Students are learning how to plan and film interviews, capture strong audio, and record steady, professional-looking footage.\r\n\r\nThis equipment is already inspiring confidence as students step into leadership roles, collaborate on team projects, and share their voices with our school community. Your contribution does more than provide tools — it shows students that their stories matter. Thank you for believing in their creativity and helping them grow.","fullyFundedDate":1755715640745,"projectUrl":"project/lights-camera-lmaaction/9581487/","projectTitle":"Lights, Camera, LMAACtion!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Prouty","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6348763"},{"teacherId":5409082,"projectId":9717370,"letterContent":"We are sincerely grateful for your generous support in providing calculators for our math program. Your contribution has made a significant difference in how our students engage with mathematics and develop essential skills.\r\n\r\nMany of our donors use technology daily, but the way it is integrated into classrooms can be quite different. These calculators are not just tools for computation; they are empowering devices that help students understand complex concepts more deeply. With these calculators, students can explore functions, graph equations, and solve problems more efficiently, allowing them to focus on critical thinking rather than just manual calculations. This technology enriches the learning experience by making abstract math concepts more concrete and accessible.\r\n\r\nWhat excites our students most about the new calculators is their ability to visualize math in real-time. For example, when working on graphing equations, they can instantly see the shape and behavior of functions, which helps them grasp ideas like slope, intercepts, and transformations much faster than before. This immediate feedback sparks curiosity and encourages experimentation, making math more interactive and enjoyable.\r\n\r\nWe have noticed that students who previously struggled with math due to calculation speed or confidence issues have especially embraced this technology. These calculators give them a level playing field, reducing frustration and boosting their confidence. As a result, they participate more actively in lessons and show improved problem-solving skills. Gifted students are also benefiting by using the calculators to tackle more challenging problems, pushing their learning further.\r\n\r\nIn summary, the calculators have become an invaluable resource in our classrooms. They support diverse learners by making math more understandable and engaging. Thanks to your generosity, our students are gaining not only computational skills but also a deeper appreciation for mathematics that will serve them well in their academic journeys and beyond.","fullyFundedDate":1758738933040,"projectUrl":"project/calculators-for-my-classroom/9717370/","projectTitle":"Calculators for my classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Myrick","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5409082"},{"teacherId":8174493,"projectId":9323515,"letterContent":"Wow! My students and I are overwhelmed with joy and appreciation for your generous donation to room #22. Your thoughtful contribution of a wireless document camera, history books, and exciting Friday raffle prizes that motivate my students to work hard. As the boxes arrived, it was like Christmas morning as we opened them up. The smiles on my students faces were priceless. \r\nThe wireless document camera has changed my teaching in many ways. It allows me to model what we are doing in class from a variety of locations in the room. I can also place the camera on a students desk and allow them to project to the class. It has freed me up and made spotlighting a student's hard work easy to do.","fullyFundedDate":1746718343200,"projectUrl":"project/end-of-the-year-fun-and-books-for-learni/9323515/","projectTitle":"End of the Year Fun and Books for Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Schulman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8174493"},{"teacherId":5638228,"projectId":9320697,"letterContent":"Having actual cameras available in the newspaper class at LMAAC is incredibly impactful. Professional equipment allows students to go beyond just writing stories—they learn how to capture moments, tell visual stories, and add depth to their reporting. \r\n\r\nCameras give students hands-on experience with photography, framing, and visual design, which builds both technical skills and creative confidence. It elevates the quality of the school newspaper by providing original, high-quality images that make articles more engaging and authentic. More importantly, using real cameras prepares students for future opportunities in journalism, media, and the arts, giving them a sense of professionalism and pride in their work. The availability of this equipment transforms the class from simply producing content to truly practicing the craft of modern journalism.","fullyFundedDate":1746565491049,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-in-media-arts-and-ph/9320697/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students in Media Arts and Photography","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Prior","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5638228_orig.jpg?crop=938,938,x0,y75&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1592416971082","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5638228"},{"teacherId":8174512,"projectId":9241626,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of Holes to our school library. Our copies were old and falling apart, and your generous donation has helped us buy a new set that will last for years. We read it every year in my 7th grade class, and it is always one of my students's favorite stories. We really appreciate your support in expanding our library. Books like these inspire our readers to continue their literacy journey, even those readers who are struggling to overcome reading difficulties like dyslexia. Thank you!!","fullyFundedDate":1745937182685,"projectUrl":"project/digging-holes-with-louis-sachar/9241626/","projectTitle":"Digging Holes with Louis Sachar","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Meckstroth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8174512_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y342&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1742243015201","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lmaaclibrary"},{"teacherId":6316543,"projectId":9320752,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire dance department, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your incredible generosity in providing new costumes for our dancers. Your thoughtful contribution has brought immense joy and inspiration to our students, and we are truly grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nDance is not only an art form but a powerful means of expression, storytelling, and community building. Costumes play a vital role in this experience, helping to bring performances to life by enhancing the visual impact and allowing dancers to fully embody their characters and roles. Thanks to your kindness, our dancers now have beautiful, high-quality costumes that elevate their performances and deepen their connection to the art.\r\n\r\nThese new costumes have made a remarkable difference in our department. For many of our students, wearing a well-crafted costume boosts their confidence and pride in their work. It transforms rehearsals and performances into magical moments, where creativity and dedication shine brightly. The excitement and enthusiasm we see when dancers put on their new costumes are truly inspiring—they feel seen, valued, and ready to give their best on stage.\r\n\r\nYour donation has also expanded the range of our productions. With costumes that fit well and reflect the themes of our choreography, our artistic directors can explore new styles and stories that were previously challenging to portray. This creative freedom enriches the learning experience for our students and broadens their artistic horizons. It also enhances the audience's experience, making our performances more captivating and memorable.\r\n\r\nBeyond the stage, your gift supports the growth and development of our dancers as individuals. Dance teaches discipline, teamwork, resilience, and self-expression—skills that benefit students far beyond their time in the studio. By providing costumes that help them take pride in their craft, you are encouraging these important life lessons and nurturing their personal and artistic growth.\r\n\r\nWe also want to acknowledge the sense of community your donation fosters. When students see that others care about their art and want to invest in their success, it creates a powerful feeling of support and belonging. This encouragement motivates them to work harder, dream bigger, and continue pursuing their passion with dedication and joy.\r\n\r\nPlease know that your generosity goes far beyond fabric and thread. It weaves itself into the stories our dancers tell on stage, the friendships they build, and the confidence they carry with them every day. Your support is a vital part of their journey, and we are deeply thankful for your commitment to our dance program.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your wonderful gift. We look forward to sharing upcoming performances with you and celebrating the incredible impact your generosity has made on our dancers' lives.","fullyFundedDate":1746552656450,"projectUrl":"project/contemporary-dance-costumes/9320752/","projectTitle":"Contemporary Dance Costumes","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6316543_orig.jpg?crop=453,453,x0,y28&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646171330787","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6316543"},{"teacherId":6316543,"projectId":9313082,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire dance department, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your incredible generosity in providing new costumes for our dancers. Your thoughtful contribution has brought immense joy and inspiration to our students, and we are truly grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nDance is not only an art form but a powerful means of expression, storytelling, and community building. Costumes play a vital role in this experience, helping to bring performances to life by enhancing the visual impact and allowing dancers to fully embody their characters and roles. Thanks to your kindness, our dancers now have beautiful, high-quality costumes that elevate their performances and deepen their connection to the art.\r\n\r\nThese new costumes have made a remarkable difference in our department. For many of our students, wearing a well-crafted costume boosts their confidence and pride in their work. It transforms rehearsals and performances into magical moments, where creativity and dedication shine brightly. The excitement and enthusiasm we see when dancers put on their new costumes are truly inspiring—they feel seen, valued, and ready to give their best on stage.\r\n\r\nYour donation has also expanded the range of our productions. With costumes that fit well and reflect the themes of our choreography, our artistic directors can explore new styles and stories that were previously challenging to portray. This creative freedom enriches the learning experience for our students and broadens their artistic horizons. It also enhances the audience's experience, making our performances more captivating and memorable.\r\n\r\nBeyond the stage, your gift supports the growth and development of our dancers as individuals. Dance teaches discipline, teamwork, resilience, and self-expression—skills that benefit students far beyond their time in the studio. By providing costumes that help them take pride in their craft, you are encouraging these important life lessons and nurturing their personal and artistic growth.\r\n\r\nWe also want to acknowledge the sense of community your donation fosters. When students see that others care about their art and want to invest in their success, it creates a powerful feeling of support and belonging. This encouragement motivates them to work harder, dream bigger, and continue pursuing their passion with dedication and joy.\r\n\r\nPlease know that your generosity goes far beyond fabric and thread. It weaves itself into the stories our dancers tell on stage, the friendships they build, and the confidence they carry with them every day. Your support is a vital part of their journey, and we are deeply thankful for your commitment to our dance program.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your wonderful gift. We look forward to sharing upcoming performances with you and celebrating the incredible impact your generosity has made on our dancers' lives.","fullyFundedDate":1746471675106,"projectUrl":"project/our-spring-dance-show-costume-items-ne/9313082/","projectTitle":"Our Spring Dance Show - Costume Items needed!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6316543_orig.jpg?crop=453,453,x0,y28&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646171330787","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6316543"},{"teacherId":6316543,"projectId":9192912,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire school community, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donations toward the purchase of outdoor tables. Your support has truly made a meaningful difference in the daily lives of our students, and we are thrilled to share how your kindness has positively impacted our school environment.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, we were able to provide beautiful, durable outdoor tables that have transformed our outdoor spaces into welcoming areas for learning and socializing. These tables have become a vibrant hub where students gather to collaborate on projects, enjoy meals, and build friendships in the fresh air and sunshine. The opportunity to work and socialize outside has enriched their school experience in ways that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting.\r\n\r\nThe benefits of having outdoor tables are numerous and far-reaching. Academically, the tables provide a flexible learning environment where students can engage in group work, discussions, and creative brainstorming sessions. Being outdoors encourages a sense of freedom and inspiration that fosters creativity and critical thinking. Teachers have also embraced this new resource, incorporating outdoor lessons that take advantage of the natural setting to deepen student engagement and understanding.\r\n\r\nSocially, the outdoor tables have become a cherished space where students can connect with one another in a relaxed and informal setting. Building relationships and practicing social skills are essential parts of student development, and having a comfortable, inviting space encourages positive interactions and community building. Many students have expressed how much they enjoy spending time outdoors with their friends, which contributes to their overall happiness and well-being.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics and social benefits, your contribution supports the mental and physical health of our students. Outdoor time has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase physical activity. The tables encourage students to step away from screens and indoor environments, promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Especially during these times, when mental health is a priority, your donation plays a vital role in supporting our students' holistic wellness.\r\n\r\nWe also want to acknowledge the role your donation plays in fostering a sense of pride and ownership in our school community. Knowing that members of our wider community care deeply about our students and their environment inspires everyone—students, staff, and families alike. Your generosity sends a powerful message that investing in education and creating nurturing spaces is a shared responsibility and a collective joy.\r\n\r\nPlease know that your support does not go unnoticed. Each time students gather around these tables, collaborate on assignments, share lunch, or simply enjoy a moment outside, your kindness is at work, creating lasting memories and opportunities for growth. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to enhancing our school and enriching the student experience.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your thoughtful donation. Your generosity is a beacon of hope and encouragement for our students, and we look forward to sharing more stories of how your gift continues to make a positive impact.","fullyFundedDate":1742927545794,"projectUrl":"project/new-outdoor-tables/9192912/","projectTitle":"New Outdoor Tables!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6316543_orig.jpg?crop=453,453,x0,y28&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646171330787","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6316543"},{"teacherId":6316543,"projectId":9078566,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire school community, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donations toward the purchase of outdoor tables. Your support has truly made a meaningful difference in the daily lives of our students, and we are thrilled to share how your kindness has positively impacted our school environment.\r\nThanks to your generosity, we were able to provide beautiful, durable outdoor tables that have transformed our outdoor spaces into welcoming areas for learning and socializing. These tables have become a vibrant hub where students gather to collaborate on projects, enjoy meals, and build friendships in the fresh air and sunshine. The opportunity to work and socialize outside has enriched their school experience in ways that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting.\r\nThe benefits of having outdoor tables are numerous and far-reaching. Academically, the tables provide a flexible learning environment where students can engage in group work, discussions, and creative brainstorming sessions. Being outdoors encourages a sense of freedom and inspiration that fosters creativity and critical thinking. Teachers have also embraced this new resource, incorporating outdoor lessons that take advantage of the natural setting to deepen student engagement and understanding.\r\nSocially, the outdoor tables have become a cherished space where students can connect with one another in a relaxed and informal setting. Building relationships and practicing social skills are essential parts of student development, and having a comfortable, inviting space encourages positive interactions and community building. Many students have expressed how much they enjoy spending time outdoors with their friends, which contributes to their overall happiness and well-being.\r\nBeyond academics and social benefits, your contribution supports the mental and physical health of our students. Outdoor time has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase physical activity. The tables encourage students to step away from screens and indoor environments, promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Especially during these times, when mental health is a priority, your donation plays a vital role in supporting our students' holistic wellness.\r\nWe also want to acknowledge the role your donation plays in fostering a sense of pride and ownership in our school community. Knowing that members of our wider community care deeply about our students and their environment inspires everyone—students, staff, and families alike. Your generosity sends a powerful message that investing in education and creating nurturing spaces is a shared responsibility and a collective joy.\r\nPlease know that your support does not go unnoticed. Each time students gather around these tables, collaborate on assignments, share lunch, or simply enjoy a moment outside, your kindness is at work, creating lasting memories and opportunities for growth. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to enhancing our school and enriching the student experience.\r\nThank you once again for your thoughtful donation. Your generosity is a beacon of hope and encouragement for our students, and we look forward to sharing more stories of how your gift continues to make a positive impact.","fullyFundedDate":1741043231963,"projectUrl":"project/new-outdoor-tables/9078566/","projectTitle":"New Outdoor Tables!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6316543_orig.jpg?crop=453,453,x0,y28&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1646171330787","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6316543"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_123216","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":1057,"numTeachers":43,"percentFrplEligible":36,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":43,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":36,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"4 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"24.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":92.3,"schoolId":123216,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about La Mesa Arts Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"La Mesa Arts Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/la-mesa-spring-valley-school-district/la-mesa-arts-academy/123216"}