{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Vista La Mesa Academy","outOfStateSupporters":28.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8912399,"projectId":9620568,"letterContent":"We have been using the new resources daily, and they've truly transformed how students learn and stay organized. The floor cushions have created a flexible seating area where students work independently during reading and math rotations. One memorable moment was during a small-group math lesson—students chose to sit on the cushions instead of the table. This was possible because of the portable whiteboard that supports my instruction. The file folders are being used for homework and classwork organization, which has helped students keep their papers neat and easy to find. The electric pencil sharpener has also reduced disruptions, allowing students to stay focused on learning rather than waiting to sharpen pencils.\r\n\r\nMy students were incredibly excited and grateful when they first saw the materials. They were especially thrilled about the floor cushions and sharpener, which made the classroom more exciting to them. Many were eager to try the new seating during independent work time. The voice amplifier has helped me project my voice clearly, and students noticed right away that they could hear instructions better, especially during transitions and group work.\t\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue using the cushions during centers and practice academic discussions.The homework folders will continue to support responsibility and communication with families, while the amplification system ensures all students can clearly hear instruction and participate fully. These resources are supporting a more inclusive, organized, and student-centered classroom, and we are so thankful for the donors who made this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1757423315599,"projectUrl":"project/write-sit-speak-tools-for-an-engaged/9620568/","projectTitle":"Write, Sit, Speak: Tools for an Engaged Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Armer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8912399_orig.png?crop=500,500,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755545253480","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8912399"},{"teacherId":9754241,"projectId":9270244,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my students through the \"From Ink to Snacks\" project. Your generosity has had an immediate and meaningful impact in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThe color printer ink has made a bigger difference than many people might expect. In middle school, visuals matter. Being able to print in color allows me to create engaging anchor charts, graphic organizers, vocabulary supports, and student work displays that are clear and accessible. In my English and designated ELD classes, color helps students distinguish between parts of speech, track evidence in a text, and organize their writing more effectively. For English learners especially, visual clarity strengthens comprehension and builds confidence.\r\n\r\nStudents were genuinely excited to see their work printed in color. When essays, projects, and newsletters are displayed in vibrant, professional-looking format, it communicates that their ideas matter. That pride shows in the care they take with their work.\r\n\r\nThe snacks have also played an important role in building motivation and classroom culture. Middle school students respond to recognition. Being able to celebrate growth, effort, and leadership with a small incentive reinforces positive habits. For many of our students, including those from military families who experience frequent transitions, consistent encouragement makes a difference. A simple moment of recognition helps students feel seen and valued.\r\n\r\nI have noticed students who previously rushed through assignments slowing down and taking more care, knowing their work might be displayed. I have seen reluctant participants engage more fully when effort is acknowledged. These may seem like small changes, but they build confidence and momentum over time.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our classroom is more vibrant, more encouraging, and more supportive. Thank you for helping me create an environment where every student's work is celebrated and their effort is recognized.","fullyFundedDate":1746787042360,"projectUrl":"project/from-ink-to-snacks-supporting-student-s/9270244/","projectTitle":"From Ink to Snacks: Supporting Student Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9754241_orig.jpg?crop=457,457,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726589276313","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9754241"},{"teacherId":8477012,"projectId":9430707,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has become an even more cozy and welcoming space for growing minds. We've been using the new flashlights for flashlight reading, which instantly turned independent reading into a magical experience. Students were so excited to grab a flashlight and a book, and the engagement was incredible. Every student was focused, reading, and smiling. We also used the graham crackers, chocolate bars, and candy corn to create a fun literacy snack, connecting reading with hands-on learning and joy.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their reactions were priceless. They gasped when they saw the flashlights and cheered when they realized we would be making a special snack together. The hot cocoa bar accessories and cups helped us create a cozy hot cocoa station for our Polar Express movie day, making the experience feel truly special. Students felt celebrated, comfortable, and excited to participate, which made the day both memorable and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we will continue using these materials to make literacy experiences engaging and memorable. Our next steps include building reading stamina, strengthening comprehension skills, and creating positive associations with reading through cozy, community-building activities. Your donation didn't just provide supplies. It helped create moments of joy, connection, and learning that our students will remember for a long time. Thank you for being part of our classroom journey.","fullyFundedDate":1760728579425,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-cozy-and-welcoming-space-for/9430707/","projectTitle":"Creating a Cozy and Welcoming Space for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kelleher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8477012_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657141428225","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8477012"},{"teacherId":8477012,"projectId":9535204,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our playground has been filled with energy, teamwork, and laughter! The new soccer balls and goals have transformed recess and PE time into something my students look forward to every single day. Before, they often had to improvise with worn-out balls and makeshift goals, but now they can truly experience the game the way it's meant to be played. One special moment was watching an entire class come together for their very first full-field game using the new goals—students who don't usually join in were excited to participate, and it was wonderful to see the teamwork and sportsmanship shine through.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the brand-new soccer equipment, their faces lit up with excitement. They immediately wanted to organize matches, practice penalty kicks, and even set up mini-tournaments during recess. Having the right equipment has not only made playtime more engaging, but it has also built confidence in students who are learning the game for the first time.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we plan to use the soccer balls and goals during both structured PE lessons and unstructured recess time to continue teaching skills like cooperation, communication, and perseverance. These resources have made our play space feel like a real soccer field and given my students an outlet to stay active, build friendships, and develop a love for the sport. We are so grateful to you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1755749820542,"projectUrl":"project/kickstart-our-soccer-fun/9535204/","projectTitle":"Kickstart Our Soccer Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kelleher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8477012_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657141428225","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8477012"},{"teacherId":8477012,"projectId":9345861,"letterContent":"Thanks to your kindness, our classroom feels brighter, more focused, and better equipped for learning each day. The class set of headphones has been a game-changer for independent work. My students are now able to listen to reading passages, educational videos, and personalized learning programs without distractions, which has made our small-group rotations run more smoothly. One memorable moment was during a reading intervention block—students slipped on their new headphones, and the room instantly transformed into a space full of quiet concentration. Several students even commented how much easier it was to stay focused on their stories.\r\n\r\nThe colored ink for our printer has brought new life to our projects. My students lit up when they saw their work printed in color for the first time—everything from research reports to art-infused writing pieces looked more professional and exciting. The pencils are a small but mighty gift; with a class of eager writers, they disappear quickly, and having a fresh supply ensures no student is ever held back from expressing their ideas. The string lights were the final touch, creating a cozy, welcoming environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and sharing their voices.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our current units in reading and writing, these resources will help my students dig deeper into their learning with confidence. They are not only using the tools daily but also building pride in their work and ownership of our classroom space. Your generosity has turned everyday lessons into something special, and we are so grateful that you chose to support us.","fullyFundedDate":1750774650687,"projectUrl":"project/stay-organized-learn-better-with-seat-s/9345861/","projectTitle":"Stay Organized, Learn Better With Seat Sacks!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kelleher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8477012_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657141428225","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8477012"},{"teacherId":8477012,"projectId":9318644,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom has been transformed with tools that help my students learn more effectively each day. The wireless voice amplifier has been an incredible addition—my students can hear instructions clearly no matter where they sit in the room. This has been especially helpful for my students who struggle with focus or need repeated directions. It allows me to preserve my voice while ensuring every child feels included in our lessons.\r\n\r\nThe dry erase lap boards have quickly become a classroom favorite. My students love the hands-on practice they get during math and writing activities, and I love that I can instantly see who is grasping a concept and who needs extra support. It has turned review sessions into an engaging, interactive experience. The excitement on their faces when they hold up their answers all at once is priceless!\r\n\r\nBeyond that, the backpack has been a personal lifesaver in keeping my teaching materials organized, and the laminating pouches help me create reusable resources that will last for years to come. Even the Lysol spray has made a difference—helping us maintain a healthier and more welcoming environment during the school day. I've noticed that several students who are usually more hesitant to participate have really warmed up to using the new boards and confidently share their work now. Your support has brought both joy and practicality to our classroom, and I'm so grateful for the impact it has had on my students' learning.","fullyFundedDate":1746633420043,"projectUrl":"project/hear-us-roar-tools-to-boost-learning-an/9318644/","projectTitle":"Hear Us Roar: Tools to Boost Learning and Spirit","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kelleher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8477012_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1657141428225","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8477012"},{"teacherId":9815537,"projectId":8902296,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom has become a more supportive, emotionally safe, and engaging place for students to grow. The A Little Spot of Emotion books have been a game-changer—students are not only learning how to identify and express their feelings but are also developing critical coping strategies and a deeper sense of empathy. These books have sparked meaningful conversations and created a space where students feel heard and understood.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the new PE equipment has brought a renewed sense of energy and teamwork to our physical activities. Students are learning to collaborate, communicate, and support one another through games and structured play. These experiences are helping them build strong social bonds and practice the kind of teamwork that leads to success both inside and outside the classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support has made all of this possible. You've helped create a classroom environment where students feel safe, connected, and empowered—and for that, we are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1739370494553,"projectUrl":"project/mrs-mejias-social-emotional-learning/8902296/","projectTitle":"Mrs. Mejia's Social Emotional Learning Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mejia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9815537"},{"teacherId":9754241,"projectId":9207935,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring The Hunger Games to my classroom! Because of your generosity, every student now has access to their own high-quality copy of the book—and the impact has been immediate and powerful.\r\n\r\nHaving a full class set in good condition means that every student can follow along without distraction, annotate as they read, and fully immerse themselves in the story. Engagement has skyrocketed. Students are leaning in—literally—eager to connect with the characters and debate the choices they face. With a book in every hand, our discussions have become richer and more meaningful, and I've seen students who rarely participate start raising their hands and making thoughtful, critical observations.\r\n\r\nThis novel opens the door to conversations about justice, resistance, empathy, and survival—and now, thanks to you, my students can walk through that door together. You've helped fuel not just literacy, but confidence, connection, and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nOne student said, \"I've never finished a book this fast before. I couldn't stop reading—and I actually wanted to talk about it in class!\" That excitement is exactly what every teacher hopes for, and you helped make it happen.","fullyFundedDate":1746747915151,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-minds-with-fire-class-set-of-t/9207935/","projectTitle":"Fueling Minds with Fire: Class Set of \"The Hunger Games\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9754241_orig.jpg?crop=457,457,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726589276313","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9754241"},{"teacherId":9754241,"projectId":8954660,"letterContent":"Last Friday was a \"Fun Friday\"! We played Boggle in my seventh and eighth-grade English classes. My students earned a day of play by completing their assigned work and scoring well on quizzes last week. But I'm a teacher, so even our play has a purpose. In a school where more than 20% of our student body are second language learners, opportunities to practice spelling, spatial awareness, vocabulary, and speaking are priceless. Playing Boggle with my students and using the whiteboards your generosity provided allowed us to laugh, play, and have fun while learning and practicing. \r\n\r\nIn addition to playing games, we use the whiteboards for sentence writing and editing practice. I write a sentence with errors on the board, and students write the corrected sentence on their whiteboard. Another activity is parts of speech practice; I provide an adjective or adverb, and students build a sentence that correctly uses that word. We use the whiteboards at least twice a week, and every time I pass them out, students get excited. These tools have proven to be invaluable in my classroom, and my students are learning and growing thanks to your gift. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1733165786155,"projectUrl":"project/write-it-a-white-board-for-every-studen/8954660/","projectTitle":"Write it! A White Board for Every Student!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carr","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9754241_orig.jpg?crop=457,457,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726589276313","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9754241"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_36986","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":531,"numTeachers":27,"percentFrplEligible":61,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":59,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"19.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":71.9,"schoolId":36986,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Vista La Mesa Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Vista La Mesa Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/lemon-grove-school-district/vista-la-mesa-elementary-school/36986"}