{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Odyssey Charter School","outOfStateSupporters":29.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9007251,"projectId":9815055,"letterContent":"ChatGPT said:\r\n\r\nThe addition of a clean beanbag chair, small weighted blankets, and relaxing lighting has brought a warm and comforting atmosphere to Mrs. Castle's 5th-grade classroom. Students now have a cozy spot to reset when they're feeling overwhelmed, helping them return to learning with renewed focus. The beanbag chair provides a soft, inviting place for independent reading or quiet reflection, while the weighted blankets offer gentle pressure that helps calm busy minds and bodies. These simple supports have made a noticeable difference in helping students manage their emotions throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for how these tools have enriched the learning environment. The relaxing lighting creates a peaceful ambiance that encourages focus and reduces stress, allowing students to feel safe, welcomed, and valued. Together, these additions promote a classroom culture of care, understanding, and emotional well-being. They have become meaningful resources that not only support students academically but also nurture their confidence and comfort—things we are deeply thankful for each day.","fullyFundedDate":1760368647897,"projectUrl":"project/the-essentials-and-beyond/9815055/","projectTitle":"The Essentials and Beyond","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Castle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9007251_orig.jpg?crop=1378,1378,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1681310854149","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9007251"},{"teacherId":6839075,"projectId":9619695,"letterContent":"The four new tablets have greatly helped our approach to STEM learning, offering an exciting bridge between the technology our students see at home and the critical skills they need for their future. While many of our donors use tablets for communication or entertainment, in our classroom, these devices are powerful tools for creation and inquiry. The technology is helping my students learn by moving them past traditional paper-and-pencil methods and into hands-on, active learning. For example, they are used for high-level collaboration and research, enabling small groups to access up-to-the-minute resources for their engineering projects and strengthen abstract math concepts through interactive apps that offer instant feedback.\r\n\r\nThe aspect of the new tablets that is most exciting to my students is the ability to instantly transition from an idea to a working model. They love the fluidity—they can research the best type of bridge structure one minute, sketch their design using a digital tool on the tablet the next, and then use the device to program a simulation of that bridge's performance. It empowers them to feel like true inventors. This hands-on, trial-and-error environment fosters a love for innovation and reinforces that mistakes are simply opportunities to redesign.\r\n\r\nWe have seen particular students truly flourish with this new technology. Several of our hands-on learners who often struggle with traditional written assessments have especially warmed to the new technology. This technology has given students a voice and a platform to demonstrate their immense problem-solving skills, leading to a visible boost in their confidence and engagement across all subject areas. Thank you for empowering these young learners to become confident creators and engineers.","fullyFundedDate":1755542659911,"projectUrl":"project/stem-comes-alive-tablets-for-curious-4t/9619695/","projectTitle":"STEM Comes Alive: Tablets for Curious 4th Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6839075"},{"teacherId":10170003,"projectId":9618240,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our 2nd grade classroom. Your support has provided us with engaging lesson plans and fun, hands-on activities that are already making a meaningful difference in our learning environment.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students have even more opportunities to explore, create, and grow. Their excitement when diving into these new materials and lesson plans has been incredible to see, and it's all thanks to your kindness and investment in their education.\r\n\r\nWe were specifically able to purchase a new writing curriculum for the year that has engaging and fun lessons. The students recently held a writing celebration where they read each other their \"How To\" papers. \r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your generosity and for believing in the importance of joyful, high-quality learning experiences for young students.","fullyFundedDate":1755498553714,"projectUrl":"project/the-best-resources-for-deserving-2nd-gra/9618240/","projectTitle":"The Best Resources for Deserving 2nd Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Laura","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10170003"},{"teacherId":9935221,"projectId":9662446,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! Your contribution has brought new books into our classroom, and our students are thriving as readers and learners.\r\n\r\nWith these new texts, students have explored the pumpkin life cycle, learned all about autumn, and discovered the importance of setting in stories. We practiced identifying and describing settings, which has strengthened their writing skills, and applied the concept of \"making things ish\" in art, encouraging creativity and thoughtful expression.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is hands-on and interactive. Students gather to listen to stories, discuss characters and settings, and explore books independently. We have also shared our books with the larger community, including parents during read-alouds and reading buddies, which has expanded learning beyond our classroom walls and built excitement around reading.\r\n\r\nMany students are especially enjoying these new books. They are eager to revisit their favorite stories, connect events to their own experiences, and share their ideas with peers and family members. This engagement has not only strengthened literacy skills but also fostered confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love of reading.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a real difference in helping our students grow as readers, writers, and thinkers. We are so grateful for your generosity and for helping create a vibrant, creative, and engaging learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1757113406784,"projectUrl":"project/stories-that-reflect-us-building-a-dive/9662446/","projectTitle":"Stories That Reflect Us: Building a Diverse Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alejandra Esquer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9935221"},{"teacherId":7172766,"projectId":9282656,"letterContent":"Last school year was extremely challenging for our whole school community. Most of my students lost their homes and/or were displaced due to the devastating Eaton fires. Our school had to relocate to several less than ideal sites. Through it all, my middle school students demonstrated incredible resilience and held onto hope that we would be able to return to our beloved campus soon.\r\n\r\nThis school year, after many procedures to get our campus safe, we were able to return to our classrooms. It has brought joy and relief to all of us to be back! \r\n\r\nUnderstandably, the fires continue to impact my 7th and 8th grade students. For many of them, snacks have been difficult to access. Thanks to your generous donations, my classroom has been stocked with popcorn, Goldfish crackers, and Cheez-its for hungry students! Not only does this keep their tummies satisfied, but it helps them continue to learn and be pleasant throughout the day! Your donations of chocolate Kisses and Chips Ahoy cookies bring them joy, and my students really need and deserve joy right now! Thank you so much for your kind and generous donations!","fullyFundedDate":1746547795171,"projectUrl":"project/help-provide-snackstreats-to-fire-impac/9282656/","projectTitle":"Help Provide Snacks/Treats to Fire Impacted Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. My Linh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7172766"},{"teacherId":9938790,"projectId":9610380,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in helping to fund my project, 'Patio space and science tools for my middle school students'. The patio set that your donations helped purchase has been a favorite since it arrived! In addition, the infrared thermometers you helped purchase will be a key tool for upcoming lessons about thermal energy. They will also be an important too for the middle school 'Green Team' club as they explore which areas around campus are hottest and could use more shade.\r\n\r\nI am lucky to have a patio at the back of my classroom which looks out over our school garden. The table and chairs I had previously were falling apart, and sat only two students. They were used occasionally, but the new set has become a real hotspot. I have considered adding a sign-up to reserve the spot during lunch times and study hall times! Students use it to socialize during breaks or to read or work on assignments during study hall or independent work time. \r\n\r\nIt makes me happy to be able to provide such a pleasant spot for students who went through so much after the Eaton fire last year. The space where our middle school moved temporarily last spring had very limited outdoor space dominated by concrete. I am glad that these students can now have a little spot surrounded by greenery and sounds of nature. With our mild California winters, we should be able to use the set most of the year.","fullyFundedDate":1755592474104,"projectUrl":"project/patio-space-and-science-tools-for-my-mid/9610380/","projectTitle":"Patio Space and Science Tools for My Middle School Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Desmond","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9938790"},{"teacherId":9938790,"projectId":9602051,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to my project, 'Supplies to make physics learning fun'. I am deeply grateful for your support and for the enhanced experiences it will provide for my middle school students.\r\n\r\nAs I noted in my project description, my students LOVE our propeller car project, which is how I teach motion and Newton's laws. They get to design, build and test (and re-design, re-build and re-test) their own wooden cars, spend time outside, and of course, compete with each other. We don't start this unit until the spring, so I don't have any photos of students using the supplies yet, but we have already used the timers for another engineering (thermos design) project, and I attached a photo of that. I am also including a few photos from a previous year showing students working on our car project, so you can get a better idea of how the sup[plies will be used (students in these photos are using eitheusing our old measuring tapes (which had dangerous sharp edges and frequently got bent and tangled). \r\n\r\nThe new timers and the measuring tapes that you helped provide will allow students to time their trials easily and precisely, and will help them measure distance with much less struggle. I look forward to being able to use these supplies when we get to our physics unit, and appreciate your donations to help create these fun and memorable learning experiences!","fullyFundedDate":1755382278328,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-to-make-physics-learning-fun/9602051/","projectTitle":"Supplies to Make Physics Learning Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Desmond","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9938790"},{"teacherId":9118124,"projectId":9626734,"letterContent":"Thanks to generous support from our donors, our classroom now has an easel, pocket chart, and chart paper, which have transformed the way we teach and learn. Students are excited to gather around the easel for shared writing, interactive lessons, and brainstorming activities. The pocket chart makes it easy to organize words, numbers, and ideas, helping students engage with lessons in a hands-on, visual way.\r\n\r\nThese tools have been especially helpful for students who benefit from seeing concepts displayed and moving pieces around themselves. Lessons feel more interactive, collaborative, and fun, and students are more confident participating in discussions and activities. Our classroom has become a space where creativity, learning, and engagement come together, all thanks to this wonderful support.","fullyFundedDate":1755703372292,"projectUrl":"project/wheels-of-hope-helping-our-classroom-ri/9626734/","projectTitle":"Wheels of Hope: Helping Our Classroom Rise Again","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9118124_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750115413814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9118124"},{"teacherId":9118124,"projectId":9525578,"letterContent":"Thanks to the Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards, our classroom has been able to purchase fun and engaging games and activities that make learning hands-on and exciting. Students love exploring the new resources, whether it's a math game, a reading activity, or a creative project. The interactive nature of the materials keeps them motivated and encourages collaboration and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nSome students who are usually hesitant to participate have especially warmed to these activities, gaining confidence as they practice skills in a playful and supportive way. Beyond supporting our students, these purchases also allow us to support talented teachers who create these resources, helping our classroom grow while contributing to the wider educational community. This project has truly enriched our learning environment and brought joy to both students and teachers alike.","fullyFundedDate":1754593616620,"projectUrl":"project/from-tpt-to-our-classroom-learning-made/9525578/","projectTitle":"From TpT to Our Classroom: Learning Made Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9118124_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750115413814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9118124"},{"teacherId":9118124,"projectId":9815902,"letterContent":"Our students were overjoyed when they first saw the Ohuhu markers and watercolor paper! The bright colors and smooth paper inspired them to dive into creating portraits and other artwork with enthusiasm. Using these high-quality materials has helped students practice fine motor skills, experiment with color blending, and express their ideas in more detailed, confident ways. Seeing their finished pieces displayed in the classroom filled them with pride and excitement, and it's been wonderful to watch their creativity flourish.\r\n\r\nThanks to the generous support of our donors, our classroom now has art tools that will continue to inspire students for years to come. These materials have allowed us to expand our art projects, encouraging students to explore portraits, seasonal art, and imaginative creations more deeply. We look forward to building on this foundation, helping students develop their artistic skills, confidence, and love for creating in every lesson.","fullyFundedDate":1760620816898,"projectUrl":"project/little-artists-big-imaginations/9815902/","projectTitle":"Little Artists, Big Imaginations","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9118124_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750115413814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9118124"},{"teacherId":9118124,"projectId":9417971,"letterContent":"Our new dramatic play materials such as the firehouse, barn, and all the little pieces that go with them, have become such a huge part of our classroom life. My students use them every single day to replay real-world scenarios, build stories together, and practice problem-solving in the most natural way. One of my favorite moments was watching a small group turn the barn into an \"animal rescue center,\" complete with a check-in desk, doctors, and worried pet owners. They were negotiating roles, writing signs, and helping each other without even realizing how much learning they were doing.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was instant! They were buzzing around the boxes, guessing what could be inside, and once everything was set up, they wasted no time in exploring and playing.The level of engagement continues to grow.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, our next steps include expanding their storytelling and language skills through guided play scenarios and small-group projects. We're beginning to connect play to writing by having students draw and label scenes from their playtime, and the toys have given them so much inspiration to work with. Your contribution didn't just add toys to our room, it opened up new ways for my students to learn, express themselves, and collaborate every day.","fullyFundedDate":1750709914499,"projectUrl":"project/play-to-heal-dramatic-play-after-the-wi/9417971/","projectTitle":"Play to Heal: Dramatic Play After the Wildfires","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9118124_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750115413814","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9118124"},{"teacherId":6544522,"projectId":9869334,"letterContent":"The STEM resources you provided have completely transformed our classroom. My students were thrilled the moment they saw the materials—eyes wide, hands instantly reaching to explore. They couldn't believe these exciting tools were theirs to use.\r\n\r\nWe use the materials every day during our soft start in the morning, where students ease into the day by building, creating, and collaborating. These STEM bins have become the most peaceful, joyful way to begin our mornings. One moment that stood out was when a group worked together to build a \"Room 6 Roller Coaster,\" testing and adjusting their design again and again until the marble traveled the entire track without stopping. Their excitement, teamwork, and problem-solving were incredible to watch.\r\n\r\nThese resources have also strengthened confidence in students who sometimes struggle in traditional academic tasks. STEM has become a space where every child can shine—whether through creativity, planning, or hands-on building.\r\n\r\nNext, we're diving into a unit on force and motion, and the materials you funded will allow students to create models, test hypotheses, and bring their learning to life in meaningful, memorable ways.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the opportunity to explore, imagine, and build. Your generosity continues to make a daily impact in Room 6! 💜","fullyFundedDate":1762267446641,"projectUrl":"project/soft-start/9869334/","projectTitle":"Soft Start","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Shelby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6544522_orig.png?crop=1015,1016,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1740712783264","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6544522"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_28813","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":370,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":26,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":43,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":27,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":70.5,"schoolId":28813,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Odyssey Charter School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Odyssey Charter School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-county-office-of-education/odyssey-charter-school/28813"}