{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Harrison Street Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":15.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1852154,"projectId":10194459,"letterContent":"Our new outdoor play materials have brought exciting opportunities for our preschool students to learn through movement, exploration, and hands-on experiences. With the T-ball set, sidewalk chalk, baseball toss game, and mini soccer goal set, we are able to create fun outdoor activities that encourage students to develop their gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, balance, and body awareness. These resources allow us to make outdoor play more purposeful while giving children opportunities to practice important developmental skills in a fun and engaging way.\r\n\r\nOne of our favorite ways to use these materials is by setting up different outdoor activity stations where students can practice hitting a ball with the T-ball set, aim and toss balls toward a target, and kick a soccer ball into the mini goal. The sidewalk chalk allows children to draw, create pathways, practice making shapes, and participate in movement games. These activities encourage creativity, problem-solving, and following directions while giving students opportunities to learn through play. They also provide meaningful opportunities for children to practice taking turns, sharing materials, and encouraging their classmates.\r\n\r\nWhen our students first saw the new materials, they were excited and eager to explore everything! They were especially enthusiastic about the soccer goal and T-ball set because they could immediately connect the materials to familiar games and activities. The children enjoyed trying different ways to throw, kick, and hit the balls while cheering each other on. Seeing their excitement reminded us how valuable outdoor learning can be, especially when children have access to materials that inspire them to move, explore, and participate together. These resources have helped make our outdoor time even more engaging and inclusive.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue incorporating these materials into our outdoor learning routines through organized activity stations, cooperative games, and simple movement challenges. We will encourage students to practice counting their turns, recognizing shapes and lines created with chalk, following simple game rules, and working together toward shared goals. As the children become more comfortable with the activities, we will introduce new challenges that support coordination, listening skills, teamwork, and confidence. We are so grateful to our generous donors for helping us provide enriching outdoor experiences that support the whole child and make learning active, joyful, and memorable!","fullyFundedDate":1777649365542,"projectUrl":"project/outdoor-play-tools-for-learning-and-grow/10194459/","projectTitle":"Outdoor Play Tools for Learning and Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. GOMEZ","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1852154_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1567243657098","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/harrisonhawkms-gomez"},{"teacherId":8640042,"projectId":10139862,"letterContent":"How are you and your students using the new resources? Share specific classroom projects or moments. How did your students react when they first saw the materials? Your donors got a little peek into your classroom!\r\n\r\nOur new classroom resources have helped us create a more welcoming, engaging, and supportive learning environment for our preschool students. The fluffy rug has made our calm-down corner a cozy space where children can take a quiet moment, practice calming strategies, and regulate their emotions when they feel overwhelmed. The sensory warmers, LED lights, feelings mirror, and sensory ring instruments provide meaningful opportunities for children to explore their senses, identify their emotions, and express themselves in different ways. During our daily routines, students are encouraged to recognize how they are feeling, use the feelings mirror to explore facial expressions, and practice choosing strategies that help them feel calm and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, they were excited and curious! They were eager to explore the soft rug, notice the calming lights, and investigate the sensory instruments. The feelings mirror has also encouraged conversations about emotions, allowing children to connect facial expressions with feelings such as happiness, sadness, frustration, and excitement. It has been wonderful to see our little learners become more comfortable exploring the materials, expressing their needs, and learning that it is okay to experience different emotions. These resources have helped make our calm-down corner a special place where students feel safe, supported, and understood.","fullyFundedDate":1780639610085,"projectUrl":"project/a-calm-down-corner-for-our-preschool-stu/10139862/","projectTitle":"A Calm Down Corner for Our Preschool Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gamez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8640042_orig.png?crop=628,628,x0,y85&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682194254922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8640042"},{"teacherId":8640042,"projectId":10652048,"letterContent":"Our students are already benefiting from the new classroom supplies generously! The baby wipes, disinfecting wipes, bandages, freezer bags, and mesh zipper bags help us maintain a clean, organized, and safe learning environment. We use the wipes to support daily classroom hygiene, the bandages to care for minor scrapes, and the freezer bags and mesh zipper bags to organize and store classroom materials. These supplies help our preschoolers develop healthy routines, practice independence, and learn how to care for their classroom and belongings.\r\n\r\nWhen our students first saw the new materials, they were excited to see the supplies that would help make their classroom a better place to learn and play. In our preschool classroom, keeping materials organized and maintaining a clean environment are important parts of our daily routine. The mesh zipper bags help us keep learning materials organized and accessible, making it easier for students to participate in activities and for teachers to prepare materials for small-group learning. Having these essential supplies readily available also allows us to respond to students' everyday needs while keeping our classroom welcoming and ready for exploration.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue building our students' independence through daily classroom routines, hands-on learning experiences, and collaborative activities. We will encourage students to help care for their learning environment, put materials away in their designated places, and practice healthy hygiene habits throughout the school day. As we continue exploring our curriculum and engaging in meaningful classroom projects, these supplies will help us provide a safe, organized, and supportive space where every child can participate, learn, and grow. We are grateful to have the resources needed to make these everyday learning experiences possible.","fullyFundedDate":1792600252739,"projectUrl":"project/caring-for-little-learners-comfort-cle/10652048/","projectTitle":"Caring for Little learners: Comfort, Cleanliness & Safety","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gamez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8640042_orig.png?crop=628,628,x0,y85&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682194254922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8640042"},{"teacherId":8640042,"projectId":9858058,"letterContent":"Our new classroom rug has helped make our classroom feel cozy and welcoming again as we settle back into our original room. After moving classrooms and having new flooring installed, our previous rug was no longer usable, and we were missing an important part of our learning space. We use our rug every day for circle time, morning meetings, storytime, songs, and group activities. Having a comfortable place for students to gather helps us build classroom community and gives students a designated space to learn together.\r\n\r\nOur students have been able to enjoy having a comfortable space to sit, participate, and interact with their classmates again. We chose a rug with warm, calming colors because we have a collaborative classroom with both general education and special education students, and we want all our students to feel comfortable in their learning environment. Having a rug helps make our classroom feel more complete and gives students a familiar place to gather, especially those who benefit from a calm and organized space.","fullyFundedDate":1769630355558,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-rug/9858058/","projectTitle":"Classroom Rug","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gamez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8640042_orig.png?crop=628,628,x0,y85&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682194254922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8640042"},{"teacherId":8640042,"projectId":10136683,"letterContent":"I am so grateful to our donors for helping transform our preschool special education classroom into a calmer, more welcoming learning environment. With the new materials, I have been able to create a space that feels more organized and comfortable for my students. The bulletin board paper, borders, contact paper, and rug have helped me create defined learning areas where students can participate in classroom activities while feeling safe and supported. These changes are especially important for my students who can become overstimulated by their surroundings.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first experienced the updated classroom environment, they had the opportunity to explore the space and become more familiar with their learning areas. Having a comfortable rug and more organized spaces helps provide a welcoming place for students to participate in group activities, listen to stories, and engage with their classmates. I love being able to create an environment where my students feel comfortable exploring, learning, and participating in their own ways.\r\n\r\nThese materials have helped me be more intentional about how I organize my classroom to support my students' individual needs. I have been able to create spaces that support our daily routines, including group learning, play, and other classroom activities. By softening the light coming through the windows and creating a more visually organized environment, I can help reduce some distractions and provide a more comfortable space for students who need additional support with regulation and attention.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, I will continue using our classroom environment to support students as they develop independence, communication, social skills, and emotional regulation. We will continue practicing classroom routines, participating in group activities, and learning how to transition between different areas of the classroom. My goal is to help every student feel safe, included, and ready to learn. Thank you for investing in our classroom and helping me create a supportive environment where my preschool special education students can grow, learn, and succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1778287201326,"projectUrl":"project/a-soothing-space-for-preschool-special-e/10136683/","projectTitle":"A Soothing Space for Preschool Special Education Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gamez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8640042_orig.png?crop=628,628,x0,y85&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682194254922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8640042"},{"teacherId":8640042,"projectId":10131265,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for the generosity of our donors and for providing my preschool special education students with these wonderful learning materials. We are using the new resources to create hands-on learning experiences that encourage exploration, creativity, and independence. The magnetic tiles allow students to build, create, and problem-solve while developing their fine motor skills. The magnifying glasses and science materials give students opportunities to explore objects more closely, observe details, and practice their curiosity. We are also incorporating the musical instruments into our classroom activities to encourage students to express themselves, explore sounds, and participate in music and movement.\r\n\r\nMy students were excited to explore the new materials when they first saw them! They were curious about how everything worked and eager to touch, hold, and experiment with the different items. The magnetic tiles encouraged students to build different structures, while the magnifying glasses sparked interest in looking closely at objects around them. The musical instruments also gave students an opportunity to explore different sounds and rhythms. It was wonderful to see their excitement and engagement as they discovered new ways to play and learn.\r\n\r\nThese materials are helping me support my students' individual learning needs and IEP goals through meaningful, hands-on activities. During our classroom learning centers, students have opportunities to build with magnetic tiles, explore science materials, create art, and participate in music activities. These experiences help strengthen fine motor skills, communication, social interaction, problem-solving, and the ability to follow directions. I also use the materials to encourage students to make choices, practice sharing and taking turns, and participate at their own level with the appropriate support.","fullyFundedDate":1774963715940,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-learning-for-curious-preschoole/10131265/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Learning for Curious Preschoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gamez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8640042_orig.png?crop=628,628,x0,y85&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682194254922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8640042"},{"teacherId":277470,"projectId":9999317,"letterContent":"Thank you for making our classroom garden a reality. Through your contributions, our students experience the responsibility and joy of taking care of nature. They have a sense of purpose and belonging as they work together to grow their garden. \r\n\r\nThis experience has provided many opportunities for the students to strengthen communication and social skills from start to finish. They eagerly worked together to create a space that will be theirs for years to come. The garden offers experiences that support these important social-emotional skills in ways that the classroom cannot.\r\n\r\nOur students learn best through multi-sensory activities. The ability to touch, smell, observe, and interact with the garden solidify many of the science concepts students are learning in the classroom. Abstract ideas such as cause and effect become concrete as students can now see how plants react to their environment. \r\n\r\nThank you again for giving our students a space of their own where they can grow in so many ways.","fullyFundedDate":1772831697004,"projectUrl":"project/growing-minds-a-raised-garden-bed-for-h/9999317/","projectTitle":"Growing Minds: A Raised Garden Bed for Hands-On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bedlow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp277470_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1481129026515","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lbedlow"},{"teacherId":1852154,"projectId":5039715,"letterContent":"In our 1st-grade classroom, technology is a doorway to personalized learning, and these headphones are the \"key\" that lets every student in. Many donors might be surprised to learn that a quiet classroom isn't just about discipline—it's about focus. With these new headphones, my students can use our literacy and math software to hear clear, high-quality audio instructions tailored to their specific reading level. This allows me to work with small groups while the rest of the class stays deeply engaged in their digital \"reading \"nooks,\" hearing every phonics sound and vowel blend without being distracted by the noise around them.","fullyFundedDate":1598928354009,"projectUrl":"project/whooooooo-whooooo-whoooos-listening/5039715/","projectTitle":"Whooooooo, Whooooo, Whoooo's Listening?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. GOMEZ","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1852154_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1567243657098","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/harrisonhawkms-gomez"},{"teacherId":8640042,"projectId":10181765,"letterContent":"y students have been using the insect materials to create a dramatic play \"bug lab\" where they explore, observe, and pretend to be scientists. One memorable moment was watching students carefully examine the fake insects with magnifying glasses while wearing lab coats, describing what they saw using simple language and gestures. We incorporated counting legs, sorting insects by type, and practicing new vocabulary like \"wings,\" \"antennae,\" and \"crawl.\" This hands-on experience allowed students to engage in imaginative play while building language, observation, and social skills in a meaningful way.\r\nWhen the materials were introduced, students were immediately curious and excited. Many were eager to put on the lab coats and take on the role of \"scientists,\" which encouraged participation even from more hesitant learners. Moving forward, we are expanding this into a structured unit where students will classify insects, sequence simple investigation steps, and engage in cooperative group work. These materials will continue to support inquiry-based learning while helping students build confidence and communication skills.","fullyFundedDate":1775503265131,"projectUrl":"project/little-scientists-explore-the-world-of-i/10181765/","projectTitle":"Little Scientists Explore the World of Insects","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gamez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8640042_orig.png?crop=628,628,x0,y85&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682194254922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8640042"},{"teacherId":8640042,"projectId":9291408,"letterContent":"My students have been using the new gym materials during dramatic play and structured movement activities. One of our favorite moments was turning our play area into a \"fitness center,\" where students rotated through stations using the bench press and dumbbells. They practiced counting repetitions, taking turns, and following simple routines. This activity supported both physical development and communication, as students used words, gestures, or communication boards to request turns and describe their actions. It became a fun and engaging way to incorporate movement into our daily learning.\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their excitement was immediate. Many were eager to explore and imitate what they have seen adults do, which created meaningful opportunities for pretend play and social interaction. Moving forward, we are building on this interest by incorporating the gym equipment into lessons focused on sequencing, counting, and cooperative play. Students will continue practicing routines, building endurance, and strengthening their ability to follow multi-step directions while engaging in imaginative play.","fullyFundedDate":1746549409704,"projectUrl":"project/exercising-our-knowledge-and-well-being/9291408/","projectTitle":"Exercising Our Knowledge and Well-Being","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gamez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8640042_orig.png?crop=628,628,x0,y85&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1682194254922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8640042"},{"teacherId":1852154,"projectId":5040169,"letterContent":"The arrival of our new jump ropes, hula hoops, and frisbees has turned our outdoor play into a vibrant hub of energy and physical discovery! When the students first saw the bright colors and new gear, there was a chorus of \"Wow!\" and a rush toward the equipment. For my students, who often face physical and sensory challenges, seeing these fun tools made them eager to try movements that are usually quite difficult for them. The pure joy on their faces as they grabbed their favorite colored hoop or felt the texture of a new frisbee was a wonderful reminder of how much \"fun\" motivates \"work\" in a special education setting.","fullyFundedDate":1597130802064,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-fit/5040169/","projectTitle":"Let's Get Fit!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. GOMEZ","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1852154_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1567243657098","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/harrisonhawkms-gomez"},{"teacherId":1852154,"projectId":8498827,"letterContent":"We have been using the blocks to work on everything from fine motor grasping to social turn-taking. Just this week, I watched two students who rarely interact work together to build a \"fire station.\" They were focused on balancing the blocks and communicating through gestures and short words to decide where the next piece should go. It was a beautiful moment of social-emotional growth, sparked entirely by these new materials. For my students with special needs, these blocks provide a safe, tactile way to explore spatial awareness and cause-and-effect.","fullyFundedDate":1721514166146,"projectUrl":"project/storing-our-blocks/8498827/","projectTitle":"Storing our blocks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. GOMEZ","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1852154_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1567243657098","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/harrisonhawkms-gomez"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_7436","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":198,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":95,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"9.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":84.5,"schoolId":7436,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Harrison Street Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Harrison Street Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/harrison-elementary-school/7436"}