{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Horace Mann UCLA Community School","outOfStateSupporters":14.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10079934,"projectId":10300956,"letterContent":"When my students first walked into the classroom and saw the new bean bag chairs and side tables, their faces lit up. Several of them immediately sat down, testing out the soft seats and saying things like, \"This feels like home!\" For students in my SDC class, many of whom rely on sensory comfort and predictable routines, having a cozy, welcoming space made a noticeable difference from day one.\r\n\r\nWe now use the bean bag corner as a flexible learning area where students can read independently, complete reflection journals, or take a quiet moment to self‑regulate when they feel overwhelmed. One of my favorite moments so far was watching a student who usually struggles to stay focused choose a bean bag chair, put on his headphones, and read for a full 20 minutes without redirection. That small victory was a direct result of the comfort and structure these resources provide.\r\n\r\nThe hygiene supplies have also become part of our daily routine. Students use the disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer throughout the day, especially after breakfast, lunch, and hands‑on activities. The mop and bucket system helps us keep our classroom clean and safe, something especially important for students with sensory sensitivities or health concerns. They take pride in helping maintain a healthy environment, and it has strengthened our classroom community.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, these resources will continue supporting our current projects. Right now, students are working on a personal‑growth journaling unit where they reflect on their emotions, goals, and daily habits. The calm seating area has become the perfect space for this work, giving them a sense of ownership and comfort as they write. Our next step is to build on this momentum by incorporating more independent reading and self‑regulation strategies, using the cozy corner as a consistent, supportive space.","fullyFundedDate":1779669942501,"projectUrl":"project/comfort-health-in-the-classroom/10300956/","projectTitle":"Comfort & Health in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duarte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10079934_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752595625063","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10079934"},{"teacherId":10079934,"projectId":9489101,"letterContent":"While so much attention is rightfully given to what students need in the classroom, it is easy to overlook the fact that teachers need the basics too and without them, even the most well-planned lesson can hit an unnecessary roadblock. Something as fundamental as a stapler, a hole puncher, or a box of paper clips may seem trivial to those outside the classroom, but for a teacher managing packets, organizing student work, and keeping materials structured and accessible, these tools are absolutely essential to maintaining a functional learning environment. When I was provided with these basic supplies, it was more than a practical convenience, it was a reminder that my ability to do my job well matters, and that the systems and structures I build for my students deserve to be supported from the ground up. A teacher who has what she needs to stay organized, prepared, and efficient is ultimately a more effective teacher, and that directly benefits every student who walks through the classroom door. Investing in teachers, even through something as small as a stapler, is investing in students, and it sends a clear message that education at every level deserves to be resourced with intention and care.","fullyFundedDate":1753483460009,"projectUrl":"project/students-need-the-basics-but-so-does-the/9489101/","projectTitle":"Students Need the Basics but So Does the Teacher!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duarte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10079934_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752595625063","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10079934"},{"teacherId":10079934,"projectId":9903142,"letterContent":"Using candy and snacks as a reward system in our classroom has proven to be a simple yet remarkably effective motivational tool, particularly for our Special Day Class students who respond well to immediate, tangible reinforcement. For many of our students, the promise of a small treat, whether a piece of candy, a granola bar, or a bag of crackers, provides the extra push needed to stay on task, complete assignments, and demonstrate positive behavior throughout the school day. What makes this strategy so powerful is not just the reward itself, but what it represents: acknowledgment, encouragement, and the recognition that their hard work has been seen and celebrated. In a classroom where academic tasks can feel especially challenging and frustrating, having something small and joyful to work toward helps our students build persistence, self-regulation, and a positive association with learning. Snacks and candy have also become a wonderful community-building tool in our classroom, creating moments of shared celebration when individual students or the whole class reaches a goal together. It is a small investment that yields enormous returns in student engagement, motivation, and overall classroom morale.","fullyFundedDate":1763514290152,"projectUrl":"project/a-sweet-token-of-encouragement/9903142/","projectTitle":"A Sweet Token of Encouragement","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duarte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10079934_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752595625063","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10079934"},{"teacherId":10079934,"projectId":9549034,"letterContent":"Using candy and snacks as a reward system in our classroom has proven to be a simple yet remarkably effective motivational tool, particularly for our Special Day Class students who respond well to immediate, tangible reinforcement. For many of our students, the promise of a small treat, whether a piece of candy, a granola bar, or a bag of crackers, provides the extra push needed to stay on task, complete assignments, and demonstrate positive behavior throughout the school day. What makes this strategy so powerful is not just the reward itself, but what it represents: acknowledgment, encouragement, and the recognition that their hard work has been seen and celebrated. In a classroom where academic tasks can feel especially challenging and frustrating, having something small and joyful to work toward helps our students build persistence, self-regulation, and a positive association with learning. Snacks and candy have also become a wonderful community-building tool in our classroom, creating moments of shared celebration when individual students or the whole class reaches a goal together. It is a small investment that yields enormous returns in student engagement, motivation, and overall classroom morale.","fullyFundedDate":1755712170336,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-they-will-enjoy/9549034/","projectTitle":"Snacks They Will Enjoy!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duarte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10079934_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752595625063","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10079934"},{"teacherId":10079934,"projectId":9825875,"letterContent":"Providing personal hygiene products to our students has made a quietly profound difference in their daily lives and their readiness to learn. For many of our students, coming to school without access to basic items like deodorant, toothbrushes, hand lotion, or feminine hygiene products can be a source of embarrassment, distraction, and emotional distress, barriers that make it nearly impossible to focus on academics no matter how engaging the lesson may be. When our classroom became a place where students could discreetly access these essentials, something shifted, students walked in feeling more confident, more comfortable, and more present, ready to engage with their learning rather than preoccupied with unmet personal needs. For our Special Day Class students in particular, who are already navigating the social and emotional complexities that come with their unique learning profiles, feeling clean, cared for, and dignified is not a luxury, it is a foundation for everything else we ask them to do. The simple act of stocking our classroom with these products communicated something powerful to our students: that they are seen, that they matter, and that this is a safe space where all of their needs, academic and human, are taken seriously.","fullyFundedDate":1761946310131,"projectUrl":"project/clean-body-ready-mind/9825875/","projectTitle":"Clean Body, Ready Mind!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duarte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10079934_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752595625063","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10079934"},{"teacherId":10105876,"projectId":10001879,"letterContent":"We began the Spring semester well prepared for success, feeling motivated and optimistic thanks to your generous donations. Because of your support, I no longer have to worry when a student arrives without the required materials. I am able to provide notebooks and pencils immediately, allowing us to focus on learning without interruption.\r\n\r\nThe snacks have been a great motivator, helping students stay engaged in their work and encouraging positive behavior throughout the day. Our classroom is also clean and well organized, as we now have the necessary organizational and cleaning supplies.\r\n\r\nI am deeply grateful for your support of this project. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom. God bless you.","fullyFundedDate":1768169991229,"projectUrl":"project/planning-our-success/10001879/","projectTitle":"Planning Our Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kimani","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10105876"},{"teacherId":10105876,"projectId":9526239,"letterContent":"I am deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity in helping me create a clean, safe, and joyful classroom environment. Thanks to the items I received, my classroom is now welcoming and vibrant, filled with colorful math posters, inspirational messages, and well-organized learning spaces.\r\n\r\nThrough your donations, I was able to purchase toys, candy, and stickers that keep students motivated and excited to learn. The storage and organization materials have helped maintain a neat and safe classroom, while the cleaning supplies and paper towels ensure that our space remains spotless and inviting.\r\n\r\nThese contributions have truly transformed our classroom—shaping not just the physical space, but also how students approach learning with joy and confidence.\r\nThank you so much for making a lasting difference.","fullyFundedDate":1759066091515,"projectUrl":"project/numbers-not-barriers-equipping-every-s/9526239/","projectTitle":"Numbers, Not Barriers: Equipping Every Student for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kimani","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10105876"},{"teacherId":8235683,"projectId":9645061,"letterContent":"On behalf of our entire school community, thank you for your generous donation of personal timers. \r\nThese timers have become powerful tools for helping students strengthen their self-regulation skills—giving them structure, ownership, and a sense of calm as they move through their daily routines.\r\n\r\nThe timers have also elevated our reading fluency practice. Students are now able to track their progress with excitement and intention, building both accuracy and stamina.\r\nThank you once again for your support","fullyFundedDate":1759265545900,"projectUrl":"project/time-to-read-time-to-grow-donate-a-time/9645061/","projectTitle":"Time to Read, Time to Grow-Donate a Timer, Empower a Reader","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. R. Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8235683"},{"teacherId":10079934,"projectId":9477381,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has become a cleaner, safer, and more empowered learning space! When our students first saw the new cleaning and general hygiene supplies which included wipes, Kleenex, broom, mop, and hand sanitizer, they were thrilled. One student exclaimed, \"Now we can clean like the janitor!\" and another proudly volunteered to be our \"desk wipe captain\" for the day.\r\n\r\nWe turned the arrival of these materials into a mini SEL and life skills project. Students created a classroom cleaning schedule, practiced responsibility by wiping down their desks after meals and activities, and learned about germs and hygiene through a hands-on health lesson. \r\n\r\nOne memorable moment: during our \"Germ Detective\" activity, students used glitter to simulate germs and saw how easily they spread without handwashing. The hand sanitizer became a superhero in their story, saving the day and keeping our classroom healthy!\r\n\r\nWe're integrating these routines into our daily transitions. Students are learning to take ownership of their space, which supports both emotional regulation and executive functioning. As we continue our unit on community and responsibility, these tools help reinforce the idea that everyone contributes to a safe, respectful environment.\r\nThank you for giving our students the tools and the pride to care for their classroom. You didn't just donate supplies; you helped build confidence, independence, and community.","fullyFundedDate":1753133148808,"projectUrl":"project/clean-classroom-healthy-students-safe/9477381/","projectTitle":"Clean Classroom, Healthy Students, Safe Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duarte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10079934_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752595625063","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10079934"},{"teacherId":9617244,"projectId":9472084,"letterContent":"We have done so many wonderful assignments and projects with our resources. At the start of every year, we create a class vision where students collaboratively craft an agreement of why students go to school. Students in one of my periods created their class vision saying \"We go to school so we can be prepared for college and not be unemployed. We go to school to have a job and have money to live.\" This poster hangs up in our classroom and reminds students of why they need to work hard in our classroom.\r\n\r\nStudents also had the paper, pencils, folders, and coloring material to decorate their science folders. They use this to organize their schoolwork. Thanks to these materials, students are focused and able to grow their science knowledge.\r\n\r\nThe papers and pencils have also been helpful when students are working on labs to bring science into the real-world. Students did a water bottle flip lab to understand how to collect and graph data which is a fundamental skill in our science classroom. The biggest use of our materials is through our paper roller coaster project where students understand potential and kinetic energy. Students design a paper roller coaster and test it with a marble making their science learning hands-on.\r\n\r\nThanks to your contribution my students have been able to do phenomenal science work!","fullyFundedDate":1753632491593,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-basics-big-impact/9472084/","projectTitle":"Classroom Basics, Big Impact","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nguyen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9617244_orig.jpg?crop=1104,1104,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752722665781","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9617244"},{"teacherId":10079934,"projectId":9463918,"letterContent":"Thanks to the generous support of our donors, our classroom has become more interactive, organized, and student-centered with the addition of new technology and tools. While many people use printers and chalkboards at home, in our SDC middle school classroom, these resources serve as powerful learning supports that help students access curriculum, express themselves, and build independence.\r\n\r\nThe All-in-One HP Printer has been a game-changer. In our classroom, we use it daily to print individualized materials, help with modified assignments, visual schedules, bilingual vocabulary sheets, and scaffolded graphic organizers. For students with significant skill gaps, having printed materials tailored to their needs makes a huge difference. We also use the printer to create personalized writing templates, SEL check-in forms, and behavior trackers. One of the most exciting uses has been printing student-created work for display. During our \"My Identity Collage\" project, students used sentence starters and visual prompts to write about their families, interests, and strengths. Seeing their work printed in color and posted on our classroom walls gave them a sense of pride and ownership. For many, it was the first time they saw their writing celebrated in such a visible way.\r\n\r\nThe Black Chalkboard Contact Paper Roll has added a creative and flexible learning space to our classroom. We applied it to a low cabinet door and a side wall, transforming them into writable surfaces for quick brainstorming, exit tickets, and SEL reflections. Students love using chalk to jot down \"Word of the Day\" definitions, sketch story ideas, or leave kind messages for classmates. It's especially helpful for students who benefit from movement and tactile learning, writing on a vertical surface with colorful chalk engages different parts of the brain and makes learning feel more playful.\r\n\r\nThe rustic Chuangdi Hall Pass set has helped us streamline transitions and build student responsibility. Each pass is clearly labeled and easy to grab, which supports students who struggle with executive functioning or anxiety around routines. We've paired the passes with a visual check-out system and SEL reminders, so students know how to request a break, where to go, and how to return calmly. One student, who used to feel overwhelmed during transitions, now confidently uses the \"Calm Corner\" pass to take a sensory break and return ready to learn.\r\n\r\nAmong all the students, one seventh grader has especially warmed to the new technology. He's bilingual, autistic, and loves visual learning. He's taken on the role of \"printer captain,\" helping me print and distribute materials for small groups. He also uses the chalkboard contact paper to write daily affirmations and grammar tips for his peers. These tools have given him leadership opportunities and boosted his confidence in ways that traditional materials couldn't.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, technology isn't just about devices, it's about accessibility, creativity, and empowerment. These new resources have helped us build a space where every student can learn, express themselves, and feel proud of their progress. Thank you for helping us make that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1752783089448,"projectUrl":"project/1st-year-special-education-teacher/9463918/","projectTitle":"1st Year Special Education Teacher","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duarte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10079934_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752595625063","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10079934"},{"teacherId":10079934,"projectId":9463870,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed into a vibrant, interactive, and joyful learning space where students feel empowered to engage with English Language Arts in new and exciting ways. The arrival of our new resources that ranged from grammar posters and dry erase boards to colored pencils and Common Core-aligned workbooks, has sparked a wave of creativity, collaboration, and confidence among my middle school SDC students.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their reactions were priceless. One student gasped, \"Whoa! Are these all for us?\" Another immediately grabbed a colored pencil and began sketching a comic strip using newly learned figurative language. The giant pink erasers became instant favorites. Students were using them, not just for correcting mistakes, but as playful props during our SEL check-ins. The posters, with their bold colors and clear visuals, drew students in like magnets. Several students who typically struggle with reading comprehension were able to point to examples and explain grammar rules with newfound clarity. The visual aids helped bridge language gaps for my bilingual learners and supported my autistic students with concrete, predictable reference points.\r\n\r\nThe Common Core ELA workbooks for grades 6–8 have become a cornerstone of our daily practice. We use them in differentiated small groups, allowing each student to work at their level while still engaging with grade-level standards. The highlighters and pencils have made annotation and close reading more engaging, and the electric pencil sharpener has saved us countless minutes of frustration. During writing time, students use the \"Other Ways to Say\" synonym posters to elevate their vocabulary, and the \"Commonly Confused Words\" chart has become a go-to reference during peer editing.\r\n\r\nThanks to these resources, our classroom feels more inclusive, more expressive, and more academically rigorous. My students are not only learning—they're thriving. To our donors: your generosity has made a lasting impact. You didn't just give supplies; you gave my students the tools to believe in their voices. Thank you for being part of our journey.","fullyFundedDate":1752682938618,"projectUrl":"project/new-special-education-teacher-seeking-su/9463870/","projectTitle":"New Special Education Teacher Seeking Support","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duarte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10079934_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752595625063","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10079934"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_24004","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":512,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":45,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":49,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":3,"gradesServed":"6 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":85.2,"schoolId":24004,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Horace Mann UCLA Community School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Horace Mann UCLA Community School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/horace-mann-middle-school/24004"}