{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Van Ness Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":26.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8602325,"projectId":9531325,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for fully funding my DonorsChoose project! We are truly grateful. Because of your support, our classroom received new puzzles, Tinker Builder sets, counting tray math materials, sound teaching tubs that will make a huge difference for my hands-on blind multiple support learning students.\r\n\r\nThey explore the world trough touch and concept development and all of these materials will help them built understanding in ELA, Math, Sciences, SEL and much more. Your generosity doesn't just provide materials—it provides opportunity, independence, and joy for students who learn in unique ways.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my classroom and in my students. We appreciate you more than words can say.","fullyFundedDate":1762266318065,"projectUrl":"project/every-learner-every-ability-a-strong-s/9531325/","projectTitle":"Every Learner, Every Ability: A Strong Start for My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Yeva Korenovskaya","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8602325_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762221891934","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8602325"},{"teacherId":10071311,"projectId":9613326,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing \"Front Desk\" into our classroom. Our students have been loving Mia and her adventures at the the Calivista. My students have been particularly interested in engaging with content that reflects their own lives and the lives of others, particularly about immigration. \r\n\r\nWe read Front Desk two-three times a week, fitting it in where ever we can with our mandated curriculum. My fifth graders are hooked when we discuss the book as it covers topics from anything to racial profiling to having crushes in the fifth grade. Along with our weekly readings, my fifth graders answer comprehension questions so I get an assessment of what they understand from the text. \r\n\r\nOutside of the content of the book, we have discussed freedom of speech as this book is on banned book lists across America due to its sensitive topics of immigration and race. My students do not shy away from these topics, rather inviting them into our room to learn more about. They were upset knowing this book and many others that they loved were being taken off shelves. \r\n\r\nAs someone who grew up in between Orange County, where Front Desk takes place, and of Asian heritage, my inner child felt represented in these pages. My students also find themselves reflected in the Front Desk as fifth graders, people living in America, and culturally. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for donating and letting Front Desk be part of our classroom! Isang bagsak!","fullyFundedDate":1755695677675,"projectUrl":"project/voices-that-matter-bringing-front-desk/9613326/","projectTitle":"Voices That Matter: Bringing \"Front Desk\" to Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sarmiento","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10071311_orig.png?crop=611,611,x115,y71&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755570527821","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10071311"},{"teacherId":7530963,"projectId":9660852,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredibly generous donation. So many of the educational apps we rely on in the classroom update constantly, but our old technology could no longer keep up. Because of your support, my students now have access to state-of-the-art tools that allow them to learn, create, and explore through programs we were previously unable to use. Your gift has truly opened doors for them, sparking new excitement and giving them the opportunity to engage with the same high-quality resources students across the country use every day.\r\n\r\nWith this new Apple MacBook, my class is finally able to access the updated i-Ready platform again (a resource we had lost due to outdated devices). My students are thrilled to jump back into lessons and activities that help them grow as readers and mathematicians. They are also eagerly creating iMovie presentations to showcase their learning, and the confidence they feel while producing their own multimedia projects has been remarkable to witness.\r\n\r\nThe students in the photo are four of our 5th graders who have been at our school since Kindergarten. For six years, they have not had the chance to work with updated technology until now! Watching them light up, engage deeply, and proudly participate in our English learner program with this new device has been incredibly touching. Your generosity has not only provided a tool but has inspired joy, curiosity, and a renewed love of learning. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in their lives and in our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1757554450915,"projectUrl":"project/new-technology-for-our-english-learners/9660852/","projectTitle":"New Technology for Our English Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lee-Smith","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7530963_orig.jpg?crop=795,795,x132,y280&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756405288484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsleesmith"},{"teacherId":442401,"projectId":9520629,"letterContent":"Thank You for transforming our classroom! I want to extend my deepest thanks for your generous support in funding new technology for our classroom. \r\n\r\nWith this new technology, we can now access the most current educational apps and programs, create engaging and interactive lessons, and even edit videos to bring learning to life for our students. It also allows us to use updated assessment tools and writing programs that give students immediate feedback and personalized support, helping them grow in ways that weren't possible before.\r\n\r\nYour gift is not only making a difference today but will continue to impact students for years to come. The tools you've provided ensure that our classroom stays connected, creative, and equipped to meet the needs of 21st-century learners.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and for believing in the power of education. You've helped create a brighter, more dynamic learning environment—and for that, I am truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1758990980354,"projectUrl":"project/technology-for-tomorrow-today/9520629/","projectTitle":"Technology for Tomorrow, TODAY!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brodsley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp442401_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1498862389337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ruthbrodsley"},{"teacherId":128169,"projectId":9238897,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity. My students now have a place to choose their books from. Math, writing, and phonics materials are also placed on the bookcases so students have access at any time of the day. \r\n\r\nIn addition to subject materials, educational games, student workbooks are available. Students have been taught how to handle materials, choose books, and use the educational games such as phonics cards throughout the day. They are excited to have these things in a convenient place. Thank you donors for giving my students these bookcases. We are truly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1746787213588,"projectUrl":"project/its-raining-bookcases/9238897/","projectTitle":"It's Raining Bookcases!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. H.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp128169_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1482289325750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-hollandscorner"},{"teacherId":442401,"projectId":9472138,"letterContent":"From having the art supplies for our first projects, to dry erase markers for quick response lessons that the kids love, to quality folders for students to stay organized and pencils that don't break, these essential supplies have already provided all of my students with a positive start to the school year! \r\n\r\nThe students not only love engaging with these supplies, they notice the difference in quality when their highlighter or markers actually work with vibrant colors! Children notice the difference and appreciate using quality materials. They feel special! \r\n\r\nThank you soooo much! You have helped to make a huge difference in our classroom experience, and it's been such a blessing to have your help with this because I would have purchased these items myself because my students deserve a crayon that doesn't break after just one use.","fullyFundedDate":1756102831271,"projectUrl":"project/super-supplies-to-start-school/9472138/","projectTitle":"Super Supplies to Start School!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brodsley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp442401_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1498862389337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ruthbrodsley"},{"teacherId":9932339,"projectId":9133754,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nI want to sincerely thank you for your generosity in funding our fine motor treatment materials and toys for students with special needs. Your contribution has already made such a meaningful impact in our sessions.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their faces lit up and they were so excited to open it up and use the materials. Even though only a few of them is able use words, all of them are eager to explore and participate. It's really cool seeing a few of my students who has very limited attention span sit and want to do a game over and over. \r\n\r\nMy students have been regularly using the new materials, and I've seen exciting progress. One student, who often has difficulty participating and becomes upset when asked to sit for activities, was especially drawn to the jumping jack and trash truck. These toys captured his attention in a way that few things do, allowing him to sit and engage for extended periods. I've even been able to use them as a motivating reward—alternating structured activities with play—which not only keeps him participating but also strengthens his visual motor and fine motor skills. It's truly been a double win.\r\n\r\nAnother student, who is fully blind and often has little interest in classroom items, lit up with joy when exploring the pull-carrot activity. It was heartwarming to see his smile as he engaged independently. Beyond the joy, it was also a perfect fit for his goals, helping him use both hands and build strength in his weaker hand muscles.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, my students will continue using these resources to support their ongoing goals—such as building hand strength, improving grasp patterns, and developing visual motor coordination. These materials will remain an integral part of helping them grow in confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in my students and helping provide them with opportunities to learn, grow, and smile. Your support means more than words can fully express.","fullyFundedDate":1750222297325,"projectUrl":"project/empower-students-with-special-needs-by-b/9133754/","projectTitle":"Empower Students with Special Needs by Building Essential Motor Skills","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Woo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9932339"},{"teacherId":1375037,"projectId":9280981,"letterContent":"The new resources are being used directly in the classroom with my blind students, giving them opportunities to engage in hands-on learning that is both meaningful and accessible. These materials are helping them explore a wide range of textures, strengthen their understanding of new vocabulary, and participate more actively in daily routines. I have also been able to model for families how these same strategies can be carried into the home, so that learning becomes part of everyday life and not just something that happens in the classroom.\r\nWhen the students first explored the materials, the excitement was contagious. It felt like opening presents—every new texture, sound, or object sparked curiosity and joy. The experience of discovery itself became an adventure, igniting their eagerness to engage with learning in new ways.\r\nThese resources are now helping my students establish routines and structure within the classroom. They are facilitating tactile exploration, encouraging independence, and supporting the development of consistency throughout the day. With these tools, students are gaining opportunities to make sense of their environment, strengthen communication skills, and participate more fully in daily activities. The resources are laying the foundation for both immediate learning and long-term growth, empowering students to connect with the world around them in new and meaningful ways.","fullyFundedDate":1746498672161,"projectUrl":"project/tactile-triumphs-enhancing-classroom-ex/9280981/","projectTitle":"Tactile Triumphs: Enhancing Classroom Experiences for Blind Baby Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Roman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1375037_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y540&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745558846409","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1375037"},{"teacherId":1250221,"projectId":9245279,"letterContent":"Reading Hatchet with a full class set has been such a powerful experience for my students. The novel introduced important skills such as identifying themes, making inferences, and analyzing how a character grows through challenges. In our classroom, reading often looks like a mix of teacher-led discussions, small group collaboration, and students jotting down their own reflections as we pause to think deeply about the text. Many students were especially drawn to Brian's story of survival—several of my reluctant readers became eager to turn the page to see how he would overcome each new obstacle. Having their own copies allowed every student to stay engaged, follow along closely, and truly connect with the story. Thanks to your generosity, my students experienced the thrill of reading a novel that built both their skills and their love for literature.","fullyFundedDate":1744227879190,"projectUrl":"project/hooked-on-hatchet-inspiring-readers-thr/9245279/","projectTitle":"Hooked on Hatchet: Inspiring Readers Through Adventure!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hulett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1250221_orig.png?crop=729,729,x227,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744052163153","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1250221"},{"teacherId":1250221,"projectId":9242611,"letterContent":"Having a class set of Harry Potter books made an incredible difference for my students. For many, it was the first time they read a longer novel from start to finish, and the shared experience gave them both confidence and excitement as readers. The magical world of Hogwarts sparked their imaginations, encouraged meaningful discussions about friendship and bravery, and built a sense of community in our classroom. Because every student had their own copy, they were able to follow along closely, practice fluency, and truly immerse themselves in the joy of reading.\r\n\r\nThank you from the bottom of our hearts.","fullyFundedDate":1744227878985,"projectUrl":"project/from-page-to-platform-9-a-magical-read/9242611/","projectTitle":"From Page to Platform 9¾: A Magical Reading Adventure","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hulett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1250221_orig.png?crop=729,729,x227,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744052163153","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1250221"},{"teacherId":442401,"projectId":9238869,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of MagLev train construction kits to our classroom. We used them as part of a hands-on STEAM project, and the experience was both exciting and deeply meaningful for my students. We divided the class into seven groups, and each group received a kit to build their own train and track system using magnet strips and wooden blocks. Through this project, students explored the properties of magnets—learning how repulsion makes the train float and how a combination of attraction and repulsion can propel it forward.\r\nThe reaction when the students first saw the kits was pure joy and excitement. They couldn't wait to get started, and the room quickly filled with the energy of discovery. Not only did they learn about the science behind magnetic levitation, but they also began to imagine how this knowledge could be used to invent new technologies that might help the world. Your gift turned abstract science concepts into something tangible and inspiring, sparking curiosity and creativity in ways that a textbook alone never could.\r\nWe are so grateful for your support. Your donation has made a lasting impact on our classroom by providing students with an unforgettable learning experience and motivating them to think like scientists and inventors.\r\nWith gratitude, Ms. Hulett &","fullyFundedDate":1745270116633,"projectUrl":"project/steam-magnetic-levitation/9238869/","projectTitle":"STEAM Magnetic Levitation!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brodsley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp442401_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1498862389337","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ruthbrodsley"},{"teacherId":9827744,"projectId":9065341,"letterContent":"ChatGPT said:\r\nThe new art and craft materials have opened up a world of creative opportunities in our classroom. We recently completed a mixed-media art project where students combined Sandtastik Colored Sand, acrylic paints, and air-dry clay to design textured landscapes. The project allowed students to explore color theory, layering techniques, and 3D art forms while practicing fine motor skills. The cotton canvas panels provided a professional surface for painting, and the modeling tools helped students bring detailed clay features—such as trees, flowers, and animals—to life. The abundance of pencils, erasers, and crayons also meant every student had access to the basic tools they needed for sketching and planning before moving to the final artwork.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies first arrived, students were amazed by the vibrant colors of the sand and paint and couldn't wait to start creating. Many had never worked with so many different textures in one project, and the combination of materials sparked a lot of imaginative ideas. The yarn became an unexpected favorite, with students incorporating it into their art for added texture or using it to frame their work. The large variety of brushes made it easy for them to experiment with different strokes, from bold swaths of color to fine detailing.\r\n\r\nSeveral students really connected with the new materials. One student, who is often hesitant to participate in traditional assignments, became fully engaged while building a clay sculpture and carefully painting it with acrylics. Another, who usually rushes through projects, took their time layering sand for a sunset scene, showing a new level of patience and pride in their work. These supplies have not only enriched our art lessons but have also helped students discover new strengths, express themselves creatively, and build confidence in their abilities.","fullyFundedDate":1740071051631,"projectUrl":"project/cultural-tapestries-weaving-our-storie/9065341/","projectTitle":"\"Cultural Tapestries: Weaving Our Stories Through Art\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Delgado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9827744_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1739629227928","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9827744"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_7388","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":198,"numTeachers":12,"percentFrplEligible":83,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":80,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"16.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":73.3,"schoolId":7388,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Van Ness Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Van Ness Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/los-angeles-unified-school-district/van-ness-elementary-school/7388"}