{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mariano Castro Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":19.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9939966,"projectId":9599521,"letterContent":"Since receiving these new resources, our classroom has transformed into a more organized, focused environment. One specific moment that stands out is when we first set up the seat sacks. Each student got their own personal storage space for books, notebooks, and supplies, and the immediate impact was clear. The students were thrilled to have a designated area to keep their materials, and it helped eliminate so much of the clutter that had previously been a distraction. We were able to dive right into lessons without wasting time looking for misplaced materials! The manila folders are also making a huge difference—students now keep all of \"money\" neatly organized, which has given them a sense of ownership over their belongings.\r\nWhen the students saw the seat sacks and the storage shelf, their faces lit up! Many of them immediately started talking about how much easier it would be to keep their things in one place. The lanyards for field trips were a big hit too, as the students are excited to be able to wear them and easily identify each other while staying safe during school events. Overall, the students were so excited to have new tools that would help them feel more organized and responsible in the classroom. They also felt more independent, which boosted their confidence right away.\r\nThe next step is for my students to fully implement these new organizational tools into their daily routines. With their materials neatly stored in the seat sacks and work organized in the manila folders, we'll be able to streamline our lessons even more. They'll continue to practice responsibility and independence by managing their own supplies and keeping their work in order. I plan to have them reflect on how these tools are helping them stay organized, focused, and ready to learn, which will be a valuable lesson in self-management. Additionally, the new storage shelf will make it easier for the students to access shared materials quickly, making group work and class projects run more smoothly. The ultimate goal is for them to feel empowered by these systems, and to be able to carry these organizational skills with them as they grow.","fullyFundedDate":1755998237294,"projectUrl":"project/tools-to-tidy-up-our-learning-space/9599521/","projectTitle":"Tools to Tidy Up Our Learning Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9939966_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745685945730","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9939966"},{"teacherId":9682821,"projectId":9740117,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our STEAM class. The Chompsaw has already made an amazing difference in what students are able to create.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new tool, they were curious and excited to learn how to use it and what is was capable of. Several of them immediately started discussing project ideas and everyone wanted a turn to try the new tool.\r\n\r\nWe've started using the Chompsaw for our current electrical circuits unit, where students are creating electrical circuits that serve a function. They've been practicing measuring, marking, and cutting their pieces, and it's been helpful for them to have more opportunities to expand on their creativity without being limited to what our safety scissors could accomplish with cardboard.\r\n\r\nNone of my students had ever used a tool like this or even see an adult version in action. It sparked wonder and joy in my classroom, which is the dream of any STEAM teacher.\r\n\r\nThank you again for giving our class this opportunity and making this happen for us.","fullyFundedDate":1760805764829,"projectUrl":"project/future-scientists-at-work-tools-for-k5/9740117/","projectTitle":"Future Scientists at Work: Tools for K–5 Classrooms","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Data","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9682821_orig.png?crop=779,780,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759798729568","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9682821"},{"teacherId":4665310,"projectId":9740169,"letterContent":"In this season of giving thanks, my students and I remember and thank you for helping make our classroom a more organized, joyful, calm, and safe place to learn and grow. \r\n\r\nLittle things go a long way, and though a tiny snack container to hold crayons may not seem like much, it helps the students take good care of their belongings and optimizes our classroom flow and routines. Needless to say, the marbles have been a delight, and the students beam with pride when they hear the \"clink\" of another marble added to our marble jar! Finally, the therapy putty and sensory stones have been invaluable additions to our calming corner and to my students with disabilities as they learn how to channel their emotions in healthy ways.\r\n\r\nOur classroom routines and systems have been refined, and my students have higher quality materials accessible to them, thanks to you. Not only will my current students enjoy these materials, but also my students in the years to come. Your contribution truly has a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1758808767870,"projectUrl":"project/helping-hands-calming-minds/9740169/","projectTitle":"Helping Hands, Calming Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kwon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4665310_orig.png?crop=2216,2216,x0,y22&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1654646859963","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/janekwon"},{"teacherId":4665310,"projectId":9618355,"letterContent":"I am blown away by your generosity. Your donation has made such a difference in our day-to-day routine at school. The mailbox has helped us stay organized in class. Students know exactly which mailbox cubby is theirs and do a great job putting their completed work in their mailbox and emptying it at the end of the day to show their families all the hard work we've done in class. This helps the students take responsibility for their learning and belongings, and it saves me precious time that I can now allocate to crafting quality lessons.\r\n\r\nThe students were so excited about the new books. We have an entire shelf of Mo Willems books now, and I had a student read the entire Narwhal & Jelly series in a day! The Narwhal & Jelly section continues to remain empty in our library as someone is always reading one of those books. We look forward to reading Mercy Watson together as a class.\r\n\r\nThe Magnatiles were an immediate hit. I wish you could see the ways these simple tools spark creativity and cooperation. It may seem like just another toy, but as the students play with the Magnatiles, they are practicing sharing, manners, working together, and more.\r\n\r\nYou have helped to add joy and calm into our daily lives here at school. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1755758852157,"projectUrl":"project/mailboxes-books-and-more-setting-seco/9618355/","projectTitle":"Mailboxes, Books, and More: Setting Second Graders Up for Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kwon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4665310_orig.png?crop=2216,2216,x0,y22&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1654646859963","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/janekwon"},{"teacherId":9336230,"projectId":9526020,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, my students now have access to sensory trays and tools that have made such a difference in our classroom. The new materials give them ways to explore textures, strengthen fine motor skills, and find calm when they need it. Sensory play has quickly become a favorite part of our day, and it helps students feel more focused and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nI've seen my TK students use these tools not only to play, but also to practice self-regulation and independence. For some, it's a chance to release big emotions in a safe way; for others, it's a calming break that helps them rejoin group activities with confidence. Your generosity made it possible to create these meaningful experiences, and I'm so grateful for the impact it's had on my students.","fullyFundedDate":1755823902123,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-experiences-for-tk/9526020/","projectTitle":"Sensory Experiences for TK","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bowie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9336230_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699749382741","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9336230"},{"teacherId":9336230,"projectId":9350966,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, my students were able to create memory books that captured all the special moments from our year together. They loved seeing printed photos of themselves with friends, during celebrations, and at learning milestones. Decorating the pages with stickers and adding their own touches made each book unique and personal.\r\n\r\nThese books quickly became treasures for my TK students. They were so proud to flip through the pages and share their memories with classmates and families. Your generosity gave them something lasting to take home—something that celebrates their growth and the joy we shared in our classroom this year. Thank you for making this meaningful project possible!","fullyFundedDate":1748889745918,"projectUrl":"project/making-memories-in-tk/9350966/","projectTitle":"Making Memories in TK","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bowie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9336230_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699749382741","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9336230"},{"teacherId":9336230,"projectId":9236548,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, my TK students got to experience the excitement of hatching chicks right in our classroom! Every day they checked on the eggs, made predictions, and waited with so much anticipation. When the chicks finally hatched, the room was full of joy and wonder. It was such a meaningful way for them to see the life cycle up close and connect what we were learning to real life.\r\n\r\nThis project also gave my students a chance to practice responsibility and empathy as they helped care for the chicks. Many of them don't get to have these kinds of experiences outside of school, so this was something truly special. Thank you for giving my students memories and lessons that will last long after the chicks have grown.","fullyFundedDate":1746584314502,"projectUrl":"project/were-hatching-chicks-in-tk/9236548/","projectTitle":"We're Hatching Chicks in TK!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bowie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9336230_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699749382741","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9336230"},{"teacherId":9336230,"projectId":9147440,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our animal unit became such a rich and exciting experience for my TK students. With the new supplies, they were able to design and build habitats and bring their ideas to life in ways that felt both playful and meaningful. I watched students work together to figure out how to use logs to build a shelter or how to add feathers and fur to their creations, and it was incredible to see their problem-solving and creativity shine. What could have been a simple unit turned into a hands-on adventure full of curiosity, discovery, and joy.\r\n\r\nThese materials also opened the door for dramatic play and collaboration. Students loved pretending to be animals, acting out their behaviors, and exploring how different creatures live in the world around us. It gave them a deeper appreciation for nature and sparked so many thoughtful conversations about habitats and wildlife. Your generosity made this possible, and I am so grateful that my students had the chance to learn in such an interactive, memorable way.","fullyFundedDate":1742417067065,"projectUrl":"project/its-all-about-animals-in-tk/9147440/","projectTitle":"It's All About Animals in TK!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bowie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9336230_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699749382741","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9336230"},{"teacherId":9336230,"projectId":9308313,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students have been able to dive into art projects with so much excitement and pride. The new supplies gave them fresh ways to explore their creativity and bring their ideas to life. From painting bold pictures to decorating with glitter glue, they loved having the freedom to express themselves in colorful, meaningful ways. For many of my TK students, especially those still finding their voices, art has been a powerful tool for communication—and your donation made sure that door stayed wide open for them.\r\n\r\nThese materials also made our classroom feel joyful and inspiring in the final stretch of the school year. The students were so proud of their creations and loved sharing them with friends and families. Each project became not just an art activity, but a celebration of their growth, imagination, and hard work. Your support helped us end the year on such a positive and creative note, and I'm deeply grateful for the difference you made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1747152981015,"projectUrl":"project/arts-and-crafts-in-tk/9308313/","projectTitle":"Arts and Crafts in TK","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bowie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9336230_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699749382741","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9336230"},{"teacherId":9336230,"projectId":9144983,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our transportation unit came to life in such a meaningful way for my TK students. The ramps and balls quickly became a favorite part of our classroom, and the kids were so excited to test out their ideas about speed, force, and movement. They weren't just playing—they were experimenting, collaborating, and learning how to ask questions like, \"What happens if we make the ramp taller?\" or \"Why did this ball go faster?\" It was amazing to see them light up with curiosity and joy while exploring big STEM concepts in a way that felt fun and natural to them.\r\n\r\nThese materials also gave my students valuable opportunities to work together and problem-solve. I watched them cheer each other on, share ideas, and build confidence as they discovered new ways to use the ramps. The hands-on play really helped them connect transportation to their own lives and communities, sparking conversations about cars, bikes, and even safety. Your donation made all of this possible, and I'm so grateful that my students had this chance to explore and learn in such an engaging way.","fullyFundedDate":1742961308079,"projectUrl":"project/things-that-go-transportation-in-tk/9144983/","projectTitle":"Things That Go - Transportation in TK!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Bowie","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9336230_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699749382741","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9336230"},{"teacherId":9939489,"projectId":9264330,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support. I'm incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to use these books with my students.\r\n\r\nAt our school, we use Character Strong to help students develop social-emotional skills, build character, and grow into thoughtful individuals. These books have become a wonderful added piece to that work—allowing me to go even deeper in counseling sessions and help students better understand and express their feelings.\r\n\r\nHaving stories and characters they can relate to has opened up meaningful conversations about emotions, empathy, and resilience. It's been a powerful way to create a safe, supportive space where students feel seen and heard.\r\n\r\nAs a first-year counselor, I'm especially thankful to have resources like these to help me connect with my students in real and lasting ways. Your support is already making a difference, and I truly appreciated.","fullyFundedDate":1751772923090,"projectUrl":"project/healing-pages/9264330/","projectTitle":"Healing Pages!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Penny","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9939489_orig.jpg?crop=483,483,x220,y48&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741975880240","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/penny-cifuentes"},{"teacherId":9939966,"projectId":9285415,"letterContent":"During small group time, my students use Chromebooks with adaptive programs that meet them right where they are in reading and math. These programs adjust in real time to each child's learning level, helping them build skills step by step. But to fully benefit, students need to be able to hear and focus — and that's where the new headphones have made a huge difference.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students most is how they can now really hear their learning games and lessons without distractions. They're more engaged, more independent, and much more focused. You can see the difference in their faces — headphones on, eyes lit up, fully immersed in the activity.\r\n\r\nOne student who used to get easily frustrated during tech time now beams with pride. With a working pair of headphones, he's able to follow along at his own pace, complete tasks without needing constant help, and feel successful. It's been a joy to watch him grow in confidence.\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting this project. These headphones may seem like a small tool, but they're opening up big opportunities for my students to learn, grow, and thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1745799488491,"projectUrl":"project/helping-little-learners-tune-in-and-thri/9285415/","projectTitle":"Helping Little Learners Tune In and Thrive","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9939966_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745685945730","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9939966"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4858","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":257,"numTeachers":12,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":84,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"21.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":80.7,"schoolId":4858,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mariano Castro Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mariano Castro Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/mountain-view-whisman-school-district/mariano-castro-elementary-school/4858"}