{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Bella Vista Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":19.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4718307,"projectId":9529282,"letterContent":"The new equipment that was purchased - largely with YOUR help - has been so motivating for my students. Practicing object control skills such as throwing, striking and catching, is so productive when all students have their own equipment. Students can learn at their own pace and enjoy their learning and practice time.\r\n\r\nMy students were very excited to play with the new pickleballs, bouncy balls and trainer footballs! Engagement has been especially high in my classes since the equipment arrived. Best of all - my students are learning and having fun with each other. They are ready to move on to group games!","fullyFundedDate":1755706880304,"projectUrl":"project/fun-for-all/9529282/","projectTitle":"Fun For ALL","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sanchez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4718307_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673881860133","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4718307"},{"teacherId":10061570,"projectId":9427652,"letterContent":"As we enter our 10th week of the school year, I want to express enormous gratitude on behalf of myself and my 4th-grade scholars at Bella Vista Elementary School! Because of your generosity our classroom has become a comfortable environment for learning. The air conditioning unit has made a huge impact on the usually stuffy, overheated room in this otherwise lovely and spacious 100-year-old school building. \r\n\r\nThe impact is evident every day when students come in after recess from a remarkably sunny, warm, mostly unshaded playground. They all sigh in relief when settling in and preparing to continue their lessons and activities. \r\n\r\nHaving a cool space in a geographical area where the summer weather can last through October is no small thing. Providing a welcoming, comfortable space for scholars to learn and interact in positive ways has been a high priority for me this year. The young people in my class already contend with many obstacles that can distract them from being interested and invested in their academics and compassionate social interactions. \r\n\r\nThe simple act of turning on the air conditioner turns our space into a welcoming place for all of us. It is a gift made possible by you that gives us comfort every day. Please know you have made a giant difference in our school lives, and I can't thank you enough! The students are so excited to share a thank-you poster with you that they are currently working on. Please check back soon for their creation of sincere appreciation!","fullyFundedDate":1752531005679,"projectUrl":"project/staying-cool-in-school-when-it-gets-hot/9427652/","projectTitle":"Staying Cool in School When it Gets Hot","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Aimee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10061570_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752459828052","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10061570"},{"teacherId":9648767,"projectId":9284255,"letterContent":"The new supplies have made a huge difference in our classroom routines and student engagement! We've been using the sensory items as part of our calm-down corner, helping students self-regulate and return to learning ready and focused. The learning flash cards have been a great tool during small group work—students love using them during literacy and math centers. And the play food has completely transformed our dramatic play area! One of our favorite moments was when students created a pretend restaurant, taking turns being chefs, customers, and servers while practicing language, sharing, and social skills.\r\nTheir eyes lit up with excitement! They immediately started exploring the items and coming up with ideas for how to use them. One student hugged a sensory toy and said, \"This is my favorite thing ever!\" The play food especially sparked so much creativity and laughter—it was pure joy to watch them dive into pretend play and use their imaginations.","fullyFundedDate":1746699706766,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-speak-learn-and-shine-all-2025/9284255/","projectTitle":"Help us Speak, Learn, and Shine all 2025!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brooks-Hunter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9648767_orig.jpg?crop=1019,1019,x98,y692&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723429288961","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9648767"},{"teacherId":10111257,"projectId":9532857,"letterContent":"Thank you for much for your past donation! Your donation has helped in so many ways and there are not enough words to express how appreciative I am. Your donation has helped transform the school counseling space and program at my school in different ways. It has helped create a safe and comfortable space for students to do a number of things, including hanging out with their friends during lunch, host small group sessions, and allow students to openly express their feelings. When I started the year, I was excited to be my school's first school counselor but also overwhelmed by the thought of having to start from scratch. Now, after receiving such generous support, I feel more certain about the direction of the school's counseling program :-)","fullyFundedDate":1755209571112,"projectUrl":"project/mental-health-matters-creating-our-scho/9532857/","projectTitle":"Mental Health Matters! Creating Our School's First Counseling Space!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Yu","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10111257"},{"teacherId":801990,"projectId":9417579,"letterContent":"Change is hard for a teacher, but STEM units rock! We were so excited to change out a unit for bridge building this trimester. There is nothing more engaging than engineering projects in the elementary classroom.\r\n\r\nThe students will be engaged researching bridge building, as well as building structurally sound mini bridges with balsa wood, wire, and pins. STEM activities are inclusive and fun.\r\nThank you for providing the luxurious items for our Bridge Building Project. Know that year after year, students in my class will be reading the books and building bridges.","fullyFundedDate":1757898807182,"projectUrl":"project/stem-structures/9417579/","projectTitle":"STEM Structures","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barry-Hansen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp801990_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1557979546407","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/801990"},{"teacherId":9043125,"projectId":9375509,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! When our new sensory materials arrived, my students lit up with excitement. Many immediately gravitated toward the textures, colors, and movement—one student gently held a sensory toy and whispered, \"It feels calm.\"\r\n\r\nThese tools have become a daily part of our routine. Whether it's using fidget items for focus during reading time, or sensory bins to support calming strategies, the impact has been immediate. We've seen students self-regulate more effectively and engage in learning with more confidence.\r\n\r\nNext, we're incorporating sensory tools into our literacy and life skills centers, helping students build independence while staying comfortable and focused.\r\nThank you for helping create a classroom where all students can feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1754933041315,"projectUrl":"project/a-calming-corner-for-exceptional-learner/9375509/","projectTitle":"A Calming Corner for Exceptional Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Montoya","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9043125"},{"teacherId":9212688,"projectId":9208826,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generous support in helping us create a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment. Because of your donation, we now have disinfecting supplies, cleaning tools, and storage that are already making a huge difference in our daily routines.\r\n\r\nMy students were so excited to help organize their learning space. With everything in its place, they can find materials easily, focus better, and take greater responsibility for keeping our classroom tidy. The vacuum and cleaning supplies are helping us maintain a fresh and safe space... something we all truly appreciate.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has created a more peaceful, productive classroom where students can thrive. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for supporting our learning environment in such a meaningful way!","fullyFundedDate":1744484442263,"projectUrl":"project/a-clean-organized-classroom-for-better/9208826/","projectTitle":"A Clean & Organized Classroom for Better Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9212688_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715802233318","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9212688"},{"teacherId":9212688,"projectId":9134006,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has transformed into a space full of creativity, teamwork, and hands-on learning! It was incredible to see them laughing, problem-solving, and working together without screens. Two words I would use to describe the classroom currently is engagement and joy!\r\n\r\nWe recently completed a self-portrait project using some of the new art materials, and it was a beautiful experience! Students explored identity and self-expression through drawing, painting, and collage . Each portrait turned out so unique and full of personality. We even created a mini gallery in our hallway to display their work, and the pride on their faces was priceless.\r\n\r\nI've also found creative ways to use tools like stencils not just in art, but in our science lessons as well. For example, we've used them to help label diagrams and create visual models during our science investigations, combining creativity with content learning.","fullyFundedDate":1745496316959,"projectUrl":"project/unplugged-fun-hands-on-activities-for-r/9134006/","projectTitle":"Unplugged Fun: Hands-On Activities for Reward Days!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Johnson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9212688_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715802233318","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9212688"},{"teacherId":801990,"projectId":9267875,"letterContent":"Happy 2025-2026 academic school year. I have a great class. They are ready to learn and catch up to reading at grade level. Thanks to your kind donations, my students have many themed, new books to choose from. Our library is enriched by your donation for this year, and many to come!\r\n\r\nHaving extravagant extras such as the coordinate magnetic graph on the board will help us plot graphs and points on the board all year. Our plastic folders are full of homework and reading logs, so that students can spend a little time at home sharing their skills with their families. Our supply caddies are on each table representing university colors, to hold their pencils, post its, scissors, erasers etc... They also add color to our 1948 brown room.\r\n\r\nThe borders, colorful fadeless paper, and tape outline our American History Timeline that will be filled all of our 180 days of school.\r\nThank you so much for choosing our grant. Your fine gifts make teaching luxurious!","fullyFundedDate":1746787342349,"projectUrl":"project/extravagant-extras/9267875/","projectTitle":"Extravagant Extras","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barry-Hansen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp801990_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1557979546407","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/801990"},{"teacherId":801990,"projectId":9206659,"letterContent":"Wow! Thank you for supporting public education! Our students deserve the best books and materials for a rigorous curriculum. When they have the extra books, they are challenged by the Human Rights unit our district has chosen.\r\n\r\nIt is really impressive how reading is something to look forward to, when the books are so interresting and geographically relevant. \r\n\r\nWe Are Not Free is going to elevate our unit book Esperanza Rising. \r\n\r\nKnow that students will be making charts, colorful signs, and learning how to express their first amendment rights.","fullyFundedDate":1745496323191,"projectUrl":"project/rigorous-reading/9206659/","projectTitle":"Rigorous Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barry-Hansen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp801990_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1557979546407","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/801990"},{"teacherId":801990,"projectId":9053916,"letterContent":"As our academic year comes to a close, we get to dig into the arts! This year we will be learning watercolor techniques to paint beautiful pictures. Some students will choose to paint on a canvas with acrylics. Our local framer donates old frames and mats. This way the students are motivated to work on a piece that is good enough to hang up in their house.\r\n\r\nHaving the fine watercolors and small paint brushes makes it possible to teach watercolor techniques that young children can master and use in the future. When the kids are done, they take a painting home to put up on the wall. \r\n\r\nThank you for your kind donation!","fullyFundedDate":1745139317951,"projectUrl":"project/special-supplies/9053916/","projectTitle":"Special Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barry-Hansen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp801990_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1557979546407","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/801990"},{"teacherId":9648767,"projectId":8627688,"letterContent":"My students and I are making wonderful use of the new resources provided by DonorsChoose. The sensory toys have been a game-changer, especially for students who benefit from sensory regulation to stay focused and calm during lessons. We recently used the speech workbooks during a small group session where students practiced articulation and expressive language through interactive activities. One memorable moment was when a student used a visual aid from the materials to successfully complete a sentence independently for the first time — it was a huge milestone, and we celebrated with high-fives and lots of encouragement. These resources have not only supported their learning goals but also helped create a more engaging and accessible learning environment.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement in the room was contagious! The students' eyes lit up as they explored the colorful sensory tools, communication talkers, toys and flipped through the workbooks. One student immediately grabbed a tactile toy and said, \"This is my favorite thing ever!\" It was heartwarming to see how quickly they connected with the new tools. As we move forward, we're using the materials to build on our language development unit. Students are currently working on creating personal \"All About Me\" books using sentence starters and visuals from the workbooks. This project is helping them build confidence in their communication skills. Thanks to your generosity, these next steps are not just possible—they're exciting and empowering.","fullyFundedDate":1723739128277,"projectUrl":"project/operation-speech-just-for-me/8627688/","projectTitle":"Operation \"Speech Just For Me\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brooks-Hunter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9648767_orig.jpg?crop=1019,1019,x98,y692&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723429288961","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9648767"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_3912","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":379,"numTeachers":19,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":37,"percentBlack":24,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":24,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"19.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":80.3,"schoolId":3912,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Bella Vista Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Bella Vista Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/oakland-unified-school-district/bella-vista-elementary-school/3912"}