{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Manzanita Community School","outOfStateSupporters":23.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":3462250,"projectId":9816238,"letterContent":"Thank you again for your incredibly generous donation to our DonorsChoose project, Shade, Sand, and Stories: Learning through Outdoor Play. Your support means more to our classroom community than words can fully capture. Because of you, our vision for a rich, engaging, and welcoming outdoor learning environment is becoming a reality. We are excited to share that we have a special family day planned in February, where students and their families will come together to officially set up our outdoor yard. This day will be a true celebration of community and collaboration, as children and families work side by side to help bring this space to life. We plan to share food, paint the wooden letters, rearrange the outdoor furniture, and thoughtfully create interest areas that invite exploration, creativity, and connection. Knowing that this space was made possible by your kindness adds even more meaning to this experience for our families and students. We truly cannot wait to complete the outdoor setup and begin fully using all of the amazing materials you have provided to support play-based, hands-on learning.\r\n\r\nWe are especially looking forward to incorporating the beautiful collection of board books into our daily routines, as our students have shown a growing and enthusiastic interest in books and reading. Having access to engaging, age-appropriate texts will allow us to foster early literacy skills in a joyful and meaningful way, both indoors and outdoors. Already, your donation has begun making an impact. We have opened a few of the items early so students could begin exploring them and learning how to use them thoughtfully within the classroom. Without a doubt, their favorite item so far has been the dollhouse. Day after day, we observe students gathered around it, playing out family scenarios, practicing communication, collaboration, and empathy through imaginative play. During our recent Pets study, we were delighted to see children bringing over small animal figures from other areas of the classroom and adding them to the dollhouse as beloved family pets. These moments highlight the power of open-ended materials to extend learning across subject areas and support social-emotional development in authentic ways. Your generosity has given our students opportunities to explore, create, and make sense of their world in ways that are deeply meaningful to them.\r\n\r\nFrom all of us, students, families, and teachers, thank you for your overwhelming kindness and belief in the importance of play, outdoor learning, and early childhood education. Your donation is not just providing materials; it is shaping experiences, nurturing curiosity, and creating a space where children feel inspired, valued, and excited to learn every day. We are so grateful to have donors like you as partners in our students' learning journey","fullyFundedDate":1761795616474,"projectUrl":"project/shade-sand-and-stories-learning-throu/9816238/","projectTitle":"Shade, Sand, and Stories: Learning through Outdoor Play","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Maranatha","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3462250_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753105488461","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3462250"},{"teacherId":8946244,"projectId":9694730,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in funding this project. Your contribution is truly appreciated and has already made a meaningful difference in the lives of my students. Because of your kindness, we are able to provide opportunities and resources that many of our students might not otherwise have access to.\r\n\r\nThis project represents so much more than classroom materials—it reflects hope, encouragement, and a deep belief that every child deserves the chance to succeed. I strongly believe in the power of education to transform lives, and your donation plays a vital role in making that belief a reality. Thanks to your generosity, my students will be able to engage in learning experiences that support both their academic growth and emotional well-being.\r\n\r\nMany of my students face challenges beyond the classroom, which can sometimes make it difficult for them to stay motivated or confident in their abilities. Your support brings light and reassurance into their school day. It reminds them that someone believes in them, values their potential, and wants to see them thrive.\r\n\r\nI truly hope that more students continue to benefit from opportunities like this—opportunities that affirm they are seen, supported, and capable of achieving great things. It is because of compassionate donors like you that we are able to close gaps and ensure our most underserved students receive enriching and empowering experiences.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and commitment to supporting students. Your impact is lasting, and I am deeply grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1767200241054,"projectUrl":"project/making-math-visual-and-accessible-for-al/9694730/","projectTitle":"Making Math Visual and Accessible for All Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Quiñones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8946244_orig.jpg?crop=1275,1275,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713982752266","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-liyah"},{"teacherId":8946244,"projectId":9716527,"letterContent":"I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of games and refreshments for my classroom. Your support truly means the world to me and my students, and I can't thank you enough for your kindness and thoughtfulness.\r\nProviding engaging and meaningful learning experiences for all students is always my top priority. However, the reality is that many of my students come from homes where access to educational games, snacks, and basic classroom supplies is very limited. Your donation helped fill that gap in such a special way. The games you provided not only bring joy and laughter to our classroom, but they also help build teamwork, problem-solving skills, and social-emotional development—skills that are just as important as the academic content I teach each day.\r\nThe snacks you contributed were also incredibly helpful. Some of my students come to school without having had breakfast, and it can be difficult for them to focus or stay engaged throughout the day. Having snacks available in the classroom gives them that little boost they need to stay energized and feel cared for. It might seem like a small gesture, but to a hungry or tired student, it makes a huge difference.\r\nI'm also extremely grateful for your support through DonorsChoose. It's a wonderful platform that allows teachers like me to get much-needed resources into the hands of students who deserve every opportunity to thrive. Knowing that there are people out there who care enough to support classrooms they've never even stepped into is incredibly uplifting. It restores our sense of community and reminds us that we are not in this work alone.\r\nBecause of your donation, my students feel seen, supported, and valued. Their eyes lit up when we unpacked the new games, and they were so excited to start using them. Moments like these reinforce why I do what I do. Your contribution has helped create a warm and welcoming classroom where students can learn, grow, and simply enjoy being kids.\r\nSo once again, thank you—from the bottom of my heart—for investing in my students and believing in the power of education. Your generosity and support have had a real and lasting impact, and I hope you know how much it is appreciated not just by me, but by every single student who walks through my classroom door.","fullyFundedDate":1767240714643,"projectUrl":"project/strong-bodies-strong-minds-sports-and/9716527/","projectTitle":"Strong Bodies, Strong Minds: Sports and Exercise for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Quiñones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8946244_orig.jpg?crop=1275,1275,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713982752266","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-liyah"},{"teacherId":9669603,"projectId":9684948,"letterContent":"I am so grateful that you financially supported my classroom, specifically upgrading my classroom's calm space. It is no small thing to donate your money, and it is no small thing to share your resources with my students. I work in an environment where needs are often greater than what our school budget can meet, so your generosity has had a real and immediate impact. Because of you, my classroom now includes a wooden cube calming space (which is used often), kinetic sand (a much loved activity in my class), social-emotional learning children's books, and kinesthetic regulation pads. These tools that help me to help my students feel grounded, safe, and supported during the school day.\r\n\r\nMany of my students are neurodiverse, and all of them come from families who are economically underresourced due to systemic racism and xenophobia. For these children, school is not just a place for academic learning; it must also be a place where their nervous systems are supported and their whole selves are welcomed. The calm space materials you funded allow students to regulate their bodies, emotions, and sensory needs so they can more fully engage in learning and community. I see students choose these tools independently, return to learning more centered, and feel a sense of belonging and dignity in having their needs recognized and respected.\r\n\r\nYour support sends a powerful message to my students: that they matter, that their well-being is important, and that people beyond our classroom care about their success. Thank you for helping make my classroom a safer, more inclusive, and more compassionate place. Your generosity has lasting effects that extend far beyond the materials themselves, and I am deeply grateful for your investment in my students' lives.","fullyFundedDate":1760729492284,"projectUrl":"project/upgraded-calm-corner-meeting-the-needs/9684948/","projectTitle":"Upgraded Calm Corner: Meeting the Needs of All My Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Malka","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9669603_orig.jpg?crop=1078,1078,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723675777312","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9669603"},{"teacherId":3840252,"projectId":9859702,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of your contributions, my students now have the basic supplies they need to learn, create, and stay organized throughout the school year.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies first arrived, my students were overjoyed. Their faces lit up as they unpacked their new materials. Many expressed how grateful they felt to have their \"very own\" pencils, notebooks, and art supplies. Some even shared that they are used to sharing supplies at home, so having what they needed right here in the classroom helped them feel proud and prepared.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, these supplies will continue to support our current research and presentation project. Students will take notes, create visual aids, and prepare short presentations to share with their classmates.\r\n\r\nThank you again for making a meaningful difference in our classroom. Your generosity ensures that every student has the tools they need to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1761716790183,"projectUrl":"project/project-materials-come-to-life/9859702/","projectTitle":"Project Materials Come to Life","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3840252_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x987,y796&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704313511891","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3840252"},{"teacherId":3840252,"projectId":9851756,"letterContent":"Our students are absolutely loving the new sports equipment! We've already begun using the materials during P.E. and recess to promote teamwork and coordination. The new balls, jump ropes, and cones have added excitement and variety to our activities—from skill stations and relay races to cooperative games that emphasize sportsmanship and communication. The resources have truly elevated the way our students engage in physical activity.\r\n\r\nWhen the equipment first arrived, the students' reactions were priceless. Their faces lit up with joy as they unpacked the materials, and they couldn't wait to get started. Many shared how excited they were to try out the new items and even began brainstorming new games they could create together.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, our next steps include having students set personal fitness goals and participate in small \"Team Olympics\" events that celebrate perseverance and teamwork. These new resources are helping our students stay active, build confidence, and develop lifelong habits of health and collaboration. We're so thankful for the generosity that made this possible—it's making a lasting difference every day.","fullyFundedDate":1761451148412,"projectUrl":"project/go-sports-equipment-go/9851756/","projectTitle":"Go Sports Equipment Go!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3840252_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x987,y796&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704313511891","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3840252"},{"teacherId":3840252,"projectId":9809839,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for giving! When our new resources arrived, my students could hardly contain their excitement! We immediately began exploring how to incorporate the materials into our current lessons.\r\n\r\nTheir first reactions were priceless—wide eyes, eager hands, and a chorus of \"Can we use them today?\" Many of my students had never worked with such engaging, high-quality materials before, and it truly transformed the classroom atmosphere. The resources encouraged teamwork, curiosity, and confidence as students realized that they could be scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to build on this momentum by integrating these materials into a larger inquiry-based project where students will design their own experiments and present their findings to the class. This next step will help them strengthen critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. \r\n\r\nThanks to these resources they're experiencing how to work together. Thank you again!!!","fullyFundedDate":1761051246104,"projectUrl":"project/materials-that-allow-students-to-thrive/9809839/","projectTitle":"Materials That Allow Students to Thrive!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ellison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3840252_orig.jpg?crop=967,967,x987,y796&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704313511891","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3840252"},{"teacherId":8946244,"projectId":9701076,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of this project. Your contribution is truly appreciated and has made a meaningful impact on the lives of my students. Because of your generosity, we are able to provide opportunities that some students might not otherwise have access to, giving them a chance to grow, explore, and succeed.\r\n\r\nThis project goes far beyond classroom materials—it represents hope, encouragement, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive. I deeply believe in the power of education to transform lives, and your donation is helping to make that a reality. Thanks to your support, my students can engage with tools and activities that foster both their academic growth and emotional well-being.\r\n\r\nMany of my students face challenges beyond the classroom, and it isn't always easy for them to stay motivated or feel confident in their learning journey. Your generosity brings light into their school day. It shows them that someone believes in them, cares about their success, and wants to see them reach their full potential.\r\n\r\nI hope that even more students will continue to benefit from opportunities like this—ones that show them they are seen, valued, and capable of achieving great things. Kindhearted donors like you make it possible to bridge the gap and ensure that all students, including those most underserved, have access to enriching and empowering experiences.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your kindness and commitment to helping students. You've made a lasting difference, and I am incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1758741965092,"projectUrl":"project/stem-success-building-skills-and-confid/9701076/","projectTitle":"STEM Success: Building Skills and Confidence Every Day","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Quiñones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8946244_orig.jpg?crop=1275,1275,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713982752266","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-liyah"},{"teacherId":8946244,"projectId":9700885,"letterContent":"I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of games and refreshments for my classroom. Your support truly means the world to me and my students, and I can't thank you enough for your kindness and thoughtfulness.\r\nProviding engaging and meaningful learning experiences for all students is always my top priority. However, the reality is that many of my students come from homes where access to educational games, snacks, and basic classroom supplies is very limited. Your donation helped fill that gap in such a special way. The games you provided not only bring joy and laughter to our classroom, but they also help build teamwork, problem-solving skills, and social-emotional development—skills that are just as important as the academic content I teach each day.\r\nThe snacks you contributed were also incredibly helpful. Some of my students come to school without having had breakfast, and it can be difficult for them to focus or stay engaged throughout the day. Having snacks available in the classroom gives them that little boost they need to stay energized and feel cared for. It might seem like a small gesture, but to a hungry or tired student, it makes a huge difference.\r\nI'm also extremely grateful for your support through DonorsChoose. It's a wonderful platform that allows teachers like me to get much-needed resources into the hands of students who deserve every opportunity to thrive. Knowing that there are people out there who care enough to support classrooms they've never even stepped into is incredibly uplifting. It restores our sense of community and reminds us that we are not in this work alone.\r\nBecause of your donation, my students feel seen, supported, and valued. Their eyes lit up when we unpacked the new games, and they were so excited to start using them. Moments like these reinforce why I do what I do. Your contribution has helped create a warm and welcoming classroom where students can learn, grow, and simply enjoy being kids.\r\nSo once again, thank you—from the bottom of my heart—for investing in my students and believing in the power of education. Your generosity and support have had a real and lasting impact, and I hope you know how much it is appreciated not just by me, but by every single student who walks through my classroom door.","fullyFundedDate":1758202708874,"projectUrl":"project/help-my-students-learn-in-comfort/9700885/","projectTitle":"Help My Students Learn in Comfort","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Quiñones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8946244_orig.jpg?crop=1275,1275,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713982752266","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-liyah"},{"teacherId":10010713,"projectId":9324161,"letterContent":"I first want to appreciate you for your gracious donations to my class project. My students have enjoyed every last snack and fidget that was included in this order. They have explored the emotion zorb balls, emotion face fidgets, as well as the fidget stones. \r\nSince I have a class of majority Kinder students, I have spent a great deal of time teaching folks how to be in school, how to identify and work through their emotions. These fidgets and books have worked as great teachers as they socialize with one another as well. We typically end our days very drained and hungry so the snacks have come in so handy as well! Students have enjoyed the popcorn, poptarts and even graham crackers included in this project to ensure my students are happy and not hangry. Thank you so much again for your thought and care for my babies!","fullyFundedDate":1746811925414,"projectUrl":"project/embodying-love-one-snack-fidget-at-a-t/9324161/","projectTitle":"Embodying Love One Snack & Fidget at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10010713_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746118321419","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10010713"},{"teacherId":9006765,"projectId":9292347,"letterContent":"At the end of last school year, I submitted this project in anticipation of the beginning of the year and the donors for this project came through to provide SUCH a good start for us this year. I firmly believe that a strong and organized start to the school year speaks volumes to students about the tone of the class and about their value and worth as students. I was able to start this school year with clear and colorful organizational systems for my 4th graders.\r\n\r\nWe got multiple colors of folders, colorful headphones, an amazing bookshelf for our library, and much more! These 4th graders got to pick their own color of headphones, which helped them feel a sense of belonging and pride in their classroom and materials. They are learning about staying organized with their materials and I am modeling this skills using a system of colored folders. So far it has been a great success!","fullyFundedDate":1746472901403,"projectUrl":"project/hit-the-ground-running/9292347/","projectTitle":"Hit the Ground Running","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lowe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9006765_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721076142003","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9006765"},{"teacherId":9006765,"projectId":9173336,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in funding this project. I have been able to stock my classroom library with interesting and culturally affirming books to support readers who are transitioning into reading chapter books as well as readers who have already made that transition. Independent reading time in our classroom is a beloved part of the day that we make time for every day and it's in large part due to the quality of our library. Thank you for helping us keep it up to date, interesting, and appropriate for readers of all levels!\r\n\r\nIn this project, we also received thesauruses and a picture-based Spanish-English dictionary. These resources are allowing us to develop new study skills, draw connections between languages, and improve our vocabulary and writing. As a teacher, I've made it my goal this year to approach writing from many directions and build student confidence to write, revise, and elaborate. These resources are massively supportive in this effort. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1742934120196,"projectUrl":"project/the-joy-of-reading-and-writing-for-all/9173336/","projectTitle":"The Joy of Reading and Writing for All","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Lowe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9006765_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y386&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721076142003","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9006765"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_3945","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":338,"numTeachers":19,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":10,"percentBlack":22,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":54,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.4,"schoolId":3945,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Manzanita Community School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Manzanita Community School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/oakland-unified-school-district/manzanita-community-school/3945"}