{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Odyssey Charter School South","outOfStateSupporters":18.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10230620,"projectId":9730119,"letterContent":"You all made it possible for my students to obtain all that they needed for a successful school year. Your generosity filled our class and heart with happiness. We are so grateful for all your help. \r\n The art supplies have helped my students thrive and create a wonderful environment in our class. Thank you!\r\n The fires took away many essential things from the classroom. With your help, we are now finally complete. Because of your generous donation, there is so much joy in my class and the spirits of my students are super grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1758638797451,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-goes-a-long-way/9730119/","projectTitle":"Creativity Goes a Long Way","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chaidez-Fernan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10230620_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756424225016","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10230620"},{"teacherId":10000145,"projectId":9437486,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution. Your support has made a meaningful impact on both my students and me, especially as our school continues to rebuild and regain a sense of normalcy after the recent fires.\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, we now have materials that help create a campus environment that is welcoming, organized, and supportive of both learning and well-being. Items such as Cricut vinyl, chalk markers, double-sided tape, and kids' coloring books may seem simple, but they have quickly become essential tools in our classroom and school spaces. \r\n\r\nYour donation also supported me directly by providing headphones, which have already been incredibly helpful. This has improved communication and made it easier to stay engaged in professional responsibilities while remaining present in the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1757441657666,"projectUrl":"project/arts-and-crafts/9437486/","projectTitle":"Arts and Crafts","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ingrid","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10000145_orig.jpg?crop=2469,2469,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744756800053","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-ingrid"},{"teacherId":9933565,"projectId":9874160,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have meaningful tools that are making a real difference in their emotional growth and daily school experience. The social-emotional workbooks and feelings books have quickly become favorites in our classroom. Students are using them to better identify their emotions, build confidence, and practice healthy coping strategies. It's been incredible to watch them make connections between what they read and how they handle real-life situations.\r\n\r\nThe MacBook has also transformed the way I support my students. I'm able to create more engaging counseling lessons, design visuals and activities tailored to their needs, and track their progress in a clear, organized way. Most exciting for the students is the interactive technology I can now bring into our sessions, videos, digital feelings check-ins, and hands-on activities that make learning about emotions both fun and accessible.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular, who previously struggled to express how he was feeling, has truly warmed to the digital check-ins we do on the MacBook. He loves choosing visuals that match his emotions and has started opening up more during our sessions because of it. His confidence is growing, and his teachers are noticing the difference too.\r\n\r\nYour support has empowered my students to understand themselves better and to feel seen, supported, and capable. Thank you for helping create such meaningful change in their lives.","fullyFundedDate":1762445619382,"projectUrl":"project/building-emotional-strength-through-lear/9874160/","projectTitle":"Building Emotional Strength Through Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brandi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9933565"},{"teacherId":9933515,"projectId":9136427,"letterContent":"The incredible wave of generosity from DonorsChoose absolutely transformed our temporary location into a true second home for the rest of the school year, something I honestly wasn't sure was possible after the devastating Eaton fire. When we were first relocated, the shared space felt sterile and empty—a place to do school, but not a place to be a classroom. The sheer scale and speed of the donations changed everything. We didn't just replace what we lost; we rebuilt better. Thanks to donors, I was able to get a brand-new, colorful rug for our story time, replace every essential student supply from crayons to notebooks, and even secure the hands-on math manipulatives that are central to my teaching. Every box that arrived was a physical reminder that thousands of people cared about our students' learning and emotional recovery.\r\n\r\nThat support made our classroom feel like a haven again. It's impossible to measure the emotional impact of being able to give my students an environment that felt safe, familiar, and vibrant after such a trauma. The funding ensured that our focus immediately shifted from \"What are we missing?\" to \"What are we going to learn today?\" The personalized materials, from beanbag chairs to a full library of new books, brought warmth and comfort back into our day-to-day routine. The collective effort on DonorsChoose did more than provide resources—it restored the joy of learning and gave our students a comforting sense of stability and belonging right when they needed it most.","fullyFundedDate":1742337765887,"projectUrl":"project/rebuilding-our-second-home-in-a-shared-s/9136427/","projectTitle":"Rebuilding Our Second Home in A Shared Space","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Margarita","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9933515_orig.jpg?crop=1170,1170,x0,y113&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750182949244","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9933515"},{"teacherId":10230620,"projectId":9661893,"letterContent":"My students and I would like to thank you for helping us get the materials that we much needed. The materials have helped tremendously. The brushes and the painting easles have helped the students not only demonstrate their artist abilities but they have also helped the students show the way that they feel and that has helped so many othem. \r\n The manipulatives that were donated have also helped my students learn numbers and helped with their math lessons. Learning through play is so important for this age. Thank you for this donation. It has been such a blessing to this class. Without your donations, I don't think I could have achieved all the wonderful things I have in these two months. We are very grateful for your generosity and appreciate all of your help and donations.","fullyFundedDate":1756620295373,"projectUrl":"project/ayudame-help-if-you-can/9661893/","projectTitle":"Ayudame! Help if You Can","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chaidez-Fernan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10230620_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756424225016","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10230620"},{"teacherId":9644282,"projectId":9666296,"letterContent":"I am continually inspired by my students' resilience, curiosity, and kindness in our small SDC classroom. Many of my learners are non-verbal and continue to practice expressive language using their AAC devices and ASL to communicate. Because communication and social interaction are at the heart of what we do, I design supports that make learning accessible, engaging, and inclusive for everyone. The materials from this project have helped create a classroom where every student can participate meaningfully and build confidence in expressing themselves.\r\n\r\nThe multi-use sensory divider has provided a calm and flexible space for students to regulate emotions, manage sensory needs, and sustain focus during lessons. It helps create a safe environment where students can use their devices or signs to communicate without distractions or overwhelm. The pretend market has become a favorite learning center, offering authentic opportunities to practice communication, turn-taking, and basic math skills through playful role-play. Students use AAC devices and ASL to make \"purchases,\" ask questions, and interact with peers—bringing communication to life in joyful, real-world ways. Our daily healthy snacks also promote inclusion and consistency, giving students the energy and stability they need to participate fully throughout the day. Snack time has naturally evolved into another communication-rich moment, where students use signs or device selections to request, share, and express preferences.\r\n\r\nTogether, these resources have transformed our classroom into a space where communication, independence, and confidence thrive. Every tool supports not just academic growth, but the deeper human goal of connection.","fullyFundedDate":1757174167550,"projectUrl":"project/nourished-minds-calm-class/9666296/","projectTitle":"Nourished Minds, Calm Class","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Carrillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9644282_orig.jpg?crop=475,475,x0,y315&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738720743675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9644282"},{"teacherId":9644282,"projectId":9129001,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom has transformed into a more inclusive and engaging learning environment where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow. The resources you provided have helped us rebuild after an extremely difficult setback, restoring not only our materials but also our sense of community and creativity.\r\n\r\nThe puppets have brought an entirely new level of excitement and imagination into the classroom. My students use them during storytelling, social-emotional lessons, and even in group discussions. The puppets help bridge the gap between play and learning, giving students—especially those who are shy, non-verbal, or neurodiverse—a safe and joyful way to communicate. They've become beloved classroom friends who help students explore emotions, develop empathy, and practice social interaction in a fun, non-threatening way.","fullyFundedDate":1744862346719,"projectUrl":"project/restore-our-tech-and-book-inventory/9129001/","projectTitle":"Restore Our Tech and Book Inventory","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Carrillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9644282_orig.jpg?crop=475,475,x0,y315&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738720743675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9644282"},{"teacherId":9933565,"projectId":9136618,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students were able to begin rebuilding a sense of normalcy after the devastating Eaton fire. Your donations provided us with materials that helped us function in our temporary school sites, offering students some familiar comforts that were lost. Most importantly, you have helped us start restoring our two mental health support rooms, which served as safe spaces for our TK–8th grade students, especially those in special education or who are neurodiverse. These spaces are more than just rooms; they are places where students can heal and feel safe.","fullyFundedDate":1740781927789,"projectUrl":"project/rebuild-our-mental-health-support-suppli/9136618/","projectTitle":"Rebuild Our Mental Health Support Supplies After the Eaton Fire","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Brandi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9933565"},{"teacherId":10000145,"projectId":9257829,"letterContent":"Your support has lifted such a heavy burden from my shoulders and given me the reassurance that my students will not fall behind. Each supply donated is more than just an item, it allows me to restore a sense of normalcy.\r\n\r\nFor our students, your kindness has meant everything. Having colorful markers, pens, and paper again has reignited their joy and creativity. Seeing them smile as they draw, write, and share ideas has reminded me of the resilience children carry when they are given hope. Even something as simple as an organized cabinet has helped them feel secure and stable after so much disruption.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, our students know they are not forgotten. They know their community cares for them, and that has restored not only their excitement for learning but also their confidence in the future.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a part of our healing and rebuilding.","fullyFundedDate":1744757139234,"projectUrl":"project/rebuild-hope-for-ocs-south-students/9257829/","projectTitle":"Rebuild Hope for OCS-South Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ingrid","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10000145_orig.jpg?crop=2469,2469,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744756800053","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-ingrid"},{"teacherId":10000145,"projectId":9280484,"letterContent":"We truly appreciate the donations we received. We are working hard to rebuild our technology so we can better support our students and staff as we recover from the loss of our campus.\r\n\r\nEvery item we receive plays a vital role in creating a learning environment that is modern, inclusive, and effective. Where students can feel inspired, connected, and equipped to succeed despite the challenges they have faced.\r\n\r\nExtra thanks to the generosity of the Walton Family Foundation and donors like you, we are rebuilding more than a classroom. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1749691074989,"projectUrl":"project/support-our-tech-restoration-after-fires/9280484/","projectTitle":"Support Our Tech Restoration After Fires","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ingrid","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10000145_orig.jpg?crop=2469,2469,x0,y304&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744756800053","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-ingrid"},{"teacherId":10007832,"projectId":9292072,"letterContent":"Since receiving this new resource, I've been able to bring so much more creativity and organization into my teaching and my studies. My new MacBook Pro has allowed me to design individualized lesson materials that better support my TK students' language and literacy growth, especially those with IEPs who benefit from visual supports and differentiated instruction. I've also been able to integrate speech and language strategies into our daily routines, creating engaging visuals, social stories, and digital learning tools that help my students communicate and express themselves more confidently. At the same time, it's helped me stay on track with my speech-language pathology coursework, giving me the tools I need to grow as both a teacher and a future SLP.\r\nOne of my favorite moments since implementing these new tools happened during our small group literacy time. I created a personalized interactive story activity for a student who typically struggles to stay engaged. With the new visuals and audio components I was able to design, he not only participated the entire time but even initiated conversation and retold parts of the story to his peers. It was one of those heartwarming reminders of why I do this work, seeing confidence bloom through connection and communication.\r\nLooking ahead, I'm excited to continue developing my skills in speech and language support, especially focusing on early intervention strategies for preschool and TK-aged students. I'm eager to deepen my understanding of how technology can bridge learning gaps and help every child find their voice. This resource has not only rebuilt what was lost after the Eaton Fire but has reignited my passion and given me the tools to keep moving forward, for my students now and for those I'll serve as a speech-language pathologist in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1746209267862,"projectUrl":"project/from-the-classroom-to-communication-sup/9292072/","projectTitle":"From the Classroom to Communication: Support my Journey","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kaitlyn Lukjaniec","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10007832_orig.png?crop=1290,1290,x0,y593&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745871323948","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kaitlyn-lukjaniec"},{"teacherId":9644282,"projectId":9098495,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our Special Day Class (SDC) has been enriched with developmentally appropriate and incredibly engaging tools for my neurodiverse, often non-verbal students. The Elephant and Piggie book set has quickly become a classroom favorite, offering engaging visuals and repetitive language that support emerging literacy and AAC use. The laminator has been instrumental in creating durable visual schedules, adapted communication boards, and emotion cards that we use daily. Our sensory materials, like the Mold & Play Sensory Sand, liquid motion bubbler, and marble run set, provide soothing, hands-on learning that helps regulate emotions while encouraging collaborative play and STEM exploration.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their excitement was immediately heartwarming. A student who was often hesitant to engage independently gravitated toward the Melissa & Doug peg puzzles and began matching letters and numbers with minimal prompting. Another student who frequently exhibits sensory-seeking behaviors instantly connected with the PicassoTiles and magnetic letter maze, which have since become core tools during our fine motor and structured play stations. The \"A Little SPOT of Feelin' s\" book set has also helped us introduce emotional vocabulary during morning meetings, allowing students to point, gesture, or use AAC devices to express themselves.\r\n\r\nWe're currently working on feelings and storytelling. Students pair emotion cards with Elephant and Piggie books to describe character reactions, use puzzles and manipulatives to build scenes, and engage in role-play using visuals and books. The puzzle storage case has helped keep everything accessible and organized for student independence. Moving into our next unit, we'll focus on couwe'll and letter recognition using the self-correcting puzzles, magnetic letters, and Montessori-style building toys to reinforce academic concepts through play. Every item you've helped provide is a material—a gateway to expression, learning, and inclusion. Thank you for being part of our classroom's growth.","fullyFundedDate":1738784464016,"projectUrl":"project/recover-our-classroom-materialssupplies/9098495/","projectTitle":"Recover Our Classroom Materials/Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Carrillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9644282_orig.jpg?crop=475,475,x0,y315&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738720743675","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9644282"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_130861","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":63,"percentAsian":6,"percentBlack":9,"percentWhite":15,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":51,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":81.7,"schoolId":130861,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Odyssey Charter School South on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Odyssey Charter School South","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/pasadena-unified-school-district/odyssey-charter-school-south/130861"}