{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mentone Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9816696,"projectId":9918061,"letterContent":"Thank you for investing in the lives of children you have never met. I am truly humbled by your kindness and generosity. My students are superstars, and your belief in them has made a tangible difference in their lives. You have helped give them confidence and encouraged them to continue reaching for excellence, knowing they have people who believe in them.\r\n\r\nI wish you could have been in the room when I introduced the books. I placed each one under the document camera for all the students to see, and your impact was immediate. One of my students lit up and said, \"Oh wow, Messi!\" when he saw the Soccer Superstar book about Lionel Messi. He wears that player's number and picture on his T-shirt all the time. Moments like that are so special because you can see the connection instantly.\r\n\r\nAnother student went straight for Miss Quinces, excited to find a story she could relate to. I heard a loud, \"Oh, Dodgers!\" and my baseball fans quickly grabbed the Ballpark Mysteries. It was amazing to watch each student find something that felt just right for them.\r\n\r\nYou can also see in the pictures how the organizers are already being used. My students used the bins and trays to organize their book club books, and they absolutely love them. The colors are vibrant and attractive, and they've helped create a space that feels inviting and easy to use. They wrote their group members' names on their bins and assigned one person to pass out and collect materials. Students who are naturally organized even took the initiative to make sure everyone had the correct materials.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping create a classroom where every student feels seen, excited, and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1771875591206,"projectUrl":"project/sports-heroes-mis-quince-and-epic-adve/9918061/","projectTitle":"Sports Heroes, Mis Quince, and Epic Adventures for Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9816696_orig.jpg?crop=306,306,x280,y234&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762883212620","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9816696"},{"teacherId":9816696,"projectId":9953108,"letterContent":"When I introduced the new books to my class, the excitement was immediate. As I showed each title, students leaned in and started asking if they could read them right away. The mystery themes really grabbed their attention, and they were eager to get started. It was one of those moments where you can feel how excited they are to learn.\r\n\r\nThe biggest reaction came when I showed the Spy School for Girls books. My girls literally roared with excitement. They were so excited to see books that felt made for them. At the same time, the rest of the class couldn't wait to start reading Spy School and begin solving the mysteries together. During literature circles, they've been engaged, talking through ideas, and helping each other figure out what's happening in the stories. In the pictures, you can see their finished work and one student's Accelerated Reader comprehension test score. He was so excited to show me his result that he asked to set his trimester 3 reading goal to 200 points. He now plans on reading all of the Spy School books.\r\n\r\nThe bins have also made a big difference in our classroom. Students can find their materials quickly and stay focused during lessons. While the bins are better suited for smaller books, they have still helped improve our overall organization. It may seem like a small thing, but it really helps our day run smoothly. Thank you for partnering with us to support my students and for believing in their potential.","fullyFundedDate":1767915202396,"projectUrl":"project/secret-agent-reading-mission-high-inter/9953108/","projectTitle":"Secret Agent Reading Mission: High-Interest Choice Books for Literature Circles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9816696_orig.jpg?crop=306,306,x280,y234&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762883212620","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9816696"},{"teacherId":9816696,"projectId":10067863,"letterContent":"My students love dragons, and the choice of books has them so excited to read. I showed each book cover under the document camera for all to see. The vibrant colors and fun titles immediately drew them in, and I could hear students say, \"I want to read that one!\"\r\n\r\nDuring our book club, students read in pairs with their book buddies. I carefully pair students with partners who have similar reading comprehension skills so they can support and encourage each other. Their excitement is clear as they read together and share ideas about the stories.\r\n\r\nThe dragon group has started working on their Bloom's Ball book reports, which are visible in the photo. Each section asks students to think deeply about the story by identifying skills such as point of view, theme, main idea, and important vocabulary. When I ask students what makes reading comprehension difficult, many share that vocabulary can be challenging. Exploring vocabulary in meaningful ways helps them make connections and deepen their understanding. Students also write summaries to identify the rising action, climax, and resolution of the story.\r\n\r\nYou can also see photos of the completed Bloom's Ball book reports alongside their books and dragon art projects. My students were incredibly proud of their finished work and couldn't wait to begin the next dragon book. Your donation has given them confidence and helped them see themselves as capable readers within our book club community. Thank you for believing in my young scholars.","fullyFundedDate":1771875591833,"projectUrl":"project/rawr-dragons-turn-kids-into-book-club-r/10067863/","projectTitle":"Rawr! Dragons Turn Kids into Book Club Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9816696_orig.jpg?crop=306,306,x280,y234&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762883212620","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9816696"},{"teacherId":9816696,"projectId":9961379,"letterContent":"Wow, these chair pockets are beautiful, sturdy, and fit perfectly in our oversized chairs. When I took them out of the package, I went over to the table groups and told them you sent special seat organizers. They eagerly emptied their baskets, sorted through their materials, and reorganized everything. They kept only what they truly needed. I could hear students asking, \"Are we getting chair pockets?\" Their excitement was overwhelming.\r\n\r\nI added \"before\" pictures to show what our work areas looked like before the chair pockets. Students had to pile their belongings just to have enough space to work. In the \"after\" pictures, you can see how much workspace has been gained. The areas are now clean, organized, and clutter-free. The transformation is truly remarkable.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this change has improved how my students learn. They are no longer wasting time searching for materials or feeling frustrated. Instead, they are more focused, independent, and ready to engage in their work. Your generosity has created a more productive and positive learning environment for my students. Thank you for believing in my students and for partnering with us to support their success.","fullyFundedDate":1771875591784,"projectUrl":"project/organized-spaces-for-growing-minds/9961379/","projectTitle":"Organized Spaces for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9816696_orig.jpg?crop=306,306,x280,y234&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762883212620","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9816696"},{"teacherId":9816696,"projectId":9951509,"letterContent":"I pulled out the delivery package and placed it under the document camera, slowly revealing one book at a time. The excitement in the room grew with each book I displayed. The students were thrilled, especially one particular student who absolutely loves pugs. When he saw the Diary of a Pug books, his face lit up with joy. He looked at me and said, \"Ms. Ramos, it's like God is smiling down on us.\"\r\n\r\nThis student often struggles in school, but he has found real success with the Diary of a Pug series. He frequently asks if he can walk with me when we return to class so he can tell me about what he is reading. One day, he shared that he hopes to become a librarian so he can help other kids choose the right books. He even joked that he wished he could clone himself. One version could read one book while the other clone reads another! I thought that statement was very profound; it really demonstrated the impact a great book can have on my students. When he begins to doubt himself, I can point back to his success with the Pug series. I see his eyes light up again, and he quietly says, \"Okay, I'll do better.\"\r\n\r\nThank you for partnering with us and making moments like these possible for my students. Your generosity shows them that they are cared for and supported, and that feeling will stay with them long after they leave my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771875591430,"projectUrl":"project/pug-sized-books-big-reading-confidence/9951509/","projectTitle":"Pug-Sized Books, Big Reading Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9816696_orig.jpg?crop=306,306,x280,y234&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762883212620","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9816696"},{"teacherId":9816696,"projectId":9963126,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to my young scholars. They were so excited to celebrate the Lunar New Year with the materials you provided. I began by reading Lunar New Year by Natasha Yim under the document camera so that all of my students could clearly see the illustrations.\r\n\r\nAs we read, we made many connections to our own lives and traditions. The book begins with the characters cleaning their house to prepare for the festivities, which led my students to share the celebrations they prepare for with their families. One student talked about Las Posadas, where special foods are prepared. Another shared about Día de los Muertos, when families honor loved ones who have passed away.\r\n\r\nThey also connected the legend of the beast in the story to the Chupacabra from Mexican folklore. My students noticed that loud noises and the color red scared away the beast, similar to how spraying water drives away the Chupacabra. They also learned that the longer the dragon's body, the more good luck it brings. In the picture, you can see their dragons! They added tissue paper to the back to lengthen their bodies for extra good luck.\r\n\r\nMany of my students were excited to learn about the zodiac animals and enjoyed the coloring activities. We discussed the characteristics associated with the year of the horse, such as curiosity, energy, confidence, and speed. My students reflected on how those traits connected to their own lives, but were also eager to identify and discuss the zodiac animal for the year they were born.\r\n\r\nEyes That Speak to the Stars supported our discussions about identity, imagination, and diversity. My students loved seeing parts of themselves in the main character. I could hear them saying things like, \"I play games with my grandpa,\" and \"I read to my little brother.\" It was wonderful to celebrate the Lunar New Year while also discovering the similarities we share across cultures. Your generosity made it possible for my students to explore new cultures while celebrating the traditions that are meaningful in their own lives.","fullyFundedDate":1766736495157,"projectUrl":"project/lanterns-legends-and-the-year-of-the-h/9963126/","projectTitle":"Lanterns, Legends, and the Year of the Horse","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9816696_orig.jpg?crop=306,306,x280,y234&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762883212620","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9816696"},{"teacherId":10156020,"projectId":9897174,"letterContent":"My 5th graders now enjoy when we do our STEM center rotations and get to use the different options for building and engineering how they want to. The books that were donated keep them interested and engaged and help them to enjoy reading, which can be so hard to do with 5th graders.\r\nYour support has fundamentally changed the way my 5th graders approach learning. With the new hands-on materials, I am seeing a massive spike in persistence—students who used to give up are now working through engineering challenges with smiles on their faces. Furthermore, our new library books have filled a critical gap, allowing every student to find a story that matches their level and interests. Your donation has directly improved our daily engagement and is building the literacy foundation these future leaders need. We are so grateful for your partnership!\r\n\r\nThank you from the bottom of my heart for your tremendous donation into helping my students become stronger and better learners.","fullyFundedDate":1763664467800,"projectUrl":"project/stem-ulating-success-hands-on-fun-lib/9897174/","projectTitle":"STEM-ulating Success: Hands-On Fun & Library Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fisher","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10156020"},{"teacherId":9816696,"projectId":9890381,"letterContent":"When our books arrived, the members of the Benedict Society book club were thrilled. I showed the cover under the document camera, and immediately they leaned in with curiosity. Within minutes of beginning the novel, they were taking notes on characters, setting, and plot, even sketching illustrations to deepen their understanding. During our discussions, we focused on theme, point of view, character development, and making inferences supported by text evidence.\r\n\r\nTo extend their thinking, students created Bloom Ball book reports that incorporated our literature circle discussions and target skills. They didn't see it as an assignment; they were fully immersed in the story. As a group, they chose to read pages 125–200 independently and then reconvene to analyze what they had discovered. One student smiled and said, \"This book is just right for me,\" and the others quickly agreed. The series provided exactly the level of complexity my advanced readers needed to analyze characters, make predictions, and collaborate to strengthen comprehension. You can see my students working on their Bloom Ball book reports in the pictures. When other staff members visit our classroom, my students proudly teach them about The Mysterious Benedict Society using their Bloom Balls. They are truly impressive to listen to.\r\n\r\n Then one day, a student noticed the Morse code chart in the book and asked what the lines and dots meant. The entire group paused to decipher the code together, laughing, hypothesizing, and connecting the hidden messages to the plot. In that moment, they were not just reading; they were problem-solving, thinking critically, and taking ownership of their learning. It captured the goal of this project: providing challenging literature that sparks curiosity and encourages deep thinking.\r\n\r\nThe Mysterious Benedict Society boxed set has been an ideal fit for our literature circles. Its layered storytelling and clever mysteries invite rich discussion and thoughtful analysis. My students have access to meaningful, rigorous texts that honor their abilities and fuel their love of reading. Your support has strengthened their confidence as readers and as thinkers, and the impact of these books will continue long after this project ends.","fullyFundedDate":1764639510012,"projectUrl":"project/benedict-society-mysteries-challenging/9890381/","projectTitle":"Benedict Society Mysteries: Challenging Young Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9816696_orig.jpg?crop=306,306,x280,y234&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762883212620","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9816696"},{"teacherId":9816696,"projectId":9890308,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for believing in my young scholars. When the books arrived, my students were filled with excitement. I placed them under the document camera so everyone could admire the vibrant illustrations and colorful covers. I shared with my students that one of our donors was the author of Dragon Masters, who chose to support our class because she believed in them. Knowing that the author was one of our donors made the experience especially meaningful for my students and me. But we are equally grateful to all of our donors for their belief in my students and generosity\r\n\r\nOne particular student excitedly called out, \"Am I in this group? I want to read Dragon Masters!\" She was part of the Dragon Masters group, and her excitement said it all.\r\n\r\nDuring literature circles, students use these books to strengthen important reading skills such as comprehension, understanding plot development, and writing short summaries. We begin by discussing the front cover and the title. The beauty of the cover page lends itself to rich discussions and making predictions. Students also discuss characters and events, identify key moments in the story, and practice retelling what they have read in their own words. Through these discussions, they collaborate with peers, share ideas, and build confidence in their thinking. The engaging format of Dragon Masters allows students to focus on these skills while staying motivated and building confidence.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the books, the book bins and storage cart on wheels have made a tremendous difference during literature circles. Students now organize their own materials and take ownership of their group's work. The mobile storage cart helps my students transport their materials when needed and fosters independence and responsibility within the group.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1764627225020,"projectUrl":"project/dragon-masters-books-reading-adventures/9890308/","projectTitle":"Dragon Masters Books: Reading Adventures on the Move","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9816696_orig.jpg?crop=306,306,x280,y234&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762883212620","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9816696"},{"teacherId":9816696,"projectId":9890238,"letterContent":"I unpacked the Fly Guy books and placed them under the document camera while my students watched with excitement. I redirected one particular student's attention—he really wanted to read the Fly Guy books. He said, \"Yes, Ms. Ramos?\" I pointed to the screen and told him to look. His little eyes grew wide, the biggest smile spread across his face, and he shouted, \"I LOVE FLY GUY! Thank you!\" That joyful moment perfectly captures the impact of your generosity.\r\n\r\nThe group of students reading Fly Guy has been working hard to build their reading skills, and these books have become an invaluable part of their growth. During literature circles, students read together, discuss characters and plot, and make meaningful connections. Fly Guy has become their friend. My students can understand his stories and talk about them with confidence. The accessible format allows my students to deepen their thinking without sacrificing comprehension.\r\n\r\nBecause Fly Guy books are Accelerated Reader books, students can take quizzes and track their progress toward reading goals. What has been most exciting is that the motivation now comes from them. They independently monitor their progress, let me know when they are ready to quiz, and proudly share their results. Many students are earning 80%–100% on comprehension quizzes and eagerly asking for their next book.\r\n\r\nYour generous donation has provided my students with high-interest, accessible stories that make reading both fun and achievable. The containers have helped organize their materials, allowing students to work independently and feel confident alongside their classmates. Thank you for your generosity and for believing in my young scholars. Your support has made a lasting difference in how they see themselves as readers.","fullyFundedDate":1764639509788,"projectUrl":"project/helping-our-readers-soar-with-fly-guy/9890238/","projectTitle":"Helping Our Readers Soar with Fly Guy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9816696_orig.jpg?crop=306,306,x280,y234&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762883212620","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9816696"},{"teacherId":9816696,"projectId":9890247,"letterContent":"\"I love to read!\" I heard a student shout during literature circles. I looked over and could hardly believe it. This student, like many others at her reading level, had never considered herself a successful reader. With minimal support at home, school is the primary place where she receives reading support. She was smiling from ear to ear, jumping up and down, and repeating, \"I love to read!\" What a priceless gift you have given her. This pivotal moment has changed the way she sees herself as a learner, and her enthusiasm quickly spread—other students are now eager to read the Owl Diaries and Unicorn Diaries books as well.\r\n\r\nBecause Owl Diaries and Unicorn Diaries are Accelerated Reader books, my students were able to take reading quizzes and work toward their goals. They experienced real success, earning comprehension scores between 80% and 100% and building confidence as readers. Students were fully engaged, discussing characters, making connections to other books, and eagerly asking for the next book as soon as they finished. The vibrant colors and fun characters sparked a love of reading that I had only hoped to see. The storage bins allow students to take ownership of their materials, while access to books at their level helps them see themselves as equals to their classmates.\r\n\r\nThank you for your generosity and for believing in my young scholars.","fullyFundedDate":1764639510194,"projectUrl":"project/magical-reading-adventures-owls-unicor/9890247/","projectTitle":"Magical Reading Adventures: Owls, Unicorns, and Literature Circles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9816696_orig.jpg?crop=306,306,x280,y234&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762883212620","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9816696"},{"teacherId":9816696,"projectId":9889194,"letterContent":"I unpacked the books one by one and placed them under the document camera. As I read the titles, my students' excitement grew with every cover. \"Wow!\" and \"I want to read that!\" were just some of the joyful comments being yelled out. One student said, \"I am intrigued,\" and I heard many \"oohs\" and \"aahs\" around the room. By the time the last book was revealed, the kids were completely ready to begin literature circles.\r\n\r\nThe first three groups who began reading the Humphrey books were thrilled. The groups were carefully selected based on reading levels and the specific skills they are working to develop. One group decodes very well but struggles with comprehension. Humphrey's engaging storyline and relatable character are already helping make their discussions deeper and more meaningful. Two of my other groups also decode and comprehend well, but they need more time immersed in rich literature to build their reading stamina. Through our literature circle discussions, I am already seeing students staying focused longer, referring back to the text for evidence, and eagerly sharing their thinking with their peers. They are asking to read every time their group has free time—what a dream come true! Thank you so much for helping to make this happen for them.\r\n\r\nThese books are building confidence, sparking conversations, and helping my students fall in love with reading. Your generosity has directly impacted their learning, motivation, and joy in the classroom. Thank you for believing in my young scholars and for giving them opportunities that will stay with them far beyond this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1763664465148,"projectUrl":"project/humphrey-books-bring-fun-and-order-to-ou/9889194/","projectTitle":"Humphrey Books Bring Fun and Order to Our Literature Circles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ramos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9816696_orig.jpg?crop=306,306,x280,y234&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762883212620","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9816696"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_39642","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":429,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":89,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":21,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":69,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"20.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":70.0,"schoolId":39642,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mentone Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mentone Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/redlands-unified-school-district/mentone-elementary-school/39642"}