{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mentone Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":30.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10083828,"projectId":9935733,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and providing books like The Wild Robot, additional titles to grow our classroom library, and reward items like stickers, mosaic sticker art, and Rubik's cubes. Because of you, my students have had more opportunities to engage with reading in meaningful and motivating ways. We used The Wild Robot as part of a class reading experience, where students completed a project after finishing the book, allowing them to show their understanding and creativity.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were excited, especially about the new books and rewards. They were eager to start reading and immediately asked about the prizes and how they could earn them. The added book choices helped students find texts they were actually interested in, while the stickers and prizes created an extra layer of motivation. I've seen students more focused during reading time and more driven to meet their AR goals.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we will continue expanding our reading habits and using these materials to keep students motivated and engaged. Students are setting goals, tracking their progress, and working toward rewards while building stronger reading skills. Thank you again for supporting both the academic and motivational needs of my students, it has made a difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771875592010,"projectUrl":"project/leveling-up-learning-with-books-and-rewa/9935733/","projectTitle":"Leveling Up Learning With Books and Rewards","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10083828"},{"teacherId":10083828,"projectId":9944969,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping us expand our library with books like I Survived, Goosebumps, Magic Tree House, and Percy Jackson. Because of you, my students now have access to a wider variety of books that truly match their interests. We've been using these books during independent reading time, and it's made a big difference in keeping students engaged and excited to read.\r\n\r\nWhen the books first arrived, my students were immediately excited. Many of them recognized the titles and couldn't wait to start reading. It was great to see students eager to pick up a book and stay focused during reading time. Since adding these to our classroom library, I've noticed a strong increase in reading interest, with more students staying on task and working toward meeting their AR goals.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we will continue using these books to build reading stamina and confidence. Students are setting personal reading goals and taking more ownership of their progress. Thank you again for helping grow our classroom library and for supporting my students in becoming stronger, more motivated readers.","fullyFundedDate":1771875591606,"projectUrl":"project/more-books-more-choice-more-readers/9944969/","projectTitle":"More Books, More Choice, More Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10083828"},{"teacherId":10083828,"projectId":10099852,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping us add the I Survived book series to our library. Your generosity has made a real difference in building a stronger reading environment for my students.\r\n\r\nWe've been using these books during independent reading time, and they've quickly become some of the most popular choices in our classroom. Having these new books has helped expand our classroom library and given students more options that truly interest them. One moment that stood out was seeing students who usually struggle to stay focused during reading time completely engaged with their books.\r\n\r\nWhen the books first arrived, my students were excited right away. Many of them recognized the series and were eager to start reading immediately. It created a lot of positive energy around reading, and students were proud to have new books available to them. Because of your support, I've seen an increase in students' interest in reading. More students are staying engaged during reading time, and many have been working hard to meet their AR goals. Having access to books they actually want to read has made a big difference.","fullyFundedDate":1771875591180,"projectUrl":"project/cant-stop-reading-i-survived/10099852/","projectTitle":"Can't Stop Reading \"I Survived\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10083828"},{"teacherId":10083828,"projectId":10099874,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom. Because of you, my students now have essential materials like pencils, whiteboards, and testing desk dividers that we truly needed, especially during this testing season.\r\n\r\nWe've already been using everything in our daily review. The whiteboards have been a huge help because every student gets involved instead of just a few raising their hands. One moment that stood out was during a math review where all students were showing their answers at the same time (it made it easy to check for understanding and help them right away). The desk dividers have also helped create a more focused space, giving students the environment they need to do their best during testing.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were excited right away. Even the pencils got a reaction, they were ready to use everything immediately. As we move forward, we're continuing to use these materials to prepare for our state tests and build confidence. We'll be working in small groups, reviewing key skills, and making sure every student feels ready to finish the year strong.","fullyFundedDate":1771875591538,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-success/10099874/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10083828"},{"teacherId":9816696,"projectId":10114684,"letterContent":"Your generous funding has had a meaningful and lasting impact on my students through our school garden club, transforming what began as a small, self-funded effort into a thriving, hands-on learning experience. This support has allowed us to show students that gardening is not only accessible but something they can connect to their everyday lives. One of the most powerful examples has been demonstrating that you can grow potatoes from the same ones you buy at the grocery store. This simple yet eye-opening experience helps students understand that food doesn't just come from a store; it can be grown, nurtured, and sustained through their own efforts.\r\n\r\nBefore receiving this funding, our club relied on limited, self-funded resources. While student interest was strong, we did not have the materials needed to fully engage them in consistent, meaningful gardening experiences. With the addition of essential gardening tools, a variety of seeds, and durable planter bags, students are now able to actively participate in every stage of the growing process.\r\n\r\nThe gardening tools have allowed students to safely and effectively take part in planting, digging, and maintaining the garden. Having access to proper equipment has created a sense of responsibility and ownership, encouraging students to take pride in their work and care for their shared space. The seeds provided have sparked curiosity and excitement, as students explore different plant types and learn about seasonal growing cycles. Watching their plants grow from seed to harvest has deepened their understanding of science concepts such as life cycles, ecosystems, and sustainability.\r\n\r\nThe planter bags have been especially impactful in expanding what our club can accomplish. They help show students that it is possible to grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers even in small spaces, making gardening feel accessible and achievable in their own homes. The portability of the planter bags also allows us to adjust our layout as needed, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to actively participate and engage in the gardening process.\r\n\r\nBeyond academic learning, the garden club has also supported students' social-emotional growth. Working together in the garden encourages teamwork, patience, and perseverance. Students collaborate, problem-solve, and celebrate successes together, from the first signs of sprouting to harvesting what they have grown. The garden has become a calm, positive space where students feel connected, capable, and proud of their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nOverall, your partnership has strengthened and expanded a small, self-funded club into a meaningful program that enriches our school community. The tools, seeds, and planter bags have supported not only academic growth but also a deeper connection to nature, responsibility, and collaboration. This experience has made a lasting impression on my students, and we are incredibly grateful for the support that made it possible.","fullyFundedDate":1774211722295,"projectUrl":"project/where-learning-grows-outdoors/10114684/","projectTitle":"Where Learning Grows Outdoors","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":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"}],"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","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":4,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"20.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":69.3,"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"}