{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"McKinley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8661977,"projectId":10127962,"letterContent":"I wanted to share the joy and excitement my students felt as they explored the new books you helped bring into our classroom. Opening packages together is always a special moment, and their reactions are truly priceless! As each package arrived, my students could hardly believe that these beautiful books were theirs to enjoy. With every new delivery, their excitement grew! There were so many surprised smiles and comments like, \"We got another one?!\" \r\n\r\nIn my TK classroom, books are so much more than just stories, they are powerful tools for learning. Through these new texts, students are building early literacy skills like recognizing letters and sounds, understanding how print works, and developing vocabulary. I also use books to teach important comprehension skills, such as making predictions, identifying characters and settings, and retelling stories in their own words.\r\nReading in my classroom is active, joyful, and social. You might see students gathered on the rug for an interactive read-aloud, turning and talking to a partner about their ideas and predictions, or exploring books independently and \"reading\" the pictures to tell a story. Many students love revisiting their favorite books and acting them out or creating crafts inspired by the characters, which helps deepen their understanding and connection to the text.\r\n\r\nIt has been especially heartwarming to see certain students light up with these new books. Some of my quieter students are now eager to share their thoughts during discussions, while others who are still developing their language skills are using the pictures to confidently tell their own versions of the story. In my classroom, books are at the heart of everything we do. Thanks to your generosity, we are growing a library that supports all areas of learning and meets the diverse needs of my students.\r\n\r\nThank you for making these joyful, meaningful learning moments possible!","fullyFundedDate":1774036423905,"projectUrl":"project/b-is-for-books/10127962/","projectTitle":"B Is for Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Armijo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8661977_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727836549618","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8661977"},{"teacherId":8661977,"projectId":10088374,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project and providing Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards. Your kindness truly means the world to me!\r\n\r\nYour generosity allows me to access creative, engaging materials that support the diverse needs of my young students. Teachers Pay Teachers has been an incredible resource, helping me save time while bringing meaningful, hands-on learning experiences into our classroom. Because of you, I am able to focus more on connecting with my students and creating moments that inspire curiosity, confidence, and joy. It truly makes a huge difference for both my students and for me as their teacher.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in my classroom and in the success of my students. Your support makes a lasting difference, and I am so excited to find new resources and put them to great use!","fullyFundedDate":1774963704670,"projectUrl":"project/teachers-pay-teachers-empowers-educators/10088374/","projectTitle":"Teachers Pay Teachers Empowers Educators to Thrive","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Armijo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8661977_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727836549618","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8661977"},{"teacherId":8661977,"projectId":9930460,"letterContent":"Wow! Thank you so much for helping bring so many fun costumes and materials to my classroom. Opening each package together was such a special moment for my students. The room filled with cheers and big smiles, and their eyes lit up with excitement. They could hardly believe that kind strangers like you had sent these gifts just for them. It was truly such a heartwarming moment to share together.\r\n\r\nSince then, our dramatic play center has been full of imagination and laughter. I've watched my students practice taking turns, invite friends to join their play, and create the sweetest little stories together. With the new costumes and props, they've become construction workers building big projects, paleontologists discovering dinosaurs, firefighters put out fires, and pizzeria chefs making delicious pretend pizzas. They even love taking turns being the \"boss\" and organizing the work!\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students these beautiful moments of creativity and play. Your kindness means so much to our little classroom and has made such a big difference in their day.","fullyFundedDate":1769350820524,"projectUrl":"project/stem-rich-dramatic-play-for-little-learn/9930460/","projectTitle":"STEM-Rich Dramatic Play for Little Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Armijo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8661977_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1727836549618","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8661977"},{"teacherId":4025633,"projectId":9930417,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing Ocean exploration to our TK classroom! Because of your generosity, our students will now have several items to explore, play, and learn with — and let me tell you, they are vey excited each and every time we are learning about the ocean and its inhabitants. \r\n\r\nFor many of my students, this is their first experience in school and you made our learning time very exciting. You've given them more than just things — you've given them confidence, creativity, and the joy of discovery.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our little learners and making our classroom such a fun, magical place to grow. We are so lucky to have you!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMrs. Astacio","fullyFundedDate":1770334058296,"projectUrl":"project/ocean-habitat-exploration/9930417/","projectTitle":"Ocean Habitat Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Astacio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4025633_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1477342345374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4025633"},{"teacherId":4025633,"projectId":9929804,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing exploration to our TK classroom! Because of your generosity, our students will now have several items to explore, play, and learn with — and let me tell you, they are vey excited each and every time we are learning about Habitats.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, this is their first experience in school and you made our learning time very exciting. You've given them more than just things — you've given them confidence, creativity, and the joy of discovery.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our little learners and making our classroom such a fun, magical place to grow. We are so lucky to have you!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\nMrs. Astacio","fullyFundedDate":1764440936067,"projectUrl":"project/habitat-exploration/9929804/","projectTitle":"Habitat Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Astacio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4025633_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1477342345374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4025633"},{"teacherId":3202258,"projectId":9669595,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity! My kinders literally squealed when they saw all of the new literacy and math centers. They have been having so much fun working on letter names and sounds and number sense with the alphabet and number rockets.\r\n\r\nMy kindergarteners have also been enjoying taking their math skills for a spin with the hands-on counting cars. They grab a car, look at the numeral and number word, and count out the matching number of passengers into the \"seats.\" Thank you for helping make learning fun!","fullyFundedDate":1757564478360,"projectUrl":"project/super-centers/9669595/","projectTitle":"Super Centers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Panerio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3202258_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1661022108363","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-panerio"},{"teacherId":4025633,"projectId":9564557,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the calming corner that gives students a safe, soothing place to go when they're feeling overwhelmed or upset! The welcoming nature-themed canopy lets children take a break in private...and the tree stumps are super-cozy seating in calming colors. When they are in the area, students relax, express their feelings, and feel safe and comforted! Plus, students can use a sand timer so kids can monitor their time in the calming corner. We have all enjoyed using this area in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1761505236897,"projectUrl":"project/calming-corner/9564557/","projectTitle":"Calming Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Astacio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4025633_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1477342345374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4025633"},{"teacherId":9477653,"projectId":9462710,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in helping us build a joyful classroom library for our TK learners! Because of you, our shelves are now filled with books that spark curiosity, laughter, and meaningful learning every single day.\r\n\r\nWe are using the new books during read-aloud time, small groups, and independent book time. One favorite classroom moment happened during an I Spy book activity. Students excitedly searched for hidden objects, counted items together, and took turns sharing what they found. Students have even been inspired to create their own I Spy pages during free choice. Another highlight has been reading stories about feelings and friendship, which led to thoughtful conversations about kindness, empathy, and how to handle big emotions in age-appropriate ways.\r\n\r\nBy supporting this project, you've gotten a special peek into our classroom, and we're excited to share what's next. We are continuing to build literacy skills by connecting books to math, science, and social-emotional lessons counting animals, solving puzzles within stories, and exploring how characters show kindness and handle feelings. These books are also helping students develop a love of reading, confidence in sharing ideas, and excitement about learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us fill our classroom with books that make learning fun, meaningful, and magical. Your generosity is creating moments of joy and discovery that our students will carry with them as they grow.","fullyFundedDate":1760894499827,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-wiggle-giggle-and-teach/9462710/","projectTitle":"Books that Wiggle, Giggle and Teach!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fuentes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9477653_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748459674968","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9477653"},{"teacherId":9477653,"projectId":9462800,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our TK classroom! Because of you, our students are learning through hands-on exploration and using the new sensory materials and light table manipulatives during centers, small-group instruction, and choice time. \r\n\r\nOne memorable classroom moment was our first light table exploration. Students worked together to build patterns using translucent shapes, experimented with color mixing, and traced letters and numbers using glowing manipulatives. Nearby, other students were fully engaged at the sensory bins—scooping, pouring, and sorting materials while practicing fine motor skills and calming their bodies. These activities encouraged collaboration, focus, and imaginative play all at once.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new materials, their excitement was immediate and contagious. Gasps of \"Whoa!\" filled the room as the light table turned on, and many students couldn't wait to take a closer look. Others were drawn to the sensory bins right away, eager to explore with their hands. The materials invited curiosity and helped every student find an entry point into learning that felt comfortable and exciting for them.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us build strong educational foundations through the power of hands-on discovery. Your generosity has made our classroom a place where curiosity is encouraged, learning is joyful, and every child feels supported.","fullyFundedDate":1757519943771,"projectUrl":"project/exploration-station-tools-for-tactile-l/9462800/","projectTitle":"Exploration Station: Tools for Tactile Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fuentes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9477653_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748459674968","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9477653"},{"teacherId":9477653,"projectId":9311425,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our TK classroom! Because of you, music has become a joyful and meaningful part of our daily learning.\r\n\r\nWe are using the new instruments, music books, and audio tools throughout the day—during morning meetings, literacy centers, and movement breaks. One especially special moment was our first \"instrument exploration day.\" Students rotated through stations, trying shakers, rhythm sticks, and bells while we practiced listening, taking turns, and keeping a steady beat. We ended the lesson by singing together and using the instruments to match the rhythm of the song. It was amazing to see students who are usually quiet light up with confidence as they joined in.\r\n\r\n We are currently working on a unit focused on patterns and storytelling through music. Students will practice creating simple rhythm patterns, connecting sounds to stories we read, and expressing emotions through movement and song. These lessons are helping them build early math skills, language development, and social-emotional awareness all through the power of music.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for helping them experience the magic of music at the very start of their educational journey. Your support has created joyful learning moments that will stay with them for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1752586425209,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-the-joy-of-music-to-our-younges/9311425/","projectTitle":"Bringing the Joy of Music to Our Youngest Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Fuentes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9477653_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748459674968","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9477653"},{"teacherId":8719078,"projectId":9758367,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generous contributions to our TK classroom. Because of your kindness, my students have received the materials they need to strengthen their fine motor skills in meaningful and engaging ways. \r\n\r\nMy students were thrilled to see the new activities and could not wait to get their hands on them! The photos captured show just how busy, focused, and engaged they have been exploring their new materials. As they pinch, squeeze, build, and create, they are developing the hand strength, coordination, and control needed for writing, self-care tasks, and other academic tasks. These moments of play-based learning are powerful; they help build confidence, independence, and love for learning. \r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the importance of early childhood education and learning through play. Your generosity has made a meaningful and lasting impact on my students' lives.","fullyFundedDate":1760719679364,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-tiny-hands-supporting-fine-mo/9758367/","projectTitle":"Tools for Tiny Hands: Supporting Fine Motor Growth","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kaplan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8719078_orig.jpg?crop=2448,2448,x0,y408&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1665174877557","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8719078"},{"teacherId":4025633,"projectId":9613739,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing exploration to our TK classroom and garden! Because of your generosity, our students will now have several items to explore, play, and learn with — and let me tell you, they are vey excited each and every time we are outside in the garden.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, this is their first experience in school and you made our outdoor time very exciting. You've given them more than just things — you've given them confidence, creativity, and the joy of discovery.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our little learners and making our classroom such a fun, magical place to grow. We are so lucky to have you!","fullyFundedDate":1758296469073,"projectUrl":"project/garden-exploration/9613739/","projectTitle":"Garden Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Astacio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4025633_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1477342345374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4025633"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_37926","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":573,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":26,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":51,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":30,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"26.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":76.5,"schoolId":37926,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about McKinley Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"McKinley Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/san-diego-unified-school-district/mckinley-elementary-school/37926"}