{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"McKinley Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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"},{"teacherId":4025633,"projectId":9564434,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing LIGHT to our TK classroom! Because of your generosity, our students will now have light table to explore, play, and learn with — and let me tell you, they are vey excited.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, this is their first experience with a light table, and you made that possible. You've given them more than just a sensory outlet — 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":1755741651136,"projectUrl":"project/bright-minds-at-work/9564434/","projectTitle":"Bright Minds at Work!","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":8828820,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my heartfelt thanks for your generous contribution to our DonorsChoose project. Your support means so much to our TK classroom, and it is truly making a difference in the lives of so many young students.\r\nI am so grateful for your belief in the power of education and your commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of these children. Your support is not just a gift; it is a meaningful investment in their futures. I can't wait to see their faces light up as they discover through books, all thanks to you.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your kindness and support. You are truly helping to shape the future, one book at a time!\"","fullyFundedDate":1729550593221,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-utk/8828820/","projectTitle":"Books for UTK!","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":8661977,"projectId":9345988,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping fund our music project! Because of your kindness, my students will now have the opportunity to explore rhythm, melody, and creativity in ways that truly inspire them. The instruments and books you've helped provide arrived just in time for the new school year, ready for my students to enjoy from the very start. They will fill our classroom with joyful sounds and open the door to self-expression, teamwork, and confidence-building.\r\n\r\nThe Story Orchestra books combine stunning illustrations with the rich sounds of orchestral music, helping children visualize and hear each story unfold. I know my TK students will be captivated as they follow along, press the buttons to hear the music, and begin to recognize patterns, moods, and emotions in every piece.\r\n\r\nYour support means that music will not only be heard—it will be felt, seen, and experienced in ways that spark creativity, curiosity, and joy. Thank you for believing in the power of the arts to inspire young learners!","fullyFundedDate":1752586433987,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-music-to-life-in-tk/9345988/","projectTitle":"Bringing Music to Life in TK","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":9209270,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Your donation has made a meaningful impact in helping me create a more organized, calming, and engaging environment where my transitional kindergarten students can thrive.\r\n\r\nOne of the highlights of this project is the beautiful wooden book display. It's not only visually stunning, but also incredibly functional. Each compartment offers ample space, allowing my students to easily see and choose books independently. The quality craftsmanship and natural wood finish add a warm, peaceful touch to our classroom that both the children and I truly love.\r\n\r\nWhile one of the original shelving unit we requested became unavailable, I was able to select alternative items that will be used every day in our Calm Corner and Science Center. These include a cozy seat cushion for self-regulation time, as well as a magnetic discovery board and game that will encourage hands-on exploration and critical thinking.\r\n\r\nI'm deeply grateful for your generosity and for believing in the power of early learning. Your support has helped create a nurturing space where students feel safe, curious, and excited to learn. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1746785538514,"projectUrl":"project/safe-and-accessible-shelving-for-little/9209270/","projectTitle":"Safe and Accessible Shelving for Little Hands Part 2","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":3202258,"projectId":8885714,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity! My students were so excited to receive all of the wonderful goodies. There were a lot of squeals of excitement and jumping up and down. My kindergartners especially love the colorful doodle writing tablets. They enjoy using them to practice spelling their snap words, write stories, and work on math problems. The Three Billy Goats Gruff books allow small groups of students to practice the skill of retelling a story together. They used the crayons to illustrate the setting of the story. You're the best!","fullyFundedDate":1737237706236,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-wish-list/8885714/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Wish List","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":8661977,"projectId":9429874,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project and providing a Teachers Pay Teachers gift card! Your generosity truly means the world to me.\r\n\r\nRight now, I'm spending my summer preparing for the upcoming school year—printing labels, organizing materials, and starting to plan engaging activities for my students. This gift card couldn't have come at a better time! I've already started exploring new resources that will help me create a warm, welcoming, and well-organized classroom, as well as fun hands-on learning experiences that my students will love.\r\n\r\nTeachers Pay Teachers has saved me so much time and has been a huge help in finding creative and effective ways to meet the needs of my young learners. With your support, I can focus more on designing meaningful moments for my students and less on reinventing the wheel.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in my classroom and in the success of my students. I can't wait to put these new resources to good use!","fullyFundedDate":1751563688586,"projectUrl":"project/teachers-pay-teachers-empowers-educators/9429874/","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":9093961,"letterContent":"Wow—thank you so much for bringing the Bob Books into our classroom! These leveled books are exactly what my young readers needed. With just the right amount of challenge and support, they give my students the confidence to say, \"Oh, I can read this by myself!\"\r\n\r\nLately, I've had my excited TK students waiting for their turn to read to me—something that fills my heart as a teacher. They proudly sound out words, recognize patterns, and beam with joy as they flip each page. These books are helping them feel like real readers, and that's such a powerful thing at this stage in their learning. Thank you for making this happen!","fullyFundedDate":1746785813735,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-readers-with-bobs-books/9093961/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Readers With Bob's 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"}],"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"}