{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Normal Heights Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":40.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1845952,"projectId":9694039,"letterContent":"I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation of a new laptop computer to our first-grade classroom. This modern technology has fundamentally transformed our daily routines, allowing me to design and deliver highly engaging, interactive lessons that were previously made challenging due to an outdated computer. Whether I am projecting vibrant digital storytelling, leading the class through interactive math games, or utilizing the SMART Exchange for collaborative activities, this device serves as the heartbeat of our instructional time.\r\n\r\nThe excitement in the classroom is palpable every time the new laptop is powered on. My students are captivated by the high-quality visuals and seamless transitions, which keep their young minds focused and eager to participate. Having access to up-to-date technology ensures that our learning is never interrupted by the technical glitches or slow processing speeds of older equipment. This reliability allows us to maximize every instructional minute, fostering a classroom environment where exploration and digital literacy can thrive.\r\n\r\nThe impact on student learning has been profound, as this tool allows for immediate differentiation to meet the diverse needs of my learners. I can now easily access resources like Benchmark Advance curriculum or PBS Learning Media to provide targeted support and enrichment. By integrating this technology, you have not only provided a valuable tool for today but have also helped bridge the digital gap, ensuring my students are building the essential skills they need for a successful future. Thank you donors and Synchrony for investing in our classroom and our students' growth.","fullyFundedDate":1757776850373,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-teachers-to-engage-learners-t/9694039/","projectTitle":"Empowering Teachers to Engage Learners Through Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Renner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1845952_orig.jpg?crop=880,880,x8,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704473937900","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1845952"},{"teacherId":3626227,"projectId":9754899,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support of this project. The vegetable and fruit pods for our Click and Grow hydroponic station are essential for keeping our station active. Having these replacements ready ensures that we can start our new garden on schedule this January and continue to learn about plants with our own garden!\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, the plastic trays have already been put to great use for science and art activities. They have been a huge help in keeping materials contained and making clean-up much easier for the students during our daily lessons. Additionally, the lap desk has been a practical addition, allowing students to complete their science work comfortably while using flexible seating. Thank you for providing the supplies that help keep our classroom organized and our students focused on their work.","fullyFundedDate":1763585846218,"projectUrl":"project/sprout-sort-and-discover/9754899/","projectTitle":"Sprout, Sort, and Discover","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beltran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3626227_orig.jpg?crop=1673,1673,x876,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689168842466","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marcela-beltran"},{"teacherId":3626227,"projectId":9888313,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting this project. The Teachers Pay Teachers gift card has been a great addition to our classroom, allowing me to look for and add fun activities that enhance our Mystery Science lessons. These resources make it easier to differentiate my instruction and keep students engaged with supplemental materials that fit their individual needs.\r\n\r\nThe physical supplies are also making a daily difference. I'm using the new storage to keep my science lessons and student work organized, which helps the classroom run much more efficiently. Additionally, the new book pouches have replaced our worn-out bags, ensuring that books stay protected when students take them home to read. We are also ready for January with our replacement plant pods for the garden. Thank you for providing these practical tools for our room.","fullyFundedDate":1763585846607,"projectUrl":"project/math-science-excited-learners/9888313/","projectTitle":"Math + Science = Excited Learners!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beltran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3626227_orig.jpg?crop=1673,1673,x876,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689168842466","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marcela-beltran"},{"teacherId":1845952,"projectId":9529263,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the vibrant new paint sets! When the boxes arrived and I unveiled the supplies, my students' eyes lit up with pure excitement; one student even cheered that we finally had \"real artist colors\" to work with. Seeing their immediate enthusiasm was a powerful reminder of how much it means to them to have high-quality, dedicated resources that validate their creative efforts.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using these paints to explore color theory and landscape techniques. In a recent session, I watched a quiet student find their voice through a bold, expressive sunset piece, demonstrating a level of focus and pride I hadn't seen before. We have also incorporated our new paints into STEAM lessons, doing a study of leaves. My students created amazingly detailed, colorful images that are currently on display in our classroom. Moving forward, the students will use these sets to create a collaborative mural that represents our school community, allowing them to apply their new skills to a large-scale project. Your generosity has truly transformed our classroom into a thriving art studio.","fullyFundedDate":1756934271522,"projectUrl":"project/color-our-world/9529263/","projectTitle":"Color Our World","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Renner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1845952_orig.jpg?crop=880,880,x8,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1704473937900","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1845952"},{"teacherId":9247345,"projectId":9701798,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donations! With the TPT gift card, I was able to purchase supplemental resources (Google Slides) to increase student engagement. The efficacy of my math lessons has absolutely increased because of your generous donations.These resources are colorful, interactive, and provide an explicit description of the learning tasks. \r\n\r\nThe students have responded positively to the incorporation of these resources. They appreciate the the clarity of the slides, as well as the support they bring. The math curriculum provided by the school district provided the math content, but these additional vivid resources captivate students to propel their learning and understanding. \r\n\r\nStudents with individualized education plans, as well as those who struggle acquiring new math concepts, have an additional level of support with these slides, as well as the opportunity for mass practice, which helps them access the new learning. \r\nOur classroom math time is a much happier time thanks to you!","fullyFundedDate":1757861176760,"projectUrl":"project/eureka-tpt-to-the-rescue/9701798/","projectTitle":"Eureka! TPT to the Rescue!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Contreras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9247345_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1693529744000","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9247345"},{"teacherId":3998125,"projectId":9750150,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! Your support made it possible for me to purchase several read aloud books that I can use to introduce or review math concepts. This gives my students the extra support they need when learning something new or something they are struggling with. The books help to make the learning so much more engaging! I was also able to purchase a Jasper the Rabbit plushie to incorporate into our Aaron Reynolds' author study. The kids love taking turns holding Jasper as they complete their student work. Your generosity made this all possible!","fullyFundedDate":1758735592887,"projectUrl":"project/books-bunnies-and-building-math-minds/9750150/","projectTitle":"Books, Bunnies, and Building Math Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sanchez-Irving","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3998125_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1492276627541","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3998125"},{"teacherId":3998125,"projectId":9666238,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! Because of your support, I was able to purchase color ink cartridges for our classroom printer. This makes it possible for me to print colorful learning resources such as math strategies they can refer to on a daily basis. I am also able to print leveled books in color for students to enjoy and take home. They get so excited when I tell them they get to keep the books we just read in our reading group! Your kindness truly makes a difference in our classroom every day!","fullyFundedDate":1757423376916,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-lessons-for-curious-minds/9666238/","projectTitle":"Colorful Lessons for Curious Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sanchez-Irving","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3998125_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1492276627541","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3998125"},{"teacherId":3626227,"projectId":9713283,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, every student in our second-grade class now has a comfortable place to learn and belong. Since our class has grown, the extra desk you funded has shifted its purpose. It's now a favorite spot for independent focus time, partner work, and flexible seating that helps keep our classroom organized and inclusive.\r\n\r\nThe Teachers Pay Teachers gift card allowed me to purchase engaging Google Slides for our Eureka Math lessons. The visuals make math clearer and more interactive, keeping students excited and confident. Your support has truly made a difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1760383410515,"projectUrl":"project/one-more-desk-many-more-possibilities/9713283/","projectTitle":"One More Desk, Many More Possibilities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beltran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3626227_orig.jpg?crop=1673,1673,x876,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689168842466","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marcela-beltran"},{"teacherId":9247341,"projectId":9402267,"letterContent":"My kindergarten artists have been busy celebrating the season through creative October art projects! Students explored fall colors, painted pumpkins, and crafted fun Halloween-themed pieces. It was wonderful to see their imaginations come to life as they experimented with different materials and techniques. The classroom was filled with excitement, creativity, and a true love for art!\r\n\r\nThe students were delighted when I brought out the oil pastel crayons in 25 colors to create a Halloween-themed drawing. They were intrigued by the different shades and how bright the colors showed even on black paper.\r\n\r\nWe will begin some new science units on the special features of animals and plants that help them survive and thrive in their habitats. I can't wait to see how the students will demonstrate what they've learned using these amazing art materials! Thank you again for your contribution to this project!","fullyFundedDate":1752172871548,"projectUrl":"project/paint-draw-create-endless-possibilit/9402267/","projectTitle":"Paint, Draw, Create - Endless Possibilities","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Adey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9247341_orig.jpg?crop=2635,2635,x0,y439&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749316421030","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9247341"},{"teacherId":10217936,"projectId":9642679,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom through DonorsChoose! Because of you, my students now have access to exciting new materials that have brought so much joy—and meaningful learning—to their day.\r\n\r\nThe **Melissa & Doug Ice Cream Set** has been an instant favorite during our dramatic play time. The children absolutely love pretending to scoop, serve, and take \"orders\" from their friends. It's amazing to see how engaged they are, using rich vocabulary like \"mint chocolate chip,\" \"sprinkles,\" and \"double scoop\" while taking turns being the server or the customer. This kind of imaginative play has done wonders for their language development and social interaction skills—they're learning to communicate, negotiate, and collaborate more effectively every day.\r\n\r\nThe **Hot Wheels cars and racetrack** have also been a huge hit. My students have been thoughtfully designing track layouts, and even setting up \"pit stops\" and \"car washes.\" It's not just about speed and fun—these toys have sparked conversations filled with descriptive language, problem-solving, and turn-taking. I've noticed a big boost in their cooperative play skills and an increased willingness to share ideas and space.\r\n\r\nYour contribution has had a real and lasting impact. These toys have become more than just playthings—they are tools helping my students grow into stronger communicators, creative thinkers, and caring friends.\r\n\r\nFrom all of us, thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1756415102032,"projectUrl":"project/read-play-speak/9642679/","projectTitle":"Read, Play, Speak!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ezzy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10217936_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755894943181","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10217936"},{"teacherId":3626227,"projectId":9664182,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our project! Your support means we will soon have a sturdy lap desk to try out as an additional flexible seating choice, and if it is successful, I hope to add more in the future. The rolling cart immediately makes our classroom more organized and flexible. We are currently using it for the math manipulatives we need, and I also plan on taking it up to our makers lab for our STEM lessons. The noise canceling headphones, rain sensory tubes, and capybara plushy have already helped students feel comfortable and supported in our calm corner, giving them the tools they need to refocus when big feelings come up. Our second plushy, Jasper Rabbit, will be a special part of our upcoming author study, helping us bring stories to life in meaningful ways. These wonderful resources are already making a difference every day, and I am so grateful for the positive impact you have made for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1757952234802,"projectUrl":"project/work-anywhere-learn-everywhere/9664182/","projectTitle":"Work Anywhere, Learn Everywhere","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beltran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3626227_orig.jpg?crop=1673,1673,x876,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689168842466","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marcela-beltran"},{"teacherId":3626227,"projectId":9680689,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project! With the TPT gift card, I was able to purchase Eureka Math² Google Slides that align perfectly with our new curriculum. These slides have become part of our daily lessons, helping my students stay engaged, practice key skills, and build confidence in math.\r\n\r\nThe interactive format makes it easy for students to follow along, participate, and review concepts like subtraction, and measurement. I've already seen how much clearer lessons are for my diverse group of learners when the material is presented visually and interactively.\r\n\r\nI'm especially excited to use these resources during our upcoming unit on money and place value. The slides will support students as they learn skills such as skip counting coins, recognizing the same amounts in different ways, and connecting numbers to real-life choices. We are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1757423210588,"projectUrl":"project/eureka-comes-alive-with-tpt/9680689/","projectTitle":"Eureka Comes Alive With TPT","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Beltran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3626227_orig.jpg?crop=1673,1673,x876,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689168842466","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/marcela-beltran"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_32199","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":292,"numTeachers":13,"percentFrplEligible":92,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":6,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":75,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"22.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":59.2,"schoolId":32199,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Normal Heights Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Normal Heights Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/san-diego-unified-school-district/normal-heights-elementary-school/32199"}