{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Spreckels Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":49.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9376618,"projectId":9905254,"letterContent":"Magnetic toys provide rich, hands-on opportunities for children to build and practice language skills through exploration, play, and interaction. When students use magnetic tiles, letters, or figures, they naturally engage in labeling objects, describing actions, comparing shapes, and explaining what they are building. These toys support expressive language by encouraging children to use new vocabulary, plan out their ideas verbally, and engage in problem-solving dialogue with peers. They also strengthen receptive language as children follow directions, listen to others' ideas, and respond to questions about their creations. Magnetic toys are especially beneficial for students who learn best through tactile and visual experiences, as they make abstract language concepts—like spatial words, storytelling, and categorization—concrete and accessible.\r\nThoughtful storage solutions amplify these benefits by helping children see, access, and organize materials independently. When magnetic toys are stored in clearly labeled bins or on designated shelves, students learn important language concepts such as categories, attributes, and sorting. Clean, organized storage also promotes smoother transitions and clearer routines, which reduces cognitive load and frees up students' attention for communication. Additionally, when children can easily find and return materials, they are more likely to initiate play, share materials appropriately, and collaborate with peers—creating more natural opportunities for conversation and social language practice. Together, magnetic toys and intentional storage systems create an environment where children can explore, communicate, and build strong foundational language skills.","fullyFundedDate":1763502721355,"projectUrl":"project/no-lost-loose-parts-here/9905254/","projectTitle":"No Lost Loose Parts Here!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9376618_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700687726314","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lisafinburgh"},{"teacherId":9376618,"projectId":9718118,"letterContent":"Providing students with batteries and art supplies has a powerful impact on teaching compassion skills because these materials allow them to bring stories, emotions, and social scenarios to life. Batteries make interactive tools—such as sensory devices, light-up boards, or small electronic models—function in a way that helps students visualize how their actions affect others. For example, students might use battery-operated props to show how someone's feelings \"light up\" when others are kind or to explore real-world problems like helping a friend who feels overwhelmed. Art supplies deepen this learning by giving students creative ways to express emotions, design characters, and illustrate moments of empathy. Through drawing, crafting, and building, students practice identifying feelings, exploring different perspectives, and representing acts of kindness in a hands-on and meaningful way.\r\nTogether, batteries and art materials create opportunities for collaborative projects where students must listen, share, problem-solve, and consider the needs of their peers—core components of compassion-based learning. As students build empathy-themed displays, design posters that show caring choices, or create emotion characters that respond to battery-powered elements, they strengthen their ability to recognize and respond to the feelings of others. These activities also help nonspeaking or less verbal students communicate compassion through visual or sensory modes. The lasting impact is a classroom culture where creativity supports emotional growth, and students learn that compassion is not just something they talk about—it is something they build, create, and practice together.","fullyFundedDate":1762266279238,"projectUrl":"project/powered-up-for-compassion/9718118/","projectTitle":"Powered Up for Compassion","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9376618_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700687726314","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lisafinburgh"},{"teacherId":9376618,"projectId":9644618,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our project to bring a Cricut machine and heat press to our students. Your generosity will have a meaningful impact on their learning by opening the door to hands-on graphic design, personalized creativity, and real-world problem solving. With these tools, students can design, cut, and create custom projects—from stickers and labels to shirts and classroom materials—building artistic confidence and developing a sense of ownership over their learning. The Cricut and heat press also support fine motor skills, sequencing, planning, and collaboration, all while making space for students to express themselves through projects that feel exciting and relevant.\r\n\r\nYour support empowers students to explore emerging design technology that many would not otherwise have access to. This equipment allows them to engage in authentic, project-based learning that strengthens communication, teamwork, and creativity. Whether they are designing logos, creating class gifts, or producing visual supports for peers, students will have the opportunity to see their ideas come to life in a tangible, lasting way. Thank you for believing in our learners and giving them the tools to dream, design, and create with confidence. Your contribution truly makes a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1758728859165,"projectUrl":"project/shaping-future-graphic-designers/9644618/","projectTitle":"Shaping Future Graphic Designers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9376618_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700687726314","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lisafinburgh"},{"teacherId":2065111,"projectId":9820154,"letterContent":"My fourth graders are wild about reading and I'm wild about donors like you! Thank you for making our wishes come true. These books make our collections complete as well as replacing a few favorites that have been read time and time again. My fourth graders love to get their hands on books they choose to read and donors like you make this a reality.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the beloved books, the tech tools help my learners tune into reading. The quality headphones are a game changer when my students listen to our online learning programs. The headphones are a perfect fit for fourth graders! The computer mouse is a nice touch as well! \r\n\r\nLastly, the reading rewards a small but mighty! My students are motivated to reach milestones thanks to the bouncy balls and mini Squishmallows. It's the little things that go a long way. Thank you for going the extra mile for teachers and learners! We are grateful for you!","fullyFundedDate":1760920016229,"projectUrl":"project/wild-about-reading/9820154/","projectTitle":"Wild About Reading!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Huntsman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2065111_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595696043263","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lori-huntsman"},{"teacherId":9376618,"projectId":9614948,"letterContent":"Receiving the batteries, tool kit, and storage container will have a meaningful impact on my students' ability to practice compassion and cooperative problem-solving through play. These items allow us to create hands-on \"helping\" scenarios where students can pretend to fix broken toys, assist a friend with a task, or solve a shared problem. Through these structured play opportunities, students learn to notice when someone needs help, offer support, and work together—core components of compassionate communication. The container also allows materials to remain organized and accessible, helping students participate more independently and respectfully during play. These tools directly enhance our ability to model, teach, and reinforce kindness, empathy, and teamwork in a developmentally meaningful way.","fullyFundedDate":1762266262727,"projectUrl":"project/compassion-is-for-all/9614948/","projectTitle":"Compassion is for All!!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9376618_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700687726314","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lisafinburgh"},{"teacherId":9376618,"projectId":9835152,"letterContent":"Thank you for generously providing the construction-themed dramatic play materials for our classroom. These tools have created a rich, hands-on learning environment where students can naturally practice compassion and cooperation. As children work together to design, build, and problem-solve, they learn to check in with one another, offer help, share materials, and recognize when a peer is feeling frustrated or needs support. The construction theme encourages teamwork and communication—students take turns being the \"builder,\" \"planner,\" or \"helper,\" giving them opportunities to practice kindness and perspective-taking in meaningful ways. Your contribution has helped foster a collaborative community where students not only build structures, but also build empathy, confidence, and positive relationships. We truly appreciate your support in helping our students grow both socially and emotionally.","fullyFundedDate":1762266248243,"projectUrl":"project/constructive-play-items/9835152/","projectTitle":"Constructive Play Items!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9376618_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700687726314","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lisafinburgh"},{"teacherId":9376618,"projectId":9834981,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for generously providing the diner-themed dramatic play materials for our students. These items have already made a meaningful impact in our classroom community. Through role-play as servers, cooks, and customers, students have daily opportunities to practice essential compassion and social-emotional skills in a natural, joyful way. The diner setup allows them to take turns, notice others' needs, use kind words, and respond with empathy—for example, checking in on a \"customer,\" offering help, or working together to solve small problems. These playful interactions help students understand different perspectives, strengthen communication, and build confidence when supporting their peers. Your contribution has created a warm, engaging space where children learn to care for one another, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1762266254525,"projectUrl":"project/diner-dash/9834981/","projectTitle":"Diner Dash","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9376618_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700687726314","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lisafinburgh"},{"teacherId":7287642,"projectId":9755785,"letterContent":"Our classroom has been buzzing with creativity and excitement! They worked together to earn enough stars to be rewarded with their mini squishmallow. They absolutely love them and keep them in their desks. Their positive behavior has been improving and they also have been earning pencil toppers for their pencils. The positive behavior system continues to help them celebrate effort, kindness, and perseverance along the way.\r\n\r\nIn our art center, students have been exploring with dot markers, paint sticks and watercolor pencils, creating beautiful works of art. The laminator and paper cutter have been lifesavers—helping me create durable, reusable learning games and visual aids that keep our classroom organized and ready to learn every day.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new materials, their faces absolutely lit up! There were gasps, giggles, and lots of \"Can we have this now?!\" One student said, \"This is the best day ever!\" Their excitement and curiosity made my heart so full.\r\n\r\nLater on this year we're going to have a STEM day where parents can come and help with several different activities that students will rotate to. Students will design and test cars, boats and planes using our STEM materials, learning about motion, force, and teamwork. They will also build and play with the Action Bots. There will be stations where they can design a magnetic racetrack, build towers and shapes with magna tiles and set up a chain reaction using ramps, tracks, and more! \r\n\r\nThank you so much for helping us create a vibrant, hands-on learning environment where every student feels proud, curious, and excited to learn each day!","fullyFundedDate":1758920906258,"projectUrl":"project/creating-exploring-and-celebrating-in/9755785/","projectTitle":"Creating, Exploring, and Celebrating in Kindergarten!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Alessio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7287642_orig.jpg?crop=940,940,x0,y160&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658680668197","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7287642"},{"teacherId":7287642,"projectId":9692090,"letterContent":"I can't thank you enough for your generous contribution to our classroom! The new resources have already made such a positive difference in my students' learning experience. We've been using the materials and it's amazing to see how engaged and motivated the students are.\r\n\r\nOne of their favorite activities so far has been the picasso magnetic tile race track and marble run. With the new resources, my students were able to design and build racetracks. Watching their creativity come to life is incredible!\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the materials, their reactions were priceless.Their eyes were wide and smiles were big. They couldn't wait to start experimenting, building tracks, and creating rockets with the mag builders. One student proudly said, \"I made a this rocket. Can you take a picture to show my mom?\" Their joy and sense of accomplishment is truly inspiring.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will continue to use the tiles to explore concepts of structure and design. Our next step is to integrate them into our STEM challenges, where students will plan, build, and reflect on how to improve their designs. Each project strengthens their ability to think critically, collaborate, and persevere. These skills that will benefit them far beyond our classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping make hands-on, discovery-based learning possible. Your kindness has opened doors for creativity, curiosity, and confidence in every student.","fullyFundedDate":1757523785880,"projectUrl":"project/marvelous-magnets-and-marbles/9692090/","projectTitle":"Marvelous Magnets and Marbles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Alessio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7287642_orig.jpg?crop=940,940,x0,y160&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1658680668197","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7287642"},{"teacherId":2065111,"projectId":9666678,"letterContent":"There's nothing like DonorsChoose plus the whole kit and kaboodle to make our classroom a magical place to be! From wobble stools to toss and catch velcro ball sets and everything in between, we're grateful for the support you give to teachers and students to go above and beyond the basic necessities of learning to create memorable learning experiences. \r\n\r\nOur bookshelves are filled with irresistible books in series that keep my fourth graders coming back for more. The I Survived graphic novels fly off the shelves with my readers this year. Thanks to you, we have multiple copies of each book to keep readers happy and reading the day away. \r\n\r\nWobble stools and computer mice make learning twice as nice and special shaped hole punches are the little touches that go a long way. One of my students has a punch card to earn a reward. The first whole punch he received was even more heartfelt seeing that the shape of the hole punch was a heart. Another support is snacks which also keep my fourth graders tuned into learning. The fig bars and mini cookie packs give my students that extra energy they need when their tummies are telling them they're hungry. \r\n\r\nLastly, the owl pellets will be the talk of the town when we get to our life science unit and we pick apart owl pellets. Thanks to you, my fourth graders are able to learn with materials beyond the basics and for that we are grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1758682364389,"projectUrl":"project/the-whole-kit-and-kaboodle/9666678/","projectTitle":"The Whole Kit and Kaboodle","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Huntsman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2065111_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595696043263","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lori-huntsman"},{"teacherId":9376618,"projectId":9398920,"letterContent":"As a speech-language pathologist, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our generous donors for making it possible to bring culturally diverse books into our therapy sessions. These books have had an incredible impact on my students. When children see characters who look like them, speak like them, or share their cultural experiences, they light up with excitement and pride. It opens doors for meaningful conversations about language, identity, and understanding others. These stories not only strengthen speech and language skills but also build empathy, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Your support has allowed me to create a therapy space where every student feels valued and represented.\r\nI am also deeply grateful for the TPT gift card, which I've been able to use to purchase inclusive resources that meet the unique needs of my students. These materials—ranging from visual aids to communication tools—reflect the diversity in our classroom and help make therapy more engaging and accessible. Thanks to your generosity, I can offer resources that celebrate all backgrounds and abilities, helping students connect their learning to their lives. Your donation has truly made a difference, allowing me to create a more inclusive, compassionate, and empowering environment for every child I serve.","fullyFundedDate":1759248933670,"projectUrl":"project/learn-it-and-dont-repeat-it/9398920/","projectTitle":"Learn It and Don't Repeat It","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9376618_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1700687726314","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lisafinburgh"},{"teacherId":2065111,"projectId":9658498,"letterContent":"Thank you for investing in our future with your generous donation! My fourth graders are motivated by math games and this project is filled with fun. We're ready to memorize our math facts by playing war with multiplication facts to see who has the higher product. The same game can be played with playing cards so my students can extend their learning at home.\r\n\r\nAlong with learning from games, my fourth graders also learn from the books we read. From Money Ninja to The Interpreter, my students are learning financial literacy and responsibility as we learn and discuss these concepts as a class. \r\n\r\nWe're grateful for donors like you who help make our learning experience enriching and engaging. These memorable lessons will give us a lot of bang for our buck in the years to come. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1756925069235,"projectUrl":"project/investing-in-our-future/9658498/","projectTitle":"Investing in Our Future","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Huntsman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2065111_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595696043263","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lori-huntsman"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_38070","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":650,"numTeachers":26,"percentFrplEligible":36,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":47,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":30,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"25.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":50.5,"schoolId":38070,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Spreckels Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Spreckels Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/san-diego-unified-school-district/spreckels-elementary-school/38070"}