{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Vista Grande Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":61.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10023733,"projectId":10115118,"letterContent":"The donation had a significant and lasting impact on my classroom project, enriching both social studies and science instruction in meaningful ways. With the generous support, we were able to purchase supplemental social studies materials that directly supported our unit on the American colonies. These resources allowed students to engage in a collaborative, hands-on project where they worked together to research, design, and create detailed posters representing different colonies.\r\nThrough this activity, students were not only able to build a stronger understanding of the historical content, but they also developed important collaboration and communication skills. Working in small groups, they divided responsibilities, shared ideas, and supported one another throughout the creative process. This type of teamwork fostered a sense of accountability and encouraged students to take ownership of their learning. The visual and interactive nature of the posters also helped students make deeper connections to the material, as they were able to represent key information such as geography, economy, culture, and daily life in each colony in a meaningful and memorable way.\r\nIn addition to strengthening social studies instruction, the project also supported skills that are essential in science learning. Students practiced critical thinking as they analyzed information from multiple sources and determined what was most important to include. They also engaged in problem-solving as they figured out how to organize their posters, present information clearly, and use materials effectively. These skills are directly transferable to scientific inquiry, where students must evaluate evidence, collaborate with peers, and communicate their findings clearly.\r\nThe materials purchased through the donation also allowed for greater student engagement and inclusivity. Having access to high-quality, supplemental resources ensured that all students, regardless of their learning style, could participate fully in the project. Visual learners benefited from the creative aspects, while others thrived in the research and writing components. This variety helped create a more equitable learning environment where every student had the opportunity to succeed.\r\nFurthermore, the project brought a sense of excitement and pride into the classroom. Students were highly motivated to complete their posters and were eager to share their work with classmates. This culminated in a gallery-style presentation, where groups presented their colonies and learned from one another. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1772052610457,"projectUrl":"project/supplemental-resources-for-social-studie/10115118/","projectTitle":"Supplemental Resources for Social Studies and Science","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nichols","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10023733_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746585732098","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10023733"},{"teacherId":189063,"projectId":10119367,"letterContent":"This is amazing to have so many options for resources using the Teacher Pay Teachers website. I feel that it is a double bonus because it not only benefits myself as a teacher and artist, but also the teachers that create the materials. Even though I do love creating resources myself, who has time for that while working?!? \r\n\r\nIn addition to the resources I can use on the TPT site, I can also use various science and art-based clipart and decorations that help me to build the resources as I need. \r\n\r\nThank you for choosing my classroom and my students to support.","fullyFundedDate":1772828812636,"projectUrl":"project/tpt-resources-for-steam-engaging/10119367/","projectTitle":"TPT Resources for STEAM Engaging","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Allard's STEAM Lab","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp189063_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662913139351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kallard"},{"teacherId":189063,"projectId":10080200,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom by funding a Teachers Pay Teachers gift card. Your generosity helps bring engaging materials and creative resources directly into our classroom. These lessons and activities are designed by educators and help make learning more interactive, meaningful, and fun for students.\r\n\r\nWith access to these resources, I can provide hands-on activities, visually rich lessons, and differentiated materials that meet the needs of all learners. Engaging resources help students stay curious, motivated, and excited about what they are learning each day.\r\n\r\nYour support allows our classroom to continue exploring new ideas and learning in ways that spark creativity and enthusiasm. Thank you for helping provide materials that make learning more dynamic and engaging for my students.","fullyFundedDate":1771986998438,"projectUrl":"project/tpt-resources-for-enhancing-learning/10080200/","projectTitle":"TPT Resources for Enhancing Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Allard's STEAM Lab","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp189063_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662913139351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kallard"},{"teacherId":189063,"projectId":9859324,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom by funding a heat press. This generous donation opens up so many creative opportunities for my students. With this tool, we will be able to design and create our own shirts, fabric art, and iron-on projects that bring our ideas to life in a hands-on way.\r\n\r\nProjects like these help students build creativity, problem-solving skills, and pride in their work. Being able to see their designs transferred onto fabric will make the learning experience even more meaningful and memorable. Your kindness is helping transform our classroom into a space where imagination and creativity can truly shine.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly grateful for your support and for believing in the importance of providing students with engaging, creative learning experiences. Thank you for making a lasting difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1770074360116,"projectUrl":"project/steaming-up-with-a-heat-press/9859324/","projectTitle":"STEAMing Up With a Heat Press","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Allard's STEAM Lab","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp189063_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662913139351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kallard"},{"teacherId":1610477,"projectId":9847293,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the Teachers Pay Teachers gift card—it has been a real asset for our third grade class. With the resources we were able to purchase, the students have enjoyed several meaningful activities. They explored biographies and read about inventors and took notes on a special writing template. In math, they used graph paper to draw our school mascot and learn about area. They were so proud of their pixel art.\r\n\r\nThese kinds of hands-on tasks have made the material feel more relevant and engaging for the kids. One project that stood out was the one-pager on Native American tribes: each student researched a tribe, wrote key facts, and included their own drawings to illustrate what they learned. It gave them a chance to organize their thoughts and present information in a creative way. \r\n\r\nThese learning experiences wouldn't have been possible without your generous donation, and we're truly grateful for the support. It's made a noticeable difference in keeping our classroom activities varied and interesting. Thank you again from all of us—your caring heart means the world!","fullyFundedDate":1770346376188,"projectUrl":"project/making-math-science-fun-and-accessible/9847293/","projectTitle":"Making Math & Science Fun and Accessible!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Quach","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1610477_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470265713522","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msmimi"},{"teacherId":189063,"projectId":9913005,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our DonorsChoose project. Because of you, my students now have calming desk lamps that have already made a noticeable difference in our classroom environment. We use them primarily when doing STEAM note booking and calming drawings. \r\n\r\nThe soft, focused light helps create a calmer and more comfortable space for learning. Students are more relaxed, better able to concentrate, and proud to take responsibility for their own learning spaces. These lamps have been especially helpful during independent work, reading time, and creative activities, allowing students to focus without the harshness of overhead lighting.\r\n\r\nYour kindness directly impacts my students every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1764615178419,"projectUrl":"project/shine-a-light-on-steam/9913005/","projectTitle":"Shine a Light on STEAM","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Allard's STEAM Lab","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp189063_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662913139351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kallard"},{"teacherId":10274487,"projectId":9877003,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of materials for our transitional kindergarten classroom. Our students were thrilled to explore the new magnet tiles, animal manipulatives, paints, arts and crafts supplies, and dramatic play materials. The joy and curiosity were immediate—children eagerly built, painted, role-played, and used their imaginations in ways that filled our classrooms with creativity, collaboration, and excitement.\r\n\r\nThese materials play a vital role in supporting early learning and development. Through hands-on building, artistic expression, and dramatic play, students strengthen fine motor skills, language development, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth. The open-ended nature of these resources allows children to explore, create, and learn at their own pace while building a strong foundation for future academic success. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and for helping us create engaging, enriching learning environments for our youngest learners.","fullyFundedDate":1762664109661,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-in-tk/9877003/","projectTitle":"Hands-On in TK!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clarke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10274487"},{"teacherId":10274487,"projectId":9747371,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous contribution of literacy supplies to my literacy classroom. When the materials arrived, our students' excitement was immediate and heartfelt—eyes lit up as they explored new books, eagerly flipped through pages, and shared stories with one another. \r\nThe books and games have already made a meaningful impact on our reading instruction. With diverse, high-quality texts and hands-on resources, I can better differentiate lessons, support developing readers, and foster a love of reading across all levels. The supplies have strengthened engagement, improved confidence, and created richer opportunities for discussion and comprehension. Your generosity is helping build strong readers and lifelong learners, and we are deeply grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1758664083825,"projectUrl":"project/reading-and-language-fun/9747371/","projectTitle":"Reading and Language Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Clarke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10274487"},{"teacherId":9816213,"projectId":9213455,"letterContent":"My students and I have been using the new resources in creative and meaningful ways. We recently completed a winter-themed art project where students used the paint brushes, flair pens, and watercolors to decorate snowflakes and create other winter-inspired crafts. This project allowed them to explore color, patterns, and fine motor skills while expressing their creativity.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were beyond excited. Many of them had never used watercolors or flair pens before, and they were eager to try every tool. Their excitement was contagious, and the classroom was filled with focused energy, smiles, and pride as they worked on their designs.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, students now have access to quality art supplies that enhance learning and engagement. Next, we will build on these skills by incorporating the materials into seasonal writing and art projects, where students will illustrate stories and reflect on their artwork. These resources will continue to support creativity, confidence, and hands-on learning throughout the year.","fullyFundedDate":1749245349547,"projectUrl":"project/amazing-artists-at-work/9213455/","projectTitle":"Amazing Artists at Work!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Monko","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9816213"},{"teacherId":189063,"projectId":9790083,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our Teachers Pay Teachers gift card project! Your contribution allows me to purchase high-quality, creative resources that directly support my students' learning in STEAM and art.\r\n\r\nWith this gift card, I'm able to bring fresh lessons, engaging activities, and meaningful extensions into my classroom—materials that truly enhance both instruction and student excitement. Your kindness helps me meet my students' needs in thoughtful and effective ways.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom and for making a real difference in my students' daily learning experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1763592400919,"projectUrl":"project/tpt-resources-for-enhancing-learning/9790083/","projectTitle":"TPT Resources for Enhancing Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Allard's STEAM Lab","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp189063_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662913139351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kallard"},{"teacherId":189063,"projectId":9873048,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom rewards project! Because of your generosity, my students now have exciting new prizes—including mystery packs and adorable mini resin axolotls and koalas—that will be used as part of our STEAM Hall of Fame awards.\r\n\r\nThese special items bring so much joy and motivation to my students. They love the fun surprises, and the rewards help encourage positive choices, persistence, and creativity during our STEAM lessons. Your kindness truly makes a difference in our classroom every single day.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and helping make learning even more exciting!","fullyFundedDate":1763570265146,"projectUrl":"project/steam-hall-of-fame-awards/9873048/","projectTitle":"STEAM Hall of Fame Awards","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Allard's STEAM Lab","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp189063_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662913139351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kallard"},{"teacherId":189063,"projectId":9463510,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom with the calligraphy pens! Your generosity provided both black and colorful sets that my students will use to explore creativity, fine motor skills, and artistic expression in our STEAM and art lessons.\r\n\r\nThese pens bring so much excitement to writing and design activities. Students are motivated to try new techniques, experiment with color, and take pride in their work. Your support makes a real difference in fostering both learning and joy in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1762111879385,"projectUrl":"project/lessons-in-lettering-with-calligraphy/9463510/","projectTitle":"Lessons in Lettering with Calligraphy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Allard's STEAM Lab","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp189063_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662913139351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kallard"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44961","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":392,"numTeachers":16,"percentFrplEligible":43,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":41,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":25,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"24.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":38.9,"schoolId":44961,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Vista Grande Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Vista Grande Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/san-diego-unified-school-district/vista-grande-elementary-school/44961"}