{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"San Marcos Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8501678,"projectId":9790606,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our project, Building Compassion Through Sensory Support. Because of you, our schoolwide sensory room has become a welcoming, calming space where students can regulate their emotions, build self-awareness, and feel supported.\r\n\r\nOur students are already using the new resources daily. The hugging Peapod sensory pod and tunnel have been especially helpful for students who need deep pressure or movement breaks to reset and return to learning. The sensory sand and ocean felt board are being used for hands-on calming activities that encourage focus, fine motor skills, and quiet engagement. The fish tank motion lamp has quickly become a favorite. It creates a peaceful atmosphere that helps students slow down, breathe, and feel safe.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. Many were eager to explore, while others immediately recognized the room as a calming place they could go when they felt overwhelmed. Several students asked to sit quietly with the lamp or try the Peapod right away, and it was wonderful to see them independently choose tools that help their bodies and minds feel ready to learn.\r\n\r\nOur students will continue learning how to identify their feelings and select the sensory tools that best support their needs. Staff are guiding students on self-regulation, empathy, and coping strategies so the sensory room becomes not just a space, but a skill-building experience. These tools are helping us foster compassion, independence, and emotional growth across our entire school.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving our students this meaningful opportunity. Your generosity is making a lasting difference in their well-being and success.","fullyFundedDate":1765342653882,"projectUrl":"project/building-compassion-through-sensory-supp/9790606/","projectTitle":"Building Compassion Through Sensory Support","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blakeley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8501678_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1684795157513","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8501678"},{"teacherId":8501678,"projectId":9692560,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our school now has a welcoming sensory room that has quickly become a favorite spot for students across all grade levels. From the moment they walk in, you can see the difference- calm lighting, soothing textures, and movement tools invite them to take a deep breath and reset.\r\n\r\nStudents are using the new resources every day in meaningful ways. One of our students loves to \"squeeze\" into the compression canoe whenever he feels overwhelmed, and he always leaves smiling and ready to rejoin his class. Another student often take a few minutes on the trampoline to release extra energy before returning to focus on their work. \r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was contagious. Students peeked in with wide eyes, eager to explore each new item. Many of them couldn't believe that this space was made for them, a place where it's okay to move, to calm down, and to feel their best.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just fund equipment; it helped us create a safe, inclusive space where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. Thank you for helping us build a calmer, kinder, and more connected school community.","fullyFundedDate":1758850368764,"projectUrl":"project/a-sensory-space-for-every-student/9692560/","projectTitle":"A Sensory Space for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blakeley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8501678_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1684795157513","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8501678"},{"teacherId":8799691,"projectId":9306267,"letterContent":"I want to extend my sincere thanks for providing the books I requested. Receiving these materials has made an immediate and meaningful impact on both my instructional planning and my students' engagement.\r\n\r\nThe books have helped my students identify and express emotions (e.g., happy, sad, frustrated), understand basic concepts such as colors, numbers, opposites, and shapes, build vocabulary through repeated exposure to new words in meaningful contexts, make connections between the story and their own lives, and practice social-emotional skills like sharing, turn-taking, and friendship. \r\n\r\nIn our classroom we chose the book that aligns with out theme, they answer questions, make predictions, and retell stories using their own words. I pair these amazing books with visual and fun and interactive games/toys. \r\n\r\nAll of my students enjoy reading these beautiful, colorful, and interactive books. These stories are helping my students find their voices, make connections, and feel empowered as learners. Thank you so much for your generous donations!","fullyFundedDate":1746785588523,"projectUrl":"project/little-learners-big-stories/9306267/","projectTitle":"Little Learners, Big Stories","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Reyes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8799691_orig.jpg?crop=915,915,x0,y109&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1673555370807","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8799691"},{"teacherId":8501678,"projectId":9133436,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for giving our class the opportunity to enjoy these wonderful books. We've already started reading, and the students are completely engaged! They absolutely love their new decodable books, and it is truly inspiring to see the joy on their faces as they grow excited about reading.\r\n\r\nAs an Education Specialist, I have the privilege of working with students in small groups outside of their general education classrooms. These new books will make a tremendous impact on their progress. With the wide range of skills included, there is something to support every learner. My goal is for each student to feel confident and successful while reading, and these books will play a big role in making that happen.\r\n\r\nOnce again, I sincerely appreciate your generosity in providing these resources for my students. We are deeply grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1750550564120,"projectUrl":"project/decodable-readers/9133436/","projectTitle":"Decodable Readers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Blakeley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8501678_orig.png?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1684795157513","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8501678"},{"teacherId":9199738,"projectId":8401268,"letterContent":"We have had amazing STEM activities with the materials purchased from this project. Where should I start? \r\n\r\nIn the dramatic play area the students dressed up as community helpers - their favorite being the firefighter. They used the costumes to act out the new vocabulary that we were learning in the classroom (such as firefighter, community, safety and building). \r\n\r\nThe M in STEM has been enhanced through the multiple counters (fish, butterflies, maple leaves, seeds) that were purchased. One way we use the counters is with the 10-frame. When we first used the 10-frame the students were so excited. They were sad when we had to put it away to move onto the next activity. \r\n\r\nThank you again for everything!","fullyFundedDate":1716559488304,"projectUrl":"project/spectacular-and-totally-excellent-materi/8401268/","projectTitle":"Spectacular and Totally Excellent Materials to Enhance STEM Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Daddio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9199738_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692242588507","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9199738"},{"teacherId":9199738,"projectId":8401427,"letterContent":"When I learned about NumberBlocks I knew that using them to support math learning in the classroom was the way to go. The NumberBlocks were put out on the first day of school and the students were instantly excited, \"I watch this at home!\" \r\n\r\nTheir love of NumberBlocks continued throughout the year. It has been amazing watching the students recognize the different numbers and quantities as they are playing with the characters. Another favorite activity is the NumberBlocks puzzle. One of the greatest joys is hearing, \"I did it!\" when they complete the puzzle and then begin to count.\r\n\r\nThank you again for enriching their math play (aka learning) through these materials.","fullyFundedDate":1717419192622,"projectUrl":"project/mathematicians-in-training/8401427/","projectTitle":"Mathematicians in Training!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Daddio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9199738_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692242588507","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9199738"},{"teacherId":9199738,"projectId":8401394,"letterContent":"The materials that I purchased through this project have provided my students with the tools they need to identify their feelings and learn self-regulation. They absolutely love the \"tool box\" that gives them different ideas on how to calm themselves. \r\n\r\nWhen they first saw the calming board that allows them to trace their fingers around a picture while they breathe they exclaimed, \"OOoo what is that?\" Honestly, that is the reaction they have to most (if not all) of the new materials brought into the classroom. They love learning about new materials that will help them \"stretch their brain\" (as we say).","fullyFundedDate":1718896160913,"projectUrl":"project/big-feelings-alert-tools-needed/8401394/","projectTitle":"Big Feelings Alert! Tools Needed.","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Daddio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9199738_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692242588507","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9199738"},{"teacherId":9441719,"projectId":8947062,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in funding our DonorsChoose project! Because of your kindness, our classroom now has Bouncyband Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet—and the difference they've made has been incredible.\r\n\r\nThese innovative tools have already proven to be a game-changer for my students. Designed for quiet, continuous movement, the chair feet provide sensory relief that helps reduce stress and keep students focused. I've seen firsthand how the gentle rocking motion supports fidgety learners by improving blood flow, boosting concentration, and promoting calm, attentive behavior during lessons.\r\n\r\nBeyond focus and engagement, these chair feet also encourage better posture and strengthen core muscles—creating a classroom environment where students can thrive both physically and academically. They've become a key part of our flexible seating arrangement, giving students the tools they need to be more successful and confident learners.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in my students and supporting our classroom. Your generosity is making a real and lasting impact!","fullyFundedDate":1735691027796,"projectUrl":"project/managing-the-wiggles/8947062/","projectTitle":"Managing the Wiggles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Barwicke","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9441719_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731692460854","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9441719"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_37339","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":599,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":78,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":93,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":61.4,"schoolId":37339,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about San Marcos Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"San Marcos Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/san-marcos-unified-school-district/san-marcos-elementary-school/37339"}