{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Bowers Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":15.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8145859,"projectId":9332869,"letterContent":"The new books you donated towards are a really big deal for everyone at Bowers. Thank you! When students walk into their school library and see shelves filled with colorful, brand new stories, it gets them excited about reading. The variety of books and topics helps every student find a book they can connect with, which makes them more likely to check it out and enjoy it. It's like a fresh start for the library, encouraging a love for reading from the very first day.\r\n\r\nBeyond just the fun of new stories, these books help students learn and grow in important ways. Some of the new additions include titles that support what students are learning in their classrooms. For example, if a class is studying different cultures, the library can have new books that show different traditions and perspectives from around the world. This makes learning more interesting and hands-on. The new books also helps teachers because they can use them as resources to make their lessons more engaging and effective. A well-stocked library becomes a powerful tool that helps students do better in all their subjects.\r\n\r\nFinally, these new books help build a strong sense of community and connection. When a school invests in its library, it sends a message that reading and learning are valued. Students can talk to their friends about the books they're reading, sharing what they like and getting recommendations. As the librarian, I also use the new books as read-alouds, bringing students together over shared stories. This creates a positive and supportive environment where everyone feels encouraged to read and explore, making the library a central and beloved part of the school.","fullyFundedDate":1753373045155,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-school-library/9332869/","projectTitle":"Books For School Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williamson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8145859_orig.jpg?crop=1386,1386,x110,y272&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697046193684","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8145859"},{"teacherId":9274042,"projectId":8882295,"letterContent":"Our classroom greatly appreciates being able ot see themselves reflected in their book choices. Seeing oneself as the hero or heroine in the books we read is having a postive impact. I see increased self-esteem and the appreciation that each one of us can be that hero in a book.\r\n\r\nYour donation is helping shape the future readers and leaders in this world. Small things like knowing each of us can write our own stories and be the leading actors in our stories, helps shape what children perceive as possible. Small changes like having books that showcase a variety of cultural and ethnic diversity helps move the needle in terms of access and hope. \r\n\r\nThanks for showing my students that anything is possible in books and life.","fullyFundedDate":1733182800717,"projectUrl":"project/we-need-a-diverse-library/8882295/","projectTitle":"We Need a Diverse Library!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jenpeak"},{"teacherId":8145859,"projectId":9003504,"letterContent":"Classes here at Bowers Elementary School visit their school library once a week for a 30-45 minute session. Students can also visit the school library during their recess and lunch time.\r\n\r\nA well-stocked elementary school library plays a crucial role in fostering a lifelong love of reading, and a key component of this is ensuring the collection reflects the diverse interests of the student body. By actively seeking out and acquiring books that align with specific student passions, I hope to transform the library from a mere repository of texts into a vibrant hub of exploration and discovery. This approach not only increases student engagement but also validates their individual curiosities, demonstrating that learning is a personalized and empowering experience.\r\n\r\nFurthermore, incorporating books that cater to specific interests, or that have specifically been requested by students, can have a profound impact on literacy development. When children are given the opportunity to read about topics they genuinely care about, they are more likely to be motivated to tackle challenging vocabulary, persevere through longer texts, and develop a deeper comprehension of the material. This, in turn, cultivates a positive association with reading, establishing a foundation for academic success and intellectual growth that extends far beyond the elementary school years.","fullyFundedDate":1736969177669,"projectUrl":"project/new-library-books-for-title-i-elementary/9003504/","projectTitle":"New Library Books for Title I Elementary School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williamson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8145859_orig.jpg?crop=1386,1386,x110,y272&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697046193684","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8145859"},{"teacherId":814076,"projectId":8833398,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping to refresh our classroom library books. Students have been so excited to read the new books. They have been trying out new books series and sharing what they like about them. This has provided more resources for students to read and pinpoint character traits for our current reading unit. \r\n\r\nMany students are even reading with a partner and having discussions about the book. This is a great lead into our book club unit! Students are engaged during independent reading time and are quick to find a book versus perusing for a long time. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity and kindness. Our students are very thankful for your help.","fullyFundedDate":1728084654001,"projectUrl":"project/refreshing-reading-resources/8833398/","projectTitle":"Refreshing Reading Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mallison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp814076_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1458884686910","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cmallison"},{"teacherId":6877017,"projectId":8945784,"letterContent":"Thank you SO much for helping to fund our Donors Choose project! Your contribution went towards getting two scooter boards for each of our 23 TK classrooms, so that all 500 four-year-old students in our district can enjoy this exciting outdoor activity with many physical benefits.\r\n\r\nI have heard so much positive feedback about this terrific outdoor tool from all the teachers. The students have been very excited to use them during recess, free choice, and outdoor play time. And not only are the scooter boards fun, but they give students another terrific way to exercise which is critical for children's physical health and mental wellbeing. I have seen the scooter boards in action this past month and can also vouch for how much they love them! I even saw one class using them indoors during a rainy day recess - what a great way to help get a lot of movement on a usually restrictive indoor day!\r\n\r\nYou and Donors Choose helped us get these into all every TK classroom in the district, and we are so appreciative. Our next steps will be trying to get this wonderful exercise tool into the standard list of outdoor TK supplies so that all future classrooms also get to benefit from scooter boards.\r\n\r\nMany thanks for helping this new grade level find a way to meet the needs of our youngest learners. We greatly appreciate your generosity and thoughtfulness!","fullyFundedDate":1736969177617,"projectUrl":"project/scootin-around-in-tk/8945784/","projectTitle":"Scootin' Around in TK!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Maureen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6877017"},{"teacherId":7712049,"projectId":8945972,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! TK students across Santa Clara Unified are using the plus plus blocks to create, letters, numbers, patterns, and all kinds of imaginative designs. They are really attracted to the colors and are so excited about all the different things they can build. They have been building houses, cities, animals, and more! These blocks offer a unique way for our young students to practice fine motor skills, as well as sharing and collaboration. We appreciate your support.","fullyFundedDate":1733182800954,"projectUrl":"project/fine-motor-fun/8945972/","projectTitle":"Fine Motor Fun!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Peterson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7712049_orig.jpg?crop=1610,1610,x54,y206&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1710887766426","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7712049"},{"teacherId":814076,"projectId":8743040,"letterContent":"My students have been excited about using our new surf desks. They are able to work with their peers in a flexible setting and have been incredibly focused while using these. All students wanted to use the surf desks, so we had to create a schedule so alleviate the number of discussions about who gets to use them on which day. \r\n\r\nWith the additional option for working, students have enjoyed selecting appropriate spaces for independent work as well as collaborating with their classmates. The efficient cart has made the surf desks easy to access as well as store. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generosity to help our classroom offer an additional flexible space. Students have been learning to make positive choices to maximize their learning. We appreciate your contribution to our classroom. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.","fullyFundedDate":1726709068280,"projectUrl":"project/surf-n-learn/8743040/","projectTitle":"Surf 'n Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mallison","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp814076_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1458884686910","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cmallison"},{"teacherId":9838453,"projectId":8945662,"letterContent":"On behalf of our transitional kindergarten classroom, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of materials and educational toys. Your kindness and support have made an incredible difference in our young learners' daily experiences. The hands-on learning tools you provided have not only enriched our classroom environment but have also sparked curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning in our students. Seeing their excitement as they explore new activities and engage in meaningful play is truly priceless.\r\n\r\nYour generosity helps create a nurturing and stimulating space where our little learners can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. These early years are critical in building a strong foundation, and your contributions play a vital role in shaping their success. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their future. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and commitment to education!\r\nWith appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1733269021997,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-enriching-learning-environment/8945662/","projectTitle":"Hands-on, Enriching Learning Environment for TK!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hermosillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9838453_orig.png?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1731624006504","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9838453"},{"teacherId":8145859,"projectId":8871266,"letterContent":"The new books you generously help provide with your donation are all now processed into our system and finally making their way into my student's hands! \r\nMyI chose most of the books, in this particular project, based on my student's love of non-fiction topics like history and animals. I try to encourage students to get excited about reading by providing books on topics they have asked about or are interested in. For instance, there are I Survived graphic novels on historical topics like D-day. There are also many books in this project on various animals, including but not limited to the always popular dog and cat. Many of our books on animals are a little dated so thank you for helping me update my shelves. \r\nYour generosity is appreciated but not only me but the entire Bowers community","fullyFundedDate":1731516664745,"projectUrl":"project/non-fiction-and-real-personevent-inspir/8871266/","projectTitle":"Non-Fiction and Real Person/Event Inspired Books for Elementary Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williamson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8145859_orig.jpg?crop=1386,1386,x110,y272&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697046193684","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8145859"},{"teacherId":8145859,"projectId":8800458,"letterContent":"The new books your donation contributed to has improved the library here at Bowers! \r\n Thank you! This picture was taken after the books had started circulating so many books did not make it into the picture because they are so popular with the students and they keep getting checked out. The books have diverse characters, interesting topics, captivating storylines, and stunning illustrations. These books have captured the attention of the young readers here. Students have been loving reading them. Whether it's a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming tale, or a fascinating non-fiction exploration, these new books offer something for every young reader.\r\n\r\nMany of these new books are by authors the students know and love. Some of the titles so many students were excited about I had to do lotteries each class period. Each class I'd raffle off a new book and one lucky student was able to be the first one to check the popular title out. I love being able to provide the students here with new books to encourage excitement and curiosity about books.\r\nThanks again for your generous donation.","fullyFundedDate":1728084653792,"projectUrl":"project/library-books-for-title-i-elementary-sch/8800458/","projectTitle":"Library Books for Title I Elementary School","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williamson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8145859_orig.jpg?crop=1386,1386,x110,y272&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1697046193684","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8145859"},{"teacherId":6983362,"projectId":8359537,"letterContent":"I want to thank everyone for their generous donation to our class. The new comfy couch was added to our reading area and provides a place for the children to sit, relax and enjoy looking at the books. The couch also provides enough room for 2 children to enjoy books together.\r\nAs the young children enter their new preschoolers environment, it may take time to adjust to being without their family. The calming kit has a variety of tools that help children learn, and it provides methods the children can use for calming down and comforting themselves. A favorite is the breathing board, where children can use their fingers to guide themselves in breathing in and out. Also Included was an emotion slider to help kids recognize and label their feelings.\r\nThe My Big World magazine provides our children with exciting pictures and activities we can do during small group, or for the children to take home to experience with their family.\r\n\r\nThe families, children and staff truly appreciate your support!","fullyFundedDate":1723679931221,"projectUrl":"project/get-ready-get-set-and-learn/8359537/","projectTitle":"Get Ready, Get Set and Learn!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Frances","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6983362_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y27&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1638155980605","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6983362"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_4961","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":242,"numTeachers":10,"percentFrplEligible":59,"percentAsian":26,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":53,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"24.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":84.3,"schoolId":4961,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Bowers Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Bowers Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/santa-clara-unified-school-district/bowers-elementary-school/4961"}