{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Aventura Waterways K-8 Center","outOfStateSupporters":25.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9683975,"projectId":9352043,"letterContent":"Being a first-time recipient of Donor Choose, I am truly grateful of generous people who have undoubtedly shared their blessings to us. Receiving this generous donation of a thermal printer and multi-plug power strip has been a game-changer for my classroom teaching, transforming how we integrate hands-on technology into daily learning.\r\nThe thermal printer and multi-plug have directly enhanced my students' ability to engage with digital content in tangible ways, bridging the gap between screen-based learning and physical creation. With the multi-plug, we can now safely power multiple devices—like laptops—without the hassle of limited outlets, allowing seamless group work during research sessions or collaborative group activities. This setup has reduced downtime and frustration, enabling students to focus on core skills like data analysis. The printer takes this further by turning abstract ideas into concrete outputs. For instance, during our time to work on Science Fair Projects, students make a design then print them for peer review and class displays and presentation. This process reinforces comprehension: printing their work makes concepts real. My students are buzzing with excitement! The \"power tower\" (the multi-plug), adds a layer of thrill by enabling \"tech hubs\" around the room, where small teams charge devices and democratizes access—no more arguing over the single outlet.\r\nOne student who stands out is Lucas, whose assigned computer always runs out of battery and is always interrupted with his work finding where to plug the charger without moving away from his seat. With this multi-plug means he can keep his computer charged without moving near to the outlet. The donated printer also excites students to print output right away. Moments like these remind me why donations like yours ripple so deeply, lighting up futures one print at a time.\r\nThank you again for this thoughtful gift—it's already weaving technology into the fabric of our learning in ways that will last far beyond this school year!","fullyFundedDate":1757727648819,"projectUrl":"project/printed-practice-perfected/9352043/","projectTitle":"Printed Practice Perfected!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pinatil","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9683975"},{"teacherId":9162941,"projectId":9257683,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, my students now have everything they need to conduct safe, hands-on biology investigations — and they couldn't be more excited.\r\n\r\nThe disposable gloves and aprons have removed a major barrier to participation in dissections and lab work, giving every student the confidence to fully engage without hesitation. Students who were once nervous are now volunteering eagerly, knowing they're protected and prepared.\r\n\r\nThe dissection tools and microscope slides have transformed our lab into a place of real scientific inquiry. Instead of crowding around one set of worn tools, students now work in small groups with proper equipment — allowing for more focus, discussion, and meaningful observation. They're exploring cells, tissues, and systems with the same tools real scientists use, and their confidence is growing with each lab.\r\n\r\nEven small items like Kimwipes and wash bottles have made a big difference in helping students take responsibility for lab safety and cleanliness — skills that are just as important as the science itself.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students don't just read about biology — they experience it. They ask more questions, engage more deeply, and treat the lab like a space where real discovery happens. You've helped us build a safe, inspiring learning environment, and for that, we are truly grateful.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our future biologists.","fullyFundedDate":1746786069546,"projectUrl":"project/safety-science-equipping-our-future-b/9257683/","projectTitle":"Safety & Science: Equipping Our Future Biologists for Discovery!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Franco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9162941_orig.png?crop=1650,1650,x0,y275&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691791880809","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-franco"},{"teacherId":9162941,"projectId":9246110,"letterContent":"Thanks to your support, our students now have the tools to fully immerse themselves in creative coding through platforms like Minecraft Education Edition and Code.org — and the results have been incredible.\r\n\r\nWith the addition of wired mice and headphones, students are more focused and precise in their work. Minecraft coding lessons, which require spatial planning and block manipulation, are much easier to navigate with a real mouse. The headphones allow students to follow coding tutorials independently, minimizing distractions and boosting engagement.\r\n\r\nThe voice amplifier has made a surprising difference too — I can support students one-on-one while the rest of the class continues to follow instructions clearly. Every student now hears what they need to learn, no matter where I am in the room.\r\n\r\nOne student who struggled to stay engaged has completely come alive during our Minecraft coding units. With clearer instruction, quieter focus, and better tools, they've gone from passive to passionate — proudly showing off projects like automated farms and redstone logic gates they built and coded themselves.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is the freedom to create. Whether they're building a coded Minecraft house or developing a mini-game in Code.org, they feel like engineers, game designers, and inventors. These tools didn't just upgrade our tech — they upgraded our confidence, creativity, and classroom culture.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1746786116381,"projectUrl":"project/click-listen-learn-empowering-our-dig/9246110/","projectTitle":"Click, Listen, Learn: Empowering Our Digital Space","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Franco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9162941_orig.png?crop=1650,1650,x0,y275&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691791880809","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-franco"},{"teacherId":9162941,"projectId":9341346,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when the new supplies arrived, and we put them to use right away. The first big project we tackled was creating team posters for each group. These posters will represent the teams as they move forward into group STEAM competitions throughout the year. It was amazing to see how the students dove into the pipe cleaners, markers, and other materials to bring their team colors and mascots to life — from bold lettering to creative 3D designs.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw all the craft supplies laid out, the room buzzed with energy. Many of them said things like, \"We've never had this much stuff to work with before!\" They were excited not only to have the materials, but also to know that their ideas could come to life in a colorful, creative way. Every group immediately began planning, designing, and collaborating — which is exactly the kind of teamwork these supplies were meant to inspire.\r\n\r\nThe posters are just the beginning. The next step is for students to compete in team-based STEAM challenges, where they'll use their creativity, problem-solving, and science skills to tackle hands-on projects while proudly representing their team. Thanks to your support, my students now have the resources they need to collaborate, innovate, and showcase their ideas with confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1747013590922,"projectUrl":"project/imagine-invent-inspire-the-art-of-ste/9341346/","projectTitle":"Imagine, Invent, Inspire: The Art of STEAM Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Franco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9162941_orig.png?crop=1650,1650,x0,y275&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691791880809","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-franco"},{"teacherId":9162941,"projectId":9245952,"letterContent":"a third-year teacher, I've seen how powerful it is when students are given resources that connect science to real stories. My students are hardworking, curious, and full of questions, and I want to provide them with opportunities that go beyond the textbook. This project brings us two powerful books — Your Inner Fish by Neil Shubin and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot — that will give my students the chance to see science through a human lens.\r\n\r\nMy students haven't started reading yet, but they are eager and excited to dive in. Your Inner Fish will take them on a journey through evolution and anatomy, helping them understand how humans are connected to the natural world. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks will introduce them to a woman whose cells changed medicine forever, sparking important conversations about ethics, equity, and discovery. Even before opening the first page, students are already talking about what they hope to learn.\r\n\r\nThese books will help my students see that science is not just facts on a page — it's a story about people, ideas, and choices that shape our world. With your support, they will be able to explore these stories, connect them to what we're learning in biology, and ask bigger questions that encourage them to think critically about both science and society.","fullyFundedDate":1746785934684,"projectUrl":"project/from-cells-to-skeletons-stories-that-sh/9245952/","projectTitle":"From Cells to Skeletons: Stories That Shape Biology","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Franco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9162941_orig.png?crop=1650,1650,x0,y275&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691791880809","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-franco"},{"teacherId":9162941,"projectId":9245997,"letterContent":"As a third-year teacher, I've seen firsthand how support like this can transform a classroom. My students are hardworking, driven, and full of potential, and I want to make sure they always have what they need to thrive. Essentials such as tissues, disinfecting wipes, pencils, paper, sticky notes, and more may not seem flashy, but they are the backbone of a well-run classroom and make a real difference in our daily learning.\r\n\r\nMy students have been using these supplies every day in science. They especially enjoyed using the colored pencils and markers to draw out food chains of their favorite foods. It was exciting to watch them connect what they eat — like pizza or tacos — back to producers, consumers, and decomposers. The use of colors brought their food chain diagrams to life and even encouraged my most reluctant learners to join in.\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the kids were thrilled to know they finally had everything they needed for projects — no more scrambling for pencils or markers. They felt proud of their colorful, creative work, and it gave them a stronger sense of ownership in their learning. Next, we'll be moving into STEAM projects where students will use these same supplies to plan and sketch designs before building and presenting.\r\n\r\nThese resources support a clean, organized, and focused classroom where every student feels comfortable and prepared. Whether it's jotting down an idea on a Post-it, staying germ-free, or having a sharpened pencil ready for a big assignment, these tools have already made a meaningful difference. With this support, my students can focus less on obstacles and more on the joy of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1746785693311,"projectUrl":"project/a-clean-start-for-brilliant-minds/9245997/","projectTitle":"A Clean Start for Brilliant Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Franco","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9162941_orig.png?crop=1650,1650,x0,y275&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691791880809","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-franco"},{"teacherId":4949416,"projectId":8966517,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when all the materials for our project came in. They were able to create a beautiful card and necklace for their moms to cherish for years to come. They were extremely excited about the end of the year project. \r\nAs an end of the year activity, they created autograph caps to remember their friends. This was their favorite craft of all. They were able to express themselves through their creativity with these arts and crafts. They had the opportunity to create gifts for their family and friends that will be cherished. They will forever remember these moments. Thank you for allowing my students the opportunity to use their imagination and creativity.","fullyFundedDate":1742947197632,"projectUrl":"project/art-projects/8966517/","projectTitle":"Art Projects","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. M.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-martinez101"},{"teacherId":6561596,"projectId":9253200,"letterContent":"Thank you times a million! Earning the Mini Apple Ipad, along with the stylus pen and protective gear, has become a game changer in the classroom. Students had thought I had purchased this myself- of course I had to tell them about Donors Choose, plus how awesome Imagine Learning is! The students were proud to know that Imagine Learning had helped with this, moreso because they are English Language Learners and use the program in school and at home (if and when possible). \r\n\r\n Students knew the importance about keeping the Ipad in one piece. It became a great tech teacher in terms of taking photography, videos, and learning how to download and use educational apps. My student assistants were able to monitor Class Dojo usage in an efficient manner, as well as learn responsibility. In addition, having a Mini Ipad made teacher life so much easier in not having to use my personal cell phone device to help with photos and videos about all the cool things we do in the classroom. Thank you for making a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1744650176003,"projectUrl":"project/techy-3s-cooperation-collab-communi/9253200/","projectTitle":"Techy 3's: Cooperation, Collab & Community","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. C","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rainbowsensei"},{"teacherId":6561596,"projectId":9257185,"letterContent":"My students had begun using the stadium seats towards the end of the year when the package had arrived. They were surprised, for I hadn't told them anything about it until it was physically there. Students understood the importance of maintaining our class furniture clean and tidy, plus taking turns and simply enjoying stadium seats rather than hard plastic chairs for a change. The stadium chairs fit best for centers use, reading, group work, and we even took it to the library and outdoors. \r\n\r\n Students were stunned that we got this as a gift and found it hard to believe that it was for us to keep. They thought I was pulling their legs! I hope to continue to inspire the importance of having flexible seating in the classroom. More good comes out of it! Thank you times a million!","fullyFundedDate":1744679323452,"projectUrl":"project/old-age-to-new-age-lets-flex-it-up-wit/9257185/","projectTitle":"Old Age to New Age- Let's Flex It Up with Style!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. C","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/rainbowsensei"},{"teacherId":4949416,"projectId":8960529,"letterContent":"Thank you for making the holidays special for my 1st graders . My students were excited with their holiday gift! They are very artistic and loved the mandala coloring books and coloring pencils. It was nice to hear and see their reactions. The smiles were priceless. They showed such gratitude. They immediately began to enjoy and relax during their free time.\r\n\r\nSometimes it's the little things that can make a huge difference. Thank you donors for your generosity and kindness during this holiday season.","fullyFundedDate":1734060122012,"projectUrl":"project/holiday-gift/8960529/","projectTitle":"Holiday Gift","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. M.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-martinez101"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_96455","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":2063,"numTeachers":123,"percentFrplEligible":32,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":44,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":46,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"16.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":74.7,"schoolId":96455,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Aventura Waterways K-8 Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Aventura Waterways K-8 Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/florida/miami-dade-county-public-schools/aventura-waterways-k-8-center/96455"}