{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Aventura Waterways K-8 Center","outOfStateSupporters":24.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9162941,"projectId":10031816,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom printer project. This resource has already made a meaningful impact by giving my students access to clear visuals, colorful references, and printed materials that support learning every day. Instead of being limited by what we can print elsewhere, we are now able to create posters, study tools, reference sheets, and student-generated work directly in the classroom when students need them most.\r\n\r\nMy students were excited to see how their work could become something polished, colorful, and display-worthy. The printer has allowed us to turn student ideas into real classroom artifacts, including awareness posters, visual review materials, diagrams, and resources that students can revisit throughout the unit. Having these materials printed in color helps students better understand complex concepts, stay organized, and take more pride in the work they create.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, this printer will continue supporting our classroom far beyond one lesson or project. The Epson EcoTank and long-lasting ink bottles allow us to print durable, vibrant learning materials without constantly worrying about replacing cartridges. Your support has helped us build a classroom environment where student creativity, science learning, and visual understanding can come to life in a lasting way.","fullyFundedDate":1776103323601,"projectUrl":"project/print-it-keep-it-creating-lasting-clas/10031816/","projectTitle":"Print It, Keep It: Creating Lasting Classroom Resources","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":10081796,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project and helping us create more engaging, inclusive experiences for our students. These resources have already made a meaningful difference by giving students new ways to collaborate, compete, think strategically, and celebrate one another. During our activities, students used the giant games and movement materials in rotating stations where they practiced communication, patience, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. It was amazing to see students who do not always participate right away become excited, involved, and confident when they had a hands-on challenge in front of them.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were immediately excited. The oversized games made the activities feel special, and students quickly began encouraging their teammates, planning strategies, and cheering each other on. The giant stacking game helped students slow down, focus, and work together, while the strategy games gave them opportunities to think ahead, take turns, and problem-solve. The relay materials brought movement and energy into the day while still keeping the focus on cooperation and effort.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, these materials will continue to benefit students beyond just one event. We will be able to use them for Color War, field days, reward celebrations, PE rotations, after-school activities, and future school-wide events. Your support has helped create moments where learning, teamwork, and joy come together, and our students now have reusable resources that will help strengthen our school community for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1770662726891,"projectUrl":"project/supersized-fun-for-color-war-and-beyond/10081796/","projectTitle":"Supersized Fun for Color War and Beyond","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":9965568,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our classroom and robotics program through this project. The materials we received have made a real difference in how our students manage and access robotics equipment used in both our robotics club and STEAM classes. With a structured system in place, students can quickly find what they need, stay organized, and spend more time building, testing, and improving their designs.\r\n\r\nWhen the students saw everything come together, they immediately took ownership of the space. Our STEAM students, who also participate in robotics, now have consistent access to materials in a way that supports collaboration and efficiency. Instead of losing time searching for parts or dealing with disorganization, they are fully engaged in hands-on problem-solving and engineering tasks.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, this system allows us to run smoother builds, more complex projects, and better prepare for competitions. It supports both our robotics club and STEAM pipeline, giving students the structure they need to succeed in real-world, team-based environments. Your support has helped create a more focused, productive, and professional learning space, and we are thankful to be able to provide that for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1768415143341,"projectUrl":"project/bin-there-need-that-sorting-our-stem-s/9965568/","projectTitle":"Bin There, Need That: Sorting Our STEM Supplies","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":9771768,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our robotics club through this project. The equipment we received has already made a major impact by allowing our students to safely transport and protect their robots when traveling to competitions. These may seem like small details, but for a growing program, having the right gear is what makes consistent participation possible.\r\n\r\nWhen the students saw everything come in, they immediately understood what it meant—we're not just building in the classroom, we're preparing to compete. It brought a new level of excitement and pride to the team. Instead of worrying about damage or how we'll move our robots, students can stay focused on improving their designs, testing their builds, and working together as a team.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our robotics club is able to show up prepared, confident, and ready to compete. Moving forward, this equipment will continue to support our students as they represent our school, grow their skills, and see what's possible for their future in STEAM fields. You've helped remove a real barrier for our students, and we are truly thankful.","fullyFundedDate":1768418606667,"projectUrl":"project/wheels-tools-and-tech-gear-up-our-rob/9771768/","projectTitle":"Wheels, Tools, and Tech: Gear Up Our Robotics Team","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":9709617,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity in helping fund a color printer for our classroom. We are truly grateful for your support and thoughtfulness.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generous donation, our students are now able to enjoy colorful learning materials, engaging resources, and printed activities that make lessons even more exciting and meaningful. Having access to a color printer has already made such a wonderful difference in our classroom, and we are so thankful for this amazing gift.\r\n\r\nYour support means more than words can express. Thank you for investing in our students and helping create a more enriching and joyful learning environment for our class.","fullyFundedDate":1757981285611,"projectUrl":"project/projects-in-full-color/9709617/","projectTitle":"Projects in Full Color","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. M.","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-martinez101"},{"teacherId":2200535,"projectId":9671541,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Calm, Focus, Learn: Sensory Support for Diverse Learners.\" Because of your generosity, my students now have access to sensory tools that help them regulate their emotions, stay focused, and fully engage in learning. We have been using the sensory materials during independent work time, small group instruction, and our calming corner. One moment that truly stood out was during a reading activity when a student who usually struggles to sit still used a sensory fidget and was able to remain focused throughout the entire lesson. It was a small moment, but a powerful reminder of how the right support can make a big difference. The headphones was also useful because every student had their own to use during i-Ready and IXL.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials, their excitement was immediate. They were curious about each item and eager to try them. After we talked about how these tools help our brains and bodies focus, the students quickly began using them responsibly. The sensory supports have already helped create a calmer and more productive classroom environment where students feel comfortable taking the steps they need to be successful learners.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we will continue using these resources during reading, writing, and collaborative projects. My goal is to help students learn when and how to use these tools to support their own learning and self-regulation. Your kindness has made our classroom more inclusive and supportive for all learners, and we are incredibly grateful for your generosity and belief in our students.","fullyFundedDate":1767204191379,"projectUrl":"project/calm-focus-learn-sensory-support-for/9671541/","projectTitle":"Calm, Focus, Learn: Sensory Support for Diverse Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carey-Defoe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2200535_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1571881061334","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2200535"},{"teacherId":9162941,"projectId":9756417,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, the addition of charging elements has transformed our classroom experience in meaningful ways. With reliable power access, our students can now fully engage with digital learning tools without interruption. Previously, waiting for laptops to charge meant delayed lessons or skipped opportunities for deeper learning. Now, students can use intensive programs like Minecraft Education to explore coding, architecture, and collaboration in real time without disrupting other classes that share our technology. The increased number of outlets has also empowered students to keep their personal devices, including phones and laptops, ready for research, note-taking, and multimedia projects.\r\n\r\n\r\nBeyond convenience, this project has sparked a noticeable shift in student engagement. Our learners are more focused and independent, taking initiative to stay prepared and connected. The excitement around having continuous access to digital tools has been contagious; students are exploring educational games, building interactive presentations, and even helping one another troubleshoot tech issues. One student who previously struggled to stay on task has become a classroom tech leader, now supporting peers and demonstrating a newfound confidence in digital skills.\r\n\r\nThis project has done more than just power devices. It has powered possibilities. The seamless access to technology has removed barriers, increased equity, and created a more inclusive learning environment where students can thrive. Thank you for making this progress possible.","fullyFundedDate":1762266331686,"projectUrl":"project/powering-up-learning-chargers-and-outle/9756417/","projectTitle":"Powering Up Learning: Chargers and Outlets for Our Classroom Tech","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":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"}],"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":75.5,"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"}