{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Margarita Muniz Academy","outOfStateSupporters":27.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9556264,"projectId":9674342,"letterContent":"The Reading Ambassador Partnership Program has had a profound and lasting impact on our high school students, our younger reading partners, and the broader community we serve. This project, which pairs high school students with elementary-aged children in a structured reading partnership, was designed to strengthen literacy skills, foster mentorship, and build a culture of service and leadership. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, this initiative was not only successfully implemented but was embraced with enthusiasm and pride by everyone involved.\r\n\r\nThrough this program, high school students served as Reading Ambassadors, taking on the responsibility of preparing, leading, and reflecting on read-aloud sessions with younger students. While the goal was to support elementary students in developing a love for reading, the impact on the high school participants was equally powerful. Many of our students entered the program with varying levels of confidence in their own literacy abilities. By reading aloud regularly, they experienced measurable growth in reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary development, and expressive skills. Preparing to read to younger students required them to analyze texts more deeply, anticipate questions, and model strong reading strategies—skills that directly translated into improved academic performance in their own coursework.\r\n\r\nBeyond academic growth, the program strengthened essential social and community skills. High school students learned to communicate clearly, demonstrate patience, and adapt their approach to meet the needs of their younger partners. They developed leadership and responsibility by understanding that they were role models, not only as readers but as mentors. Many students expressed that this was their first opportunity to see themselves as leaders in an educational setting, which boosted their confidence and sense of purpose.\r\n\r\nThe elementary students benefited greatly as well. Being read to by older peers created a warm, engaging environment that encouraged curiosity and excitement around books. Younger students showed increased attentiveness, enthusiasm for storytelling, and a growing willingness to engage with reading independently. The relationships formed between the high school and elementary students made reading a social and joyful experience rather than a task, reinforcing positive literacy habits at an early age.\r\n\r\nThis project builds on the proven success of our previous partnership with a local daycare, where a similar model resulted in outstanding outcomes. That earlier collaboration demonstrated that peer-led reading initiatives can significantly enhance literacy development while fostering meaningful community connections. With the Reading Ambassador Partnership Program, we were able to expand this success to a broader school-based setting, reaching more students and deepening the educational impact.\r\n\r\nThe overwhelming positive response from students, educators, and families highlights the value of this program. High school participants consistently shared that the experience helped them feel more connected to their community and more confident in their academic abilities. Teachers observed increased student engagement, improved oral reading skills, and stronger interpersonal relationships. The program's success is a testament to the power of experiential learning and mentorship.\r\n\r\nNone of this would have been possible without the generous support of our donors. Your contributions provided the resources, materials, and structure necessary to bring this program to life. Because of your investment, students were given the opportunity to grow academically, socially, and emotionally while making a meaningful difference in the lives of younger learners.\r\n\r\nThe Reading Ambassador Partnership Program stands as a model of how thoughtful collaboration and community support can transform literacy education. We are deeply grateful for the donations that made this project possible and for the belief in our students' ability to lead, inspire, and succeed. Your support has helped create confident readers, compassionate mentors, and a stronger, more connected learning community.","fullyFundedDate":1762192711377,"projectUrl":"project/reading-ambassadors/9674342/","projectTitle":"Reading Ambassadors!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Quinones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9556264_orig.jpg?crop=389,389,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756831487398","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9556264"},{"teacherId":9909967,"projectId":9360019,"letterContent":"At the start of each school year, we brainstorm music selections that students are excited to learn and perform. I lead three ensembles—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—and each group performs three pieces twice a year.\r\n\r\nLast year, my advanced group expressed interest in exploring music from Brazil. I arranged Sergio Mendes' \"Magalenha\" and attempted to collaborate with a local Brazilian percussionist, but unfortunately, our schedules didn't align.\r\n\r\nEven without authentic Brazilian percussion, my students delivered a fantastic performance. When I shared the challenges with a colleague, she suggested launching a DonorsChoose campaign to help fund world percussion instruments. I started the campaign with no expectations—and was completely overjoyed and grateful to learn it was fully funded by a single donor: YOU!\r\n\r\nAfter sharing the exciting news with all my classes, we eagerly awaited the arrival of the instruments you helped fund. Each delivery felt like opening gifts on Christmas morning—students lit up with joy, cheering as we unboxed each item. The enthusiasm was contagious. As soon as the first pandeiros were played, the room burst into movement—students dancing, laughing, and celebrating the music they were now able to create. It was a powerful reminder of how meaningful your support truly is.\r\n\r\nWe'll be wrapping up our first quarter just before Thanksgiving, and when we return, we'll begin our second quarter with focused technique lessons for each instrument group. This includes pandeiros (both with and without tamborim beaters), agogô bells, and more. The students are excited to deepen their skills, and at least one Brazilian piece will be featured in our end-of-year Spring Showcase in May. We can't wait to show you how far they've come—thanks to your generous support!","fullyFundedDate":1752586581658,"projectUrl":"project/rhythms-of-the-world-help-students-disc/9360019/","projectTitle":"Rhythms of the World: Help Students Discover Brazilian Percussion","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Muñoz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9909967_orig.png?crop=578,578,x0,y48&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747324828721","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9909967"},{"teacherId":9701434,"projectId":9365982,"letterContent":"Hope you all are having a wonderful fall! The supplies for this project were pushed to delivery this fall, at the start of the school year, instead of the end, but the impact is just as important! The same snacks, colorful magnets, stickers, and rewards that can motivate a student to finish the year are the same items that can help motivate a student start a new school year with enthusiasm.\r\n \r\nAs my students transition into 11th grade this year, they quickly noted the increase in schoolwork and increase on the difficulty of schoolwork. The supplies your donations supported allowed me to create fun games and activities to build more community and self confidence among the students to tackle the hard work of reading long texts, facilitating group work, and writing analytical assignments. Because of your donations, my students are also able to start the year off in a classroom that has warm visuals through colorful magnets and the posters they're able to hold up.\r\n\r\nHow we start the year is just as important as how we end the year. Many of my students are seeing the new school year as an opportunity to transform their grades for the positive. I thank you so much for these supplies that are crucial for supporting my students in starting the new year with joy and optimism.","fullyFundedDate":1747841359757,"projectUrl":"project/final-stretch-snacks-and-stickers/9365982/","projectTitle":"Final Stretch Snacks and Stickers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sophia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9701434_orig.png?crop=682,682,x0,y170&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725110819828","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9701434"},{"teacherId":9747362,"projectId":9156940,"letterContent":"We are writing to extend our sincerest gratitude for your generous contribution to the Serenity Nook at our school. Your support has made a tangible and immediate difference in the lives of our students. Because of you, we were able to create a dedicated, quiet space that provides a safe and calming environment. This invaluable resource is primarily used by our students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), giving them a place to decompress, manage sensory input, and prepare for academic tasks. We are incredibly grateful for your belief in our mission and your commitment to supporting all students.\r\n\r\nThe Serenity Nook is more than just a room; it's a sanctuary where students can find the focus and emotional regulation they need to thrive. Your donation directly impacts their ability to meet the goals outlined in their IEPs, fostering greater academic success and personal well-being. This space has quickly become an essential part of our school, and it wouldn't have been possible without your kindness. Thank you again for your thoughtful donation and for helping us create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for every student.","fullyFundedDate":1742494665936,"projectUrl":"project/the-serenity-nook/9156940/","projectTitle":"The Serenity Nook","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Ashley","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9747362_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y583&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741729515236","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9747362"},{"teacherId":9715919,"projectId":9199944,"letterContent":"Your donations of a printer and ink, snacks, a fridge, and a microwave transformed our ESL classroom into a true community space that supported both academic learning and student well-being.\r\n\r\nPrinter & Ink: Because of you, my students were able to print their own reading passages, practice sheets, and even their writing pieces. Having a printed copy in their hands gave them pride in their work and immediate access to learning materials.\r\n\r\nSnacks: Thanks to your generosity, my students had the energy to focus and participate in class. Having snacks available showed them that their needs were cared for, and it helped them stay engaged throughout the day.\r\n\r\nFridge & Microwave: These additions made our classroom feel like a safe and welcoming space. Students were able to store and heat food, which reduced stress and helped them concentrate on learning instead of worrying about being hungry.\r\n\r\nYour support met the whole student—their academic, emotional, and physical needs. Because of you, my students felt safe, supported, and ready to thrive in both their English learning and their middle school experience.","fullyFundedDate":1746786414706,"projectUrl":"project/my-middle-school-esl-classroom/9199944/","projectTitle":"My Middle School ESL Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Giles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9715919_orig.jpg?crop=1076,1076,x46,y109&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726084792696","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9715919"},{"teacherId":9918254,"projectId":9102526,"letterContent":"These materials have set my classroom up for great success in their independence as learners next school year! By having all materials located in the bins on the student tables, students will be able to avoid traffic jams at the resource shelf, and avoid the potential embarrassment of asking for a material (such as a pencil) that they need. \r\n\r\nAdditionally, these materials will promote greater student ownership of the learning materials as each group will have a designated materials captain who will ensure that their table bin is all set and everything returned at the end of class. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for support and commitment to my students' learning. Their success if possible thanks to so many nameless supporters such as you.","fullyFundedDate":1745689609310,"projectUrl":"project/supply-caddies-for-esl-projects/9102526/","projectTitle":"Supply Caddies for ESL Projects","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Benjamin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9918254_orig.jpg?crop=576,576,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1750693153215","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9918254"},{"teacherId":9528508,"projectId":9217966,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my classroom has become a more organized and student-centered learning space. We are using the printer daily to create clear, accessible materials for lessons, small groups, and assessments, especially for my English language learners who benefit from visual supports and scaffolded handouts. The laminator and paper cutter have allowed me to create reusable resources like vocabulary cards and anchor charts that maximize student learning. The speaker has become a classroom favorite, helping us with listening activities, transitions, and community-building moments.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we are now moving forward with more interactive lessons that promote independence and confidence. Students are using laminated materials during centers, partner work, and review activities, which allows them to take risks, make mistakes, erase, and try again. Thank you for investing in my students and our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1746698781176,"projectUrl":"project/writing-erasing-and-learning-classroo/9217966/","projectTitle":"Writing, Erasing, and Learning: Classroom Must-Haves","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Barbosa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9528508_orig.png?crop=775,775,x1322,y558&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715212261371","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9528508"},{"teacherId":9528508,"projectId":9156959,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your incredible generosity and support. Thanks to your donation, my students now have access to snacks throughout the day, and this small shift has had a big impact. For many of my students, especially those who come to school without having had breakfast or lunch, a simple granola bar or crackers can make all the difference in their ability to focus, participate, and stay present during lessons.\r\n\r\nMany of my students rely on school not just for learning, but also for basic needs like food. The snacks you helped provide have become a dependable part of our routine, especially for students who come to class without having had lunch. Being able to offer something as simple as a granola bar or crackers means that students can stay in class, stay focused, and avoid unnecessary distractions or trips to the nurse due to hunger. It's a practical support that makes a real difference in their ability to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for making this DonorsChoose project come to life.","fullyFundedDate":1746787053893,"projectUrl":"project/brain-food-for-hungry-7th-graders/9156959/","projectTitle":"Brain Food for Hungry 7th Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Barbosa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9528508_orig.png?crop=775,775,x1322,y558&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715212261371","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9528508"},{"teacherId":9715919,"projectId":8718400,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredibly generous donation to our ESL classroom. Your support has made a world of difference in the lives of my students, many of whom are navigating a new language and culture with courage and passion. The resources you provided—books, snacks, and board games—have enriched our lessons and created a warm, welcoming environment where students feel safe, valued, and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nThe books have quickly become classroom favorites, with students eagerly diving into new stories. The board games have brought joy and laughter, especially during board game club, all while encouraging conversation, collaboration, and critical thinking in English. The snacks have helped students stay focused and energized. Each item you gave has become a building block in their learning journey.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has left a lasting impression on our classroom. From all of us in my classroom—thank you for making such a meaningful impact.","fullyFundedDate":1733479770950,"projectUrl":"project/my-amazing-esl-class/8718400/","projectTitle":"My Amazing ESL Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Giles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9715919_orig.jpg?crop=1076,1076,x46,y109&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726084792696","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9715919"},{"teacherId":9528508,"projectId":8743838,"letterContent":"The resources provided through this project have had a transformative impact on my students' learning experience. It has especially made a difference when we need something for last-minute classroom activities or when students request additional materials. This immediate access to printed resources has been a game changer in supporting various learning styles.\r\n\r\nThe Paper Cutter and Laminator Kit have been incredibly valuable in creating durable, reusable materials, such as flashcards, visual guides, and posters. These tools allow me to reinforce key concepts, which has been particularly helpful for students who benefit from having physical, repeatable resources.\r\n\r\nThe JBL Speaker has made audio-based activities more engaging and interactive. Whether we're listening to podcasts, watching videos, or practicing presentations, the speaker ensures that every student can hear clearly, regardless of where they sit. This has encouraged students to participate more in group activities.\r\n\r\nAs for the impact on specific students, the new technology has sparked enthusiasm among many. ELL students, in particular, have found the visual and audio elements particularly helpful, as they allow them to access content in multiple ways.\r\n\r\nIn sum, these tools have not only supported my teaching but have allowed my students to grow in new, exciting ways. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1735657667769,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-transformative-learning-empow/8743838/","projectTitle":"Tools for Transformative Learning: Empowering Students with Essential Classroom Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Barbosa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9528508_orig.png?crop=775,775,x1322,y558&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1715212261371","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9528508"},{"teacherId":542889,"projectId":8732800,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping fund my project. My students were super excited to see the great variety of snacks available to them!\r\n\r\nDuring independent work time, students are able to select snacks to keep them fueled through their assignments. Students feel comfortable asking for a snack and quickly getting back to work. \r\n\r\nI have noticed overall improved class morale, engagement, and work completion. Students have more energy to do work and are better able to engage in learning since they are not fighting a growling belly!\r\n\r\nThese snacks have gone a long way to help everyday learning! We are so thankful for support our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1733258786624,"projectUrl":"project/hungry-minds-not-hungry-learners/8732800/","projectTitle":"Hungry Minds, Not Hungry Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jhoanna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp542889_orig.jpg?crop=282,282,x0,y40&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1663720940781","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-jhoanna"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_104548","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":308,"numTeachers":28,"percentFrplEligible":88,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":91,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"9 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"11.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":73.0,"schoolId":104548,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Margarita Muniz Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Margarita Muniz Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/boston-public-schools/margarita-muniz-academy/104548"}