{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Emergence Academy","outOfStateSupporters":39.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5545637,"projectId":10095762,"letterContent":"The aim of this community learning project was to support students' self-empowerment as scientists and community leaders who actively participate in civic society. Students analyzed the causes and environmental effects of sewers overflowing in Springfield, Massachusetts, and then tackled this real-world environmental issue to benefit their local community, all the while learning rigorous science standards. This was possible all thanks to your generous support! Students themselves put together parts of the Donors Choose request, teaching them fundraising and budgeting skills. Students chose what materials they needed to make their project come to life. Furthermore, at the end of the project, students learned that the Springfield Sewage Plant is hiring for summer internships, and many of our students are applying! So, you not only inspired the learning of content, but also inspired community connections that will be greatly impactful on students' career success. Thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1774312438995,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-clean-the-connecticut-river/10095762/","projectTitle":"Help us Clean the Connecticut River","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Bardos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5545637_orig.jpg?crop=800,800,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723482572500","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5545637"},{"teacherId":5545637,"projectId":10043973,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting students in getting the essential classroom materials that they need to succeed in school and beyond. Securing basics like pencils and pens for students is very meaningful: it takes the pressure and attention away from purchasing supplies, and allows them to focus their attention on the learning at hand. We really appreciate community partnerships and relationships like this one. Students are using these pencils and whiteboard markers EVERY DAY--it makes learning more fun to use the mini whiteboards to write their answers; it is accessible to visual learners. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1769128374174,"projectUrl":"project/students-need-ink-help-us-get-whiteboar/10043973/","projectTitle":"Students Need Ink! Help Us Get Whiteboard Markers and Pencils!","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Bardos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5545637_orig.jpg?crop=800,800,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723482572500","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5545637"},{"teacherId":5545637,"projectId":9857806,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for supporting the dissection lab for 9th grade biology! Unfortunately, the frogs were continuously not available from Carolina Supply Company. However, our team decided to do owl pellet dissections instead! Students will dissect the owl pellets to study the food chain, visually seeing how owls are predators (secondary/tertiary consumers) who eat prey (mice, primary consumers), and will be able to better understand the environment in which owls live in. I myself remember dissecting owl pellets in science class--it was hands-on labs that ignited my curiosity and passion for studying biology, the study of life. And now, you are igniting the curiosities and passions of our students. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1763587987273,"projectUrl":"project/scalpels-forceps-and-frogs-oh-my/9857806/","projectTitle":"Scalpels, Forceps, and Frogs -Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Bardos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5545637_orig.jpg?crop=800,800,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723482572500","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5545637"},{"teacherId":5545637,"projectId":9839528,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support in securing essential classroom supplies for students to learn in biology, math, and environmental science class. These math manipulatives have been making a HUGE difference in supporting high school students in their math intervention classes: they make learning real and relatable, and they support kinesthetic learners! The other classroom supplies are much-needed resources to ensure the smooth and efficient running of our classrooms. We have scissors now!!! We are very grateful for your time and support!","fullyFundedDate":1763593648918,"projectUrl":"project/secure-supplies-for-students-to-succeed/9839528/","projectTitle":"Secure Supplies for Students to Succeed","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Bardos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5545637_orig.jpg?crop=800,800,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723482572500","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5545637"},{"teacherId":1984379,"projectId":9367443,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping bring this project to life! Your generosity ensures that our students have consistent access to fully charged laptops, which are essential to their daily learning. Without interruptions caused by low batteries, we can maximize instructional time and keep students engaged in meaningful, real-world tasks. The charging station will also help us stay organized and take better care of our technology. Most importantly, your support empowers our students with the tools they need to succeed in a digital world. We are truly grateful for your kindness and investment in their future!","fullyFundedDate":1757508013907,"projectUrl":"project/a-parking-spot/9367443/","projectTitle":"A Parking Spot","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. County","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1984379_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1665664345481","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mike-county"},{"teacherId":10176668,"projectId":9601666,"letterContent":"The materials received were fundamental to developing the lessons corresponding to the geometry curriculum. For many of my students, this was the first time they had ever used a compass—the first time they performed geometric constructions or used these tools to take measurements. Without these materials, we would have been forced to rely on virtual resources, and our students would have been deprived of the opportunity to manipulate the materials themselves. Manipulating these tools extends the learning experience to more senses, thereby enabling a greater number of students to acquire a wider range of content and skills.\r\n\r\nFor my students, it was highly motivating to have new, high-quality materials in their hands. Many of them felt insecure about working with geometry prior to this school year; however, as they realized—through these classroom experiences—that they could perform geometric constructions themselves and use the tools to take measurements and verify their own conjectures, their confidence and willingness to take risks grew day by day. Today, these materials are quite familiar to them, and they will never forget how to use them.","fullyFundedDate":1755693299631,"projectUrl":"project/dont-be-a-square-geometry-rocks/9601666/","projectTitle":"Don’t Be a Square: Geometry Rocks!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10176668_orig.jpg?crop=982,982,x0,y458&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755533035572","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10176668"},{"teacherId":10189424,"projectId":9673163,"letterContent":"As part of the topics I need to cover this year, I have found that my students engage more deeply when content is presented through stories. Because they are language learners, they have explored basic coding concepts using several story-based books I selected. One example is Computational Fairy Tales, which introduces computational ideas through dragons, lizards, and other fantasy elements. That text especially captured their attention. After noticing their interest, I made photocopies for everyone, and we spent time reading it together as a class and discussing comprehension questions. This activity strengthened their conversational, computational, comprehension, and logical-thinking skills.\r\n\r\nI also wanted students to take an active role in their learning, so I gave them choices about where to begin. They chose to start, with my guidance and hands-on activities, with Coding with Scratch. We soon realized they did not remember some Scratch fundamentals from previous years, so I provided a brief reintroduction to the tools we would use. They appreciated how straightforward the logic became as they followed the book's clear, step-by-step instructions. They began the first project and understood that we were working toward creating a game. In the process, they recognized that they were developing essential coding skills, including sequential logic, event triggers, and looping.\r\n\r\nFinally, students explored coding with Minecraft. Since most were already familiar with it, they found the initial steps accessible and engaging. We are progressing through that book at a measured pace because some students need additional time to grasp the underlying logic. I have adapted several tools and strategies from the text and scaffolded them to support all learners.\r\n\r\nOverall, we have enjoyed these books and the rich information they provide. I have consistently adapted and chunked the material into manageable, language-accessible segments for my middle school classes. Students have responded positively, and we are steadily building proficiency in core computing skills.","fullyFundedDate":1757544373565,"projectUrl":"project/opening-minds-reading-spaces-and-coding/9673163/","projectTitle":"Opening Minds: Reading Spaces and Coding Beginnings","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Alexis Aguilar Montilla","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10189424"},{"teacherId":1027868,"projectId":9799223,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom library. Because of you, my students now have access to Ikenga, An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People, and The 1619 Project—three powerful texts that open doors to deeper literacy and a more honest understanding of our nation's past.\r\n\r\nYour contribution does more than place books on a shelf—it empowers students to build critical literacy skills, broaden their perspectives, and engage with the true, complex history of our country. These texts help them see themselves as informed participants in our shared story, capable of empathy, inquiry, and thoughtful dialogue.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your belief in our students and for investing in resources that will shape their learning for years to come. Your generosity makes a real difference, and our classroom is brighter, stronger, and more curious because of you.","fullyFundedDate":1770509568843,"projectUrl":"project/true-history-strong-texts-for-esol-inst/9799223/","projectTitle":"True History: Strong Texts for Esol Instruction","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gauthier","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1027868_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1543953932662","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/amandagauthier"},{"teacherId":10387651,"projectId":10026923,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students have been able to capture meaningful moments in the classroom using the instant cameras. The cameras allow teachers to document student achievements, projects, and positive milestones, creating a visual record of their learning and growth. Many donors may use cameras at home, but in our classroom these photos become powerful learning tools. Students are able to reflect on their work, celebrate accomplishments, and see themselves actively engaged in learning.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for students is seeing their photos print instantly. They love watching the image develop and recognizing themselves and their classmates in moments of success. These photos are displayed in the classroom, shared during activities, and sometimes sent home so students can show their families what they are proud of at school. This simple technology helps students feel valued and motivates them to participate more confidently.\r\n\r\nSome of our quieter or less confident students have especially connected with this project. When they see their work and effort captured in a photo, it helps build pride and confidence in their abilities. Your support has helped create a positive classroom culture where students feel recognized, celebrated, and encouraged to keep growing.","fullyFundedDate":1772654163338,"projectUrl":"project/capturing-student-success-cameras-for-c/10026923/","projectTitle":"Capturing Student Success: Cameras for Classroom Memories","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Callejas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10387651_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x0,y120&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1767879936199","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10387651"},{"teacherId":10176746,"projectId":9601238,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom at Emergence Academy. I teach English Language Learners, and many of my students are navigating the challenges of learning a new language while also adjusting to a new school and community. Your generosity helps create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable, supported, and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nThe play dough and fidget toys you provided have become valuable tools in our classroom. Many of my students benefit from hands-on and sensory learning experiences, especially when they are working hard to process information in a new language. These materials help students stay focused, manage stress, and remain engaged during lessons and independent work time. They also give students a healthy way to regulate their energy so they can better concentrate on learning.\r\n\r\nThe book about plants has also been a wonderful addition to our classroom library. It allows students to explore science topics while practicing their reading and vocabulary skills in English. Visual and engaging nonfiction texts like this help English learners connect new words with real-world concepts, making learning both meaningful and exciting.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, my students have access to tools that support both their academic growth and their emotional well-being. Thank you for investing in my classroom and helping create an environment where all students can learn, explore, and thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1755732282243,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-supplies/9601238/","projectTitle":"Classroom Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Petrarca","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10176746"},{"teacherId":10176746,"projectId":9764450,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom at Emergence Academy. Your generosity is helping create a more organized, welcoming, and supportive learning environment for my students, who are all English Language Learners. Many of my students are adjusting to a new language, a new school system, and sometimes even a new country, so having a classroom that feels structured and calm makes a huge difference in their ability to learn and feel confident.\r\n\r\nThe hangers, command hooks, and storage bins you helped provide are already making our classroom more organized and functional. Students now have designated spaces to store their materials, coats, and supplies, which helps reduce clutter and makes it easier for them to stay focused during lessons. Clear routines and organized spaces are especially helpful for English learners because they support independence and help students understand expectations without always relying on language.\r\n\r\nThe classroom timer has also become a valuable tool during our lessons. It helps students visually see how much time they have to complete activities, transitions, and group work. This visual support is incredibly helpful for students who are still developing their English skills, as it allows them to manage their time and stay engaged without confusion.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our classroom is becoming a space where students feel more comfortable, prepared, and ready to learn. Organization might seem like a small change, but it has a big impact on helping students focus, build routines, and feel successful each day.\r\n\r\nThank you again for believing in my students and investing in their learning. Your kindness truly makes a difference in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1760741644174,"projectUrl":"project/clean-and-organized-classroom-materials/9764450/","projectTitle":"Clean and Organized Classroom Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Petrarca","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10176746"},{"teacherId":8627047,"projectId":9740175,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, this project has truly transformed how my students learn and create. Before, our students had amazing ideas, but limited technology made it hard for them to bring those ideas to life. Now, with this powerful ASUS laptop, they are able to edit videos, produce podcasts, and create multimedia projects with a level of quality they had never experienced before.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, this is more than just using a computer. They are learning how to organize files, edit audio and video, solve technical problems, and think creatively. These are real-world STEM skills that they can use in future careers. They are not just consumers of technology anymore, they are creators.\r\n\r\nWhat excites them the most is seeing their work look and sound \"professional.\" When they edit a podcast and hear clear audio, or when they finish a video project that looks like something they see online, their confidence grows immediately. They feel proud, and they want to keep improving.\r\n\r\nI have seen students who are usually quiet in class become leaders during podcast recording and editing. Some of my English learners feel more comfortable expressing themselves through audio and video, and this technology gives them a voice in a new way. One student, for example, took the lead in editing an episode and stayed after school just to perfect the sound. Moments like that show how powerful this opportunity is.\r\n\r\nThis project is not just about a laptop, it is about giving students the tools to tell their stories, build skills, and believe in their potential. Thank you for making that possible.","fullyFundedDate":1768438592359,"projectUrl":"project/powerful-tools-stem-high-tech-multimedi/9740175/","projectTitle":"Powerful Tools: STEM High-Tech Multimedia Creation","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Marles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8627047_orig.jpg?crop=1907,1908,x0,y1023&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758431972102","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-marles"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_130263","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":45,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":9,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":77,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":60.4,"schoolId":130263,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Emergence Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Emergence Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/springfield-public-school-district/emergence-academy-at-van-sickle/130263"}