{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Emergence Academy","outOfStateSupporters":40.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1027868,"projectId":9924770,"letterContent":"We are so grateful for your generous support in providing shelf-stable food for our families. Thanks to you, our December family celebration was extra special. The opportunity for families to take home food before the long holiday break was a big hit and brought peace of mind to many.\r\n\r\nYour kindness not only nourished bodies but also lifted spirits, reminding our community that we are cared for and supported. The smiles and gratitude we witnessed were a direct reflection of your generosity.\r\n\r\nThank you for making such a meaningful difference for our students and their families.\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1764272935325,"projectUrl":"project/shelf-stable-food-for-vacation-security/9924770/","projectTitle":"Shelf-Stable Food for Vacation Security","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":8627047,"projectId":9691407,"letterContent":"This technology has transformed how my students learn and use English in the classroom. Instead of only writing or speaking at their desks, students now plan, record, and review their own videos. The green screen studio allows them to practice speaking clearly, using new vocabulary, and organizing their ideas before presenting. Recording themselves helps students hear their own pronunciation and notice growth over time. The action cameras make learning active and hands-on, while also introducing basic STEM skills like operating technology, saving files, and editing video. For English learners, this combination of language and visuals makes learning more understandable, engaging, and meaningful.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students the most is seeing themselves on screen in creative settings. They love changing backgrounds to match their stories, science topics, or book projects, appearing on the moon, in the ocean, or inside a historical event. This turns learning into something fun and memorable. Students who were once shy or hesitant to speak now volunteer eagerly because the camera gives them a purpose and a sense of pride. They are not just practicing English, they are creating something real that they want to share.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were previously very quiet have especially connected with this project. Some students who struggle with writing feel more confident explaining ideas orally on camera. Others enjoy working behind the scenes, setting up equipment or helping classmates record, which builds teamwork and responsibility. Overall, this project has boosted confidence, increased participation, and helped students see themselves as capable communicators and creators. Thanks to our donors, my students' voices are louder, clearer, and more confident than ever.","fullyFundedDate":1758150997968,"projectUrl":"project/future-filmmakers-esl-voices-through-st/9691407/","projectTitle":"Future Filmmakers: ESL Voices Through STEM Technology","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"},{"teacherId":10177259,"projectId":9638427,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my classroom is now a place where my English Language Learners feel brave enough to speak, connect, and belong.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, using English can be overwhelming. Some are afraid of making mistakes, while others are still finding their voice. The games you provided changed that. They created a joyful, low-stress space where students could laugh, collaborate, and practice language naturally with their peers. Through play, my students began talking more, helping one another, and building confidence in ways I had not seen before.\r\n\r\nI have watched students who were once quiet and hesitant eagerly join group activities, share ideas, and celebrate each other's successes. The games helped break down language barriers and allowed friendships to grow. My students now see learning as something they do together, not something to fear.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has done more than provide materials — it has given my students confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging in the classroom. Thank you for believing in them and for helping create a space where every student feels valued and capable.","fullyFundedDate":1756856068913,"projectUrl":"project/building-community-through-games-social/9638427/","projectTitle":"Building Community Through Games: Social Time for Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mendez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10177259_orig.jpg?crop=1179,1179,x0,y129&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755702109912","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10177259"},{"teacherId":9689908,"projectId":9494249,"letterContent":"The podcast equipment has helped students learn by giving them a hands-on way to practice speaking, listening, planning, and collaborating. Instead of only writing or answering questions on paper, students now prepare scripts, discuss ideas, record episodes, and listen back to improve their work. This has been especially powerful for our English language learners, who gain confidence by hearing their own voices and practicing clear communication in a meaningful, real-world way.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students the most is using professional-style microphones and headphones. They feel like real podcasters. Recording their own voices, adjusting sound, and knowing their work can be shared with others makes learning feel important and motivating, not just another assignment.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were usually quiet in class have truly warmed up to this technology. Students who struggle to participate orally now volunteer to speak during recordings, work in teams, and take pride in their episodes. For many of them, this studio has become a safe space to express ideas, tell stories, and feel heard.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for helping transform learning into an engaging, empowering experience they will remember for a long time.","fullyFundedDate":1758150995308,"projectUrl":"project/podcast-power-stem-tools-to-amplify-stu/9494249/","projectTitle":"Podcast Power: Stem Tools to Amplify Student Voices","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9689908_orig.jpg?crop=1179,1179,x0,y322&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724088385174","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9689908"},{"teacherId":9689908,"projectId":9494194,"letterContent":"The podcast equipment has helped students learn by giving them a hands-on way to practice speaking, listening, planning, and collaborating. Instead of only writing or answering questions on paper, students now prepare scripts, discuss ideas, record episodes, and listen back to improve their work. This has been especially powerful for our English language learners, who gain confidence by hearing their own voices and practicing clear communication in a meaningful, real-world way.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students the most is using professional-style microphones and headphones. They feel like real podcasters. Recording their own voices, adjusting sound, and knowing their work can be shared with others makes learning feel important and motivating, not just another assignment.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were usually quiet in class have truly warmed up to this technology. Students who struggle to participate orally now volunteer to speak during recordings, work in teams, and take pride in their episodes. For many of them, this studio has become a safe space to express ideas, tell stories, and feel heard.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for helping transform learning into an engaging, empowering experience they will remember for a long time.","fullyFundedDate":1757508016763,"projectUrl":"project/level-up-our-stem-podcast-studio/9494194/","projectTitle":"Level Up Our Stem Podcast Studio","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9689908_orig.jpg?crop=1179,1179,x0,y322&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724088385174","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9689908"},{"teacherId":1027868,"projectId":9821002,"letterContent":"On behalf of our soccer team, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support. The folding bench, wagon to pull supplies, and gloves you provided will make a tremendous difference as we prepare for our playoff dreams next year.\r\n\r\nYour thoughtful contributions not only give us the tools we need to succeed on the field, but also remind us that we have a community cheering us on every step of the way. With your help, we'll be able to stay organized, comfortable, and ready to give our best effort in every match.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in us and investing in our journey. We're excited to carry your encouragement with us into the season ahead.","fullyFundedDate":1764614674192,"projectUrl":"project/soccer-equipment-drive-playoff-dreams/9821002/","projectTitle":"Soccer Equipment Drive Playoff Dreams","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":1027868,"projectId":9753058,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of your kindness, our students now have Uno, Connect 4, hacky sacks, and other fun games to enjoy during indoor recess. These activities bring joy, laughter, and opportunities for teamwork and problem-solving, even when the weather keeps us inside.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made a real difference in creating a positive and engaging environment for our students. The games not only provide entertainment but also help build social skills, cooperation, and resilience. We are truly grateful for your thoughtfulness and commitment to enriching our learning community.","fullyFundedDate":1764418696026,"projectUrl":"project/board-games-for-non-boring-indoor-recess/9753058/","projectTitle":"Board Games for Non-Boring Indoor Recess!","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":1027868,"projectId":9879745,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in helping us bring Connect 4, Uno, Rubik's Race, and other amazing games to our classroom! Because of your support, our STEM Board Games Club has transformed into a place of excitement, creativity, and collaboration every Friday.\r\n\r\nThese games aren't just fun—they spark critical thinking, strategy, and problem-solving skills while giving students a chance to build friendships and teamwork. Watching them light up as they challenge each other, learn new strategies, and celebrate victories has been incredible.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has made our Fridays something students look forward to all week. You've given them opportunities to grow academically and socially in ways that feel joyful and engaging.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your support and for believing in the power of play to inspire learning.","fullyFundedDate":1763593647044,"projectUrl":"project/board-games-for-stem-club/9879745/","projectTitle":"Board Games for STEM Club","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":10171253,"projectId":9602943,"letterContent":"These art supplies have been super helpful for our classroom! In our recent unit, we've been learning about power, protest, and change in US history. We read work by and about Upton Sinclair, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. \r\n\r\nAs we read these challenging primary and secondary texts, we have used an annotation system that helps students at many language levels understand the key components of the text.\r\n\r\nStudents have also used art supplies to make posters that show their learning and help them see it reflected on the walls of our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1758820491129,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-creative/9602943/","projectTitle":"Let's Get Creative","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Lerner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10171253"},{"teacherId":10036057,"projectId":9641700,"letterContent":"First of all, I want to thank Donors Choose for the incredible materials for my special education students. They really enjoyed working with the hands- on materials. All of the materials have been very important in their learning. I have focused a lot on developing their math skills, and they've improved considerably and are enjoying it. Every new discovery is a new learning. The students use their materials every day in their math lessons. They enjoy playing with each other and learn naturally.\r\n\r\nThanks again for the incredible materials. I really appreciate it.","fullyFundedDate":1757544374425,"projectUrl":"project/the-journey-of-learning/9641700/","projectTitle":"The Journey of Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Silva","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10036057_orig.jpg?crop=192,192,x0,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1747242127614","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10036057"},{"teacherId":10041330,"projectId":9478739,"letterContent":"The Art an Literature project you funded was greatly appreciated by our students here at Emergence Academy. Students were able to connect fine literature pieces with their abilities to portray illustrations of the scenes as they appreciated them. These generated great discussion and enthusiasm among students at a time where they needed to build on English communication skills. Some students were never exposed to expressing their own appreciation of literature through art work. Totally fun and filled with careful details, and some details that were even overlooked in the reading, but a few students were able to identify them.\r\n\r\nWell discussed instructions supported students learning and careful use of the materials. The impact was awesome. Students had ideas and concepts floating through their minds and they just wanted to draw and express these as best possible. Being under skilled in both literature and drawing they were able to illustrate their work and talk about it, while creating their very own master pieces. Some presented evidence from the novel and stories that supported their idea. All were required to write a few sentences to express their concept and were asked by their peers to clarify when necessary. The project generated much discussion and willingness to learn more. We all look forward to the next project.","fullyFundedDate":1755736839089,"projectUrl":"project/art-and-literature/9478739/","projectTitle":"Art and Literature","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Reyes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10041330"},{"teacherId":1027868,"projectId":9859175,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of shelf-stable food items like rice, macaroni and cheese, and beans during the recent SNAP shutdown. Your kindness and support came at a critical time for our students and their families.\r\n\r\nMany of our learners rely on SNAP benefits to meet their basic nutritional needs, and the disruption left many households facing uncertainty. Your contribution helped fill that gap with dignity and care. The food you provided not only nourished growing bodies—it sent a powerful message that our community stands together in times of need.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, students were able to come to school with full stomachs and focused minds. They felt seen, supported, and safe. We are deeply grateful for your compassion and your belief in the power of education and community.","fullyFundedDate":1761932650706,"projectUrl":"project/shelf-stable-foods-during-unstable-times/9859175/","projectTitle":"Shelf Stable Foods During Unstable Times","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"}],"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":59.8,"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"}
Join the 259 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Emergence Academy is
an urban public school
in Springfield, Massachusetts that is part of Springfield Public School District.
It serves 45 students
in grades 6 - 8.
Its teachers have had 442 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
88%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Emergence Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 19, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Emergence Academy
$259,963
raised using DonorsChoose
442
projects
funded
61
teachers
funded
259
donors
53
projects
for
basic supplies
102
projects for
technology
66
projects for
books
27
projects
for
art supplies
Emergence Academy has received support from
155 individuals from Massachusetts and
104 individuals out-of-state.