{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Emergence Academy","outOfStateSupporters":40.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"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":10387651,"projectId":9964728,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has transformed into a more positive, organized, and motivating space. The motivational posters and affirmation displays were the first things students noticed. Several students immediately began reading them out loud, and one said, \"This feels different—in a good way.\" We now start our mornings by choosing one affirmation to focus on, which has helped students build confidence and practice positive self-talk before beginning academic tasks.\r\n\r\nThe storage bins have helped us stay organized during small-group instruction and tutoring sessions, allowing students to quickly access materials without losing valuable learning time. The wireless keyboard and mouse have made it easier for me to move around the classroom while teaching, support small groups, and monitor student progress during digital lessons. Students especially look forward to earning motivational stickers and small snack incentives during intervention groups and testing days, which has noticeably increased participation and effort.\r\n\r\nNext, we are continuing to build on this momentum by focusing on goal-setting and academic growth. Students are tracking their progress and celebrating milestones, reinforcing the growth mindset messages displayed around the room. Your support has created an environment where students feel encouraged, recognized, and ready to take on new challenges. Thank you for being an important part of our classroom community!","fullyFundedDate":1770509568414,"projectUrl":"project/student-motivation-classroom-culture/9964728/","projectTitle":"Student Motivation & Classroom Culture","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":9689908,"projectId":9519796,"letterContent":"This project has made a meaningful difference by turning our bimonthly family meetings into welcoming and engaging experiences for immigrant families. With the supplies provided, our school now offers a safe space where parents feel comfortable connecting with staff, learning how the school system works, and supporting their children at home.\r\n\r\nThe Bluetooth speakers help us share translated messages, short videos, and group activities so families with different language levels can fully participate. Interactive materials like markers, Post-it notes, and chart paper allow parents to collaborate, reflect, and ask questions in hands-on ways.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is seeing their families involved at school. Many students feel proud and more motivated when they see their parents welcomed and engaged. Families who were once hesitant to attend are now regular participants, which has strengthened trust and communication.\r\n\r\nThis project has helped build stronger home-school connections, giving students greater confidence, support, and a sense of belonging. Thank you for helping our students thrive through family engagement.","fullyFundedDate":1761858664796,"projectUrl":"project/building-bridges-between-home-and-school/9519796/","projectTitle":"Building Bridges Between Home and School for Student Success","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":5545637,"projectId":9471351,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the support in getting students the markers, dry erase markers, and pencils that they need to fuel their academic growth. The markers and pencils have lasted months and months! Students greatly appreciate that any time they need a pencil or dry erase marker, they can easily grab one off of my cart and get to work with their classwork. This may be a small gesture, but it speaks volumes. It makes students feel supported, comfortable, and at ease, and it takes away any worries about not having the materials or resources to succeed in school. We absolutely love our classroom timer and use it every single day. This allows me to make my directions very clear; students know exactly how much time they have to complete a task, and this keeps them on task and engaged. \r\n\r\nThank you again for your investment in students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1755732280223,"projectUrl":"project/a-resourced-classroom-ignites-academic-s/9471351/","projectTitle":"A Resourced Classroom Ignites Academic Success","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":9575493,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the support in getting notebooks for 9th and 10th grade ESL and science classes. These supplies are essential for students to stay organized, to track their academic growth over time, for writing practice, and for creating portfolios of their amazing work over the school year. \r\n\r\nWe are using the graph paper notebooks to \"Stop and Jot,\" to \"Write, Turn, and Talk,\" to draw graphs, collect data, and make hypotheses.\r\n\r\nIn ESL class, we are using the lined paper notebooks to develop writing skills and record their English language learning journey.\r\n\r\nStudents are feeling supported and empowered with these important notebooks. Thank you for your support, thoughtfulness, and generosity - it means the world to our community and helps students feel confident in school.","fullyFundedDate":1755091164810,"projectUrl":"project/support-writers-and-scientists-with-note/9575493/","projectTitle":"Support Writers and Scientists With Notebooks","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":9576393,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for the support in decorating our science classroom with content-related posters! It is satisfying to see students stand up and walk over to posters to utilize them in their learning of science content. These visuals help to cement students' learning. Thank you, too, for the help in getting stickers, keychains, and erasers for behavior incentives. They are working! These awards help to motivate students to accomplish their academic goals. They ensure that students are celebrated for their learning and their growth. Thank you so much. Your generosity means so much to our scholars!","fullyFundedDate":1755373550882,"projectUrl":"project/motivate-and-inform-students-with-visual/9576393/","projectTitle":"Motivate and Inform Students With Visuals and Behavior Incentives","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":9654472,"projectId":9326906,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to my classroom. The students use the computer chargers all the time. They enjoy doing learning activities on their laptops and playing games together during break time. Without them, sadly we would be \"powerless.\" Chargers disappear around mid-school year, so it has been a life saver to have back up chargers that do not leave the classroom. \r\n The other supplies such as tissues, paper towels and folders are used all the time. They keep our classroom clean and organized and are unsung heroes of cold and flue prevention. We appreciate all of these gifts that keep us in the classroom, learning everyday.","fullyFundedDate":1747081022526,"projectUrl":"project/charged-up-for-learning/9326906/","projectTitle":"Charged Up for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kessler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9654472"},{"teacherId":9654472,"projectId":9345952,"letterContent":"Thank you for generously donating to this project. Students participated in an interdisciplinary ELA and science unit centered around the book, The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind. Students studied the life of William Kamkwamba, a boy in Malawi who built a windmill from junk yard materials that saved his village from drought.\r\n With the resources from this project, students researched various kinds of windmills, build a model windmill from a kit and designed and built their own windmills from recycled materials. The opportunity to do hands-on activities was so much fun and brought the story to life. Students connected with William's engineering process and struggles and were excited to become engineers themselves. They collaborated with each other and had great scientific discussions. \r\n My students and I appreciate the opportunity to more deeply explore the scientific process and wind energy, as well as have a great time learning, exploring and making!","fullyFundedDate":1747487780747,"projectUrl":"project/windmills-and-wonder/9345952/","projectTitle":"Windmills and Wonder","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kessler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9654472"}],"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":59.7,"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"}