{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Cesar Chavez Academy Lower Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":38.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8280473,"projectId":9600489,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our birthday project. Thanks to you, we are able to celebrate all students' birthdays and make them feel super special. It is a joy seeing their faces light up when they receive their stuffed animal, scented pencil, bookmark, and birthday crown. You can tell that they feel loved and special!\r\n\r\nWe could have made this happen without the kindness of donors like you. You are making a real, tangible difference in the lives of children in Detroit.\r\n\r\nAgain, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1755723047382,"projectUrl":"project/making-every-birthday-special-in-our-cla/9600489/","projectTitle":"Making Every Birthday Special in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mashike","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8280473_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1642695420914","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8280473"},{"teacherId":7331244,"projectId":9438463,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our \"Building Lifelong Reader\" project. The donated books have made a noticeable difference in our classroom. These new texts introduce a wide range of skills: vocabulary development through rich, varied language; comprehension strategies like predicting, summarizing, and making connections; and critical thinking through discussion prompts and inferencing. Many books also build background knowledge across topics, which helps students better understand new material and ask deeper questions. I model these strategies during read-alouds and small-group lessons, then provide guided practice so students can apply the skills independently.\r\n\r\nReading time in our classroom is lively and purposeful. Students rotate through independent reading, partner reading, and teacher-led small groups; during independent reading they practice stamina and self-select books that match their interests and reading levels. Guided groups focus on comprehension strategies and close-read skills, while partners use leveled texts to practice fluency and discussion. The variety of donated titles has allowed more students to find books that spark curiosity from graphic novels and high-interest nonfiction to engaging picture books which increases both engagement and confidence.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were reluctant readers are now especially enjoying the new books. A handful of students who struggle with decoding are more willing to try challenging words when the content excites them. Overall, the donations have deepened choice, boosted motivation, and provided meaningful entry points for all readers. Thank you again for helping us grow to become lifelong readers.","fullyFundedDate":1758230812494,"projectUrl":"project/building-lifelong-readers/9438463/","projectTitle":"Building Lifelong Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Kulikowski","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7331244_orig.jpg?crop=547,547,x0,y49&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751144624260","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7331244"},{"teacherId":4630697,"projectId":9429394,"letterContent":"Thank you for the subscription to Scholastic News 2. This resource is filled with nonfiction, current events for my Second Graders. Each edition is informative and engaging for 7-8 year olds. \r\n\r\nEvery week on Friday, Scholastic News is our Reading resource. Each student receives their own copy of the magazine. They follow along as the digital version reads it aloud. Then they reread the issue with a buddy. We stop and discuss throughout our lesson. There is a building background video, vocabulary slides, a dance move brain break, and even an interactive game for each issue.\r\n\r\nThe students are so engaged and love to participate. The connections they make are amazing. They are able to respond to what they learned by using the skill set sheets. It varies, but there are Writing, comprehension, and standards based activities. They love to keep these issues and get to take them home to share with their families. \r\n\r\nThank you for bringing the real world into their lives at a level they can comprehend and learn.","fullyFundedDate":1753923379403,"projectUrl":"project/lets-bring-the-world-into-our-classroom/9429394/","projectTitle":"Let's bring the World into our Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Murray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4630697_orig.jpg?crop=515,515,x137,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753489455738","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4630697"},{"teacherId":1127160,"projectId":9308353,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to our classroom project! My students love working with the lights off and using the lamps to illuminate their work space. We are still working on our beginning of the year procedures and routines and I am looking forward to implementing the book bins in the coming weeks. The children will love having seasonal books to read and enjoy at their tables!\r\nI truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and contribution to our classroom and am grateful for the support that it offers us!","fullyFundedDate":1746471152809,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-refresh/9308353/","projectTitle":"Classroom Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Abela","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1127160"},{"teacherId":2186887,"projectId":9344487,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of crayons and pencils to our classroom! Your kindness and support have made a meaningful impact on our students. With these supplies, our children are better equipped to learn, create, and express themselves with confidence and joy. Every crayon stroke and pencil-written word is a reminder of the care and encouragement you've shared. Your generosity helps create a brighter, more engaging learning environment. We are truly grateful for your support and investment in our students' success and growth. Thank you for being a part of our classroom community!","fullyFundedDate":1747389198702,"projectUrl":"project/crayons-and-pencils/9344487/","projectTitle":"Crayons and Pencils","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barajas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2186887_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669963464379","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cbarajas"},{"teacherId":2186887,"projectId":9106831,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and flossers. Your thoughtful contribution helps teach our young learners the importance of good dental hygiene from an early age.\r\nThanks to your kindness, our students not only have the tools they need to take care of their smiles, but also feel cared for and supported. It truly makes a difference, and we are so grateful for your support to our classroom. \r\n\r\nMy students were excited to receive them and excited to use them. Thank you so much for spreading kindness to our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1748735449686,"projectUrl":"project/oral-hygiene-in-kindergarten/9106831/","projectTitle":"Oral Hygiene In Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Barajas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2186887_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669963464379","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/cbarajas"},{"teacherId":5694887,"projectId":9262346,"letterContent":"We finished the year with a bang! Thanks to your donation my class was able to end the year the best way ever! \r\n\r\nThey were so excited to get awards in our class award ceremony. They were so excited to play and make memories. \r\n\r\n\r\nMy students have worked incredibly hard this year, showing so much growth, resilience, and joy in their learning. They bring their best selves to class each day, and I couldn't be prouder of them. The resources requested will support us in several key ways: tools for testing will help students stay focused and confident, end-of-year books will encourage a love for reading all summer long, and small gifts will let each child feel recognized and celebrated for their amazing work.\r\n\r\nThese items will bring both purpose and fun to the final weeks of school—helping us wrap up the year with pride, excitement, and a big smile!","fullyFundedDate":1746464653162,"projectUrl":"project/work-hard-play-hard-finishing-the-year/9262346/","projectTitle":"Work Hard, Play Hard: Finishing the Year Strong!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hobson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5694887_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1540144298290","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5694887"},{"teacherId":8280473,"projectId":9236115,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! Your support provided our second-grade classroom in Detroit with decodable books that are already making a difference in our early reading instruction. These books give students the practice they need to apply phonics skills and build confidence as growing readers. We use them during small groups and independent reading time, and students are so proud when they can read them on their own. Your generosity is helping lay a strong foundation for lifelong literacy. Thank you for believing in our classroom and our success!","fullyFundedDate":1744206380692,"projectUrl":"project/decodable-books-for-blossoming-readers/9236115/","projectTitle":"Decodable Books for Blossoming Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mashike","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8280473_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1642695420914","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8280473"},{"teacherId":8280473,"projectId":9236080,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! Your support provided our second-grade classroom in Detroit with shared reading and read-aloud books that are already making a big impact. These books help us build vocabulary, practice fluency, and spark meaningful discussions. Shared reading brings us together as a classroom community, while read-alouds inspire a love for stories and learning. Your generosity is helping us grow as readers and thinkers. We are truly grateful for your kindness and belief in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1744214442406,"projectUrl":"project/shared-reading-and-read-alouds-for-secon/9236080/","projectTitle":"Shared Reading and Read Alouds for Second Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mashike","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8280473_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1642695420914","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8280473"},{"teacherId":8280473,"projectId":9209507,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! Your support provided our second-grade classroom in Detroit with high-interest picture and chapter books that are already sparking excitement for reading. These books meet a wide range of reading levels and interests, helping every student find something they love. We use them during independent reading, small groups, and read-alouds. Your generosity has created new opportunities for growth, imagination, and confidence. Thank you for believing in our classroom and helping to build lifelong readers!","fullyFundedDate":1742934795483,"projectUrl":"project/high-interest-books-for-second-graders/9209507/","projectTitle":"High Interest Books for Second Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mashike","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8280473_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1642695420914","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8280473"},{"teacherId":8280473,"projectId":9257057,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! Your support provided our second-grade classroom in Detroit with double-sided whiteboards that are now a daily part of our learning. These whiteboards allow students to quickly show their thinking in math, practice writing skills, and participate in interactive lessons. Having two sides gives us more room to work and makes transitions between activities easier. Your generosity has made learning more engaging and effective. We are so thankful you believe in our classroom and are helping us grow every day.","fullyFundedDate":1746574228235,"projectUrl":"project/double-the-fun-with-double-sided-whitebo/9257057/","projectTitle":"Double the Fun with Double-Sided Whiteboards","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mashike","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8280473_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1642695420914","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8280473"},{"teacherId":8280473,"projectId":9289644,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! Your support provided our second-grade classroom in Detroit with much-needed scissors, glue, and dry erase clipboards. These essential supplies are used daily in our lessons and creative projects. The clipboards allow students to work in flexible spaces around the room, supporting focus and collaboration. The scissors and glue help bring their ideas to life in both writing and art. Your kindness has made our classroom more engaging, organized, and fun. We are so grateful for your generosity and belief in our students. Thank you for making a lasting impact!","fullyFundedDate":1746576025236,"projectUrl":"project/just-the-necessities-for-second-grade/9289644/","projectTitle":"Just the Necessities for Second Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mashike","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8280473_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1642695420914","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8280473"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_63887","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":465,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":77,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":48,"percentWhite":30,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 2","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Weighted Average","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":61.9,"schoolId":63887,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Cesar Chavez Academy Lower Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Cesar Chavez Academy Lower Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/michigan-department-of-education/cesar-chavez-academy-elementary-school/63887"}
Join the 517 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Cesar Chavez Academy Lower Elementary School is
a public school
in Detroit, Michigan that is part of Michigan Department of Education.
It serves 465 students
in grades K - 2.
Its teachers have had 248 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
Cesar Chavez Academy Lower Elementary School Demographics
77%
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
61%
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.
Cesar Chavez Academy Lower Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 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.
Cesar Chavez Academy Lower Elementary School
$75,648
raised using DonorsChoose
248
projects
funded
33
teachers
funded
517
donors
28
projects
for
basic supplies
24
projects for
technology
47
projects for
books
22
projects
for
art supplies
Cesar Chavez Academy Lower Elementary School has received support from
320 individuals from Michigan and
197 individuals out-of-state.