{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Las Estrellas Dual Language Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8421626,"projectId":10118405,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, we've also been able to make a meaningful impact in our nurse office/health space, and the difference is immediately noticeable.\r\nThe room now feels much more organized, calm, and clearly structured thanks to the new materials and resources. Supplies are easier to locate, everything has a designated place, and the space as a whole looks more intentional and welcoming. \r\n\r\nWhat used to feel a bit cluttered or rushed now feels clean, efficient, and ready to support students in a calm and caring way when they need it most.\r\n\r\nStudents have responded to the change as well. Even though they may not always say it directly, they notice the environment. The clearer setup helps them feel more at ease when they visit, and it reinforces that this is a safe, well-prepared space where they will be taken care of.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the improved organization has made day-to-day support smoother and more efficient. It's easier to respond quickly to student needs, restock supplies, and maintain a consistent system that works well during busy school days.\r\n\r\nAt the same time, in the classroom we're continuing to build on the momentum from your donations. Students are actively using the new materials during lessons and hands-on activities, and we are moving into more independent and collaborative work where they can apply what they've learned in deeper, more meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped improve both learning spaces and care spaces in our school, and the impact is seen every day in how smoothly things run and how supported students feel.","fullyFundedDate":1778261677355,"projectUrl":"project/growing-strong-minds-and-healthy-hearts/10118405/","projectTitle":"Growing Strong Minds and Healthy Hearts","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Noelia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8421626_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x256,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722461597876","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8421626"},{"teacherId":10424776,"projectId":10074409,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of materials for our 3rd-grade Forces and Interactions science unit. Because of your support, our students have the opportunity to explore science through hands-on investigations and exciting experiments.\r\n\r\nThe materials you provided allow students to discover how forces such as pushes, pulls, gravity, and magnetism affect the world around them. Through building, testing, and observing, students are developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while deepening their understanding of scientific concepts.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has created meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity and a love of science. Our students are excited to engage with the materials and learn through active exploration. The impact of your donation reaches far beyond the classroom by helping students build confidence and enthusiasm for learning.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your investment in our education and for making science come alive for our students. Thank you for helping us create memorable learning opportunities and for supporting the success of every child in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1770223611305,"projectUrl":"project/forces-and-interaction/10074409/","projectTitle":"Forces and Interaction","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Duran","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10424776_orig.png?crop=555,555,x74,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770212299706","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10424776"},{"teacherId":3816828,"projectId":10065229,"letterContent":"Setting everything up was definitely a challenge for our fifth graders. One of the sensors was not working the way we expected, and there were moments of frustration as students tried to figure out what had gone wrong. They needed some grown-up support along the way, but they stayed focused and kept trying. Even when things did not work right away, they worked together, asked questions, tested ideas, and did their best to problem-solve.\r\n\r\nIt was so meaningful to watch them stick with it. Instead of giving up, they kept adjusting and trying again until we were finally able to get everything working. When we finished, there was a real sense of excitement and pride in the room. The students were proud not just because the project worked, but because they had worked through a challenge together.\r\n\r\nMoments like this remind students that learning is not always about getting the right answer right away. Sometimes it means trying different solutions, asking for help, and not giving up when something feels hard. Our fifth graders showed patience, teamwork, and determination, and they walked away feeling more confident in their ability to solve problems and keep going through challenges.","fullyFundedDate":1769808957014,"projectUrl":"project/dream-it-build-it-print-it/10065229/","projectTitle":"Dream It, Build It, Print It","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Roman-Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3816828_orig.png?crop=126,126,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755493172531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3816828"},{"teacherId":1528285,"projectId":10247210,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping to restock our Music, Language and Culture classroom by replacing some much loved items and then also providing some new materials that will add some new learning to our units.\r\n\r\nThe beanbag chair is in the take a break spot, and it's presence was noticed right away by many students! They have been trying it out as needed. We use markers often, as we have systems for color coding language and notes. The tuner for the ukeleles helps us to be able to tune, even with a classroom full of students because it picks up the vibrations. Other tuners require silence to pick up the sound, so you can imagine how this kind of tuner would be helpful :). Lastly, some new books to add to our classroom library! They will be available for students, but I will also incorporate some into our units of study.\r\n\r\nThanks again for helping to freshen up and restock our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1778017630862,"projectUrl":"project/mlc-classroom-restock/10247210/","projectTitle":"Mlc Classroom Restock!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Olson de Alvarez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1528285_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507759780729","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/emilyolsondealvarez"},{"teacherId":3781163,"projectId":5277066,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting me and my students. With your donation of books that students are excited about, I was able to foster a joy of reading that I hope will live on in their lives for years to come. \r\n\r\nMany school libraries do not already include books with characters that look like my students. It is so important that students see themselves reflected in literature. With your support we were able to have meaningful discussions around how students related to characters and what they would do if they were in their shoes. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your kindness and support. It means so much to me, and my students.","fullyFundedDate":1605900113054,"projectUrl":"project/an-inclusive-literacy-curriculum/5277066/","projectTitle":"An Inclusive Literacy Curriculum","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Moen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp3781163_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1503358784125","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3781163"},{"teacherId":8421626,"projectId":9857304,"letterContent":"Thank you for taking the time to learn about our classroom and the dreams behind this project. With your support, we hope to bring a spiral binder machine into our learning space, an incredibly simple tool that will open the door to powerful creativity, independence, and ownership for my students.\r\n\r\nRight now, many of my students rely on whatever notebooks they can find or afford. Pages fall out, supplies run low, and they often feel disconnected from the materials meant to support their learning. A spiral binder machine changes that. It allows us to create custom notebooks designed for exactly what each student needs—reading journals, math practice books, writing notebooks, sketchbooks, science lab logs, and even personalized planners.\r\n\r\nBut the real impact goes far beyond paper and spirals.\r\nWith this machine, students will be able to:\r\nDesign and build their own notebooks, choosing covers, layouts, and formats that reflect their personalities and learning styles.\r\nTake ownership of their learning, because the materials they use will be created by their own hands.\r\n\r\nDevelop real‑world skills in design, organization, and production-skills that build confidence and pride.\r\n\r\nCollaborate on classroom projects, such as publishing their own stories, poetry collections, or research books.\r\n\r\nCreate resources for peers, fostering a culture of generosity and teamwork.\r\n\r\nFor many of my students, this will be the first time they've ever created something that looks and feels professionally made. That moment, when a child holds a book they built themselves, is powerful. It tells them: Your ideas matter. Your work deserves to be seen. You are capable of creating something meaningful.\r\n\r\nYour support will help us build a classroom where creativity is encouraged, materials are accessible, and every student feels empowered to take charge of their learning. \r\n\r\nThank you for believing in them and for helping us bring this opportunity to life.","fullyFundedDate":1768478635272,"projectUrl":"project/spiral-binder-machine-creating-custom-n/9857304/","projectTitle":"Spiral Binder Machine: Creating Custom Notebooks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Noelia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8421626_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x256,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722461597876","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8421626"},{"teacherId":3816828,"projectId":10041658,"letterContent":"One of our most memorable moments was acting out The Three Little Pigs together—students eagerly took turns retelling the story, using the puppets to bring each character to life. Even my quieter students found their voices, building confidence as they participated in storytelling and group discussions.\r\n\r\nWe are using these resources every day in meaningful ways. During whole-group lessons, flannel board figures help students visually follow along with stories, strengthening their comprehension and vocabulary. In small groups, students use dry erase pockets to practice writing and drawing, reinforcing early literacy and fine motor skills. Our STEM materials, like plant-growing kits and sensory tools, have sparked curiosity and thoughtful questions as students observe changes and explore the world around them.\r\n\r\nYour support has created a classroom environment where learning feels like play, and every child is actively engaged. These tools have made it easier for all students—including emerging readers—to access and enjoy stories in a multi-sensory way.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, we are beginning a new storytelling project where students will create and act out their own stories using the puppets and materials you provided. This next step will help them develop creativity, sequencing skills, and confidence as young storytellers.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the opportunity to experience learning in such a joyful, interactive way. Your generosity is making a lasting impact, and we are so grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1769808957240,"projectUrl":"project/growing-readers-exploring-stories/10041658/","projectTitle":"Growing Readers, Exploring Stories","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Roman-Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3816828_orig.png?crop=126,126,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755493172531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3816828"},{"teacherId":3816828,"projectId":10075355,"letterContent":"The impact of these resources on my classroom has been immediate, meaningful, and truly joyful to witness. From the moment my students first saw the new materials, their excitement was undeniable—wide eyes, eager hands, and so many questions. What might look like \"just math tools\" quickly became treasures that invited curiosity, creativity, and confidence. We now use these materials daily in math centers, and they have completely transformed how my students engage with learning. During one small group activity with the magnetic ten frames, a student who had previously struggled with counting placed counters and suddenly exclaimed, \"I see it! It's ten!\" Instead of memorizing, they are building understanding with their hands.\r\n\r\nThe sorting snacks, counting sets, and hands-on games have turned foundational skills into playful discovery. Students naturally compare quantities, sort by attributes, and use math language in authentic ways. The lacing beads have been especially powerful for strengthening fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, supporting students who need extra practice for writing. When we introduced the dice poppers and addition games, the room filled with laughter as students eagerly practiced addition, took turns, and encouraged one another. Math has become something they look forward to, rather than something they hesitate to try.\r\n\r\nThese resources have created a classroom where learning truly feels like exploration. My students are more confident, more willing to take risks, and more excited to participate. As we move forward, we will build on these skills by using ten frames and number lines to solve simple story problems and explain our thinking. We are also beginning to incorporate small group projects where students collaborate to represent numbers in different ways. Because of your generosity, my students are not only developing strong foundational skills but also a lasting belief in their ability to learn and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1775385726223,"projectUrl":"project/active-math-for-active-minds/10075355/","projectTitle":"Active Math for Active Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Roman-Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3816828_orig.png?crop=126,126,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755493172531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3816828"},{"teacherId":3816828,"projectId":10075265,"letterContent":"The addition of new digital cameras has had an immediate impact on our yearbook class. Students are now able to actively document school life—capturing events, candid moments, and everyday experiences that bring the yearbook to life. Through this technology, they are developing real-world skills in photography, visual storytelling, and design while collaborating to create something meaningful for the entire school community.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is the creative freedom and responsibility that comes with using the cameras. Many have taken ownership of their roles as photographers and editors, and even quieter students have grown more confident behind the lens. These cameras have empowered them to preserve memories and share their perspectives, resulting in a yearbook that truly reflects their voices and experiences.","fullyFundedDate":1770907296151,"projectUrl":"project/through-their-lens/10075265/","projectTitle":"Through Their Lens!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Roman-Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3816828_orig.png?crop=126,126,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755493172531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3816828"},{"teacherId":3816828,"projectId":10076552,"letterContent":"When the materials for this project arrived, my kindergarten students were immediately excited and curious. As we unpacked the storage benches and new seating options together, they eagerly asked questions and began imagining how they would use each item. One of my favorite moments was watching students independently choose their seating for the first time—some selected stools, others preferred lap desks, and a few were thrilled to try the chair bands. It quickly became clear how empowering choice can be for young learners. Students who previously struggled to stay focused were more engaged and able to regulate their bodies in ways that worked best for them.\r\n\r\nWe are now using these resources every day to build independence and responsibility in our classroom routines. The storage benches have transformed how students manage their belongings—they confidently store and retrieve materials without assistance, which has reduced transitions and increased learning time. During literacy centers, students use the activity trays to keep materials organized, and our new pencil sharpener has become part of our smooth, student-led routines. The classroom feels calmer, more organized, and more student-centered, allowing everyone to focus on learning rather than distractions.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students are continuing to build on these skills through collaborative projects and independent work time. We are beginning a unit where students rotate through hands-on learning stations, and the flexible seating and organized materials are making these transitions seamless. Students are not only learning academic skills but also developing confidence, responsibility, and ownership of their environment. Your support has truly helped create a space where every child can thrive, and I am so grateful for the impact you've made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1770143294597,"projectUrl":"project/where-organization-meets-differentiation/10076552/","projectTitle":"Where Organization Meets Differentiation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Roman-Mendoza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3816828_orig.png?crop=126,126,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755493172531","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3816828"},{"teacherId":8421626,"projectId":10114530,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have the tools they need to continue growing as thoughtful, empathetic, and confident members of our classroom community. Our new A Little SPOT materials have already begun making a meaningful difference in how my students understand their emotions, express themselves, and build stronger relationships with one another.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, my multilingual and multicultural learners now have access to stories and resources that reflect who they are. They are exploring complex feelings with more confidence, practicing calming strategies with greater independence, and using shared SEL language to navigate challenges in ways that make them feel proud of themselves.\r\n\r\nThe emotion blocks, educator guides, book sets, and sensory tools have transformed our SEL time into something my students look forward to every day. I've watched them light up when they recognize themselves in a story, help a classmate regulate during a tough moment, or use a new strategy to express what they're feeling. These moments are small on the surface, but they are shaping the kind of people they are becoming — leaders, problem-solvers, and compassionate friends.\r\n\r\nYour kindness didn't just fund materials; it strengthened a foundation we've been building together all year. You helped create a classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. You helped them find their voices. You helped them feel like they belong.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in my students and in the power of social–emotional learning. Your support will continue to ripple through our classroom in ways that matter every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1773869214570,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-hearts-minds-with-a-li/10114530/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Hearts & Minds With a Little Spot","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Noelia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8421626_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x256,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722461597876","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8421626"},{"teacherId":8421626,"projectId":10086690,"letterContent":"Bringing a 3D printer into my classroom has transformed the way I teach and the way my students learn. Before this project, whenever I needed specialized fidgets or sensory tools, I had to contact our ATC department and wait for them to design and print items for my students. While they were always supportive, the process took time, and I often wished I could make quick adjustments or create something on the spot when a student needed it. Now, having a 3D printer right in my classroom has completely changed that dynamic.\r\n\r\nThe biggest impact has been on how I approach hands‑on learning. I can turn abstract concepts into tangible objects that students can touch, explore, and manipulate. This has opened up new pathways for engagement, especially for learners who rely heavily on sensory input to understand new ideas. Instead of watching them struggle with materials that weren't built for them, I now get to watch them light up as they hold something they created themselves. That sense of ownership changes everything.\r\n\r\nThis project has also pushed me to grow as an educator. Learning to use design software, experimenting with different filaments, and troubleshooting prints has made me more of a co‑learner alongside my students. It's refreshing and energizing to model curiosity and problem‑solving in real time. I've become more intentional about integrating engineering, creativity, and fine‑motor practice into my lessons because I now have a tool that makes those skills accessible and exciting.\r\n\r\nHaving the ability to print custom fidgets, textured shapes, and sensory tools has also strengthened my ability to support students' emotional and sensory regulation. Instead of relying on generic store‑bought items - or waiting for ATC to create something - I can design tools that match each student's preferences in size, texture, shape, and function. This has reduced frustration, increased independence, and helped students participate more confidently throughout the day.\r\n\r\nOverall, this project has elevated my teaching in ways I didn't expect. It has made learning more inclusive, more joyful, and more student‑driven. It has given my students opportunities to see themselves as creators and problem‑solvers, and it has given me the tools to support them in ways that truly honor their strengths. I feel more inspired, more capable, and more connected to my students because of this project.","fullyFundedDate":1770915395471,"projectUrl":"project/handson-learning-with-3d-printing-for-e/10086690/","projectTitle":"Hands‑On Learning With 3D Printing for Exceptional Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Noelia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8421626_orig.jpg?crop=768,768,x256,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722461597876","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8421626"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_53163","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":402,"numTeachers":37,"percentFrplEligible":78,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":6,"percentWhite":13,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":76,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"10.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.6,"schoolId":53163,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Las Estrellas Dual Language Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Las Estrellas Dual Language Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/minnesota/minneapolis-public-schools/sheridan-global-arts-school/53163"}