{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Manuel J Cortez Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":51.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9353953,"projectId":10593531,"letterContent":"My students are excited to have new ways to celebrate their effort, growth, and positive choices. These rewards motivate them to stay focused, participate, complete their work, and keep trying when learning is challenging. They are learning that effort and perseverance are important parts of success.\r\n\r\nI use these rewards to recognize students who reach goals, show growth, and make responsible choices. These small celebrations help students feel valued, confident, and proud of their accomplishments. Thank you for helping me create a positive classroom where students are encouraged to keep learning, overcome challenges, believe in themselves, and celebrate their progress every day.","fullyFundedDate":1788733087308,"projectUrl":"project/earn-it-celebrate-it-rewards-that-insp/10593531/","projectTitle":"Earn It, Celebrate It: Rewards That Inspire Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Castillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9353953_orig.jpg?crop=1079,1079,x93,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699310868041","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9353953"},{"teacherId":9360319,"projectId":10588862,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting my first-grade students through our \"Little Achievers, Big Rewards: Celebrating Success in First Grade!\" project! The new resources are now part of our daily classroom routines, helping us celebrate students who demonstrate being Respectful, Responsible, and Safe, as well as those who show hard work, kindness, perseverance, and academic growth. My students were excited when they first saw the materials and were proud to receive recognition for their positive choices and accomplishments.\r\n\r\nThese resources have helped create a positive and motivating classroom environment where students encourage one another and understand that their effort and good choices matter. It has been wonderful to see their smiles and enthusiasm when they accomplish a challenging task, help a classmate, or make progress in their learning.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, my students will continue working on reading, phonics, math problem-solving, and classroom discussions while practicing our school expectations. We will continue celebrating their academic growth and positive behaviors, encouraging them to become confident, responsible, and successful learners. Thank you for helping make every small achievement a BIG celebration!","fullyFundedDate":1788668260726,"projectUrl":"project/little-achievers-big-rewards-celebrati/10588862/","projectTitle":"Little Achievers, Big Rewards: Celebrating Success in First Grade!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carreon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9360319"},{"teacherId":10643979,"projectId":10575260,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Our students are incredibly grateful for all the wonderful items you donated. Your kindness has made such a meaningful difference in our classroom by creating a more engaging, welcoming, and positive learning environment. These resources bring excitement to learning, encourage creativity, and help our students feel supported and motivated each day. Thank you for investing in our students and helping us build brighter futures, one little learner at a time!","fullyFundedDate":1788562612068,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-futures-one-little-lear/10575260/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Futures, One Little Learner at a Time.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. CANDLER","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10643979"},{"teacherId":8492899,"projectId":10570925,"letterContent":"With school and district budgets increasingly stretched, updating our school library with fresh, engaging materials presents a ongoing challenge. In the past, keeping our collection active depended heavily on promotional book fairs and discount programs. As older books reached the end of their shelf life, replacing them with modern stories that truly reflect the background and experiences of my students was becoming almost impossible.\r\n\r\nYour generous support has made a meaningful difference by adding 44 brand-new books to our collection, many of which highlight diverse voices and perspectives. These new texts do more than just fill our shelves—they give students a chance to see themselves reflected in what they read while building critical literacy skills, empathy, and reading comprehension.\r\n\r\nReading time in our library has quickly transformed. My students were buzzing with enthusiasm the moment the boxes arrived, eagerly asking when each title would be fully processed and ready for checkout. Seeing their genuine excitement for reading is the greatest gift, and we are deeply grateful for your investment in our school library community.","fullyFundedDate":1788471447279,"projectUrl":"project/many-stories-one-library/10570925/","projectTitle":"Many Stories, One Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DiGiacomo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8492899"},{"teacherId":9683212,"projectId":10338224,"letterContent":"Our soccer players were very excited to see that we received new equipment for our upcoming soccer season! They were especially happy to have new goalie gloves and cones to add to our soccer supplies. The students were eager to see the new equipment and are excited to begin using it during practices.\r\nWe will be using the cones, jerseys, and goal nets during our drills to help students practice their footwork, ball control, and shooting skills. Having this new equipment will give our students more opportunities to practice, build their confidence, and prepare for the season ahead. Our students are very excited and cannot wait to put the new equipment to use and for our soccer season to begin!\r\n\r\nOur next step is to make sure we take good care of all our equipment. By keeping the cones, jerseys, goalie gloves, and goal nets clean, organized, and in good condition, we hope to continue using them for many soccer seasons and for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1781576305886,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-soccer-team-train-compete-and/10338224/","projectTitle":"Help Our Soccer Team Train, Compete, and Succeed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Alvarado","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9683212"},{"teacherId":9317683,"projectId":9997054,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making our \"Math in Motion: Hands-On Learning for 4th Graders\" project possible! Your generosity has brought so much excitement and meaningful learning into our classroom. My students were thrilled when they first saw the new materials, and their excitement quickly turned into eagerness to use them during our math lessons.\r\n\r\nWe have been using these resources to make math more hands-on, interactive, and enjoyable. Instead of simply solving problems on paper, my students are able to explore concepts, work together, explain their thinking, and practice skills in engaging ways. One of my favorite things to see is students who once hesitated during math becoming more willing to participate, try a strategy, and share their answers. These materials are helping us build not only stronger math skills but also confidence, teamwork, and a positive attitude toward learning.\r\n\r\nYour support will continue to make a difference throughout the school year as we move into more challenging fourth-grade math concepts. Thank you for believing in my students and for giving them opportunities to experience math in a way that feels meaningful and fun. You didn't just provide classroom materials—you helped create moments of learning, discovery, and confidence that my students will carry with them.","fullyFundedDate":1768154529854,"projectUrl":"project/math-in-motion-hands-on-learning-for-4t/9997054/","projectTitle":"Math in Motion: Hands-On Learning for 4th Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. BALLESTEROS","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9317683_orig.jpg?crop=1290,1290,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696475259040","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9317683"},{"teacherId":8152370,"projectId":9990313,"letterContent":"My students and I are using these essential supplies throughout our school day during writing, math, small-group instruction, art projects, and independent learning activities. One special moment was watching the students excitedly use their new supplies to complete a classroom activity without having to worry about sharing or running out of the materials they needed.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies arrived, my students were so excited! They immediately wanted to see everything and asked when they would be able to use the new materials. Their excitement showed me that even everyday classroom supplies can make learning feel special.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue using these resources during hands-on lessons and projects that strengthen students' early reading, writing, math, creativity, and fine-motor skills. Having these essential supplies readily available allows my students to participate fully, work more independently, and focus on learning. Thank you for helping us maintain a prepared and welcoming classroom where every student has the materials they need to succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1768179840025,"projectUrl":"project/help-get-essentials-supplies-needed-in-t/9990313/","projectTitle":"Help Get Essentials Supplies Needed in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Thomas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8152370"},{"teacherId":9353913,"projectId":9988902,"letterContent":"The 3rd grade class was fortunate to see how the drone was balancing forces of gravity and upward thrust along with adjusting for the wind to hover in the same position.\r\n\r\nThis hands on experience is much better than just reading or watching balanced forces videos.\r\n\r\nThe IPad has helped me take photos of science class activities and then post them on Class Dojo, which is how our school shares information and pictures with parents. \r\nAnd I found the transparencies to be very helpful when 1st grade students were learning how to make a shadow puppet scene using different blocking materials to create shadows of different darknesses.","fullyFundedDate":1768186045102,"projectUrl":"project/science-class-supplies/9988902/","projectTitle":"Science Class Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Doubet","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9353913_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699299506958","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9353913"},{"teacherId":9353913,"projectId":10017288,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating flashlights, colored pencils, and disinfectant wipes to our elementary science lab! Your generosity helps keep our classroom safe, creative, and full of hands-on learning. Because of your support, our students can explore science in fun and meaningful ways every day. We truly appreciate your kindness and support!\r\n\r\nThe flashlights helped with a stencil project on light. The pencils were handy whenever students needed to draw for a science activity, and the disinfectant wipes were useful for keeping the tables clean.","fullyFundedDate":1768686248438,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-the-science-lab/10017288/","projectTitle":"Supplies for the Science Lab","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Doubet","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9353913_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699299506958","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9353913"},{"teacherId":1167656,"projectId":10100973,"letterContent":"We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the anonymous company that generously supported our Donors Choose project. Because of your kindness, our classroom received a full set of headphones that will have a lasting impact on student learning.\r\n\r\nThese headphones will provide students with the tools they need to fully engage in lessons, educational programs, digital learning activities, and individualized instruction. Having access to their own headphones allows students to focus more effectively, listen clearly, and participate independently during technology-based learning experiences.\r\n\r\nYour donation helps create a more supportive and productive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. The headphones will be used daily for reading programs, learning applications, educational videos, assessments, and other activities that strengthen academic growth.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of our students and classroom community, thank you for investing in their education and future. Your generosity has made a meaningful difference, and we are truly grateful for your support and belief in our students.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1778068727746,"projectUrl":"project/urgent-headphones-for-our-elementary-st/10100973/","projectTitle":"Urgent: Headphones for Our Elementary Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wardle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1167656_orig.jpg?crop=334,334,x92,y48&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1788309891932","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/alicia-wardle"},{"teacherId":9356595,"projectId":10023594,"letterContent":"First, I would like to thank you so much for all that you do to make a difference. These children are our future and unfortunately, they are not given the opportunities to shine or show improvement. My project Skill of the Month helps with that in the classrooms each teacher is given the skill like following instructions and the steps and they teach it to their kiddos and by the end of the month they would have observed in their class who demonstrated the skill the best and they get nominated to represent their class and get a certificate, school cash, stickers and a prize from the fidget/ toy box. They are very excited because I announce all the winners on the intercom for the school to hear and that encourages other students to want to get nominated as well especially when the winner's return back to class with their prizes. They are very remarkable individuals, and it melts my heart that you were able to help me help give them something more to motivate them to have positive behaviors. Thank you so much and they thank you as well.","fullyFundedDate":1769121105468,"projectUrl":"project/skill-of-the-month/10023594/","projectTitle":"Skill of the Month","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hill","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9356595_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x577,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768943011671","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9356595"},{"teacherId":9037242,"projectId":10028017,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible support. In our school, we often talk about \"the whole child,\" and your donation has directly provided the tools needed to support my students' emotional well-being. These SEL games and books have transformed my counseling space into a sanctuary of discovery and growth.\r\n\r\nHealing Through Play: A Specific Moment\r\nWe've been using the resources daily in both small groups and individual sessions. Just last week, I was working with a small group of students struggling with conflict resolution.\r\n\r\nThe Breakthrough: We played one of the new SEL games that focuses on \"perspective taking.\" Instead of the usual defensive silence, the students were laughing while navigating the game's challenges. One student stopped mid-turn and said, \"Oh, I didn't realize that's how [Classmate] felt when I said that.\" That lightbulb moment—that spark of empathy—was made possible because your gift gave us a safe, structured way to have hard conversations.\r\n\r\nWhat's Next for Our Students?\r\nOur next step is a deep dive into emotional regulation. We are using the new library of books to create \"Cool Down Kits\" and \"Reflection Journals.\" The students will be identifying their personal \"emotional triggers\" and matching them with a strategy they learned from our new resources. We aren't just reading stories; we are building a roadmap for how they will handle stress and friendship for years to come.\r\n\r\nYour contribution didn't just buy games and books; it bought understanding and resilience. Thank you for being a part of our journey.","fullyFundedDate":1769129547530,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-learning-for-every-stud/10028017/","projectTitle":"Social Emotional Learning for Every Student","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Beegen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9037242_orig.jpg?crop=2026,2026,x241,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1751915747677","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/regulation-zone-room"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_67091","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":564,"numTeachers":51,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":25,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":66,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":48.4,"schoolId":67091,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Manuel J Cortez Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Manuel J Cortez Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/clark-county-school-district/manuel-j-cortez-elementary-school/67091"}