{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Mark Twain Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":64.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6554790,"projectId":10065386,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for sponsoring the food needed for yet another week of \"Food Bag Friday.\" It is hard to believe that we are entering our third year of this partnership and commitment to ensuring that every child has access to food regardless of their circumstances. \r\n\r\nThis week, we will send home the 24th food bag of the year. On average, we send home 100 bags a week. This means that AT LEAST 2,400 food bags have been organized, packed and distributed this year alone! \r\n\r\nThese are amazing facts that are only possible because of you. I am truly always grateful for the impact you have chosen to be on our students, their families and our staff.","fullyFundedDate":1770498109273,"projectUrl":"project/food-bag-fridays/10065386/","projectTitle":"Food Bag Friday's","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jennifer Reyes-Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6554790_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y60&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719698027056","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jennifer-reyes-garcia"},{"teacherId":6554790,"projectId":10065401,"letterContent":"I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing some of our families with essential laundry supplies. Your very generous donation of laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets went directly to families in need across our building. \r\n\r\nWhen we think about budgeting our money for expenses, we often times overlook essentials like laundry supplies. And without them, many of our students will lack access to clean clothes. In turn, these students come to school disregulated, without confidence, or do not come at all. \r\n\r\nPutting these supplies into the hands of those who need it most means so much to all of us at Mark Twain. Thank you for making such a big impact on our small, community school.","fullyFundedDate":1770587642343,"projectUrl":"project/clean-and-confident/10065401/","projectTitle":"Clean and Confident","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jennifer Reyes-Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6554790_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y60&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719698027056","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jennifer-reyes-garcia"},{"teacherId":6554790,"projectId":10006981,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this project summary and for choosing to support its goals! Because of your generous donation, my students now have access to brand new books in our classroom library. \r\n\r\nJust last week I introduced the various text structures that fourth grade students are required to know and understand. One of the most difficult for our students to process each year is cause and effect. Your donation of a copy of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day could not have come at a more perfect time. \r\n\r\nMy students are obsessed with this story line and truly do understand cause and effect so much more now. Thank you for not only adding to our library, but for also helping me teach my state standards through amazing literacy choices!","fullyFundedDate":1768854753586,"projectUrl":"project/new-library-titles/10006981/","projectTitle":"New Library Titles","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jennifer Reyes-Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6554790_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x0,y60&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1719698027056","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jennifer-reyes-garcia"},{"teacherId":4497406,"projectId":10041067,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing LEGO sets for our classroom! Because of your generosity, my students now have hands-on materials that bring learning to life each day. We are using the LEGOs during STEM time, writing centers, and cooperative group challenges. One of our favorite moments so far was a team engineering project where students worked together to design and build a \"lego set.\" They planned their ideas on paper, built their models, and then shared their design. It was incredible to see their creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork grow right before my eyes.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the LEGOs, their faces absolutely lit up with excitement. Many of them cheered, clapped, and immediately started talking about what they hoped to build. For some of my students, these are materials they do not have access to at home, so having them in our classroom made the experience even more special. The LEGOs instantly increased engagement, encouraged collaboration, and motivated even my most reluctant learners to participate.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, we are continuing to build on this excitement. Our next steps include using the LEGOs for structured STEM challenges, storytelling builds to support narrative writing, and math activities where students model numbers, patterns, and problem-solving strategies. These materials will continue to support creativity, critical thinking, and joyful learning all year long.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in my students and helping create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences in our classroom. Your support truly makes a difference every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1769383984035,"projectUrl":"project/linking-lego-to-learning/10041067/","projectTitle":"Linking LEGO to Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Punneo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4497406_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1497904663024","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4497406"},{"teacherId":4497406,"projectId":10032484,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom now has new Mo Willems books that are already making a powerful difference in our students' reading journeys. Many of my students are beginning readers, and these stories introduce essential early literacy skills in a fun, approachable way. The simple, decodable text helps students practice sounding out words, recognizing high-frequency vocabulary, and reading with expression and feeling. Just as importantly, the humor and relatable characters help students connect to the stories, strengthening comprehension and building confidence as they learn that reading is both meaningful and enjoyable.\r\n\r\nReading time in our classroom is an active, joyful part of the day. Students gather for read-alouds, partner reading, and independent practice with their \"just right\" books. These new titles have quickly become some of the most requested during book selection. Several students who were previously hesitant to read aloud are now volunteering to read dialogue from the characters because the format feels manageable and fun. They laugh together, practice character voices, and eagerly retell the stories to friends, all of which builds fluency and understanding in a natural way.\r\n\r\nOur class has loved these books for years — in fact, our old copies were being held together with tape from so much use. That is why receiving these new books means so much to us. Many of my students do not have books at home that match their reading level, so having engaging, accessible stories in the classroom is essential for helping them grow. I am so grateful to be able to place fresh, high-interest books into their hands that truly spark a love of reading. Your support is helping turn my students into confident readers who are excited to open a book each day. Thank you for making this possible for our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1769548193518,"projectUrl":"project/more-reading-with-mo/10032484/","projectTitle":"More Reading with Mo!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Punneo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4497406_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1497904663024","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4497406"},{"teacherId":9197683,"projectId":9961918,"letterContent":"Thank you for your supporting, because of your generosity, my students now have access to warm coats, hats, gloves, and other winter essentials, allowing them to come to school comfortable and ready to learn. Before receiving these items, some students were distracted by the cold during arrival, recess, and dismissal. Now, they can fully participate in outdoor activities and transition back into the classroom focused and ready. One special moment that stood out was seeing students confidently head outside for recess, bundled up and smiling, excited that they could play comfortably with their friends.\r\n\r\nWhen the clothing arrived, the joy on their faces was unforgettable. Students were amazed that people they had never met cared enough to make sure they were warm. For some, it was their first brand-new winter coat. There were big smiles, heartfelt \"thank yous,\" and even a few happy tears. The sense of dignity and belonging these items provided was just as meaningful as the warmth itself.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward into the colder months, my students will continue to benefit from being able to safely enjoy outdoor learning opportunities and physical activity without worrying about the weather. We are also incorporating lessons about weather preparedness and community care, helping students understand the importance of supporting one another. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on both their comfort and their confidence. Thank you for helping us truly be winter weather ready!","fullyFundedDate":1769446685319,"projectUrl":"project/winter-weather-ready/9961918/","projectTitle":"Winter Weather Ready","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9197683_orig.jpg?crop=2048,2048,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728002278922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9197683"},{"teacherId":9197683,"projectId":10078456,"letterContent":"Our \"Food Boxes for Families\" project has already made a powerful difference in our classroom and school community. With the generous support of our donors, our students have been assembling and distributing food boxes filled with essential pantry items for families in need. We turned this into a hands-on service-learning project, where students helped organize donations, pack boxes, and write encouraging notes to include inside.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies first arrived, the classroom buzzed with excitement. Students were amazed to see how quickly small contributions could add up to something so impactful. Many shared personal connections to the project, talking about times when their own families or neighbors needed support. It sparked thoughtful discussions about empathy, gratitude, and community responsibility. The project gave them a tangible way to practice kindness and teamwork while understanding the real-world impact of helping others.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will be reflecting on this experience through journal writing and a class discussion about food insecurity and community service. We are also beginning a math and literacy extension activity where students will calculate quantities, create inventory lists, and research additional ways to support local families. Thanks to our donors, this project has grown beyond food boxes—it has become a meaningful lesson in compassion, civic engagement, and the power of coming together to make a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1770817726736,"projectUrl":"project/food-boxes-for-families/10078456/","projectTitle":"Food Boxes for Families","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9197683_orig.jpg?crop=2048,2048,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728002278922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9197683"},{"teacherId":9197683,"projectId":10083035,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity in supporting our Feeding Our Children project, our students can now explore nutrition and healthy living in ways that feel real and meaningful. We've been using the new resources during our health and science block to study food groups, balanced meals, and the importance of making smart choices. One of our favorite projects has been creating \"Build a Healthy Plate\" models. Students worked in small groups to design balanced meals using the materials you provided, then presented their plates and explained why each food choice was important for growing bodies and active minds. The hands-on experience helped turn abstract concepts into something they could see, touch, and truly understand.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement in the room was unforgettable. Students were eager to open everything and immediately started talking about their favorite healthy foods and family meals. Several students who are usually quiet couldn't wait to participate. Seeing their enthusiasm reminded me just how powerful it is to put engaging, high-quality resources directly into their hands. Your support made them feel valued and inspired.\r\n\r\nAs we move forward, students will be applying what they've learned by keeping simple food journals and reflecting on their own eating habits. We'll also be starting a cross-curricular writing project where they create short \"Healthy Habits\" guides to share with younger students. Thanks to you, this project is not just a lesson; it's a lasting foundation for healthier choices and confident learning. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and belief in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1771160406375,"projectUrl":"project/feeding-our-children/10083035/","projectTitle":"Feeding Our Children","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Ruiz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9197683_orig.jpg?crop=2048,2048,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728002278922","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9197683"},{"teacherId":4448563,"projectId":10065226,"letterContent":"Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our Food Bag Friday program and for the meaningful impact it continues to have on the students we serve. Your steady support ensures that this initiative remains a consistent and reliable source of help for families in our community. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and your heart for our students.\r\n\r\nIt is truly amazing how something as simple as a gallon-size Ziploc bag filled with food can be so life-changing. For many of our students, that small bag represents security, comfort, and the reassurance that they will have something to eat over the weekend. What may seem small can make an enormous difference in the life of a child.\r\n\r\nWe firmly believe that no child should go hungry, regardless of their location or circumstances. Because of you, we are able to help prevent that reality for so many of our students. Thank you for standing with us, for caring so deeply, and for making a tangible difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.","fullyFundedDate":1769882430634,"projectUrl":"project/food-bag-friday/10065226/","projectTitle":"Food Bag Friday","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4448563_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1509579419886","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jacqueline-bailey"},{"teacherId":4448563,"projectId":10065203,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing healthy snacks for our students during after-school math enrichment club. For the third year in a row, our small community school has been named the #1 rated elementary school in our large urban district. Even more exciting, we are ranked #1 in math growth for the entire state of Oklahoma according to the Oklahoma School Report Card. This is an incredible accomplishment, and it is something we are so proud of — and your support is truly part of that success.\r\n\r\nThe students who stay for math enrichment do so by choice, committed to continuing to grow and excel even after a full school day. Because of your generosity, they have nutritious snacks to keep them fueled, focused, and ready to engage during our extended 9-hour day. Meeting their basic needs helps remove barriers so they can fully concentrate on learning and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nYour support provides more than just snacks — it offers motivation, encouragement, and a reminder that their hard work matters. That small extra boost makes a big difference in sustaining their energy and enthusiasm. Thank you for investing in our students' success and for helping us continue this tradition of excellence.","fullyFundedDate":1769882430649,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-snacks-for-kids/10065203/","projectTitle":"Healthy Snacks for Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4448563_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1509579419886","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jacqueline-bailey"},{"teacherId":4448563,"projectId":9665429,"letterContent":"Your generous support of the project \"Financial Literacy for Kids\" is making a lasting impact in our classrooms. As teachers in a Title I school serving a student population that is nearly 97% economically disadvantaged, we see firsthand how critical it is to teach real-world skills like understanding needs vs. wants, budgeting, and saving. Because of you, these lessons are no longer just abstract ideas — they are meaningful, hands-on experiences for our students.\r\n\r\nThe items you provided, including the Lego kits and Play-Doh sets, became powerful teaching tools in our classroom economy. Students earned and saved \"STEM bucks\" to purchase these tangible rewards, practicing patience, goal-setting, and smart decision-making along the way. The higher-ticket items especially encouraged students to value saving over impulse spending — an essential skill that will benefit them well into adulthood.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your investment not only in this project, but in the future of our students. You are helping equip them with the knowledge, habits, and confidence they need to make wise financial choices and build brighter futures. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and belief in their potential.","fullyFundedDate":1765680616553,"projectUrl":"project/financial-literacy-for-kids/9665429/","projectTitle":"Financial Literacy for Kids","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4448563_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1509579419886","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jacqueline-bailey"},{"teacherId":4448563,"projectId":9918927,"letterContent":"Your generosity made a meaningful difference for our students as they prepared for their middle of the year exams in reading and math. Because of your support, they had the tools they needed to feel confident, comfortable, and ready to give their very best effort. We are thrilled to share that nearly 70% of our students met their independent goals on the NWEA assessment this winter — an incredible accomplishment that would not have been possible without you.\r\n\r\nThe thoughtful items you provided truly supported our students throughout testing. The mints and gum helped them stay alert and focused, the water bottles kept them hydrated and energized, and the motivational stress balls brought smiles to their faces while offering a calming outlet for nervous energy. These simple yet powerful tools created a positive testing environment where students could concentrate and feel encouraged.\r\n\r\nWe are so proud of our students for their hard work and growth, and we are incredibly thankful for the important role you played in their success. Your kindness and investment in our school community helped empower our learners to believe in themselves and strive for excellence. Thank you for standing beside our students and helping them achieve their goals.","fullyFundedDate":1765152755564,"projectUrl":"project/ready-for-the-test/9918927/","projectTitle":"Ready for the Test","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Bailey","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4448563_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1509579419886","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jacqueline-bailey"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_87018","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":284,"numTeachers":21,"percentFrplEligible":87,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":3,"percentLatinx":72,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"13.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":36.0,"schoolId":87018,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Mark Twain Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Mark Twain Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oklahoma/oklahoma-city-school-district/mark-twain-elementary-school/87018"}