{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"St Elmo Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":20.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6573448,"projectId":10113573,"letterContent":"\"The Little Things That Make a Big Difference in PK4\" has truly transformed our daily learning! My students use these supplies every day for hands-on centers, interactive books, and creative projects. One special moment was during a small group activity where students used our materials to build and explore numbers—they were excited, engaged, and proudly sharing their work with one another.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. They couldn't wait to start creating, learning, and exploring right away!\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we are now able to take our learning even further by expanding our interactive lessons and incorporating more collaborative, hands-on projects. These resources continue to make learning meaningful, fun, and impactful for every student.","fullyFundedDate":1774963834074,"projectUrl":"project/the-little-things-that-make-a-big-differ/10113573/","projectTitle":"The Little Things That Make a Big Difference in Pk4","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nancy Casas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6573448_orig.jpg?crop=367,367,x180,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565670839990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nancycasas"},{"teacherId":10177194,"projectId":9595750,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, Structured for Success: A Smart Calendar for Special Education Department! Your generosity has truly made a difference in our classroom, and I'm so grateful for your support.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the new calendar every day to help students stay on track with their schedules, assignments, and transitions. One moment that really stood out was when a student who usually struggles with unexpected changes was able to check the calendar and smoothly move to the next activity on their own- it was a big win! When the materials first arrived, the students were excited and eager to start using them. They loved being able to see their day clearly and even enjoyed helping set up their own schedules.\r\n\r\nNext, we're using the calendar to help students set goals and reflect on their progress, building independence and confidence along the way. This tool is helping create a more structured, calm environment where students feel successful and in control of their learning. Thank you again for making this possible for our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1764619426983,"projectUrl":"project/structured-for-success-a-smart-calendar/9595750/","projectTitle":"Structured for Success: A Smart Calendar for Special Education Department","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lorena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10177194"},{"teacherId":10303267,"projectId":9954649,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping me make our class science center come to life by funding this project! The students in my Pre-K 4 class were so excited to see the new STEAM materials for their science center. These materials have sparked curiosity, increased engagement, and brought joy to my classroom. \r\n\r\nMy students have found the insects/bugs in resin to be fascinating! We are currently on our \"Amazing Critters\" unit where we learn about insects, spiders, and other small critters. Having real life, tangible examples of what we are learning about has deeply enriched my students' learning. Next, we will be learning about animals. I am so excited to use the life cycle puzzle to teach my students about the different stages of development. \r\n\r\nThe science center has now become one of my students' favorite places in the classroom! They enjoy exploring their environment with the kaleidoscopes, pretending to be scientists with the microscope, and conducting experiments with the magnet board and wands. Thank you for helping to cultivate a love for science in my students.","fullyFundedDate":1765640219165,"projectUrl":"project/stem-materials-for-prek-science-center/9954649/","projectTitle":"STEM Materials for PreK Science Center","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sarah","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10303267_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1759805735121","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10303267"},{"teacherId":10074024,"projectId":9951778,"letterContent":"\"Exploring, Creating, and Collaborating\" has truly transformed the energy and engagement in our classroom. The materials and resources from this project allowed me to create an intentional environment where students can investigate, build, and work together with purpose.\r\n\r\nSince implementing the project, I have seen a noticeable increase in student independence and confidence. Children are choosing materials thoughtfully, sustaining focus for longer periods of time, and collaborating more naturally with peers. Instead of waiting for adult direction, they are initiating ideas, problem-solving together, and expressing their thinking through hands-on exploration.\r\n\r\nThe project has strengthened not only academic skills, but also social-emotional growth. Students are practicing communication, negotiating roles, sharing materials, and celebrating each other's ideas. The classroom feels more alive — not louder, but richer in meaningful conversation and discovery.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, this experience has reinforced my belief that when we thoughtfully prepare the environment, children rise to the occasion. They don't just complete tasks; they explore deeply, create boldly, and collaborate authentically. Your support made that possible, and the impact will continue long beyond this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1765339622032,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-creating-and-collaborating/9951778/","projectTitle":"Exploring, Creating, and Collaborating","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Villacorta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10074024_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752054565483","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10074024"},{"teacherId":6573448,"projectId":9723700,"letterContent":"Through problem-solving sets like Doctor Jupiter's My First Box of Games and Play Brainy Montessori Alphabet Matching Eggs, my students are developing critical thinking, language, and early STEM skills in joyful, meaningful ways. These materials encourage students to work together, test ideas, and learn through play while building confidence and perseverance.\r\n\r\nEven practical tools such as the Amazon Basics Cross-Cut Shredder and BESTIKER Sticker Paper have given learning real-world purpose. Students now \"publish\" their work, recycle materials, and create classroom resources, helping them understand that their ideas have value beyond the classroom.\r\n\r\nYour support has empowered every child—regardless of background or ability—to see themselves as capable makers and thinkers. Thank you for believing in my students and helping lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning, creativity, and STEM exploration.","fullyFundedDate":1766007089518,"projectUrl":"project/little-makers-big-thinkers/9723700/","projectTitle":"Little Makers, Big Thinkers!”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nancy Casas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6573448_orig.jpg?crop=367,367,x180,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565670839990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nancycasas"},{"teacherId":6573448,"projectId":9844824,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Inventors in Training project. Because of your generosity, our classroom now has a Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 laptop that serves as the central hub for student learning and creativity.\r\n\r\nWith this laptop, my students are able to bring their ideas to life. They document experiments, explore interactive learning apps, and share their projects on the big screen—turning abstract concepts into hands-on, meaningful experiences. The flexibility of the 2-in-1 design allows students to collaborate, observe demonstrations, and reflect on their discoveries in real time.\r\n\r\nYour support has empowered my students to think like inventors: asking questions, testing ideas, and confidently sharing their learning with others. Most importantly, it has shown them that their ideas matter and that people beyond our classroom believe in their potential.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our young innovators and helping create a learning environment where curiosity and creativity can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1764785698327,"projectUrl":"project/inventors-in-training/9844824/","projectTitle":"Inventors in Training","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nancy Casas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6573448_orig.jpg?crop=367,367,x180,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565670839990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nancycasas"},{"teacherId":6573448,"projectId":9950952,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! My PK students are using the new alphabet tools every day during circle time, small groups, and literacy centers. One special moment was seeing students excitedly recognize letters, say their sounds, and proudly share what they knew with their classmates.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials arrived, my students were full of excitement and curiosity. They couldn't wait to explore and learn, and the hands-on tools immediately made letter learning fun and engaging.\r\n\r\nBecause of this project, my students are building strong letter and sound foundations. Our next steps include strengthening letter-sound connections and beginning early writing activities. We are incredibly grateful for your support in helping our youngest learners grow as confident readers.","fullyFundedDate":1765257286395,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-readers-tools-for-conti/9950952/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Readers: Tools for Continuous Alphabet Acquisition","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nancy Casas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6573448_orig.jpg?crop=367,367,x180,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565670839990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nancycasas"},{"teacherId":6573448,"projectId":9264048,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting Wild About Learning! These materials transformed our classroom into an exciting world of animals, exploration, and discovery. My students were instantly engaged—they eagerly matched animal puzzle cards, built habitats, and used doodle boards to draw the creatures they love.\r\n\r\nWith these resources, my prekinders strengthened letter recognition, vocabulary, problem-solving, and early STEM skills through hands-on, play-based learning. The animal theme made every activity meaningful and motivating, especially for students who learn best through movement, touch, and imagination.\r\n\r\nYour generosity helped create richer learning centers, deeper conversations, and more confident learners. Thank you for bringing joy, curiosity, and real growth to our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1752254447597,"projectUrl":"project/wild-about-learning/9264048/","projectTitle":"Wild About Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nancy Casas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6573448_orig.jpg?crop=367,367,x180,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565670839990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nancycasas"},{"teacherId":6573448,"projectId":9264046,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project! Your generosity has made a big impact on our energetic prekindergarten students. Outdoor play is essential to their development, and because of you, our outdoor space is becoming a place full of movement, learning, and joy.\r\n\r\nThe balls, bubbles, and catching games you helped provide may seem simple, but they help children build coordination, confidence, and social skills. Through chasing bubbles, tossing balls, and playing together, my students are strengthening motor skills, practicing teamwork, and growing through active, hands-on play.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the tools they need to play, learn, and thrive. We are truly grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1746496974563,"projectUrl":"project/lets-play-and-grow/9264046/","projectTitle":"Let’s Play and Grow!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nancy Casas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6573448_orig.jpg?crop=367,367,x180,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1565670839990","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-nancycasas"},{"teacherId":10074024,"projectId":9453325,"letterContent":"Our new carpet has quickly become the heart of our classroom. Every morning the children gather for circle time to sing, share, and listen together. Having a cozy and defined space has made it easier for them to focus and feel connected as a community.\r\n\r\nWhen the carpet was unrolled for the first time, the students' faces lit up with excitement. Several found \"their spot\" right away, and one child happily said, \"Now we all fit!\" It was a joyful moment that showed how something simple can make such a big difference.\r\n\r\nWith this new space, we are beginning to introduce leadership roles during circle time—letting children lead songs, guide movement games, and share stories. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generosity and for helping us create a welcoming place where every child feels included and proud to learn. We are deeply grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1753651500894,"projectUrl":"project/building-community-during-circle-time/9453325/","projectTitle":"Building Community During Circle Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Villacorta","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10074024_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1752054565483","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10074024"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_17065","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":299,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":21,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":69,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.6:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.5,"schoolId":17065,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about St Elmo Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"St Elmo Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/austin-independent-school-district/st-elmo-elementary-school/17065"}