{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"St Elmo Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":20.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10303267,"projectId":10323862,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for filling our bookshelf with incredible books! It has been so great to start the school year with a set of high-quality, inclusive picture books to share with my students. My students have loved exploring the picture books in our library center and listening to the stories during read-alouds. \r\n\r\nWe just had a unit titled \"My Body\" where the students learned about all of the amazing things their bodies can do and how everyone's body is unique. The books \"Hair Love\" and \"Eyes that Kiss in the Corners\" were perfect for this unit! One of my students especially loves \"Eyes that Kiss in the Corners\" and selects it from our bookshelf to look at every day. \r\n\r\nThis coming week, we will learn about emotions, and I plan to read \"Ravi's Roar\" during our read-aloud time. I love this book and am so happy I can share it with my students. After reading, we will talk about times when we've felt angry and learn a new breathing technique. \r\n\r\nI can't wait to continue integrating these books into lessons this school year. Thank you again for supporting my classroom and providing my students with an amazing set of new books.","fullyFundedDate":1781721367504,"projectUrl":"project/filling-our-bookshelf-and-fostering-a-lo/10323862/","projectTitle":"Filling Our Bookshelf and Fostering a Love of Reading","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":10195120,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous gift of outdoor toys for our preschoolers. Your thoughtful donation has made a meaningful difference in the daily experiences of our children and has brought new energy, excitement, and possibility to our playground.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our students now have more opportunities to move, explore, imagine, and play together. The new outdoor toys encourage children to run, climb, balance, throw, build, and practice coordination in ways that feel natural and joyful. Through these activities, they are strengthening important gross motor skills while also developing confidence, independence, and perseverance.\r\n\r\nFor preschool children, outdoor play is much more than a break in the day. It is an essential part of learning and development. On the playground, children practice taking turns, sharing materials, communicating with friends, solving problems, and working together. They learn to assess challenges, try new movements, and celebrate their accomplishments. Every game, obstacle, and imaginative adventure helps them grow physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively.\r\n\r\nYour donation has expanded the ways our teachers can support this learning. With a greater variety of outdoor materials, educators can create engaging activities that meet children at different developmental levels and invite them to participate in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful. Some children may enjoy active games and physical challenges, while others may prefer imaginative play, building, or exploring at their own pace. These toys help make our outdoor environment more inclusive, engaging, and responsive to the unique interests and abilities of every child.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your generosity has brought countless moments of happiness to our students. We have seen bright smiles, enthusiastic teamwork, creative storytelling, and proud expressions as children try something new. We have watched friendships grow as students invite one another into play and discover new ways to cooperate. These moments may seem simple, but they are powerful reminders of how much children learn through joyful, hands-on experiences.\r\n\r\nYour support also communicates something deeply important to our students: that their growth, happiness, and well-being matter. By investing in our preschoolers, you are helping create an environment where children feel encouraged to explore, supported as they learn, and celebrated for who they are. Your gift will continue to benefit our students for many years as classes use these toys throughout the seasons.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your generosity and for your belief in the importance of early childhood education. Thank you for helping make our playground a place of discovery, movement, friendship, and fun. Your kindness has enriched our children's days and strengthened our school community.\r\n\r\nWith","fullyFundedDate":1778171616364,"projectUrl":"project/little-explorers-outdoor-learning-for-p/10195120/","projectTitle":"Little Explorers: Outdoor Learning for Pre-K","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":10303267,"projectId":10194212,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting this project and providing my students with amazing outdoor play and learning equipment! My students are so excited every time I introduce a new material from this project.\r\n\r\nThey LOVE the stomp rockets and have so much fun watching them fly through the air. It has been so nice having new, fully inflated balls to play with on our basketball court. The kids are gaining important gross motor skills as they catch and throw the balls and are practicing their aim with the ring toss. I love seeing their creativity as they make art with the chalk. The bubble machine has brought so much joy to my students on hot summer days!\r\n\r\nI can't wait to introduce my students to the bug exploration kits when we begin our unit on insects. It will be awesome to have them learning about insects through hands-on, real-life experiences. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1778771929490,"projectUrl":"project/lets-get-outdoors/10194212/","projectTitle":"Let's Get Outdoors!","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":9756856,"projectId":10195260,"letterContent":"When my Pre-K students first saw our new outdoor play and STEM materials—the water table, borescope camera, foam pogo jumpers, and airplane launchers—their eyes lit up with absolute wonder. They were thrilled to jump right into hands-on discovery! During a recent outdoor lesson, students used the toy borescope camera to inspect tree bark and plant roots up close, then eagerly projected their findings to discuss as a group. Combining physical movement with scientific inquiry has turned our outdoor space into a dynamic extension of our classroom.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next step is to launch a season-long nature exploration unit where students will document plant growth, observe local insects, and test forces like trajectory and gravity with our launchers. These interactive activities are already helping our visual learners and energetic students gain confidence, build vocabulary, and collaborate with their peers in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my young learners the modern, engaging tools they need to stay curious and build a strong foundation for future success!","fullyFundedDate":1779285021985,"projectUrl":"project/learning-in-motion-outdoor-play-explor/10195260/","projectTitle":"Learning in Motion: Outdoor Play, Exploration, and Discovery in Pre-K","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nieto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9756856"},{"teacherId":9756856,"projectId":10185264,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for generous support! The addition of the Dell Inspiron 2-in-1 Touch Screen Laptop has transformed daily learning in our Pre-K classroom. While technology at home is often used for passive entertainment, in our classroom, this device serves as an interactive hub for active discovery. During circle time, we use the touch screen to read digital storybooks together, trace letters, and explore interactive math games. The flexible 2-in-1 design lets me fold it into a tablet mode so students can come right up to the screen, tap, and directly manipulate shapes and patterns during small-group rotations.\r\n\r\nMy students were immediately captivated by how hands-on and visual learning became overnight. They get particularly thrilled when we use the touch screen for digital storytelling and interactive phonics games where their choices immediately bring the screen to life. Several of my quietest and most hesitant learners—especially those who struggled with fine motor tasks like holding traditional pencils—have completely blossomed. Tapping and tracing directly on the screen has given them the confidence to participate fully alongside their peers, making learning accessible and joyful for everyone.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our classroom now has a powerful tool that bridges the gap between play and foundational skill-building, setting these young minds up for a lifetime of success.","fullyFundedDate":1776090460555,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-learning-with-technology/10185264/","projectTitle":"Empowering Learning with Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nieto","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9756856"},{"teacherId":10303267,"projectId":10152081,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project, \"Creating an Organized Learning Environment\". I was able to use the materials from this project to create a classroom that is organized and accessible for my young learners. \r\n\r\nThe bins have been perfect for storing materials in learning centers, and my students love the bright pastel colors. Using the Velcro dots and lamination sheets to create removable labels for the bins has been a game-changer in my classroom! I was able to create visual labels for all of the materials my students use so they can independently find and clean up materials in centers. \r\n\r\nThe paper rack has worked great in our art center to store different types of paper for students to create with. I have used the other paper rack to sort and store papers to send home in take-home folders. Lastly, the clear storage bins have been so helpful in organizing materials in storage cabinets and for transporting chalk and other outdoor toys to recess!\r\n\r\nThank you again for sponsoring my classroom and helping me create the best environment I can for my students to learn and grow!","fullyFundedDate":1774963653822,"projectUrl":"project/creating-an-organized-learning-environme/10152081/","projectTitle":"Creating an Organized Learning Environment","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":6573448,"projectId":10437470,"letterContent":"When my Pre-K students first saw the new bilingual hands-on resources, their eyes lit up with pure excitement! They couldn't wait to dive into the bins, explore the colorful manipulative tools, and try out the new learning activities. Having tactile, engaging materials has immediately turned our daily instruction into an interactive experience where learning two languages feels like play.\r\n\r\nWe are currently using these tools during our daily bilingual center rotations. For example, during a recent literacy and vocabulary lesson, students used the hands-on manipulatives to build letters and match bilingual vocabulary cards to everyday objects. Seeing them collaborate, practice new Spanish and English vocabulary words together, and proudly hold up their finished work was an incredible moment that highlighted just how impactful these resources are for early language development.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our next step is to integrate these tools into our upcoming bilingual storytelling unit. Students will use the hands-on materials to construct story scenes, retell key events, and build foundational sentence structures in both languages. Your generosity provided the exact tools our little hands needed to thrive, and we are so grateful for your support!\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\n\r\nMs. Nancy Casas","fullyFundedDate":1787193730825,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-little-hands-building-bilingu/10437470/","projectTitle":"Tools for Little Hands: Building Bilingual Success in Pre-K!","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":10182523,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our project, \"Cozy Classroom Library for Lifelong Readers.\" Because of your support, our classroom has been transformed into a warm, inviting space where students are excited to dive into reading every single day.\r\n\r\nThe new library shelving and organized storage have made it effortless for students to browse and select books that spark their interest. With the addition of the cozy decor and new book titles, our classroom library center nook has quickly become the favorite spot in the room. Students can't wait for independent reading time to settle into a comfortable, welcoming space with a great book in hand.\r\n\r\nYour kindness does more than just supply physical items—it sends a powerful message to my students that an entire community believes in their potential and success. You have helped foster a true love of reading that will stay with them far beyond this school year.\r\n\r\nWith sincere gratitude,\r\n\r\nMs. Nancy Casas\r\n\r\nand the Lifelong Readers in Our Classroom","fullyFundedDate":1780521265756,"projectUrl":"project/cozy-classroom-library-for-lifelong-read/10182523/","projectTitle":"Cozy Classroom Library for Lifelong Readers","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":10190467,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredibly generous support of our climbing gym! Having access to this amazing space has made such a massive difference for our school. My students are genuinely thriving here-they look forward to every session and have built so much confidence, focus, and drive thanks to the routes and community you helped make possible. We are deeply grateful for your investment in our community, our happiness, and in the next generation of strong, resilient climbers! Your lasting impact empowers these young minds to reach new physical heights and conquer life's challenges with courage every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1778261813918,"projectUrl":"project/climb-create-and-thrive-in-our-classro/10190467/","projectTitle":"Climb, Create, and Thrive in Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lorena","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10177194"},{"teacherId":6573448,"projectId":10302743,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in supporting \"Organizing Creativity: Storage for Storytelling & Art Exploration.\" Your support has completely transformed the way our classroom operates every single day!\r\n\r\nBefore these new storage bins arrived, keeping our arts and crafts supplies, learning games, and hands-on manipulatives organized was a daily challenge. Items were frequently mixed up, hard to find, or damaged, which took valuable time away from actual learning and creative play.\r\n\r\nNow, everything has a designated home. Having dedicated, accessible storage for our art supplies allows students to independently select the materials they need for drawing, crafting, and storytelling projects. They can dive right into their creative work without frustration, and cleaning up has become a smooth, routine team effort.\r\n\r\nSimilarly, our math manipulatives and learning games are organized and ready to grab for small group instruction and partner activities. Students take real ownership of our classroom environment, pride in keeping our resources in order, and responsibility for caring for the tools you provided.\r\n\r\nYour kindness did not just bring us plastic bins—it created a calm, structured, and inspiring space where my students can focus on learning, exploring, and creating. We are deeply grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1785329542066,"projectUrl":"project/organizing-creativity-storage-for-story/10302743/","projectTitle":"Organizing Creativity: Storage for Storytelling & Art Exploration","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":6901341,"projectId":10333891,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity to update our school library space! We had our ribbon cutting ceremony during Meet the Teacher night so that students and families could see the updates and explore the new space. It was wonderful to see how excited the students were for all the new additions and various seating options. As the children were smiling, their grown ups were giving compliments on how open, bright, and welcoming the space looks. \r\nThe teachers and staff have already used the rectangle tables and cafe tables during professional development day. They have enjoyed the slight bounce in the chairs and say they are comfortable. The larger Smart Board screen has also been great for presentations. I can't wait to use it during library lessons throughout the school year. Once classes start visiting the library, smaller whole classes will be able to seat on the big couch unit in the reading area and larger classes will utilize the new tables and chairs. After checkout time, students will have the option to choose to read in comfy reading areas around the library or participate in centers at the floor tables or other tables. Thank you so much for helping provide new center activities and cozy spaces to read. Our students are so deserving of this and I can't wait to see them use the updated space more this year! Thank you! Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1781202007919,"projectUrl":"project/power-homes-library-makeover/10333891/","projectTitle":"Power Homes Library Makeover","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Metz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6901341_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1571542238493","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6901341"},{"teacherId":6901341,"projectId":10301222,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity to update our school library space! We had our ribbon cutting ceremony during Meet the Teacher night so that students and families could see the updates and explore the new space. It was wonderful to see how excited the students were for all the new additions and various seating options. As the children were smiling, their grown ups were giving compliments on how open, bright, and welcoming the space looks. \r\nThe teachers and staff have already used the rectangle tables and cafe tables during professional development day. They have enjoyed the slight bounce in the chairs and say they are comfortable. The larger Smart Board screen has also been great for presentations. I can't wait to use it during library lessons throughout the school year. Once classes start visiting the library, smaller whole classes will be able to seat on the big couch unit in the reading area and larger classes will utilize the new tables and chairs. After checkout time, students will have the option to choose to read in comfy reading areas around the library or participate in centers at the floor tables or other tables. Thank you so much for helping provide new center activities and cozy spaces to read. Our students are so deserving of this and I can't wait to see them use the updated space more this year! Thank you! Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1781188806215,"projectUrl":"project/completing-our-library-upgrade/10301222/","projectTitle":"Completing Our Library Upgrade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Metz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6901341_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1571542238493","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6901341"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_17065","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":290,"numTeachers":22,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":20,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":68,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":79.3,"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"}