{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Benavides Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":43.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8415293,"projectId":10298182,"letterContent":"Receiving headphones for all of my special education students through Donors Choose has made a tremendous impact on our classroom. My students have a variety of learning challenges, including autism, intellectual disabilities, and sensory needs. Having their own headphones allows them to focus on their individualized lessons without being distracted by surrounding classroom noises. For students who are sensitive to sound, these headphones provide a calmer, more comfortable learning environment where they can concentrate and feel successful.\r\n\r\nTechnology plays an important role in our daily instruction, and these headphones allow my students to work more independently on their Chromebooks and iPads. They can listen to stories, follow verbal directions, participate in interactive activities, and practice important reading and math skills at their own pace. Having a set of headphones for every student also means that no one has to wait or share, allowing everyone to participate in learning activities at the same time. This has helped create a more organized, engaging, and productive classroom environment.\r\n\r\nI cannot express how grateful I am to our wonderful Donors Choose supporters for making this possible. Your generosity has provided much more than just headphones; you have given my students the opportunity to learn with greater independence, confidence, and comfort. Every small accomplishment is a huge milestone in our special education classroom, and your kindness helps make those accomplishments possible. Thank you for believing in my students and helping me provide them with the tools they need to succeed!","fullyFundedDate":1785852611538,"projectUrl":"project/a-sound-investment-in-student-success/10298182/","projectTitle":"A Sound Investment in Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lucy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8415293_orig.jpg?crop=1179,1179,x0,y691&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712931470423","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lucy-martin"},{"teacherId":4696529,"projectId":10395526,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for bringing music to my Pre-K 3 scholars! My students thoroughly enjoyed making music and moving to the beats! These instruments will be in the hands of hundreds of students for years to come.\r\n\r\nMusic plays an important role in early childhood education. It helps young children develop language and listening skills, strengthen memory, recognize patterns, improve coordination, and express their creativity and emotions. Through singing, dancing, and playing instruments, children also develop social skills, learn to take turns, follow directions, and work together as a team. Most importantly, music makes learning fun, engaging, and meaningful for our youngest learners!\r\n\r\nYour generosity has given my students opportunities to explore, create, and learn in ways that go beyond traditional classroom activities. These instruments will continue to be in the hands of hundreds of students for years to come, bringing joy, creativity, and meaningful learning experiences to many little learners.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping me create a classroom where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and shine. Your support makes a lasting difference, and I am so grateful to have donors like you who believe in the power of early education!","fullyFundedDate":1785110243320,"projectUrl":"project/making-music-building-minds/10395526/","projectTitle":"Making Music, Building Minds!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4696529_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761439205290","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/maestraberthawilliams"},{"teacherId":7889568,"projectId":10356222,"letterContent":"On behalf of Mrs. Padilla's first-grade class, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Disney and Donors Choose for your generosity and support! The UNO cards and ten frames have make math more engaging and interactive by helping our students practice counting, number recognition, addition, subtraction, and number relationships through hands-on activities. The copy paper, cardstock, and glue sticks have given our students opportunities to express their creativity through art projects connected to classroom learning. \r\n\r\nAs a teacher, having these supplies allows me to create meaningful lessons, provide hands-on learning experiences, encourage collaboration, and support he different needs of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1784852860462,"projectUrl":"project/ready-to-learn-school-resources-for-our/10356222/","projectTitle":"Ready to Learn: School Resources for Our Amazing First Graders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Padilla","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7889568_orig.jpg?crop=833,833,x337,y436&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1688225752684","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-v-padilla"},{"teacherId":4633006,"projectId":9530417,"letterContent":"Our Ocelots are excited to use their new flexible seating during math lessons, independent practice, and collaborative activities. The wobble cushions and donut stools allow students to move comfortably while staying focused on their learning. When the materials first arrived, students were thrilled to see the new seating and immediately wanted to try them. Their excitement quickly turned into meaningful learning as they discovered how the flexible seating helps them stay comfortable, focused, and ready to participate.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our current math lessons, students use the flexible seating while practicing multiplication and division strategies, solving problems, and explaining their mathematical thinking. Our next steps are to continue building fluency, using hands-on strategies, and applying math skills to real-world problem-solving. These resources make our classroom more engaging and give students the opportunity to learn in ways that support their individual needs. We are grateful to our donors and LOFT for helping create a classroom where every Ocelot feels motivated and ready to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1757683128367,"projectUrl":"project/wiggle-learn-and-grow/9530417/","projectTitle":"Wiggle, Learn, and Grow!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4633006_orig.jpg?crop=537,537,x272,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716565897410","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4633006"},{"teacherId":8415293,"projectId":10049185,"letterContent":"The generous donations to our classroom have made a meaningful impact on my students and their learning. The Velcro, laminating sheets, glue gun, glue sticks, and dry-erase dots have allowed me to create durable, hands-on learning materials that can be used again and again. Velcro and laminated materials help my students practice matching, sorting, identifying letters, numbers, sight words, shapes, and other important academic and functional skills. The dry-erase dots placed on student tables provide an easy way for students to practice writing, tracing, and responding to lessons throughout the day. These supplies are especially valuable in our Life Skills classroom because my students benefit greatly from visual supports, repetition, and hands-on learning. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, I am able to create engaging, individualized activities that encourage participation, independence, and student success.","fullyFundedDate":1778129527865,"projectUrl":"project/getting-ready-now-for-a-great-school-yea/10049185/","projectTitle":"Getting Ready Now for a Great School Year Ahead!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lucy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8415293_orig.jpg?crop=1179,1179,x0,y691&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1712931470423","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/lucy-martin"},{"teacherId":4696529,"projectId":9074207,"letterContent":"Thank you for your incredible generosity and support of our Pre-K 3 classroom! Because of your kindness, my students now have the consumable materials they need to learn, create, and explore every day.\r\n\r\n These materials allow my students to strengthen their fine motor skills, express their creativity, practice early literacy and math concepts, and participate in engaging, hands-on learning experiences.\r\n\r\nYour donation does more than provide supplies—it shows my students that there are caring people in the community who believe in them and their education. Your support helps create a classroom where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of our hearts, thank you for investing in our youngest learners. Your generosity has made a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful for your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1746647157506,"projectUrl":"project/straight-outta-supplies/9074207/","projectTitle":"Straight Outta Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4696529_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761439205290","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/maestraberthawilliams"},{"teacherId":8162125,"projectId":10190727,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our kindergarten classroom and helping make our end-of-year celebration so special! The students were thrilled when they first saw the prizes and could hardly contain their excitement. Throughout the celebration, they proudly chose items such as playdough, chalk, bubble wands, beach buckets, sunglasses, and beach balls as rewards for their hard work and positive behavior throughout the year. Seeing their smiles and enthusiasm was a wonderful way to recognize all they have accomplished.\r\n\r\nThese resources gave students opportunities to engage in creative and active play while celebrating their growth and achievements. Many students immediately began talking about how they would use their prizes with family and friends over the summer. The items encourage imagination, outdoor exploration, and hands-on learning beyond the classroom, helping students stay active and engaged during the break.\r\n\r\nAs we close out the school year, this celebration serves as a meaningful reminder of how much the students have learned and grown. Your generosity helped create a joyful and memorable experience that boosted their confidence and allowed them to feel proud of their accomplishments. Thank you for helping us end the year on such a positive and encouraging note.","fullyFundedDate":1778250845901,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-hard-work-in-kindergarten/10190727/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Hard Work in Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8162125_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1775511051758","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8162125"},{"teacherId":5171060,"projectId":10249426,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation to my class project on Donors Choose. Your contribution will help give my students the opportunity to use teacher created resources that are colorful, fun, and most importantly engaging. These resources are special because they are not only printable but unique in that many are applicable to our technology platform. My students enjoy the activities by TPT and with this opportunity more lessons that provide interactive and creative lessons will be possible. The best thing about using TPT is that they are created by teachers who know exactly what our kids need. AGAIN, THANK YOU!","fullyFundedDate":1778314605748,"projectUrl":"project/download-and-go/10249426/","projectTitle":"Download and Go","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Villarreal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5171060_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1778356334694","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dalinda-villarreal"},{"teacherId":8162125,"projectId":9958096,"letterContent":"This project will have a meaningful impact on kindergarten students by creating a positive and motivating classroom environment where effort, growth, and achievement are celebrated. At this young age, students are developing important social, emotional, and academic skills, and incentives help reinforce positive behaviors, perseverance, kindness, and a love for learning.\r\n\r\nThe rewards provided through this project will encourage students to stay engaged, try their best, and take pride in their accomplishments. Recognizing their hard work helps build confidence, responsibility, and excitement about coming to school each day. Incentives also support classroom management by promoting positive choices and encouraging students to work toward individual and shared goals.\r\n\r\nFor many students, especially those who may struggle academically or emotionally, small rewards and recognition can make a lasting difference in their motivation and self-esteem. By funding this project, you will help create a classroom culture where every child feels valued, encouraged, and inspired to succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1775815767848,"projectUrl":"project/amazing-kindergarten-students/9958096/","projectTitle":"Amazing Kindergarten Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8162125_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1775511051758","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8162125"},{"teacherId":4696529,"projectId":9659172,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in providing Dragons Love Tacos for our Pre-K classroom! Your kindness has filled our classroom with excitement, laughter, and a love of reading.\r\n\r\n\r\nBeyond literacy, this book opens the door to creative activities, dramatic play, art projects, and lessons about sequencing, storytelling, and making thoughtful choices. Every time we gather for story time, your generosity will remind us that there are wonderful people who believe in the importance of early childhood education.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping create joyful learning experiences that they will remember for years to come. Your support is making a lasting difference in the lives of our young learners, and we are incredibly grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1766265944154,"projectUrl":"project/toddlers-love-tacosand-dragons-too/9659172/","projectTitle":"Toddlers Love Tacos...and Dragons Too!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4696529_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761439205290","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/maestraberthawilliams"},{"teacherId":8806579,"projectId":9594628,"letterContent":"The new phonics-based books are helping my students practice important early reading skills such as vowel sounds, blends, and digraphs, which are the building blocks of becoming strong readers. In our classroom, reading is interactive and engaging—we read together as a whole group and also in small groups where students receive more individualized support. Students practice sounding out words, pointing to the text, and building confidence as they begin to read on their own. Several students who were once hesitant about reading are now excited to pick up these books because they can successfully decode the words and feel proud of their progress.","fullyFundedDate":1765314054469,"projectUrl":"project/start-reading-strong/9594628/","projectTitle":"Start Reading Strong!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Pequeno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8806579_orig.jpg?crop=571,571,x0,y30&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713197716930","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8806579"},{"teacherId":8857468,"projectId":9771923,"letterContent":"In our Pre-K classroom, we used The Gingerbread Man to introduce important early literacy skills in a fun and engaging way. Through this story, students practiced sequencing events (beginning, middle, and end), identifying characters, and repeating predictable phrases like \"Run, run, as fast as you can!\" which helped build memory and oral language skills. We also focused on retelling the story using picture cards and acting it out, allowing students to develop comprehension and confidence in speaking. Reading in our classroom is interactive—students gather on the carpet, participate in discussions, repeat key phrases, and make meaningful connections to their own experiences. We are incredibly thankful for the generous donations of the books, which give our students access to rich, engaging texts that support their early learning.\r\n\r\nTo enrich the holiday season, we connected the story to Christmas by incorporating the donated gingerbread ornament craft and holiday story bag. Students created gingerbread ornaments to take home, strengthening fine motor skills through decorating while celebrating the season. The holiday bag was very helpful. Students were able to take their book and ornaments using these bags. \r\n\r\n These thoughtful donations—books, ornament crafts, and the holiday bag—have truly enhanced our classroom experience. We are so grateful for the support, as it brings learning to life and creates joyful, meaningful moments for our students.","fullyFundedDate":1763596016610,"projectUrl":"project/run-run-as-fast-as-you-can-into-liter/9771923/","projectTitle":"Run, Run, as Fast as You Can… Into Literacy!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Carrillo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8857468_orig.jpg?crop=598,598,x0,y35&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749219817234","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8857468"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_8243","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":818,"numTeachers":46,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":97,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":56.6,"schoolId":8243,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Benavides Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Benavides Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/brownsville-independent-school-district/benavides-elementary-school/8243"}