{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"A.V. Cato Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":27.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9118383,"projectId":9568844,"letterContent":"Our students are so grateful for the new technology that we have been able to use. From the News Crew to Media Arts Club, students have been able to use the materials to create short videos and take photos with the materials provided.\r\n\r\nThe students are most excited about the software and materials that can be used to create stop motion videos and book talks that would benefit the whole school. Journalism club has been diligently working to create book talks for the library that would help students when choosing books in the library. Their short videos are creative and inspiring. They would not have been able to create these without the supplies from this project.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your support and we are truly grateful for all that you have done to make our project come to life.","fullyFundedDate":1758849845282,"projectUrl":"project/dream-it-design-it-film-it-the-digita/9568844/","projectTitle":"Dream it. Design it. Film it. The Digital Canvas.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. O'Donnell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9118383_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755297200881","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/michelle-odonnell"},{"teacherId":8171392,"projectId":9731792,"letterContent":"Thank you for helping us build a hands-on alphabet learning center. Your gift has already made a meaningful difference for our students — here's how we're using the new materials and what we've noticed.\r\n\r\nLetter Recognition Learning Center: Students rotate through short, targeted activities that reinforce letter names and sounds. The center uses matching cards, picture cues, and mini-assessments so I can quickly check who needs extra support.\r\nTrace-and-Write Center: Children practice letter formation independently and in small groups. The reusable boards let them correct strokes right away, which builds confidence and fine-motor control.\r\nMagnetic Alphabet Maze: Pairs work together to \"rescue\" magnetic letters from the maze, then sort them by beginning sound or place them into simple CVC word boxes. This activity strengthens collaboration, letter–sound mapping, and spatial reasoning.\r\n\r\nDuring a recent literacy block, small groups rotated through all four stations. At the magnetic maze, two students worked together to retrieve the letter \"m.\" One child tentatively said \"/m/,\" then, after placing it into the CVC box, exclaimed, \"M—mama!\" Her partner cheered and traced the letter on the trace-and-write board. Later, during share time, the same student proudly read three picture cards that started with /m/. That immediate transfer — from playful manipulation to confident oral response — was a bright, proud moment for the whole class.\r\n\r\nWhen we first unpacked the materials, students clustered around the table with huge smiles and squeals of excitement. Several begged to be the first to use the magnetic maze and alphabet cones. Their curiosity led to spontaneous peer-teaching: one child showed another how to form the letter \"s\" on the trace board. That enthusiasm carried into the week — attendance at literacy centers increased and off-task behavior dropped, because students were engaged and motivated.\r\n\r\nNext steps for our current lesson include moving from single-letter recognition to building and reading simple CVC words using the magnetic letters and alphabet cones.\r\nBecause of your support, our students are practicing letters in playful, multisensory ways that accelerate recognition, build writing readiness, and increase confidence. We're excited to share more student work and progress updates as the year continues.","fullyFundedDate":1767213870795,"projectUrl":"project/building-readers-one-station-at-a-time/9731792/","projectTitle":"Building Readers, One Station at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Syed","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8171392_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753106699961","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8171392"},{"teacherId":8171392,"projectId":9487415,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! Your gift of dry erase markers, disinfecting wipes, laminating pouches, cardstock, and whiteboard erasers has already transformed our kindergarten classroom in tangible ways. We use the dry erase markers and erasers daily at our small-group stations so every child can practice letter formation, number writing, and simple drawing without wasting paper. The laminating pouches let us create durable activity cards and name tags that withstand enthusiastic little hands; cardstock supplies gave us sturdy bases for those cards and for hands-on crafts that support fine-motor development. Disinfecting wipes keep our shared tools clean and ready for the next activity, which helps the whole class stay healthy and focused.\r\n\r\nA favorite moment came during our morning writing center. I handed each student a laminated letter card and a dry erase marker and invited them to trace and then write the letter on their own whiteboard. One shy child, who usually avoids group tasks, carefully traced the letter, then looked up with a huge grin and said, \"I did it!\" The class cheered, and she proudly showed her board to a friend. That confidence sparked more risk-taking across the group — several students attempted letters they hadn't before. Their excitement when we first unveiled the colorful markers and shiny new boards was unforgettable: they gasped, clapped, and immediately asked to try everything.\r\n\r\nNext, we'll use these materials to deepen a current unit on community helpers and routines. Students will create laminated role-play badges and sequence cards (printed on cardstock and laminated) to act out daily routines and talk about responsibilities. We'll also begin a rotating \"letter of the week\" writing challenge where children trace, build, and write that letter across multiple stations, tracking progress on individual laminated charts. Thanks to you, learning is more interactive, resilient, and joyful — and the extra practice and confidence these tools inspire will carry into every lesson this year.","fullyFundedDate":1757352394604,"projectUrl":"project/essential-supplies-for-ms-syeds-kinder/9487415/","projectTitle":"Essential Supplies For Ms. Syed's Kindergarten Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Syed","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8171392_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753106699961","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8171392"},{"teacherId":10164450,"projectId":9565536,"letterContent":"Thank you for purchasing items for the elementary music classroom at my school. Our second graders are practicing songs from the \"Pajama Party!\" musical for their February 2026 grade level music showcase. Students are enjoying the songs and adding characterization with the vocals. These songs also bolster their literacy with rhyming words and speaking parts, giving them confidence in various skills. One familiar tune comes in the form of a classical music piece, so it also reinforces various music elements. It's a win-win for everyone. They are excited to perform for their fans in February!\r\n\r\nThe brightly colored rhythm sticks are a delight for the kids to use them each time! They are fun to use and look at as they play the steady beat and various rhythms. They were pleased to see the different color choices, and student rhythm groups can be made easily using the various colors.\r\n\r\nConcerning the colored resonator glockenspiel sets, they are suitable for everyone. Our students like the fact that they can separate the colored notes of the glockenspiel as they desire, or they can keep it in the yellow case. They like to play them individually, in groups, and like to show and share what they know and can do for me and their friends. Our upper elementary students enjoy using the glockenspiels just as much as the younger. They will continue using them to play songs and melodies throughout the school year and for years to come! Thank you for your help in bringing joy to our elementary students and school community!!","fullyFundedDate":1755002498914,"projectUrl":"project/pajama-party-musical-and-instrument-fun/9565536/","projectTitle":"Pajama Party Musical and Instrument Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Harrell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10164450"},{"teacherId":3551078,"projectId":9281976,"letterContent":"My project, A Puzzling Math Experience, has been a wonderful addition to my math class. In a world of computer technology these hands-on puzzles improve and encourage critical thinking. The children are excited to use them and actually ask every morning, \"Are we using the Versa Tiles today, please?\" The program has a vast assortment of activities that challenge and engage my young learners. \r\n\r\nYour generous donation has added a dimension to my math instruction - one that everyone enjoys and benefits from. Thank you again for your support of education.","fullyFundedDate":1746640498562,"projectUrl":"project/a-puzzling-math-experience/9281976/","projectTitle":"A Puzzling Math Experience","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Jana Underwood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3551078_orig.jpg?crop=451,451,x236,y128&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713551770765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dr-underwood"},{"teacherId":9740105,"projectId":9378398,"letterContent":"Thank you so much to our DonorsChoose supporters! Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom every single day. Students use their headphones daily with learning technology apps, allowing them to focus and fully engage. They are able to sit comfortably during whole-group instruction, which has improved attention and participation. The supplies and books you provided are helping students calm their bodies, understand their emotions, and find the words to talk about how they feel. We are incredibly grateful for your support and kindness. It truly shows in our students' growth and smiles.","fullyFundedDate":1757800395698,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-comfort-focus-and-community/9378398/","projectTitle":"Tools for Comfort, Focus, and Community","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Amanda Downes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9740105_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756752985448","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9740105"},{"teacherId":3551078,"projectId":9329562,"letterContent":"We can't thank you enough for providing funding to Mousing Around with Math. Having a mouse to use during math online work is an invaluable assist for my students. No longer do they have to hold down two keys while manipulating the touch pad to draw a line or create an image. The mouse pads are especially helpful when drawing geometric figures or dividing boxes into fractional units. \r\n\r\nYour kindness and support towards math education is greatly appreciated and valued. Please accept our heartfelt thanks for this gift. \r\n\r\nBlessing to you and yours during this holiday season.","fullyFundedDate":1753390170692,"projectUrl":"project/mousing-around-with-math/9329562/","projectTitle":"Mousing Around with Math","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Jana Underwood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3551078_orig.jpg?crop=451,451,x236,y128&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713551770765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dr-underwood"},{"teacherId":8266556,"projectId":9256399,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our special education classrooms now have calming corners equipped with essential materials to help students regulate their emotions. These safe, welcoming spaces give children the tools they need to manage big feelings—whether that's through sensory items, visual supports, or quiet activities.\r\n\r\nWe have already seen the difference: students who once struggled to return to learning after moments of frustration now use the calming corner to refocus, regain control, and rejoin their peers. This not only supports their emotional growth but also helps create a more positive and productive classroom environment for all.\r\n\r\nYour gift has given our students a powerful resource for independence, confidence, and success. Thank you for believing in their potential and making this possible.","fullyFundedDate":1746970913869,"projectUrl":"project/sensorycalm-corner/9256399/","projectTitle":"Sensory/Calm Corner","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lopez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8266556_orig.jpg?crop=360,360,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1744648099168","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8266556"},{"teacherId":3551078,"projectId":8439407,"letterContent":"My students LOVE the Wobble Stools. Because there is competition for them each day, I had to create a schedule so everyone gets a chance at a seat through the week. The stools help them focus (believe it or not) because they can move in a constructive way. You can't image how wiggly third graders are and these stools are the perfect answer to that issue. They spin and turn all while learning their math lesson. It's really remarkable how they can concentrate and still learn while spinning.\r\n\r\nTo the Gates Foundation, your generous donation helped to push this project over the top and for that we are especially grateful. Students now engage in the days lesson because the wobble stools meet the kinesthetic aspect of their learning process. The stools are truly a blessing and for that we are so grateful.\r\n\r\nThanks so much for making this gift possible.","fullyFundedDate":1723694583839,"projectUrl":"project/math-the-wobble-way/8439407/","projectTitle":"Math the Wobble Way","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. Jana Underwood","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3551078_orig.jpg?crop=451,451,x236,y128&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1713551770765","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/dr-underwood"},{"teacherId":9740105,"projectId":8755039,"letterContent":"On behalf of my kindergarten class and myself, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of STEM resources. Your thoughtful contribution has already made a remarkable impact on our classroom.\r\n\r\nWe have been able to use the materials in ways that go beyond our expectations. Not only have the children shown impressive growth in team-building and collaboration, but students have also used them to build settings for stories we've read. Watching them work together to create these imaginative environments has been a joy, and it's clear that they are developing both their critical thinking and social skills.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has allowed us to create an engaging and interactive learning environment where curiosity and teamwork flourish. We truly appreciate the difference your donation has made in our classroom, and we look forward to seeing how these resources continue to inspire our students in the future.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your support. We are deeply grateful for your contribution and the positive impact it has had on our students.","fullyFundedDate":1736172954450,"projectUrl":"project/stem-for-kinder-kids/8755039/","projectTitle":"Stem For Kinder Kids!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Amanda Downes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9740105_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1756752985448","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9740105"},{"teacherId":9742166,"projectId":8761696,"letterContent":"I cannot begin to express my gratitude to thank you for your support to my classroom! Thanks to your donations, my class was able to receive six wobble stools for flexible seating in the classroom. That's amazing! \r\n\r\nMy third grade readers were so excited to finally have wobble stools as an option for seating. They love that they can rock and wiggle as they are working, collaborating, and testing. I have students of varying heights, so the adjustability option on the stools works perfectly for all my students. I have an open seating policy in my room, so any student can choose to sit on a stool for the day, or give the choice to another student. It works out well! \r\n\r\nThis is my tenth year teaching and my first time using wobble stools. I can tell a difference in my student's concentration skills and work ethics thanks to your donation. \r\n\r\nThank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1736172963371,"projectUrl":"project/reading-rock-stars/8761696/","projectTitle":"Reading \"Rock\" Stars","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pettit","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9742166_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726021005271","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9742166"},{"teacherId":9725235,"projectId":8732062,"letterContent":"We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our generous donors who have made it possible for us to provide flexible seating options, such as wobble stools, and headphones in our elementary classroom. Your contributions have created a more comfortable and engaging learning environment for our students, and we truly cannot thank you enough. These thoughtful additions have empowered our students to take charge of their learning in ways that best suit their individual needs, fostering an atmosphere of creativity, focus, and independence.\r\n\r\nThe introduction of wobble stools has been particularly transformative. These versatile seating options allow students to stay engaged while giving them the freedom to move. For many children, especially those with extra energy or sensory needs, being able to shift, wiggle, or rock gently in their seats helps them stay focused and attentive. This small but significant adjustment has greatly enhanced their ability to concentrate during lessons, leading to improved participation and better retention of information.\r\n\r\nThe addition of headphones has also had a profound impact on our classroom. With so many voices and activities occurring at once, students sometimes struggle to stay focused or find themselves distracted by the noise around them. Headphones provide a quiet, distraction-free space where students can immerse themselves in their work, listen to instructions more clearly, or simply find a moment of calm. Together, these thoughtful donations have created a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1736172952324,"projectUrl":"project/making-learning-accessible-for-all-stude/8732062/","projectTitle":"Making Learning Accessible for All Students","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Huckabee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9725235"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_14619","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":604,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":85,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":72.7,"schoolId":14619,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about A.V. Cato Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"A.V. Cato Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/castleberry-independent-school-district/a-v-cato-elementary-school/14619"}