Metro Elementary School of Design in Corpus Christi, Texas on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Metro Elementary School of Design","outOfStateSupporters":35.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10086175,"projectId":9482614,"letterContent":"The flexible seating and emotional regulation tools have transformed our classroom into a calming, student-centered learning environment. Students use the carpets and bean bags during independent reading time and small group instruction, allowing them to choose seating that helps them focus best. The stress toys and fidget tools are especially helpful during lessons that require sustained attention—students can quietly use them to stay engaged without disrupting their learning. One memorable moment was during our morning meeting when a student who typically struggles with sharing emotions picked up the emotional character pineapple and used it to express how they were feeling. This simple tool opened up a conversation about emotions that helped the whole class practice empathy and self-awareness. The bubble donut seats at the carpet have become favorites during our reading circle, giving students the movement they need while staying focused on our lesson.\r\n\r\nThe excitement was immediate! When I introduced the bean bags and bubble donut seats, students couldn't wait to try them out. Their eyes lit up when they saw the stress toys and fidget tools—they were thrilled to have options that help them feel comfortable and focused. The emotional character pineapple sparked curiosity right away, with students asking questions about how to use it. The dry erase markers and small erasers also generated enthusiasm because students love having fresh, working materials. What touched me most was seeing students who typically struggle to settle down immediately gravitate toward the resources that helped them self-regulate and feel safe in our classroom.\r\n\r\nWe're currently building on our emotional literacy work by creating a classroom feelings journal where students can reflect on their emotions and what helps them regulate throughout the day. The laminating sheets have been extremely helpful for creating durable emotion cards and visual schedules that students reference daily. Moving forward, we'll continue integrating the flexible seating into all subject areas, allowing students to make choices about their learning environment. I'm also planning to introduce a \"focus station\" where students can access the fidget toys and stress balls when they need a sensory break, helping them develop self-awareness about their own regulation needs. These resources have laid an amazing classroom culture where every student feels seen, safe, and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1760039302574,"projectUrl":"project/emotional-wellness-first/9482614/","projectTitle":"Emotional Wellness First","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Piwetz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10086175"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_16672","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":695,"numTeachers":36,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":86,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"19.3:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.0,"schoolId":16672,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Metro Elementary School of Design on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Metro Elementary School of Design","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/corpus-christi-independent-school-district/wynn-seale-academy/16672"}

About this school

Metro Elementary School of Design is an urban public school in Corpus Christi, Texas that is part of Corpus Christi Independent School District. It serves 695 students in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 19.3:1. Its teachers have had 13 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 6

695 Students

36 Teachers

1707 Ayers St

Corpus Christi, TX 78404 View local requests

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at Metro Elementary School of Design to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Metro Elementary School of Design Teachers on DonorsChoose

Mr. Alvarez

Mrs. Piwetz

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.

Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.

See how DonorsChoose works

Metro Elementary School of Design Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

89%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Metro Elementary School of Design Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Feb 19, 2026

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.