{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ben Milam Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9106577,"projectId":9947691,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, learning in our classroom has become more interactive, engaging, and accessible for every student.\r\n\r\nThe iPad and Apple Pencil have quickly become powerful tools in our daily instruction. We've been using them during a recent writing project where students brainstormed, drafted, and illustrated their own short stories. One moment that stood out was watching a student who typically struggles with writing become fully engaged—he used the Apple Pencil to draw out his ideas first, then turned those drawings into complete sentences. Seeing that shift in confidence was something I won't forget.\r\n\r\nStudents were immediately excited when they first saw the new technology. There were lots of \"Is that for us?\" and \"We get to use that?\" moments. It created a sense of pride and motivation—they felt trusted and important having access to tools like this in their classroom.\r\n\r\nThe Bluetooth speaker and voice amplifier have also made a noticeable difference in how I deliver instruction. Whether I'm reading a story aloud, giving directions, or leading a lesson, every student can hear clearly—no matter where they are in the room. This has especially helped during transitions and whole-group lessons, keeping students focused and reducing the need to repeat instructions.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're continuing to build on this momentum. Students will be using the iPad and Apple Pencil for small group projects, digital storytelling, and interactive lessons in reading and math. I also plan to incorporate more student-led presentations, where they can use these tools to share their thinking and build confidence speaking in front of their peers.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students are not only learning—they're engaged, confident, and excited about the process. You've helped bring meaningful, modern learning experiences into our classroom, and that impact will continue far beyond this school year.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and their future.","fullyFundedDate":1766056492037,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-learners-through-techno/9947691/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Learners Through Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9106577"},{"teacherId":9106577,"projectId":9758117,"letterContent":"Our classroom has truly been transformed by your generosity, and I want you to know that your support is something my students feel every single day.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the materials arrived, the excitement was immediate. When my students saw the snack boxes, you would've thought it was a holiday—big smiles, \"thank yous,\" and a sense of comfort knowing they had something to keep them going throughout the day. For many of my students, having access to snacks has made a real difference in their focus and energy. I've already noticed fewer interruptions due to hunger and more engagement during lessons.\r\n\r\nThe headphones have been a game-changer during our small group rotations and independent work time. Students are now able to fully immerse themselves in reading programs, math practice, and listening activities without distractions. One moment that stood out was during a reading station—students were using the headphones while following along with an audio story, and I saw a level of focus and confidence that I hadn't seen before.\r\n\r\nThe document camera has also taken our instruction to another level. I've been able to model writing, break down math problems step-by-step, and display student work in real time. Recently, we worked through a class writing piece together, and students were fully engaged, offering suggestions and edits as they saw the writing come to life on the screen.\r\n\r\nThe laminating sheets and chair pockets have helped bring structure and organization into our classroom. I've created reusable learning tools, anchor charts, and reference guides that students can access daily. Their chair pockets have given them ownership over their materials, and our classroom feels more organized and student-centered as a result.\r\n\r\nAnd the fidgets and prize items have been incredibly helpful for motivation and classroom management. Students are working toward goals, staying on task, and taking pride in earning rewards.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're building on this momentum. We're currently working on strengthening reading comprehension and written responses, and the headphones and document camera will continue to support guided reading and interactive lessons. I'm also planning more hands-on, collaborative activities using the laminated resources so students can practice skills in a more engaging, low-pressure way.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students have a classroom environment that supports not just their academics, but their overall well-being. You didn't just provide supplies—you helped create a space where students feel cared for, motivated, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThank you for being a part of our journey.","fullyFundedDate":1764956124205,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-little-learners-organized-motiv/9758117/","projectTitle":"Keeping Little Learners Organized, Motivated, and Thriving","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9106577"},{"teacherId":9433358,"projectId":9961439,"letterContent":"Your generosity has truly transformed our classroom environment into meaningful, everyday ways. The organization tools have helped me create structured, predictable routines that my little learners depend on. Students now independently access materials, clean up after activities, and transition more smoothly between lessons. The incentives have been especially powerful in reinforcing positive behaviors and encouraging effort, while the snacks have supported focus and stamina especially during our math and literacy blocks.\r\nOne of my favorite moments happened during a recent math lesson focused on building number sense (one more and one less). Students used their organized materials to quickly grab what they needed, and many stayed fully engaged longer than ever before. After working hard, they were able to earn small incentives, which created such excitement and pride. I even had a student say, \"I want to keep trying so I can earn one!\" a big win for perseverance and growth mindset.\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the students were thrilled. Their eyes lit up as we unpacked everything together, and they immediately started asking how they could use the new supplies. There was a strong sense of ownership from the very beginning. They understood these tools were just for them, and that made them eager to take care of them and use them responsibly.\r\nLooking ahead, we will continue using these resources to support our current learning goals, especially as we build stronger foundational math and reading skills. Students will apply what they've learned about routines and responsibility during small group instruction and hands-on activities. We are also working toward greater independence, where students can manage materials, stay on task, and celebrate their progress.\r\nBecause of you, our classroom is not only more organized, it's more joyful, focused, and ready to learn every single day. Thank you for making a lasting impact on my students' success.","fullyFundedDate":1766056492055,"projectUrl":"project/little-learners-thrive-with-organization/9961439/","projectTitle":"Little Learners Thrive With Organization, Incentives, and Snacks","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9433358"},{"teacherId":10111780,"projectId":9535884,"letterContent":"I would like to take the time to express my gratitude for your contribution to my Pre-K classroom. With this being my first year teaching Pre-K for Dallas ISD, I wanted to make sure that my students not only receive what they need through the curriculum, but what they need in order to manage big feelings through conflict resolution and to explore learning using sensory skills to guide them. \r\nThe students were thrilled to see all the things they received. I made a huge presentation of the materials in a class meeting, and as I opened our gifts to show them how to use the items given to us, they could hardly contain themselves. Once we went over the expectations on how to treat our new things, they were beyond excited to use the tools and materials, and ready to practice handling with care.\r\nAt such an early age, children learn well through hands-on approaches, developing all kinds of skills, from fine-motor to problem solving. With your support, I was able to provide meaningful instruction as well as life-long skills my students will continue to develop after they leave my classroom. I hope the impact you've made motivates you to continue to provide ongoing support to classrooms in need. We teachers do all we can to be a part of the village that helps to raise the children of our nation, but we are so very fortunate to have contributors, such as yourself, so willing to be a part of our village to support our little scholars as they grow.","fullyFundedDate":1764956124118,"projectUrl":"project/a-sense-ational-classroom/9535884/","projectTitle":"A Sense-ational Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10111780"},{"teacherId":1942484,"projectId":9022040,"letterContent":"Technology in our classroom helps make learning more immediate, interactive, and responsive to student needs. With tools like an Apple speaker, students can ask questions in real time, hear directions repeated, and even explore new ideas independently. This supports a range of learning styles—especially for students who benefit from hearing information multiple times or who are more comfortable engaging through technology. It also allows me to adjust instruction more fluidly, keeping students engaged and on track while they work.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students most is the independence that comes with using the technology. They love being able to quickly get answers, play calming or focus music during work time, and feel like they have a tool that supports their creativity. It makes the classroom feel more modern and connected to the world they experience outside of school, which increases both motivation and engagement.\r\n\r\nI've noticed that some of my quieter or more hesitant students have especially connected with this technology. Students who may not always raise their hand to ask for help feel more comfortable using the speaker to get clarification, and that confidence carries over into their artwork. I've also seen students who struggle with focus stay more engaged when they can use technology as a support, helping them remain involved and successful throughout the lesson.","fullyFundedDate":1735517553801,"projectUrl":"project/new-storage-new-technology-and-supply-r/9022040/","projectTitle":"New Storage, New Technology and Supply Refresh!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gomer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1942484_orig.jpg?crop=1401,1401,x38,y67&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695174071157","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgomer"},{"teacherId":1942484,"projectId":9021783,"letterContent":"My students and I are using these new materials to push beyond basic projects and truly think and work like artists. While we already had foundational supplies, the addition of Posca markers, India ink, and clay has expanded what's possible in both technique and creative expression. Students are using Posca markers to add bold, vibrant details—especially when embellishing artwork for celebrations like Hispanic Heritage Month—while clay has allowed them to create personal pieces that reflect their identities. India ink has been a game-changer in helping students refine their work with stronger line quality and contrast, making their pieces feel more polished and intentional.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students eagerly unpacked everything, tested the markers, and experimented with different techniques. That sense of curiosity quickly turned into creative risk-taking—students began proposing new ideas and thinking more independently about how to use the materials in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue refining their projects by adding more detailed elements and finishing touches with India ink. They'll also document their process, connect their artwork to the concepts they've learned, and prepare short presentations to explain their artistic choices. Moving forward, I plan to rotate these materials into future projects so students can continue building skills, collaborating, and growing confidence—not just as students, but as artists.","fullyFundedDate":1735512569445,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-new-art-supplies/9021783/","projectTitle":"New Year, New Art Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gomer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1942484_orig.jpg?crop=1401,1401,x38,y67&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1695174071157","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msgomer"},{"teacherId":10005924,"projectId":9950843,"letterContent":"When my students saw the bench and boxes of supplies come in they started yelling for joy!!! They couldn't believe it! Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed in the most meaningful way.\r\n\r\nMany of the students face challenges outside of school, yet they show up every day ready to learn and grow. Thanks to you, they now have a space that reflects their worth.\r\nOur new reading bench and flexible seating have already begun to make a difference. Students are more engaged, more comfortable, and more excited to read. On the very first day, one student sat on the new bench and said, \"This feels like a cloud it's so comfortable.\" Another asked if they could stay in from recess just to keep reading in the new space. I've watched a usually shy student, volunteer to read aloud to a partner, and listen to another pair giggle their way through a story. These are the moments where confidence is built and identities as readers begin to take shape.\r\n\r\nFor bilingual learners, having a safe and supportive environment to explore language is essential. Your donation has helped create that environment. You didn't just provide furniture—you created opportunities for joy, belonging, and academic success. Every time a student picks up a book, shares a story, or smiles while reading with a partner, it is because of your kindness. You have helped bring back the fun and passion for reading in our classroom.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in my students and investing in their dreams.","fullyFundedDate":1765975747709,"projectUrl":"project/a-new-bench-and-big-dreams-for-bilingual/9950843/","projectTitle":"A New Bench and Big Dreams for Bilingual Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. DeAvila","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10005924_orig.jpg?crop=980,980,x566,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765223329041","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10005924"},{"teacherId":7134721,"projectId":9861583,"letterContent":"The School Nurse's Oops! Essentials project has made a meaningful difference at our school by ensuring that students who experience unexpected accidents have quick access to clean clothing and essentials, which helps them return to class with confidence and dignity. Because this initiative was fully funded, our school nurse now has a reliable supply of underwear, socks, and related items ready when students need them, eliminating the need to call parents during the school day and reducing interruptions to learning. \r\n\r\nThe students were really excited and happy when they saw the new clothes. They loved that the items were brand new and just for them, and it made them feel special and taken care of. What could have been an uncomfortable situation quickly turned into a positive one, and the smiles and relief on their faces said it all.","fullyFundedDate":1762267523115,"projectUrl":"project/the-school-nurses-oops-essentials/9861583/","projectTitle":"The School Nurse's \"Oops!\" Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Verastiqui","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7134721_orig.jpg?crop=766,766,x0,y84&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1761606263206","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-verastiqui"},{"teacherId":9106577,"projectId":9940011,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support and thoughtful contributions to our classroom. Each item truly made a meaningful difference in our students' daily learning experience. The bulk headphones were essential for independent learning, allowing students to fully engage with iReady, listening centers, and digital lessons without distractions. The washable markers and Sharpie Glam Pop markers were used daily during writing, math, and art activities, giving students high-quality tools to express their thinking clearly and creatively. The paper towels were a practical must-have, helping us quickly and efficiently manage spills, clean up after projects, and keep our classroom environment neat and sanitary.\r\nThe variety of snacks—including crackers, cookies, gummies, popcorn, and Pringles—played a huge role in supporting our students' focus and energy throughout the day. Many students benefited from having an extra snack available during long instructional blocks, small groups, or after assessments. These snacks also helped build a sense of care and comfort, ensuring that students could concentrate on learning without hunger being a barrier.\r\nLastly, the party favors, fidget toys, and squishies were a huge hit and served an important purpose beyond fun. These items were used as positive behavior incentives, treasure box rewards, and calming tools for students who needed sensory support or stress relief. The diffuser and fragrance oils helped create a calm, welcoming classroom environment, especially during independent work time or transitions. Your generosity helped foster a space where students felt supported, motivated, and excited to learn, and I am incredibly grateful for the impact these items have had on our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1764781018387,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-scholars-big-needs-classroom-esse/9940011/","projectTitle":"Tiny Scholars, Big Needs: Classroom Essentials for Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9106577"},{"teacherId":9106577,"projectId":9748488,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom. My students were absolutely overjoyed when they saw the new materials—especially the snacks and emotional-support fidgets. Their faces lit up as they explored the fidget tools, and it was heartwarming to see how quickly these items helped them stay focused, calm, and ready to learn. The seat pockets have already made a huge difference as well; students love having their materials organized and easily accessible, which has helped our transitions run much more smoothly.\r\nWe have also been using the laminating pouches nonstop to create durable center activities, morning tubs, and small-group resources. One of our favorite moments so far was during our literacy stations, when students proudly used their laminated letter and word-building mats—tools that will last us the entire year thanks to your contribution. The snacks have been another huge blessing, providing quick, comforting boosts for students who need a little extra support to stay energized and engaged throughout the day.\r\nAs we continue our current reading and math units, these resources will help us move into more independent center rotations and hands-on activities. Your donation didn't just supply items—it created a smoother, more supportive learning environment that helps my kindergarteners feel safe, organized, and excited about school. We are so grateful for your kindness and the impact you've made on our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1758806717490,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-minds-and-sparking-joy-in-the-cl/9748488/","projectTitle":"Fueling Minds and Sparking Joy in the Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Phillips","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9106577"},{"teacherId":9433358,"projectId":9384460,"letterContent":"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Your generosity has brought so much joy, color, and comfort into our little kindergarten classroom. We are truly grateful for every wonderful supply you provided.\r\n\r\nThe color printer and vibrant paper have already added excitement to our projects and classroom resources. My students love seeing their work and the materials we use each day come to life in bright, beautiful colors!\r\nThe laminating sheets have helped us protect and preserve our most-used items, from name cards to learning centers, classroom jobs, and more. Thanks to you, these tools will last all year long, even in tiny kinder hands.\r\nWe are also so thankful for the new desk and bags, which help us stay organized and make our classroom feel even more welcoming. The whiteboard erasers and pens are simple but essential tools that make teaching smoother and learning more engaging for everyone.\r\nThe soccer balls have made recess a daily highlight. My students run to the playground excited to play, practicing teamwork, sharing, and cooperation. You've given them a way to build friendships through play. And the snacks you donated kept my young learners energized, focused, and ready to learn each day.\r\n\r\nYour kindness shows up in every corner of our classroom. Our students notice and appreciate every item, and they feel so special knowing that people like you care about their learning.\r\nThank you for believing in our classroom, for supporting our growth, and for making our kindergarten world brighter. Your generosity has touched each of us in such a meaningful way.","fullyFundedDate":1750097694469,"projectUrl":"project/a-classroom-full-of-joy-and-imagination/9384460/","projectTitle":"A Classroom Full of Joy and Imagination","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9433358"},{"teacherId":10111765,"projectId":9538010,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students are diving into chapter books that truly bring reading to life! These new texts have helped us focus on important comprehension skills such as identifying the main idea, making inferences, and discussing character traits and motivations.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom now looks like small groups gathered together, books in hand, eagerly turning pages and sharing ideas. Students are learning to support their answers with evidence from the text, listen to each other's perspectives, and develop deeper understanding through discussion.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite moments was seeing a student who used to shy away from reading light up as she connected to a character's courage. She couldn't wait to share her thoughts with the group. Many of my students are now more confident readers and can't wait to start the next chapter.\r\n\r\nYour donation has made reading time the most anticipated part of our day. Thank you for giving my students the opportunity to grow as thoughtful, motivated readers!","fullyFundedDate":1754669916928,"projectUrl":"project/small-groups-big-readers/9538010/","projectTitle":"Small Groups, Big Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sieger","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10111765"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_18064","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":301,"numTeachers":20,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":31,"percentWhite":5,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":58,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":65.8,"schoolId":18064,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ben Milam Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ben Milam Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/dallas-independent-school-district/ben-milam-elementary-school/18064"}