{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Edwin J Kiest Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":32.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8547555,"projectId":9872283,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my project! As soon as the materials arrived, my students helped sort all of our science supplies into the new bins and label everything. They were so excited to organize it all, and they kept saying how much easier it's going to be to find what we need during class. The trays and folders are already part of our daily routine. Students are using the trays for their daily bell ringers and group work, and I'm using the folders to keep small-group materials ready to go. Our classroom feels calmer and more manageable now that everything has a place.\r\nOur next unit is Earth's rotation, and having everything organized means we'll be able to jump right into activities and hands-on demonstrations without wasting time searching for supplies. Your support truly changed our workflow and helped our classroom run more smoothly and look more organized!","fullyFundedDate":1762626896841,"projectUrl":"project/an-organized-classroom-is-a-happy-classr/9872283/","projectTitle":"An Organized Classroom Is a Happy Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Contreras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8547555_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691343400665","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kasscontreras"},{"teacherId":3176342,"projectId":9501634,"letterContent":"Thanks to our generous donors, my classroom is now full of excitement and confidence around reading. The Alphabet Rockets, Alphabet Locks, and Hand2Mind sets have turned learning letters and sounds into hands-on fun. My students are recognizing letters faster, building words with pride, and truly enjoying literacy time.\r\n\r\nYour support didn't just give us materials, it created moments of discovery, confidence, and joy. You've helped my young learners build the foundation for a lifelong love of reading, and I'm so grateful for the difference you've made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1754099491787,"projectUrl":"project/early-literacy-through-exploration-and-d/9501634/","projectTitle":"Early Literacy Through Exploration and Discovery","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cox","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3176342_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1587408809132","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3176342"},{"teacherId":8547555,"projectId":9534345,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support! I've already put the new markers to use making colorful anchor charts, and they've completely brightened up our classroom. My students noticed right away and were so excited to see how much more color and life I was able to bring to our lessons! The glue sticks have also been such a big help, my students use them every day to glue their bell ringers into their journals, and it's so nice not having to worry about running out. The organizing caddy has made it much easier to keep all of my daily pens and markers in one place, too! We haven't used the sticker printer just yet, but I'm planning to bring it out soon when we start our review lessons.\r\nNext up, we're learning about landforms and Earth's rotation, and I can't wait to use these new supplies to make our lessons even more engaging and hands-on. Thank you again for helping make our classroom a brighter and more exciting place to learn! We truly appreciate it!","fullyFundedDate":1761853632623,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-lessons-to-life-with-color/9534345/","projectTitle":"Bringing Lessons to Life With Color","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Contreras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8547555_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691343400665","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kasscontreras"},{"teacherId":8547555,"projectId":9664640,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to our classroom! The seasonal books you provided have added such a special touch to our room and our daily routine.\r\n\r\nEven though I teach math, reading has still found a fun place in our classroom. My students love picking out a seasonal book to read during dismissal time, it's become a calm, happy moment at the end of our busy day. Right now, our Halloween books are on display, and the students have been so excited to read the spooky and funny stories while we wait for their names to be called. Soon, we'll be switching to our fall and Thanksgiving collection, and I can already tell they'll love those just as much.\r\n\r\nThe books have also made our classroom feel warm and festive throughout the seasons. Students often stop to look at the covers or talk about which one they want to read next. It's a small addition that's made a big difference in creating a welcoming, engaging space for them.\r\n\r\nThank you again for supporting our classroom and helping make books a fun and meaningful part of our day!","fullyFundedDate":1761163767357,"projectUrl":"project/stories-that-change-with-the-seasonsand/9664640/","projectTitle":"Stories That Change with the Seasons—and Us","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Contreras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8547555_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691343400665","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kasscontreras"},{"teacherId":8547555,"projectId":9400079,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to our classroom rewards project! My students were so excited when we opened the package together during our class unboxing. Their faces lit up as they saw all the amazing rewards waiting for them! \r\nAs we unpacked each item, the students couldn't stop talking about which rewards they wanted to earn next time they reached their goals on a test. The anticipation and motivation in the room were incredible, it turned what could have been an ordinary day into something special!\r\nYour support has made a real difference in our classroom. You didn't just provide rewards, you gave my students an extra push to stay focused, motivated, and proud of their progress. Thank you for believing in them and in the joy that learning and a little celebration can bring.","fullyFundedDate":1758107131184,"projectUrl":"project/mission-motivation/9400079/","projectTitle":"Mission: Motivation!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Contreras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8547555_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691343400665","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kasscontreras"},{"teacherId":2096587,"projectId":9404052,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support!\r\n\r\nBecause of your donation, our classroom is better organized, more creative, and more engaging for students. Simple items like folders, crayon boxes, markers, lamination pouches, and tape have had a big impact on our day-to-day learning.\r\n\t•\tFolders help students keep their work neat and in one place, encouraging responsibility and independence.\r\n\t•\tCrayons and markers give students the tools to be creative and bring their ideas to life.\r\n\t•\tLamination pouches allow us to protect and reuse important materials, making learning more hands-on and durable.\r\n\t•\tTape helps us set up our classroom, display student work, and keep things running smoothly.\r\n\r\nThese supplies have made our classroom more efficient and more fun, and they've supported both teaching and learning in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a positive and productive environment for our students. Your support truly makes a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1752276580970,"projectUrl":"project/essential-materials-for-kindergarten/9404052/","projectTitle":"Essential Materials for Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Anguiano Villanueva","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2096587"},{"teacherId":8547555,"projectId":9348820,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for donating to our Ecosystem diorama project! My students are so excited to have all the cool animals, plants, and materials ready to use. Later this year, when we learn about ecosystems, they'll get to build their own shoebox dioramas to show how animals live and interact with both living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic) things in their habitats. These supplies will make the project so much more fun and hands-on, and I know it's going to help my students really understand how everything in an ecosystem works together.\r\n\r\nThank you again for helping make science come alive in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1757535399013,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-ecosystems-to-life-diorama-sup/9348820/","projectTitle":"Bringing Ecosystems to Life: Diorama Supplies for Young Scientists","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Contreras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8547555_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691343400665","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kasscontreras"},{"teacherId":8547555,"projectId":9291837,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom through DonorsChoose! The resources you provided have already made such a difference.\r\n\r\nThe students were so excited to see the folding wagon! They were excited to test it out and see how much weight it could hold! We used it on our recent field trip, and it was a huge help for carrying student lunches, making the day run smoothly. In class, the document camera and mini projector have been wonderful tools—my students love seeing their work displayed, and the projector makes creating anchor charts so much easier. The squishy toys for our treasure box brought so much excitement, and the folders have helped students take ownership of their data and track it weekly, and the gel pens have helped me walk around and mark up student work as I circle the room and monitor student progress.\r\n\r\nWhen the supplies first arrived, my students were thrilled—it felt like opening a box of possibilities! Moving forward, these tools will continue to support our lessons, showcase student learning, and keep kids engaged and encouraged.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for your generosity and the positive impact you've made in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1755872032013,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-into-greatness-with-a-wagon-ful/9291837/","projectTitle":"Rolling Into Greatness (With a Wagon Full of Magic)","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Contreras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8547555_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691343400665","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kasscontreras"},{"teacherId":8547555,"projectId":9515359,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping bring these books into our classroom! Even though they are written for younger children, my 5th graders absolutely loved seeing them. These stories spark smiles, laughter, and conversations that remind them of when they were little. By showcasing these books on our shelves, I get to show my students that I enjoy reading too, and it helps them see books as something fun and nostalgic instead of just \"schoolwork.\" \r\nReading in our classroom now looks like students gathering around the display shelf, pointing out books they remember, and even sharing stories about reading them with siblings or when they were in kindergarten. A few students in particular have loved revisiting their favorite childhood titles, and it gives them confidence to share what they know with their classmates. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom feels even warmer and more welcoming, and these books are helping us connect through the joy of reading. We are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1755875183861,"projectUrl":"project/because-math-teachers-can-love-books-too/9515359/","projectTitle":"Because Math Teachers Can Love Books Too","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Contreras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8547555_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691343400665","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kasscontreras"},{"teacherId":8547555,"projectId":9360279,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of my project! Because of your kindness, my classroom is now stocked with durable bulletin board paper that I can use year after year. This resource truly makes a lasting difference—literally. I still have galaxy paper from three years ago and brick paper from four years ago that are still going strong, and I know the new designs will hold up just as well.\r\nYour donation not only brightens up our learning environment but also saves me time and resources in the long run. My students get to enjoy colorful, inviting spaces that make our classroom feel special and welcoming every single day. Thank you for investing in something that lasts—it means the world to both me and my students.","fullyFundedDate":1752882032489,"projectUrl":"project/better-than-paper-better-than-ever/9360279/","projectTitle":"Better Than Paper, Better Than Ever!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Contreras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8547555_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691343400665","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kasscontreras"},{"teacherId":8547555,"projectId":9359396,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to my DonorsChoose project! Your support means the world to me and my students. At the beginning of the year, we had to complete our initial testing, and it was a real challenge trying to scramble for enough headphones for everyone. Some students had to wait or borrow from other classes, which made things stressful for all of us. Thanks to your kindness, we now have headphones for each student, and future testing will be so much smoother and more focused.\r\n\r\nThe privacy folders and colorful duct tape are also going to make a huge difference. Until now, I didn't have enough privacy folders for the class, so only a few students had them during assessments. Next time, I'll be ready with a full set to give every student the space they need to focus. As for organizing journals, it's been a bit of a struggle without tape to keep things together — but not anymore! The colorful tape will help us stay organized and add a bit of fun to our classroom routines. Thank you again for making such a big impact on our learning environment. We are so grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1755685935125,"projectUrl":"project/supporting-focus-creativity-and-classr/9359396/","projectTitle":"Supporting Focus, Creativity, and Classroom Pride","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Contreras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8547555_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691343400665","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kasscontreras"},{"teacherId":8547555,"projectId":9299481,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom now has access to exciting new technology that we will be using to create kindness-themed shirts for students. While we are only in the second week of school and haven't had the chance to use the items yet, my students are already buzzing with excitement about the idea of designing and wearing shirts that spread positive messages throughout the school. This project will allow them to see their ideas come to life in a tangible way, giving them both pride in their creativity and a voice to inspire others.\r\nThe most exciting part for my students is the opportunity to become kindness ambassadors for our school community. They are eager to design and wear shirts that will promote encouragement, respect, and positivity each Friday. I know that once we begin creating, students who might normally be shy will light up when they see their designs making an impact on others. This project is more than just about learning technology—it's about empowering my students to use their creativity for good and to lead by example. Your support is making that possible, and I am deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1749132086901,"projectUrl":"project/teeing-up-kindness-spreading-positivity/9299481/","projectTitle":"Teeing Up Kindness: Spreading Positivity One Shirt at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Contreras","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8547555_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691343400665","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kasscontreras"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_17193","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":539,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":7,"percentWhite":3,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":88,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"13.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":67.2,"schoolId":17193,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Edwin J Kiest Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Edwin J Kiest Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/dallas-independent-school-district/edwin-j-kiest-elementary-school/17193"}