{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Lakewood Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":16.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":9559029,"letterContent":"When our \"Bilingual Brilliance\" project was funded, I could hardly wait to share the news with my students! They were overjoyed to know that generous donors like you helped bring new bilingual reading materials to our classroom. With the TPT gift cards, I've been able to select decodable books and comprehension passages that not only match my students' reading levels but also reflect their languages, cultures, and identities.\r\n\r\nThese resources have completely transformed our reading block. Students light up when they see characters who look and sound like them, families who speak both English and Spanish, and stories that reflect their everyday experiences. The culturally meaningful decodable books have helped my beginning readers build fluency and confidence, while the comprehension passages have deepened our discussions and critical thinking skills. My students are reading more often, asking more questions, and most importantly—seeing themselves as capable, joyful bilingual readers.\r\n\r\nOne of my proudest moments came when a student said, \"¡Mira, Ms. Leal! She speaks Spanish like me!\" That connection reminded me how powerful representation is in literacy. Thanks to your generosity, my students are not just learning to read—they're learning to love reading. You have given them the gift of seeing their voices, cultures, and dreams reflected in the pages they turn each day.","fullyFundedDate":1755741278518,"projectUrl":"project/bilingual-brilliance-culturally-meaning/9559029/","projectTitle":"Bilingual Brilliance: Culturally Meaningful Books for Growing Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":9478792,"letterContent":"When the materials for our \"Pointing Towards Success\" project arrived, the excitement in our classroom was priceless! My first graders couldn't wait to hold their brand-new Ticonderoga pencils and colorful individual sharpeners. Something as simple as having their own writing tools has given my students a tremendous sense of pride, ownership, and independence.\r\n\r\nThe AFMAT electric sharpeners have been a game-changer. They keep our pencils perfectly sharpened throughout the day, saving valuable class time and eliminating long lines at the sharpener. Now, students can start writing immediately, staying focused on expressing their ideas in both English and Spanish. The individual manual sharpeners have also empowered them to take care of their materials and be responsible for their learning tools.\r\n\r\nWhat makes this project so special is how much confidence it has built in my young writers. Even students who once hesitated to begin their work now pick up their pencils with enthusiasm, knowing they're prepared to succeed. They proudly write sentences, solve math problems, and draw their ideas without interruption.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, we've turned a small classroom need into a big learning win. My bilingual students are now more focused, independent, and excited to learn every day. These simple tools truly sharpen not just pencils—but minds, creativity, and confidence.","fullyFundedDate":1753159767531,"projectUrl":"project/pointing-towards-success-pencils-and-sh/9478792/","projectTitle":"Pointing Towards Success: Pencils and Sharpeners for Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":9471324,"letterContent":"When the boxes for this project arrived, the excitement in our classroom was contagious! My first-grade bilingual students couldn't wait to help unpack and set up our new charging stations, rainbow trays, and dry erase clipboards. Each item has quickly become part of our daily routine and has transformed the way we learn, organize, and create together.\r\n\r\nThe ORICO 10-Port Charging Stations have made a huge difference in how we manage technology. Our tablets, used for bilingual literacy apps, e-books, and digital math lessons, now charge neatly in one place. Students no longer have to wait for a working device—everything is charged, ready, and organized for learning time. This has saved valuable class minutes and built responsibility as students take turns managing the charging station.\r\n\r\nThe dry erase clipboards have brought new energy to our reading and math lessons. Students love using them to write, solve problems, and share their thinking during small groups or while sitting around the carpet. The ability to write and erase freely helps them take risks and learn from mistakes—without fear. The rainbow turn-in trays have made organization a breeze. Each color represents a subject area, making it easy for students to submit their work and keep materials tidy.\r\n\r\nThese resources have not only improved classroom efficiency but have also encouraged independence and pride. My bilingual students are writing more, staying more organized, and confidently switching between English and Spanish. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is brighter, smoother-running, and more joyful every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1753035546039,"projectUrl":"project/write-wipe-repeat-tools-that-spark-yo/9471324/","projectTitle":"Write. Wipe. Repeat! Tools that Spark Young Writers.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":9484197,"letterContent":"When the materials from this project arrived, my students' eyes lit up with excitement! The new document camera, dry erase markers, and organization tools have completely transformed how we learn each day. The document camera allows every child to see exactly what I'm modeling—whether it's writing a sentence, solving a math problem, or analyzing a text together. It has made lessons more interactive and accessible for all learners, especially those who benefit from visual examples.\r\n\r\nThe colorful dry erase markers have become one of my students' favorite tools. They love writing on their whiteboards to show their thinking during math and literacy lessons. The instant feedback helps them build confidence, and the colors make learning feel fun and engaging. Our hanging file organizers now keep classroom materials neat and easy to find, so students can quickly grab what they need and transition smoothly from one activity to the next.\r\n\r\nOne of my quietest students has truly blossomed since we began using the document camera. She loves coming up to share her writing with the class, and seeing her work projected has boosted her pride and confidence. Thanks to your generosity, our classroom feels more efficient, engaging, and joyful. Every day, your gift reminds my students that people believe in their learning—and that makes all the difference.","fullyFundedDate":1753543786318,"projectUrl":"project/lights-camera-action/9484197/","projectTitle":"Lights! Camera! Action!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":9281545,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is thriving with new bilingual resources from Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT). These digital and printable materials have given my first graders engaging lessons in both English and Spanish that are tailored to their learning needs. Instead of spending hours recreating materials, I can now provide my students with high-quality, research-based activities that reinforce phonics, vocabulary, and math in ways that are both fun and rigorous.\r\n\r\nWhat excites the students most is the variety. Some lessons feel like games—colorful task cards, interactive slides, and hands-on activities—that make practicing essential skills feel like play. One group loves using the interactive digital centers, where they can drag, drop, and check their answers instantly. Another student who usually struggles with reading has blossomed because the bilingual TPT passages give her the confidence to practice in both languages. She proudly shared, \"¡Mira, lo puedo leer en inglés y en español!\" (\"Look, I can read it in English and Spanish!\").\r\n\r\nThese resources are more than just worksheets or slides—they're bridges that connect both languages while keeping students motivated and engaged. The TPT lessons have given my bilingual learners tools to see themselves as capable scholars in two languages, and that is truly empowering. Your support has made it possible for them to grow academically and proudly embrace their bilingual voices","fullyFundedDate":1746578123344,"projectUrl":"project/bilingual-learning-boost-with-tpt-resour/9281545/","projectTitle":"Bilingual Learning Boost with TPT Resources","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":9115110,"letterContent":"When the laminating pouches and sensory lights arrived, I got right to work creating reusable task cards for my students. These laminated cards are now at the center of our math and literacy rotations, giving students endless opportunities to practice, erase, and try again without the fear of making mistakes. The durability has made the activities feel professional and important to the kids, and they love grabbing their dry-erase markers to dive in.\r\n\r\nThe sensory lights have transformed our classroom atmosphere. During centers, small group instruction, or calm-down time, the gentle glow provides a sense of comfort and focus. Students who are usually restless or anxious have noticeably warmed to the lights. One child told me, \"It feels like the room is hugging me,\" which captures perfectly how these lights help create a safe, calming learning space.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for students is that learning feels both fun and special. The reusable task cards turn skill practice into a game, and the sensory lights set the stage for a welcoming environment. Together, these resources have boosted engagement and joy in learning, while giving my bilingual first graders tools to build confidence, resilience, and independence. Thanks to your generosity, they are truly shining brighter every day.","fullyFundedDate":1746465934780,"projectUrl":"project/bright-minds-reusable-task-cards-sens/9115110/","projectTitle":"Bright Minds: Reusable Task Cards & Sensory Lights for Engagement","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":9401867,"letterContent":"When our new lap desks and identity tools arrived, the excitement in our classroom was undeniable. Students rushed to choose their spot on the carpet or at a quiet corner, proud to have a desk of their own to carry anywhere. For many of my bilingual first graders, these lap desks gave them not just flexibility, but also a sense of ownership over their learning.\r\n\r\nOne moment that stood out was during our bilingual writing workshop. Students were writing \"Yo soy / I am\" poems to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. With the lap desks, they were able to move around, sit next to a partner, and share ideas without being tied to one space. A few students even told me, \"Ahora me siento como un escritor de verdad\" (\"Now I feel like a real writer\"). It was beautiful to see how the simple act of providing a portable workspace empowered them to see themselves as authors with important voices.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first came in, the room was filled with gasps and clapping. Several students hugged their lap desks like they were treasures. The identity tools—mirrors, labels, and bilingual frames—sparked important conversations about who we are and why our voices matter in two languages. These resources have become more than tools; they are symbols of respect for each child's identity.\r\n\r\nNext, we are using the lap desks as part of our \"Math Jungle Safari\" classroom transformation. Students will take their lap desks on a learning adventure, solving addition and subtraction word problems in small groups scattered around the room. These resources are giving us the freedom to make learning mobile, creative, and engaging every single day.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, my students feel seen, valued, and equipped to learn in both English and Spanish. You've given them not just supplies—but the message that their voices truly matter.","fullyFundedDate":1749605142616,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-bilingual-voices-with-lap-des/9401867/","projectTitle":"Empowering Bilingual Voices With Lap Desks & Identity Tools","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":9042841,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous support of our project, **\"Boost First Grade Learning by Utilizing Laminating Sheets and Cardstock!\"** Thanks to you, our classroom is now better equipped to create durable, engaging, and sustainable learning tools that are making a real difference every day.\r\n\r\nCardstock and laminating sheets have quickly become vital resources in our learning environment. With your donation, I've been able to design vibrant flashcards, instructional games, vocabulary charts, and visual aids that are not only interactive and hands-on but also strong enough to withstand daily use by eager first-grade hands. Lamination has extended the life of these materials, allowing us to reuse them throughout the year and focus our energy on fostering creativity and dynamic learning experiences.\r\n\r\nIn our dual-language classroom, these tools have had an even deeper impact. Learning to read, write, and think in two languages requires frequent reinforcement, and laminated resources provide my students with easy, daily reference points that support their growth in both English and Spanish. They accommodate a range of learning styles—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—ensuring that every child can access the curriculum in a way that suits them best.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your gift is helping my students build confidence, celebrate their bilingual abilities, and achieve academic success in both languages. Your support is not just preserving paper; it's preserving dreams, possibilities, and the belief that their hard work will take them far.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart (and from my brilliant bilingual first graders), thank you for making a lasting impact on our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1738795048620,"projectUrl":"project/boost-first-grade-learning-by-utilizing/9042841/","projectTitle":"Boost First Grade Learning by Utilizing Laminating Sheets and Cardstock!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":8987862,"letterContent":"This project has transformed our classroom into a dynamic and exciting place where learning feels like an adventure every day. With the addition of TEK-Based STEAM/STEM Bundles, my students—especially dual language learners—have been more motivated than ever to explore new concepts and engage deeply with hands-on learning.\r\n\r\nThe technology and materials we've added have made a huge difference. These tools provide interactive, student-centered learning experiences that help bridge language gaps and promote deeper understanding through visual, tactile, and collaborative learning. Students are now building, testing, designing, and reflecting on real-world challenges that connect directly to what they're learning in math, science, and language arts.\r\n\r\nWhat excites my students the most is the chance to create—to take ownership of their learning by building something meaningful. Whether it's designing a water filtration system, coding a simple robot, or creating a piece of art that explains a science concept, they're having fun while applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills.\r\n\r\nI've noticed that several students who were once hesitant to participate in class have become leaders during STEAM challenges. One student in particular, a quiet English language learner, now confidently explains their team's design choices and encourages classmates during group activities. This technology has helped boost their confidence, language skills, and curiosity—all at once.\r\n\r\nUltimately, this project has brought joy, creativity, and purpose to our classroom. It's making STEM and STEAM concepts accessible and exciting, and it's inspiring my students to dream bigger and dive deeper into their learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1735702350861,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-young-innovators-transformin/8987862/","projectTitle":"Empowering Young Innovators: Transforming Learning with STEAM and STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"},{"teacherId":9554102,"projectId":8916933,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation towards the purchase of a new carpet for our STEM learning space. Your contribution has made a significant impact, creating a dedicated, inviting area where students can come together to collaborate, share ideas, and work on hands-on projects.\r\n\r\nThe cozy and focused environment this carpet provides has already begun to enhance teamwork and creativity, reducing distractions and helping students concentrate better. The space now fosters meaningful, enriching discussions and allows my students to engage more deeply with STEM subjects, inspiring them to pursue their passions with even greater enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, I can offer an environment that encourages exploration and learning, and I can already see the positive effect it's having on my students. I am truly grateful for your generosity and commitment to improving their educational experience.","fullyFundedDate":1731530528170,"projectUrl":"project/stem-stage-engaging-learning-with-carpe/8916933/","projectTitle":"STEM Stage: Engaging Learning With Carpet and Lights","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Leal","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9554102_orig.jpg?crop=295,295,x784,y57&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720497285514","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mabelmleal"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_12394","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":960,"numTeachers":53,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":76,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":14,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"18.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":83.6,"schoolId":12394,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Lakewood Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Lakewood Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/dallas-independent-school-district/lakewood-elementary-school/12394"}