{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Emiliano Zapata Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":53.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9379803,"projectId":9107264,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the incredible impact that something as simple as a classroom pencil sharpener has had on my students and on the overall atmosphere of our learning environment. While at first glance a sharpener might appear to be just another supply item, in practice it has become a small but powerful tool that has greatly improved student focus, classroom management, and the flow of our daily lessons.\r\n\r\nBefore we had a reliable sharpener, something as routine as preparing a pencil often turned into an unnecessary distraction. Students would line up, waste time, or even feel frustrated when their pencils broke repeatedly. These small moments of disruption added up quickly, sometimes costing valuable instructional minutes and pulling attention away from the lesson. In addition, students without access to a sharp pencil often felt unprepared to participate, leading to lower confidence or reluctance to complete their work.\r\n\r\nNow, with a dependable sharpener available in the classroom, the change has been noticeable. Students begin their day by preparing their pencils, which sets a positive and productive tone. They know they can quickly sharpen a pencil when needed and return to their work without losing focus. What once created interruptions has now become a smooth, efficient routine that helps maintain the momentum of learning.\r\n\r\nAgain, from the bottom of my heart, we are SOOO very grateful!","fullyFundedDate":1740692300778,"projectUrl":"project/sharp-pencils-sharp-minds-help-us-get/9107264/","projectTitle":"Sharp Pencils, Sharp Minds: Help Us Get a New Sharpener!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9379803_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701037671685","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9379803"},{"teacherId":9593880,"projectId":9168233,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom is now safer and more prepared for everyday needs. The first aid kits you provided have already made a meaningful difference for my students. We use them during science labs, outdoor learning activities, and even small moments like a student needing a bandage after a papercut. Having these supplies on hand means we can address minor issues quickly and keep our focus on learning.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new kits, they were curious and excited. We even turned it into a mini-lesson on health and safety, walking through the items together and discussing how to use them responsibly. The students were proud to know that our classroom has what we need to take care of one another—it gave them a real sense of ownership and responsibility. We are so grateful for your kindness in supporting our classroom and helping us stay healthy and happy!","fullyFundedDate":1746785522506,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-happy-keeping-our-classroom-s/9168233/","projectTitle":"Healthy & Happy: Keeping Our Classroom Safe and Comfortable!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zavala","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9593880_orig.png?crop=562,562,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741840098157","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9593880"},{"teacherId":9593880,"projectId":9339041,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our classroom library has grown in ways that have truly transformed our reading time. The new books have allowed me to introduce important skills such as identifying theme, analyzing characters' motivations, and making text-to-self and text-to-world connections. These texts are helping students practice reading closely, citing evidence, and discussing stories thoughtfully with their peers. Some of the biggest changes I've seen are in students who previously struggled to find books that interested them. One student who used to say, \"I don't like reading,\" now races to grab the graphic novels we added and talks about them with classmates. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1747531111602,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-young-minds-one-chapter-at-a-tim/9339041/","projectTitle":"Fueling Young Minds One Chapter at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zavala","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9593880_orig.png?crop=562,562,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741840098157","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9593880"},{"teacherId":9593880,"projectId":9168177,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting a classroom of thinkers! In my classroom we work out our problems on whiteboards and our desks. (weird I know) But they love to work out math problems on their desks because it is something they are typically not allowed to do. Making them excited to work out problems! With these markers we are able to pass them out to students as we see fit. Many of their markers were running out of ink because of what we were using to clean their desks. It was a wipe that would mess up the marker tip, but now they have their microfiber towels and new markers to continue working out their problems!","fullyFundedDate":1744032937186,"projectUrl":"project/write-wipe-engage-boosting-learning-w/9168177/","projectTitle":"Write, Wipe, Engage: Boosting Learning With Dry Erase Magic!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zavala","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9593880_orig.png?crop=562,562,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741840098157","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9593880"},{"teacherId":9593880,"projectId":9168200,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your time and consideration. It has been such a game changer in the classroom to have the necessary resources to work effectively and efficiently. Not having a sharpener has been an ongoing issue in our classroom. I went from having a sharpener myself, to ordering individual sharpeners by group, to all of a sudden having no functioning sharpener! The looks on their faces when I revealed the new classroom tools was complete happiness. We have been taking care of the sharpener and we have a system to ensure the items ordered will last us a long time. Thank you from myself and my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746785579420,"projectUrl":"project/sharp-minds-sharp-pencils-a-simple-too/9168200/","projectTitle":"Sharp Minds, Sharp Pencils: A Simple Tool for Big Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zavala","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9593880_orig.png?crop=562,562,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741840098157","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9593880"},{"teacherId":9593880,"projectId":9168123,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your time and consideration. It has been such a game changer in the classroom to have the necessary resources to work effectively and efficiently. Not having a sharpener has been an ongoing issue in our classroom. I went from having a sharpener myself, to ordering individual sharpeners by group, to all of a sudden having no functioning sharpener! The looks on their faces when I revealed the new classroom tools was complete happiness. We have been taking care of the sharpener and we have a system to ensure the items ordered will last us a long time. Thank you from myself and my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1746785512673,"projectUrl":"project/sharper-minds-brighter-futures-a-new-s/9168123/","projectTitle":"Sharper Minds, Brighter Futures: a New Sharpener for Our Classroom!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Zavala","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9593880_orig.png?crop=562,562,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741840098157","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9593880"},{"teacherId":9379803,"projectId":8764358,"letterContent":"The stylus pens form this project helped a lot of my students excel academically. A lot of my students are not confident in their handwriting or they simply struggle and by taking notes on their ipad with their stylus pen it gives them the confidence and don't worry about seeing messes on their papers. Along with the stylus pens in this project, I also included privacy covers which were used on a weekly basis during our testing times. These were incredibly useful because I numbered each one and my students know they each have a number it held them accountable and made them responsible for whatever happened to their cover. Overall, I am extremely blessed to have had these opportunities and resources provided for my students. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1734737331272,"projectUrl":"project/5th-grade-ready-to-excel/8764358/","projectTitle":"5th Grade Ready to Excel!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9379803_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701037671685","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9379803"},{"teacherId":9628838,"projectId":9031890,"letterContent":"I am excited to share that the snack project has not only provided nourishment but has also become a valuable part of our classroom economy system. Each morning, my students now have the opportunity to \"buy\" a snack using their classroom money, which they earn for completing assignments, displaying positive behavior, and participating in class activities. This system not only keeps them energized and ready to learn but also teaches them practical financial skills like budgeting, saving, and making choices. It's amazing to see them thoughtfully decide how to spend their earned money while also ensuring they have a snack to fuel their learning. Thank you for supporting both their nutritional needs and their financial literacy education!","fullyFundedDate":1746473664381,"projectUrl":"project/bites-of-encouragement-snacks-for-hungr/9031890/","projectTitle":"Bites of Encouragement: Snacks for Hungry Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9628838_orig.png?crop=620,620,x0,y272&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1722970048770","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9628838"},{"teacherId":9379803,"projectId":8249542,"letterContent":"The impact that these stylus pens made in the classroom is incredible. These pens improved engagement and focus. Students were able to participate in activities such as math problems which helped them maintain attention and their interest in the lesson. I had a lot of students with various needs so I believe these pens were able to help all my students, especially those of my kiddos who have dysgraphia since it provided a smoother writing surface. I especially liked that my students were able to use these stylus pens throughout every subject and was extremely helpful especially during science because it allowed students to write their side notes, drawings, graphs, or thinking maps that would allow them to better understand the lesson. So, from the bottom of my heart I appreciate all your contributions to my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1710701426820,"projectUrl":"project/writing-to-the-future/8249542/","projectTitle":"Writing to the Future","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9379803_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701037671685","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9379803"},{"teacherId":9379803,"projectId":9032116,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, my students received much-needed school supplies including pencil sharpeners, dry erase markers, and pencils. These simple items have made a huge difference in our classroom!\r\n\r\nWe use the dry erase markers daily during math lessons, especially for small group problem-solving on whiteboards. One memorable moment was during a fraction review game—students were racing to solve problems and hold up their whiteboards, and the excitement was through the roof! Having enough markers for everyone meant that no one had to sit out or share, which kept everyone engaged.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new supplies, their faces lit up. One student said, \"We each get our own marker?!\" Another hugged the pencil sharpener like it was a trophy. It was heartwarming to see them feel so valued and supported.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the tools they need to learn and feel confident!","fullyFundedDate":1741099926935,"projectUrl":"project/essential-tools-for-a-focused-and-engage/9032116/","projectTitle":"Essential Tools for a Focused and Engaged Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Moreno","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9379803_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1701037671685","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9379803"},{"teacherId":7930980,"projectId":8761483,"letterContent":"I want to sincerely thank you for your generous support of my classroom. The supplies you helped provide have made a real and lasting impact on my students and their learning experience.\r\n\r\nThanks to your donation, my students now have access to a variety of reading materials in an organized and inviting space. The bins and reading area have helped create a classroom environment where books are respected and enjoyed. My students were so excited to keep receiving items, especially after I had just showed them how to use the classroom library. While before they had very little interest in our classroom library, now they assign themselves time and items they're going to be using. \r\n\r\nMore importantly, my students are learning that reading can happen anywhere and in any position—whether they're curled up on a cushion, sitting at a table, or sprawled out on the rug. This flexibility has helped many of them grow a stronger love for reading. I also allow them to do independent work in different positions so encourage their want and need for learning. \r\n\r\nYour support has made it possible to create a space where students feel excited and motivated to learn. Thank you again for helping to inspire a new generation of readers!","fullyFundedDate":1736172968814,"projectUrl":"project/reading-in-an-organized-classroom/8761483/","projectTitle":"Reading in an Organized Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Escamilla","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7930980"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_8265","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":549,"numTeachers":38,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":99,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":46.5,"schoolId":8265,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Emiliano Zapata Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Emiliano Zapata Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/la-joya-independent-school-district/emiliano-zapata-elementary-school/8265"}