{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Hackberry Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":23.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6295919,"projectId":9973378,"letterContent":"We are using the new songbooks and instruments to start our school's first Mariachi Club. Students are learning about Mariachi music, practicing songs, and becoming familiar with the different instruments. One special moment was watching the students' excitement when they realized they would actually have the opportunity to learn and play Mariachi music themselves. The new resources have given us the tools we need to begin building our club and create a hands-on musical experience for our students.\r\n\r\nThe students were very excited and curious! They were eager to look through the songbooks and see the instruments. Some students immediately wanted to try playing them, while others were excited to learn the songs and perform. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and interest in something that is new to our school.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue building the Mariachi Club by teaching students basic rhythms, songs, and instrumental skills. We will practice working together as a group and learn about the cultural traditions and history of Mariachi music. As students gain confidence, we hope to prepare a few songs to perform for our school community. Eventually, I would love for the club to grow to include more instruments and possibly incorporate ballet folklórico so students can experience both the music and dance traditions.","fullyFundedDate":1778016237043,"projectUrl":"project/a-latin-music-experience-to-remember/9973378/","projectTitle":"A Latin Music Experience to Remember","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Selle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6295919_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753324578376","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6295919"},{"teacherId":3475364,"projectId":10360526,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our students and helping make hands-on learning possible in our library! Your generosity has provided our students with new resources that allow them to explore, create, experiment, and learn in ways that go beyond the traditional classroom experience.\r\n\r\nOur students have been using the new materials during our library STEM and makerspace activities. One of their favorite parts has been having the opportunity to take an idea from a book or lesson and turn it into something they can actually build and test. Students have worked together to design, build, problem-solve, and make changes when their first attempts didn't work. These experiences have encouraged them to think creatively, communicate with their classmates, and keep trying when faced with a challenge.\r\n\r\nThe students' reactions when they first saw the new materials were priceless! They were excited to see all of the possibilities and immediately began asking questions about what they could build and how they could use the materials. For many students, these resources turned the library into a place where they could not only read about STEM concepts but also experience them firsthand.\r\n\r\nOur next step is to continue using these resources in upcoming makerspace challenges connected to our library lessons. Students will be given opportunities to design, build, test, and improve their creations while practicing important skills such as collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. We are especially excited to see what our students come up with when they are given the freedom to experiment and learn from their mistakes.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a meaningful difference in our students' learning experiences. You have helped create opportunities for curiosity, creativity, and discovery—and we are so grateful that you chose to invest in our students.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping our students learn, create, and dream big!","fullyFundedDate":1785185376073,"projectUrl":"project/stem-and-stories-bringing-literacy-to-l/10360526/","projectTitle":"STEM and Stories: Bringing Literacy to Life in Our Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Svensson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3475364_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749726995220","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3475364"},{"teacherId":5558714,"projectId":9246711,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have access to the The Meg and Ann Adventures and The Beth and Thad Adventures chapter books, and the difference is already clear! These books provide controlled, decodable text that allows students to practice essential phonics skills such as ending blends, suffixes, and compound words in meaningful contexts. They're not only practicing these foundational skill; they're applying them while following engaging stories that spark curiosity and encourage independent reading. For many of my upper elementary students, this is the first time reading has felt both challenging and enjoyable at the same time.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom has become more vibrant and student-centered. Small group instruction allows me to target each student's specific needs while using the books as a springboard for discussion, comprehension, and confidence-building. Students are able to read aloud with greater fluency, decode unfamiliar words more independently, and answer comprehension questions with thoughtful responses. Beyond skills, these books have helped students feel proud of their growth and motivated to continue reading on their own, creating a real love of books in our classroom.\r\n\r\nSome of my students who previously struggled the most are now excited to read these books during Intervention time. They beam with pride when they can read an entire chapter without help, and they excitedly share the adventures of Meg, Ann, Beth, and Thad with their peers at our small group table. Thanks to your support, these students are not just learning to read; they're learning to believe in themselves as readers, and that confidence will carry them far beyond our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1744395766465,"projectUrl":"project/tackling-reading-with-decodable-chapter/9246711/","projectTitle":"Tackling Reading with Decodable Chapter Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rogers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5558714_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y104&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669736497414","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5558714"},{"teacherId":5558714,"projectId":9619122,"letterContent":"Because of you, our Coffee Cart has officially leveled up and the excitement from our student baristas was immediate. When the ice maker arrived, they gathered around it like it was Christmas morning. Several of them said, \"Now we're official!\" and one student proudly shared, \"Now Mrs. Rogers doesn't have to bring ice from home anymore!\" It may seem small, but to them, this meant professionalism, preparation, and pride.\r\n\r\nWe are now using the ice maker every Friday during Coffee Cart service. Students measure and scoop ice safely, follow drink recipes carefully, monitor supply levels, and work together to keep orders moving efficiently. They've taken ownership of cleaning and maintaining the machine as well, which has opened conversations about food safety, responsibility, and what it means to run something well. The process feels smoother, more organized, and more real-world and the students feel that difference.\r\n\r\nWhat I love most is how this resource supports what we are truly building: leaders. Our House Council students are practicing communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and service. They greet teachers with eye contact and confidence, manage unexpected challenges, and reflect afterward on how to improve the next week. Because of your generosity, they aren't just serving iced coffee; they are developing skills that will stay with them long after elementary school. Thank you for helping us continue a tradition that spreads joy while growing leaders.","fullyFundedDate":1764720352049,"projectUrl":"project/ice-ice-baristas-coffee-cart-needs-a/9619122/","projectTitle":"Ice, Ice, Baristas: Coffee Cart Needs a Cool Boost!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Rogers","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5558714_orig.jpg?crop=2400,2400,x0,y104&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1669736497414","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5558714"},{"teacherId":2240969,"projectId":9512396,"letterContent":"Thank you for your contributions to support this project. The materials provided by your generous donations are supporting the learning of two grade levels at our campus. Students are currently working through research and planning our garden design using these materials. We will begin planting seeds to transfer outdoors in the coming weeks. In the fall, students prepared our garden spaces with hope that we would have these supplies. They are excited to begin seeing their vision and work come to life.","fullyFundedDate":1761944244863,"projectUrl":"project/pollinator-paradise-growing-a-home-for/9512396/","projectTitle":"Pollinator Paradise: Growing a Home for Monarchs","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brodsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsbrodsky"},{"teacherId":3475364,"projectId":9681199,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation of large print books, our elementary school library has become a more welcoming and accessible place for all readers, including students with limited sight. These new texts support important reading skills such as fluency, stamina, and comprehension by reducing visual strain and allowing students to focus on meaning rather than struggling to see the text. Large print books are especially beneficial for emerging readers, students with visual impairments, and children who feel overwhelmed by dense pages. By making print easier to see and navigate, these books build confidence, promote independence, and help students engage more deeply with what they read.\r\n\r\nReading in our library is a joyful, student-centered experience where students browse shelves, find comfortable reading spots, and share favorite books with friends. We have seen particular excitement from students with limited sight and reluctant readers who previously avoided longer texts. With large print editions, these students are able to read for longer periods, successfully complete books, and participate more actively in discussions. Your support has helped ensure that every child, regardless of visual ability, can access stories and experience the joy of reading. Thank you for making a lasting and inclusive impact on our students.","fullyFundedDate":1765594772063,"projectUrl":"project/books-in-focus-large-print-for-young-re/9681199/","projectTitle":"Books in Focus: Large Print for Young Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Svensson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3475364_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749726995220","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3475364"},{"teacherId":6295919,"projectId":9495485,"letterContent":"Our aviation club was extremely excited to receive books about aviation for our library. Many students were able to take home books to read about the history of flight, Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindberg, and the Wright Brothers. Our younger members enjoyed reading the books that were at their level, because sometimes they are hard to find! \r\n\r\nStudents have especially enjoyed using the Microsoft Flight simulator! We have so many aviation experts now! Thank you so much for your generosity in helping our club and opening their eyes to the world. We appreciate your support!","fullyFundedDate":1758598498620,"projectUrl":"project/soaring-to-new-heights-through-aviation/9495485/","projectTitle":"Soaring to New Heights Through Aviation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Selle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6295919_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753324578376","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6295919"},{"teacherId":2240969,"projectId":9625714,"letterContent":"Thank you for your contribution to provide my students with resources to grow as mathematicians. Students who struggle in math require additional practice time which can often seem boring and be anything but engaging. Your contribution has allowed math to become a bright spot in their day. We are using the math games and tens frames to build automaticity and critical thinking daily. It shows in the way students are thinking more flexibly about combining and decomposing numbers. The flash cards have been a crucial game changer that has helped increase automaticity of basic math facts in a new and exciting way.\r\nMy students are always eager to learn new games to practice their skills, and these resources were extra exciting. They have even developed their own rules and game variations with these materials.\r\nAs we continue to build critical thinkers and mathematicians, I am grateful for your support. The success my students are having has influenced others to take on a game based approach to mastering math as well. Thank you for the opening the door to provide these resources. My students are growing and learning, and in part it is due to you support.","fullyFundedDate":1758598400596,"projectUrl":"project/hands-on-math-fun-games-and-tools-for-i/9625714/","projectTitle":"Hands-On Math Fun: Games and Tools for Intervention Success","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Brodsky","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsbrodsky"},{"teacherId":3475364,"projectId":9681133,"letterContent":"The addition of The Baby-sitters Little Sister series has made a wonderful impact on our elementary students. These books meet readers right where they are—offering fun, relatable stories about family, friendship, and everyday challenges. Students are excited to check out the books, and many who were once hesitant readers are now reading with confidence and enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nHaving multiple updated sets means that students no longer have to wait long to enjoy their favorite stories, and the new copies are holding up beautifully to frequent use. The series continues to serve as an important bridge between early chapter books and longer novels, helping students strengthen their reading skills while discovering the joy of independent reading. Thanks to this addition, the library is filled with even more excitement, connection, and a growing love of books.","fullyFundedDate":1760107039413,"projectUrl":"project/more-books-more-readers-expanding-our/9681133/","projectTitle":"More Books, More Readers: Expanding Our Baby-sitters Little Sister Collection","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Svensson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3475364_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749726995220","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3475364"},{"teacherId":3475364,"projectId":9667453,"letterContent":"This grant positively impacts elementary students by enriching their daily learning environment with a living example of responsibility, empathy, and scientific observation. The library's betta fish serves as a calming and engaging presence that sparks curiosity and encourages students to ask questions about animal care, habitats, and ecosystems. By maintaining the fish's habitat with proper food and cleaning equipment, students have ongoing opportunities to observe and discuss the importance of caring for living creatures.\r\n\r\nThis project also supports social-emotional learning by fostering compassion and mindfulness, while inspiring academic connections to research, writing, and science topics. With the betta fish thriving in a well-maintained environment, the library becomes not just a place for reading—but a living classroom where curiosity and care for the natural world grow every day.","fullyFundedDate":1758984620048,"projectUrl":"project/healthy-class-fish/9667453/","projectTitle":"Healthy Class Fish","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Svensson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp3475364_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1749726995220","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/3475364"},{"teacherId":7921368,"projectId":9266667,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful for your generous donation of a new recording camera to my \"Smile!\" project. Your support means the world to me and my students and has already made a noticeable impact. With this new equipment, I can now capture our performances with high-quality visuals and sound, allowing students to proudly share their hard work with family and friends who may not be able to attend in person. It also gives our performers the opportunity to review their work, learn, and grow from each experience.\r\n\r\nYour contribution goes far beyond just a piece of technology—it's an investment in our students' creativity, confidence, and future. Thanks to you, I can document and preserve important moments, celebrate the talents of my students, and create lasting memories for years to come. Thank you for supporting fine arts.","fullyFundedDate":1752586473365,"projectUrl":"project/smile-you-are-on-camera/9266667/","projectTitle":"Smile! You Are On Camera!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Goldstein","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7921368_orig.jpg?crop=720,720,x180,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1626999024151","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7921368"},{"teacherId":9876942,"projectId":9023395,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation. Students are using a traversal rockwall by moving sideways across a horizontal or slightly inclined climbing surface that has handholds and footholds arranged in a line or pattern. Instead of climbing straight up, they focus on balancing and coordinating their movements to shift weight from side to side while gripping and stepping carefully on the holds. This activity helps build upper body strength, agility, coordination, and problem-solving skills as they plan their path across the wall. Safety is emphasized, with students encouraged to move steadily and maintain three points of contact at all times. Traversal rockwalls are a fun way to develop climbing techniques without the height challenge of vertical walls.\r\n\r\nStudents were very excited once they saw that the rockwall was installed. They were very eager to start climbing and challenging themselves. \r\n\r\nAs for the future, we will continue to challenge students to traverse the wall. Eventually, we would like to add to the wall to accommodate more students.","fullyFundedDate":1735931585744,"projectUrl":"project/indoor-climbing-wall/9023395/","projectTitle":"Indoor Climbing Wall","teacherDisplayName":"Coach C. Nash","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9876942"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_7968","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":507,"numTeachers":41,"percentFrplEligible":44,"percentAsian":10,"percentBlack":18,"percentWhite":25,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":38,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":5,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"12.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":77.0,"schoolId":7968,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Hackberry Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Hackberry Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/little-elm-independent-school-district/hackberry-elementary-school/7968"}