Ruben Hinojosa Elementary School in Mercedes, Texas on DonorsChoose

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Your kindness will continue to inspire them far beyond this school year.","fullyFundedDate":1757006179434,"projectUrl":"project/books-for-a-brighter-tomorrow/9349039/","projectTitle":"Books for a Brighter Tomorrow","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9905870_orig.jpg?crop=1175,1176,x0,y223&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737647275146","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9905870"},{"teacherId":9905870,"projectId":9580041,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of soccer balls to our third graders. Your kindness has brought so much excitement and joy to our playground. The students' faces light up each time they grab a ball and head outside to play.\r\n\r\nThe soccer balls have quickly become a favorite during recess. The children are not only having fun, but they are also learning teamwork, sharing, and sportsmanship. Many students who didn't usually play outside are now joining in, making recess more active and inclusive for everyone.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support. Because of your generosity, our students are staying active, building friendships, and enjoying healthy playtime every day. Thank you for helping us create such positive and memorable experiences for our third graders!","fullyFundedDate":1757006148014,"projectUrl":"project/help-our-3rd-graders-score-big/9580041/","projectTitle":"Help Our 3rd Graders Score Big!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9905870_orig.jpg?crop=1175,1176,x0,y223&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737647275146","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9905870"},{"teacherId":9905870,"projectId":9203210,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. Your support has truly made a difference in our classroom. 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These headphones have become an essential part of our daily learning experience, and we are incredibly grateful for your support. They've provided my students with opportunities to engage with their education in new, meaningful ways—ways that truly make a difference in their confidence and success.\r\n\r\nFor several of my students who have learning accommodations, these headphones have been a game-changer. They now have the ability to listen to stories being read aloud to them, which helps with comprehension and allows them to enjoy literature in a way that works best for their individual needs. This has not only improved their reading skills but also boosted their motivation and sense of independence.\r\n\r\nOther students have used their headphones to dive into audiobooks, expanding their love for reading and exploring stories they might not otherwise access. Audiobooks have helped foster stronger listening skills, build vocabulary, and spark their imaginations—all while making reading more enjoyable and accessible.\r\n\r\nEvery morning, I post daily affirmations for my students to listen to with their headphones. These affirmations help set a positive tone for the day, build self-esteem, and remind them of their value and potential. 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About this school

Ruben Hinojosa Elementary School is a suburban public school in Mercedes, Texas that is part of Mercedes Independent School District. It serves 487 students in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 11.1:1. Its teachers have had 5 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Grades Pre-K - 5

487 Students

44 Teachers

500 S Rio Rico Rd

Mercedes, TX 78570 View local requests

http://www.misdtx.net

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Ruben Hinojosa Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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Ruben Hinojosa Elementary School Demographics

95%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

97%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Ruben Hinojosa Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.