{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Wanda Meshack Smith Head Start Center","outOfStateSupporters":44.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8418925,"projectId":9750297,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for bringing so much joy and imagination into our classroom. Because of your support, our students now have pretend dishes, a veterinary kit, and a doctor kit—materials that have already transformed their play and learning in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThe pretend dishes have become the center of our dramatic-play area. My Pre-K students are practicing cooperation, sharing, and communication as they \"cook,\" set the table, and serve meals to their classmates. It has been wonderful to watch them build social-emotional skills while engaging in creative storytelling.\r\n\r\nThe veterinary kit has sparked endless curiosity. Students love examining the stuffed animals, taking their \"temperatures,\" and caring for them with such seriousness and empathy. It has opened the door to conversations about animal care, responsibility, and science in a way that feels natural and exciting for them.\r\n\r\nThe doctor kit has done the same—helping students explore how our bodies work and what it means to take care of ourselves and others. Many students have taken on the role of \"doctor,\" practicing language skills as they ask questions, give checkups, and explain what they are doing. It has helped reduce fear around real medical experiences and encouraged a sense of confidence and compassion.\r\n\r\nYour donation has given our students opportunities to learn through play—one of the most powerful ways young children grow. Thank you for believing in our classroom and supporting their creativity, confidence, and curiosity.","fullyFundedDate":1761853638059,"projectUrl":"project/play-pretend-and-discover/9750297/","projectTitle":"Play, Pretend, and Discover!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8418925"},{"teacherId":5050441,"projectId":9472298,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of STEM toys and activity materials to our classroom. Your thoughtful contribution has truly transformed our learning environment and sparked an incredible wave of curiosity, collaboration, and creativity among our young learners.\r\n\r\nFrom the moment the boxes arrived, the students were filled with excitement and anticipation. Their faces lit up with wonder as they unpacked the new building sets, magnetic tiles, coding games, and science kits. It was as if a whole new world of possibilities had opened up right before them. Several students immediately began brainstorming what they could build and test, while others eagerly partnered with friends to explore how the materials worked. One memorable moment came when a small group of students used the magnetic engineering blocks to design a \"roller coaster bridge\" that could support a toy car. Their teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance were inspiring to watch. When the car successfully made it across the bridge, the entire group erupted in cheers—it was a moment of pure joy and accomplishment.","fullyFundedDate":1761853636923,"projectUrl":"project/getting-into-stem/9472298/","projectTitle":"Getting Into STEM!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Green","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5050441_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523223230580","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-jjgreen"},{"teacherId":5374153,"projectId":9495583,"letterContent":"My students have such a great time building and creating with the Legos. Over the past several weeks, I have watched my students grow in areas that are essential for early childhood development, their Legos play has been a meaningful part of that progress.\r\nFirst, LEGO activities have strengthened their fine motor skills. Manipulating small pieces, connecting bricks, and building structures have helped them develop better hand-eye coordination and finger strength—skills that support writing, cutting, and daily independence.\r\nLEGO play has also supported their social and emotional development. Whether working with a partner or participating in group builds, they have practiced taking turns. \r\nIn addition, LEGO bricks have encouraged important early academic thinking. Through building, they have explored early math concepts such as counting, comparing sizes, sorting, and recognizing patterns. They have also demonstrated creativity and problem-solving by experimenting, making changes, and finding new ways to bring their ideas to life.","fullyFundedDate":1757682340119,"projectUrl":"project/building-fun/9495583/","projectTitle":"Building Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Branch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5374153_orig.jpg?crop=1049,1049,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733372236411","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kimberley-branch"},{"teacherId":5050441,"projectId":9471251,"letterContent":"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of materials for our classroom reading nook. Your contribution has made a wonderful difference in creating a warm, inviting, and engaging space where our children can develop a lifelong love for reading.\r\nThe reading nook has quickly become one of the most loved areas in our classroom. The beautiful canopy adds a magical touch that draws the children in every day. They love taking turns sitting underneath it, where they feel cozy, calm, and special. The soft pillows you provided make it a perfect little retreat—a comfortable corner where they can curl up with a good book, use their imagination, and enjoy a few quiet moments. For many of our students, this space has become a favorite part of their daily routine.","fullyFundedDate":1753099372055,"projectUrl":"project/reading-nook/9471251/","projectTitle":"Reading Nook","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Green","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5050441_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523223230580","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-jjgreen"},{"teacherId":8418925,"projectId":9674065,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generosity and support for our classroom through your giving. Because of you, my students and I have been able to dive into new learning opportunities that simply would not have been possible otherwise. We've already begun using the new resources daily—whether during small-group instruction, independent practice, or hands-on exploration—and the difference they've made is remarkable. One specific project we launched with your materials was a collaborative \"New Year, New Supplies, new Possibilities\" where students rotate through activities that strengthen problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. Watching them take ownership of their learning in such a meaningful way has been incredibly rewarding.\r\n\r\nThe moment the students first saw the materials was unforgettable. Their eyes lit up with excitement, and many of them rushed over with questions about when they could start using everything. Your donation brought not only tools into our classroom, but also joy, motivation, and a renewed eagerness to learn. The room buzzed with a sense of possibility, and it has continued ever since.\r\n\r\nAs for next steps, our class is currently building upon these resources in a long-term project focused on inquiry and exploration. Students are learning how to plan, test, revise, and present their ideas—skills that will support them far beyond this year. They're excited to take what they've learned so far and extend it into new challenges, such as sifting and finding alphabets in the sand, designing and building with water blocks, or counting with the Apple Tree Counting box. Your contribution didn't just support a single lesson; it opened doors for ongoing growth and future achievements. Thank you for investing in our students and believing in their potential. We are deeply grateful.","fullyFundedDate":1758473761822,"projectUrl":"project/new-year-new-supplies-new-possibilitie/9674065/","projectTitle":"New Year, New Supplies, New Possibilities!\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8418925"},{"teacherId":9182141,"projectId":8867182,"letterContent":"My students were more than grateful for your support. Not only did your support help them gain Language skills and Fine Motor skills but it touched their hearts and made them super excited to get new things in their class room. \r\nWe were able to do things like small groups to learn new words use sensory materials for our sand and water table and use fine motor skills with the water sensory pad. Things like this help to increase a better future for our little people in the world. You may not realize yet but you played a huge part in the future of 8 beautiful little children's lives.","fullyFundedDate":1738353785897,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-fine-motors-and-language-galor/8867182/","projectTitle":"Sensory, Fine Motors, and Language Galore","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Williams","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9182141_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1691906291619","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9182141"},{"teacherId":5050441,"projectId":8783088,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donations toward my project, \"Treasure Box.\" Thanks to your kindness and support, I was able to create a special reward system filled with small party favors, trinkets, and fun surprises for my preschool students. What may seem like simple items to some—stickers, mini toys, erasers, or bracelets—meant the world to my students and truly made a difference in their daily learning experience.\r\nThe Treasure Box has quickly become one of the most loved and highly anticipated parts of our classroom. Each time a child shows kindness, works hard on a task, listens attentively, or helps a friend, they earn a chance to pick a treasure. The excitement in their eyes and the pride on their faces when they receive a reward is absolutely priceless. These moments remind me why I became a teacher.","fullyFundedDate":1734710290563,"projectUrl":"project/treasure-box/8783088/","projectTitle":"Treasure Box!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Green","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5050441_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523223230580","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-jjgreen"},{"teacherId":5050441,"projectId":8891144,"letterContent":"On behave of my students and I; I just want to say thank you ,thank you, thank you. Thank you for your support in my students and our classroom. Thank you for your donations and taking the time to just read our project. When I seen this gardening opportunity I jumped for it wanting to give my students more time to learn the outdoors. My students enjoyed the gardening activities and toys. We do a curriculum that focuses on gardening called \"Learn Go, Grow!\" and those items came in handy for those activities. I didn't know how much my students enjoyed nature especially with a generation of iPad and tablet kids.","fullyFundedDate":1730494265531,"projectUrl":"project/garden-to-classroom/8891144/","projectTitle":"Garden to Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Green","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5050441_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523223230580","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-jjgreen"},{"teacherId":5050441,"projectId":8932649,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kindness and support in our students and classroom. Our children enjoy getting something new in the classroom. They also love to argue over it but trust we have found a way to make sure all our students are able to get a chance to use it. Thank you so much for your support and donations towards our project. It came just in time for our assessments. It was so much easier getting assessments done, the children were able to operate the apps correctly and also enjoy fun games.","fullyFundedDate":1734555129536,"projectUrl":"project/assessments-and-observation/8932649/","projectTitle":"Assessments and Observation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Green","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5050441_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523223230580","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-jjgreen"},{"teacherId":5050441,"projectId":8456700,"letterContent":"Thank you all so much for your donations towards \"Putting Fun Into Writing\", our students were excited to see a box sitting in our classroom. As my students sat and guessed what could be in the box the other students were trying to find things to open it up. The activities have been so engaging and our students have enjoyed the different ways to enjoy writing and using their fine motor skills. The V-Tech board is all the rave in our class the children like to see their names float across the screen when it is time to start an activity. Thank you again!","fullyFundedDate":1728960223818,"projectUrl":"project/putting-fun-into-writing/8456700/","projectTitle":"Putting Fun Into Writing!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Green","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5050441_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1523223230580","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-jjgreen"},{"teacherId":5374153,"projectId":8785227,"letterContent":"Many of my parents are working and they are not always able to take off for special events that we have. By having the digital camera I can share those times with my families and make sure they are apart of the memories that their children are creating in Pre-K. On behalf of the students in classroom #3 at Wanda M. Smith Head Start I would like to say thank you for your donations.\r\nI was also able to share some of my memories of my childhood when I had the exact same camera, it was a nice conversation until one of my students said \"Ms. Branch, they didn't have camera way back then.\" You have to love them lol. \r\nMy students have also used the camera to take pictures themselves, they were so excited to see the pictures come out right them. I have the early shift this semester, and the students took their pictures home after I left, but I will be sharing pictures this upcoming week. \r\nOnce again from myself and my students, thank you all for your considerate donations.","fullyFundedDate":1734537246483,"projectUrl":"project/documenting-progress/8785227/","projectTitle":"Documenting Progress!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Branch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5374153_orig.jpg?crop=1049,1049,x0,y80&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733372236411","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kimberley-branch"},{"teacherId":5623436,"projectId":7599106,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous donation for my students. The students were excited to see their learning materials with the clear bins. They appeared to be more confident when taking out the material to learn and this also helped with their clean up. The children were able to have confidence in their clean up time as they are able to see where the items belong. \r\n\r\nThe children used the Math Tool Box in our Creative Station. They were excited to use new learning tools that enhance their knowledge of math in a fun and different way.","fullyFundedDate":1695524970694,"projectUrl":"project/crayons-to-college-1/7599106/","projectTitle":"Crayons to College 1!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Waters","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5623436_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1534191162189","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/saw-4"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_113040","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":78,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":77,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":16,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"US Census Data for the surrounding geographic area","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"Census ZCTA","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":55.4,"schoolId":113040,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Wanda Meshack Smith Head Start Center on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Wanda Meshack Smith Head Start Center","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/office-of-head-start/wanda-meshack-smith-head-start-center/113040"}