{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"River Oaks Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":21.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1873727,"projectId":9640974,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for funding \"From Books to Bookmarks: Motivating Readers Every Day!\" Your generosity has transformed our classroom library into a vibrant, bustling hub of excitement, curiosity, and growth.\r\n\r\nMany of you love reading for pleasure, but in a 5th-grade dual-language classroom, reading is also where critical thinking and language mastery take root! With these new texts, my students are diving deep into complex comprehension skills. They are analyzing character development, identifying themes, making cross-cultural connections, and examining how authors use figurative language and dialogue. Because these books offer rich, engaging narratives in both English and Spanish, my students are actively building academic vocabulary, improving their reading stamina, and strengthening their bilingual literacy skills every day.\r\n\r\nReading time in our classroom is pure magic. When it's time for independent reading or book clubs, the room transforms. You'll see students curled up in quiet corners totally absorbed in a chapter, pairs sitting together whispering animatedly about a plot twist, and students proudly sliding their bookmarks into new chapters as they hit their daily reading goals. Reading isn't a quiet chore here—it's an interactive adventure where students recommend titles to one another and celebrate each other's progress.\r\n\r\nYour gift has reached every single student, but it has been especially transformative for our emergent bilingual readers and students who previously struggled to find books they genuinely enjoyed. One student in particular, who used to hesitate during reading time and often felt overwhelmed by lengthy English texts, lit up when he found a new title that matched both his reading level and his personal interests. Seeing his pride as he moved his bookmark further each day—and eagerly explained the story to me in both languages—has been priceless.\r\nYou haven't just provided books; you've given my 5th graders confidence, representation, and a genuine love for learning. Thank you for investing in our Title 1 classroom and believing in the power of our future leaders and readers!","fullyFundedDate":1766247996283,"projectUrl":"project/from-books-to-bookmarks-motivating-read/9640974/","projectTitle":"From Books to Bookmarks: Motivating Readers Every Day!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Del Bosque","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1873727_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1785673472687","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrdelbosque"},{"teacherId":6756569,"projectId":9957684,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful to the donors who made this project possible! Because of your generosity, my students now have access to engaging foundational reading resources that are helping them strengthen their decoding skills, build confidence, and develop a love for reading. These materials have transformed reading practice into an opportunity for students to learn through exploration, teamwork, and hands-on activities.\r\n\r\nMy students use these reading games during small-group instruction to practice important skills such as letter-sound connections, phonics patterns, decoding strategies, and building words. Instead of seeing reading practice as a challenge, students are now excited to participate and celebrate their progress. When they first saw the new materials, their excitement was contagious. Students immediately wanted to try the games, challenge themselves, and show what they knew. I have seen students who were once unsure of their reading abilities begin to take risks, sound out unfamiliar words, and proudly share their successes.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our reading lessons, students will use these resources to strengthen their foundational skills and apply their learning to new texts. Our next step is for students to continue growing as independent readers and share their strategies and accomplishments with classmates. Thank you for helping my students discover that they are capable readers and for giving them the tools to become confident \"decoding heroes\" in the classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1766157194811,"projectUrl":"project/decoding-heroes-foundational-reading-ga/9957684/","projectTitle":"Decoding Heroes: Foundational Reading Games for Students with Special Needs","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodríguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6756569_orig.jpg?crop=512,512,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765812346162","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6756569"},{"teacherId":6756569,"projectId":9957225,"letterContent":"I am incredibly grateful to the donors who made this project possible! Because of your generosity, my students now have access to new math resources that are helping them become more engaged, confident, and excited about learning. These materials have provided opportunities for students to practice important math skills in a more hands-on and meaningful way while developing a stronger understanding of their own mathematical thinking.\r\n\r\nWhen my students first saw the new resources, their excitement was immediate. They were eager to explore the materials and use them during our small-group math lessons. I have seen students who were once hesitant begin to participate more actively, take academic risks, and believe in their ability to solve challenging problems. The resources have helped create an environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities to learn and where every student feels capable of making progress.\r\n\r\nAs we continue our math learning, students will use these resources to strengthen their skills, explain their strategies, and collaborate with classmates. Our next step is for students to share their work and celebrate their growth by teaching others what they have learned. Thank you for investing in my students and helping them build the confidence and skills they need to see themselves as successful mathematicians!","fullyFundedDate":1767385115305,"projectUrl":"project/beyond-the-flashcard-bringing-math-play/9957225/","projectTitle":"Beyond the Flashcard: Bringing Math Play to Every Student.","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodríguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6756569_orig.jpg?crop=512,512,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765812346162","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6756569"},{"teacherId":10350715,"projectId":10278850,"letterContent":"Writing journals help students keep their minds active during summer break. Daily writing builds creativity, improves spelling and grammar, and encourages self-expression. Students can reflect on experiences, set goals, and strengthen communication skills while maintaining important learning habits outside the classroom.\r\n\r\nColorful writing pens and squishes make learning more exciting and enjoyable. Bright pens encourage creativity and organization, while squishes help students relax and stay focused. Together, these fun tools create a positive learning environment that motivates students to write, explore ideas, and continue learning all summer long.","fullyFundedDate":1778463709892,"projectUrl":"project/summer-writing-fun/10278850/","projectTitle":"Summer Writing Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Benavides","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10350715_orig.png?crop=66,66,x28,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763134167772","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10350715"},{"teacherId":10350715,"projectId":10003784,"letterContent":"A classroom carpet creates a defined gathering space where students can collaborate, listen, and participate in lessons together. It supports routines, improves focus, and helps build a sense of community and comfort that encourages engagement.\r\n\r\nCarpets also support learning through movement and organization. Young students benefit from sitting in designated spots that reduce distractions and improve behavior. A welcoming environment can increase attention, communication, and overall academic success.","fullyFundedDate":1776109731640,"projectUrl":"project/ready-to-learn-in-my-comfort-zone/10003784/","projectTitle":"Ready to Learn in My Comfort Zone!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Benavides","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10350715_orig.png?crop=66,66,x28,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763134167772","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10350715"},{"teacherId":10437218,"projectId":10101109,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom project and investing in my students' learning. These resources have truly made a difference in our classroom and are used daily during both math and literacy instruction. My students especially love using the whiteboard markers because they are able to practice writing, solve math problems, and correct mistakes independently without feeling discouraged. The erasers have also become an important tool because students can quickly fix errors and continue practicing with confidence.\r\n\r\nOne of the students' favorite activities has been the Build-a-Word game. This resource has helped students identify letters, build words, practice spelling, and self-correct their writing. I have noticed students becoming much more confident when sounding out words and recognizing letter patterns. The calligraphy books have also helped improve handwriting and fine motor skills, especially for students who needed extra support with letter formation and neat writing.\r\n\r\nIn math, many of my students who struggled with number sense became excited to use the number matching activities because they could see multiple representations of numbers and begin identifying patterns in a hands-on way. When the students first saw all the new materials, they were incredibly excited and eager to begin using them right away. Their excitement and engagement during lessons increased immediately.","fullyFundedDate":1773666534079,"projectUrl":"project/bridging-the-gap-math-literacy-for-al/10101109/","projectTitle":"Bridging the Gap: Math & Literacy for All","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nava","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10437218_orig.jpg?crop=1242,1242,x0,y182&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772754902486","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10437218"},{"teacherId":10350715,"projectId":10036096,"letterContent":"Whisper phones can have a positive impact on students, especially young learners who are developing reading and language skills. A whisper phone is a small, handheld device that allows students to hear their own voices more clearly while reading aloud softly. When students use whisper phones, they become more aware of their pronunciation, fluency, and expression. This immediate feedback helps them identify mistakes and correct themselves without relying entirely on the teacher. As a result, students often gain confidence in reading because they can practice privately and comfortably. Whisper phones are particularly beneficial for struggling readers and English language learners because they encourage repeated reading and active participation. Instead of feeling embarrassed about making errors in front of classmates, students can focus on improving their skills independently. This increased confidence can motivate students to read more often and become more engaged in classroom activities.\r\nAnother important impact of whisper phones is their ability to improve concentration and comprehension. In many classrooms, students are surrounded by distractions that can make it difficult to focus on reading tasks. Whisper phones help students pay closer attention to the words they are reading because they can hear themselves more clearly. By listening to their own voices, students are better able to recognize punctuation, sentence flow, and changes in tone. This strengthens reading fluency, which is closely connected to comprehension. When students read more fluently, they spend less energy decoding words and more energy understanding the meaning of the text. Teachers have also observed that whisper phones can help students remain on task during independent reading time. Since students are actively involved in hearing and monitoring their reading, they become more responsible for their own learning. In addition, whisper phones can support auditory learners who learn best through listening. By combining speaking, hearing, and reading, the device creates a multisensory learning experience that improves memory and retention of information.\r\nDespite their many advantages, whisper phones may also present some challenges in the classroom. If not used properly, they can become distracting or noisy when many students use them at the same time. Teachers need to establish clear rules and routines to ensure that whisper phones are used effectively. Some students may also become overly dependent on the devices and struggle to read confidently without them. Therefore, teachers should use whisper phones as one instructional tool among many rather than as a permanent solution. Hygiene can also be a concern because the devices are placed close to the mouth and ears, requiring regular cleaning and maintenance. Even with these challenges, the overall impact of whisper phones on students is largely positive. They support reading development, increase confidence, improve concentration, and encourage independent learning. When integrated thoughtfully into classroom instruction, whisper phones can become a valuable resource that helps students strengthen their literacy skills and enjoy reading more successfully.","fullyFundedDate":1776266078316,"projectUrl":"project/whisper-phone-magic/10036096/","projectTitle":"Whisper Phone Magic","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Benavides","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10350715_orig.png?crop=66,66,x28,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763134167772","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10350715"},{"teacherId":1873727,"projectId":9930102,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in funding our classroom's new headphones with microphones. In a busy, energetic classroom, focus is a precious commodity. These headsets have completely transformed our learning environment by allowing students to engage deeply with interactive educational software. While technology at home is often used for entertainment, in our classroom, these headsets act as individualized learning stations. Whether the students are using phonics programs that require them to listen and repeat words, or recording themselves reading aloud to track their fluency, this technology gives each child a personalized, quiet space to concentrate and practice without the distraction of background noise.\r\n\r\nThe students were absolutely thrilled when we unboxed the new equipment. To them, the most exciting part is the attached microphone; putting the headsets on makes them feel like professional podcasters or broadcasters, bringing a fun, \"grown-up\" energy to their daily assignments. I have seen a particularly remarkable change in one of my multilingual learners who is naturally quiet and was previously too shy to practice speaking in a crowded room. Having the microphone allows him to practice speaking English privately into his recording software. He has warmed up to this technology beautifully and gained so much confidence in his pronunciation because he can hear himself and self-correct in a safe, judgment-free way.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has done more than just provide us with new classroom supplies; it has literally given my students a voice and the tools they need to succeed in a digital world. We are so incredibly grateful for your support and for making these daily moments of growth and confidence possible.","fullyFundedDate":1774295536723,"projectUrl":"project/mic-check-headphones-to-amplify-learnin/9930102/","projectTitle":"Mic Check! Headphones to Amplify Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Del Bosque","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1873727_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1785673472687","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrdelbosque"},{"teacherId":10350715,"projectId":10123983,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing the snacks for our after-school learning time. Having something to eat and recharge with makes a meaningful difference for everyone involved. It helps create a welcoming and comfortable environment where students can stay focused, energized, and ready to engage. Your generosity truly supports both their well-being and their ability to learn.\r\n\r\nWe also greatly appreciate the wipe-off boards that were made available. These tools have been incredibly helpful in making learning more interactive and engaging. Students are able to practice, collaborate, and express their thinking more freely, which enhances their overall experience. Your thoughtful contributions are making a positive impact, and we are very grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1772667213209,"projectUrl":"project/i-want-to-keep-learning-even-after-schoo/10123983/","projectTitle":"I Want to Keep Learning Even After School!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Benavides","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10350715_orig.png?crop=66,66,x28,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763134167772","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10350715"},{"teacherId":2330335,"projectId":9600049,"letterContent":"The sensory table plays a critical role in my life skills classroom by providing structured, hands-on experiences that support regulation, communication, and functional learning. Through the use of varied sensory items (textures, tools, manipulatives), students increase attention, tolerance for shared space, and engagement in tasks. Sensory exploration supports fine-motor development, cause-and-effect understanding, and expressive/receptive language, including AAC use. The table also promotes social skills such as turn-taking and requesting, while reducing maladaptive behaviors by meeting sensory needs in an appropriate, purposeful way.","fullyFundedDate":1758839248374,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-explorers-needed/9600049/","projectTitle":"\"Sensory Explorers Needed!\"","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Burleigh","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2330335"},{"teacherId":10350715,"projectId":9911089,"letterContent":"Having working headphones is essential for students because they support focused learning, especially in digital and remote environments.\r\n Headphones help reduce distractions, improve concentration, and allow students to clearly hear instructions, lessons, and multimedia content. They also enable participation in online classes, language learning, assessments, and accessibility tools without disturbing others.\r\n Overall, working headphones enhance engagement, understanding, and learning independence.","fullyFundedDate":1764638570782,"projectUrl":"project/working-headphones-are-a-must/9911089/","projectTitle":"Working Headphones Are a Must","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Benavides","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10350715_orig.png?crop=66,66,x28,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763134167772","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10350715"},{"teacherId":10350715,"projectId":9895991,"letterContent":"The stools have had a noticeable impact on our group by changing how we interact and work together. Because they are easy to move and don't create rigid seating arrangements, they've encouraged more flexibility and collaboration. Group members are able to shift positions, form small discussion circles, or gather more closely when needed, which has made communication feel more open and informal. At the same time, the lack of traditional seating has required us to be more mindful of comfort and focus, pushing the group to adapt and support one another. Overall, the stools have influenced not just our physical setup, but also the way we engage, collaborate, and function as a group.","fullyFundedDate":1763666873804,"projectUrl":"project/compact-comfy-and-classroom-ready/9895991/","projectTitle":"Compact, Comfy, and Classroom-Ready","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Benavides","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10350715_orig.png?crop=66,66,x28,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1763134167772","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10350715"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_14371","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":527,"numTeachers":47,"percentFrplEligible":93,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":13,"percentWhite":10,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":68,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":2,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":78.2,"schoolId":14371,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about River Oaks Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"River Oaks Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/pflugerville-independent-school-district/river-oaks-elementary-school/14371"}