{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Dr William Long Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7949404,"projectId":9636325,"letterContent":"When this project began, the goal was to bring new technology into the classroom to enhance student learning. Although the original items were unavailable, the alternative materials we received created an equally meaningful—if not more memorable—experience for my students.\r\n\r\nOne of the most impactful additions was the live caterpillar kit. Instead of simply reading about life cycles in a textbook, students were able to observe the entire metamorphosis process firsthand. They watched in real time as caterpillars grew, formed chrysalises, and eventually emerged as butterflies. This hands-on experience sparked curiosity, encouraged daily observation, and led to rich discussions and questions that deepened their understanding of science concepts.\r\n\r\nBeyond the science content, this project helped build patience, responsibility, and excitement for learning. Students took ownership of caring for the caterpillars and eagerly checked on their progress each day. For many, this was a unique experience they will remember long after leaving the classroom.\r\n\r\nWhile the project didn't go as originally planned, it ultimately provided an engaging, interactive learning opportunity that made a lasting impact on my students. Your support made it possible to turn an unexpected change into a powerful educational experience—thank you for helping bring learning to life.","fullyFundedDate":1764527208306,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-learning-to-life-with-osmo/9636325/","projectTitle":"Bringing Learning to Life with Osmo","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tagle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7949404_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1628705882380","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7949404"},{"teacherId":8855216,"projectId":8334674,"letterContent":"When the STEM building blocks arrived, my students could hardly believe they were for our classroom. The excitement was instant — little hands were already reaching out to explore before I even finished unpacking the box! It felt like Christmas morning. That same day, we added them to our STEM center, and since then, they've been a daily favorite. I've never seen so much creativity, teamwork, and joy packed into one space.\r\n\r\nOne moment that really stood out was during our \"Build a Bridge\" challenge. I watched as a group of students, who sometimes struggle to work together, collaborated for nearly 30 minutes without a single disagreement. They tested ideas, rebuilt when things fell apart, and cheered each other on when they finally made a bridge that could hold the weight of a toy car. One student shouted, \"We're real engineers!\" — and in that moment, they absolutely were.\r\n\r\nThanks to your kindness, my students are not just learning STEM concepts — they're growing in confidence, communication, and perseverance. These building blocks are so much more than toys; they're tools that spark imagination and build problem-solving skills in ways that are fun and meaningful. Thank you for believing in our classroom and giving my students the chance to dream, build, and succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1715170205055,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds-stem-blocks-for-p/8334674/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds: STEM Blocks for Pre-K Explorers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. B. Alaniz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8855216_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745376849066","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsbeegarza"},{"teacherId":8855216,"projectId":8325753,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, our classroom now has a fully functioning aquaponic fish tank—and it has truly transformed our learning environment! The excitement on my students' faces the day we set it up was unforgettable. They were immediately drawn to the bubbling water, curious fish, and tiny plants starting to grow. One student even said, \"This is like having a science lab in our classroom!\"\r\n\r\nWe're using the aquaponic tank as part of our science lessons to explore ecosystems, lifecycles, and sustainability. Each student has taken on a role—whether it's monitoring water levels, feeding the fish, or tracking plant growth—and it's given them a sense of responsibility and teamwork. One specific moment that stands out was during a lesson on the nitrogen cycle. A student made the connection between the fish waste and plant growth, saying, \"The fish are helping the plants just like we help each other!\"\r\n\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students the opportunity to experience science in such a hands-on, meaningful way!","fullyFundedDate":1713916017441,"projectUrl":"project/fantastic-fish-tank-for-little-aquatics/8325753/","projectTitle":"Fantastic Fish Tank For Little Aquatics Explorers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. B. Alaniz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8855216_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745376849066","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsbeegarza"},{"teacherId":8855216,"projectId":8333010,"letterContent":"The new books we received are helping us teach key reading skills like identifying characters and setting, understanding the sequence of events, and making text-to-self connections. Books like Pete the Cat also support vocabulary development and teach positive social-emotional lessons like staying calm and being flexible when things don't go as planned. The beach towels and the buckets were the cherry on top! The students were thrilled to get their reading bucket and were excited for a beach reading adventure!","fullyFundedDate":1717189068919,"projectUrl":"project/an-exciting-beachside-book-adventure-pe/8333010/","projectTitle":"An Exciting Beachside Book Adventure: Pete the Cat Edition","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. B. Alaniz","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8855216_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745376849066","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsbeegarza"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_8799","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":804,"numTeachers":49,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":98,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"16.4:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":63.6,"schoolId":8799,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Dr William Long Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Dr William Long Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/pharr-san-juan-alamo-independent-school-district/long-elementary-school/8799"}
Join the 77 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Dr William Long Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Pharr, Texas that is part of Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District.
It serves 804 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.4:1.
Its teachers have had 28 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Share and help support Dr William Long Elementary School
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
98%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Dr William Long Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Apr 9, 2026
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.
Dr William Long Elementary School
$10,196
raised using DonorsChoose
28
projects
funded
11
teachers
funded
77
donors
1
project
for
basic supplies
6
projects for
technology
11
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Dr William Long Elementary School has received support from
49 individuals from Texas and
28 individuals out-of-state.