{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Kelly - Pharr Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":43.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4238994,"projectId":9668919,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of our classroom through DonorsChoose. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference, and we are truly grateful for your investment in our students' learning. Because of your donations, we are excited to receive these much-needed classroom supplies that will help create engaging learning experiences for every student.\r\n\r\nI also want to apologize that I am unable to upload photos or student thank-you notes at this time. Please know that your generosity is deeply appreciated by both my students and me. Although we can't share those personal messages right now, your gifts are already making a positive impact, and we are excited to put these new materials to use in our classroom. Thank you again for helping make our students' learning environment even more enriching and inspiring.","fullyFundedDate":1767120080740,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials-for-young-learners/9668919/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials for Young Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Meza","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4238994"},{"teacherId":9274427,"projectId":10020651,"letterContent":"Because of your incredible generosity, our students have been given so much more than Pokémon booster boxes—they've been given a place to belong.\r\n\r\nMany of our students come from different backgrounds and face different challenges, but when they gather around the Pokémon Trading Card Game, those differences fade away. The booster boxes have allowed every child to participate, regardless of their family's financial situation. Students who may not have been able to afford cards of their own are now able to build decks, trade fairly, and play alongside their classmates with confidence.\r\n\r\nThese cards have become a bridge for friendships. We've watched shy students come out of their shells. Our Pokémon Club has become a welcoming community where kindness, teamwork, and inclusion are just as important as winning.\r\n\r\nFor many of our students, opening a booster pack is a moment of pure joy. It's exciting to discover new Pokémon, celebrate great pulls together, and share that excitement with friends. Those shared experiences help create lasting memories and strengthen the sense of community within our school.\r\n\r\nYour support has helped ensure that no child feels left out because they couldn't bring their own cards. Instead, every student has the opportunity to participate, make friends, and feel valued.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and helping create an environment where everyone is included, supported, and excited to learn and grow together. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on our Pokémon Club and on the hearts of the children who are part of it.","fullyFundedDate":1777171933767,"projectUrl":"project/power-up-our-pokmon-club-with-booster-b/10020651/","projectTitle":"Power Up Our Pokémon Club with Booster Boxes","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Valdez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9274427"},{"teacherId":4223376,"projectId":10125863,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students have been excited to explore our new Texas Bluebonnet books. These texts have introduced important reading skills such as making inferences, identifying themes, analyzing characters, comparing points of view, and supporting ideas with evidence from the text. Because the books vary in complexity, every student has been able to find a title that matches their reading level while still challenging them to grow. The rolling cart has made it easy to organize and share the books, keeping them accessible throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is active and collaborative. Students read independently, participate in partner discussions, and share recommendations with classmates. Some of my developing readers have especially enjoyed titles like Speak Up, Santiago! and Pocket Bear, while others have been drawn to the deeper themes found in Danilo Was Here and The Trouble with Heroes. Watching students eagerly talk about books, make connections, and look forward to their next reading opportunity has been one of the greatest benefits of this project. Thank you for helping make these experiences possible.","fullyFundedDate":1778207224224,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-into-reading-with-bluebonnet-boo/10125863/","projectTitle":"Rolling Into Reading With Bluebonnet Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. B. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4223376_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1488051372404","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/b-gonzalez-4th"},{"teacherId":5734973,"projectId":10176173,"letterContent":"The resources from this project have completely transformed the way my students experience financial literacy in our classroom. One of the most exciting moments was when the students helped set up the mobile shelf and organize all of the materials for our classroom economy. They were so proud to take ownership of the space and immediately began brainstorming ways to use it as our \"classroom bank\" and reward store.\r\n\r\nSince receiving the materials, students have been actively earning classroom currency through positive behavior, academic growth, teamwork, and responsibility. They practice budgeting, saving, and making thoughtful spending decisions using the snacks and rewards available in our classroom store. It has been amazing watching students compare prices, calculate totals, and decide whether they want to spend or continue saving for bigger rewards.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the materials, they were beyond excited. Many of them could not believe they would get to participate in a real-life money management system inside the classroom. The excitement instantly increased student engagement and motivation, especially during math and financial literacy lessons.\r\n\r\nOur next steps include expanding our classroom economy into student-led businesses and goal-setting activities. Students will continue learning about budgeting, entrepreneurship, saving, and financial responsibility through hands-on experiences that connect directly to real life. Thank you for helping make learning meaningful, engaging, and memorable for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1778030450664,"projectUrl":"project/building-smart-money-habits-through-real/10176173/","projectTitle":"Building Smart Money Habits Through Real-Life Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cindy Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5734973_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725950357614","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-cindysalinas"},{"teacherId":10211528,"projectId":10106409,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for contributing to this project and making it possible for my students. My students were very excited when they found out that our project was funded. Because I work with students that have special needs, myself and my staff's goal is to promote as much independence and life skills preparation as possible to ensure they are successful in the future. Creating a project like this was a wonderful lesson for my students to learn how to contribute back to the community but also learning how to sort and organize made it very fun and interactive for them. \r\nWe live in a community where there are many families that are low-income families. Knowing that we were able to give back to the community and help those that are in need was very self-rewarding. In all, it is a team effort and could not have been done without the help of you all. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1773781057190,"projectUrl":"project/a-spedtacular-community-contribution/10106409/","projectTitle":"A SPEDtacular Community Contribution!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. De Hoyos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10211528"},{"teacherId":4223376,"projectId":10095125,"letterContent":"When my students first saw the snack bins filled with Goldfish, cookies, crackers, fruit snacks, and Hot Cheetos, they were so excited and thankful. Several students immediately said, \"Thank you!\" and couldn't believe the snacks were for our classroom. These snacks have helped students stay focused during reading, math review, and end-of-year activities. I've already noticed students working longer without complaining about being hungry or tired. Your kindness truly helped create a more comfortable and caring learning environment for my fourth graders.\r\n\r\nAs we finish the school year, we will continue using these snacks during review games, group projects, and testing practice activities. My students are working hard to finish strong academically while also making lasting memories together. Your support has done more than provide snacks. It has shown my students that people truly care about their success, well-being, and happiness both inside and outside the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1778119716139,"projectUrl":"project/removing-hunger-barriers-in-fourth-grade/10095125/","projectTitle":"Removing Hunger Barriers in Fourth Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. B. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4223376_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1488051372404","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/b-gonzalez-4th"},{"teacherId":5734973,"projectId":10085605,"letterContent":"Our students were beyond excited when they received the new PBIS incentive materials and summer activity items. The moment they saw the beach balls, sidewalk chalk, sunglasses, and fun snacks, the classroom immediately filled with smiles, laughter, and excitement. Many students shared that they had never received something like this as a reward for their hard work and positive behavior. It made them feel proud, recognized, and motivated to continue making good choices.\r\n\r\nOne special moment was watching students encourage one another to stay on task and make positive choices so everyone could work toward earning their Summer Fun Bags together. These resources also opened meaningful conversations about staying active, creative, and engaged during summer break. Students brainstormed screen-free activities they could enjoy with their families using the materials they earned. Many were especially excited about using the sidewalk chalk outdoors and sharing the games and activities with siblings and friends.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our students are ending the school year feeling celebrated, encouraged, and valued. As we continue building a strong classroom community, we will keep reinforcing positive behavior and social-emotional growth through our PBIS program and collaborative classroom activities. Your support has created lasting memories and reminded our students that their efforts truly matter.","fullyFundedDate":1771008499266,"projectUrl":"project/brightening-summer-days-with-fun-bags/10085605/","projectTitle":"Brightening Summer Days With Fun Bags","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cindy Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5734973_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725950357614","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-cindysalinas"},{"teacherId":9281333,"projectId":9673451,"letterContent":"The new books have brought excitement and engagement to reading in our classroom while helping students strengthen important literacy skills such as reading fluency, comprehension and vocabulary. Reading in our classroom includes independent reading, partner reading, small-group discussions, and teacher-guided activities where students practice making predictions, asking questions, analyzing characters, and sharing their thinking. Many students, especially reluctant readers, have been especially excited about these books because of the humor, illustrations, and the popularity of these characters. Students who may not typically choose a book on their own are eager to read, discuss the stories. \r\n\r\nThank you for your generosity and support. Your kindness is making a meaningful difference in their learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1767209303971,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-into-reading-with-dog-man-and-ca/9673451/","projectTitle":"Rolling Into Reading With Dog Man and Cat Kid","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. J. Alvarez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9281333_orig.jpg?crop=578,579,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694988142666","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jalvarez3rd"},{"teacherId":5048768,"projectId":7824445,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my students now have some of their most anticipated reads in our school library. We have a system in our classroom, for every book read, the students write a small synopsis of the book, they write about what they liked or did not like about it, they fill out their recommendation based on 5 stars. When they are critiquing a book, they must mention character traits or events to support their critique (without spoiling the read for others). \r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is active, collaborative, and joyful. Students participate in read-alouds, partner reading, small group discussions, and independent reading time. It is common to see students recommending books to one another, discussing favorite characters, or eagerly waiting for their turn to read a popular title. The classroom library has become a space where students feel comfortable exploring books that match both their reading levels and personal interests.","fullyFundedDate":1694813923845,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-is-my-power/7824445/","projectTitle":"Literacy Is My Power!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Joanna Lynn Molina","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5048768_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1696774572804","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/joannalynn"},{"teacherId":9278116,"projectId":10027729,"letterContent":"My students were SO excited when they first saw the materials for our project, \"Digging into STEM: Edible Soil Layers!\" The second they realized we were going to learn about soil layers using a fun hands-on activity they could actually eat afterward, the classroom was full of smiles, questions, and excitement. They loved building each soil level and seeing how the layers worked together. It turned a science lesson into an experience they will definitely remember!\r\n\r\nThis project helped my students truly understand the different soil layers in a way that felt creative and interactive instead of just reading about it in a book. They were completely engaged from start to finish and loved comparing their \"soil creations\" with their classmates. The edible visual made learning feel like a fun challenge, and it encouraged even my quieter students to participate and share what they learned during \"Digging into STEM: Edible Soil Layers!\"\r\n\r\nThe best part was hearing students say things like, \"This is the best science lesson ever!\" and watching their faces light up when they got to enjoy their projects afterward. Your support brought learning to life in such a meaningful (and delicious!) way. Thank you for helping make \"Digging into STEM: Edible Soil Layers!\" such an unforgettable hands-on experience for my students!","fullyFundedDate":1776108425447,"projectUrl":"project/digging-into-stem-edible-soil-layers/10027729/","projectTitle":"Digging into STEM: Edible Soil Layers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vera","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9278116_orig.jpg?crop=350,350,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694738068447","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/perla-vera"},{"teacherId":7571744,"projectId":9825973,"letterContent":"Tools for Tiny Thinkers has made a tremendous impact in my classroom and has helped create a more engaging, hands-on, and confidence-building learning environment for my students. The materials we received, including the big pencils, crayons, and LCD writing boards, have become essential tools that support daily learning and student success. These resources may seem simple, but for young learners, they have made a huge difference in both academic growth and classroom excitement.\r\n\r\nThe oversized pencils have been especially beneficial for my students who are still developing fine motor skills. Many of my students struggled at the beginning of the year with proper pencil grip and writing stamina. The larger pencils are easier for little hands to hold and control, allowing students to focus more on forming letters and numbers correctly instead of becoming frustrated with traditional-sized pencils. I have noticed increased confidence in students who once hesitated to write independently. They are now more willing to participate in writing activities, practice their names, complete journals, and work on phonics and math activities because they feel successful.\r\n\r\nThe crayons have also brought so much joy and creativity into our classroom. Young students learn best through visual and hands-on experiences, and having quality crayons available every day has allowed students to fully participate in activities that support reading, math, science, and social studies lessons. Students use the crayons to illustrate stories, sort and identify colors, create maps, complete anchor activities, and demonstrate understanding through pictures. Coloring activities have also encouraged students to slow down, focus, and develop hand strength and coordination. These seemingly small moments are helping students build important foundational skills they will use for years to come.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting tools for my students has been the LCD writing boards. These boards have completely transformed participation and engagement during lessons. Students absolutely love using them because they feel fun, interactive, and pressure-free. The boards allow students to practice writing letters, numbers, sight words, and solving math problems without fear of making mistakes. Because work can be erased instantly, students are more willing to take risks and try again. This has created a classroom environment where mistakes are viewed as part of learning rather than something to be embarrassed about.\r\n\r\nThe LCD writing boards have also increased participation from students who are typically shy or reluctant to answer aloud. During whole-group instruction, every student can write and display their answer at the same time, giving all students an equal opportunity to participate. I can quickly assess understanding, provide immediate feedback, and adjust instruction based on student needs. The boards have turned lessons into exciting interactive experiences where students are eager to contribute and stay engaged.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, these supplies have helped create a positive classroom culture. My students are excited to come to school each day because they know they will have opportunities to use special tools that make learning fun and meaningful. The materials have encouraged collaboration, creativity, and independence while helping students build confidence in themselves as learners.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, I am incredibly grateful for the generosity that made these resources possible. The support from donors has directly impacted my students by giving them tools that meet their developmental needs and inspire a love for learning. Every crayon stroke, every practiced letter, and every solved math problem represents growth and opportunity for my students. Thank you for investing in our classroom and helping provide meaningful learning experiences that our students will remember long after this school year ends.","fullyFundedDate":1770958462690,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-tiny-thinkers/9825973/","projectTitle":"Tools for Tiny Thinkers","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Frias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7571744_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1600979859535","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7571744"},{"teacherId":7571744,"projectId":9665221,"letterContent":"Receiving a color printer for my classroom through DonorsChoose has made a tremendous difference in the way my students learn and engage with classroom activities. The printer has allowed me to create colorful, hands-on learning materials that capture students' attention and make lessons more meaningful and interactive. My students are excited every time I introduce a new activity because the materials are vibrant, easy to understand, and visually engaging. Having access to color printing has truly transformed the learning experience in my classroom.\r\nOne of the most successful activities I created using the printer was a game called \"Coin Bingo.\" I was able to design and print colorful bingo cards featuring different coins and money amounts. The students were immediately interested because the visuals helped them recognize the coins more easily. During the game, students practiced identifying pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters while also building their counting and money skills. The colorful materials made the activity feel exciting and fun rather than just another worksheet. Students who normally struggled with money concepts became more confident because they could clearly see the differences between the coins. It also encouraged teamwork, communication, and participation among classmates.\r\nAnother important lesson supported by the printer focused on teaching students about needs and wants. I created colorful picture cards showing items such as food, clothing, toys, electronics, and shelter. Students were able to sort and discuss which items represented needs and which represented wants. Because the images were printed in color, students could better connect with the lesson and recognize the items more quickly. The activity sparked meaningful discussions about daily life, decision-making, and understanding the difference between things we must have versus things we would simply like to have.\r\nStudents especially enjoyed being able to physically choose and sort the pictures themselves. The hands-on component kept them engaged and encouraged critical thinking. Many students shared personal examples from home and were excited to explain why they categorized certain items as needs or wants. The color printer helped make these discussions more real and relatable for them. It allowed me to create durable and reusable materials that I can continue using with future classes.\r\nBeyond these activities, the printer has helped me create classroom decorations, visual aids, reward certificates, and differentiated learning materials for students at different academic levels. It has saved valuable preparation time and given me the flexibility to quickly create resources that meet my students' individual needs. The ability to print in color has improved the overall quality of instruction and has made learning more enjoyable for my students every day.\r\nI am incredibly grateful for the generosity and support that made this possible. This printer is more than just a classroom tool—it is helping create engaging educational experiences that encourage creativity, participation, and confidence in learning. Thank you for investing in my students and helping provide them with opportunities to learn in fun, meaningful, and memorable ways.","fullyFundedDate":1766977720634,"projectUrl":"project/a-classroom-printer-for-bright-young-lea/9665221/","projectTitle":"A Classroom Printer for Bright Young Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Frias","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7571744_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x510,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1600979859535","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7571744"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_8807","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":629,"numTeachers":42,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":98,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":57.0,"schoolId":8807,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Kelly - Pharr Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Kelly - Pharr Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/pharr-san-juan-alamo-independent-school-district/pharr-elementary-school/8807"}