{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Sam Houston Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":34.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7718406,"projectId":9748914,"letterContent":"When our holiday-themed day materials arrived, my students' faces absolutely lit up with excitement! They couldn't wait to see what each themed day—Grinch Day, Frosty the Snowman Day, Polar Express Day, Elf Day, and Rudolph the Reindeer Day—had in store. From the moment they saw the colorful craft supplies, candy cane pens, and mini stockings, the room was filled with joy and anticipation. It instantly created a sense of wonder and enthusiasm for learning that carried over into all of our classroom activities.\r\n\r\nEach day, students will use the new materials to complete fun and creative projects that tie into our literacy lessons. These hands-on experiences will help strengthen their writing, comprehension, and fine motor skills—all while building a stronger classroom community.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our classroom will be transformed into a festive, joyful space where learning feels like magic. These resources have not only made our holiday days special but have also reminded my students that learning can be filled with fun, creativity, and heart.","fullyFundedDate":1762266391103,"projectUrl":"project/holidays-make-us-happy/9748914/","projectTitle":"Holidays Make Us Happy","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jordan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7718406_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716062568726","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsc-jord"},{"teacherId":8818036,"projectId":9617638,"letterContent":"I would like to thank you very much for your generosity. My students and I are very grateful to have primary journals to write and exciting books by my favorite author Eric Carle! My students are extremely excited with these books. They like when I read to them after lunch or before going home after a long and busy day. \r\n\r\nAnother thing that I would like to share is that my student's hand writing ✍️ is improving and I am very proud about that. With hard work and dedication and high expectations, students are able to write legibly and correctly on the line. Thank you donors for making this possible! It was so hard finding these type of journals at the beginning of the school year. \r\n\r\nHopefully by the second semester, my precious kindergartners will start writing their own sentences or short stories on their own!\r\n\r\nOnce again thank you sooooo very much and may God bless you!!!","fullyFundedDate":1755743705248,"projectUrl":"project/building-literacy-through-books-and-jour/9617638/","projectTitle":"Building Literacy Through Books and Journaling","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Figueroa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8818036_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698801114016","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8818036"},{"teacherId":8818036,"projectId":9244182,"letterContent":"I'm am really excited to share that my students loved the Pete the Cat books! My goal is for students to enjoy reading, learn new vocabulary, increase reading comprehension and become successful in reading! \r\n\r\nMany of my students in class don't have many experiences with books or someone to read to them at home. My students like when I read to them after lunch or before going home after a long busy day. They get to choose and vote for the book they want me to read to them. \r\n\r\n Thanks to wonderful donors like you, I am building my classroom library with books they truly enjoy and get excited about. We appreciate you and may God bless you always!","fullyFundedDate":1744204706869,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-the-key-to-success/9244182/","projectTitle":"Reading is the key to success!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Figueroa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8818036_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698801114016","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8818036"},{"teacherId":5036486,"projectId":9512955,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for believing in my students. They have been excelling this school year. They have been reading like crazy. The students have used the graphic novels and propelled themselves into the next level of reading. They have been showing huge growth in their fluency and comprehension. \r\n\r\nMost importantly 90% of my students are really enjoying reading! Coming in every few days to take an AR test and check out a new book.\r\n\r\nHere at Sam Houston, we really do believe Readers are Leaders! Thank you for helping our students grow!\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\nMs. Tullos","fullyFundedDate":1754066322187,"projectUrl":"project/graphic-novels-lead-to-success/9512955/","projectTitle":"Graphic Novels Lead to Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tullos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5036486_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1524109081113","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5036486"},{"teacherId":4816325,"projectId":9289776,"letterContent":"Thank for your donations towards supplies that were much needed for my students and out classroom. The students are enjoying the timers. They can now use on one each small group which allows them to manage their time more effectively. The paper came at the right time as we were almost out to print out student writing for their portfolios. \r\nEach donation makes a world of difference to my students and to me. Anytime we can get new supplies that we really need it is one step further to increasing the students interest in their work because they don't have to worry about supplying items themselves (which many cannot do).\r\nAgain, a huge thank you and I hope you make the decision to continue to support us on future projects.","fullyFundedDate":1756309496553,"projectUrl":"project/transforming-teaching-to-thrive-through/9289776/","projectTitle":"Transforming Teaching to Thrive Through Technology","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Curbow","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4816325_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1515096410640","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/j-curbow"},{"teacherId":7718406,"projectId":9399871,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for your generosity in funding our STEM project! Because of your support, my students now have access to Playstix, Plus-Plus Blocks, and Pattern Blocks—tools that are already making an incredible impact in our classroom. These resources are more than just building materials; they are hands-on opportunities for my students to think critically, collaborate, and create in ways that foster both imagination and problem-solving.\r\n\r\nThe moment the materials arrived, excitement filled the room. My students' eyes lit up as they began exploring the different shapes, colors, and possibilities. Some immediately began building elaborate structures, while others worked together to solve design challenges. It was amazing to see teamwork, communication, and perseverance come alive so naturally through play and discovery. The Playstix encouraged creativity in engineering, the Plus-Plus Blocks sparked innovative designs, and the Pattern Blocks helped students recognize shapes, symmetry, and geometry concepts in a concrete and engaging way.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, it is inspiring to watch students engage so deeply with learning. Many of my students do not often have access to STEM resources outside of school, so your donation is giving them opportunities they might not otherwise experience. These materials are not only enhancing academic skills but also building confidence, persistence, and a love for problem-solving—skills that will benefit them far beyond our classroom.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly transformed our learning environment. Instead of just reading about STEM concepts, students are now able to apply them hands-on, which deepens understanding and makes learning more meaningful. Every block they stack, every pattern they design, and every creation they proudly share is a direct result of your kindness.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in the power of education and for choosing to support my students. Your investment is shaping young learners into creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and future innovators. Please know that your gift will continue to be used throughout the school year and for many years to come, touching the lives of countless students.","fullyFundedDate":1757611111524,"projectUrl":"project/stem-for-the-win/9399871/","projectTitle":"STEM for the Win!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jordan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7718406_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716062568726","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsc-jord"},{"teacherId":5493473,"projectId":9256235,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity in purchasing books for my students! Having bilingual books in our classroom is such a gift, especially for our newcomers who are learning English. These texts allow them to begin applying basic comprehension skills in their native language while also making connections to English. It's a powerful bridge that builds confidence, helps them feel included, and gives them the tools to engage in meaningful learning right away.\r\n\r\nThe high-interest graphic novels you helped provide are just as important. The visuals support students in understanding context and meaning, which makes it easier for them to acquire new vocabulary and internalize sentence structures. Graphic novels naturally invite rereading, spark excitement, and help students see themselves as real readers. Language acquisition doesn't happen overnight, but these books make the journey fun, engaging, and accessible. My students and I are so grateful for your support—you've made a real difference in their learning.","fullyFundedDate":1754066322836,"projectUrl":"project/two-languages-one-library/9256235/","projectTitle":"Two Languages, One Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5493473_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530200452513","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5493473"},{"teacherId":5179701,"projectId":9249136,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous contribution to my DonorsChoose project! Because of your support, my classroom library has grown in meaningful ways that truly reflect the diverse backgrounds, voices, and experiences of my students.\r\n\r\nWhen my students opened the boxes of new books, their excitement was contagious. They eagerly flipped through the pages, pointing out characters who looked like them, families that reminded them of their own, and stories that introduced them to new perspectives. Representation matters, and now my students feel seen, valued, and celebrated through the books we read together.\r\n\r\nYour gift is not just about adding books to our shelves—it's about creating opportunities for empathy, understanding, and confidence. Every time a child picks up one of these books, they are building a lifelong love of reading and discovering that their story has a place in the world.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for believing in them and for investing in their education. Your generosity has made a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful","fullyFundedDate":1746786299858,"projectUrl":"project/growing-readers-diverse-books-for-my-2n/9249136/","projectTitle":"Growing Readers: Diverse Books for My 2nd Grade Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Flores","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5179701_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660694748609","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5179701"},{"teacherId":7718406,"projectId":9502284,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom prize store project! Your kindness has brought an incredible boost of motivation, joy, and excitement to my students. Because of you, our classroom reward system will be more organized, engaging, and meaningful than ever before.\r\n\r\nThe stickers you've helped provide will now be proudly displayed in a pocket chart, where students can see their progress and feel a sense of accomplishment as they work toward their goals. This visual reminder keeps them motivated and helps them learn about perseverance, responsibility, and delayed gratification.\r\n\r\nOur gumball rewards will make academic progress even more exciting, as students eagerly complete their intervention lessons with accuracy, knowing they are working toward both knowledge and a small, sweet prize. The addition of fun keychains will provide random surprises throughout the year, making each achievement extra special and memorable.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, your support creates a culture of positivity and encouragement in our classroom. Students now feel proud of their hard work, celebrate each other's accomplishments, and look forward to continuing to grow.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has gone far beyond simply providing supplies—you've helped build lasting memories and a classroom filled with encouragement and joy. Thank you for believing in my students and for investing in their success. We are truly grateful for your kindness and support.","fullyFundedDate":1756836473414,"projectUrl":"project/tiny-treasures-for-big-achievements/9502284/","projectTitle":"Tiny Treasures for Big Achievements!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jordan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7718406_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716062568726","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsc-jord"},{"teacherId":7718406,"projectId":9357785,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom by funding our Seat Sack project! Your generosity has already made a meaningful difference in my students' daily learning experience.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, many students struggled to keep their supplies organized. Pencils, crayons, scissors, and books were often misplaced, which led to wasted instructional minutes and unnecessary frustration. Now, with their very own seat sacks, each child has a designated space to keep their materials close by, neat, and ready to use. This small change has had a big impact on our classroom environment—students can transition between activities quickly and spend more time focused on learning.\r\n\r\nMy students were thrilled when they first received their seat sacks. Their excitement and pride in having their own personal storage space was heartwarming to see. Many of them commented on how much easier it is to find their things and how \"grown-up\" they feel being responsible for keeping their space tidy.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our classroom is not only more organized, but also calmer, more efficient, and more engaging. You've given my students the tools to take ownership of their supplies, build independence, and develop responsibility—all while maximizing our valuable learning time.\r\n\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your kindness and belief in our classroom. Your support shows my students that their education matters and that there are people who want to see them succeed.","fullyFundedDate":1756836472200,"projectUrl":"project/no-more-mess-just-success/9357785/","projectTitle":"No More Mess, Just Success!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jordan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7718406_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716062568726","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsc-jord"},{"teacherId":7718406,"projectId":9568521,"letterContent":"Hello. It's me, Junie B. Jones. And also me, Freddy Thresher. We are writing this very official letter to say THANK YOU a whole bunch for sending our books to this classroom.\r\n\r\nWhen the box got opened, the kids acted like it was Christmas morning. They screamed. They laughed. One kid even hugged a book (which is kind of weird, but also kind of cute). Now they fight over who gets to read us first. It's a problem, but a good one.\r\n\r\nJunie B. here: the kids think I'm hilarious, which is true. Freddy here: the kids like me because I get into crazy adventures and sometimes trouble. Either way, these books are making the kids read more than ever before, and they don't even notice it because they're too busy giggling.\r\n\r\nSo, thank you, thank you, thank you! You gave our new friends the bestest gift ever—books that make them want to read. And that is a BIG deal.\r\n\r\nLove,\r\nJunie B. (and Freddy too!)","fullyFundedDate":1755135515964,"projectUrl":"project/operation-get-books-on-the-bookshelf/9568521/","projectTitle":"Operation: Get Books on the Bookshelf!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jordan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7718406_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1716062568726","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsc-jord"},{"teacherId":4882496,"projectId":9038722,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible generosity, our classroom library has been transformed into an organized, inviting space where students can independently explore books that match their interests and reading abilities. This change is already making a remarkable difference in the way my students interact with reading, and I am so grateful for your support in making it possible.\r\n\r\nBefore this project, our library shelves were crowded and a bit overwhelming for students to navigate. Books that could have sparked excitement were sometimes overlooked simply because they were hard to find. Now, with everything organized and clearly labeled, students can easily locate the types of books they want to read—whether it's an adventurous chapter book, a nonfiction text about animals, or a picture book that offers comfort and familiarity. This independence empowers them to take ownership of their reading choices and learning journey.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful outcomes I've seen since organizing our library is the boost in student confidence. For many of my Emergent Bilingual students, selecting a book used to feel intimidating. They weren't sure what they could read successfully or worried they might choose something too challenging. Now, with the library sorted by levels, genres, and themes, they can make informed choices without hesitation. I've watched students beam with pride as they discover \"just right\" books that they can read and enjoy from start to finish.\r\n\r\nThis new system is also fostering a deeper love of reading. When students know they can consistently find books they enjoy, they are more eager to read during independent time and more willing to try new genres. Several reluctant readers have surprised themselves by diving into books they never would have picked up before. Our library is no longer just a corner of the classroom—it has become a buzzing hub of excitement, curiosity, and meaningful discovery.\r\n\r\nBeyond literacy skills, the organized library is building a stronger sense of community. Students are recommending books to each other more often, sharing their discoveries, and having rich conversations about stories and characters. This collaborative spirit makes our classroom feel even more like a shared space where everyone's reading journey matters.\r\n\r\nAs their teacher, having this system in place also allows me to better guide students toward books that will challenge them appropriately and keep them engaged. I can now quickly locate resources for small group lessons, thematic units, and one-on-one reading conferences. The efficiency saves time and ensures that our learning moments are rich and intentional.\r\n\r\nYour donation has done far more than simply organize books—it has created an environment where literacy thrives, where students feel empowered, and where the joy of reading is celebrated every day. You have invested in more than just a classroom; you have invested in the growth, confidence, and futures of young readers who are just beginning to discover the lifelong rewards of books.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and myself, thank you for making this transformation possible. Your generosity will be felt in every page turned, every story shared, and every new reader who emerges from our classroom library.","fullyFundedDate":1744835230789,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-organize-our-classroom-library-f/9038722/","projectTitle":"Help Us Organize Our Classroom Library for Young Readers!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Vargas","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp4882496_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507609422936","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/teachervaegas"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_17049","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":748,"numTeachers":44,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":18,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":2,"percentLatinx":75,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"17.0:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":65.3,"schoolId":17049,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Sam Houston Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Sam Houston Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/port-arthur-independent-school-district/sam-houston-elementary-school/17049"}