{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Laura Steele Montessori Academy","outOfStateSupporters":17.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9935573,"projectId":9676676,"letterContent":"Because of your generous donation to \"Read-Aloud Magic for Young Minds,\" our classroom library has grown in a meaningful way. These new books are helping us teach important reading skills such as comprehension, vocabulary development, making predictions, and identifying story elements like characters, setting, and plot. During read-aloud time, we pause to ask questions, discuss new words, and make connections to our own lives. The students are not just listening to stories—they are learning how to think deeply about what they read.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is an interactive and joyful experience. We gather together on the carpet, and students eagerly wait to see which book we will open next. Sometimes they turn and talk with a partner about a question from the story. Other times, they raise their hands to share their thoughts and opinions. The new books have sparked thoughtful conversations and lots of excitement. Students are more engaged and confident when sharing their ideas.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were once quiet during reading time are now excited to participate. One student in particular now asks if we can read every day and proudly talks about the characters as if they are real friends. Seeing this growth has been truly special. Because of your support, our students are developing a love for reading and building skills that will help them succeed in all subjects. Thank you for bringing the magic of books into our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1764728069418,"projectUrl":"project/unlocking-literacy-phonics-power-and-or/9676676/","projectTitle":"Unlocking Literacy: Phonics Power and Organized Learning Spaces","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Elizabeth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9935573"},{"teacherId":9495076,"projectId":9623410,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our students are using the Montessori Pink Tower and the sandpaper numbers every day during work time. The Pink Tower helps students understand size, order, and spatial awareness as they carefully build the cubes from largest to smallest. At the same time, the sandpaper numbers give students a hands-on way to learn number formation. They trace each number with their fingers while saying it out loud, which strengthens number recognition, fine motor skills, and confidence. These materials make learning active and meaningful instead of just working on paper.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials were introduced, the students were excited and curious. They were especially drawn to the bright pink cubes and the textured numbers. One special moment was watching a student carefully rebuild the Pink Tower several times until it was perfectly balanced. Another student who had struggled with writing numbers proudly traced the sandpaper numbers and said, \"I did it!\" Moments like these show how powerful hands-on learning can be.\r\n\r\nStudents will extend their learning by combining these materials with other activities. They will use counting beads with the sandpaper numbers to practice one-to-one correspondence and number sequencing. They will also explore vocabulary words like \"large,\" \"small,\" \"larger,\" and \"smallest\" while working with the Pink Tower. Because of your support, our students are building confidence, independence, and a strong foundation in math. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1755684693143,"projectUrl":"project/equipping-future-leaders-life-skills-fo/9623410/","projectTitle":"Equipping Future Leaders: Life Skills for the Next Generation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Justine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9495076"},{"teacherId":8748420,"projectId":9868520,"letterContent":"Our new books, plants, and calming front office environment have already made a powerful impact on our school community. Students immediately noticed the difference when they walked in — several commented that it felt \"peaceful\" and \"like a library or café.\" The addition of engaging books has encouraged more independent reading during wait times, and even reluctant readers have been picking up a book instead of reaching for a device. The plants have brought warmth and life into the space, and students have naturally taken ownership by helping water and care for them. One special moment was watching a nervous student calm down while flipping through a book in our cozy seating area; the environment truly helped de-escalate the situation without additional intervention.\r\n\r\nWhen our donors contributed, they helped create more than just a welcoming front office — they helped build a space where students feel safe, valued, and supported. The next steps include integrating the books into small reading circles for students who are waiting, as well as creating a student leadership team to help maintain the plants and recommend new titles for our collection. We also plan to expand our calming corner tools to align with social-emotional learning goals, giving students strategies to self-regulate before returning to class. This project has strengthened our school climate and continues to support both academic growth and emotional well-being every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1764729474408,"projectUrl":"project/growing-together-a-safe-space-for-stude/9868520/","projectTitle":"Growing Together: A Safe Space for Students, Families, and Staff","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jasmine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8748420_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1679416329007","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8748420"},{"teacherId":4563930,"projectId":9861730,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, my students now have tools that truly elevate their learning. The sticky notes have become an essential part of our daily reading routines. Students use them to annotate texts, mark important details, ask questions, and track their thinking as they read. This has helped them become more active, thoughtful readers who engage deeply with texts rather than just reading the words on the page.\r\n\r\nThe Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards have also made a powerful impact. They allowed me to purchase high-quality Montessori-aligned task cards and learning materials that support hands-on, student-centered learning. These resources give students meaningful practice, encourage independence, and meet learners at different levels—all while keeping learning engaging and purposeful.\r\n\r\nYour support has directly strengthened both reading comprehension and independent work in our classroom. Thank you for investing in my students and helping create learning experiences that truly make a difference.","fullyFundedDate":1763589561397,"projectUrl":"project/sticking-to-success-with-new-learning-to/9861730/","projectTitle":"Sticking to Success with New Learning Tools!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Erica","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4563930_orig.jpg?crop=956,956,x0,y3&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1679630812775","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4563930"},{"teacherId":8532084,"projectId":9643916,"letterContent":"Research is common place in a Montessori classroom. However, having physical encyclopedias is not. During our most recent research project researching African countries, the students learned more than what their country's currency was called. They also learned alphabetical order, and what subheadings captions and other text features are.\r\nWe are truly lucky to possess so much knowledge in our classroom. The children have another resource for their, \"Ms, what is...\" or \"Ms, who was....\". They continue to become independent learners just by having the encyclopedias available as their curiosities come to fruition.\r\nThese books have brought awe, amazement, and inspired the children to ask why. And that's something we never want them to quite doing. Thank you Montegomery Family Fund for helping me continue to guide my children to success and wonder.","fullyFundedDate":1756392325408,"projectUrl":"project/finding-their-why/9643916/","projectTitle":"Finding Their Why","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tielsa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8532084_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y24&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659697397261","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-tielsa"},{"teacherId":10264229,"projectId":9786083,"letterContent":"This hands-on experience allowed my students to immerse themselves with visuals that they created. The students were particularly fond of the fact that because of the donors like you they were able to accomplish this experience. When they conducted this hands-on experience, they were engaged and showed more interest in this topic.\r\n\r\nUsing the new materials, students conducted diffusion experiments with liquids at different temperatures, carefully observing how particle motion changed. One memorable moment was when students compared warm and cold samples side by side and immediately noticed how much faster diffusion occurred in the warmer solution. This led to rich discussions about kinetic energy, particle motion, and real-world applications like how heat affects chemical reactions and biological processes.\r\n\r\nOverall, these materials deepened student understanding, boosted confidence in scientific thinking, and made learning both meaningful and memorable.","fullyFundedDate":1764696746857,"projectUrl":"project/how-do-temperature-and-kinetic-energy-af/9786083/","projectTitle":"How Do Temperature and Kinetic Energy Affect Diffusion?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Irene","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10264229_orig.jpg?crop=1920,1920,x0,y115&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758015461540","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10264229"},{"teacherId":10264229,"projectId":9785045,"letterContent":"My students used the new resources on a hands-on experience. They were able to to see how gravity impacts motion. My students were ecstatic when I showed them our new materials. Our next steps will include reading more in depth on the topic of space and gravity.\r\n\r\nAs we review this topic, I will reference our hands-on experience to help them remember the importance of why we study gravity and how it impacts us in our daily lives.\r\n\r\nThank you for your generosity and attention to our young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1760659298393,"projectUrl":"project/how-does-gravity-affect-the-motion-of-ob/9785045/","projectTitle":"How Does Gravity Affect the Motion of Objects?","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Irene","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10264229_orig.jpg?crop=1920,1920,x0,y115&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758015461540","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10264229"},{"teacherId":9495076,"projectId":9635411,"letterContent":"Because of your generous donation to \"Read-Aloud Magic for Young Minds,\" our classroom library has grown in a meaningful way. These new books are helping us teach important reading skills such as comprehension, vocabulary development, making predictions, and identifying story elements like characters, setting, and plot. During read-aloud time, we pause to ask questions, discuss new words, and make connections to our own lives. The students are not just listening to stories—they are learning how to think deeply about what they read.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is an interactive and joyful experience. We gather together on the carpet, and students eagerly wait to see which book we will open next. Sometimes they turn and talk with a partner about a question from the story. Other times, they raise their hands to share their thoughts and opinions. The new books have sparked thoughtful conversations and lots of excitement. Students are more engaged and confident when sharing their ideas.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were once quiet during reading time are now excited to participate. One student in particular now asks if we can read every day and proudly talks about the characters as if they are real friends. Seeing this growth has been truly special. Because of your support, our students are developing a love for reading and building skills that will help them succeed in all subjects. Thank you for bringing the magic of books into our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1764700240725,"projectUrl":"project/read-aloud-magic-for-young-minds/9635411/","projectTitle":"Read-Aloud Magic for Young Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Justine","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9495076"},{"teacherId":8805695,"projectId":8545035,"letterContent":"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support in funding our hospital-grade thermometer last year. As the school nurse, having this level of accuracy and reliability has been invaluable. \r\n\r\nWith this thermometer, I am able to quickly and precisely assess students who aren't feeling well, helping me make decisions about whether they can safely remain in class or need to go home. \r\n\r\nIn addition, it has brought peace of mind for me, our students, staff, and parents.\r\n\r\nYour generosity directly supports not only student wellness, but also their ability to stay in school and learn. Thank you for being part of our mission to create safe, nurturing, and healthy environment for every child.","fullyFundedDate":1723651677202,"projectUrl":"project/clinic-thermometer/8545035/","projectTitle":"Clinic Thermometer","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Tiffany","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8805695_orig.jpg?crop=960,960,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1666202341810","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/nurse-tiffany"},{"teacherId":7831683,"projectId":9125913,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our Crafting Calm project. The new yarn has been a huge help in keeping our crochet time going strong. Students were excited to see the new colors and have jumped right into their projects. Many look forward to this time each week as a creative break, and their desire to learn grows.\r\n\r\nThis semester, we're also excited to kick off our first after-school crochet club. We already have a full group of students signed up, and they're eager to keep learning and creating together. It's been great to see so much interest grow from something that started as a small classroom activity.\r\n\r\nThe candle-making activity has been a calming and meaningful experience for a small group of students who benefit from sensory-focused work. It's been a great addition, and I'm looking forward to building on that success.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us give students creative opportunities to express themselves and develop their talents.","fullyFundedDate":1746783048061,"projectUrl":"project/crafting-calm-yarn-and-candle-making-fo/9125913/","projectTitle":"Crafting Calm: Yarn and Candle Making for Student Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7831683"},{"teacherId":7831683,"projectId":9538343,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, we now have a dedicated mindfulness wellness room—a calm, welcoming space. In this room, I am able to use my training to guide students through mindful movements that help them become aware of their physical selves and emotions with kindness and focus.\r\n\r\nWhen students first step inside, their eyes widen in awe—especially when they see the soft, cozy rug surrounded by floor pillows, creating an inviting spot for mindful breathing and emotional balance.\r\n\r\nEach week, I meet with every class in this special space, leading breathing exercises, gentle stretches, mindful listening, and compassion-focused conversations. While mindfulness takes practice to develop, having this safe and comfortable room gives students a place to begin and continue their learning journey at their own pace.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just provide items; it created the space that makes this important work possible. We are so grateful for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1758842323288,"projectUrl":"project/breathing-for-compassion-creating-a-wel/9538343/","projectTitle":"Breathing for Compassion: Creating a Wellness Room for Mindfulness","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Morales","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7831683"},{"teacherId":10264229,"projectId":9718170,"letterContent":"My students and I used our new resource to explore Newton's laws of motion. My students were ecstatic when they learned that they would be making scooters with the Hall's cars and balloons.\r\n\r\nThey were able to explore a hands on experience called, \"How can you use Newton's laws of motion to win a race?\" They were excited to use the Hall's cars and the weights to see the impact of the scooter's performance that they personally built. They calculated speed, acceleration, and force on their scooters. \r\n\r\nThe next steps for our students is to analyze and interpret data and talk about how Newton's laws of motion impact us in the real world.\r\n\r\nWe are appreciative of this kind gift from our donor.","fullyFundedDate":1758233027414,"projectUrl":"project/exploring-newtons-laws-of-motion/9718170/","projectTitle":"Exploring Newton's Laws of Motion","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Irene","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10264229_orig.jpg?crop=1920,1920,x0,y115&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758015461540","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10264229"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_124962","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":365,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":5,"percentWhite":2,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":84,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 7","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Record","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":83.0,"schoolId":124962,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Laura Steele Montessori Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Laura Steele Montessori Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/san-antonio-independent-school-district/laura-steele-montessori-academy/124962"}