{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Southwest Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":49.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10308554,"projectId":10303929,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for helping me create a more organized and functional learning environment for my first-grade students! Your contributions have provided essential classroom organization materials that make a meaningful difference in our daily routines. While storage bins, organizers, and classroom supplies may seem like small things, they have a tremendous impact on how smoothly our classroom operates and how independently students can participate in their learning.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, we have been able to create more organized spaces for our learning centers, small-group materials, classroom manipulatives, and everyday supplies. The clear storage bins and stackable drawers make it easier to keep instructional materials accessible and ready to use, allowing us to spend less time searching for supplies and more time focused on learning. The dry-erase pockets have also been a wonderful addition to our classroom, allowing students to practice reading, writing, and math skills through reusable activities. These materials support student independence by helping children learn to locate, use, and return supplies while developing responsibility for their classroom environment.\r\n\r\nOne of my goals as a teacher is to create a classroom where students feel confident, capable, and excited to learn. Having organized and accessible materials helps establish consistent routines, smoother transitions, and more opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning. Your generosity has helped me create a space that is not only more efficient but also more welcoming and supportive of my students' needs. These supplies will continue to benefit my students for years to come, and I am incredibly grateful for your investment in our classroom. Thank you for recognizing that even the little things can make a big difference in a child's education!","fullyFundedDate":1784221228514,"projectUrl":"project/building-an-organized-first-grade-classr/10303929/","projectTitle":"Building an Organized First-Grade Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gilbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10308554_orig.png?crop=1206,1205,x0,y683&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760152684206","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10308554"},{"teacherId":10308554,"projectId":10418926,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for helping bring hands-on learning opportunities into my first-grade classroom! Your support has provided my students with valuable educational resources that allow them to explore, practice, and strengthen essential skills in reading, math, and science. As a teacher, I believe students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process, and these materials have given me more opportunities to make challenging concepts concrete, interactive, and meaningful.\r\n\r\nThe phonics manipulatives have been especially valuable for our small-group reading instruction. Resources such as the word-building sets, sound-sorting activities, and talking mirrors allow students to practice identifying letter sounds, blending and segmenting words, and developing phonemic awareness. The mirrors are particularly helpful because students can observe how their mouths move when producing different sounds. These materials allow me to differentiate instruction and provide targeted support for students who need additional practice while making foundational reading skills more engaging. In math, the Numberblocks balance activity and sensory number trays provide opportunities for students to explore number relationships, counting, and early addition through hands-on experiences. Our science materials also encourage curiosity and observation as students investigate concepts such as seasonal changes.\r\n\r\nWhat makes these resources so meaningful is that they allow my students to become active participants in their learning rather than simply completing worksheets. They can manipulate materials, test their thinking, work collaboratively, and build confidence as they develop new skills. These resources will continue to support our classroom throughout the school year, particularly during small-group instruction, learning stations, and targeted interventions. Thank you for investing in my students and giving me the tools to create a classroom where learning is engaging, accessible, and meaningful for every child. Your kindness is making a lasting difference!","fullyFundedDate":1785531911245,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-tomorrows-thinkers/10418926/","projectTitle":"Tools for Tomorrow's Thinkers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gilbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10308554_orig.png?crop=1206,1205,x0,y683&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760152684206","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10308554"},{"teacherId":10308554,"projectId":10429103,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for helping bring these wonderful stories into our first-grade classroom! Your support has provided my students with meaningful books that go far beyond simply learning to read. These mentor texts help us build reading comprehension, expand vocabulary, strengthen writing skills, and explore important life lessons. Having a collection of engaging stories allows me to create lessons that encourage students to think critically, make connections, and share their ideas.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite things about teaching first grade is watching students discover the joy of reading. Books like *The Color Monster* help us explore emotions and learn how to express our feelings, while *Stumpkin* encourages conversations about individuality and acceptance. Stories like *The Big Cheese* and *Iggy Peck, Architect* provide opportunities to discuss humility, perseverance, creativity, and problem-solving. During our read-alouds, students practice making predictions, retelling stories, identifying story elements, and connecting what they read to their own experiences. These books also serve as valuable mentor texts during our writing lessons, helping students develop their own ideas and grow as young authors.\r\n\r\nWhat makes your gift especially meaningful is that these books will continue to impact students for years to come. They are becoming part of a classroom library where stories inspire curiosity, meaningful conversations, and a love of learning. For many of my students, access to high-quality children's literature at school is especially important. Because of your kindness, I can provide more opportunities for my students to experience the excitement of a great story and develop the confidence to become lifelong readers. Thank you for investing in my students and helping shape not only their minds but also their hearts!","fullyFundedDate":1785792190795,"projectUrl":"project/stories-that-shape-young-hearts/10429103/","projectTitle":"Stories That Shape Young Hearts","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gilbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10308554_orig.png?crop=1206,1205,x0,y683&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760152684206","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10308554"},{"teacherId":6879614,"projectId":10048217,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for funding our classroom project! Your generosity has brought vital resources to our classroom, and we are already seeing a profound impact on our students' daily lives, learning, and well-being.\r\nBecause of your support, we have been able to transform our learning environment in several meaningful ways:\r\n• Enhanced Visual Learning: The new color printer has allowed us to create high-quality, vibrant visuals tailored specifically for our diverse learners. We have successfully implemented visual supports and schedules that help our students navigate their day with confidence.\r\n• Building Community and Identity: We have used the printer to take and display photos of our students alongside their names. Seeing their own pictures on the walls has given them a wonderful sense of ownership, belonging, and pride in their classroom.\r\n• Motivation and Celebration: Your funding has allowed us to set up an incentive system where students can earn prizes as they reach their individual academic and behavioral goals, keeping them motivated and excited to learn.\r\n• Comfort and Dignity: As a low-income school, many of our students unfortunately come to school without a daily snack. The extra snacks provided by this project have ensured that every child is fed and energized during snack time. Additionally, these resources have provided a sense of privacy and dignity for our students who are most in need, ensuring no one feels singled out.\r\nYour kindness has provided more than just supplies; it has created a safe, supportive, and equitable space where our students can truly thrive. We are incredibly grateful for your investment in our classroom and our students' futures.\r\nWith deepest gratitude, \r\nMrs. Martinez","fullyFundedDate":1777992253647,"projectUrl":"project/celebrating-milestones-visual-tools-and/10048217/","projectTitle":"Celebrating Milestones: Visual Tools and Rewards for Growing Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Martinez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6879614"},{"teacherId":1502419,"projectId":3671249,"letterContent":"Because of your incredible generosity, my first graders have been given engaging, hands-on learning experiences that make reading come alive! The Alphabet Mystery Boxes, Rhyming Sorting Houses, and Touch & Read CVC Word Match activities have become some of the most requested centers in our classroom. My students were so excited when they saw the new materials, and they couldn't wait to begin exploring them. Even my more hesitant readers eagerly joined in because the activities felt like games rather than work.\r\n\r\nThese resources have helped my students strengthen foundational literacy skills such as letter recognition, rhyming, and decoding CVC words while building confidence and independence. I've loved watching students encourage one another, celebrate successes, and beam with pride when they read a word correctly or solve a challenge on their own. The Play-Doh and emoji stampers have added another layer of excitement by making learning even more interactive and rewarding.\r\n\r\nYour kindness has made a lasting difference in our classroom. You have provided opportunities that many of my students might not otherwise have had, and because of you they are growing into confident, enthusiastic readers. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their future. Your generosity has brought so much joy to our classroom, and we are deeply grateful.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1539633767835,"projectUrl":"project/high-5-to-hands-on-learning/3671249/","projectTitle":"High 5 to Hands-On Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gilbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1502419_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507097145550","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-gilbert2ndgrade"},{"teacherId":8428668,"projectId":10196259,"letterContent":"The outdoor sensory learning resources have made a tremendous impact on our students. The sensory swing, adaptive rocking chair, spinning chair, and bubble machine have transformed our outdoor learning space into an engaging environment where students can regulate their emotions, improve focus, and participate more fully in learning \r\n\r\n Students took turns using the sensory swing and adaptive seating options while observing nature and recording their findings. Several students who typically struggle to remain engaged for extended periods were able to stay focused and actively participate in the lesson. The bubble machine added an exciting sensory component, encouraging movement, visual tracking, and social interaction among students.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the new materials They eagerly explored each resource and could not wait to incorporate them into their outdoor learning activities. Many students smiled, laughed, and expressed enthusiasm about having flexible seating and sensory supports available outside the \r\nMy Students are learning to identify which sensory tools best meet their individual needs, helping them build self-regulation skills that will benefit them both inside and outside the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and helping create an inclusive outdoor learning environment where every child can thrive. Your generosity has provided opportunities for movement, sensory exploration, and meaningful learning experiences that our students enjoyed ! They'll look forward to these items when school returns!","fullyFundedDate":1777042518429,"projectUrl":"project/adaptive-and-inclusive-outdoor-learning/10196259/","projectTitle":"Adaptive and Inclusive Outdoor Learning!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8428668_orig.png?crop=1169,1170,x0,y249&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753852341685","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8428668"},{"teacherId":10308554,"projectId":9817213,"letterContent":"From the moment these materials arrived, they immediately became part of our daily classroom routines. Students now use the cubby storage bins to independently access and return supplies, which has helped our classroom feel more organized and calm. During lessons, students regularly use the dry erase boards to practice phonics patterns, spelling words, and math strategies. One special moment was watching students eagerly hold up their boards during a phonics lesson, proudly showing their work and helping classmates correct and improve their answers. The phonics posters are displayed around the room and are often referenced by students as they read and write, reinforcing skills throughout the day.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the new materials, they were excited and curious. They immediately noticed how everything had a place and were eager to try the dry erase boards. Several students said the classroom felt \"new\" and \"more fun,\" and they quickly took ownership of caring for the supplies. The availability of snacks also brought comfort to many students, helping them feel cared for and ready to focus on learning.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for my students include using these resources to strengthen foundational reading and math skills through small-group instruction and independent practice. As we continue working on phonics, spelling, and number sense, students will rely on the posters and dry erase boards to explain their thinking and build confidence. With these tools in place, my students are developing independence, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging in our classroom. Thanks to our donors, our learning space is now organized, welcoming, and designed to help every child thrive every day.","fullyFundedDate":1760703508509,"projectUrl":"project/building-bright-minds-with-snacks-suppl/9817213/","projectTitle":"Building Bright Minds with Snacks, Supplies, and Smiles!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gilbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10308554_orig.png?crop=1206,1205,x0,y683&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760152684206","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10308554"},{"teacherId":10308554,"projectId":9816865,"letterContent":"These new mentor texts have had a powerful impact on my students as readers and writers. Through these books, students are learning important skills such as how authors develop ideas, add meaningful details, use descriptive language, and organize their thoughts to tell a clear story. We also use the texts to practice listening for the rhythm of words, identifying strong word choices, and finding evidence in the text to support our thinking. These are foundational skills that help young learners grow confident in both reading and writing.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is interactive, joyful, and thoughtful. We gather together to read aloud, pause to talk about what we notice, and share our ideas with one another. Students turn and talk, ask questions, and make connections to their own lives. Many times, a story sparks rich conversations, and students are eager to point out parts they love or sentences that sound \"beautiful\" to them. These moments help build a strong reading community where every voice matters.\r\n\r\nSeveral students who were once hesitant readers are especially enjoying the new books. I've seen students who were nervous to share begin raising their hands to talk about a character or an idea that stood out to them. Others love revisiting the stories during independent reading time, using them as inspiration for their own writing. Having these books available has helped students feel safe taking risks, knowing that there's no single \"right\" way to be a reader or a writer.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, my students are not only learning academic skills aligned to first-grade TEKS, but they are also discovering the joy of stories and the confidence to see themselves as readers and authors. These books have truly helped turn reading into a meaningful, empowering experience for every child in our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1760677125513,"projectUrl":"project/mentor-texts-that-inspire-young-authors/9816865/","projectTitle":"Mentor Texts that Inspire Young Authors!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gilbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10308554_orig.png?crop=1206,1205,x0,y683&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760152684206","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10308554"},{"teacherId":10308554,"projectId":9817160,"letterContent":"From the moment the materials arrived, my students were beyond excited. As we opened the boxes together, their faces lit up and they immediately began asking questions like, \"What can we build?\" and \"Can we make it move?\" It was a joyful moment that truly felt like learning coming to life.\r\n\r\nWe are using these new STEM resources during our hands-on exploration time and in small-group centers. One of our favorite moments so far was watching students work together to design structures using magnetic tiles and rods. They tested which shapes were strongest, redesigned when their buildings fell, and proudly explained their thinking to classmates. With the Snap-Bots and building sets, students experimented with cause and effect, gears, and simple problem-solving, all while collaborating and encouraging one another.\r\n\r\nThese materials have transformed our classroom into a space where curiosity leads the way. Students are learning to plan, test, and revise their ideas, building perseverance and confidence as they solve challenges together. They were thrilled to see tools that \"real engineers use,\" and many proudly said, \"I'm an inventor!\" as they worked.\r\n\r\nThanks to our donors, the next steps for my students include using these materials to support science and math lessons—such as building structures that can support weight, creating patterns, and exploring basic coding and movement with robots. These experiences help my first graders see themselves as capable thinkers and creators. Your generosity has given them the opportunity to explore, build, and believe in themselves every single day. Thank you for giving our students a classroom where creativity and learning go hand in hand!","fullyFundedDate":1760659298770,"projectUrl":"project/little-engineers-building-bright-minds/9817160/","projectTitle":"Little Engineers: Building Bright Minds Through STEM","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gilbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10308554_orig.png?crop=1206,1205,x0,y683&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1760152684206","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10308554"},{"teacherId":8428668,"projectId":9926093,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our classroom. Because of you, my students now have access to weighted blankets, fidget tools, interactive puzzles, and much-needed snacks that help meet their sensory, emotional, and physical needs each day. These resources have already made a noticeable difference—students are calmer, more focused, and better able to engage in learning. Your kindness is helping create a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and ready to succeed.\r\n\r\nThe joy and comfort these materials have brought to my students is truly heartwarming. When they first explored the sensory tools, their smiles said everything. Students who often struggle with regulation are now able to calm their bodies, remain in the classroom, and participate in lessons. The snacks have been just as impactful, ensuring no child goes hungry regardless of special diets. You have helped me provide snacks that are allowable and are also not the same school provided gluten free snack allowing students to focus on learning and feeling more included.\r\n\r\nYour support means more than just supplies—it shows my students that they are valued and cared for. You have helped build an inclusive, welcoming environment where every learner can thrive. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in my students and for being part of their journey.","fullyFundedDate":1764598670832,"projectUrl":"project/fill-them-up-with-snacks-and-comfort/9926093/","projectTitle":"Fill Them Up With Snacks and Comfort!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8428668_orig.png?crop=1169,1170,x0,y249&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753852341685","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8428668"},{"teacherId":8428668,"projectId":9513672,"letterContent":"Since receiving these resources, my students use them daily as part of our learning and regulation routines. The snacks have become a vital support, helping students feel safe, calm, and ready to learn. One particularly meaningful moment happened during a writing activity—after having a small snack, a student who often shuts down was able to sit, focus, and independently write for the first time this year. The sensory tools, including the vibrating pillow, lap pad, and sensory chair, are used during academic work, transitions, and moments of emotional dysregulation. These supports have helped prevent meltdowns and allowed students to remain engaged in the classroom rather than needing to leave to calm down.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, especially the slushie machine, their reactions were priceless. They couldnt wait for our first \" earned\" slushie and movie friday! Several students immediately gravitated toward the spinning sensory chair, smiling and laughing as they felt the calming spin. Others eagerly explored the lap pads and pillows, showing clear signs of relaxation and comfort. The snacks brought instant relief and joy—some students even jumped up and down and said \"thank you,\" while others simply sat quietly, something that can be rare during difficult moments. These reactions confirmed just how much these basic supports were needed and appreciated.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, our next steps focus on building independence and emotional regulation skills. Students are now learning to request sensory tools and snacks using communication systems, sign language, or visuals, empowering them to express their needs before frustration sets in. Academically, we are continuing to build stamina in writing, reading, and task completion while incorporating sensory breaks to support success. Because of your support, our classroom has become a more inclusive, calm, and joyful place where students feel supported and ready to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1760677416412,"projectUrl":"project/satiated-students-make-better-learners/9513672/","projectTitle":"Satiated Students Make Better Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Garcia","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8428668_orig.png?crop=1169,1170,x0,y249&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1753852341685","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8428668"},{"teacherId":1502419,"projectId":3701283,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my classroom! My first graders were so excited when the boxes arrived. They couldn't wait to open everything, and they immediately wanted to start using the new activities. Seeing them so excited about learning was such a special moment.\r\n\r\nThe Alphabet Mystery Boxes, Rhyming Houses, and CVC word activities have become some of our favorite literacy centers. My students are building important reading skills while having fun, and even some of my struggling readers are more willing to participate because the activities feel like games instead of work. The Play-Doh and emoji stampers have also been a huge hit and make practicing skills even more engaging.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has truly made a difference in our classroom. These materials are helping my students become more confident readers every day, and I know they'll continue to benefit from them for years to come. Thank you for believing in my students and investing in their future. We appreciate you more than you know!","fullyFundedDate":1540238690031,"projectUrl":"project/playing-to-learn/3701283/","projectTitle":"Playing to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Gilbert","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1502419_272x272.png?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1507097145550","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-gilbert2ndgrade"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_16862","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":760,"numTeachers":45,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":7,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":85,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":1,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"16.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_FRINGE"},"inStateSupporters":50.5,"schoolId":16862,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Southwest Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Southwest Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/southwest-independent-school-district/southwest-elementary-school/16862"}