{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Ridgecrest Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":21.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":1525537,"projectId":10186981,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding our new color printer for our special education resource room! Your generosity has already brought a bright burst of color and excitement to our daily learning environment.\r\n\r\nIn a special education resource room, visual supports are not just helpful—they are essential. Thanks to your gift, I can now print individualized, color-coded visual schedules, token boards, bright anchor charts and step-by-step task routines that help my students navigate their day with confidence and calm.\r\n\r\nThe color contrast makes a huge difference for comprehension. Whether we are working on interactive phonics sorting cards, math matching centers with visual cues, my students are much more engaged and eager to participate.\r\nThank you for investing in my students and believing in our classroom. You have made a lasting, everyday impact on their learning journey!","fullyFundedDate":1781800522643,"projectUrl":"project/printing-power/10186981/","projectTitle":"Printing Power","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mora","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/1525537"},{"teacherId":8996511,"projectId":10129213,"letterContent":"The new resources have been a tremendous help in our classroom. The notebooks are used daily by students to complete their classwork, take notes, and stay organized. The snacks have also made a big difference. Students can choose a snack when they are hungry or earn one as a reward for their hard work and positive behavior. Having these resources readily available helps create a supportive learning environment where students can stay focused and engaged.\r\nThe students were incredibly excited and grateful when they received the materials. They especially loved having a variety of snacks to choose from, and they get excited every time they receive one. The notebooks were also a big hit because they knew they would be able to use them every day. Overall, the students were very thankful for everything that was provided, and their enthusiasm made it clear how much these resources mean to them and our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1778261931449,"projectUrl":"project/growing-skills-growing-smiles/10129213/","projectTitle":"Growing Skills, Growing Smiles","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8996511_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689712233969","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8996511"},{"teacherId":8519557,"projectId":10338813,"letterContent":"These new books have brought so much excitement and meaningful learning into our second-grade classroom! Through these texts, my students are strengthening important reading skills such as identifying the central idea, understanding characters and setting, making predictions, asking and answering questions before, during, and after reading, and using details from the text to support their thinking. The books have also helped us build vocabulary and make connections between what we read and our own experiences.\r\n\r\nReading in our classroom is active and engaging. We read together, discuss our thinking with partners, ask questions, and stop throughout a story to make predictions and share connections. Students also have opportunities to read independently and choose books that interest them. I especially love seeing students recommend books to one another and get excited when they discover a new favorite.\r\n\r\nThese books have been especially meaningful for my students who are developing their English language skills. The engaging stories and illustrations help them build vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and participate more confidently in our class discussions. Students who once hesitated to pick up a book are becoming more eager to read, talk about stories, and share what they have learned.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a classroom where students can see reading as something exciting, meaningful, and enjoyable. Your generosity has given my students more than new books, it has given them opportunities to grow as readers, thinkers, and confident learners. We are so grateful for your support!","fullyFundedDate":1786813845720,"projectUrl":"project/reading-is-our-super-power/10338813/","projectTitle":"Reading Is Our Super Power","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Hartwig","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8519557_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660100713881","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8519557"},{"teacherId":10397937,"projectId":10376165,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for sending my students brand new Ohuhu markers to use in our classroom! They were so excited to see the new markers and could not wait to start using them. Having fresh, high quality markers makes our classroom activities even more engaging and gives students a fun way to express their creativity.\r\n\r\nThe students will be able to use these markers for a variety of learning activities, including creating visuals to accompany writing assignments, illustrating math problems, and completing classroom projects. They will also have the opportunity to use them for coloring during breaks and free time, giving them a creative and relaxing activity to look forward to. Your generosity has brought so much excitement to our classroom, and we truly appreciate your support!","fullyFundedDate":1786542192778,"projectUrl":"project/coloring-a-path-to-learning/10376165/","projectTitle":"Coloring a Path to Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10397937_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772554302938","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10397937"},{"teacherId":10397937,"projectId":10300020,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting my \"Creating a Calm and Caring Classroom\" project. Your generosity is helping me create a classroom where my students feel safe, comfortable, and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nThe resources from this project will give my students opportunities to relax, self regulate, and take a moment when they are feeling overwhelmed. These small moments of comfort can make a big difference, especially for students who may need extra support managing their emotions and staying focused throughout the school day.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping me build a classroom that feels welcoming, supportive, and caring. Your generosity is making a meaningful difference in my students' daily experiences and helping them feel that their classroom is a place where they belong.","fullyFundedDate":1782757527491,"projectUrl":"project/creating-a-calm-and-caring-classroom/10300020/","projectTitle":"Creating a Calm and Caring Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10397937_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772554302938","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10397937"},{"teacherId":10397937,"projectId":10171319,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom through the \"Motivation That Makes a Difference\" project. Your generosity is making a meaningful difference for my students and creating a classroom environment where they feel encouraged, motivated, and excited to learn.\r\n\r\nThese resources give my students positive incentives to work toward their goals, stay engaged, and celebrate their progress. For many of my students, having something small to look forward to can make a big difference in their willingness to keep trying, especially when they are faced with challenging tasks.\r\n\r\nYour support is helping me create a classroom where students feel proud of their accomplishments and understand that their hard work matters. I am incredibly grateful for your kindness and for investing in my students. Thank you for helping make our classroom a more positive, motivating, and encouraging place to learn.","fullyFundedDate":1779295125691,"projectUrl":"project/motivation-that-makes-a-difference/10171319/","projectTitle":"Motivation That Makes a Difference","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10397937_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772554302938","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10397937"},{"teacherId":10397937,"projectId":10059761,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting our classroom project. Your generosity has provided my students with markers, snacks, stickers, and social skills resources that will make a meaningful difference in their daily learning experience.\r\nThe social skills resources are especially valuable because they will support students in developing important life skills such as communication, self-regulation, problem-solving, and positive peer interactions. These tools will help create a classroom environment where students feel supported both academically and emotionally.","fullyFundedDate":1772550240173,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-tools-creativity-and/10059761/","projectTitle":"Social-Emotional Tools, Creativity, and Care","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10397937_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772554302938","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10397937"},{"teacherId":479637,"projectId":10121453,"letterContent":"This color copier, printer, and scanner changes the way my students learn every day. With quick access to high-quality materials, I can create bright, engaging anchor charts that help make literacy and math concepts easier to understand.\r\n\r\nI'm able to design and print games, worksheets, and simple books that meet each student right where they are. Whether we're working in small groups or one-on-one, I can quickly adjust what I'm teaching so every child gets the support—or extra challenge—they need to feel successful.\r\n\r\nIt also helps me stay connected with families by sending home clear, colorful letters and resources so they can support learning at home.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, my students get hands-on, personalized materials that make learning more fun and meaningful. Thank you so much for supporting my classroom and making a real difference for my students every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1772650444579,"projectUrl":"project/printing-possibilities-for-our-classroom/10121453/","projectTitle":"Printing Possibilities for Our Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp479637_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1556200683138","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-hendrix"},{"teacherId":8996511,"projectId":9962942,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support and for believing in my students. Because of your kindness, our classroom is now equipped with tools that help create a calm, supportive environment where every student can feel safe, focused, and ready to learn.\r\nWith your donations, we were able to purchase weighted plush animals, a microwavable plush dog, and a set of fidget toys. Each of these resources has already made a meaningful impact. The weighted elephant plush provides calming pressure that helps students feel secure during moments of anxiety. The microwavable plush dog, with its gentle warmth and soothing lavender scent, has been especially comforting for students who need help regulating their emotions during stressful parts of the day. The fidget toys have become an essential tool for many students, keeping their hands busy while allowing their minds to stay engaged during lessons.\r\nOne of the most rewarding moments for me has been watching students independently choose the tools they need to be successful. I've seen students who once struggled to sit through instruction now remain focused and calm, confidently participating in class discussions. These small but powerful changes have made a big difference in how students approach learning each day.\r\nI truly love how resilient, curious, and unique each of my students is. They inspire me every day with their determination and creativity, and your support has helped honor who they are as learners. Together, these resources have helped us build a classroom where students can thrive both academically and emotionally.\r\nThank you again for making this possible and for investing in the well-being of my students. Your generosity has had a lasting and meaningful impact.","fullyFundedDate":1765980798183,"projectUrl":"project/snuggles-smiles-sensory-kit/9962942/","projectTitle":"Snuggles & Smiles Sensory Kit","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gonzalez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8996511_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1689712233969","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8996511"},{"teacherId":10397937,"projectId":9986363,"letterContent":"The markers have given students new ways to express their thinking and feelings. They are used for reflection sheets, goal-setting activities, and creative academic responses across subjects. For students who struggle to verbalize their thoughts, drawing and coloring have become powerful communication tools. During a recent lesson, students illustrated what perseverance looks like in the classroom, and many proudly shared their work with peers. The small plushies have also become meaningful motivators and comfort items. Students earn them through positive behavior, effort, and growth, and several keep them nearby during independent work as a source of encouragement and emotional support.\r\n\r\nThese resources have also helped strengthen relationships within the classroom. Students are more willing to take academic risks, ask for help, and support one another during group activities. The calm and welcoming atmosphere created by these materials has reduced behavioral challenges and increased instructional time. Students now transition between activities more smoothly and demonstrate greater emotional awareness. The consistent use of these tools has helped establish routines that prioritize student well-being, which has positively impacted overall learning outcomes.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the materials, their reactions were full of excitement and joy. There were big smiles, excited whispers, and many heartfelt \"thank yous.\" They immediately felt seen and valued, knowing that people they had never met cared enough to support their learning. This sense of community and support has strengthened our classroom culture and increased student engagement. The snacks have also made a significant difference, especially during long instructional periods. Having access to snacks helps students stay focused, regulated, and ready to learn, ensuring that basic needs do not become barriers to success.\r\n\r\nBy contributing to this project, donors received a meaningful glimpse into our classroom and the daily experiences of my students. Moving forward, students will continue applying these tools during academic challenges, emotional check-ins, and collaborative projects that promote independence and confidence. These experiences build lifelong learning habits and positive self-belief.\r\n\r\nThe next steps for my students include continuing to build self-regulation skills, collaborating more effectively during group work, and deepening their understanding across academic subjects. These resources will continue to be used throughout the year to reinforce positive behaviors, support emotional well-being, and create a safe, supportive learning environment. Thank you for investing in my students and for making a lasting difference in their educational journey. Your generosity truly changes classrooms and futures.","fullyFundedDate":1769191967232,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-play-and-snacks-for-student-self/9986363/","projectTitle":"Sensory Play and Snacks for Student Self-Regulation","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10397937_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772554302938","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10397937"},{"teacherId":8804334,"projectId":9808301,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our students now have access to the Lakeshore All-in-One Magnetic Phonics Kits which have become an essential part of our daily literacy instruction. We use the kits during small-group reading lessons to support word mapping, decoding, and encoding. One powerful moment was watching students physically build words with the magnetic letters, segment sounds, and then manipulate the letters to create new words, making abstract phonics concepts concrete and accessible.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the kits, they were immediately excited and eager to begin. Many students dove right in, carefully arranging letters and proudly reading the words they created. Students who often struggle with reading showed increased confidence as they realized they could \"see\" and \"touch\" the sounds in words.\r\n\r\nNext, students will continue using the kits to strengthen phonics skills, practice spelling patterns, and apply their learning to reading and writing tasks. These hands-on tools are helping students build strong foundational skills and a growing belief in themselves as readers.","fullyFundedDate":1767022740057,"projectUrl":"project/phonic-aids/9808301/","projectTitle":"Phonic Aids","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rodriguez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8804334_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1765125697126","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8804334"},{"teacherId":479637,"projectId":6605479,"letterContent":"The addition of our new science materials— including a microscope, prepared slides, hand magnifiers, and our butterfly nursery—has transformed curiosity into hands-on discovery for my kindergarten students. Instead of simply hearing about the world around them, my students are now able to see it up close.\r\n\r\nThe microscope and slides have opened their eyes to an entirely new level of detail. They crowd around in excitement, taking turns to look at tiny structures they never knew existed. For many of them, it's the first time they've experienced real scientific tools, and it makes them feel like true scientists.\r\n\r\nOur butterfly nursery has been one of the most magical additions. Each day the children rush into the classroom to check on the caterpillars, observe changes, and record what they see. Watching the life cycle unfold in real time has sparked questions, conversations, and a sense of responsibility as they care for the insects.\r\n\r\nHand magnifiers have become a staple during outdoor exploration. Students now eagerly search for leaves, rocks, and insects to examine more closely. These tools have encouraged language development, collaboration, critical thinking, and a deeper connection to nature.\r\n\r\nOverall, these materials have created a richer, more engaging science experience in our classroom. They have helped my young learners become active investigators, confident explorers, and joyful participants in the scientific process. My students are learning that science isn't just something in a book—it's something they can touch, observe, and wonder about every single day.","fullyFundedDate":1660080051009,"projectUrl":"project/little-scientists/6605479/","projectTitle":"Little Scientists","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lee","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp479637_orig.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1556200683138","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-hendrix"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_17611","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":736,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":1,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":4,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":91,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":78.7,"schoolId":17611,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Ridgecrest Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Ridgecrest Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/spring-branch-independent-school-district/ridgecrest-elementary-school/17611"}