{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Brook Avenue Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":28.1,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7392133,"projectId":9381404,"letterContent":"I want to thank you for your generous donation to our classroom! Yoto has been a huge hit with my students! They rotate using it during their reading and math station time, so they have the opportunity to listen to music while they work or listen to an audio book as a listening station. They truly love it and I feel blessed to offer that experience to them! \r\n\r\nI have been teaching for 6 years and I have always struggled to wind students down after a long day, but with Yoto, I pop one of the audio books in and I have the entire class quietly intrigued! What a blessing it has been in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1749061833311,"projectUrl":"project/yoto-literacy-so-we-can-read-vigorously/9381404/","projectTitle":"Yoto Literacy so We can Read Vigorously!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rankin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7392133_orig.png?crop=1558,1558,x185,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748361742233","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7392133"},{"teacherId":9722324,"projectId":9018054,"letterContent":"The color printer has quickly become one of the most exciting and valuable tools in our classroom. For our students, it's more than just a machine—it's a window to bring their learning to life in vibrant, engaging ways. With the ability to print in color, students can now see their projects, visuals, and creative work come alive in full detail, which significantly enhances both comprehension and enthusiasm for learning.\r\n\r\nThis technology is helping our students in ways that go far beyond aesthetics. For example, in reading and science, we're able to print detailed diagrams, maps, and anchor charts that support visual learners and students developing language skills. In math, we use color-coded visuals to highlight patterns and problem-solving steps. For multilingual learners, we can print bilingual vocabulary cards and culturally relevant materials that affirm their identity and support language acquisition. The color printer allows us to differentiate instruction more effectively—and more beautifully—than ever before.\r\n\r\nWhat excites the students most is seeing their own work printed in color. One fourth-grade student who previously showed little interest in writing became incredibly motivated after seeing her poetry printed with custom illustrations and colorful fonts—she now asks if she can create more \"books\" to share with the class! This printer is not just a tool—it's an amplifier of student voice, creativity, and confidence. Thank you for giving our students this opportunity to see their ideas in vivid color—it's made a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1739470654313,"projectUrl":"project/coloring-their-future-a-printer-for-cre/9018054/","projectTitle":"Coloring Their Future: A Printer for Creative Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Licea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9722324_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735007405787","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/licea"},{"teacherId":9722324,"projectId":9018057,"letterContent":"Our students have been absolutely captivated by the vinyl record player and the rich musical experiences it has made possible. Many had never seen a record player before, and their eyes lit up the first time we placed the needle on a spinning vinyl. It was a moment of awe and curiosity—exactly what we hoped for when we envisioned this project. This tool has become a gateway into meaningful conversations about musical genres, cultural traditions, and historical eras, turning our classroom into a space where history, art, and sound come together.\r\n\r\nThis technology has helped our students develop a deeper appreciation for music's role in shaping culture and history. We've explored everything from jazz and Motown to Latin rhythms and classical masterpieces, giving students a hands-on way to understand the social and political movements that accompanied each musical period. What excites them the most is the tactile nature of vinyl—lifting the cover, reading the liner notes, and hearing the warm, authentic sound of a record. It's a different kind of learning experience that makes history feel alive.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular, who is usually quiet during traditional lessons, has become our resident DJ—eager to help set up records and share his thoughts about the sounds we explore. His confidence has grown, and music has become his bridge to deeper classroom engagement. This record player hasn't just been a tool; it's been a spark. Thank you for making this journey possible for our students—they're not just listening to music, they're learning from it in ways that are personal, powerful, and lasting.","fullyFundedDate":1739470654336,"projectUrl":"project/spinning-history/9018057/","projectTitle":"Spinning History","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Licea","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9722324_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1735007405787","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/licea"},{"teacherId":7884877,"projectId":9219160,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our students had the best time adding their own flair to Field Day — all because of the awesome hats you helped provide!\r\n\r\nA Creative Moment to Remember:\r\nWhen the students received their hats, the room immediately filled with laughter, excitement, and so much creativity. Tables were covered with markers, stickers, glitter, and more as each student went to work designing their own one-of-a-kind Field Day hat. It was incredible to see how proud they were of their designs — each hat became a reflection of their personality and spirit!\r\n\r\nStudent Reactions:\r\nOne student said, \"I've never gotten to decorate something like this before — mine has my name and a lightning bolt because I'm fast!\" Moments like that made it clear that this small gesture made a big impact.\r\n\r\nWhat's Next:\r\nThe hats turned into great conversation starters and team builders as students shared their designs with pride. They're already asking when we'll do a similar project again — and we're exploring ways to keep bringing fun, creative, community-building experiences like this into the classroom.\r\n\r\nFrom all of us at Brook Avenue Elementary, thank you for making Field Day even more memorable. Your kindness gave our kids a moment to express themselves, laugh together, and create lasting memories.","fullyFundedDate":1746786492325,"projectUrl":"project/styln-for-field-day/9219160/","projectTitle":"Styln' for Field Day!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cavazos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7884877_orig.jpg?crop=1209,1209,x213,y147&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745155683786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7884877"},{"teacherId":7884877,"projectId":9017480,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our Chill & Learn project has made a real difference in keeping our students refreshed and energized during outdoor activities like Field Day. The new fridge has allowed us to store cold drinks safely and conveniently, so every student could enjoy a cool, hydrating beverage after participating in races, games, and team challenges under the hot Texas sun.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the fridge stocked with their favorite drinks, their excitement was contagious—many said it made them feel cared for and ready to give their best effort throughout the day. This simple resource has helped us promote healthy habits, ensuring students stay hydrated while learning the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we plan to continue using the fridge for other school events, classroom celebrations, and wellness activities. It's become a valuable tool in supporting student health and boosting morale, so our learners can stay focused, motivated, and ready to tackle whatever comes next!","fullyFundedDate":1742823939271,"projectUrl":"project/chill-learn/9017480/","projectTitle":"Chill & Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cavazos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7884877_orig.jpg?crop=1209,1209,x213,y147&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745155683786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7884877"},{"teacherId":7884877,"projectId":9330553,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our school now has a brand-new color printer that has truly transformed how our students create and present their work—especially for science fair projects. While many donors might be familiar with technology at home, this printer plays a crucial role in helping our students bring their ideas to life in vibrant, visual ways that deepen their learning.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for our students is seeing their projects come alive in full color—charts, diagrams, and illustrations look professional and eye-catching, which boosts their confidence and pride in their work. For many students, this printer is not just a tool; it's a way to communicate complex scientific concepts more clearly and creatively.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular, who is usually shy about presenting, found new enthusiasm after printing his project in color. He shared that seeing his work in vivid detail made him feel like a true scientist, encouraging him to speak up and explain his ideas with confidence. This printer has become an essential resource that inspires creativity, engagement, and academic growth in our classrooms.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us provide a tool that sparks imagination and supports student success!","fullyFundedDate":1746786260239,"projectUrl":"project/ink-that-inspires/9330553/","projectTitle":"Ink That Inspires","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cavazos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7884877_orig.jpg?crop=1209,1209,x213,y147&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745155683786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7884877"},{"teacherId":7884877,"projectId":9262858,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our school now has a brand-new color printer that has truly transformed how our students create and present their work—especially for science fair projects. While many donors might be familiar with technology at home, this printer plays a crucial role in helping our students bring their ideas to life in vibrant, visual ways that deepen their learning.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for our students is seeing their projects come alive in full color—charts, diagrams, and illustrations look professional and eye-catching, which boosts their confidence and pride in their work. For many students, this printer is not just a tool; it's a way to communicate complex scientific concepts more clearly and creatively.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular, who is usually shy about presenting, found new enthusiasm after printing his project in color. He shared that seeing his work in vivid detail made him feel like a true scientist, encouraging him to speak up and explain his ideas with confidence. This printer has become an essential resource that inspires creativity, engagement, and academic growth in our classrooms.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us provide a tool that sparks imagination and supports student success!","fullyFundedDate":1746786260336,"projectUrl":"project/ink-that-inspires/9262858/","projectTitle":"Ink That Inspires","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cavazos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7884877_orig.jpg?crop=1209,1209,x213,y147&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745155683786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7884877"},{"teacherId":7884877,"projectId":9262850,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our school now has a dedicated freezer to help us keep popsicles and other frozen treats ready for our students—and it's already making a big difference! We're using this resource to support schoolwide celebrations, attendance incentives, and behavior rewards. Having a reliable way to store frozen items means we can plan ahead for student recognition and ensure that every child receives a treat, no matter the time of day or weather outside.\r\n\r\nWhen students first saw the stocked freezer, their excitement was contagious. One student asked, \"Is this all for us?\"—and seeing their faces light up with joy reminded us of the power of small, consistent acts of kindness. This freezer allows us to build meaningful moments of celebration that strengthen our campus community and show students that their efforts and kindness don't go unnoticed.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we plan to use the freezer for monthly recognition events, family engagement nights, and campus-wide celebrations. With this new addition, we're better equipped to support not only our students' joy but also their motivation to learn, grow, and show kindness to others. Thank you for helping us keep kindness cool, one popsicle at a time!","fullyFundedDate":1745772104346,"projectUrl":"project/keeping-kindness-cool-a-freezer-to-supp/9262850/","projectTitle":"Keeping Kindness Cool: A Freezer to Support Our School Community","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cavazos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7884877_orig.jpg?crop=1209,1209,x213,y147&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745155683786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7884877"},{"teacherId":7884877,"projectId":9262860,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our Frozen Fun project brought smiles, laughter, and a refreshing treat to every student at Brook Avenue Elementary! With the Texas sun blazing during our Field Day and end-of-year celebrations, the popsicles you helped provide were the perfect way to cool down, recharge, and enjoy a well-earned reward for a year of hard work.\r\n\r\nWhen our students saw the cart of colorful popsicles being rolled out, their eyes lit up and cheers erupted across the playground. One student grinned and said, \"This is the best part of the day!\" For many of our kids, simple joys like this can make a world of difference. Your donation turned a hot afternoon into a celebration of togetherness, joy, and community.\r\n\r\nWhile this project may not have involved textbooks or tech, it deeply supported student well-being. By offering moments of happiness and recognition, we reinforced the values of kindness, celebration, and gratitude. Next, we plan to continue building on these positive moments with attendance celebrations and classroom rewards—and your generosity reminded our students that they are cared for and supported.","fullyFundedDate":1746785955664,"projectUrl":"project/frozen-fun/9262860/","projectTitle":"Frozen Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cavazos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7884877_orig.jpg?crop=1209,1209,x213,y147&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745155683786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7884877"},{"teacherId":7884877,"projectId":9262863,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible support, our Chillin' Out on Field Day project made a huge difference for our students! The portable cooler you helped fund allowed us to keep popsicles perfectly frozen and ready to go throughout the entire Field Day. With Texas heat in full force, having a reliable way to keep our treats cool meant every student got to enjoy a refreshing break after giving their all in relay races, tug-of-war, and other outdoor activities.\r\n\r\nWhen students saw the cooler being rolled out—full of icy, colorful popsicles—you could hear the cheers from across the playground. One student said, \"This is exactly what we needed!\" It was such a fun and meaningful way to celebrate their hard work, teamwork, and school spirit.\r\n\r\nYour donation didn't just provide snacks—it helped create lasting memories. Because of the portable cooler, we were able to offer treats safely and efficiently, and we plan to continue using it for future events, class celebrations, and attendance incentive days.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a hot day so much cooler—for both our students and staff!","fullyFundedDate":1746785931856,"projectUrl":"project/chillin-out-on-field-day-keep-our-trea/9262863/","projectTitle":"Chillin' Out on Field Day: Keep Our Treats Cool","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cavazos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7884877_orig.jpg?crop=1209,1209,x213,y147&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745155683786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7884877"},{"teacherId":7884877,"projectId":9330551,"letterContent":"Thanks to your incredible support, our Frosty Fun project brought the ultimate cool treat to Brook Avenue Elementary's Field Day—a snow cone machine! With Texas temperatures climbing and students giving their all in outdoor games and relays, your donation helped us create a refreshing and unforgettable experience.\r\n\r\nWhen students spotted the snow cone station, their excitement was immediate. \"Wait... we get real snow cones?!\" one student exclaimed, eyes wide with disbelief. Each student chose their flavor and watched with amazement as their snow cone was made fresh just for them. The joy on their faces as they held their brightly colored cups was the highlight of the day!\r\n\r\nThis wasn't just about a treat—it was about creating a memory. The snow cone machine brought students, staff, and families together for a shared moment of celebration and fun. For many of our students, this was their first time experiencing a snow cone made on-site, and it turned an already special day into something magical.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we plan to use the snow cone machine for future school celebrations, attendance incentives, and community events. Your generosity gave us a resource that will continue to bring smiles and school spirit well beyond Field Day.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us make this day so special!","fullyFundedDate":1746786297322,"projectUrl":"project/frosty-fun/9330551/","projectTitle":"Frosty Fun","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cavazos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7884877_orig.jpg?crop=1209,1209,x213,y147&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745155683786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7884877"},{"teacherId":7884877,"projectId":9017471,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has come alive with the joy of reading through our new collection of bilingual books! These texts have opened doors for our students to engage with literacy in both English and their native language, allowing them to create meaningful projects that celebrate their identities.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is more than just decoding words—it's about connection. Students use these bilingual books to build vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and develop fluency in both languages. Through read-alouds, partner reading, and creative projects like story retellings, posters, and cultural presentations, students are not only improving their academic skills but also building confidence and pride in their heritage.\r\n\r\nOne of the most powerful lessons these books teach is that being bilingual is a superpower. Students see characters and stories that reflect their own experiences, which fosters a sense of belonging and validates their language and culture in an academic setting.\r\n\r\nA few students who were once hesitant to participate have truly blossomed. For example, a student who primarily speaks Spanish at home now eagerly volunteers to read aloud in both languages, proudly showcasing his bilingual abilities. Another student created a beautiful family storybook in her native language, which she shared with the class and even took home to read with her grandparents.\r\n\r\nThanks to your support, bilingual books have not only improved reading skills but also created a more inclusive and empowering classroom environment. You've helped us show our students that their voices matter—in every language.","fullyFundedDate":1745213824581,"projectUrl":"project/bilingual-books-boundless-futures/9017471/","projectTitle":"Bilingual Books, Boundless Futures","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cavazos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7884877_orig.jpg?crop=1209,1209,x213,y147&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1745155683786","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7884877"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_18527","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":386,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":42,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":50,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"16.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":71.9,"schoolId":18527,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Brook Avenue Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Brook Avenue Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/texas/waco-independent-school-district/brook-ave-elementary-school/18527"}
Join the 32 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Brook Avenue Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Waco, Texas that is part of Waco Independent School District.
It serves 386 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.1:1.
Its teachers have had 21 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
92%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Brook Avenue Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Brook Avenue Elementary School
$9,466
raised using DonorsChoose
21
projects
funded
10
teachers
funded
32
donors
9
projects for
technology
4
projects for
books
Brook Avenue Elementary School has received support from
23 individuals from Texas and
9 individuals out-of-state.