Mrs. Velasco-Espinoza's Classroom Edit display name

Current requests

Past projects 7

• STEM Science Stations and Books for Little Minds

  Funded Jan 22, 2025

  My students have become excited little scientists with the resources you contributed to. The Learn With Me Science book set sparked their interest about investigations and experiments. These books encouraged critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. The Sink or Float Science Station confirmed and reshaped my students' predictions about items that floated and sank. They were shocked to see how fast things sank, depending on their position on a raft and boat.

  Providing my students the opportunity to explore with hands-on tools has created much excitement about science. The Magnets Science Station stimulated their interest about magnetic forces. They were astonished to see cars move without being touched. They were amazed to move a toy rabbit through a maze with a magnetic wand. My students also explored measurement with the Mix and Measure Sets. They observed and asked questions about weight and capacity. They made predictions and measured beans and water with containers of different sizes and shapes. Lastly, the Jumbo Magnifiers allowed my students to investigate plants and insects in nature. They also enjoyed observing the attributes of shells up close. Your contribution towards all of these resources has extended and inspired my students' learning about science.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Velasco-Espinoza

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 9 other donors.

• Computers for Today, Knowledge for a Lifetime

  Funded Jan 25, 2019

  My kindergarten students have been enthusiastic about learning through the Dell Chromebooks. Those children who were nervous about using these computers because they had no prior experience with this type of technology are now thriving in their computer familiarity. My students have also shown growth in literacy skills through the individualized learning programs now available on the Chromebooks. Their time on the computers is extremely beneficial since the lessons are customized to their learning needs. It is wonderful to see my kindergarteners' excitement after viewing the virtual tours and videos about the historical people and places that we've been studying. All of this is possible because of your generosity. We thank you for investing in my students' lives.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Velasco-Espinoza

  This classroom project was brought to life by Verizon and 28 other donors.

• Art: Up Close & Personal

  Funded Mar 9, 2016

  I would like to express my appreciation for your generous support of the arts in our classroom. The Apple iPad 2s you funded opened doors to museums they could not physically visit. Students enjoyed virtually exploring New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art's digital features for kids, as well as the art and Gardens in LA's Getty Museum. The iPad 2s introduced my students to artists that shared their cultural backgrounds, like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.

  My students' artistic interests were captured by the artwork they viewed on the iPad 2s. Access to this technology inspired them to create their own masterpieces. My students were marveled at their abilities to create their own self-portraits. They enjoyed experimenting with shapes and lines that resembled techniques used by artists like Picasso. My students' confidence levels soared as they completed their works of art. Thank you for providing the technology that empowered my students through art.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Velasco-Espinoza

  This classroom project was brought to life by Disney and 5 other donors.

• Effective Technology Needed

  Funded Apr 11, 2015

  My students and I would like to thank you for your generous donation of an Apple MacBook Pro to our classroom. The MacBook Pro has opened doors to a world my students have not been able to physically visit. My students were so excited to see the units we had studied come to life right before their eyes. My students' interest and motivation soared as they asked, "Where are we going today?" Their young lives have been greatly impacted by your donation.

  The MacBook Pro has provided speedy access to online curriculum resources, videos, and tutorials. Because of limited resources, we were unable to take more than one field trip. However, with the MacBook Pro, we were able to visit oceans, national parks and monuments, multiple zoos and butterfly fields. Through online tutorials, students learned information that was not provided in the textbooks we studied. We also had the privilege to listen to portions of President Obama's historic "Selma" speech. As a teacher, I have used the MacBook Pro to discover effective lessons in PBS Learning Media that improved my instruction in the classroom. We are grateful to have been given these learning experiences. Furthermore, similar ongoing experiences will continue to benefit me and future students as well.

  The use of the MacBook Pro in my classroom has increased my students' awe and wonder about the world around them. Students collaborated and critically thought about our units of study. For example, they discussed and implemented ideas on our school's campus that were learned from Earth Day tutorials. My students understand that all of us can impact the world around us. The MacBook Pro has also increased my motivation to share the knowledge that is accessible on educational websites. I have grown as an educator by implementing teaching practices that have proved to be effective among my students. We are truly thankful that you decided to impact our world with your donation. ”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Velasco-Espinoza

  This classroom project was brought to life by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 7 other donors.

• Help Make Learning Fun

  Funded Jan 1, 2015

  My students and I would like to thank you for making their learning fun and engaging. The word building puzzles and phonics trains have allowed my students to apply the letter sound knowledge they have acquired. They enjoy working together to build as many words as possible. After building numerous words, they proudly display their successes to me. It is gratifying to see their tremendous growth. In addition, the magnetic write and wipe sentence strips have truly empowered my kindergarten students to write their very own sentences. These sentence strips have further motivated some of my students to become mini-teachers in the classroom. They enjoy administering and correcting each others' "spelling tests". These games have provided multiple low-anxiety methods of practicing reading and writing skills, all while capturing their interest. Your donations toward the purchase of these materials have given my students successful and uplifting school experiences. Thanks for making kindergarten fun!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Velasco-Espinoza

• Replace My Prehistoric Computers

  Funded May 10, 2012

  My students and I would like to thank you for your generous donation of a Sony VAIO laptop computer to our classroom. The laptop has provided an alternative to our slow, outdated computers. It has also served as a motivating tool because my students' behavior and work habits have improved.

  With the Sony laptop, they are now exploring the world around them in a safe environment. This is technology that has not been available in their homes.

  The Sony laptop has also provided speedy access to online curriculum resources, tutorials, and learning games. Your generous donation has given my class access to updated technological resources that would not have been provided by my school or district. We are truly thankful for your generosity. ”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Velasco-Espinoza

• Help Bring My Class Into the 21st Century

  Funded Jan 21, 2012

  I would like to thank you for bringing our classroom into the 21st Century. My students are excited to learn with our new Sony Tablet. This gift has given them access to modern technology that is not available in their own homes and that cannot be purchased by my school district's funds.

  Besides aiding instruction, the use of the Sony Tablet in my classroom has improved students' behavior and work habits. It has been a great motivator for all my students. They are all eager to explore the technology available at their fingertips. We are sincerely grateful for your generous donations. ”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Velasco-Espinoza

  This classroom project was brought to life by Wasserman Foundation and 20 other donors.