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{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Emergence Academy","outOfStateSupporters":39.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8627047,"projectId":9856784,"letterContent":"Because of your support, these laptops have completely changed how my students experience learning. Instead of just playing video games, they are now learning how games are created. Using platforms like Unity, Scratch, and Minecraft Education Edition, students are building their own simple games, exploring coding, and understanding how design and logic work together. For many of my students, who are newcomers and English learners, this has made learning more accessible because they can see, create, and interact with content instead of only reading about it. The laptops have also allowed us to expand into multimedia editing, where students create videos and audio for performances and podcast projects, strengthening both their technical and communication skills.\r\n\r\nWhat excites students the most is the power and speed of these laptops. They are able to run real design programs, edit videos, and participate in esports activities without frustration. This has made our after-school club one of the most engaging spaces in the school. Students collaborate, solve problems, and even teach each other new skills. For many of them, it is the first time they feel confident using advanced technology, and they are proud to create something of their own.\r\n\r\nI have also seen specific students truly shine with this technology. Some who struggled to stay engaged during traditional lessons are now leading group projects, designing game ideas, or helping edit videos for our podcast and school events. These laptops have given them a space where their interests matter and their talents can grow. Thanks to you, my students are not just consumers of technology anymore; they are creators, storytellers, and future innovators.","fullyFundedDate":1769607970981,"projectUrl":"project/building-our-schools-esports-and-game-d/9856784/","projectTitle":"Building Our School’s Esports and Game Design Hub","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Marles","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8627047_orig.jpg?crop=1907,1908,x0,y1023&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1758431972102","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mr-marles"},{"teacherId":9208544,"projectId":9757316,"letterContent":"This has by-far been one of our most favorite Ðǿմ«Ã½ projects that we have been graciously funded for. We had put a project in for Airpods with the intention to use them for live-translating for our students and families. As a school that services students that are 100% immigrants and refugees and students whose first language is not English, this has significantly improved effectiveness and efficiency in communicating with students and families. A traditional translating app or website often takes a significant more amount of time, and often has mistakes. The Airpods allow us to communicate quicker and much more effectively with students and families, as well.\r\n\r\nWe are incredibly thankful for the generous donation that allows us to bridge the communication gap that we often face with our students and families. We are able to communicate much easier and are able to develop a more trusting relationship much quicker. \r\n\r\nThank you again to our donors!!","fullyFundedDate":1769210100112,"projectUrl":"project/breaking-language-barriers-one-earbud-a/9757316/","projectTitle":"Breaking Language Barriers, One Earbud at a Time","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Park","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9208544_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694623817525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9208544"},{"teacherId":9198047,"projectId":9806337,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of this project. Your contribution has had a profound impact on my students, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity you have helped create for them.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, students have been able to engage in a creative process that is both deeply personal and academically meaningful. This project has provided them with the time, space, and tools to reflect on their identities and express their experiences in ways that feel authentic and empowering. For students who are navigating new environments, new languages, and new chapters in their lives, that opportunity is invaluable.\r\n\r\nThe impact has been clear from the very beginning. Students approached the work with a level of care and intention that speaks to how much this experience matters to them. Using the Polaroid cameras, they quickly understood that each photograph was a choice—something to be considered, framed, and captured with purpose. This slower, more deliberate process encouraged them to think deeply about what represents them: their memories, their values, their relationships, and their hopes.\r\n\r\nThese photographs became powerful entry points into writing. Students used their images as inspiration for original poems, and the results have been remarkable. Their work reflects honesty, creativity, and growing confidence. Many students who initially struggled to express themselves in writing began to take risks, experimenting with language and sharing ideas that are thoughtful and personal. The connection between image and text made the writing process more accessible, helping students generate ideas and develop their voices.","fullyFundedDate":1766866419035,"projectUrl":"project/photo-poetry-and-identity/9806337/","projectTitle":"Photo-Poetry and Identity","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Glenn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9198047"},{"teacherId":5700274,"projectId":9619948,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donation, we've been able to maintain a clean, sanitized classroom while fully engaging in collaborative math learning each day. After the second quarter, we shifted from an \"I do, we do, you do\" model to a more student-centered, problem-solving approach. The manipulatives and supplies you provided made this transition possible and effective. My students are now more engaged, thinking critically, taking ownership of their learning, and truly thriving both academically and socially.","fullyFundedDate":1757541691849,"projectUrl":"project/count-on-clean-a-math-and-mindful-class/9619948/","projectTitle":"Count on Clean: A Math and Mindful Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Stone","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5700274_orig.jpg?crop=583,583,x0,y11&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1724168920803","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/morgan-stone"},{"teacherId":5545637,"projectId":10095762,"letterContent":"The aim of this community learning project was to support students' self-empowerment as scientists and community leaders who actively participate in civic society. Students analyzed the causes and environmental effects of sewers overflowing in Springfield, Massachusetts, and then tackled this real-world environmental issue to benefit their local community, all the while learning rigorous science standards. This was possible all thanks to your generous support! Students themselves put together parts of the Donors Choose request, teaching them fundraising and budgeting skills. Students chose what materials they needed to make their project come to life. Furthermore, at the end of the project, students learned that the Springfield Sewage Plant is hiring for summer internships, and many of our students are applying! So, you not only inspired the learning of content, but also inspired community connections that will be greatly impactful on students' career success. Thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1774312438995,"projectUrl":"project/help-us-clean-the-connecticut-river/10095762/","projectTitle":"Help us Clean the Connecticut River","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Bardos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5545637_orig.jpg?crop=800,800,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723482572500","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5545637"},{"teacherId":5545637,"projectId":10043973,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting students in getting the essential classroom materials that they need to succeed in school and beyond. Securing basics like pencils and pens for students is very meaningful: it takes the pressure and attention away from purchasing supplies, and allows them to focus their attention on the learning at hand. We really appreciate community partnerships and relationships like this one. Students are using these pencils and whiteboard markers EVERY DAY--it makes learning more fun to use the mini whiteboards to write their answers; it is accessible to visual learners. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1769128374174,"projectUrl":"project/students-need-ink-help-us-get-whiteboar/10043973/","projectTitle":"Students Need Ink! Help Us Get Whiteboard Markers and Pencils!","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Bardos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5545637_orig.jpg?crop=800,800,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723482572500","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5545637"},{"teacherId":5545637,"projectId":9857806,"letterContent":"Thank you so very much for supporting the dissection lab for 9th grade biology! Unfortunately, the frogs were continuously not available from Carolina Supply Company. However, our team decided to do owl pellet dissections instead! Students will dissect the owl pellets to study the food chain, visually seeing how owls are predators (secondary/tertiary consumers) who eat prey (mice, primary consumers), and will be able to better understand the environment in which owls live in. I myself remember dissecting owl pellets in science class--it was hands-on labs that ignited my curiosity and passion for studying biology, the study of life. And now, you are igniting the curiosities and passions of our students. Thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1763587987273,"projectUrl":"project/scalpels-forceps-and-frogs-oh-my/9857806/","projectTitle":"Scalpels, Forceps, and Frogs -Oh My!","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Bardos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5545637_orig.jpg?crop=800,800,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723482572500","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5545637"},{"teacherId":5545637,"projectId":9839528,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support in securing essential classroom supplies for students to learn in biology, math, and environmental science class. These math manipulatives have been making a HUGE difference in supporting high school students in their math intervention classes: they make learning real and relatable, and they support kinesthetic learners! The other classroom supplies are much-needed resources to ensure the smooth and efficient running of our classrooms. We have scissors now!!! We are very grateful for your time and support!","fullyFundedDate":1763593648918,"projectUrl":"project/secure-supplies-for-students-to-succeed/9839528/","projectTitle":"Secure Supplies for Students to Succeed","teacherDisplayName":"Mx. Bardos","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5545637_orig.jpg?crop=800,800,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723482572500","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5545637"},{"teacherId":1984379,"projectId":9367443,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our classroom and helping bring this project to life! Your generosity ensures that our students have consistent access to fully charged laptops, which are essential to their daily learning. Without interruptions caused by low batteries, we can maximize instructional time and keep students engaged in meaningful, real-world tasks. The charging station will also help us stay organized and take better care of our technology. Most importantly, your support empowers our students with the tools they need to succeed in a digital world. We are truly grateful for your kindness and investment in their future!","fullyFundedDate":1757508013907,"projectUrl":"project/a-parking-spot/9367443/","projectTitle":"A Parking Spot","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. County","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp1984379_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1665664345481","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mike-county"},{"teacherId":10176668,"projectId":9601666,"letterContent":"The materials received were fundamental to developing the lessons corresponding to the geometry curriculum. For many of my students, this was the first time they had ever used a compass—the first time they performed geometric constructions or used these tools to take measurements. Without these materials, we would have been forced to rely on virtual resources, and our students would have been deprived of the opportunity to manipulate the materials themselves. Manipulating these tools extends the learning experience to more senses, thereby enabling a greater number of students to acquire a wider range of content and skills.\r\n\r\nFor my students, it was highly motivating to have new, high-quality materials in their hands. Many of them felt insecure about working with geometry prior to this school year; however, as they realized—through these classroom experiences—that they could perform geometric constructions themselves and use the tools to take measurements and verify their own conjectures, their confidence and willingness to take risks grew day by day. Today, these materials are quite familiar to them, and they will never forget how to use them.","fullyFundedDate":1755693299631,"projectUrl":"project/dont-be-a-square-geometry-rocks/9601666/","projectTitle":"Don’t Be a Square: Geometry Rocks!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Hernandez","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10176668_orig.jpg?crop=982,982,x0,y458&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755533035572","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10176668"},{"teacherId":9208544,"projectId":9748056,"letterContent":"Thank you so so much for your generous donation!\r\n\r\nWith the donation of two new microwaves, we were able to replace one older, broken microwave, as well as add a new microwave in a shared space for all students to be able to use throughout the day. \r\n\r\nOur new color printer was also a huge hit! Students are now able to enjoy colored flyers and other posters around the school that were previously only in black and white. Students are also able to request printed materials for school-related projects, which has drastically improved the quality of students' work.\r\n\r\nAnd as always, Clorox wipes help keep our classrooms and shared spaces clean for all students and staff!\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generous contribution to our school community. We are sincerely thankful for donors like you!","fullyFundedDate":1768429045157,"projectUrl":"project/student-culture-office-refresh-20/9748056/","projectTitle":"Student Culture Office Refresh 2.0!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Park","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9208544_orig.jpg?crop=3024,3024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1694623817525","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9208544"},{"teacherId":10189424,"projectId":9673163,"letterContent":"As part of the topics I need to cover this year, I have found that my students engage more deeply when content is presented through stories. Because they are language learners, they have explored basic coding concepts using several story-based books I selected. One example is Computational Fairy Tales, which introduces computational ideas through dragons, lizards, and other fantasy elements. That text especially captured their attention. After noticing their interest, I made photocopies for everyone, and we spent time reading it together as a class and discussing comprehension questions. This activity strengthened their conversational, computational, comprehension, and logical-thinking skills.\r\n\r\nI also wanted students to take an active role in their learning, so I gave them choices about where to begin. They chose to start, with my guidance and hands-on activities, with Coding with Scratch. We soon realized they did not remember some Scratch fundamentals from previous years, so I provided a brief reintroduction to the tools we would use. They appreciated how straightforward the logic became as they followed the book's clear, step-by-step instructions. They began the first project and understood that we were working toward creating a game. In the process, they recognized that they were developing essential coding skills, including sequential logic, event triggers, and looping.\r\n\r\nFinally, students explored coding with Minecraft. Since most were already familiar with it, they found the initial steps accessible and engaging. We are progressing through that book at a measured pace because some students need additional time to grasp the underlying logic. I have adapted several tools and strategies from the text and scaffolded them to support all learners.\r\n\r\nOverall, we have enjoyed these books and the rich information they provide. I have consistently adapted and chunked the material into manageable, language-accessible segments for my middle school classes. Students have responded positively, and we are steadily building proficiency in core computing skills.","fullyFundedDate":1757544373565,"projectUrl":"project/opening-minds-reading-spaces-and-coding/9673163/","projectTitle":"Opening Minds: Reading Spaces and Coding Beginnings","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Alexis Aguilar Montilla","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10189424"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_130263","usesÐǿմ«Ã½":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":45,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":84,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":9,"percentWhite":8,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":77,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"6 - 8","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_MIDSIZE"},"inStateSupporters":60.4,"schoolId":130263,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Emergence Academy on @Ðǿմ«Ã½:","schoolName":"Emergence Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/massachusetts/springfield-public-school-district/emergence-academy-at-van-sickle/130263"}
Join the 273 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Emergence Academy is
an urban public school
in Springfield, Massachusetts that is part of Springfield Public School District.
It serves 45 students
in grades 6 - 8.
Its teachers have had 476 projects funded on Ðǿմ«Ã½.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
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.
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
88%
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.
Emergence Academy Support on Ðǿմ«Ã½
Last updated Apr 28, 2026
Ðǿմ«Ã½ 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.
Emergence Academy
$282,957
raised using Ðǿմ«Ã½
476
projects
funded
64
teachers
funded
273
donors
56
projects
for
basic supplies
111
projects for
technology
68
projects for
books
30
projects
for
art supplies
Emergence Academy has received support from
165 individuals from Massachusetts and
108 individuals out-of-state.