{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Alder Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":35.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":303080,"projectId":9730616,"letterContent":"Having our own color printer in the library has already been a boon, and will continue to be so as we go through the year. The only color printer I've had access to before is a poster printer for curricular needs. Now I can make library signage, copy kids' work in color, and handle emergency printing without having to leave the room (and the students!) mid-class. We are just getting going on our author/illustrator project, so I don't have photos of that yet, but I know the kids will enjoy being able to print covers they design online. In December we will have a visit from an author/illustrator pair, and I can't wait to see what the kids are inspired to do. Thank you for your generosity!","fullyFundedDate":1758828000213,"projectUrl":"project/colorful-student-authors-and-illustrator/9730616/","projectTitle":"Colorful Student Authors and Illustrators","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gassaway","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp303080_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530150376802","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wendygassaway"},{"teacherId":303080,"projectId":9717055,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for helping us purchase a new stations cart and activities to fill it! My students are inspired to play, create, and cooperate. It makes a great incentive for classes to focus and do their work if they know we get a stations day when we're done. Kids love to cooperate on building the longest or largest device with the pipes building set. It challenges their imagination to work with such an unusual shape. Having a new cart has simplified my life and lets us spend less time with set-up and more time diving into projects. It's also made cleanup a breeze, as even young kids can put the supplies back in the right bin and then get the bin onto the shelves. I remain in grateful awe of all the people who are willing to pitch in and make classroom dreams into reality.","fullyFundedDate":1758074608582,"projectUrl":"project/library-community-centers/9717055/","projectTitle":"Library Community Centers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gassaway","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp303080_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530150376802","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wendygassaway"},{"teacherId":8338799,"projectId":9795198,"letterContent":"When our snack boxes arrived, the excitement in my office was immediate! My students' eyes lit up when they saw the granola bars, fruit snacks, yogurts, and popcorn—all things many of them don't always have easy access to at home. These small but meaningful treats have made such a big difference in our day-to-day routines.\r\n\r\nI work with students in grades K–5, and these snacks have become a comforting part of their SEL (Social Emotional Learning) check-ins and breaks in my counseling office. For many of my 3rd–5th graders—and even some of my younger K–2 students—having something to eat helps them transition more smoothly into our conversations and activities. It's amazing to see how a little snack can help them open up, calm down, and refocus.\r\n\r\nAt our Title I school, where many families face food insecurity, these snacks do more than just fill hungry tummies—they help meet a basic need that allows students to show up as their best selves. When kids are nourished, they're ready to learn, listen, and grow.\r\n\r\nMy hope is that these snacks continue to fuel not just their bodies, but also their motivation and confidence throughout the day. Your generosity has created a small but powerful ripple effect of care and compassion in our school community.\r\n\r\nFrom the bottom of my heart (and with full bellies all around), thank you for supporting our students' well-being!","fullyFundedDate":1760739919645,"projectUrl":"project/snacks-and-support-helping-students-fee/9795198/","projectTitle":"Snacks and Support: Helping Students Feel Safe and Seen","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jazmin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8338799_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1762467167530","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8338799"},{"teacherId":9937587,"projectId":9304796,"letterContent":"I apologize I have been out on leave and only now responding. \r\n\r\nOur teachers have been busy laminating a lot of language cards using the pouches from donors choose and printing paper. We have so many different needs of students this year such as different languages/ ASD students who need visuals and the resources provided have really helped us in implementing this. \r\n\r\nWe have been using the utility cart a lot! It's been helpful in transporting materials from cars to the classrooms and when we have heavy packages at the front office.","fullyFundedDate":1747844435570,"projectUrl":"project/laminate-away/9304796/","projectTitle":"Laminate Away!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Sandi brar","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9937587"},{"teacherId":6776601,"projectId":9319205,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your support. My students and I appreciate the support from the community. This project would only be possible with the support of donors like you and the support of the community. \r\nThe recess equipment will be used throughout the school year. In order for our students to learn they also need to get out and get physical exercise. The recess equipment will be another avenue for the students to decompress. \r\nI would like to thank you again for such a generous donation to our future productive members of this society.","fullyFundedDate":1753243062274,"projectUrl":"project/recess-equipment/9319205/","projectTitle":"Recess Equipment!","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Arreguin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6776601_orig.jpg?crop=2131,2131,x387,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1603742024676","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6776601"},{"teacherId":9871969,"projectId":9002753,"letterContent":"The calming space you helped us create for our classroom has been so impactful. The students can select this area any time, and it has been a vehicle for many children to learn new ways to regulate their bodies. \r\n\r\nWhen they feel they need a break, whether they're tired, upset, overstimulated, or just in the mood to be calm/mindful, they can put up their picture to show it's their turn and use the tools you helped us obtain to meet their needs of the moment. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for contributing to this project. Being aware of one's sensory needs is foundational for general functioning in this life. These children are building this skill in this space, and we couldn't be more grateful for your generosity.","fullyFundedDate":1740980775136,"projectUrl":"project/calming-space-for-preschoolers/9002753/","projectTitle":"Calming Space for Preschoolers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Murray","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9871969"},{"teacherId":303080,"projectId":8363718,"letterContent":"What a wonderful way to end our school year! Students were amazed when we greeted them at the door and instead of bringing them into the library, led them outside. There a volunteer was set up at a \"Mini S'mores\" station, handing out graham crackers and chocolate. That alone was enough to make kids' days, and we got so many hugs and thank yous and \"best day ever!\" comments. \r\n\r\nAfter kids finished their snacks, we led them into the library. The room was dark, with only the starry skies for light. I'd gathered camping and nature books, both those you supplied and some we already had, and students chose from those, then got a flashlight to read by. In some classes, we gathered around a fake fire and read a camping book or scary stories. In other classes, we built our own fires using paper bag logs and tissue paper flames.\r\n\r\nFor the grand finale, we gathered each class in front of the forest backdrop for a group photo. Once they had checked out books, cleaned up, and returned the flashlights, each kid got a national parks sticker to keep. \r\n\r\nAs his class lined up, one second grader looked up at me solemnly and said, \"I guess this was a very special day.\" How right he was. The best part is knowing that we can do something very similar each May, with our star projector, camping books, and mini flashlight sets. I truly believe this will become a cherished tradition at our school.","fullyFundedDate":1719433832603,"projectUrl":"project/the-great-library-campout/8363718/","projectTitle":"The Great Library Campout","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Gassaway","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp303080_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1530150376802","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/wendygassaway"},{"teacherId":9843811,"projectId":8956069,"letterContent":"Your generosity is blooming in our preschool garden!\r\n\r\nThe children (and staff!) were thrilled when the materials you funded arrived ... just in time for spring! Our little gardeners rolled up their sleeves, moved soil, planted flowers and veggies, and even welcomed a wiggly worm farm. They loved learning how worms help our garden grow (and, of course, getting their hands dirty!).\r\n\r\nBest of all, your gifts will keep growing with us! The tools, planters, and worm farm will be used year after year, helping new classes of children discover the magic of gardening. Every seed planted, every worm observed, and every flower picked will build a lasting love for nature.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us nurture both plants and young minds. Your support connects our students to the lifelong joy of gardening. We couldn't do it without you!","fullyFundedDate":1741291548224,"projectUrl":"project/preschool-outdoor-classroom-supplies/8956069/","projectTitle":"Preschool Outdoor Classroom Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Vivian","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9843811"},{"teacherId":9820860,"projectId":8915192,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has become a place where reading feels magical. The new books and supplies you helped provide are being used daily to build essential literacy skills—like decoding, comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary. These materials are especially important in a special education setting, where every student learns differently and benefits from hands-on tools, visual supports, and engaging, accessible texts.\r\n\r\nReading in our room doesn't always look traditional—students might be reading aloud with a partner, using finger-tracking tools to follow along, or listening to an audiobook while building confidence. These books have helped us meet students at their level and grow their love for reading.\r\n\r\nOne student in particular, who used to resist reading time, now rushes to the book bin to grab her favorite new story. Another student has started choosing to read during free time—something that felt impossible just months ago. These moments of joy and growth are because of you.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping us create a space where all students feel empowered to learn, explore, and succeed through reading!","fullyFundedDate":1731095626930,"projectUrl":"project/creating-magic-in-special-education-eve/8915192/","projectTitle":"Creating Magic in Special Education: Every Gift Counts","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kaitlyn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9820860_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y231&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1741628207810","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9820860"},{"teacherId":9726129,"projectId":8838327,"letterContent":"The English Language Learners at Alder Elementary learn phonics, high-frequency words, and set phrases from picture books. They make connections with the text, practice sequencing and retelling, and just have fun escaping into new worlds.\r\n\r\nNewcomers are learning about food through Eric Carle's \"The Hungry Caterpillar,\" while first graders are changing their perspective through William Joyce's \"George Shrinks.\" Soon fourth and fifth graders will do a novel study via Peter Brown's \"The Wild Robot.\"\r\n\r\nStudents of all ages enjoy the picture books from this project and it's thanks to your generous donation! From the staff and students of Alder, we genuinely appreciate your kindness.","fullyFundedDate":1728454510880,"projectUrl":"project/adventures-in-english-through-picture-bo/8838327/","projectTitle":"Adventures in English Through Picture Books","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cocquio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9726129_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726185589750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9726129"},{"teacherId":9726129,"projectId":8769788,"letterContent":"The English Language Learners at Alder Elementary were both surprised and grateful to see the fidgets, wobble chairs, weighted stuffed animals, alternative lighting, and comfortable floor pillows when they first entered the classroom, and have used them every day since! A sense of calmness flowed throughout the class, creating a safe environment for learning English.\r\n\r\nAs we continue to learn language functions and forms, students have been applying their learning with the games like Guess Who and Bananagrams. The younger students have especially loved the Alphabet Soup cans and Mystery Box to reinforce their vocabulary, letter recognition, and phonemic awareness. Along with the academic benefits of this project, students have been connecting with each other on a social level, building their social-emotional and executive function skills. It has been such a beautiful process of language learning for the past few months.","fullyFundedDate":1726359735773,"projectUrl":"project/building-a-multi-sensory-ell-classroom/8769788/","projectTitle":"Building a Multi-Sensory ELL Classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Cocquio","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9726129_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726185589750","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9726129"},{"teacherId":9509690,"projectId":8782434,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation to our classroom through DonorsChoose. Thanks to your support, we now have an exciting array of sensory tools, books, toys, and games that have made a profound impact on our students and their learning experiences.\r\n\r\nThe sensory tools, in particular, have been a game-changer for our students, especially for those who benefit from having a way to focus their energy while learning. These resources provide them with ways to regulate their emotions, improve concentration, and feel more comfortable in the classroom environment. Whether it's a fidget toy to keep hands busy during independent reading or a weighted blanket to help a student feel grounded, these tools are allowing all of our students to engage in learning in their own unique ways.\r\n\r\nThe new books have also had a significant impact. For many of our students, reading is more than just an academic skill—it's a way to build confidence, empathy, and a sense of belonging. These texts provide opportunities to explore a wide range of themes, from friendship and teamwork to perseverance and self-acceptance. We've been diving into stories that not only improve literacy skills but also encourage emotional growth, with characters that our students can relate to on a personal level.\r\n\r\nSome of our students are particularly excited about the new resources. For instance, they've really taken to a new book about social-emotional learning. It's been amazing to watch them connect with the content in such a personal way, using the book as a way to understand their own feelings and interactions with others.\r\n\r\nThese books, toys, games, and sensory tools are more than just items—they are integral parts of a learning ecosystem that is fostering growth in every area of our students' development. Thanks to you, our classroom is a more inclusive, engaging, and thoughtful place for every student.\r\n\r\nI cannot thank you enough for your support and generosity. Your contributions are making a lasting difference in the lives of our students, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our classroom community.","fullyFundedDate":1728005886766,"projectUrl":"project/soothing-and-sensory-corner-for-the-reso/8782434/","projectTitle":"Soothing and Sensory Corner for the Resource Room","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Emma Barry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9509690_orig.jpg?crop=2701,2701,x322,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1720063335923","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9509690"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_88297","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":340,"numTeachers":29,"percentFrplEligible":71,"percentAsian":11,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":11,"percentIndigenous":1,"percentLatinx":54,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"11.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":64.1,"schoolId":88297,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Alder Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Alder Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/oregon/reynolds-school-district-7/alder-elementary-school/88297"}