{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Bigfork Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":51.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2115430,"projectId":9564778,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous contribution toward bringing Kanoodle, Rush Hour, and Sudoku into our second grade classroom. Your support means so much to our students and to me as their teacher. These games will soon become a valuable part of our learning environment, and we are truly looking forward to the opportunities they will create for our young mathematicians.\r\n\r\nSecond graders are at a wonderful stage where they are discovering what it means to make sense of problems, try different ideas, and stick with challenges. These games will help us nurture that mindset. Once they arrive, they will be used as an extension tool during math time and as a free choice option that gives students meaningful practice while still having fun.\r\n\r\nKanoodle will give students the chance to explore spatial reasoning in a hands-on way. Many students who may feel unsure during traditional seatwork thrive when they can touch and manipulate pieces. I am excited to see how Kanoodle helps students develop confidence while they plan, experiment, and adjust their thinking.\r\n\r\nRush Hour is a game that naturally promotes logical reasoning. Students love the idea of moving the cars to free the main piece, and it encourages them to think several steps ahead. I know this game will spark collaboration and rich conversations as students share strategies, test out ideas, and learn from one another.\r\n\r\nSudoku will support students as they learn to look for patterns and use deductive reasoning. Even in a simplified format, it challenges them to slow down and think carefully about their choices. Many students enjoy puzzles during quiet times, and I am looking forward to offering Sudoku as an option that strengthens important mathematical habits.\r\n\r\nBeyond the academic benefits, these games will help build our classroom community. Students learn so much by working together and supporting one another. When they tackle a challenging puzzle or puzzle board, they practice patience, communication, and perseverance. These experiences help them understand that challenge is a natural part of learning and that it is something to embrace rather than avoid.\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting parts of receiving these games will be watching students shift their thinking about what it means to be successful in math. Instead of focusing only on answers, they will focus on the process. They will learn that good mathematicians try new ideas, think creatively, and learn from mistakes. These are skills that will serve them well far into the future.\r\n\r\nYour generosity will make these moments possible. It sends a powerful message to students that their learning matters and that there are people who believe in their potential. Knowing that others care about their success helps students feel valued and supported, and that motivation carries through their entire day.\r\n\r\nOnce the games are in our classroom, they will be part of our weekly routines. Students will use them during math rotations, small-group instruction, and free choice times. They will become tools that spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage kids to see themselves as capable problem solvers.\r\n\r\nThank you again for investing in our classroom. Your kindness will have a lasting impact on our students and the way they view themselves as learners. We cannot wait to begin using these games and watching our second graders grow through play, challenge, and discovery.","fullyFundedDate":1764731728920,"projectUrl":"project/increasing-mathematical-practices-in-2nd/9564778/","projectTitle":"Increasing Mathematical Practices in 2nd Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fausett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2115430_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1466274823120","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/fausettamanda"},{"teacherId":2115430,"projectId":9553687,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and kindness! Because of your donations of chapstick, hair clips, socks, hair bows, body wipes, deodorant, and deodorant wipes, our Care Carts are fully stocked and ready to meet students' everyday needs.\r\n\r\nThese small but meaningful items make a big difference in helping students feel cared for and confident at school. One story that truly captures this impact involves a middle school student who came to class trying to hide a self-inflicted haircut, missing chunks and all. With a few supplies from the Care Cart, staff were able to help him style his hair, restoring his confidence and turning his day around.\r\n\r\nMoments like these remind us that care goes far beyond the classroom. The items you provided help students feel comfortable, supported, and ready to focus on learning.\r\n\r\nThank you for being such an important part of this effort to care for kids in our community. Your thoughtfulness continues to make a difference one student at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1755745313079,"projectUrl":"project/care-closet-items/9553687/","projectTitle":"Care Closet Items","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fausett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2115430_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1466274823120","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/fausettamanda"},{"teacherId":2115430,"projectId":8921634,"letterContent":"On behalf of Bigfork Schools, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous contribution through DonorsChoose. Thanks to your support, we were able to provide essential care items—lotion, Vaseline, Q-tips, and petroleum jelly—to those who needed them most.\r\n\r\nYour kindness and generosity have made a meaningful impact, ensuring comfort and care for our students/community members. These supplies may seem small, but they make a world of difference in daily routines and personal well-being.\r\n\r\nWe truly appreciate your commitment to making a positive change, and we are so grateful to have donors like you who believe in our mission. Thank you for being a part of this important project and for making a difference!","fullyFundedDate":1731002165013,"projectUrl":"project/dry-winters-need-soothing-lotion/8921634/","projectTitle":"Dry Winters Need Soothing Lotion","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Fausett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp2115430_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1466274823120","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/fausettamanda"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_78401","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":445,"numTeachers":28,"percentFrplEligible":34,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":93,"percentIndigenous":2,"percentLatinx":3,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.9:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"RURAL","ncesMetroType":"RURAL_REMOTE"},"inStateSupporters":48.7,"schoolId":78401,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Bigfork Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Bigfork Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/montana/bigfork-school-district-38/bigfork-elementary-school/78401"}
Join the 119 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Bigfork Elementary School is
a rural public school
in Bigfork, Montana that is part of Bigfork School District 38.
It serves 445 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.9:1.
Its teachers have had 78 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
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. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
5%
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.
Bigfork Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 20, 2026
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.
Bigfork Elementary School
$35,757
raised using DonorsChoose
78
projects
funded
22
teachers
funded
119
donors
3
projects
for
basic supplies
6
projects for
technology
13
projects for
books
2
projects
for
art supplies
Bigfork Elementary School has received support from
58 individuals from Montana and
61 individuals out-of-state.
