{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Black Lake Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":18.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4582507,"projectId":7163919,"letterContent":"Introducing a large set of chapter books into my third-grade classroom had a powerful and lasting impact on both my students' reading habits and our classroom culture. Having access to a wide variety of engaging chapter books immediately increased students' excitement about reading. Many students who had previously struggled to find books at their level or interest suddenly felt motivated to read independently. The visibility of a full set of books made reading feel important and valued, rather than something reserved only for assigned lessons.\r\n\r\nThe chapter books also supported differentiated learning in a natural way. Because the set included multiple copies, students were able to read the same titles while working at different paces. This allowed me to facilitate small group discussions, partner reading, and shared comprehension activities without students feeling singled out or left behind. Struggling readers gained confidence by successfully completing longer texts, while stronger readers were challenged to think more deeply about plot, characters, and themes.\r\n\r\nBeyond academics, the books helped strengthen our classroom community. Students frequently talked about the stories during free time, recommended books to one another, and bonded over shared favorite characters. These conversations built social connections and encouraged reluctant readers to give new books a chance. The shared reading experiences created a sense of belonging and made literacy a collective, enjoyable experience rather than an individual task.\r\n\r\nOverall, the large set of chapter books transformed the way reading functioned in my classroom. It fostered a love of reading, supported diverse learning needs, and created meaningful opportunities for collaboration and discussion. The investment in these books had benefits that extended far beyond test scores, helping students grow as confident readers and engaged learners.","fullyFundedDate":1680214301456,"projectUrl":"project/chapter-books-needed/7163919/","projectTitle":"Chapter Books Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Campbell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4582507_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1652668358196","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4582507"},{"teacherId":10219005,"projectId":10005219,"letterContent":"I am writing to share the meaningful impact the new small group tables have had on our self-contained special education classroom. These tables have already become one of the most valuable instructional tools in our room, directly improving student engagement, safety, independence, and learning outcomes.\r\nOur classroom serves students with significant support needs, including communication delays, sensory processing differences, cognitive disabilities, and behavioral challenges. Many of our students require structured environments, predictable routines, and close adult support to access instruction. Prior to receiving the small group tables, our ability to provide consistent, effective small group instruction was limited by the physical setup of the classroom. Traditional desks and large tables did not meet the diverse needs of our learners and often created barriers rather than supports.\r\nThe addition of these small group tables has transformed how instruction occurs in our classroom. The size and shape of the tables allow staff to work closely with small groups of students while maintaining clear boundaries and personal space. This is especially important for students who become overwhelmed in large group settings or who struggle with impulse control and attention. By working at appropriately sized tables, students are better able to focus, remain regulated, and participate meaningfully in learning activities.\r\nThese tables have also significantly increased student engagement. Many of our students benefit from hands-on, structured learning experiences that are brief and individualized. The small group tables provide an inviting and functional space where students can practice academic skills, communication goals, and functional life skills. Students are more willing to sit, attend, and complete tasks when the environment feels calm and accessible. We have already observed increased time on task and reduced avoidance behaviors during small group instruction.\r\nFrom a behavioral standpoint, the tables have contributed to improved regulation and safety. Clear physical boundaries help students understand expectations and reduce anxiety. Students who previously struggled with wandering, elopement, or work refusal are now more successful staying in their learning area. This allows staff to focus on instruction rather than constant redirection, creating a more positive and productive learning environment for everyone.\r\nThe tables also support important independence and social goals. Students practice sitting with peers, taking turns, sharing materials, and following group routines. For students who use AAC devices or alternative communication methods, the tables provide space to place devices, visual supports, and manipulatives within reach. This promotes communication opportunities and reduces frustration. These everyday interactions are essential for building functional communication and social skills that extend beyond the classroom.\r\nAdditionally, the tables support differentiated instruction. Each group can be set up with materials tailored to specific IEP goals, whether that is early literacy, numeracy, fine motor development, or life skills. Staff can quickly transition between groups while maintaining structure and consistency. This flexibility allows us to maximize instructional time and meet students where they are developmentally.\r\nOverall, the small group tables have had a lasting and positive impact on our classroom. They have enhanced learning, supported behavioral success, increased independence, and improved the overall classroom climate. Most importantly, they have helped our students access their education in a way that honors their unique needs and strengths.\r\nThank you for supporting our classroom and believing in the importance of providing appropriate tools for students with disabilities. Your contribution has made a real difference in the daily lives and educational experiences of our students, and we are deeply grateful for this investment in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1769196233288,"projectUrl":"project/tables-for-comfort/10005219/","projectTitle":"Tables for Comfort","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10219005_orig.jpg?crop=949,949,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755919606383","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10219005"},{"teacherId":10219005,"projectId":9643743,"letterContent":"Our students have had a fantastic time digging and planting flowers in the dirt. We are partnering with other classes who have planted seeds for us to transfer in the spring!\r\n\r\nI can't imagine how much fun we will continue for years to come with all of the possibilities. \r\n\r\nThis has been great for fine motor, gross motor, and social skills.\r\n\r\nI am going to make this a regular lesson plan in our classroom each year so that we can pass on the love of gardening to future BLE Bobcats. We are so grateful and thankful again for this!","fullyFundedDate":1758778342313,"projectUrl":"project/dig-plant-grow-sensory-gardening-for/9643743/","projectTitle":"Dig, Plant, Grow: Sensory Gardening for Special Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Carisa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10219005_orig.jpg?crop=949,949,x0,y6&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1755919606383","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10219005"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_49542","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":396,"numTeachers":25,"percentFrplEligible":30,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":72,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":11,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"15.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":81.8,"schoolId":49542,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Black Lake Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Black Lake Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/washington/tumwater-school-district/black-lake-elementary-school/49542"}
Join the 66 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Black Lake Elementary School is
an urban public school
in Olympia, Washington that is part of Tumwater School District.
It serves 396 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 15.8:1.
Its teachers have had 20 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Public School
Grades Pre-K - 5
396 Students
25 Teachers
6345 Black Lake Belmore Rd SWContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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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
14%
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.
Black Lake Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Feb 8, 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.
Black Lake Elementary School
$12,054
raised using DonorsChoose
20
projects
funded
13
teachers
funded
66
donors
1
project
for
basic supplies
1
project for
technology
3
projects for
books
1
project
for
art supplies
Black Lake Elementary School has received support from
54 individuals from Washington and
12 individuals out-of-state.
