{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Challenger Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":22.4,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8190392,"projectId":9581544,"letterContent":"The recent donation of snacks brought immediate comfort and encouragement to over 100 multilingual learners at our school. For many of these students, who are navigating the challenges of learning a new language and culture, a simple, nutritious snack can make a huge difference. These small breaks provide a moment of familiarity and energy, helping students focus better in their classes and sustain their demanding academic schedules. The snacks fostered a more positive and welcoming environment, subtly communicating to the students that their needs are seen and valued by the wider community. It can create a comforting ritual that anchored their day and contribute significantly to their overall sense of belonging and well-being within the school community.\r\n\r\nUltimately, the impact of this thoughtful donation extends directly to the students' academic success. By reducing food insecurity and stress, and providing consistent, positive reinforcement, the snacks helped ensure that these multilingual learners arrive at their lessons ready to engage and learn. 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The new supplies have already helped streamline our daily activities and enhanced our students' experiences in the classroom. Color coding our folders by grade level and number makes it easier and faster to sort through over 100 student folders. Thank you again for making a meaningful impact—our classroom is better because of you!","fullyFundedDate":1755687743780,"projectUrl":"project/starting-the-year-off-smart/9482184/","projectTitle":"Starting the Year Off Smart","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Surdam","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8190392_orig.jpg?crop=796,796,x776,y1108&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1637614577374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8190392"},{"teacherId":8190392,"projectId":9311334,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support in funding the transformation of my ML classroom into a vibrant, succulent-inspired learning space inspired by themes of growth and individuality. Your contributions have gone directly toward creating an inviting and nurturing environment where each student can thrive—just like the unique succulents that inspired our new décor.\r\nThis project has turned our classroom into a place where learning feels exciting and personal. The succulent theme is a daily reminder to students that, just as every succulent grows in its own direction and time, each of them is on their own unique learning journey. \r\nWe are deeply grateful for your belief in this vision and for making it a reality. The changes you made possible will foster curiosity, resilience, and growth for years to come—leaving a lasting imprint on each student's experience. Thank you once again for your extraordinary generosity and support.","fullyFundedDate":1746787130910,"projectUrl":"project/plant-the-seed-and-watch-me-grow/9311334/","projectTitle":"Plant the Seed and Watch Me Grow","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Surdam","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8190392_orig.jpg?crop=796,796,x776,y1108&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1637614577374","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8190392"},{"teacherId":8190392,"projectId":9051400,"letterContent":"I am so grateful for your kindness in providing snacks for my Multilingual (ML) class. Your donations have made a significant impact on our learning environment, ensuring that all students have the energy and focus they need to excel academically. These snacks are more than just a treat; they also provide comfort and support to our students. Your generosity is truly appreciated, and I am humbled by your willingness to help. 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Throughout the following months students felt the security of knowing they could easily grab a snack when they were feeling hungry. Your support truly allowed them to focus on their learning.\r\n\r\nI can not describe how grateful I am for people like you. You are Champions for education!","fullyFundedDate":1729343626953,"projectUrl":"project/focus-on-learning-not-on-hunger/8815177/","projectTitle":"Focus on Learning Not on Hunger","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Jackson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9774726"},{"teacherId":8190392,"projectId":8866611,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible support of my ML classroom! 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Challenger Elementary School

Join the 362 supporters who believe in this school.

About this school

Challenger Elementary School is an urban public school in Kentwood, Michigan that is part of Kentwood Public School District. It serves 413 students in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 21.7:1. Its teachers have had 91 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades K - 5

413 Students

19 Teachers

2475 52nd St SE

Kentwood, MI 49508 View local requests

http://www.kentwoodps.org

Evidence-based impact

Inspire teachers to stay in the classroom and boost student achievement.¹

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

Challenger Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Challenger Elementary School Demographics

84%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

70%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

Challenger Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

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.

Challenger Elementary School

$39,001

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

362

donors

projects for basic supplies

projects for technology

projects for books

projects for art supplies

Challenger Elementary School has received support from 281 individuals from Michigan and 81 individuals out-of-state.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Challenger Elementary School

About this school

Equity Focus School

Challenger Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Challenger Elementary School Demographics

Challenger Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Dec 5, 2025

Challenger Elementary School

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.