{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Cherokee Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":13.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10001424,"projectId":9260075,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, our classroom has been transformed into a vibrant literary landscape where students dive deep into both fiction and nonfiction texts that spark curiosity and ignite imagination. The new books have introduced essential reading skills such as making text-to-world connections, analyzing author's purpose, developing critical thinking through evidence-based discussions, and building vocabulary through context clues. Students are learning to navigate different text structures, from chronological narratives in historical fiction to cause-and-effect relationships in science texts. Reading in our classroom has evolved into an interactive, collaborative experience where students engage in literature circles, participate in book talks, and create multimedia presentations that demonstrate their understanding. The magic happens when we see quiet students suddenly animated during discussions about a character's motivation, or when reluctant readers discover a nonfiction book about space exploration that keeps them reading through recess.\r\n\r\nWhat has been most remarkable is watching our students translate their learning into the real world through our diverse collection of nonfiction books, while simultaneously stretching their creative thinking through rich fictional narratives. Students have become young scientists, historians, and activists as they connect information from biographies and informational texts to current events and their own lives. Meanwhile, our fiction selections have transported them to different worlds, cultures, and time periods, fostering empathy and expanding their understanding of human experiences. One student, Marcus, who previously struggled with reading engagement, now arrives early to school to finish chapters about marine biology, often sharing fascinating facts with classmates. Another student, Elena, has been inspired by historical fiction to research her own family's immigration story, creating a beautiful presentation that bridged her reading with personal heritage. These books haven't just improved reading scores—they've created passionate, thoughtful learners who see reading as a gateway to understanding both the world around them and the limitless possibilities within their own imaginations.","fullyFundedDate":1748629794140,"projectUrl":"project/first-graders-learning-to-love-reading/9260075/","projectTitle":"First Graders Learning to Love Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Van Gerpen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-3_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10001424"},{"teacherId":9899408,"projectId":9065801,"letterContent":"Thank you for the opportunity to be able to spend $2500 in my classroom on much needed supplies! What an amazing surprise it was to get a call from the Superintendent of the Scottsdale Unified School District telling me my name was drawn for the Fiesta Bowl Wishes for Teachers Program! Students will not only be impacted this year, but for many years to come. My wish list of STEM supplies is very long and the awarded money made a big dent in fulfilling many of those wishes.\r\n\r\nOne of the things I ordered were Doodlepens, which are 3D pens that kids can use to create whatever is inspired by their imagination. These pens are a beginner, user-friendly, introduction to 3D printing that I chose, rather than spending money on a big 3D printer for the classroom. When I introduced the pens, kids were so excited to see how they worked and were enthralled the entire time using them. \r\n\r\nI adore using books to introduce STEM lessons and ordered many new titles for my STEM library. I read a book at the beginning of each lesson to introduce a concept and the kids look forward to hearing a new story each week. These stories inspire the students and give them ideas for projects or challenges they will complete. Students can start with an idea a character had in a book, and then build on that idea with their own imagination; It is a very fun process to watch!\r\n\r\nSTEM games were another big hit with my students! I purchased a number of games to satisfy varying interests, including thinking and strategy games, games that take creativity and logic, games including putting parts together to make something work. For example, the class favorite magnetic marble run! Whenever we have a STEM day, students flock to their favorites and it makes me so happy to be able to offer such a large variety of activities for my students.\r\n\r\nI also purchased Glow Day supplies for my 5th grade team. At the end of the school year, one of our culminating activities for the 5th graders who will be promoted to middle school, is a Glow Day. We attempted it last year for the first time and it was not the greatest without the materials we have now. I cannot wait to surprise the kids with a fabulous Glow Day this year!\r\n\r\nLast but not least, I was able to purchase much needed headphones for our grade level. These headphones are needed throughout the year, but especially during state testing. In addition to headphones, I ordered bins for our new reading series, and many reams of colored paper that we use all year long for a variety of purposes. \r\n\r\nI can't tell you how much I truly appreciate this gift! I feel so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to purchase these wonderful items and be able to share this gift with my students and team!","fullyFundedDate":1738078693897,"projectUrl":"project/engineer-our-year-stem-and-other-5th-gr/9065801/","projectTitle":"Engineer Our Year: STEM and other 5th Grade Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. McGalloway","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9899408_orig.jpg?crop=1055,1055,x170,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1737152699416","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9899408"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_60140","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":672,"numTeachers":40,"percentFrplEligible":6,"percentAsian":5,"percentBlack":2,"percentWhite":73,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":15,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"16.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":86.2,"schoolId":60140,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Cherokee Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Cherokee Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/scottsdale-unified-school-district/cherokee-elementary-school/60140"}

Cherokee Elementary School

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About this school

Cherokee Elementary School is a suburban public school in Paradise Vly., Arizona that is part of Scottsdale Unified School District. It serves 672 students in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 16.8:1. Its teachers have had 18 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Public School

Grades Pre-K - 5

672 Students

40 Teachers

8801 N 56th St

Paradise Vly., AZ 85253 View local requests

Evidence-based impact

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

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Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

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

Cherokee Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Cherokee Elementary School Demographics

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

22%

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.

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

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Cherokee Elementary School

$12,561

raised using DonorsChoose

projects funded

teachers funded

donors

projects for technology

projects for books

Cherokee Elementary School has received support from 25 individuals from Arizona and 4 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.

Cherokee Elementary School

About this school

Cherokee Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Cherokee Elementary School Demographics

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

Cherokee Elementary School

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