{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Cherry Drive Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":41.9,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4572537,"projectId":9597436,"letterContent":"When our students first opened the box of neon paints, their faces lit up just as brightly as the colors themselves. They immediately began imagining all the ways they could bring their ideas to life, from glowing landscapes to vibrant abstract pieces. The excitement in the room was contagious, and it has already sparked a wave of creativity.\r\n\r\nWe recently used the paints in a collaborative mural project where students experimented with layering neon colors to create a glowing effect under blacklight. Watching them discover how the pigments reacted on paper and canvas was magical—they were cheering each other on and even stopping to admire one another's bold color choices. For many of my students, this was the first time they had access to such high-quality, unusual materials, and it made them feel like \"real artists.\"\r\n\r\nNext, we'll be incorporating the neon paints into a unit on expression and mood in art. Students will explore how color can affect the way a viewer feels about an artwork, using the neon paints to push their thinking beyond traditional palettes. Thanks to your generosity, they now have a tool that excites them, challenges them, and makes our classroom feel like an inspiring studio space.","fullyFundedDate":1758636429306,"projectUrl":"project/neon-paints-for-art-class/9597436/","projectTitle":"Neon Paints for Art Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Plunkett","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4572537_orig.jpg?crop=328,328,x61,y100&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1619805141484","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/missplunkett"},{"teacherId":9245081,"projectId":8609196,"letterContent":"I cannot thank you enough for supporting my classroom and funding this project! Having the materials and alternate seating options have been hugely impactful in helping students explore learning using a variety of strategies and then learning what tools help them regulate, focus and learn. We have been encouraging students to trial a variety of resources and begin to self-select what works best for them. They are beginning to assess how their body is feeling and whether or not the strategy they chose is working. This is giving them the practical experience to self-advocate!","fullyFundedDate":1734460414515,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-a-community-and-culture-of-fl/8609196/","projectTitle":"Empowering a Community and Culture of Flexibility in Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Pfeifer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9245081_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1717643051192","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9245081"},{"teacherId":9723921,"projectId":8953518,"letterContent":"The alphabet puzzle and playdoh mats have impacted my students learning in a positive way. My class has over fifty percent of kiddos on an IEP. That means that many times I need differentiated materials to engage students. The most impactful materials are those that provide hands on learning for my students. The magnetic alphabet puzzle encoraged my students to focus and use fine motor skills to \"fish\" for letters and match them to the corresponding letter on the base of the puzzle. The playdoh mats gave children a visual of the alphabet letter and then they were able to create the letter using playdoh. Playdoh is a great hands on material to increase fine motor strength that is necessary for pre writing skills. I appreciate the generosity and kindness of all of my donors to make hands on learning a possibility in my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1735243837543,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-essentials/8953518/","projectTitle":"Classroom Essentials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jenn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9723921_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1725310574115","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9723921"},{"teacherId":9724342,"projectId":8730975,"letterContent":"I want to share my true appreciation for providing my classroom supplies to aide in their social emotional learning and development. Learning how to identify emotions within themselves and in others is very important in the development of empathy, emotional regulation and problem solving. The photo cards, memory games and I feel-I need boards all assist in this learning. We use the I feel-I need board on a daily basis. The visuals paired with the words and being able to move them in the board helps the children to easily focus on how they are feeling and what is needed to calm down. \r\nThe fidgets and weighted monkey aide some of my students with the sensory input the need. \r\n\r\nThe items that I was able to get from this amazing program and donors like you have helped my students in many different ways and on so many levels. They are learning to identify their emotions, how to find solutions to their big feelings and are provided sensory input for their entire self can learn. I am thrilled and have referred this program to everyone.","fullyFundedDate":1726716778425,"projectUrl":"project/feel-the-feels/8730975/","projectTitle":"Feel the Feels","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Linda","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9724342"},{"teacherId":4342652,"projectId":8574933,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students , I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to our 3D printer project. Your support has allowed us to integrate cutting-edge technology into our library, creating an exciting and innovative learning environment for our students.\r\n\r\nThe introduction of the 3D printer has opened up a new world of hands-on learning. Students now have the opportunity to bring their ideas to life in ways that were previously unimaginable. Whether they're designing and printing models for science experiments, creating prototypes for math projects, or exploring engineering concepts through trial and error, the 3D printer is helping them engage with their learning on a deeper level. This technology is not just about creating physical objects, but about fostering creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills in our students.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, this project has not only enriched our classroom experience but has empowered our students to think in new ways and embrace technology as a tool for learning and creation. We look forward to continuing to explore the endless possibilities that the 3D printer will offer in the future.","fullyFundedDate":1727462981582,"projectUrl":"project/3d-printing-stars/8574933/","projectTitle":"3d Printing Stars","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lecumberry","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-7_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4342652"},{"teacherId":9294981,"projectId":8633814,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation to funding our Calming Camping. Your donation made it possible for us to have a calm and safe space for us to use. \r\n\r\nThis new space is a huge hit with my students and they use the corner on a daily basis. They love the pillows that provide a soft place to sit in, they love the lights that give it a special glow, and the weighted puppy to cuddle with. My classes all got to name our puppy, and after a fair election, the puppy has a name of Cookie!\r\n\r\nI have some students who need breaks throughout the day and they use the calming camping space to take a timed break from class, their friends, and from whatever else might be a stressor for them. These timed breaks help the students to reset and recharge and also them the time to self regulate to return to their class. I also have students who come in and use the space as a reward for good work, and they are able to take timed breaks for their good behavior. These breaks allow the students to build tools for their toolboxes to be able to become productive members of the world. They are learning skills that will make it so they are able to deal with life's stress and joys. \r\n\r\nAfter the break, the students and I will begin to work on social/emotional curriculum and adding in more tools into our tool kit to be able to handle life's stress and joys. 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Join the 155 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Cherry Drive Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in Thornton, Colorado that is part of Adams 12 Five Star Schools.
It serves 325 students
in grades K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 20.3:1.
Its teachers have had 57 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
61%
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.
Cherry Drive Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 4, 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.
Cherry Drive Elementary School
$34,094
raised using DonorsChoose
57
projects
funded
41
teachers
funded
155
donors
2
projects
for
basic supplies
3
projects for
technology
2
projects for
books
7
projects
for
art supplies
Cherry Drive Elementary School has received support from
90 individuals from Colorado and
65 individuals out-of-state.