{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Cordova Meadows Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":27.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8030643,"projectId":9538076,"letterContent":"The Impact of Donors on a Classroom in Need\r\n\r\nWhen donors choose to support a classroom in need, they are doing far more than just providing supplies — they are changing lives. Their generosity brings resources, opportunities, and hope to students and teachers who often operate with limited means. In many classrooms, especially in underfunded communities, even basic materials like pencils, notebooks, markers, or technology are in short supply. When donors step in to fill those gaps, the impact is immediate, visible, and deeply appreciated.\r\n\r\n1. Meeting Basic Needs to Enable Learning\r\n\r\nBefore a child can succeed academically, their basic learning needs must be met. Donations help ensure that every student has access to the tools necessary for success — whether it's paper to write on, books to read, or whiteboards to collaborate with peers. These materials remove barriers to participation and allow every child to learn with dignity and confidence. For many families, these donations also relieve the financial pressure of purchasing school supplies, creating a more equitable learning environment for all.\r\n\r\n2. Enhancing Student Engagement and Motivation\r\n\r\nWhen a classroom is well-equipped, students notice. They feel a renewed excitement about learning. Whether it's using colorful Expo markers on the board, diving into a new set of books, or working with hands-on materials for a science experiment, students are more likely to engage with lessons when the tools are available. Donations create an environment where learning feels active, creative, and joyful — and that excitement often leads to higher motivation and better outcomes.\r\n\r\n3. Supporting Teachers and Strengthening Instruction\r\n\r\nTeachers often spend hundreds of dollars of their own money each year to provide for their classrooms. Donor support not only eases that financial burden, but it also empowers teachers to dream bigger, plan more dynamic lessons, and respond more effectively to student needs. With donated resources, teachers can create interactive, differentiated, and inclusive lessons that reach all learners. It gives educators the freedom to teach more creatively and effectively.\r\n\r\n4. Boosting Equity and Inclusion\r\n\r\nDonations play a key role in bridging the equity gap. Not all schools or districts receive the same level of funding, and some classrooms go without essential supplies simply due to geography or demographics. Donors help level the playing field by ensuring that students in high-need areas have the same opportunities to succeed as those in more affluent communities. In doing so, they promote fairness and social justice in education.\r\n\r\n5. Sending a Powerful Message: \"You Matter.\"\r\n\r\nPerhaps the most profound impact of a donation is the message it sends — that someone out there cares. For students, knowing that a stranger believes in their potential can be incredibly uplifting. It builds confidence and self-worth. For teachers, donor support is a powerful reminder that their work is valued and that they're not alone in the effort to educate and inspire. These emotional boosts can make all the difference in morale, motivation, and classroom culture.","fullyFundedDate":1754767556358,"projectUrl":"project/rightrightand-write/9538076/","projectTitle":"Right,right,and Write","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Christensen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8030643_orig.jpg?crop=950,950,x0,y12&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690422025022","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8030643"},{"teacherId":8030643,"projectId":9476077,"letterContent":"I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation of Expo markers to our classroom. While some may see dry-erase markers as just another classroom supply, in our learning environment, they have become an essential tool that encourages student engagement, creativity, collaboration, and success. Your thoughtful contribution has had a bigger impact than you might imagine — and I'd like to share just how meaningful it has been for both me and my students.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, one of my goals is to create a classroom where students are active participants in their own learning. I want them to feel empowered to take risks, collaborate with their peers, and express their ideas freely. Having access to Expo markers has helped make that vision a reality. With these simple tools, students are no longer confined to their desks with pencil and paper — they are up on their feet, writing on whiteboards, solving problems together, and interacting directly with the content in ways that make learning stick.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, whiteboards serve as a central learning hub. Whether it's the main board at the front of the room, individual whiteboards at student desks, or small group stations with dry-erase surfaces, these spaces become interactive canvases for students to work through problems, brainstorm ideas, and show their thinking. Having a steady and reliable supply of Expo markers has allowed us to use these learning tools consistently and effectively.\r\n\r\nBefore your donation, we were constantly running into a frustrating challenge: running out of working markers. Students would often reach for a marker only to find it dried out or too faint to use. This may seem like a small inconvenience, but in a fast-paced classroom, these disruptions add up. It breaks the flow of a lesson, it discourages participation, and it creates barriers to engagement. With your donation, those obstacles disappeared. We suddenly had access to vibrant, smooth-writing markers in a variety of colors, and it changed the energy in the room.\r\n\r\nColor has also played a surprisingly powerful role. With multiple colors of Expo markers available, students can organize their thoughts more clearly. They can highlight different parts of a problem, compare and contrast ideas, and even correct mistakes visually without erasing their original thinking. This is especially helpful in subjects like math, where showing different steps in different colors helps students follow the logic of a solution more easily. In language arts, they've used different colors to label parts of speech, track literary devices, or highlight strong vocabulary choices in their writing. These visual distinctions help support all learners — especially visual and kinesthetic learners — and promote deeper understanding.\r\n\r\nOne of the most inspiring changes I've seen since receiving the markers is how they've sparked a new level of collaboration and communication. Students are more willing to come to the whiteboard to solve a problem, explain a concept, or present their work to the class. They do it with confidence because the tools they need are available, accessible, and reliable. Even students who were previously shy or hesitant have found their voice — quite literally — at the board, Expo marker in hand, explaining their thinking to the group. That kind of growth is invaluable.\r\n\r\nIn group activities, small whiteboards and Expo markers have become a go-to strategy. Whether it's during review games, brainstorming sessions, or station rotations, students love using the markers to share ideas quickly and clearly. It promotes real-time feedback, encourages peer-to-peer teaching, and allows for quick formative assessment on my end. I can instantly see who is grasping a concept and who may need a bit more support — all thanks to the visibility and flexibility that dry-erase learning offers.\r\n\r\nFor students with learning differences or those who benefit from alternative ways of processing information, Expo markers have been a true game-changer. The ability to write, erase, and try again without any permanent marks reduces anxiety and increases participation. Mistakes become part of the learning process rather than something to be feared. That shift in mindset — from \"I have to get it perfect\" to \"I get to try again\" — is so important in building resilience and a growth mindset in young learners.\r\n\r\nYour donation has also supported me as a teacher. I rely heavily on whiteboard modeling to demonstrate concepts and think aloud during lessons. Whether I'm breaking down a multi-step math problem, diagramming a sentence, or drawing a concept map in science, having high-quality Expo markers allows me to present content in a clear, engaging way. The difference between writing with a faint or dried-out marker versus a fresh, bold one is stark — and with your support, my instruction is more effective and professional.\r\n\r\nBeyond the practical uses, your generosity has had an emotional impact as well. In a world where teachers often have to dig into their own pockets to supply their classrooms, your donation was a powerful reminder that we are not alone. Knowing that someone outside of our classroom walls cares about our students and is willing to invest in their success is uplifting and motivating. It gives me hope and renews my energy to keep doing this important work.\r\n\r\nFor my students, your gift sends a message that their education matters — that their learning environment is worth supporting and that they are worth investing in. You've helped create a space that is more vibrant, interactive, and student-centered. You've made it easier for students to express themselves, learn from each other, and take ownership of their education. And for that, I am truly grateful.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of all the students in my classroom — thank you. Thank you for believing in the power of education, for supporting teachers, and for making a direct and meaningful difference in our daily learning experiences. Your donation of something as simple as Expo markers has had a far-reaching impact that extends beyond the walls of our classroom. The skills my students are building today — confidence, communication, collaboration, critical thinking — will stay with them for years to come.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,","fullyFundedDate":1753885353762,"projectUrl":"project/be-a-pro-with-expo/9476077/","projectTitle":"Be a Pro With Expo","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Christensen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8030643_orig.jpg?crop=950,950,x0,y12&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690422025022","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8030643"},{"teacherId":2780728,"projectId":9328528,"letterContent":"The STEM materials in our classroom have completely transformed how my students approach problem-solving and creativity. With the magnet tiles and marble run, they've been engineering elaborate structures, testing designs, and working collaboratively to see what works best. These activities encourage critical thinking and perseverance, as students experiment, adjust, and celebrate their successes together. The joy and pride they feel when their creations come to life is unmatched, and it shows them that learning can be both challenging and fun.\r\n\r\nThe microscopes have been another favorite. My students are fascinated with preparing their own slides, eagerly exploring everything from leaves to classroom objects under the lens. This hands-on exploration fosters curiosity about the world around them and gives them the chance to practice being scientists in a very real way. It's powerful to see them take ownership of their learning and become so invested in discovery.\r\n\r\nAlongside these hands-on tools, the books on women in STEM have provided inspiring role models for my students. Reading about trailblazers who broke barriers helps students see that anyone — regardless of gender — can innovate, create, and lead in science, technology, engineering, and math. These stories not only enrich their understanding of STEM fields but also help build confidence, especially for girls, who can see themselves reflected in these stories of achievement and possibility. Together, the materials and books have created a learning environment where curiosity, representation, and innovation thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1746785647556,"projectUrl":"project/stem-to-motivate-all/9328528/","projectTitle":"STEM to Motivate All!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Beamer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2780728_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728230351585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-beamer"},{"teacherId":2780728,"projectId":9274791,"letterContent":"The diversity dolls have become an important part of our classroom community. My students use them as reading buddies during independent and partner reading, which not only makes the experience more engaging but also helps normalize seeing and interacting with diverse representations. The dolls reflect a variety of cultures, backgrounds, and appearances, allowing students to feel seen and to practice empathy and understanding through play and literacy.\r\n\r\nAlongside the dolls, we've been reading books that celebrate diversity and inclusion. These stories give students the chance to see themselves in literature while also learning about the experiences of others. They spark meaningful conversations about kindness, respect, and acceptance, helping students build connections across differences.\r\n\r\nIn addition to our shared reading, I've also added books to my own collection that support students with diversity and representation. Having a wide range of texts available ensures that every child can find a book that resonates with them, whether it's about culture, language, family structure, or identity. Together, the dolls and books create a learning environment that not only values but actively celebrates the uniqueness of every student.","fullyFundedDate":1746785749763,"projectUrl":"project/inclusivity-and-belonging/9274791/","projectTitle":"Inclusivity and Belonging","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Beamer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2780728_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728230351585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-beamer"},{"teacherId":2780728,"projectId":9147558,"letterContent":"The addition of wiggle seat attachments for all of our classroom chairs has made an incredible difference for my students. Before, only a few students had access to flexible seating, which sometimes caused frustration or competition over who could use them. Now that every chair has an attachment, each child has the ability to move, shift, and stay engaged without distraction. This simple change has created a more inclusive environment where all students have equal access to tools that help them focus and learn.\r\n\r\nI've noticed that students who used to struggle with sitting still through lessons are now more comfortable and able to direct their energy in a positive way. Instead of rocking chairs to the point of breakage or wandering around the room, students can fidget and move safely while continuing to participate. The wiggle seats have supported not only their focus but also their confidence, as they no longer feel singled out for needing something different.\r\n\r\nThese attachments have also protected our classroom furniture from wear and tear, saving resources and making our space more sustainable. Most importantly, the wiggle seats have transformed the overall atmosphere of the room: students are calmer, lessons run more smoothly, and learning feels more accessible for everyone. This small investment has had a big impact, helping create a classroom where students' physical needs are met so their minds can thrive.","fullyFundedDate":1746786204197,"projectUrl":"project/flexible-seating-for-all/9147558/","projectTitle":"Flexible Seating for All","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Beamer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2780728_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728230351585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-beamer"},{"teacherId":2780728,"projectId":8861997,"letterContent":"The laminator donated to my classroom has truly transformed the way I'm able to create and preserve meaningful experiences for my students. Last year, it made a huge impact when I used it to produce memory books for my class. Each student was able to take home a keepsake filled with their hard work, reflections, and special moments — something sturdy enough to last for years. The laminator ensured those books weren't just papers stapled together, but polished and lasting mementos that families could treasure.\r\n\r\nBeyond memory books, the laminator has opened up so many possibilities for daily learning. I've been able to design homemade board games that turn practice into play, as well as worksheets and activity pages that can be reused again and again. Instead of single-use papers that wear out quickly, my students now work with durable, interactive materials that invite them to collaborate, practice, and learn in engaging ways. The laminator has allowed me to stretch resources further, reduce waste, and provide my students with tools that feel special and professional.\r\n\r\nThis single donation has had ripple effects across the entire classroom. It's helped me create a learning environment where students feel proud of their work, excited to use the materials, and motivated to keep practicing. Something as simple as a laminator has empowered me to turn everyday lessons into memorable, hands-on experiences that will continue benefiting my students for years to come.","fullyFundedDate":1734369707348,"projectUrl":"project/memory-book/8861997/","projectTitle":"Memory Book","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Beamer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2780728_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728230351585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-beamer"},{"teacherId":8030643,"projectId":9369282,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for providing the essential tools and resources in my classroom to help my students succeed and reach their fullest potential. Your support plays a critical role in shaping the learning environment, and I truly appreciate the investment you have made in the success of our students. The resources you've provided are more than just supplies — they are bridges to opportunity, equity, and achievement.\r\n\r\nIn today's classroom, having the right tools is not a luxury — it's a necessity. Whether it's basic school supplies, technology, books, or adaptive learning materials, every single item contributes to a more inclusive and engaging learning experience. The support we've received has allowed my students to access learning in a way that meets their unique needs, regardless of their background or abilities. This accessibility ensures that every student feels seen, supported, and valued in our classroom community.\r\n\r\nMany of my students come from diverse circumstances, and some face challenges that go far beyond academics. For some, even basic supplies like notebooks, pencils, or calculators are difficult to come by. But when they walk into our classroom and see that those tools are available to them — free of stigma or stress — it lifts a huge weight off their shoulders. They can focus on learning, growing, and building confidence in themselves because they know they have what they need.\r\n\r\nHaving access to these resources also opens the door to more hands-on, creative, and engaging learning experiences. My students are able to explore new ideas, work on collaborative projects, and develop problem-solving skills using tools that make learning interactive and exciting. Whether it's a set of headphones that help a student focus, a whiteboard to encourage group problem-solving, or inclusive learning materials that represent diverse cultures and abilities — every item matters.\r\n\r\nBeyond the materials themselves, your support sends an important message to our students: that their education is worth investing in. It shows them that people believe in their potential and are willing to stand behind them as they learn and grow. That kind of encouragement is powerful. It helps build a sense of pride and motivation in students that extends far beyond the classroom walls.\r\n\r\nAs a teacher, having the tools I need to support my students makes all the difference in the world. I can plan lessons with confidence, knowing that I won't have to modify learning experiences based on limited resources. I can differentiate instruction and meet students where they are, because the tools to do so are within reach.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your generosity and support. You are making a real difference in the lives of my students, and I am deeply grateful. The success they are achieving today — and the goals they will accomplish in the future — are possible in large part because of what you've provided. Your kindness, compassion, and belief in the power of education are truly making an impact.","fullyFundedDate":1752331485804,"projectUrl":"project/starting-the-year-with-the-right-gear/9369282/","projectTitle":"Starting the Year with the Right Gear","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Christensen","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8030643_orig.jpg?crop=950,950,x0,y12&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1690422025022","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8030643"},{"teacherId":2780728,"projectId":8862017,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful donations that helped bring classic board games like Guess Who, Checkers, and Trouble into our classroom!\r\n\r\nThese games have brought so much joy and engagement to my students. They've become more than just playtime activities—they're tools for learning critical thinking, taking turns, practicing social skills, and building confidence. For many of my students, these games provide a safe and exciting way to connect with their peers, manage big feelings, and experience success.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has created moments of laughter, collaboration, and growth in our classroom, and I can't thank you enough for the positive impact you've made.","fullyFundedDate":1734631589446,"projectUrl":"project/game-day/8862017/","projectTitle":"Game Day!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Beamer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2780728_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728230351585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-beamer"},{"teacherId":2780728,"projectId":8861966,"letterContent":"This project has engaged my students and has allowed them to work whole class on something that they can enjoy. Not only do I read aloud to or with them, but we also complete the notebook pages together. We have learned to pick out words that we may not understand and look them up on google to find what they mean. We have learned to pick out characters, main ideas, settings, and what our favorite parts are. My kids were so excited to show you what they had accomplished with your donation. They wanted me to let you know that they are so happy and excited and they want you to be happy that you were willing to donate these things to our classroom. We use this for so many skills and state standards that they need to know for state testing. This has been an amazing and fun way to add interest into what they are learning and need to know for the future. Some of my kids have already finished the books on their own and are now re-reading them with the class. They wanted you to know how thankful and grateful they are. They use their supplies every day! We are almost done with the book, and they are so invested. Thank you so much for everything. The books are amazing and the supplies have been a saving grace. We are forever grateful for what you have done for our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1728397461867,"projectUrl":"project/group-read-aloud/8861966/","projectTitle":"Group Read Aloud","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Beamer","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2780728_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728230351585","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ms-beamer"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_32753","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":341,"numTeachers":15,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":12,"percentBlack":10,"percentWhite":17,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":37,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"22.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_SMALL"},"inStateSupporters":72.7,"schoolId":32753,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Cordova Meadows Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Cordova Meadows Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/folsom-cordova-unif-sch-dist/cordova-meadows-elementary-school/32753"}