{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Cortada Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":25.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":4003867,"projectId":9745895,"letterContent":"The most exciting part for students has been having their own working, comfortable pair of headphones—something many of them didn't have before. They love being able to hear clearly, whether they're practicing reading skills on i-Ready, watching science demonstrations, or listening to stories during literacy block. The moment they tried on the new headphones, several students said, \"Wow! I can hear everything now!\" and immediately wanted to start their lessons.\r\n\r\nYour support has made it possible for all students—regardless of their home resources—to access technology in a meaningful, equitable way. These headphones will continue supporting personalized learning, concentration, and independence throughout the school year.","fullyFundedDate":1758894098628,"projectUrl":"project/focused-minds-need-headphones-to-shine/9745895/","projectTitle":"Focused Minds Need Headphones to Shine!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Luna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4003867_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y112&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660014367943","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4003867"},{"teacherId":4003867,"projectId":9209329,"letterContent":"When students first saw the new materials, their reactions were priceless. Several of them asked, \"Are these really for us?\" Others immediately began organizing the supplies and kept asking about the snacks. Their excitement quickly turned into responsibility—they wanted to take care of what had been given to them. As a class we decided that snacks were to be given when they needed a boost of energy. \r\n\r\nYour contribution gave you a peek into our classroom, and I'd love to share what's next: Students are now preparing for our second diagnostic of reading and math. The supplies you provided will help them create and have the energy to show everything they've learned. The snacks will continue supporting their focus and motivation as they finish this last stretch of elementary school strong.","fullyFundedDate":1746787159328,"projectUrl":"project/fuel-their-future-snacks-supplies-fo/9209329/","projectTitle":"\"Fuel Their Future: Snacks & Supplies for Success!\"","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Luna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4003867_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y112&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660014367943","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4003867"},{"teacherId":5221906,"projectId":9552123,"letterContent":"Thank you thank you for all of your donations!\r\n\r\nOur Self-Care Corner is a very appreciated spot in our classroom. It shouts, though in a sort of clear, but subtle way, that this classroom is a place where we will care for one another. \r\n\r\nThe snacks have been a hit, and are almost gone! The rest of the care items are still in stock, and we even have a classroom Leadership role (job) that is the Restocker. That person checks to see what is needed and then neatly restocks our Self-Care Corner.\r\n\r\nOne other surprisingly wonderful part of this project was that a few of the original items were not available. This turned out to actually be a great thing because I learned very quickly that 6th graders DRASTICALLY prefer mechanical pencils to regular pencils. A student requested mechanical pencils for our room, and because of the unavailable items on this project we were able to fund that request nearly immediately!!! Thank you!!\r\n\r\nWe, the class and I, appreciate your support to start off this school year!!! :)","fullyFundedDate":1755744508981,"projectUrl":"project/stellar-sixth-graders-start-significant/9552123/","projectTitle":"Stellar Sixth Graders Start Significant School Year","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Healy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5221906"},{"teacherId":5221906,"projectId":9678560,"letterContent":"Y'all... today was AMAZING!!! We have been in school now for about 33 days. As I write this letter, it is September 30th. Because it's the end of the month, the class was checking in on our reading goals. And frankly, they were...... well.. bland.\r\n\r\nAnd then..... we opened these boxes of books! Kids were grabbing at them, talking about them, and the room was filled with excitement! \r\n\r\nThe student survey that created this book list included both book titles and topics that kids were interested in. But the survey also asked, \"What is the best book you've ever read?\" The sixth graders immediately recognized some of their favorites, and spontaneously started recommending them to their classmates! We even have three written recommendations up already on our board!\r\n\r\nAs the energy started to fade, a stillness came to the room. Students had settled in to start their books. Each in their own world - a classroom full of worlds. The magic coming from these books was almost palpable. \r\n\r\nThank you very, very much!\r\n\r\nIn closing, as we lined up to go home, one of the students asked... \"Miss, where did these books COME from?!?!?\" I told them that we have people who care about them and wanted to donate books to our class.","fullyFundedDate":1758854649830,"projectUrl":"project/a-6th-grader-friendly-classroom-library/9678560/","projectTitle":"A 6th Grader Friendly Classroom Library","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Healy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5221906"},{"teacherId":4003867,"projectId":9652676,"letterContent":"When our Leader Binders arrived, my students were so excited! They couldn't wait to organize their goals, notes, and reflections. Right away, they started designing their cover letters for their binders. \r\n\r\nNow, we use the binders each week to track goals, reflect on progress, and practice leadership skills. Students love seeing how much they've grown and enjoy sharing their progress with classmates. \r\n\r\nNext, students will use their binders to lead conferences with their families. Thank you for helping them take ownership of their learning and feel confident as leaders in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1757520553953,"projectUrl":"project/leader-in-me-binders/9652676/","projectTitle":"Leader in Me Binders","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Luna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4003867_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y112&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660014367943","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4003867"},{"teacherId":5221906,"projectId":9551565,"letterContent":"When I first found out I'd be teaching 6th grade last year, a co-worker told me of this idea. Thanks to this project, we were able to start on the very first day of school with some supplies in the bookcase. The students couldn't quite imagine that they are free and they don't have to ask to take them. They have been respectful to take what they need, and to encourage others to also only take what they need. It's been heartwarming to see kids taking what they need, and also helping others get what they need from the bookcase.\r\n\r\nTo name the corner, the students went through an extensive process of brainstorming names, narrowing down the list to about 5 choices, and then writing persuasive essays about why they thought the corner should be given which name. These essays led to good discussions, and ultimately a consensus to name that area the \"Self-Care Corner.\" (My personal favorite brainstormed name was Dollar Free - as a play on the store Dollar Tree. But that was not the class consensus. As a matter of fact, if we had voted, I think I might have been the only person in the room to have voted for that name. :))\r\n\r\nAs I have gathered feedback from students over the last 12 days of school about what they are liking about 6th grade and maybe what they don't like so much, the Self-Care Corner has come up several times as a very special and important space in our room. The surprise, gratitude, and disbelief students have expressed about this corner have made visible the phrase \"Maslow's before Bloom's.\" When basic needs are met, and potential basic needs know they can be met, it is easier to focus on learning. Thank you so much for your support.","fullyFundedDate":1754773904863,"projectUrl":"project/a-fresh-start-for-sixth-grade/9551565/","projectTitle":"A Fresh Start for Sixth Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Healy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5221906"},{"teacherId":5221906,"projectId":9315304,"letterContent":"The maps were AMAZING!!!! We got them right before school ended this year, and the third graders were so excited. The two giant (and they are giant) Los Angeles County/Orange County maps offered so many opportunities! We put one on the wall, and one on the rug to explore (one vertical, and one horizontal). We mapped the route we had taken earlier that week on our field trip \"Wow! No wonder it felt like such a long bus ride,\" a student exclaimed when they saw our route. And when a representative from the Gabrieleno-Tongva tribe came to share with us, we were able to find locations from his stories on our maps! \r\n\r\nThe topographical map is something special! It's so tactile and offers a completely different perspective of California than most of my students have ever interacted with before! (Even as an adult, I don't see topographical maps all too often!) \r\n\r\nWhen I created this grant, I wondered if it was worth the effort to get this squeezed in at the end of the school year. Having now watched my students interact with the materials, there is NO DOUBT this was worth it. Thank you for the donations to make this happen!!! We are so grateful! :)","fullyFundedDate":1746676487622,"projectUrl":"project/multi-dimensional-maps-for-social-studie/9315304/","projectTitle":"Multi-Dimensional Maps for Social Studies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Healy","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/5221906"},{"teacherId":4003867,"projectId":8593119,"letterContent":"Thank you for upgrading Room 18. My 6th graders are really enjoying the lap desk. They have been completing assignments while having an option to sit on the floor and be comfortable. The karaoke machine has given my quiet students a voice when presenting projects or math word problems in front of the class. They feel heard without having to raise their voice. The sky projector sets a tone to get students to calm down right after lunch when they are full of energy. \r\nThe emotional support nuggets were the students favorite out of all the donations. They hold them in their hand while working and always struggle to share. Our classroom has grown in popularity and success because of YOU <3","fullyFundedDate":1726762728720,"projectUrl":"project/welcoming-classroom-library-for-all/8593119/","projectTitle":"Welcoming Classroom Library for All","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Luna","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4003867_orig.jpg?crop=480,480,x0,y112&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1660014367943","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4003867"},{"teacherId":8116375,"projectId":8599051,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your generous donation of books. Your support has provided my students with valuable resources that not only strengthen their literacy skills but also celebrate their native language and culture. These books have sparked excitement in our classroom, encouraging students to engage with reading in a way that builds confidence and fosters a love for learning.\r\n\r\nYour contribution is making a lasting impact, helping students bridge the gap between their home language and English while reinforcing the importance of bilingualism. By providing access to literature they can relate to, you are empowering them to succeed academically and feel a sense of pride in their linguistic abilities. Thank you for being a part of their journey—your kindness and generosity are shaping a brighter future for these young learners.","fullyFundedDate":1726250787594,"projectUrl":"project/let-everyone-read/8599051/","projectTitle":"Let Everyone READ!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mares","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8116375_orig.jpg?crop=1834,1834,x426,y620&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723138548115","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8116375"},{"teacherId":9706167,"projectId":8837800,"letterContent":"I hope this letter finds you well. On behalf of the entire sixth grade class at Cortada School, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your generous donation of the *Island of the Blue Dolphins* classroom set. Your contribution has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, and I would love to share with you the impact it has already had.\r\n\r\nSince introducing the book into our curriculum, our students have been captivated by the story of Karana, her survival on the island, and the themes of resilience, independence, and connection to the natural world. The engaging narrative has sparked rich discussions, deepened critical thinking, and allowed students to explore both the historical and emotional aspects of the book in ways that were previously difficult to do.\r\n\r\nFor many of our sixth graders, this book has been a gateway into a love of reading. We've seen students who typically shy away from books eagerly dive into the novel, and those who already love reading have found themselves emotionally invested in the story. It has become a shared experience in our classroom, where students are not only reading together but are also learning the power of storytelling to connect with others.\r\n\r\nYour donation has truly enhanced our classroom environment, providing each student with their own copy of a story that will stay with them long after the unit ends. It's been wonderful to watch them engage with the text on both a personal and academic level, and I know that this book will continue to inspire their imaginations for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generous support. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on our students' education, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to fostering a love of reading in young minds. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, we would love to share with you how your donation has helped our students grow and learn.","fullyFundedDate":1728012484120,"projectUrl":"project/books-books-books/8837800/","projectTitle":"Books! Books! Books!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Oliva","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-4_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9706167"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_25912","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":361,"numTeachers":17,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":15,"percentBlack":0,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":84,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 6","studentTeacherRatio":"21.2:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":74.5,"schoolId":25912,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Cortada Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Cortada Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/el-monte-city-school-district/cortada-elementary-school/25912"}
Join the 110 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Cortada Elementary School is
a suburban public school
in El Monte, California that is part of El Monte City School District.
It serves 361 students
in grades Pre-K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 21.2:1.
Its teachers have had 72 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
99%
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.
Cortada Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
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in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Cortada Elementary School
$33,257
raised using DonorsChoose
72
projects
funded
16
teachers
funded
110
donors
12
projects
for
basic supplies
10
projects for
technology
18
projects for
books
2
projects
for
art supplies
Cortada Elementary School has received support from
82 individuals from California and
28 individuals out-of-state.