Creston Elementary School in Kalispell, Montana on DonorsChoose

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Specifically, the provision of Calm Strips, Social Emotional Books, magnetic tiles, and vision magnifiers has enhanced our classroom dynamics, allowing students to thrive in their learning journeys.\r\n\r\nClam Strip: An Innovative Learning Tool\r\n\r\nThe Calm Strip has transformed how students engage with phonics and literacy. This interactive tool encourages collaborative learning, as students gather around to explore sounds and words. The tactile nature of Calm Strip allows students to manipulate letters and build words in an enjoyable and hands-on manner. This phenomenon is particularly crucial for young learners, who often benefit from physical engagement in their educational activities. The excitement that comes from using the Calm Strip has led to increased participation, fostering a sense of community in the classroom as students share their discoveries with one another.\r\n\r\nSocial Emotional Books: Fostering Empathy and Understanding\r\n\r\nIn an era where social-emotional learning is paramount, the inclusion of Social Emotional Books into our curriculum has proven invaluable. These narratives introduce students to a wide range of emotions and situations, providing them with a safe space to explore their feelings and those of others. The discussions sparked by these books have facilitated meaningful conversations, allowing students to express themselves and develop empathy. By connecting emotionally with the characters and their experiences, students gain insights into their behavior and relationships. The impact of these stories goes beyond mere entertainment; they equip students with essential life skills that will serve them well into adulthood.\r\n\r\nMagnetic Tiles: Inspiring Creativity and Critical Thinking\r\n\r\nThe introduction of magnetic tiles has unleashed a wave of creativity and critical thinking within our classroom. Students are drawn to the vibrant colors and versatile nature of these tiles, which allow them to construct anything from simple shapes to complex structures. This open-ended play encourages imagination while simultaneously enhancing spatial awareness and problem-solving skills. It is remarkable to witness students collaborating on projects, exchanging ideas, and learning from each other's approaches. 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About this school

Creston Elementary School is a rural public school in Kalispell, Montana that is part of Creston School District 9. It serves 104 students in grades K - 6 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.0:1. Its teachers have had 7 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Grades K - 6

104 Students

8 Teachers

4495 MT HIGHWAY 35

Kalispell, MT 59901 View local requests

http://crestonschool.com

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

Creston Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

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Creston Elementary School Demographics

57%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

14%

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.

Creston 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.