Del Rio Elementary School in Chino Valley, Arizona on DonorsChoose

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This gift will impact my students for many years.","fullyFundedDate":1754623843338,"projectUrl":"project/stepping-back-in-history/9496966/","projectTitle":"Stepping Back In History","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Phipps","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9466328"},{"teacherId":9466328,"projectId":9617260,"letterContent":"The M&M candy activity on taxation without representation had a remarkable impact on my fifth-grade students by turning an abstract concept into a fun, hands-on experience they could truly feel. When some students were given the power to \"tax\" others by taking their M&Ms without allowing a vote, the classroom quickly filled with strong emotions—surprise, frustration, and even laughter. This playful yet meaningful exercise helped them grasp the unfairness the American colonists faced under British rule in a way that reading alone could never achieve. Many students commented afterward that they finally understood why the colonists were so upset about paying taxes without having a say.\r\n\r\nBeyond deepening their historical understanding, the activity also encouraged critical thinking, discussion, and empathy. Students eagerly debated whether the taxes were fair, proposed solutions, and reflected on how it felt to have their \"rights\" ignored. These conversations not only reinforced key vocabulary and Revolutionary War concepts, but also helped them make connections to modern-day issues of fairness and representation. By the end of the lesson, students weren't just repeating facts about the past—they were actively engaging with the ideas of justice, equality, and the importance of having a voice in decision-making. Thank you so much for your donation.","fullyFundedDate":1755481125329,"projectUrl":"project/no-taxation-without-representation/9617260/","projectTitle":"No Taxation Without Representation","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Phipps","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9466328"},{"teacherId":9466328,"projectId":9138766,"letterContent":"I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for your generous donation toward the purchase of The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 for my fifth-grade class. Your support has made a tremendous difference in the lives of my students, and I'm thrilled to share how impactful this book has been for them.\r\n\r\nThe story has sparked some truly meaningful discussions about history, empathy, and social justice. The students have connected with the characters, especially the Watson family, whose experiences during the Civil Rights Movement have helped them understand not only the challenges of the time but also the strength of family and resilience. Many students have been moved by the events in the book and have expressed a deeper appreciation for the importance of kindness, understanding, and standing up for what is right. Your donation has helped make history come alive for them in a way that will stay with them for years to come.\r\n\r\nOnce again, thank you for your kindness and generosity. The impact of your gift has been immeasurable, and I can't wait to see the continued growth in my students as they read more books that will broaden their horizons.","fullyFundedDate":1741061117112,"projectUrl":"project/journey-through-change-the-watsons-sto/9138766/","projectTitle":"Journey Through Change: The Watsons' Story of Family and Freedom","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Phipps","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9466328"},{"teacherId":9466328,"projectId":8875423,"letterContent":"Rifles for Watie had a profound impact on my 5th-grade students as they studied the Civil War. The novel's vivid storytelling and multi-faceted characters made history come alive for my students, helping them connect with the time period on a deeper level. Jeff Bussey's journey as a Union soldier who gains firsthand insight into the struggles of both sides, pushed my students to reflect on the moral ambiguities of war. They were especially struck by how the book portrayed not only the battles, but also the personal dilemmas faced by soldiers, families, and civilians. The perspectives of these different characters challenged my students' assumptions, and helped them see that individuals on both sides had hopes, fears, and principles, fostering a greater sense of empathy and critical thinking.\r\nOverall, Rifles for Watie gave my students an invaluable tool for teaching history - not just as a series of events, but as a tapestry of personal stories and moral lessons that continue to resonate. Your very generous donation will continue to make an impact on my students, as I plan to use this poignant story for my future Civil War classes. 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About this school

Del Rio Elementary School is a town public school in Chino Valley, Arizona that is part of Chino Valley Unified School District 51. It serves 477 students in grades 3 - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 18.3:1. Its teachers have had 114 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades 3 - 5

477 Students

26 Teachers

1036 N Road 1 W

Chino Valley, AZ 86323 View local requests

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

Del Rio Elementary School Teachers 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.

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Del Rio Elementary School Demographics

50%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

32%

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.

Del Rio 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.