{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Dennis Ortwein Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":36.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":2704744,"projectId":9996881,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and school community, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation of neon art supplies. Your support brought a vibrant spark into our classrooms—one that reached far beyond color and creativity.\r\n\r\nAs our students explored the importance of conserving the rainforest, they used your donated materials to bring their ideas to life in bold, luminous ways. The neon hues became more than just art supplies; they became a voice—highlighting the beauty of endangered ecosystems, the urgency of protecting them, and the hope for a more mindful future.\r\n\r\nYour generosity helped make this meaningful connection possible. It reminded our students that there are people who care, who give, and who believe in the power of education and creativity.","fullyFundedDate":1768155126143,"projectUrl":"project/art-that-glows-nature-that-grows/9996881/","projectTitle":"Art that Glows, Nature that Grows","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Mealus","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2704744_orig.jpg?crop=1024,1024,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1726163882836","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-mealus"},{"teacherId":10403630,"projectId":10032841,"letterContent":"We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to each and every donor who contributed to funding our classroom. Your generosity has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our kindergarten students with autism.\r\n\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, our students now have greater access to a variety of rewards and snack options, as well as opportunities to engage in role-playing activities with their peers. These additions have not only enhanced their social development but have also helped us create a calming corner that is significantly more comfortable, supportive, and safe.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe toys provided, including balls for recess, have encouraged students to stay active while practicing important social skills such as sharing and good sportsmanship. The addition of toy animals has inspired imaginative play, allowing students to explore concepts such as zoos, farms, and animal interactions, while also incorporating creativity into other activities like building and pretend play.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe variety of snacks has also had a positive impact. By offering visual choices and observing their peers, students have felt more encouraged to try new foods, helping them expand their comfort zones and build confidence.\r\n\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the tent has created a dedicated space where students can go when they need time to calm and regulate themselves. The padding mats placed underneath have further ensured that this space is not only comforting but also safe.\r\n\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your kindness and support. Your contributions have enriched our classroom environment and provided our students with valuable tools for growth, learning, and well-being.","fullyFundedDate":1768711916683,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-overload-to-calmness/10032841/","projectTitle":"Sensory Overload to Calmness","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Mimi","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10403630"},{"teacherId":5250774,"projectId":9994839,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for thinking of my students. The supplies and materials we received have been a hit since they arrived. My 5th grade students are building marble roller coasters and they have been able to freely build without restriction due the tape refills, larger scissors for them to use, and the abundance of cardstock. My other grade level students have been building and constructing ideas through our STEM activities, which included 3D models, research posters, and different forms of notetaking such as flipbooks and Thinking Maps that used different paper and art materials. \r\n\r\nMy students are excited to come to school and the positive vibe in my classroom is overwhelming. Other students stop by as they pass in the hallway to see what they are making, and my students are so proud to show off their creations. \r\n\r\nMy students tell me how happy and excited their are to come to class on \"GATE days\", and I am hearing many stories from parents about how much fun they are having this year in our classroom, all thanks to the materials we were gifted through Donor's Choose. Thank you so much for thinking of us and donating to our classroom and to our overall learning experience. You have helped to add to the creativity, innovation, and excitement of my students.","fullyFundedDate":1768708428337,"projectUrl":"project/gifted-innovations/9994839/","projectTitle":"Gifted Innovations","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Breslin","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp5250774_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1525360874551","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/gate-breslin"},{"teacherId":523303,"projectId":10024155,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your generous contributions to our P.E. program. It is with great gratitude and appreciation that I submit this impact letter to you for your kindness and willingness to give, toward \"Rolling Into Fitness and Being Heard in P.E.\" \r\n\r\nThe equipment that was provided to our class has been utilized daily. The red wagon has been so useful and a great way for the classes to stay organized. It is used daily to take equipment around. It is sturdy and the kiddos love helping pull it. We use it for everything. In addition, the audio system allows for me to be heard by the students when we are outside. Students can hear directions and I am not losing my voice. They even tell me how much they like being able to hear me. We all love it! \r\n\r\nThank you again. Without our community supporters we would not be able to make things happen like we do. My students and I look forward to continuing on our paths as lifelong learners who know the importance of mental health and physical fitness.\r\nMs. T and Students","fullyFundedDate":1768691860915,"projectUrl":"project/rolling-into-fitness-being-heard-in-p/10024155/","projectTitle":"Rolling Into Fitness & Being Heard in P.E.!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Turner","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp523303_orig.png?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1685742327692","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/523303"},{"teacherId":2529396,"projectId":9990724,"letterContent":"Dear Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your incredible generosity! Your support has brought a transformative set of resources into our classroom that go far beyond standard \"reading time.\"\r\n\r\nBy providing these culturally responsive books and the mask-making supplies, you have given my students the tools to explore identity, empathy, and the complex reality of the immigrant and Indigenous experience.\r\n\r\nThe Impact in Our Classroom\r\nOur students are currently diving into stories featuring Asian and Indigenous protagonists navigating the often difficult process of assimilation. These narratives serve as both \"mirrors\" for students who see their own lives reflected, and \"windows\" for those learning about the diverse fabric of American life.\r\n\r\nHow We Used Your Gift\r\nWith the masks you provided, the students participated in a powerful creative exercise:\r\n\r\nExternal Displays: On the outside of their masks, students painted the \"public\" face of the characters—the parts of themselves they show to the world while trying to fit into a new culture.\r\n\r\nInternal Struggles: On the inside of the masks, students used collage and poetry to represent the characters' private struggles, ancestral pride, and the emotional weight of balancing two worlds.\r\n\r\n\"I didn't realize how much characters in books felt like I do until we read these stories.\" — 5th Grade Student\r\n\r\nYour kindness has helped create a safe space where my students can discuss heavy topics like identity, heritage, and resilience through art and literature. Thank you for investing in their education and their hearts.","fullyFundedDate":1768072671913,"projectUrl":"project/responsive-literacy/9990724/","projectTitle":"Responsive Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Wolfe","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp2529396_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1619015504113","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/2529396"},{"teacherId":10399248,"projectId":9993787,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and support of our classroom. Because of you, my students now have access to materials that truly make a difference in their daily learning and growth.\r\n\r\nI teach an intermediate autism class of all boys, and these resources have already had a meaningful impact. The visual schedule materials and label maker have helped us build clear routines and improve communication, giving students a stronger sense of structure and independence. The laminating supplies allow us to create durable, personalized visuals that support understanding and reduce frustration.\r\n\r\nSensory supports like chair bands, chew necklaces, and hands held activities have helped my students better regulate their emotions and manage sensory needs throughout the day. With these tools, they are more focused, calm, and ready to learn. \r\n\r\nThe games, puzzles, and manipulatives have encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and social interaction in ways that are both engaging and meaningful.\r\nEven the smaller items, like snacks and rewards, have helped us build motivation and celebrate progress as students work toward their individual goals.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students are not only learning, they are communicating more, connecting with others, and gaining confidence in themselves every day. .","fullyFundedDate":1768691567845,"projectUrl":"project/help-fund-ms-melissa-and-ms-welchs-in/9993787/","projectTitle":"Help fund Ms. Melissa and Ms. Welch's Intermediate Autism Class","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Melissa","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10399248_orig.jpg?crop=1209,1209,x1431,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768005542462","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10399248"},{"teacherId":8110660,"projectId":9721639,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support! Because of you, my students now have the opportunity to touch, build, and truly experience math in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nWith tools like equation towers, Unifix cubes, clocks, and dominos, students are strengthening their problem-solving skills, exploring patterns, and building confidence as mathematicians. Your support is helping to transform math lessons into an engaging, hands-on learning experience where students can visualize equations, balance numbers, and discover the joy of math.\r\n\r\nI am so grateful for your investment in my students' futures!","fullyFundedDate":1766171510826,"projectUrl":"project/stack-solve-succeed-hands-on-math-ex/9721639/","projectTitle":"Stack, Solve, Succeed: Hands-On Math Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Araujo","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8110660_orig.jpg?crop=2130,2130,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1634153381383","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/araujo"},{"teacherId":6911445,"projectId":9989780,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Small Tools, Big Impact for Growing Minds.\" Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a more organized, creative, and supportive learning environment where every student has the tools they need to succeed.\r\n\r\nThe storage baskets and fabric bins you provided have made an immediate difference. Our classroom materials are now clearly organized and easily accessible, which helps students build independence and responsibility. Instead of waiting for help, they can find what they need quickly and stay focused on learning. This simple change has saved valuable instructional time and reduced distractions.\r\n\r\nYour donation of crochet hooks, scissors, glue guns, glue sticks, tapes, push pins, clips, and craft materials has opened the door for hands-on learning and creativity. Students are now able to engage in fine motor activities, STEM challenges, and art projects that strengthen problem-solving skills and perseverance. These \"small tools\" allow students to design, build, create, and revise their work—skills that are essential for growing confident learners.\r\n\r\nThe pony beads, key rings, lanyard clips, and mini craft supplies are being used for goal-setting tools, classroom jobs, and student-made projects. Students are creating items that represent their learning goals and achievements, which gives them a sense of ownership and pride in their progress. These activities also support collaboration and communication as students share materials and ideas with one another.\r\n\r\nYour support of our sensory tools—chair bands, fidgets, stress cubes, bumpy rings, and sticky hands—has had a powerful impact on student focus and self-regulation. Many of our learners benefit from movement and tactile input to stay engaged. These tools help students manage their energy in positive ways so they can concentrate on reading, writing, and math. Because of you, students who previously struggled to sit and attend are now more comfortable, confident, and successful.\r\n\r\nThe sand timers are helping students develop time-management skills and build stamina during independent work. The batteries ensure our classroom tools are always ready to use. Even the small rewards like erasers, desk pets, and treats play an important role in celebrating effort, kindness, and growth. Recognizing positive behavior motivates students and helps build a supportive classroom community.\r\n\r\nBeyond the materials themselves, your kindness has shown our students that people they may never meet believe in them and care about their education. We talk often about gratitude, and your donation has given us a real-life example of generosity in action. Students are inspired to work harder, help one another, and take pride in their classroom because they know others have invested in their success.\r\n\r\nEvery item you provided is being used daily, and each one contributes to a classroom where students feel safe, prepared, and excited to learn. What may seem like small tools truly are making a big impact on growing minds.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of my students and our entire classroom community, thank you for your support, your generosity, and your belief in our learners.","fullyFundedDate":1768060209200,"projectUrl":"project/small-tools-big-impact-for-growing-mind/9989780/","projectTitle":"Small Tools, Big Impact for Growing Minds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Marcotte","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6911445_orig.png?crop=1544,1545,x0,y226&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1723403953129","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrsmarcottestem"},{"teacherId":7976363,"projectId":9990227,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has truly transformed into a space that feels warm, inviting, and ready for learning. The new green futon and soft rugs immediately turned part of our room into a calm-down and reading corner. When the students walked in and saw it for the first time, they gasped and asked, \"Is that for us?!\" Several students went straight to the rug, sat down with a book, and did not want to leave. For my learners, especially those who benefit from sensory supports having a cozy, safe place to regulate and refocus has already made a noticeable difference in transitions and independent reading time.\r\n\r\nWe are also using the new Phonics board games, math games, bingo, and classic board games like Sorry! and Trouble during centers and social skills groups. These games have made practicing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and phonics feel fun instead of intimidating. One student who typically avoids math volunteered to lead a round of Addition & Subtraction Bingo and proudly helped peers check their answers. The electric pencil sharpener, handwriting paper, cardstock, and laminating pouches are supporting daily instruction helping us create durable visuals, task cards, and structured materials that meet a variety of learning needs in our classroom.\r\n\r\nOur new books, Big, A Bad Case of Stripes, Kindness Is My Superpower, Charlotte's Web, The One and Only Ivan, The Wild Robot, and Who Is LeBron James? are already sparking meaningful conversations about empathy, perseverance, confidence, and character traits. Next, students will use these texts for a character study project where they will identify traits, compare characters, and create written responses using our new cardstock for publishing. Because of you, our students are not only building academic skills they are growing in confidence, kindness, independence, and joy. Thank you for helping us create a classroom designed for comfort, growth, and everyday student success.","fullyFundedDate":1768079772724,"projectUrl":"project/a-classroom-designed-for-confidence-gro/9990227/","projectTitle":"A Classroom Designed for Confidence, Growth, and Everyday Student Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Welch","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7976363_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1733537580910","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7976363"},{"teacherId":4695342,"projectId":9491893,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generosity with helping to supply my students with supplies to help regulate their nervous system. From the moment the boxes arrived, the students were curious to see what was inside. They were even more excited as we opened the boxes to reveal balance boards, swivel chairs, and a yoga mat station.\r\n\r\nThese supplies allowed our students the opportunity to have a place for them to move and let out extra energy they have built up inside. Movement allows our students to support their focus, process information, and perform better in school. Research shows that movement increases blood flow to the brain, boosting memory, attention, and even mood. The goal for this project is to continue to provide all of our students the opportunity to enjoy and use these movement materials while supporting their nervous system.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your donation and support for our students. This would not have been possible without you.","fullyFundedDate":1760638203525,"projectUrl":"project/movement-matters/9491893/","projectTitle":"Movement Matters","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Castle","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp4695342_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699465842782","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/4695342"},{"teacherId":7343502,"projectId":9989822,"letterContent":"Thank you for this supply donation. My students were excited to have so many new school supplies to use.\r\n\r\nWe have already been using supplies such as the chart paper and folders. Folders are basic but for my students who are starting projects on the Seven Natural Wonders, they need to keep all of their research and findings organized. My students were so happy to have their own folder to use for all of their research and keep everything in one place.\r\n\r\nI can't wait to use all of the other supplies. Donations like this make a difference in the classroom. Sometimes it is not always about having big fancy things but just the basic day to day items that teachers and students need.","fullyFundedDate":1768100965388,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-supplies-supplies/9989822/","projectTitle":"Supplies, Supplies, Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Spittell","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7343502_orig.jpg?crop=1536,1536,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1595396238235","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7343502"},{"teacherId":485664,"projectId":10007997,"letterContent":"I'd like to thank you for your generous donation. The materials you donated will help my students complete social studies and science classroom projects and games. 3-D printing. Color printed, laminated posters and games. \r\nUnfortunately, like so many school districts across the nation, our district is facing a budget shortfall and without your support, would have unable to provide the quality science and social studies donated which aid instruction. These materials will be used for many years to come and will continue to benefit numerous children in my classroom. \r\nYour generous donation is greatly appreciated. Myself, my students, and the community which I serve thank you.","fullyFundedDate":1768189942820,"projectUrl":"project/tools-for-perfect-projects/10007997/","projectTitle":"Tools for Perfect Projects","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Wolf","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp485664_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1468450987000","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mrs-leslie-wolf"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_122077","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":828,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":14,"percentBlack":11,"percentWhite":24,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":30,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":63.8,"schoolId":122077,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Dennis Ortwein Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Dennis Ortwein Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/clark-county-school-district/dennis-ortwein-elementary-opening-fall-2018-/122077"}