{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Desert Heights Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":49.8,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":8187179,"projectId":10608920,"letterContent":"Dear DonorsChoose Donors,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous support and for donating books to our school library! Your kindness and generosity are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.\r\n\r\nThese new books provide our students with more opportunities to explore their interests, discover new stories, use their imaginations, and develop a lifelong love of reading. Every book placed on our library shelves opens the door to new adventures, knowledge, and possibilities.\r\n\r\nYour generosity helps us create a welcoming and engaging library where students can see themselves reflected in the stories they read, learn about the world around them, and build confidence in their reading skills. For some students, these books may inspire a new favorite author, spark curiosity about a new subject, or encourage them to pick up a book simply for the joy of reading.\r\n\r\nAs our school librarian, I am truly grateful for your investment in our students and their education. Your support reminds us that a community that invests in children is helping build a brighter future.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping our library grow and for giving our students the wonderful gift of books. Your generosity will make a lasting impact, one page and one reader at a time!","fullyFundedDate":1789008057351,"projectUrl":"project/more-books-more-reading/10608920/","projectTitle":"More Books More Reading!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Irene","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8187179"},{"teacherId":8261661,"projectId":10571520,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and for providing our classroom with library chairs, pencil holders, pencil grips, tape dispensers, a cutter, and a pencil dispenser. These wonderful resources will help us create a more organized, comfortable, and engaging learning environment for our students.\r\n\r\nWhen our students first saw the new materials, they were excited and happy to see the improvements to our classroom. The library chairs will make our reading corner more inviting and encourage students to spend more time enjoying books. The pencil holders and pencil dispenser will help students keep their supplies organized, while the pencil grips will support them as they practice handwriting and complete their written assignments. The tape dispensers and cutter will also be useful for our classroom activities, creative projects, and learning displays.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, our students will use these materials during reading, writing, art activities, and group projects. We will also encourage them to practice responsibility by taking care of classroom supplies, keeping materials organized, and sharing resources with their classmates. These everyday routines will help students develop independence, cooperation, and confidence.\r\n\r\nYour generosity means so much to us. Your support provides more than classroom supplies; it shows our students that people care about their education and want them to succeed. Thank you for helping us make our classroom a welcoming place where students can learn, explore, and grow. We are truly grateful for your kindness and for making a positive difference in our students' learning journey.","fullyFundedDate":1788543896178,"projectUrl":"project/learning-supplies/10571520/","projectTitle":"Learning Supplies!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Erickson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8261661_orig.jpg?crop=897,897,x534,y1370&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641341748917","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8261661"},{"teacherId":8261661,"projectId":10139330,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation of test covers and pencils for my classroom! These supplies will make a big difference for my students as they complete their assignments and prepare for tests. Having the materials they need helps students stay organized, focused, and confident in their learning. Your kindness and generosity help create a positive learning environment where students can do their best and continue working toward their goals. I truly appreciate you taking the time to support our classroom and invest in my students' education. Your thoughtfulness means so much to us, and we are grateful for your support. Thank you for helping make a difference in the lives of my students!","fullyFundedDate":1783446831700,"projectUrl":"project/sharpened-pencils-focused-minds-during/10139330/","projectTitle":"Sharpened Pencils, Focused Minds During Testing","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Erickson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8261661_orig.jpg?crop=897,897,x534,y1370&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641341748917","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8261661"},{"teacherId":10403641,"projectId":10188982,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous donations, my students with special needs have access to valuable resources that support their social-emotional learning (SEL), sensory needs, and overall well-being. These materials have helped us create a calmer, safer, and more supportive classroom environment where every child feels valued and ready to learn.\r\n\r\nWe use these resources daily to help students recognize and manage their emotions, develop self-regulation skills, and practice positive behaviors. Many of my students with autism experience challenges with sensory processing, communication, and emotional regulation. Having access to calming tools and sensory materials gives them opportunities to take breaks, manage frustration, and return to learning activities with greater confidence.\r\n\r\nMy students were excited and curious when they first explored the new materials. It has been especially rewarding to see students begin to recognize when they need a break and use calming strategies with adult guidance. These small but meaningful moments represent important steps toward independence.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, we will continue incorporating these resources into our daily SEL lessons, sensory breaks, and classroom routines. Our goal is to help students become more independent in expressing their feelings, making positive choices, and developing coping strategies they can use both inside and outside the classroom.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing that every child deserves to feel calm, safe, supported, and ready to learn. Your kindness has made a meaningful difference in our classroom. You are not just providing materials—you are helping our students build essential life skills, confidence, and independence, one small success at a time.","fullyFundedDate":1784258866013,"projectUrl":"project/every-child-deserves-calm-safety-and-r/10188982/","projectTitle":"Every Child Deserves Calm, Safety, and Readiness to Learn","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10403641_orig.png?crop=139,139,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768970200519","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10403641"},{"teacherId":10404502,"projectId":10583860,"letterContent":"i would like to thank you for funding my project! My students and I are really excited to use these materials in daily work and play. We have been using some of these materials for centers and practicing rotations. \r\n\r\nWhen all of the boxes started coming in the students were so curious to know what was inside them! Once we opened them and they saw all the new games and learning materials, they were so excited! They wanted to start earning play time so we got right to work so they could choose a game as reward. \r\n\r\nSeeing how motivated they were to start work was awesome They really enjoy the new materials and i really appreciate that you were part of allowing us to receive them!","fullyFundedDate":1789094752884,"projectUrl":"project/learning-strategies/10583860/","projectTitle":"Learning Strategies","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Faby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10404502"},{"teacherId":9347538,"projectId":10091150,"letterContent":"My students were so excited to see the materials arrive and were especially proud knowing that they would be using them to make a difference in our school community. What started as a conversation about the birds they noticed around our school quickly became a student-led service project. Students worked together to research what local birds need, design and build birdhouses, and think carefully about where the habitats could be placed. They loved having a real purpose for practicing skills like measuring, counting, reading, writing, and time management.\r\n\r\nThe new resources have allowed my students to take an active role in caring for our school's outdoor spaces and local wildlife. Students have used the birdhouses, bird seed, binoculars, and organizational materials to create and maintain bird-friendly areas around campus. They have been excited to observe bird activity and record what they notice while learning how to respectfully observe wildlife without disturbing it. The project has also given students opportunities to practice leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving as they work together to care for something beyond our classroom.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to continue monitoring the bird habitats and documenting changes over time. Students will use their observations and photographs to reflect on whether the habitats are being used and what we can do to make them even more helpful for local birds. We also hope to share our work and what we have learned with other classes so that more students become aware of the importance of protecting animals and caring for the shared spaces in our school community. Thank you for giving my students the opportunity to turn their ideas into meaningful action!","fullyFundedDate":1773422859114,"projectUrl":"project/student-led-community-service-protectin/10091150/","projectTitle":"Student-Led Community Service: Protecting Local Birds by Building Habitats","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Neumann","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9347538_orig.jpg?crop=878,878,x164,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1698882575589","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9347538"},{"teacherId":7941714,"projectId":10288949,"letterContent":"My students are bright, curious, and full of energy. They learn best when they have opportunities to explore, create, build, and work together. With these materials, my students will have more opportunities to develop important academic and social-emotional skills through hands-on learning.\r\n\r\nThe STEM building kit will allow students to design, build, test, and problem-solve their own creations. As they work together, they will practice critical thinking, communication, perseverance, and early engineering skills.\r\n\r\nThe keychain craft kits will encourage students to express their creativity while developing fine-motor skills that are essential for kindergarten writing and classroom tasks. Sidewalk chalk and sand buckets will extend learning beyond the classroom and give students opportunities to explore, create, and practice skills through hands-on outdoor play.\r\n\r\nItems such as LED finger lights and squishy pens will be used as positive behavior incentives. These small rewards will help encourage students to make positive choices, stay focused, follow classroom expectations, and celebrate their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nEven our everyday supplies, including erasers and nameplates, will help students become more independent and keep our classroom organized and ready for learning.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these materials will help create a classroom where students feel excited to participate, confident in their abilities, and proud of their learning. Your support will make a meaningful difference by giving my kindergarteners the tools and experiences they need to learn, grow, and discover what they can accomplish.","fullyFundedDate":1779232840062,"projectUrl":"project/creativity-in-kindergarten/10288949/","projectTitle":"Creativity in Kindergarten","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sachs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7941714"},{"teacherId":7941714,"projectId":10193613,"letterContent":"My students are bright, curious, and full of energy. They learn best when they have opportunities to explore, create, build, and work together. With these materials, my students will have more opportunities to develop important academic and social-emotional skills through hands-on learning.\r\n\r\nThe STEM building kit will allow students to design, build, test, and problem-solve their own creations. As they work together, they will practice critical thinking, communication, perseverance, and early engineering skills.\r\n\r\nThe keychain craft kits will encourage students to express their creativity while developing fine-motor skills that are essential for kindergarten writing and classroom tasks. Sidewalk chalk and sand buckets will extend learning beyond the classroom and give students opportunities to explore, create, and practice skills through hands-on outdoor play.\r\n\r\nItems such as LED finger lights and squishy pens will be used as positive behavior incentives. These small rewards will help encourage students to make positive choices, stay focused, follow classroom expectations, and celebrate their accomplishments.\r\n\r\nEven our everyday supplies, including erasers and nameplates, will help students become more independent and keep our classroom organized and ready for learning.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, these materials will help create a classroom where students feel excited to participate, confident in their abilities, and proud of their learning. Your support will make a meaningful difference by giving my kindergarteners the tools and experiences they need to learn, grow, and discover what they can accomplish.","fullyFundedDate":1779109015049,"projectUrl":"project/great-leaders-are-readers/10193613/","projectTitle":"Great Leaders are Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sachs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7941714"},{"teacherId":8261661,"projectId":10093058,"letterContent":"Dear Donors Choose Supporters,\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generous support of our classroom project! Because of you, my students had an incredible opportunity to build and decorate their very own birdhouses and use binoculars to explore the birds in our neighborhood.\r\n\r\nThis experience brought learning to life in such a meaningful way. My students loved designing and decorating their birdhouses, and they were so proud to see their creations come together. Using the binoculars gave them the chance to slow down, observe, and discover the birds living right around us.\r\n\r\nWhat made this project especially wonderful was the excitement and curiosity it inspired. Students were asking questions, sharing what they noticed, and learning to appreciate the nature in their own community. They were able to practice creativity, teamwork, observation, and scientific thinking—all while having fun!\r\n\r\nYour generosity made this experience possible, and I am truly grateful. Thank you for helping my students create wonderful memories while learning about the world just outside our classroom.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,\r\n\r\nJessica Erickson\r\nDesert Heights 1st Grade","fullyFundedDate":1772651479366,"projectUrl":"project/enjoying-and-learning-about-birds/10093058/","projectTitle":"Enjoying and Learning About Birds","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Erickson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8261661_orig.jpg?crop=897,897,x534,y1370&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1641341748917","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8261661"},{"teacherId":10398609,"projectId":10094966,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation and support of our classroom project. Because of your kindness, my students received bird houses, paint, cups, bird seed, binoculars, and many other materials that made our learning experience meaningful and memorable.\r\n\r\nWith these supplies, students had the opportunity to create and decorate bird houses that can be used to help birds in the real world. They loved being able to use their creativity while learning how humans can make a positive impact on animals and their environments. Your support also helped make our field trip to a local park possible, where students were able to observe birds and other wildlife in their natural habitats.\r\n\r\nThis experience allowed students to become young scientists as they explored nature firsthand. They learned about different animals, their habitats, and the importance of caring for and protecting our environment. Through these hands-on experiences, students gained a deeper understanding of why keeping our outdoors clean and safe matters and how even small actions can help protect our world.\r\n\r\nThank you for giving my students an opportunity to learn in such an engaging and meaningful way. Your generosity created experiences they will remember for years to come and inspired them to care for nature and the world around them.","fullyFundedDate":1771630555214,"projectUrl":"project/birdhouses-and-big-hearts-students-ser/10094966/","projectTitle":"Birdhouses and Big Hearts: Students Serving our Environment","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Lawrence","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10398609"},{"teacherId":10423671,"projectId":10072137,"letterContent":"Because of you... my classroom has been full of smiles, laughter, and so much growth.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students immediately lit up. Little hands were reaching, eyes were wide, and the question I kept hearing was, \"Can we try it?!\" What could have felt like hard work instantly became something exciting and inviting.\r\n\r\nOne moment that really stood out was during a small group session where we paired our new materials with a simple game and snack routine. A student who typically avoids fine motor tasks stayed engaged the entire time—tracing shapes, manipulating materials, and even asking for another turn. That moment might seem small, but it was huge progress toward their goals.\r\n\r\nThanks to your generosity, students are building essential skills like hand strength, coordination, and early writing in ways that feel natural and fun. They don't see it as therapy—they see it as play, connection, and success.\r\n\r\nNext, we're continuing to build on this momentum by increasing independence during activities. We'll be working on skills like copying shapes, forming letters, and completing multi-step tasks—all while keeping the same playful, motivating environment you helped create. These materials are allowing me to meet students where they are and gently challenge them to grow.\r\n\r\nYour support has truly changed the energy in our sessions. Students are more confident, more willing to try, and more proud of what they can do.\r\n\r\nThank you for being part of their journey. 💛","fullyFundedDate":1770381190870,"projectUrl":"project/play-based-occupational-therapy-in-actio/10072137/","projectTitle":"Play-Based Occupational Therapy in Action","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hunter","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10423671_orig.png?crop=766,766,x192,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1770065382737","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kaetheot"},{"teacherId":9348145,"projectId":10012413,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of your kindness, our students have access to tools that truly make a meaningful difference in their daily learning and overall well-being.\r\n\r\nThe beanbags have quickly become a favorite in our classroom. They provide a comfortable and calming place for students to sit, helping them feel more relaxed and ready to learn. Flexible seating options like these support students in staying focused and regulated throughout the day. Whether used during reading time, small group instruction, or sensory breaks, the beanbags also offer a safe, quiet space for students who need a moment to reset. They have helped us create a warm, welcoming environment where students feel supported and at ease.\r\n\r\nThe number stickers have made our daily routines smoother and more successful. By giving each student a clearly assigned spot in line, transitions have become more organized and less stressful. These visual supports are especially helpful for students who benefit from structure and predictability, including many of our students with autism. In addition, the stickers provide opportunities to practice number recognition while following directions. This simple tool has increased independence, reduced confusion, and improved the overall flow of our day.\r\n\r\nThe adhesive mirror has been an incredibly valuable addition to our classroom. It supports both communication and social-emotional development by allowing students to observe and identify their own facial expressions. Students use the mirror to practice speech sounds, mouth movements, and build communication skills. It is also incorporated into daily routines to promote independence, self-awareness, and self-care. This tool provides meaningful opportunities for growth in both social and functional skills.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has had a direct and lasting impact on our students. Because of you, our classroom is a more supportive, structured, and nurturing place for every child. We are truly grateful for your support.\r\nWith sincere appreciation,
Robert Buhler","fullyFundedDate":1768402636866,"projectUrl":"project/sensory-supportive-classroom-for-autisti/10012413/","projectTitle":"Sensory-Supportive Classroom for Autistic Learners","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Buhler","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9348145_orig.jpg?crop=1202,1202,x0,y44&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1768170654413","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9348145"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_61221","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":451,"numTeachers":32,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":2,"percentBlack":3,"percentWhite":27,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":51,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":8,"percentMultiracialImputed":6,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":50.2,"schoolId":61221,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Desert Heights Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Desert Heights Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/nevada/washoe-county-school-district/desert-heights-elementary-school/61221"}