{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Desert Heights Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":49.5,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":7941714,"projectId":9987321,"letterContent":"We are already using the new resources to create a welcoming and engaging classroom where students feel proud and excited to learn. Recently, students worked on \"All About Me\" canvases using the crayons, markers, watercolor sets, and washi tape, which helped them build fine motor skills, express their creativity, and share their personalities with the class. When they first saw the materials, their faces lit up—students eagerly explored the art supplies, listened to read-alouds from books like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Oh, The Places You'll Go!, and were excited to use the headphones and classroom organizers to focus and keep their space neat. Next, we will continue using these materials to integrate art with literacy and math lessons, display student work on bulletin boards, and encourage independent learning and reflection. These resources are helping students build confidence, creativity, literacy, and a love of learning every day.","fullyFundedDate":1768000255988,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-bright-minds-help-us-build-the/9987321/","projectTitle":"“Fueling Bright Minds: Help Us Build the Classroom They Deserve”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sachs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7941714"},{"teacherId":9484581,"projectId":9997055,"letterContent":"The students are so excited to be able to use the materials from this project when they need to regulate their emotions. They seek out these new resources and it has helped them calm themselves down. For example, one student comes in when his emotions take over and uses the Lincoln Logs to calm his brain and body. It is so nice to see student learning how to regulate their emotions.\r\n\r\nI have also used the soccer balls and goals for the younger grades to work on teamwork and good sportsmanship and it has been going well. Having proper equipment has help with following the rules of the game and being kind to each other. \r\n\r\nThank you so much for your donation. We couldn't do it without you.","fullyFundedDate":1768516505544,"projectUrl":"project/learning-to-manage-emotions-and-be-a-goo/9997055/","projectTitle":"Learning to Manage Emotions and Be a Good Sport","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Veil","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9484581_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721446166936","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9484581"},{"teacherId":8231122,"projectId":9999638,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your donation! I used it to buy many basic classroom supplies for daily use. The colored file folders were utilized to create individual student schedules. The different colored file folders allowed me to use a different color for each day of the week, creating an organized environment within the classroom. \r\n\r\nI used the velcro strips and velcro dots to create things like token boards, matching books for individual students, and first/then boards. The lamination pages also were used so I could laminate these materials for long-term use.","fullyFundedDate":1768185894444,"projectUrl":"project/supplies-for-spectacular-students/9999638/","projectTitle":"Supplies for Spectacular Students","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Paulson","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8231122_orig.jpg?crop=731,731,x0,y19&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1659426930268","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/8231122"},{"teacherId":10404502,"projectId":10048886,"letterContent":"On behalf of my students and myself, I would like to take time and thank all of you who donated to my project! My whole class was so excited to see that we received more games to help them learn but most importantly have fun. So far with these new toys, they are learning how to follow sequencing from pictures, how to count, more or less and how to wait and take turns. \r\n\r\nLearning how to share has also become part of our daily goals with these new games as well as playing with each other. It has been awesome seeing our kids use their words and voice what they want, asking each other if they can join or asking another student if they would like to play with them\r\n\r\nThank you so much! You truly make a difference in our students lives!","fullyFundedDate":1771031406278,"projectUrl":"project/learn-by-play/10048886/","projectTitle":"Learn by Play!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Faby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10404502"},{"teacherId":7782559,"projectId":9989185,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has transformed into a calm, engaging learning space where students can truly focus and grow. We use the headphones daily during literacy centers so students can access online reading programs and listen to digital texts without distractions. The whiteboards, pens, and writing supplies are now part of our everyday phonics routine — students practice tapping out sounds, mapping words, and writing complete sentences with confidence. The flexible seating options have made a noticeable difference, especially during small-group instruction. Students who need movement are able to sit on yoga ball cushions or relax in the bean bag chair while staying engaged in learning.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, my students were beyond excited. They immediately noticed the calming lights and newly organized learning spaces. Several students said it felt like \"a real reading classroom.\" Watching them carefully choose their flexible seating spots and eagerly grab their whiteboards for phonics practice was such a powerful moment. They felt proud, important, and motivated — and that excitement has carried into their daily effort.\r\n\r\nNext, we are continuing to build stronger reading fluency and writing stamina. Students are working on decoding more complex word patterns and writing complete, detailed sentences independently. The new resources allow me to provide targeted small-group instruction while the rest of the class remains engaged and focused. Because of you, my students are not only growing academically — they are developing confidence as learners, which will support them far beyond first grade. Thank you for investing in their success.","fullyFundedDate":1768234105097,"projectUrl":"project/calm-spaces-and-literacy-tools-for-growi/9989185/","projectTitle":"Calm Spaces and Literacy Tools for Growing First Grade Readers","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7782559_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721712470059","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7782559"},{"teacherId":8261661,"projectId":9989459,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom! Because of you, my students now have wiggle chairs, headphones, markers, bulletin board paper, and pencil pouches that are already making a big difference in our daily learning.\r\n\r\nThe wiggle chairs have helped students stay focused and comfortable during lessons, and the headphones allow them to work independently without distractions. The new markers, bulletin board paper, and pencil pouches have helped us stay organized and excited about our work. Our classroom feels more welcoming, engaging, and ready for learning because of your kindness.\r\n\r\nFrom my students and me, thank you for believing in us and for helping create an environment where all learners can be successful. We are so grateful for your support and generosity!\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,\r\nJessica Erickson\r\nand the Students in Our Classroom","fullyFundedDate":1768099542845,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-supplies/9989459/","projectTitle":"Classroom 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":9433146,"projectId":10006862,"letterContent":"The kids are loving all of the items that they have gotten. They have used the headphones while doing testing this month. It really helps them focus on what they need to instead of being distracted by other children. The noise canceling headphones have come in handy so many times. They helped one child in particular by letting her self regulate. Noise triggers her so by having these it helps not let her escalate and help her keep calm. \r\n\r\nThe alphabet soup has proven to be a major hit with the kids. The love to be able to open and pull out the items that match the letters. Being able to hold items helps them remember and recognize letters. The snacks \r\nthat we received have been very helpful in having some our kids work for chips. This incentive helps motivate them in working.\r\n\r\nEverything that we have received has been greatly appreciated and continues to help my students grow. Thank you again.","fullyFundedDate":1768212557671,"projectUrl":"project/being-more-independent-in-the-classroom/10006862/","projectTitle":"Being more independent in the classroom","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jenn","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9433146_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1705102508353","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9433146"},{"teacherId":7941714,"projectId":9815554,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our funded project. Because of your investment, we were able to make a meaningful difference for the families and individuals we serve.\r\nThrough this project, we expanded access to essential resources and created opportunities that directly supported learning and growth at home. Participants received materials and guidance designed to meet their needs, empowering them to build skills, confidence, and routines that extend beyond traditional settings. Families reported increased engagement, stronger connections to learning, and greater confidence in supporting literacy development at home.\r\nYour funding allowed us not only to deliver these resources, but also to strengthen relationships with families and reinforce the importance of consistent, home-based learning. The impact of your support continues to ripple outward as participants apply what they have learned in their daily lives.\r\nWe are deeply grateful for your commitment and belief in this work. Your partnership made this project possible, and your support has created lasting benefits for those we serve.","fullyFundedDate":1763052306443,"projectUrl":"project/literacy-at-home/9815554/","projectTitle":"Literacy at Home","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sachs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7941714"},{"teacherId":10404502,"projectId":10021762,"letterContent":"My students were so excited when we received the boxes! they kept telling me to open them, once I did, they cheered for everything! they even cheered for the laminating film and tack it bottles! \r\n\r\nThey were very eager to start playing and most importantly learn by play!! Students with speech delays were trying to communicate with their peers and it was amazing to see them understand each other. Our students don't usually play together, but today they actually asked each other to play! \r\n\r\nI am looking forward to the happiness and growth these new tools will bring to my classroom!!","fullyFundedDate":1768623536641,"projectUrl":"project/different-is-beautiful/10021762/","projectTitle":"Different is Beautiful!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Faby","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-2_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10404502"},{"teacherId":7987062,"projectId":9312303,"letterContent":"When our students first saw the new supplies arrive, their reactions were priceless. They were amazed and immediately eager to help unpack, sort and organize everything. The hanging storage bags for headphones and mice quickly became a class project. Students helped to label, sort by color, and neatly store our technology so it could be centrally located and easily accessible. Now each day, students can grab their computer and grab a headphone bag that has a pair of headphones and a computer mouse. The highlighters, pencils, markers and printer ink are used daily for annotating texts, drafting writing pieces and completing tasks. The Christmas lights create a warm, welcoming environment that helps students feel comfortable and ready to learn.\r\nThese resources have not only improved our organization but have also strengthened our classroom community. Students felt ownership from the very beginning because they helped to set everything up, and that pride continues as they work to maintain our systems. Our next step is to sustain his level of organization and responsibility. Especially important with SBAC testing approaching. Having clearly organized technology and readily available supplies ensures smooth transitions during practice tests and minimizes distractions. We are continuing to build student accountability so that our classroom stays structures, calm and focused.","fullyFundedDate":1746492876206,"projectUrl":"project/helping-hands-for-our-learning-tools/9312303/","projectTitle":"Helping Hands for Our Learning Tools!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Krysten Hoffman","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7987062_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1699232648335","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7987062"},{"teacherId":7941714,"projectId":9398863,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donation! My students are so excited about our new supplies! The art supplies from this project will help my students tap in to their creative sides and use their imaginations to expand their thinking and learning! \r\n\r\nWith these supplies, my students will be able to better engage with classroom curriculum, improve their academic skills, and increase their collaboration with their peers. I truly appreciate your support of my classroom and students! Thank you for making this year a success!","fullyFundedDate":1754090315518,"projectUrl":"project/creative-kinders-growing-through-art-an/9398863/","projectTitle":"Creative Kinders: Growing Through Art and Imagination","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Sachs","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-8_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7941714"},{"teacherId":7782559,"projectId":9767461,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, my first graders have become true Reading Buddies and young authors! The new books, blank books, and headphones have completely transformed our literacy time and inspired my students to read, write, and share stories with joy and confidence.\r\n\r\nIn our classroom, reading is active, engaging, and full of excitement. Students practice reading fluently with the new headphones during independent reading time and small groups. They are developing skills like expression, comprehension, and vocabulary as they listen to modeled fluent reading and follow along in their books. During writing time, students use the blank books to create and illustrate their own stories, applying what they've learned from the books they read. These young authors are learning about character, setting, sequence, and story structure in a hands-on way.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite parts of this project has been watching students beam with pride as they share their stories and choose books for our Take Home Library bags. Because of your support, our classroom has become a place where literacy connects learning and service. My students are not only growing as readers and writers—they are also giving back through a community service project that shares books and joy with families throughout our school.\r\n\r\nThank you for helping my students experience the power of reading and the joy of serving others through books.","fullyFundedDate":1759773779662,"projectUrl":"project/first-grade-reading-buddies-take-home-l/9767461/","projectTitle":"First Grade Reading Buddies: Take Home Library","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Jones","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7782559_orig.jpg?crop=2316,2316,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1721712470059","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7782559"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_61221","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":474,"numTeachers":32,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":3,"percentBlack":1,"percentWhite":29,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":49,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"14.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":50.5,"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"}